WELCOME AND NOTICES
• Session Report – Fern Wakefield

CALL TO WORSHIP:
As the disciples, who encountered Jesus, became acutely aware of priorities, so we come before you, God, ready to look at life differently.
As the disciples faithfully trusted and found their trust wonderfully rewarded,
so we come before you, God, prepared to put our loyalty to your Way before all else. As the disciples found that responding to Jesus’ call was the most challenging event of their life, so we come before you, God, and hear the words of Jesus: Follow me!

HYMN: All creatures of our God and King
All creatures of our God and King,
lift up your voice and with us sing
sing praises, hallelujah!
Bright burning sun with golden beam,
soft shining moon with silver gleam,
sing praises, sing praises,
hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah!

O rushing winds and breezes soft,
O clouds that ride the winds aloft,
sing praises, hallelujah!
O rising morn, in praise rejoice;
O lights of evening, find a voice:
sing praises, hallelujah!
hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah!

Earth, ever fertile, day by day
Brings forth rich blessings on our way,
sing praises, hallelujah!
The flowers and fruits that verdant grow,
let them God’s glory also show;
O praise him, O praise him,
hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah!
Let all things their Creator bless,
and worship him in humbleness;
sing praises, hallelujah!
Praise, God eternal, praise the Son,
and praise the Spirit, three in One:
sing praises, hallelujah!
hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah! © G. Schirmer (VU)

OPENING PRAYERS

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Hilary Moore
SONG: One More Step Along the World
One more step along the world I go,
one more step a-long the world I go,
from the old things to the new,
keep me travelling along with you:
And it’s from the old I travel to the new;
keep me travelling along with you.

Round the corners of the world I turn,
more and more about the world I learn;
all the new things that I see
you’ll be looking at along with me:
And it’s from the old I travel to the new;
keep me travelling along with you.

As I travel through the bad and good,
keep me travelling the way I should;
where I see no way to go
you’ll be telling me the way, I know:
And it’s from the old I travel to the new;
keep me travelling along with you.

Give me courage when the world is rough,
keep me loving though the world is tough,
leap and sing in all I do,
keep me travelling along with you:
And it’s from the old I travel to the new;
keep me travelling along with you. © Stainer & Bell Ltd (CH4)

INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS
READINGS: Isaiah 6: 1-8 Jessie Robb
Luke 5: 1-11 Bernie Brettell

SERMON: The Big Catch

A TIME OF QUIET

HYMN: Will You Come and Follow Me
Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?
Will you go where you don’t know and never be the same?
Will you let my love be shown, will you let my name be known,
will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?

Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name?
Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same?
Will you risk the hostile stare should your life attract or scare?
Will you let me answer prayer in you and you in me?

Will you let the blinded see if I but call your name?
Will you set the prisoners free and never be the same?
Will you kiss the leper clean, and do such as this unseen,
and admit to what I mean in you and you in me?

Will you love the “you” you hide if I but call your name?
Will you quell the fear inside and never be the same?
Will you use the faith you’ve found to reshape the world around,
through my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me?

Christ, your summons echoes true when you but call my name.
Let me turn and follow you and never be the same?
In your company I’ll go where your love and footsteps show.
Thus I’ll move and live and grow in you and you in me.
© WGRG, Iona Community (CH4)

OFFERING
We bring these gifts, O God, knowing that all we have is a gift from you. Your creative wonder surrounds us every day, and the blessings
of your world enable us to share what we have received.
As we give thanks for what we have, may we be encouraged to share these gifts, for the care and service of others, in Jesus’ name. Amen

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN: God Who Sets Us on a Journey (Tune: Hyfrydol)
God who sets us on a journey to discover, dream and grow,
lead us as you led your people in the desert long ago;
journey inward, journey outward, stir the spirit, stretch the mind;
love, for God and self and neighbour, marks the way that Christ
defined.

Exploration brings new insights, changes, choices we must face;
give us wisdom in deciding, mindful always of your grace;
should we stumble, lose our bearings, find it hard to know what’s right,
we regain our true directions focused on the Jesus light.

End our longing for the old days, grant the vision that we lack –
once we’ve started on this journey there can be no turning back;
let us travel light, discarding excess baggage from our past,
cherish only what’s essential, choosing treasure that will last.

When we set up camp and settle to avoid love’s risk and pain,
you disturb complacent comfort, pull the tent pegs up again,
keep us travelling with the knowledge you are always at our side,
give us courage for the journey, Christ our goal and Christ our guide.
© Joy Dine (FFS)
THE BLESSING

NOTICES
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Morning tea will be served after the service.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 13th February. Car pool 9.10am from St Martin’s Church or meet at St Albans Park 9.30am. Park in Edward Ave, just off Barbadoes St. Coffee to follow at Ris’tretto. June 332 8874.

LENTEN STUDIES 2013: Expressions of interest are sought for this year’s study groups. There will be two sessions (Monday morning & Tuesday evening) led by Chris Elliot & Alan Webster. They will run for four weeks and be open to both congregations. Please sign the list in the foyer if you are interested. More details later.

Chris is looking for participants for the dramatic readings during Lent. Clip Board in foyer. Please sign up for the different Sundays.

CUPPA & CHAT: EVERY Tuesday & Wednesday 10am – 12 noon in the Lounge at Beckenham Methodist. All welcome. Aubrey 930 2525.

APW will meet on Wednesday 13th February at 9.45 am at St James Presbyterian Church, Barrington Street .
The speaker for the morning will be the Rev Susan Baldwin from Malvern talking about her adventures on the sailing ship Endeavour. There will be a Sales Table and we look forward to seeing you all at this meeting. Allison 332 0554.

ASH WEDNESDAY 13th February. St Martin’s members are welcome to join our Anglican neighbours. 10am at St Mark’s Church Lounge , Opawa Rd or 7pm at St Anne’s Church, Wilsons Rd. Chris.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS meets every Thursday from 10am – 12 noon in the Beckenham Methodist Lounge. $3 per session. New faces are always welcome ?. Beverley 332 7786.

DEADLINE FOR NEXT MAGAZINE is FRIDAY. Email contributions to anneke.howie@gmail.com or phone Anneke on 328 7459.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Monday 11th March 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist. More volunteers desperately required please! Enquiries and offers of help to Lyndsey 388 1264.

GARDENERS UNITE and divide your perennials. We will be having a garden stall at Cashmere Presbyterian Church’s Fair on 16th March. More details later regarding transport of plants to Cashmere. If you would like to help on the day, with setting up, pricing, selling – even for a short time – please let Anna know 332 6192. Mission Resource Committee.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Mon 11th William; Wed 13th Margot (80); Fri 15th Alexandria, Beryl.

PARISH OFFICE hours: Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon and Friday 9-11am. Contact Anna on 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. WEBSITE: www.stmartins.org.nz

The 5th Christchurch Girls’ Brigade Company (part of Beckenham Methodist’s outreach) is looking for new members. Meetings are held every Wednesday during school terms at Merchiston, 75 St Martins Rd, where the girls enjoy fun activities to educate, inspire and develop physical, social and educational skills.
5-8 years: 3.15 – 4.45pm. 9 & over: 7.00 – 8.30pm.
Please contact Dianne Claughton 332 2889 for further information.

WANTED: Large green bands for preserving jars. Please phone Sue 960 7657 if you can help.

HUB NEWS: Please see the noticeboard in the foyer for this week’s information.

Fair Weather – Trestle Fair

Saturday 13th April (if wet Saturday 20th April)

We will be having a Fair Weather – Trestle Fair on the Church site on Saturday 13th April 2013, (if wet Saturday 20th April) so start cleaning out your cupboards.
We will let you know in good time where to deliver your goods or would you like them to be collected?
We are only having the following stalls/tables:-
White Elephant
Cakes
Preserves/Jam
Books
We do not want large electrical items, such as TVs, Computers,Stereos No household furniture please.

We look forward to everyone helping to make this event a success

CALL TO WORSHIP
On this first day of the week we gather:
not alone, but as Christ’s body; as ones who have a shared life.
On this day of celebration, we gather: not in isolation, but in community; as those who care for one another.
On this day we gather to worship, in word, sacrament and song:
not with empty hands, or empty hearts, but as those who come to be built up to truly be God’s people in our time and place.

HYMN: Sing Praise and Thanksgiving (WOV 25)
Sing praise and thanksgiving, let all creatures living
now worship their maker with gladness and song;
all glory and honour we come to him bringing:
O praise to the Almighty,
sing praise to our God!

Our lives of his making he brings to their waking;
in darkness he held us in his gracious care,
now into the light we are called from our sleeping: O praise…
O praise to the Almighty…

Lord, frame our desiring to do your requiring,
that unto your glory be all that we do;
and where we have faltered, give strength and give healing:
O praise to the Almighty… ? C.A. Gibson & M. Barclay (WOV)

OPENING PRAYERS

HYMN: Amazing Grace (WOV 56) – Remain seated
Amazing Grace! how sweet the sound,
that saved someone like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind, but now I see.

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear,
the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
‘tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,
his word my hope secures;
he will my shield and portion be
as long as life endures. C/A

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN Wayne Barton

INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS

READINGS: Jeremiah 1: 4-10 Bob Kayes
Luke 4: 16-30 Audrey Dunnachie

SERMON: Listening Between the Lines

HYMN: Spirit of God Unseen as the Wind (Tune: Skye Boat Song)
Spirit of God, unseen as the wind,
gentle as is the dove,
teach us the truth and help us believe,
show us the Saviour’s love.

You spoke to us long, long ago,
gave us the written word;
we read it still, needing its truth,
through it God’s voice is heard.

Without your help we fail our Lord,
we cannot live his way;
we need your power, we need your strength,
following Christ each day. © Scripture Union (CH4)

THE OFFERING
God, in offering these gifts may we have the awareness of giving
with others for common goals. In offering these gifts may we have the awareness that deep needs can be met – within this faith community, within communities of our city and beyond.
As we offer these gifts for blessing, may we know your blessing with us the givers, O loving and generous God. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER

INVITATION TO COMMUNION

HYMN: Let us Talents and Tongues Employ (WOV 658)
Let us talents and tongues employ,
bread is broken, the wine is poured,
reaching out with a shout of joy;
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 lives again…

Jesus calls us, sends us out
bearing fruit in a world of doubt,
gives us love to tell, bread to share:
God-Immanuel everywhere!
Jesus lives again…

GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
May God be with us. God is here among us.
Let us open our hearts to God.
We open them to God and to one another.
Let us give thanks to God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.

God of the summer’s day… hymn of praise and thanksgiving:
Holy, holy, holy God, power of life and love!
Heaven and earth are full of your glory!
Hosanna through the ages!
Blest is the One who comes to bring your justice to earth!
In our praise and thanksgiving … Do this in remembrance of him.
Christ has died
Christ has risen
Christ is with us forever.

COMMUNION

PRAYER FOLLOWING COMMUNION

HYMN: Guide Me, O My Great Redeemer (WOV 478)
Guide me, O my great Redeemer,
pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but you are mighty;
hold me with your powerful hand:
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me now and evermore.

Open now the crystal fountain,
Where the healing waters flow;
let the fiery, cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through:
Strong deliverer, strong deliverer,
ever be my strength and shield.

When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside!
death of death, and hell’s destruction,
land me safe on Canaan’s side!
songs of praises, songs of praises
I will ever sing to you. C/A

THE BLESSING

NOTICES
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Morning tea will be served after the service.

WEDNESDAY 6th February, Waitangi Day walk is a fundraiser in response to the Fireside challenge. Bring at least $5 per person, meet 9.30am on the corner of Longfellow & Southampton Streets, Sydenham (park in Southampton St) and go there and back to see how far it is before enjoying hot scones and real coffee at the Cook’s Garden. Sue 960 7657.

LENTEN STUDIES 2013: Expressions of interest are sought for this year’s study groups. There will be two sessions (Monday afternoon & Tuesday evening) led by Chris Elliot & Alan Webster. They will run for four weeks and be open to both congregations. Please sign the list in the foyer if you are interested. More details later.

CUPPA & CHAT: EVERY Tuesday & Wednesday 10am – 12 noon in the Lounge at Beckenham Methodist. All welcome. Aubrey 930 2525.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS meets every Thursday from 10am – 12 noon in the Beckenham Methodist Lounge. $3 per session. New faces are always welcome ?. Beverley 332 7786.

DEADLINE FOR NEXT MAGAZINE is 15-17 February. Please forward information to our new Editor, Anneke Howie 5 Simeon Quay, Lyttelton or email anneke.howie@gmail.com. Phone 328 7459. She is looking forward to receiving any news people wish to share with the members.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Monday 11th March 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist. We would love to have some more volunteers for this clinic. It’s not just feet! We require welcomers and tea makers as well as people to massage feet and cut toenails. Enquiries and offers of help to Lyndsey 388 1264.

WANTED: Large green bands for preserving jars. Please phone Sue 960 7657 if you can help.

WALTHAM COMMUNITY COTTAGE would love some contributions of food suitable for making a meal. Some suggestions are: cans of lentils, chickpeas, every type of tomato, kidney beans, butter beans; rice; packets of tortillas; salsa.
All the above are very much needed and every contribution is greatly appreciated. For more details, please contact Fern 332 4725.

THE PARISH OFFICE hours are Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon and Friday 9-11am. To have information included in the weekly notices email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz or phone Anna on 332 6192 by 9am Thursday please.

KEEP AN EYE ON THE WEBSITE: www.stmartins.org.nz

HUB NEWS: Please see the noticeboard in the foyer for this week’s information.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Mon 4th John; Wed 6th Rob; Thu 7th Jean, Kim.

WELCOME AND NOTICES

OPENING HYMN: Let us Sing to the God of Salvation
Let us sing to the God of salvation,
let us sing to the Lord our rock!
Let us come to his house with thanksgiving,
let us come before the Lord and sing!
Praise our Maker,
praise our Saviour,
praise the Lord our everlasting King.
Every throne must bow before him,
God is Lord of everything!

In his hands are the earth’s deep places
and the strength of the hills is his;
all the sea is the Lord’s, for he made it,
by his hands the dry land was formed.

Let us worship the Lord our Maker,
let us kneel to the Lord our God;
for we all are the sheep of his pasture,
he will guide us by his powerful hand.

Let today be the time when you hear him!
May our hearts not be hard or cold,
lest we stray from the Lord in rebellion,
as his people did in time of old. © R.T Bewes (WOV)

GATHERING

BECKENHAM MUSIC GROUP:
As the deer pants for the water,
so my soul longs after you.
You alone are my heart’s desire
and I long to worship You.
You alone are my strength, my shield,
to you alone may my spirit yield.
You alone are my heart’s desire
and I long to worship you.

I want you more than gold or silver,
only you can satisfy.
You alone are the real joy-giver
and the apple of my eye.

You’re my friend and you are my brother,
even though you are a king.
I love you more than any other,
so much more than anything. © Restoration Music (CH 4)

Light of the World,
You stepped down into darkness
Opened my eyes, let me see
Beauty that made this heart adore you
Hope of a life spent with you
So here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that
You’re my God
You’re altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me

King of all days so highly exalted
Glorious in heaven above
Humbly you came to this world you created
All for love’s sake became poor
So here I am…

And I’ll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross © Tim Hughes MP 1086

PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING

LEARNING FOR ALL
BECKENHAM MUSIC GROUP
Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because he’s given Jesus Christ his son
Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because he’s given Jesus Christ his son

And now let the weak say “I am strong”
Let the poor say “I am rich”
Because of what the Lord has done for us
And now let the weak say “I am strong”
Let the poor say “I am rich”
Because of what the Lord has done for us…
Give thanks. © Henry Smith MP 170

THE OFFERING – Beckenham Music Group
All heaven declares
The glory of the risen Lord
Who can compare
With the beauty of the Lord?
For ever he will be
The Lamb upon the throne
I gladly bow the knee
And worship him alone

I will proclaim
The glory of the risen Lord
Who once was slain
To reconcile us to God
For ever you will be’
The Lamb upon the Throne
I gladly bow my knee
To worship you alone © Tricia Richards MP14

OFFERTORY PRAYER
Loving God, we bring these gifts of money and food for blessing, along with ourselves. From within our congregations come many gifts, so others might be fed, cared for, reconciled, renewed.
From many gifts come one hope: that good news might be lived and shared with people who have none; that people who cannot see a future might touch and know its reality; that people who are burdened by the events of life might feel the weight lifted; that all might know themselves to be loved by God,
in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

READINGS: Psalm 133 Beckenham
Ephesians 4: 1-7, 11-16 St Martins

HYMN: All Praise to Our Redeeming Lord
All praise to our redeeming Lord,
who joins us by his grace,
and bids us, each to each restored,
together seek his face.

The gift which he on one bestows,
we all delight to prove;
the grace through every vessel flows,
in purest streams of love.

He bids us build each other up;
and gathered into one,
to our high calling’s glorious hope
we hand in hand go on.

We all partake the joy of one,
the common peace we feel,
a peace to sensual minds unknown,
a joy unspeakable.

And if our fellowship below
in Jesus be so sweet,
what heights of rapture shall we know
when round his throne we meet! C/A

Methodist Presbyterian Musings
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
HYMN: All Praise to Our Redeeming Lord (see above for words)
THE BLESSING

NOTICES
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Morning tea will be served after the service.

NEXT SUNDAY’S SERVICE is at 9am. There will be Communion. Please note time.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session TOMORROW 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist. We would love to have some more volunteers for this clinic. It’s not just feet! We require welcomers and tea makers as well as people to massage feet and cut toenails. If you want to see what’s involved, please come along tomorrow and have a look. Enquiries and offers of help to Lyndsey 388 1264.

CUPPA & CHAT: EVERY Tuesday & Wednesday 10am – 12 noon in the Lounge at Beckenham Methodist. All welcome. Aubrey 930 2525.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 30th January: Meet 9.30am in South Library carpark (Hunter Tce end). Coffee at Red. June 332 8874.

SESSION meets on Wednesday 30th January at 7.30pm in the Beckenham Methodist Lounge.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS meets every Thursday from 10am – 12 noon in the Beckenham Methodist Lounge. $3 per session. New faces are always welcome ?. Beverley 332 7786.

DEADLINE FOR NEXT MAGAZINE is 15-17 February. Please forward information to our new Editor, Anneke Howie 5 Simeon Quay, Lyttelton or email anneke.howie@gmail.com. Phone 328 7459. She is looking forward to receiving any news people wish to share with the members.

WALTHAM COMMUNITY COTTAGE would love some contributions of food suitable for making a meal. Some suggestions are: cans of lentils, chickpeas, every type of tomato, kidney beans, butter beans; rice; packets of tortillas; salsa.
All the above are very much needed and every contribution is greatly appreciated. For more details, please contact Fern 332 4725.

THE PARISH OFFICE hours are Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon and Friday 9-11am. To have information included in the weekly notices email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz or phone Anna on 332 6192 by 9am Thursday please.

KEEP AN EYE ON THE WEBSITE: www.stmartins.org.nz

HUB NEWS: Please see the noticeboard in the foyer for this week’s information.

Community Fun Day Saturday 1st February 5-7pm at St Anne’s Anglican Church, 7 Wilsons Road. Free sausage sizzle and lots of family activities. Everyone welcome.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 27th Nola, Bernie; Thu 31st Bryan, Adrienne; Fri 1st Alice.

WELCOME AND NOTICES

CALL TO WORSHIP: Come to this Christmas Singing
(Tune: WOV 245)
Come to this Christmas singing!
come to a birthday, bringing
gifts from our country’s treasure,
beauty of shell and stone:
wisdom the old have taught us,
laughter the young have brought us,
love to surround a manger,
making this Child our own.

Wealth of our land and water,
riches of race and culture –
these be our gold and incense
offered for Christmas Day:
where we make peace, declare it,
where we have much, let’s share it,
aroha warm our hearts, and
aroha be our way.

Here where the sheep are grazing,
where summer sun is blazing
harvests for others ripen –
food for the world can grow:
Christ of a cold December,
quicken us to remember
poverty in a stable,
need, like the sting of snow. © Shirley Murray (CoC)

GATHERING PRAYER
(The service will continue unannounced)

READINGS: From Isaiah 9 Barry Moore
From Matthew 1 David Beaumont

SUNG RESPONSE: (Tune: Greensleeves )
What child is this, who laid to rest,
on Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
while shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
whom shepherds guard and angels sing,
haste, haste to bring him praise,
the Babe, the Son of Mary!

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey Part 1

CAROL: While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks
While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
all seated on the ground,
the angel of the Lord came down
and glory shone around.

‘Fear not’, said he (for mighty dread
had seized their troubled mind),
‘glad tidings of great joy I bring
to you and humankind.

‘To you in David’s town this day
is born of David’s line
a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord;
and this shall be the sign:

‘the heavenly babe you there shall find
to human view displayed,
all meanly wrapped in swaddling clothes
and in a manger laid’. C/A

Story Part 2

Carol: Where is the Room?
Where is the room,
where is the house of Christmas?
Where shall we welcome Jesus,
where are the signs of home?
Where are the signs of home?

Let Christ have space,
place at the heart of living,
centre for birth’s new breathing,
cradle for hope and peace,
cradle for hope and peace.

Let there be room,
room for the friend and stranger,
room without hurt or anger,
room for whoever come,
room for whoever come.

Let love be here,
love from the Christmas stable,
love at our open table,
love to be shared all year,
love to be shared all year. © Shirley Murray (CoC)

Story Part 3

CAROL: 243(i) Love Came Down at Christmas (remain seated)
Love came down at Christmas, Worship we the Godhead,
Love all lovely, Love divine; Love incarnate, Love divine;
Love was born at Christmas, worship we our Jesus:
star and angels gave the sign. but wherewith for sacred sign?

Love shall be our token,
love be yours and love be mine,
love to God and all men,
love for plea and gift and sign. ? Stainer & Bell, London (TIS)

The Candle-lighter comes and lights the 4th Advent Candle

Story Part 4
POEM: Friend ~ Joy Cowley

CAROL: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day (Remain seated)
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
their old familiar carols play,
and wild and sweet the words repeat
of peace on earth, good will to all.

And thought how, as the day had come,
the belfries of all Christendom
had rolled along the unbroken song
of peace on earth, good will to all.

Till ringing, singing on its way
the world revolved from night to day,
a voice, a chime, a chant sublime
of peace on earth, good will to all.

And in despair I bowed my head
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong and mocks the song
of peace on earth, good will to all.” C/A

ACT OF REMEMBRANCE

THE OFFERING:
God, we thank you for the gift of the people in our lives –
family, friends and neighbours.
Today as we remember and give thanks for those who have been important to us, and are no longer with us, you remind us
that we are created to live in community;
that our lives are intertwined with others and touched by others.

We thank you that in the gift of yourself in Jesus: you showed us ultimate goodness, complete faithfulness, total compassion.
May we live with that same attitude of being and doing.

Bless these offerings and the offering of our lives in your service,
in Jesus’ name…

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE continue.

CAROL: Star-Child, Earth-Child
Star-Child, earth-Child
go-between of God,
love Child, Christ Child,
heaven’s lightning rod,
This year, this year,
let the day arrive,
when Christmas comes
for everyone,
everyone alive!

Street child, beat child
no place left to go,
hurt child, used child,
no one wants to know,
This year, this year…

Grown child, old child,
mem’ry full of years,
sad child, lost child,
story told in tears,
This year, this year…

Spared child, spoiled child,
having, wanting more,
wise child, faith child
knowing joy in store,
This year, this year…

Hope-for-peace Child,
God’s stupendous sign,
down-to-earth Child,
star of stars that shine,
This year, this year… © Shirley Murray (CoC)

THE BLESSING

BIRTHDAYS: Sun 23rd Graeme; Tue 25th Isobel; Wed 26th Noeline; Mon 31st Jack (5)

WORSHIP FOR CHRISTMAS AND BEYOND

24 December : 7.30 pm Christmas Eve Service
(Beckenham Methodist Service at 11.30 pm)
25 December : 9.30 am Combined Christmas Family Service
30 December : 10.00 am Combined Service led by Alan
6 January : 10.00 am Combined Service led by Chris
Communion

13 January :10.00 am Combined Service led by Chris
20 January :10.00 am Combined Service led by Alan
27 January: 10.00 am Combined Service (Alan & Chris)

3 February : 9.00 am Communion

Please watch for the changed service times during the Christmas season and holiday period.
Services return to normal on the 3 February.

WELCOME AND NOTICES

GATHERING:
All around the world people gather giving thanks for the Advent promise of hope: the hope that overcomes the darkness of the world.
In the countries of east and west, of north and south, people gather
praying for peace: the same peace revealed in the promise,
of God with us, Emmanuel.

CAROL: Joy to the World
Joy to the world! The Lord is come;
let earth receive its king;
let every heart prepare him room,
and heaven and nature sing,
and heaven and nature sing,
and heaven, and heaven and nature sing.

Joy to the earth! The Saviour reigns;
let us our songs employ;
while fields and streams, rocks, hills and plains
repeat the sounding joy,
repeat the sounding joy,
repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
and makes the nations prove
the glories of his righteousness
and wonders of his love,
and wonders of his love,
and wonders, wonders of his love. C/A

ADVENT CANDLE – LIGHTING : THE CANDLE OF JOY

SUNG RESPONSE: (WOV 13ii)
Let all the world in every corner sing, My God and King!
The heavens are not too high, his praise may upward fly;
the earth is not too low, his praises there may grow.
Let all the world in every corner sing: My God and King!

READINGS: Psalm 96 Bob Cathro
Luke 2: 1-7 Wayne Barton

Introduction to Christmas Around the World

Christmas Around the World Part 1

CAROL: Child in the Manger
Child in the manger,
infant of Mary;
outcast and stranger,
Lord of all!
Child who inherits
all our transgressions,
all our demerits
on him fall.

Once the most holy
child of salvation
gently and lowly
lived below;
now, as our glorious
mighty Redeemer,
see him victorious
o’er each foe.

Prophets foretold him,
infant of wonder;
angels behold him
on his throne;
worthy our Saviour
of all their praises;
happy for ever
are his own. © Oxford University Press (CH4)

STORY TIME: A First Nations Story from Canada
POEM: The Huron Carol

CAROL: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly (Remain seated)
Infant holy, infant lowly,
for his bed a cattle stall;
oxen lowing, little knowing
Christ, the babe is Lord of all.
Swift are winging, angels singing,
noels ringing, tidings bringing:
Christ the babe is born for all. X2

Flocks were sleeping, shepherds keeping
vigil till the morning new
saw the glory, heard the story,
tidings of a gospel true.
Thus rejoicing, free from sorrow,
praises voicing, greet the morrow:
Christ the babe was born for you. X2 C/A

Christmas Around the World Part 2

CAROL: Silent Night (Remain seated)
Silent night, holy night:
all is calm, all is bright
round the virgin mother and child,
holy infant so tender and mild,
sleep in heavenly peace,
sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night:
shepherds quake at the sight;
glories stream from heaven afar,
heavenly hosts sing “Alleluia;
Christ the Saviour is born,
Christ the Saviour is born.”

Silent night, holy night:
wondrous star, lend your light;
with the angels let us sing
Alleluia to our King;
Christ our Saviour is born,
Christ our Saviour is born. C/A
THE OFFERING
O God, bless this money offered,
bless the gifts given.
Accept the offering of our hearts and lives, we pray;
that it may be possible for disappointment to be replaced by joy;
anxiety replaced by happiness,
hopelessness replaced by a sense of purpose.

Bless all our gifts, as once more we prepare to celebrate
with wonder the birth of the Christ Child. AMEN.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER

CAROL: O Come All Ye Faithful
O come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold him
Born the King of angels;
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

Sing choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above,
“Glory to God in the highest”:
O come, let us adore him…

Yea, Lord, we greet you
born to be our Saviour.
Jesus, to you be glory given:
Word of the Father now in flesh appearing:
O come, let us adore him… C/A

THE BLESSING

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 16th Ron (90); Tue 18th Anne; Thu 20th Sarah Jayne; Sat 22nd Lyall.

NOTICES
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Morning tea will be served after the service.

A HUGE THANK YOU to the congregation for the tremendous support of our Cake Stall – $561 was raised. Thank you also to everyone who has provided gifts for Waltham Cottage.

CUPPA & CHAT: EVERY Tuesday & Wednesday 10am – 12 noon. All welcome. Aubrey 930 2525. The last session for 2012 is on 19th December, and Cuppa & Chat will resume on 8th January 2013.

BOARD OF MANAGERS’ meeting Wednesday 19th December 7.30pm at 132 Hawford Rd. Please note change of date and venue

CRAFTY CRAFTERS resumes on Thursday 17th January 10am-12 noon.

HUB NEWS: Please see the noticeboard in the foyer for this week’s information.

Anna will be on leave from Friday 21st December. The “office” re-opens on Wednesday 23rd January 2013.

FOOT CLINIC: The next session is Monday 28th January 1-4pm.

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS:
23 December : 9.00 am Carol Service
24 December : 7.30 pm Christmas Eve Service
25 December : 9.30 am Christmas Family Service combined with Beckenham Methodist Parish.
On 30 December and for all of January: 10.00 am Combined Service
Please Note: the changing service times during the Christmas season and holiday period.

KEEP AN EYE ON THE WEBSITE: www.stmartins.org.nz