GATHERING: from the back Miracles do happen. It might only be a small one:
the tiny flower pushing up through wasteland.
a dandelion dancing, landing on you in the heat of the day,
the intricate pattern of a snowflake, no two the same,
the bursting forth of spring.
Patterns in simplicity;
the miracle of friendship, the warmth of embrace,
the celebration of the dawning of a new day.
Miracles do happen.
HYMN: God Whose Love is Everywhere
God whose love is everywhere
made our earth and all things fair,
ever keeps them in his care;
praise the God of love!
He who hung the stars in space
holds the spinning world in place;
praise the God of love!
Come with thankfulness to sing
of the gifts the seasons bring,
summer, winter, autumn, spring;
praise the God of love!
He who gave us breath and birth
gives us all the fruitful earth;
praise the God of love!
See the sign of love appear,
flame of glory, bright and clear,
light for all the world is here;
praise the God of love!
Gloom and darkness, get you gone!
Christ the Light of life has shone;
praise the God of love! © Hope Publishing (HFTC)
OPENING PRAYER & THE LORD’S PRAYER
WELCOME AND NOTICES
TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Wayne Barton
SONG: All Things Bright and Beautiful – NZ Version
All things bright and beautiful,
all creatures great and small,
all things wise and wonderful –
the Lord God made them all.
The wild flowers in their beauty,
the mountain ranges tall,
the deep lakes and the rivers,
and friendly birds that call.
The cold wind in the winter,
the bright life-giving sun,
the ripe fruits in the garden –
he made them every one.
The coloured walls of gorges,
the pine trees green and tall,
the rocks, and pools and palm trees,
the sparkling waterfall.
The many coloured corals,
the creatures of the sea
of forest, field or valley,
on farms or roaming free.
He gave us eyes to see them,
and lips that we might tell
how great is God Almighty,
who has made all things well. C/A
INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS
READINGS: 1 Samuel 16: 1-13 Fern Wakefield
Mark 4: 26-34 Alice Shanks
SERMON
A TIME OF QUIET
AN AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (Dorothy McRae -McMahon adapt.)
We believe in God who created us from nothing
and goes on bringing to birth new things beyond our imagining.
We believe in Jesus Christ who entered our unknown journey
and experienced all our living; who walked in our earthiness
and can still be discovered in our midst.
We believe in the Holy Spirit who calls us on to truth
in light beyond our seeing; who stirs within our being
like a melody of new possibilities; who dances on before us
calling us to choose life in all its fullness.
THE OFFERING
God, we bring these offerings, along with the elements of bread and wine, with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for all your gifts to us. We ask that you will bless these gifts – this money and this food, that others may know your grace…
INVITATION TO COMMUNION & THE PEACE
HYMN: Let us Talents and Tongues Employ
Let us talents and tongues employ,
reaching out with a shout of joy:
bread is broken, the wine is poured,
Christ is spoken and seen and heard.
Jesus lives again, earth can breathe again,
pass the word around: loaves abound!
Christ is able to make us one.
at his table he sets the tone,
teaching people to live to bless,
love in word and in deed express.
Jesus calls us in, sends us out
bearing fruit in a world of doubt,
gives us love to tell, bread to share.
God (Immanuel) everywhere! © Stainer & Bell Ltd (CH 4)
GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to God.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give God thanks and praise.
Gracious God … proclaim your goodness and grace:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of love and light,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
Above all, we give you thanks … proclaiming the mystery of faith:
On Good Friday he died. On Easter he rose again.
Today he lives forever.
COMMUNION
PRAYER FOLLOWING COMMUNION
HYMN: Sent Forth by God’s Blessing
Sent forth by God’s blessing, our true faith confessing,
the people of God from this dwelling take leave.
The supper is ended, O now be extended
the fruits of this service in all who believe.
The seed of Christ’s teaching, receptive souls reaching,
shall blossom in action for God and for all.
God’s grace did invite us, God’s love shall unite us
to work for the kingdom and answer its call.
With praise and thanksgiving to God ever living,
the tasks of our everyday life we will face.
Our faith ever sharing, in love ever caring,
embracing God’s children of each tribe and race.
With your feast you feed us, with your light now lead us;
unite us one in this life that we share.
Then may all the living with praise and thanksgiving
give honour to Christ and the name that we bear ©World Library Publication (VU)
THE BLESSING
NOTICES:
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea following the service.
REMINDER: FROM NEXT SUNDAY 14th JUNE until 16th August we will have our Winter Combined services at 10.00am each week.
Singing Group meets today at 4pm in the Church. Bill 338 1651.
WEDNESDAY WALKERS 10th June: Meet 9.30am at the Beckenham Service Centre. Coffee at Red Café there. All are welcome. Judith 332 1577.
CRAFTY CRAFTERS: Thursdays 10am – 12 noon in the Lounge. $3 a session. New faces are always welcome ?. Beverley 332 7786.
FIX-IT JOBS: Do you need a hand with any little fix-it jobs around your home or property? Contact the Office – we have people who can help.
SOCIAL HOUSING FORUM: Wednesday 10th June 11am – 12.30pm with Social Housing Minister Paula Bennett. Oxford Terrace Baptist Church Hall, corner Oxford Terrace and Madras Street. An update by the minister describing the roles of various housing ministers, followed by questions and discussion about social housing issues in Canterbury. RSVP required: 379 1122 and leave a message, or email projectsupport@tpa.org.nz. Copies of questions for the minister appreciated before the meeting to allow for detailed responses.
PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am-12noon and Fri 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Please ensure Anna has any notices by 9am Thursday each week.
Keep an eye on the website: www.stmartins.org.nz