THE WOMEN AT THE CROSS

A candle is lit ~

Will you not watch a while, here at the foot of the cross.

Where so greater love was shown toward you and me?

Will you not walk with Jesus on that last night when it began with Jesus gathering his disciples for their last supper together and ended in his arrest?

Will you not listen and share in the stories of the women gathered at the foot of the cross?

Maundy – command – when during supper Jesus gave a new commandment to ‘love one another as I have loved you.’

 

HYMN: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of glory died, my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.

 

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast save in the death of Christ my God; all the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to his blood.

 

See from his head, his hands, his feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down; did e’er such love and sorrow meet,

or thorns compose so rich a crown?

 

Were the whole realm of nature mine,

that were a present far too small:

love so amazing, so divine demands my soul, my life, my all. (WOV258)

 

PRAYER:

Jesus was captured at night, stripped of his garments, interrogated, tortured, crowned with thorns and finally condemned to death on a cross by Pontius Pilate, the representative of Roman imperial authority.

Jesus was led away and carrying the cross by himself ne was sent out to what is called the Place of the Skull – Golgotha.

There he was nailed to a cross.

 

The candle is extinguished.

There is wounding, there is weeping, there is darkness.

God is not separated from that.

So greater love shown that we might love.

 

HYMN: Were You There? (please remain seated)

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

O sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble:

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

 

 

There was a group of women gathered there.

Some women were there, looking on from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of the younger James and of Joseph, and Salome.                                                                            Mark 15:40

A large crowd of people followed him; among them were some women who were weeping and wailing and said, “Women of Jerusalem! Don’t cry for me, but for yourselves and your children.”                       Luke 23:27-28

The women stood and watched Jesus die. There was nothing they could do.

The soldiers ignored them, so did the priests. A handful of women were no threat to anyone.

Jesus knew they were there – and that’s what mattered to the women.

All they could offer him was their love and grief.

 

SING:

Were you there when the women watched and wept?

Were you there when the women watched and wept?

O sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble:

Were you there when the women watched and wept?

 

READING: John 19:25-27 Jesus sees his mother there       Mele

 

Yes I was there. I am Mary, mother of Jesus…

 

SING:

Were you there when Mary watched and wept?

Were you there when Mary watched and wept?

O sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble:

 

Were you there when Mary watched and wept?

 

Yes I was there. My name is Joanna.

 

Yes I was there. My name is Mary Magdalene.

 

SING:

Were you there when the women watched and wept?

Were you there when the women watched and wept?

O sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble:

Were you there when the women watched and wept?

 

Yes we were all there at the foot of the cross.

Each influenced by Jesus’ life; his death.

Each expressing our love for Jesus in our own way.

We were there when the women watched and wept.

 

SILENT REFLECTION

 

HYMN: He Came Singing Love

He came singing love and he lived singing love; he died, singing love. He arose in silence. For the love to go on we must make it our song: you and I be the singers.

 

He came singing faith…

 

He came singing hope…

 

He came singing peace…                                           ©Colin Gibson (WOV 636)

 

 

 

 

I invite you now to come up and take some rose petals and scatter them at the foot of the cross.

Stay as long as you like.

I send you out knowing that you are loved by God.

I send you out to walk through darkness and uncertainty until the joy of Easter day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOLY WEEK & EASTER SERVICES:

25^th March           10.00am    Good Friday Combined Service

27^th March           9.00am      St Martin’s Easter  Communion

10.30am    Beckenham Easter Celebration

All Welcome.  Please join us.

Tena Kotou Katoa –

Greetings, greetings in the name of Christ.

NOTICES & BIRTHDAYS

 

CALL TO WORSHIP:

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.                                           (Ps 118:26)

Rejoice, rejoice, people of Zion.

Shout for joy, you people of Jerusalem!

Look, your King is coming to you! He comes triumphant and victorious, but humble and riding on a donkey,

on a colt, the foal of a donkey.                                (Zech 9:9)

 

HYMN: Ride on, ride on in Majesty (Tune: Winchester New)

Ride on! ride on in majesty! Hark all the tribes Hosanna cry

O Saviour meek, pursue thy road with palms

and scattered garments strowed.

 

Ride on! ride on in majesty! In lowly pomp ride on to die;

O Christ, your triumphs now begin o’er captive death

and conquered sin.

 

Ride on! ride on in majesty! The winged squadrons of the sky

look down with sad and wondering eyes to see the

approaching sacrifice.

 

Ride on! ride on in majesty! Your last and fiercest strife is nigh;

the Father on his sapphire throne awaits his own anointed Son.

 

Ride on! ride on in majesty! In lowly pomp ride on to die;

Bow your meek head to mortal pain, then take, O God,

thy power and reign.                                                   ©HH Milman (WOV264)

 

PRAYER:

 

PALM/PASSION SUNDAY~

Jesus’ journey toward the cross begins in triumph…

The triumphal entry drama and play reading based on Luke 19: 28-40

Who would be present? What would their reactions be? The crowd – supporters of Jesus, bystanders, the soldiers, the Pharisees, the disciples, Jesus.

 

HYMN: Hosanna, Loud Hosanna (Tune: Ellacombe)

Hosanna, loud hosanna, the little children sang;

through city street and temple their joyful anthem rang;                                 they shouted out their praises to Christ the children’s friend,

who welcomes all with blessing, whose love will never end.

 

From Olivet they followed, a large  exultant crowd,

the victor palm-branch  waving, and singing  clear and loud;

bright  angels joined the chorus, beyond  the cloudless sky,

`Hosanna in the highest! Glory  to God on high!’

 

`Hosanna in the highest!’ That ancient song we sing,

for  Christ is our Redeemer, earth, let your anthems ring.

Oh,  may we ever praise him with  heart and life and voice,

and  in  his humble presence eternally  rejoice!      J Threlfall (CH4 367)

 

BIBLE READING: Philippians 2: 5-11           Gwendoline Cleland

 

We are each on a journey – beginnings/endings; joy/sorrow; love/despair; challenge/risk; letting go/taking hold……………..

 

HYMN: The Journey of Life

The journey of life may be easy, may be hard,

there’ll be dangers on the way; with Christ at my side

I’ll take courage as I ride ‘gainst the foe that would lead me astray.

Will you ride, ride, ride with the King of kings,

will you follow my leader true; will you shout hosanna!

to the lowly Son of God, who died for me and you?

 

My burden is light and a song is in my heart, as I travel on life’s way, for Christ is my Lord, and he’s given me his word that by my side

he’ll stay. Will you…

 

I’ll follow my leader wherever he may go, for Jesus is my friend;

he’ll lead me on to the place where he has gone,

when I come to my journey’s end. Will you…             ©V Collison (WOV 670)

 

OFFERING

 

PRAYER FOR OTHER PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER

 

HYMN: At the Name of Jesus (Tune: Camberwell WOV 170ii)

At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, every tongue confess him King of Glory now: ‘tis the Father’s pleasure we should call him Lord, who from the beginning was the mighty Word.

 

Humbled for a season to receive a name from the lips of sinners

unto whom he came, faithfully he bore it spotless to the last,

brought it back victorious when from death he passed.

 

Name him, brothers, name him with love as strong as death,

but with awe and wonder and with bated breath: he is God the Saviour, he is Christ the Lord, ever to be worshipped, trusted and adored.

©CM Noel

BENEDICTION:

Go now into God’s world remembering the passion of Jesus.

In our hearts we will remember.

Go now remembering how Jesus’ passion is replayed over and over again in our daily lives. In our hearts we will remember.

Go now knowing that the God of love is with you, that Jesus Christ has journeyed before you and the Spirit of God seeks to challenge and encourage you always. Amen.

 

 

 

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Tue 22^nd Audrey H; Wed 23^rd Eian; Thu 24^th Maurice, Karlene; Fri 25^th

Oliver; Sat 26^th Liam.

NOTICES

A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea following the service. Many thanks to Rev Lyndsey McKay for leading our worship this week.

 

HOLY WEEK & EASTER SERVICES please note times:

24^th March         7pm      Maundy Thursday Combined Service

25^th March         10am    Good Friday Combined Service

27^th March         9am      Easter Day Communion for St Martin’s

 

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 23^rd March: Meet 9.30am by Domain opposite 37 William Brittan Ave, Halswell. Morning tea at Helen’s, 134 William Brittan Ave. Suggested koha $10 for Leprosy Mission. Janette & Cyril 332 1240.

 

CRAFTY CRAFTERS: Thursdays 10am-12 noon in the Lounge. $3.

 

FIRESIDE meets this month on Tuesday 29^th March 7.30pm at Joan Mac’s. All women are welcome.

 

PARISH OFFICE: Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon, Fridays 9-11am Ph 332 6192. Email:stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website:www.stmartins.org.nz. Please make sure Anna has any notices by 9am Wednesday this week.

***THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED ON GOOD FRIDAY 25^th March***

 

WALTHAM COTTAGE INVITES YOU TO JOIN IN:

Steady As You Go – falls prevention and general fitness class.

Starts Wednesday 20^th April 9.30 – 10.30am. Free.

Organised by Age Concern Canterbury. Ph 366 0903 to register.

 

Community Lunch at the Cottage every Wednesday 12 –1 pm.

All Welcome. No charge.

 

Compassionate Communication Class – learn how to communicate in a way that avoids conflict and encourages clarity. Ph Jillie 942 2173.

 

ALPINE PRESBYTERY newsletter is on the noticeboard in the Lounge.

 

ANZAC DAY SERVICE: Monday 25^th April 10am at St Anne’s Anglican Church. All are welcome.

 

 

VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED ~ ARE YOU ABLE TO HELP?

 

Shortly the Christchurch Community Response Volunteers team (CCR) will be doorknocking in the St Martins area at the request of the Spreydon Heathcote Community Board. Our purpose is to connect with the people of St Martins to ensure they are not isolated and are connected to events going on in the community. We will also be asking them if they have any outstanding earthquake related issues.

 

To date this team of volunteers have visited over 63,000 homes around the city since the 2011 earthquakes. We are based out of St Christopher’s Anglican Church in Avonhead and are currently funded by NZ Red Cross.

 

The dates we will be in the area are Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 5-7th April and 12-14th April, between 9.30am – 1.00pm.

 

The more people we have the better as we don’t want to wear people out. Everyone will be teamed up with a person from St Christopher’s and you will be provided with all the questions etc to ask those that are called on.

It’s a really worthwhile mission project to be involved in and the more people we have on board (alongside everyone else in the area that is helping) the sooner it is completed.

 

Please see Irene TODAY if you would like to be involved.

 

THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM:

 

CROWD: He’s coming! He’s coming! Jesus is coming!

Hosanna in the highest, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

 

BYSTANDERS: Such a crowd! Such a noise! Who is this man Jesus?

 

CROWD: Jesus! Jesus! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna! Hosanna! Let’s honour him, by throwing our cloaks and palm branches before our King. Our King is here!

 

SOLDIERS: This crowd is causing a bit of a riot, all this shouting and throwing their cloaks about as if a King is coming.

We’ve got to put a stop to this. And at the time of the feast of the Passover too! If it’s not busy enough with all the people descending on the temple here in Jerusalem.

 

CROWD: Jesus! Jesus! God bless the King. You come in God’s name.

 

PHARISEES: Please stop all this noise. Remember the Passover. This is the man who broke Sabbath laws. You call him a king and here he comes riding on a donkey? He is abusing our power! What will happen next?

 

CROWD: Ah! The word of scriptures. The Messiah would enter the city on a donkey!

 

BYSTANDERS: This man seems to be a creating a stir. Seems strange the crowd call him their king and yet he rides on a humble little donkey! They say it’s mentioned in scriptures!

 

PHARISEES: Everyone seems to be following him – what can we do?

 

SOLDIERS: This man seems to have upset the Pharisees, this could become out of control, even inciting a riot. We must disperse the crowd.

 

CROWD: Jesus we follow you – you are the greatest who comes in the name of the Lord. Jesus! Jesus!

 

DISCIPLES: The crowd seems to welcome Jesus. They recognize him as their King, but there is an undercurrent. It’s such a risk at this time of the Passover.

 

PHARISEES: There is only one thing for it but to charge this Jesus for inciting a riot, for breaking the Sabbath laws. A crucifixion will put an end to him. Let’s treat him like a common thief. We can turn the crowd around! Let’s take him before Pilate now!

 

CROWD: Crucify! No! You are the greatest! Jesus!

 

PHARISEES: Five days… you’ll all be tested!

WELCOME & NOTICES

 

A LENTEN REFLECTION

 

AN AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Leader and congregation together:

Christ Jesus, child of Mary

King and suffering servant, High Priest and Lamb of God

Teacher and word, living, suffering, dying and rising again

you challenge, redeem and restore us

 

Holy Spirit, Breath of life

Counsellor and Comforter, Fire of God

you inspire, sustain and purify us

 

Forming us in the nature of Christ transforming us with your gifts

you bind us together in one body, your church

God of all creation

your boundless love exposes our rebellion and greed

 

Like a mother who will not abandon her child

Like a father who welcomes the prodigal home

you forgive, accept and embrace us

and call us into  loving communion for ever

In life and death we belong to you Heavenly Father

 

HYMN: Worship the Lord in the Beauty of Holiness

Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness,

bow down before him, his glory proclaim;

gold of obedience and incense of lowliness

bring, and adore him: the Lord is his name.

 

Low at his feet lay thy burden of carefulness,

high on his heart he will bear it for thee,

comfort thy sorrows, and answer thy prayerfulness,

guiding thy steps as may best for thee be.

 

Fear not to enter his courts in the slenderness

of the poor wealth thou wouldst reckon as thine:

truth in its beauty and love in its tenderness,

these are the offerings to lay on his shrine.

 

These, though we bring them in trembling and fearfulness,

he will accept for the name that is dear,

mornings of joy give for evenings of tearfulness,

trust for our trembling and hope, and hope for our fear.

 

Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness,

bow down before him, his glory proclaim;

gold of obedience and incense of lowliness

bring, and adore him: the Lord is his name.               ©JSB Monsell (WOV382)

 

 

OPENING PRAYER

 

TIME WITH THOSE YOUNG AT HEART ~ Wayne Barton

 

HYMN: Thank you for giving me the morning

Thank you for giving me the morning, thank you for every day that’s new,
thank you for new things in store for me and for work to do.

 

Thank you for all my friends and family, thank you for everyone that lives,
thank you that even greatest enemies I can forgive.

 

Thank you for many little sorrows, thank you for every kindly word,
thank you that in the midst of trouble, sympathy is stirred.

 

Thank you, I see the word has meaning, thank you, I know your spirit here,
thank you because you love all people, those both far and near.

 

Thank you, O Lord, for speaking to us,thank you for telling us you care,
thank you, O Lord, you came among us, bread and wine to share.

 

Thank you, O Lord, your love is boundless, thank you that I am full of you, thank you, you make me feel so glad and thankful as I do.      ©Bosworth & Co Ltd

INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS:

Psalm 126                                                       Lyn Steele

Philippians 3:4b-14                                          Deborah Fitchett

 

MESSAGE:  Defiance

 

HYMN: Be Still my Soul

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on your side;

bear patiently the cross of grief and pain;

leave to your God to order and provide,

in every change he faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul: your best, your heavenly friend

through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

 

Be still, my soul: your God will undertake

to guide the future as he has the past.

Your hope, your confidence let nothing shake,

all now mysterious shall be clear at last.

Be still my soul: the tempests still obey

his voice, who ruled them once on Galilee.

 

Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart

and all is darkened in the vale of tears,

then you shall better know his love, his heart,

who comes to soothe your sorrow, calm your fears.

Be still, my soul: for Jesus can repay

from his own fullness all he takes away.

 

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on

when we shall be for ever with the Lord,

when disappointment, grief and fear are gone,

sorrow forgotten, love’s pure joy restored.

Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past,

all safe and blessed we shall meet at last.      ©K von Schlegel (WOV48)

 

PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE

 

SUNG LORD’S PRAYER

 

THE OFFERING Leader and congregation together:

We have the means to give. We have the reason to give

There are so many waiting to be given

Our offering and all others given this day

Is blessed by you for their needs

 

Stepping out in faith, down the road of faith

We do this united, as your people

Called and sent to be a blessing for all the world

In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

 

GREET AND BLESS ONE ANOTHER

 

HYMN: Will You Come and Follow Me © WGRG, The Iona Community (VU)

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?

 

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.

this I’ll move and live and grow in you and you in me.

 

BLESSING Leader and congregation together:

Fortify us with the grace of your Holy Spirit

Give your peace to our souls

That we may be free from all needless, anxiety, concern and worry

Assist us to desire always that which is pleasing and acceptable to you

So that your will, Heavenly Father, may be our will also

Amen.

 

NOTICES

A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea following the service. Many thanks to David Beaumont for leading our worship today.

 

HOLY WEEK & EASTER SERVICES:

24^th March         7pm      Maundy Thursday Combined Service

25^th March         10am    Good Friday Combined Service

27^th March         9am      Easter Day Communion for St Martin’s

All of these services will be led by Rev Lyndsey McKay. Please join us.

 

FOOT CLINIC: Next Session TOMORROW 1-4pm in the Lounge. New helpers are always very welcome. See Lyndsey 388 1264 for details.

 

LENTEN STUDIES conclude with Mele on Wednesday16 March at 10am in the Church.

 

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 16^th March: Meet at 9.30 at main entrance South Library for a walk in lower Cashmere.  Coffee at Red Cafe at the Library.   All welcome on walk and/or coffee. Joan 338 8700.

 

CRAFTY CRAFTERS: Thursdays 10am-12 noon in the Lounge. $3.

 

PARISH OFFICE: Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon, Fridays 9-11am Ph 332 6192. Email:stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website:www.stmartins.org.nz. Please make sure Anna has any notices by 9am Thursday.

 

NO ALPINE PRESBYTERY newsletter this week.

 

ST JAMES’ MEN’S MUSTER: This group will meet in the St James Church Lounge TOMORROW at 7 pm. Alan Chapman will speak about his recent trip to Wellington and show a short power point presentation.

 

PLEASE NOTE: The City to Surf Fun Run is on next Sunday. This may impact on your travel plans to/from Church.

 

 

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Thu 17^th Marie; Sat 19^th Rosalie S.

CALL TO WORSHIP:

 

HYMN: Praise our God the Great Creator (Tune: Marching)

Praise our God, the great creator, world evolving through his might, darkness shattered by explosion, filled his world with life and light.

 

Great inventors splitting atoms energy and power extend, firing rockets, space exploring, search his light which has no end.

 

King of kings beyond our vision, none could tell what he might be; in the image of his Father Jesus came, and we can see.

 

When he calls the strong will follow, dare to travel by his side, facing danger, find adventure, take his light to be their guide.

 

Poet, artist, composer capture colour all ablaze,

words of splendour tell the story,

Light of all the world we praise.                      ©W & I Bulman (WOV 110)

 

CONFESSION:         

 

NOTICES

 

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Gillian Cree

 

HYMN:  Jesus’ Hands Were Kind Hands (Tune: Au Clair de la Lune)

Jesus’ hands were kind hands, doing good to all,

healing pain and sickness, blessing children small;

Washing tired feet, and saving those who fall;

Jesus’ hands were kind hands, doing good to all.

 

Take my hands, Lord Jesus, let them work for you,

make them strong and gentle, kind in all I do; l

et me watch you, Jesus, till I’m gentle too,

till my hands are kind hands, quick to work for you. ©M B Cropper (CH4 351)

 

READING: Luke 15:1-3; 11b-32                                Jessie Robb

             

SERMON:

 

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION                              Irene Gray

 

OFFERING

 

HYMN: Lord Jesus Christ

Lord Jesus Christ, you have come to us, you are one with us,

Mary’s son; cleansing our souls from all their sin,

pouring your love and goodness in,

Jesus, our love for you we sing, living Lord.

 

Lord Jesus Christ, now and every day teach us how to pray,

Son of God. You have commanded us to do this,

in remembrance, Lord of you:

into our lives your power breaks through, living Lord.

 

Lord Jesus Christ, you have come to us, born as one of us,

Mary’s son; led out to die on Calvary,

risen from death to set us free, living Lord Jesus,

help us see you are Lord.

 

Lord Jesus Christ, I would come to you, live my life for you,

Son of God. All your commands I know are true,

your many gifts will make me new,

into my life your power breaks through, living Lord. ©P Appleford (WOV 451)

 

COMMUNION (on screen)

 

HYMN: Now Let Us From This Table Rise (Tune: Niagara)

Now let us from this table rise renewed in body, mind and soul;

with Christ we die and rise again,

his selfless love has made us whole.

 

With minds alert, upheld by grace, to spread the Word in speech

and deed we follow in the steps of Christ,

at one with all in hope and need.

 

To fill each human house with love, it is the sacrament of care;

the work that Christ began to do we humbly pledge ourselves to share.

 

Then grant us grace, Companion-God,

to choose again the pilgrim way,

and help us to accept with joy the challenge of tomorrow’s day.

©Fred Kaan (CH4 675)

 

BENEDICTION

 

NOTICES

A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea following the service. Many thanks to Rev Andrew Nicol for leading our worship today.

 

LENTEN STUDIES continue with Mele on Wednesdays 9 & 16 March at 10am in the Church.

 

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 9^th March: We are going to the Groynes. There is a new drive (from Johns Rd) into the Groynes. Where the drive divides, go left and meet at the first car park by the lake. This is the car park by the old suspension bridge which is no longer used. As it is a 30 mins car drive there we will meet at 8.50 am at our church in St Martins Rd for those that would like to car pool. Coffee is at Coffee Culture Redwood, 286 Main North Rd at the Redwood shops. There is parking behind the shops, which is easiest to get to – if coming from the Groynes, turn left into Daniels Rd and then immediately turn left into the parking area. For details please contact Rob on 384 4320. All Welcome.

 

SESSION MEETING: Wednesday 9^th March 7.30pm in the Lounge.

 

CRAFTY CRAFTERS: Thursdays 10am-12 noon in the Lounge. $3.

 

PARISH OFFICE: Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon, Fridays 9-11am Ph 332 6192. Email:stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website:www.stmartins.org.nz. Please make sure Anna has any notices by 9am Thursday.

 

FOOT CLINIC: Next Session Monday 14^th March 1-4pm in the Lounge. New helpers are always very welcome. See Lyndsey 388 1264 for details.

 

ALPINE PRESBYTERY newsletter is on the noticeboard in the Lounge.

 

FUNDRAISER: Daffodil Bulbs

20 beautiful bulbs – 8 or 9 varieties – $10. Payment                           with the order please. See Barbara 379 1474 or Margaret 366 8936.

 

ST JAMES’ MEN’S MUSTER: This group will meet in the St James Church Lounge on Monday 14th March at 7 pm. Alan Chapman will speak about his recent trip to Wellington and show a short power point presentation.

 

 

HOLY WEEK & EASTER SERVICES:

24^th March         7pm      Maundy Thursday Combined Service

25^th March         10am    Good Friday Combined Service

27^th March         9am      Easter Day Communion for St Martin’s

All of these services will be led by Rev Lyndsey McKay. Please join us.

 

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 6^th Errol; Tue 8^th Anne; Wed 9^th Sharyn.

WELCOME & NOTICES

 

CALL TO WORSHIP:

Come, everyone who is thirsty!Thirsty? We are all thirsty in some ways..

Thirsty for what?

Thirsty for justice…thirsty for meaning…thirsty for comfort, for ease, for that satisfied feeling of a job well done: thirsty for significance, for recognition, for understanding

Come: you are with travellers who are also thirsty..but also and with those who have  been thirsty, and have had their thirst quenched

We are hungry for the same things

Come: you are with travellers who are hungry..and who are finding food that fills, food that strengthens, food that enables us to carry on
We have been promised food that has turned out to be tasteless, not sustaining, bland or inedible

Come: the food that we eat, and the waters that we drink are the very bread and wine of life

Who gives us this food, this water, this life?

We gather in the name of God who listens…God who provides…God whose continuing story challenges and sustains, rebukes and inspires, lifts up and draws forward

Where is this God who provides what we long for, and how can we feed and drink from his provision?

He is here: call on him now: call on him in the quietness of your heart or the volume of your singing voice: call on him in your strength and in your weakness: for he is near.

How then shall we see our God?

For all that our God is beyond all human knowing, he will be seen: he will be seen in ways that you cannot yet imagine. He will be visible in the tiniest graces in our meeting here today that will resonate in your heart. He will be here in the conversations you have with this people here today, and he will be here in the surprises of words thought familiar, in the long-forgotten feelings and the dimly seen pictures of the heart and the soul…He will be known: for he is Love, and we all recognise love.

As we lift our voices and our hearts, our minds and our feelings in worship we choose to eat and drink from what is offered, in the desire that grace will supply all we long for
In the name of him whose name is love: Amen       -based on Isaiah 55:1-9

 

 

HYMN: Come Now Where We Least Expect You

Come now where we least expect you,

Christ our hope and longing, come.
Show us where we still reject you in the world you made your home.
Look around! Christ is found far beyond our sacred ground.

 

Come where we have tried to own you locked within the distant past,
where your Church has scarcely known you,

where the least remain the last.
Enter still where you will, come to challenge and fulfil.

 

Christ-child, come in loving kindness; Come, great Judge whom

angels praise! Heal us of our pride and blindness, purge our hearts and change our ways,
God’s own Word, love outpoured, come to us, O Christ our Lord.                                                                               ©Marnie Barrell (COC)

 

PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING

 

OFFERING

 

LEARNING FOR ALL ~ especially the children

 

SONG: My God is So Big

My God is so big, so strong and so mighty,

there’s nothing my God cannot do     x2

The mountains are His.The rivers are His.The stars are His handiwork too…My God is so big…x2

 

My God is so close, so warm and so tender,

there’s nothing my God cannot do.

The cities are his. The streets are all his.

The homes are his handiwork too. My God is so close…

 

My God is so close, He knows how my heart beats,

there’s nothing my God cannot do.

The future is His.The present is His

The future’s His handiwork too. My God is so close…

My God is so wide, so deep and so awesome,

Yet nearer to me than my breath

All heartbeats are his. All breathing is his

All artwork his handiwork too. My God is so wide…

 

My God is so big, so strong and so mighty,

That sometimes he’s quite hard to see

But Jesus is his. Yes Jesus is his

Yes Jesus shows God’s love for me x2

 

My God is so big, So awesome and lovely

There’s nothing my God cannot do x2

 

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

 

READING: Psalm 63:1-8                               Tony Blackler 

 

HYMN: How Great Thou Art

O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder,

Consider all the works Thy hands have made,

I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,

Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Then sings my soul, my saviour God to Thee,

How great Thou art, how great Thou art,

Then sings my soul, my saviour God to Thee,

How great Thou art, how great Thou art.

 

When through the woods and bushclad hills I wander,

And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,

When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur

And hear the creek and feel the gentle breeze:

 

And when I think that God, his son not sparing,

Sent him to die, I scarce can take it in,

That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,

He bled and died to take away my sin;

 

 

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,

And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart,

Then I shall bow in humble adoration,

And there proclaim, my God, how great thou art.                              C/A

 

READING: Isaiah 55:1-9                                Allison Blackler

 

MESSAGE

 

HYMN: In this familiar place

In this familiar place I know the mystery of your grace.

For the love that I receive, for the truth that I believe,
I praise and thank you for this here and now.

 

In halting song and word the music of your voice is heard.

For the love that I receive, for the truth that I believe,
I praise and thank you for this here and now.

 

Among these friends of mine I taste the company divine.

For the love that I receive, for the truth that I believe,
I praise and thank you for this here and now.

 

Within this narrow sphere I learn that you are everywhere.

For the love that I receive, for the truth that I believe,
I praise and thank you for this here and now.            ©Colin Gibson (AA)

 

 

 

BENEDICTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTICES

A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea following the service. Many thanks to Rev Alan Webster for leading our worship today.

 

LENTEN STUDIES with Mele continue on Wednesdays 2, 9 & 16 March at 10am in the Church.

 

FUNDRAISER: Daffodil Bulbs Fireside are selling bulbs now.

20 beautiful bulbs – 8 or 9 varieties – $10.  If 20 are too many for you, share with a friend. Have flowers inside during the Winter or outside in Spring.

Wonderful presents (for Easter instead of chocolate?). Introduce children to gardening. Strictly payment with the order please. See Barbara 379 1474  or Margaret 366 8936.

 

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 2^nd March: Meet 9.30am on Warren Cres, near the corner of Charles Upham Drive where there is an entrance across the river to Curletts Reserve. We will walk round the reserve and part of the show grounds before returning to the cars and driving to have coffee at “Café ine” in the Hillmorton shops (park in Coppell Place which is off Hoon Hay Rd a little towards the hills from Halswell Rd). All Welcome. Alan & Barbara McKinnon.

 

CRAFTY CRAFTERS: Thursdays 10am-12 noon in the Lounge. $3.

 

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER:  This year St Martin’s Presbyterian  will be leading the service: 10am THIS Friday 4^th  March at St Anne’s Anglican Church, Wilsons Rd. We encourage you all to attend. The service has been written by the women of Cuba.  A plate for morning tea following the service would be appreciated. Allison 332 0554.

 

PLEASE NOTE: The Parish Office will be closed on 2, 3 & 4 March. Anna is in Dunedin with son Alexander who is having surgery for scoliosis.

PARISH OFFICE: Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon, Fridays 9-11am Ph 332 6192. Email:stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website:www.stmartins.org.nz. Please make sure Anna has any notices by 9am Thursday.

 

ALPINE PRESBYTERY newsletter is on the noticeboard in the Lounge.

 

 

 

 

CWS FIJI APPEAL:

Dear St Martin’s Presbyterian Parish

By now you will have seen the devastating pictures from Fiji after Cyclone Winston. Most of the country has been affected by this storm – the likes of which the people of Fiji have never seen before. Wind gusts of up to 325 kilometres an hour have smashed homes and livelihoods. Trees have been ripped from the ground and crops destroyed.  Nearly 14,000 people found shelter in evacuation shelters.

It is a major catastrophe for our neighbours and they need to recover quickly.

The people of Fiji are working hard to clear debris, build temporary shelter and salvage what they can.

CWS has now heard from partners who had lost power and communications. The Social Empowerment and Education Programme (SEEP) is planning their response. Their immediate focus is on isolated communities in the hilly interior of Viti Levu. They will assist with food, shelter and psychosocial programmes for children. The Peoples Community Network working in the informal settlements is working out what needs to be done. Both groups are coordinating with local government, other community groups and churches.

Please remember the people of Fiji in your prayers that they might find the strength and resources they need to recover.

The devastation is great and together we can make sure many more Fijians get the help they need. Please give generously.

 

Thank you. Pauline McKay CWS National Director