WELCOME AND NOTICES

GATHERING:
We gather this morning to meet each other with conversation and friendship, and within the mystery of worship.
We gather to dream our dreams for the future,
hoping that God will turn dreams into vision,
all within the mystery of prayer.
We gather this morning to remember the needs and opportunities of our communities and world,
within the mystery of being one humanity.

HYMN: God is Here (Tune: Austria WOV 577)
God is here! As we his people
meet to offer praise and prayer,
may we find in fuller measure
what it is in Christ we share:
Here, as in the world around us,
all our varied skills and arts
wait the coming of His Spirit
into open minds and hearts

Here are symbols to remind us
of our lifelong need of grace;
here are table, font and pulpit,
here the cross has central place.
Here in honesty of preaching,
here in silence, as in speech,
here in newness and renewal
God the Spirit comes to each.

Here our children find a welcome
in the Shepherd’s flock and fold;
here as bread and wine are taken,
Christ sustains us as of old.
Here the servants of the Servant
seek in worship to explore
what it means in daily living
to believe and to adore.

Lord of all, of Church and Kingdom,
in an age of change and doubt,
keep us faithful to the gospel,
help us work your purpose out.
Here, in this day’s dedication,
all we have to give, receive;
we who cannot live without you,
we adore you! We believe. © Hope Publishing (VU)

OPENING PRAYERS & THE LORD’S PRAYER

RUN THROUGH OF HYMN
The Lord is my Shepherd and I want to follow
wherever he leads me, wherever he goes.
Over the mountains, the waters and by ways,
valleys and highways he’s waiting for me.
I want to go to meet him there,
to lay myself down in his love.
The Lord is my Shepherd and I want to follow,
wherever he leads me, wherever he goes.

And while on the journey to where we are going
he promised to be there to help us along and
over the mountains we’ll walk on together
to know all the wonders he’s given to me.
I want to go to meet him there,
to lay myself down in his love
The Lord is my Shepherd and I want to follow,
wherever he leads me, wherever he goes. © Brian Boniwell (TLD) LORD DELIGHTS
TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Gillian Cree

A MOTHERS’ DAY PRAYER

CHILDREN’S SONG: The Church is Wherever God’s People
The Church is wherever God’s people are praising,
singing God’s goodness for joy on this day.
The Church is wherever disciples of Jesus
remember his story and walk in his way.

The Church is wherever God’s people are helping,
caring for neighbours in sickness and need.
The Church is wherever God’s people are sharing
the words of the Bible in gift and in deed.
©W. Jenkins (adapted by permission of John Knox Press (VU))

READINGS: Acts 2: 42-47 Life Among the Believers Judith Mackay

HYMN: The Lord is My Shepherd and I Want to Follow

John 10: 1-10 Jesus the Good Shepherd Bob Kayes

SERMON

THE OFFERING
God our creator, your welcome to us is warm and your provision generous; your goodness and mercy overflow. We bring these gifts today: money we have earned or saved, food we have prepared
or chosen. Use them so that your abundant life is shared
with those who need it most, in Jesus’ name. Amen

HYMN: Who Is My Mother
Who is my mother, who is my brother?
All those gathered round Jesus Christ:
Spirit blown people born from the Gospel
sit at the table, round Jesus Christ.

Differently abled, differently labelled,
widen the circle round Jesus Christ:
crutches and stigmas, culture’s enigmas,
all come together round Jesus Christ.

Love will relate us — colour or status
can’t segregate us round Jesus Christ:
family failings, human derailings
all accepted round Jesus Christ.

Bound by one vision, met for one mission
we claim each other round Jesus Christ:
here is my mother, here is my brother,
kindred in Spirit, through Jesus Christ. © Shirley Murray (AA)

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

HYMN: Filled With the Spirit’s Power (Tune: Woodlands WOV 328)
Filled with the Spirit’s power, with one accord
the infant church confessed its risen Lord.
O Holy Spirit, in the church today
no less your power of fellowship display.

Now with the mind of Christ set us on fire,
that unity may be our great desire.
Give joy and peace, give faith to hear your call,
and readiness in each to work for all.

Widen our love, good Spirit, to embrace
with your compassion all the human race.
Like wind and fire with life among us move,
till we are known as Christ’s, and Christian prove.
© Hope Publishing (WOV & VU)

THE BLESSING

NOTICES
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Please stay for morning tea after the service.

Chris is looking for a person to play the parts of the younger Saul and an older Paul in next week’s reading. Please see her TODAY if you can help.

ADVANCE NOTICE: The Induction & Ordination of the three new Elders will be held on Sunday 25th May.

COPY IS NOW REQUIRED FOR THE NEXT “MESSENGER”. Please send all contributions to Anneke at 5 Simeon Quay Lyttelton or email: anneke.howie@gmail.com. Deadline is next Sunday, 18th May.

APW meets this Wednesday 14th May 9.45am at St James’ Presbyterian Church, Barrington Street. The speaker is Julie Collins from the Open Home Foundation, and we invite you to bring small gifts to go into the welcome packs for the children (see your April newsletter for details). There will be a Sales Table. Allison 332 0554.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 14th May: Meet 9.30am at the corner of Centaurus Road & Palatine Tce. Others are welcome to join us at 10.30 for coffee at “Kaizuka”. Margaret 366 8936.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS: Thursdays 10am – 12 noon in the lounge at Beckenham Methodist. $3. New faces always welcome. Beverley 332 7786.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Monday 9th June 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist.

THE PARISH OFFICE HOURS are Wednesday & Thursday 9am-12noon & Friday 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz, or pop in to 7 Wilsons Rd.
NB: Anna will be in the Office after 10.30am this Friday (16th May).

KEEP AN EYE ON THE WEBSITE: www.stmartins.org.nz
THIS WEEK’S HUB REPORT is displayed in the wall in the Lounge.
GARAGE SALE St Mark’s Church Opawa Rd Sat 17th May 9am-12pm

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Fri 16th Kim.

Activities for the week 11th – 18th May 2014

St James’ Presbyterian Church
Wed 14 May 9.45am A.P.W. meet at St James.
Thurs 15 May 7.30pm Women’s Journeying meet at Shona & Ken’s 66 Frankleigh Street

SUNDAY 25 MAY at 10am at St Andrews at Rangi Ruru:
Invitation to members of St James to celebrate Tom Campbell’s ministry. Invitation is to attend the service and a catered lunch, or lunch only, or service only. There is a sheet in the foyer to reply to this invitation. Numbers required by Sunday 18 May.

4th – 5th October
50th Reunion for residents of Fergusson Hall, Palmerston North.
See notice board for more details.

St Martin’s Presbyterian Church
NB: all events at Beckenham Methodist, Malcolm Ave, unless otherwise specified.
Sun 11 May 9am Morning Worship
Tue 13 May 7.30pm Indoor Bowls at Salvation Army. Southampton St. Bruce 332 7786.
Wed 14 May 9.30am Walking Group. Contact June 332 8874 for this week’s destination.
Thu 15 May 10am-12noon Crafty Crafters. $3. New faces always welcome. Beverley 332 7786.
Sun 18 May 9am Morning Worship

Hoon Hay Presbyterian Church
Mondays: 9.30 am & 10.40am Tai Chi in lounge. Brian 338 6228
6.30pm Christchurch South Parents Centre. Vivien 337 2825
7.30 pm Spreydon Indoor Bowls in hall. Pat 353 0265
Tuesdays: 10.00 am mainly music @ Hoon Hay. Eleanor 960 4824
Wednesdays: 8.00 – 11.00am Vege Co-op in halls. Shilo 338 3943
10.00 am Craft Group. Linda 322 4437
1.00 pm West Spreydon Ladies Indoor Bowls. Sheila 960 4412
7.00 pm Scottish Country Dancing. David 322 7954
Thursdays: 9.30 am & 10.40am Tai Chi in lounge. Brian 338 6228
6.30pm Christchurch South Parents Centre. Vivien 337 2825
7.30 pm Spreydon Indoor Bowls. Pat 353 0265
Fridays: 7.00 pm LIFT – Youth program. Matt 027 389 0000
Saturdays: 9.00am – 12.00pm Ballet Group. Suzie 338 1017
1.30 pm Hoon Hay Indoor Bowls. Brian 338 4488

Cashmere Hills Presbyterian Church
Mon 12th May 9.15am Pre-School Music – contact Jane 9652425
Wed 14th May 10.00am Forum – discuss last Sunday’s Readings. All Welcome.
Thurs 15th May 10.30am – 12 noon Prayer Group at 20 Major Aiken Drive

Friday 23rd – Sunday 25th May
Crime, Punishment, and Restorative Justice Seminar.
With speakers Professor Chris Marshall, and Kim Workman.
See website for more details: www.cashmerechurch.org.nz/specialevents.html

WELCOME AND NOTICES

CALL TO WORSHIP:
Jesus of the Emmaus Road,
Come as we walk the lonely path, and be our companion.
Come when life mystifies and perplexes.
Come into our disappointments and unease.
Come at the table where we share bread and hope;
and in coming, open our eyes to recognise you with us.

HYMN: Come Walk This Lonely Road (Tune: Winscott)
Come walk this lonely road with me,
dust on your feet, with weary eyes;
come share the stones as we trudge along,
we have to leave, the dream has died.

Come talk with me of things unseen,
visions of old, and kingdoms new;
hear what I’ve done and where I’ve been;
how can it all be so untrue?

Come break the bread with me tonight.
The road is long and night is near.
Stranger, come in, our tables bless;
We’ll eat and laugh and shed a tear.

O Lord, how slow I am to see.
How dull my ears that could not hear.
You’ve walked my road and wept with me,
you’ve come and gone, and now you’re near!

Burn in my heart, thou living fire.
Kindle your kingdom spark in me.
Teach me to watch as I walk along
your face in every face to see! © D. Norris (source unknown)

OPENING PRAYERS & THE LORD’S PRAYER

STORY-TIME

INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS

READINGS: Acts 2:14a, 36-41 Aubrey McLeod
At Emmaus (The story of Luke 24: 13-35) Marilyn Tait

HYMN: We Are an Easter People
We are an Easter people,
ours is an Easter faith,
the yeast is rising in our hearts,
our wine has vintage taste.
Christ is risen,
Christ is risen,
risen in our lives.

We are an Easter people,
ours is an Easter faith,
our tears are freed to flow and heal
our shattered hopes and hearts

We are an Easter people,
ours is an Easter faith,
our fears have died, we rise to dream,
to love, to dance, to live. © Bill Wallace (AA)

SERMON: Musings on the Journey to Emmaus

OFFERING
A presence in the midst of doubt.
A familiar action at a shared meal.
A familiar figure on a distant shore.
O risen Christ, you come to surprise us and delight us.
God of our journey, empower us to be a community of invitation, of welcome, and of hospitality. May we be a people of generosity of heart giving to ensure, that that your work in the world around us may both continue and flourish, in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

HYMN: Brother, Sister, Let Me Serve You
Brother, sister, let me serve you,
let me be as Christ to you,
pray that I may have the grace
to let you be my servant too.

We are pilgrims on a journey,
we are travellers on the road,
we are here to help each other
walk the mile and bear the load.

I will hold the Christ-light for you
in the night-time of your fear,
I will hold my hand out to you,
speak the peace you long to hear.

I will weep when you are weeping,
when you laugh, I’ll laugh with you,
I will share your joy and sorrow
till we’ve seen this journey through.

When we sing to God in heaven,
we shall find such harmony,
born of all we’ve known together
of Christ’s love, and agony.

Brother, sister, let me serve you,
let me be as Christ to you,
pray that I may have the grace
to let you be my servant too. © Scripture in Song

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

HYMN: These Hills Where the Hawk Flies Lonely
These hills where the hawk flies lonely,
beaches where the long surf rolls,
mountains where the snows meet heaven,
these are our care.
Pastures where the sheep graze calmly,
orchards where the apples grow,
gardens where the roses cluster,
these are our prayer.
Forests where the tree ferns tower,
rivers running strong and clear,
oceans where the great whales wander,
these are our care.
Race meeting race as equals,
justice for age-old wrong,
worth for every man and woman,
these are our prayer.

Cities where the young roam restless,
lives brought to deep despair,
homeless and powerless people,
these are our care.
Places where the Word is spoken,
hands held in serving love,
faiths of our many cultures,
these are our prayer.

All that the old world gave us,
all that the new world brings,
language, ideas and customs,
these are our care.
Life finding joy and value,
faith seeking truth and light,
God heard and seen in all things,
this be our prayer. © Hope Publishing (SFRP)

THE BLESSING

NOTICES
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Please stay for morning tea and the Congregational meeting after the service.

ADVANCE NOTICE: The Induction & Ordination of the three new Elders will be held on Sunday 25th May.

COPY IS NOW REQUIRED FOR THE NEXT “MESSENGER”. Please send all contributions to Anneke at 5 Simeon Quay Lyttelton or email: anneke.howie@gmail.com. Deadline is 18th May.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 7th May: Meet 9.30am at the Beckenham Service Centre, Colombo St for a stroll around Beckenham through the autumn leaves. Coffee at Red Café. Judith 332 1577.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS: Thursdays 10am – 12 noon in the lounge at Beckenham Methodist. $3. New faces always welcome. Beverley 332 7786.

MEN’S GROUP: Thursday 8th May at Merchiston. Commences with a shared finger food tea at 6pm, followed by a speaker “Adventures on the High Seas”. All Welcome. Tony 332 0554.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Monday 9th June 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist.

THE PARISH OFFICE HOURS are Wednesday & Thursday 9am-12noon & Friday 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz, or pop in to 7 Wilsons Rd.

FIX-IT JOBS: If you need help with any small jobs around the home or garden, please contact the Office.

KEEP AN EYE ON THE WEBSITE: www.stmartins.org.nz
THIS WEEK’S HUB REPORT is displayed in the wall in the Lounge.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Wed 7th Lucy; Sat 10th Jill.

WELCOME AND NOTICES

CALL TO WORSHIP
Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed!
We, too, would take our place in the long line
of those who have celebrated the resurrection
through the centuries, and, who by their living,
have embodied its reality.
It is in the lives of those who have experienced
the power of the resurrected Christ,
setting them free to love and serve in his name,
that resurrection is made real in each new generation.
Let us live out the resurrection power!

HYMN: Christ is Alive
Christ is alive, and the universe must celebrate,
and the stars and the suns shout in this Eastertide!
Christ is alive, and his family must celebrate
in a great alleluia,
a great alleluia
to praise the power that made the stone roll away.

Here is our hope: in the mystery of suffering
is the heartbeat of Love, Love that will not let go,
here is our hope, that in God we are not separate,
and we sing alleluia,
we sing alleluia
to praise the power that made the stone roll away.

Christ Spirit, dance through the dullness of humanity
to the music of God, God who has set us free!
You are the pulse of the new creation’s energy;
with a great alleluia,
a great alleluia
we praise the power that made the stone roll away.
© Shirley Murray (AA)

OPENING PRAYERS & THE LORD’S PRAYER – SUNG
TIME WITH THE CHILDREN

INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS

READINGS: Psalm 16 Catherine Fitchett
John 20: 19-31 Deborah Fitchett

HYMN: You Tell Me That the Lord Is Risen (Tune: Ellacombe)
You tell me that the Lord Is risen,
that you have seen his face.
Then tell me why you crouch in fear
and hide within this place.
You say that he spoke words of peace
and stood just as before.
But ‘til I touch his very flesh
I will not trust your joy.

You claim a resurrection here,
that God has broken death.
No easy words like these will soothe
the pain that tears my breath.
How well I do recall his face,
compassion, strength in fear.
How deep my grief that he should die.
Spare me your words of cheer.

“Now peace be with you. Come, my friend,
my wounded body see.
Let the rich courage of your doubt
bring you to fresh belief.
Fear not to wonder at the Word,
to search the depths of grace.
Reach out and touch, here is my hand.
Receive the gift of faith.”

“How blest are they, how fortunate
who know without the sight.
But Thomas, you are favoured too,
for searching yields its light.”
So may each pilgrim in the Way,
each road to Christ be blest,
‘til lips declare, “My Lord and God!”,
Christ’s body one at last. (Rob Johns, © Sheila Johns)
SERMON: The Gift of Thomas – Living between faith and doubt.

THE OFFERING:
God, we bring you our hope this Easter season,
that compassion will be encouraged, doubts faced,
people encouraged and supported, and the transforming work of Jesus continued. We ask that you will bless these hope-filled gifts of money and food, and deepen the spirit of our giving, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

HYMN: Jesus Christ is Alive and Lives in Me (Tune: Margaret 206)
Jesus Christ is alive and lives in me
as I touch the Christ within;
as I open my life to the pow’r of God’s love
I obey the risen Christ.
God’s love is the life within me. The hope that empowers today.

Jesus Christ is alive and lives in me
as I care for God’s good earth;
for the love of the soil and the life it sustains
draws me close to God in Christ.
God’s love is the life within me. The hope that empowers today.

Jesus Christ is alive and lives in me
as I fight oppression’s power;
as I work with the poor in the strength of God’s love
I exalt the risen Christ.
God’s love is the life within me. The hope that empowers today.

Jesus Christ is alive and lives in me
as I seek God’s living Word;
for the Scriptures of old and events of today
all reveal the Risen Word.
God’s love is the life within me. The hope that empowers today.

Jesus Christ is alive and lives in me
as I worship God with joy;
in the breaking of bread and the song of God’s love
I am one with the Christ the Life.
God’s love is the life within me. The hope that empowers today.
© Bill Wallace (STC)
WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

HYMN: Christ Has Risen (Tune Blaenwern WOV165ii)
Christ has risen while earth slumbered,
Christ has risen where hope died,
as he said and as he promised,
as we doubted and denied.
Let the moon embrace the blessing;
let the sun sustain the cheer;
let the world confirm the rumour,
Christ is risen, God is here!

Christ has risen for the people
whom he loved and died to save;
Christ has risen for the women
bringing flowers to grace his grave.
Christ has risen for disciples
huddled in an upstairs room.
He whose word inspired creation
is not silenced by the tomb.

Christ has risen, and for ever
lives to challenge, and to change
all whose lives are messed or mangled,
all who find religion strange.
Christ is risen. Christ is present,
making us what he has been –
evidence of transformation
in which God is known and seen.
© WGRG, The Iona Community (CH4)

THE BLESSING

NOTICES
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Please stay for morning tea after the service.

A CONGREGATIONAL MEETING has been called for Sunday 4th May following Morning Worship. A further update about the buildings and costings will be distributed prior to the meeting.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session TOMORROW 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 30th April Autumn in the Gardens: Meet 9.30am by the bridge (to the old kiosk) at the carpark entrance from Armagh St for a walk around part of North Hagley Park. Coffee venue TBC. June 332 8874.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS: Thursdays 10am – 12 noon in the lounge at Beckenham Methodist. $3. New faces always welcome. Beverley 332 7786.

MEN’S GROUP: Thursday 8th May at Merchiston. Commences with a shared finger food tea at 6pm, followed by a speaker “Adventures on the High Seas”. All Welcome. Tony 332 0554.

Sue has the Court Theatre tickets and will hand them out on Sundays 4 & 11 May. If you will not be at either of those services, please phone Sue 960 7657 after 4th May and make arrangements to pick them up.

THE PARISH OFFICE HOURS are Wednesday & Thursday 9am-12noon & Friday 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz, or pop in to 7 Wilsons Rd.

NEW READERS’ ROSTER out today – please check to see if there’s a copy for you.

KEEP AN EYE ON THE WEBSITE: www.stmartins.org.nz
THERE IS NO HUB REPORT THIS WEEK.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Mon 28th Joan; Thu 1st Margaret.

He is Risen ~ by Joy Cowley (from the back)

HYMN: Thine Be the Glory
Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son,
endless is the victory thou o’er death hast won;
angels in bright raiment rolled the stone away,
kept the folded grave-clothes where thy body lay.
Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son,
endless is the victory thou o’er death hast won.

Lo! Jesus meets us, risen from the tomb;
lovingly he greets us, scatters fear and gloom;
let the Church with gladness hymns of triumph sing,
for the Lord now liveth; death hath lost its sting.

No more we doubt thee, glorious Prince of life;
life is naught without thee: aid us in our strife;
make us more than conquerors, through thy deathless love:
bring us safe through Jordan to thy home above. C/A

OPENING PRAYER

WELCOME AND NOTICES

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN

INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS

READINGS: Jeremiah 31:1-6 John McKean
John 20:1-18 Jeannette Beaumont

HYMN: In the Morning Mary Came (Tune: Dix WOV 239)
In the morning Mary came
to the tomb where Jesus lay.
In amazement there she saw
that the stone was rolled away.
Alleluia! Death has died.
Christ arisen! Christ alive!

Mary failed to recognize
Jesus when she saw him then,
‘till he called her by her name
and she knew he lived again.
Alleluia! Death has died.
Christ arisen! Christ alive!

John and Peter straightaway
ran to see the empty tomb.
There they saw the grave clothes lie
and the sun dispel the gloom.
Resurrection! Death has died
Christ arisen! Christ alive!

Thomas yet did not believe
‘til he saw the Lord’s own wounds.
Then his faith he did proclaim
there inside the upper room.
Resurrection! Death has died
Christ arisen! Christ alive!

We, too, meet the risen Christ
as we live in love each day.
So to God we give all praise –
every day is Easter Day!
Alleluia! Death has died.
Christ arisen! Christ alive! (© unknown)

REFLECTION: Empty tomb, empty talk

AN AFFIRMATION
We believe in an Easter God
who creates and re-creates,
who gives abundant life, and is with us
through all that life may bring.
We believe in Christ of the Resurrection
who appeared to his disciples
and became present in a new way
to those who follow him.
We believe in the Spirit foretold by Jesus
who came with power and wonders,
who gives strength and courage
and empowers us to serve in his name. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER
To the words, God hear us, please respond, God hear our prayer

THE OFFERING:
God with the dawning of this new day,
may we awake to new opportunities to love and serve you
and witness to the Christ who lives.
Use us, and our gifts, to your glory….

INVITATION TO COMMUNION & THE PEACE

HYMN: We Are Called to Tell the Story (Regent Square, WOV 84) We are called to tell the story,
passing words of life along,
then to blend our voice with others
as we sing the sacred song.
Christ be known in all our singing,
filling all with songs of love.

We are called to teach the rhythm
of the dance that never ends,
then to move within the circle,
hand in hand with strangers, friends
Christ be known in all our dancing,
touching all with hands of love.

We are called to set the table,
blessing bread as Jesus blessed,
then to come with thirst and hunger,
needing care like all the rest,
Christ be known in all our sharing,
feeding all with signs of love.

May the One whose love is broader
than the measure of all space
give us words to sing the story,
move among us in this place.
Christ be known in all our living,
filling all with gifts of love. © GIA Publications (DITU)

A PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING:
It was a faint hope just three days ago.
Caught up in betrayal, condemnation and suffering we could hardly believe that today we would stand by your table celebrating new life.

It was a dark tomb they laid you in, and the stone was heavy,
yet today the rock has rolled and you live with us again.

Today we are a community planted in resurrection promise…..

COMMUNION: Please form a large circle around the church.

PRAYER FOLLOWING COMMUNION:
God, by your grace you have fed us.
By your love you have nurtured us.
By your Word you have taught us,
and by your Spirit you have empowered us.
Lead us now from here, to be your faithful people
for the sake of the risen Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.

HYMN: Christ is Alive
Christ is alive, and the universe must celebrate,
and the stars and the suns shout on this Easter Day!
Christ is alive, and his family must celebrate
in a great alleluia,
a great alleluia
to praise the power that made the stone roll away.

Here is our hope: in the mystery of suffering
is the heartbeat of Love, Love that will not let go,
here is our hope, that in God we are not separate,
and we sing alleluia,
we sing alleluia
to praise the power that made the stone roll away.

Christ Spirit, dance through the dullness of humanity
to the music of God, God who has set us free!
You are the pulse of the new creation’s energy;
with a great alleluia,
a great alleluia
we praise the power that made the stone roll away.
© Shirley Murray (AA)

THE BLESSING

NOTICES
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Please stay for morning tea after the service.

A CONGREGATIONAL MEETING has been called for Sunday 4th May following Morning Worship. A further update about the buildings and costings will be distributed prior to the meeting.

FIRESIDE will not be meeting on 22nd April. The next meeting is 27th May.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 23rd April: Meet 9.30am on corner of Rose & Lyttelton Streets. Coffee at 10.30 WET OR FINE at Apt 209 Cashmere View (new building on Rose St). We will be guests of Peggy & Ken Cree, and a koha towards church funds would be appreciated. June 332 8874.

CARING & SHARING Wednesday 23rd April 2pm in the lounge at Beckenham Methodist. We will be celebrating St George’s Day with the Pearly King & Queen. All are welcome. Irene 332 7306.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS: Thursdays 10am – 12 noon in the lounge at Beckenham Methodist. $3. New faces always welcome. Beverley 332 7786.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Monday 28th April 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist.

WALTHAM COTTAGE – If you want to make a donation, brochures are available in the Church foyer. Have you made a response to Waltham Cottage’s projects? Phone Adrienne 942 2173 if you can help.

THE PARISH OFFICE HOURS are Wednesday & Thursday 9am-12noon & Friday 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz, or pop in to 7 Wilsons Rd.
As the Office will be closed on Friday (Anzac Day) please ensure Anna has all notices by 9am Wednesday at the very latest.
If you require assistance with small fix-it jobs around the home, please contact the Office.

NEW READERS’ ROSTER will be available next Sunday. If you are planning to be away in May & June, please let Anna know immediately!!

KEEP AN EYE ON THE WEBSITE: www.stmartins.org.nz
HUB NEWS: This week’s Hub Report is on the wall in the Lounge.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Mon 21st David; Saturday 26th Rob.

HOLY MONDAY MUSIC FOR REFLECTION

CLOSING THOUGHT

HYMN: O God, You Search Me and You Know Me
O God, you search me and you know me.
All my thoughts lie open to your gaze.
When I walk or lie down you are before me:
ever the maker and keeper of my days.

You know my resting and my rising.
You discern my purpose from afar,
and with love everlasting you besiege me:
in every moment of life, or death, you are.

Before a word is on my tongue , Lord,
you have known its meaning through and through.
You are with me beyond my understanding:
God of my present, my past and future too.

Although your Spirit is upon me,
still I search for shelter from your light.
There is nowhere on earth I can escape you:
even the darkness is radiant in your sight.

For you created me and shaped me,
gave me life within my mother’s womb.
For the wonder of who I am, I praise you:
safe in your hands, all creation is made new.
© Bernadette Farrell (CH4)

ST. MARTINS HOLY WEEK MEDITATIONS
Monday 14 April 2014

Theme: Cleansing the Temple

MUSIC FOR QUIET REFLECTION

GATHERING
As Jesus stands above Jerusalem, the fickle crowds are waiting in the streets below; politics have chosen religion as a weapon; Rome’s might is holding its breath and soldiers are sharpening their swords; Pharisees and Sadducees are on the lookout for young upstarts;
the disciples will daily switch between longing hope
and fearful apprehension.
This is the week of danger.
Will we journey with him?
Will we watch with him?

OPENING PRAYER

SONG: Be Still My Heart My Mind My Busy World x2
Be still my heart my mind my busy world,
that I may hear God’s word.
Be still my heart my mind my busy world,
that I may hear God’s word. © John Murray (FFS)

READING: Isaiah 11:1-9 The Peaceful Kingdom
A shoot shall come out from the stock of Jesse,
and a branch shall grow out of his roots.
The spirit of the LORD shall rest on him,
the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the spirit of counsel and might,
the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.
His delight shall be in the fear of the LORD.
He shall not judge by what his eyes see,
or decide by what his ears hear;
but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,
and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;
he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,
and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.
Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist,
and faithfulness the belt around his loins.

The wolf shall live with the lamb,
the leopard shall lie down with the kid,
the calf and the lion and the fatling together,
and a little child shall lead them.
The cow and the bear shall graze,
their young shall lie down together;
and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp,
and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den.
They will not hurt or destroy
on all my holy mountain;
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD
as the waters cover the sea.

TIME FOR SILENT REFLECTION

READING: Matthew 21:12-17 Jesus Cleanses the Temple
Then Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who were selling and buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold doves. He said to them, ‘It is written,
“My house shall be called a house of prayer”;
but you are making it a den of robbers.’
The blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he cured them. But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the amazing things that he did, and heard the children crying out in the temple, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David’, they became angry and said to him,
‘Do you hear what these are saying?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Yes; have you never read,
“Out of the mouths of infants and nursing babies
you have prepared praise for yourself”?’
He left them, went out of the city to Bethany,
and spent the night there.

A House of Prayer for all Nations

PRAYER REFLECTION (David Grant – Grant Us Your Peace)
Lord God,
unless you take a lead with us, our lives will always be the same; our view of self and world will never change; and some of us want that.
But some of us are in brokenness; we wear bruises,
carry heavy hurt, shamed by events beyond or ability to influence, or shamed by events we influenced too much. We seek a refuge, a safe place to tell the truth of our lives, truth which, when heard, will meet graciousness and not scorn. Meet trustful, kindly gentleness and not contempt.
Lord God,
rescue us to be truth tellers and truth hearers;
for unless you take a lead with us, our lives will always be the same; bruised, heavy hurted, shamed.
And rescue us from gossipy truth-pryers, or truth pryers who possess instant answers, or truth-pryers too keenly aware of appropriate correction; for unless you take a lead with them, their lives will always be the same.
For it is you, Lord, who are our hope,
and it is in you we trust –
trust learnt from our years of trading in truth with you.
So our praise is in our hearts, on our lips,
in our community, because we tell truth to one who carefully listens, taking a lead with us,
so our lives will not be the same.
In the name of the One who is the truth. AMEN.

HOLY TUESDAY GATHERING
As Jesus stands above Jerusalem, the fickle crowds are waiting in the streets below; politics have chosen religion as a weapon; Rome’s might is holding its breath and soldiers are sharpening their swords; Pharisees and Sadducees are on the lookout for young upstarts;
the disciples will daily switch between longing hope
and fearful apprehension.
This is the week of danger.
Will we journey with him?
Will we watch with him?

OPENING PRAYER

SONG: Be Still My Heart My Mind My Busy World X2
Be still my heart my mind my busy world,
that I may hear God’s word.
Be still my heart my mind my busy world,
that I may hear God’s word. © John Murray (FFS)

O.T. READING: Isaiah 49: 1-7 ~ Israel a Light to the Nations
Listen to me, distant nations,
you people who live far away!
Before I was born, the Lord chose me
and appointed me to be his servant.
He made my words as sharp as a sword.
with his own hand he protected me.
He made me like an arrow, sharp and ready for use.
He said to me, “Israel, you are my servant;
because of you, people will praise me.”

I said, “I have worked, but how hopeless it is!
I have used up my strength,
but have accomplished nothing.”
Yet I can trust the Lord to defend my cause;
he will reward me for what I do.

Before I was born, the Lord appointed me;
he made me his servant to bring back his people,
to bring back the scattered people of Israel.
The Lord gives me honour; he is the source of my strength.

The Lord said to me, “I have a greater task for you,
my servant.
Not only will you restore to greatness the people of Israel
who have survived,
but I will also make you a light to the nations –
so that all the world may be saved.”

This will happen because the Lord has chosen his servant;
the holy God of Israel keeps his promises.

TIME FOR SILENT REFLECTION

N.T. READING: Matthew 21: 18-23
~ Jesus Curses the Fig Tree
In the morning, when Jesus returned to the city, he was hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the side of the road, he went to it and found nothing at all on it but leaves. Then he said to it, ‘May no fruit ever come from you again!’ And the fig tree withered at once. When the disciples saw it, they were amazed, saying, ‘How did the fig tree wither at once?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, “Be lifted up and thrown into the sea”, it will be done. Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.’
When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, ‘By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?’

[Note: At Passover season in late March or early April, fig trees are often in leaf on the eastern side of the Mount of Olives. At this time of year, such fig trees contain only green early figs (Arabs call them taqsh), which ripen around June but often drop off before that time, leaving only green leaves on the tree. A leafy tree lacking such early figs, however, would bear no figs at all that year.]

The Tree

PRAYER REFLECTION (adapted from Grant Us Your Peace)
Lord, our God, we have come into this place of worship, and opened our hearts in thanksgiving.
We praise you, we bless your name, the name that belongs to the One we seek.

God, may this place of worship become a microcosm of earth’s possibility; may this assembly become a mini-climate for a world’s fruitfulness; may this slice of time become a model for all time.
For today we celebrate that enduring, imperishable, steadfast love towards all people of every generation.

Today we dance in the pasture of your making, knowing we are your people
– not one left out,
– each included,
– every one counted as a belonger.
Today in this reflective space, we reach beyond ourselves, and today we will carry the blessing of the hour into the week to come, that our days may be transformed because we were here.

In the name of the one whose presence transforms.
AMEN.

MUSIC FOR REFLECTION

CLOSING THOUGHT

HYMN: O God, You Search Me and You Know Me
O God, you search me and you know me.
All my thoughts lie open to your gaze.
When I walk or lie down you are before me:
ever the maker and keeper of my days.

You know my resting and my rising.
You discern my purpose from afar,
and with love everlasting you besiege me:
in every moment of life, or death, you are.

Before a word is on my tongue, Lord,
you have known its meaning through and through.
You are with me beyond my understanding:
God of my present, my past and future too.

Although your Spirit is upon me,
still I search for shelter from your light.
There is nowhere on earth I can escape you:
even the darkness is radiant in your sight.

For you created me and shaped me,
gave me life within my mother’s womb.
For the wonder of who I am, I praise you:
safe in your hands, all creation is made new.
© Bernadette Farrell (CH4)

HOLY WEDNESDAY GATHERING
Let us gather this night to hear age old Scriptures; to hear a story that may defy reason, a story that asks questions of our hearts.
God, you have given us minds to use in serving you to the best of our ability. But, may your Spirit guide us to temper reason with love, to recognise loving acts in others, even if they appear a little unreasonable to our rational ways of thinking.

OPENING PRAYER

SONG: Be Still My Heart My Mind My Busy World X2
Be still my heart my mind my busy world,
that I may hear God’s word.
Be still my heart my mind my busy world,
that I may hear God’s word. © John Murray (FFS)

O.T. READING: Isaiah 42: 1- 9
~ God’s Servant Will Set Everything Right
Take a good look at my servant.
I’m backing him to the hilt.
He’s the one I chose,
and I couldn’t be more pleased with him.
I’ve bathed him with my Spirit, my life.
He’ll set everything right among the nations.
He won’t call attention to what he does
with loud speeches or gaudy parades.
He won’t brush aside the bruised and the hurt
and he won’t disregard the small and insignificant,
but he’ll steadily and firmly set things right.
He won’t tire out and quit. He won’t be stopped
until he’s finished his work – to set things right on earth. Far-flung ocean islands wait expectantly for his teaching.
God’s message, the God who created the cosmos, stretched out the skies, laid out the earth and all that grows from it, who breathes life into earth’s people,
makes them alive with his own life:
I am God. I have called you to live right and well.
I have taken responsibility for you, kept you safe.
I have set you among my people to bind them to me,
and provided you as a lighthouse to the nations,
to make a start at bringing people into the open, into light:
opening blind eyes, releasing prisoners from dungeons,
emptying the dark prisons.
I am God. That’s my name.
I don’t franchise my glory,
don’t endorse the no-god idols.
Take note: The earlier predictions of judgement
have been fulfilled.
I am announcing the new salvation work.
Before it bursts on the scene,
I’m telling you about it. (From, The Message)

TIME FOR SILENT REFLECTION

N.T. READING: Matthew 26: 6-13 ~ The Anointing at Bethany
Now while Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment, and she poured it on his head as he sat at the table. But when the disciples saw it, they were angry and said, ‘Why this waste? For this ointment could have been sold for a large sum, and the money given to the poor.’ But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, ‘Why do you trouble the woman? She has performed a good service for me. For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. By pouring this ointment on my body she has prepared me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.’

It Was on the Wednesday

PRAYER REFLECTION (David Grant – Grant us Your Peace

MUSIC FOR REFLECTION
CLOSING THOUGHT

HYMN: Teach Us, O Loving Heart of Christ (Tune: French WOV 21)
Teach us, O Loving heart of Christ,
what only love can say:
Father, forgive, and still forgive
the blindness of our way.

We have not healed our neighbour’s hurt
nor learned our neighbour’s tongue:
across the span of creed and race
your song is not yet sung.

We have not found your way of peace
when lack of peace is death:
we have not fed with word or bread
the hunger of the earth.

Christ in whose hands were thrust the nails
and yet for us could pray –
forgive the things we have not done,
the words we do not say. © Shirley Murray (AA)

Easter Services
7.00pm 17th April – Maundy Thursday (Combined)
10.00am 18th April – Good Friday (Combined)
7.30am 20th April – Easter Sunrise Service
Followed by Breakfast
9.00am 20th April – St Martins Easter Communion
10.30am 20th April – Beckenham Service