WELCOME AND NOTICES:
* Session report

GATHERING:
From the ear the seed, from the seed the shoot,
from the shoot the stem, from the stem the leaves,
from the leaves the flower, from the flower the seed.

God of every season, from seed time to harvest,
from us to you, we come to give our thanks and praise.

HYMN: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (Tune: WOV 28)
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation;
O my soul, praise him, for he is our health and salvation.
Come, all who hear:
brothers and sisters draw near,
joining in glad adoration.

Praise to the Lord, above all things so mightily reigning,
keeping us safe at his side, and so gently sustaining.
Have you not seen
how all you needed has been
met by God’s gracious ordaining?

Praise to the Lord, who will prosper our work and defend us;
surely his goodness and mercy will daily attend us;
ponder anew
what the Almighty can do,
who out of love will befriend us.

Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore him!
All that hath life and breath come now with praises before him!
Let the Amen
sound from God’s people again:
gladly with praise we adore him. C/A

OPENING PRAYER

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN

SONG: Pear and Apples, Wheat and Grapes (Tune: Monkland WOV 11ii)
Pear and apples, wheat and grapes
many textures, many shapes;
greening leaves and blossom drifts,
thank you, God, for all your gifts.

Flashing shoals of silver fish,
every colour you could wish;
fishing boats, for you and me
reap the harvest of the sea.

Earth and ocean, plant and beast,
altogether make the feast;
all who long to share your grace
at your table have their place.

Loving Lord, we know you care;
let the world your goodness share;
save us from our selfish greed,
finding you in those in need. © Paul Booth (Admin. CopyCare Ltd) (CH 4)

READINGS: Deuteronomy 26: 1-11 June Service
Luke 6: 1- 5 Bob Kayes

Our Staple Foods

HYMN: From Harvest Field and Factory (Tune: WOV 59)
From harvest field and factory
come products of the land,
the fruit of human labour,
the work of mind and hand;
but God provides the energy
by which these things take place.
Sing praise to God Creator,
the source of life and grace.
In the world around us
God’s loving care we trace;
then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord
for all his grace.

Yes, God is the creator
of all things near and far;
his power moves very atom
and reaches every star.
His love is for each person –
the living and the dead.
Sing praise to God provider,
who gives us daily bread.

But there are other countries,
less favoured than our own
where people die of hunger
or live as skin and bone.
Lord stir us into sharing
the sacrament of bread,
that through our acts of caring
the hungry may be fed. © Bill Wallace (STSA)

The Potato Story

THE OFFERING
We bring this offering to lay alongside our gifts of food –
given in thanksgiving and love.
Bless our gift of money, that it may be used wisely and well.
Bless these gifts of food, that they may not only give nourishment,
but also be a sign of our love for you and for others, in Jesus name. Amen.
WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN: Praise God for the Harvest (Tune: St Denio)
Praise God for the harvest of orchard and field,
praise God for the people who gather their yield,
the long hours of labour, the skills of a team,
the patience of science, the power of machine.

Praise God for the harvest that comes from afar,
from market and harbour, the sea and the shore:
foods packed and transported, and gathered and grown
by God-given neighbours, unseen and unknown.

Praise God for the harvest of science and skill,
the urge to discover, create and fulfil:
for dreams and inventions that promise to gain
a future more hopeful, a world more humane.

Praise God for the harvest of mercy and love
from leaders and peoples who struggle and serve
for patience and kindness, that all may be led
to freedom and justice, and all may be fed. © Hope Publishing (CH 4)

THE BLESSING
HOLY WEEK & EASTER SERVICES 2015
Sunday 29th March 10am Combined Palm Sunday Service

Monday 30th March 7pm Holy Week Meditation

Tuesday 31st March 7pm Holy Week Meditation

Wednesday 1st April 7pm Holy Week Meditation

Thursday 2nd April 7.30pm Combined Maundy Thursday Service

Friday 3rd April 10am Combined Good Friday Service

Sunday 5th April 7.30am Easter Sunrise Service followed by breakfast
9am Easter Day Communion

NOTICES:
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea following the service.

THE SESSION calls a Congregational Meeting for Sunday 19th April after Morning Worship to receive the nominations of Barry Moore and Hilary Moore for election as Elders.
The second business of the meeting is in regard to the election of four members to the Ministry Settlement Board.
Bruce Hudson, Session Clerk.

PALM SUNDAY STREET PARADE: Those taking part in the parade should gather in the back carpark at 9.45am. The service itself is at 10am.

FIRESIDE Tuesday 24th March at 7.30pm. Lyn has invited us to meet at her home at 43 Prossers Rd. Those who would like to prove that they had impeccable taste in their youth are asked to bring clothing, dressmaking patterns, photos etc. Women of the congregation are welcome to join us. Margaret 366 8936.

Chris requires one reader for Mon 30th & Tue 31st and two readers for Wed 1st Holy Week meditations 7pm. Please speak to her TODAY if you can help.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 25th March: Meet 9.30am. Check with Sonya 339 7038 for details.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS: Thursdays 10am – 12 noon in the Lounge. $3 per session. New faces are always welcome ?. Beverley 332 7786.

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am-12noon; Fri 9-11am. Pop in and visit at 7 Wilsons Rd. Phone 332 6192. Email: stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website: www.stmartins.org.nz. Notices to Anna by 9am Thursday please.

The Moderator of our Church has launched an appeal for the people of Vanuatu which has been devastated by Cyclone Pam.
The Session agreed to a special offering for the appeal named Pacific Vision Vanuatu Appeal. This offering will be on Sunday 29th March.
Please put your donation in an envelope with Vanuatu Appeal on the outside. Our support will enable our Pacific neighbour and partner church to help their communities in their recovery from this cataclysmic event.

PALM SUNDAY DEVOTION: The Risingholme Singers are presenting Part 2 of Handel’s Messiah on Sunday 29th March in St Andrew’s at Rangi Ruru, 2.30 pm. Brilliant soloists, string accompaniment, and a choir gaining in confidence! Tickets $15 from John Shanks or at the door.

FOOT CLINIC: Next Session Monday 4th May 1-4pm. Lyndsey 388 1264.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 22nd Audrey H (90); Mon 23rd Eian; Tue 24th Maurice, Karlene; Wed 25th Georgia, Oliver; Thu 26th Liam.

WELCOME AND NOTICES

CALL TO WORSHIP:
In this season of Lent we remember Jesus’ final journey to Jerusalem.
We follow him. We follow the stories of Mark and John.
We remember our call to listen, to reflect, to pray and to grow.
We follow with open hearts and minds.
We remember the newness of life Jesus came to bring.
We follow, committing to live in the Way of Jesus.

HYMN: Fill Your Hearts with Joy and Gladness
Fill your hearts with joy and gladness,
sing and praise your God and mine!
Great the Lord in love and wisdom,
might and majesty divine!
He who framed the starry heavens
knows and names them as they shine.

Praise the Lord, his people, praise him!
wounded souls his comfort know;
those who fear him find his mercies,
peace for pain and joy for woe;
humble hearts are high exalted,
human pride and power laid low.

Praise the Lord for times and season,
cloud and sunshine, wind and rain;
spring to melt the snows of winter
till the waters flow again;
grass upon the mountain pastures,
golden valleys thick with grain.

Fill your hearts with joy and gladness,
peace and plenty crown your days;
love his laws, declare his judgements,
walk in all his words and ways;
he the Lord and we his children –
praise the Lord, all people, praise! © Hope Publishing (HFTC)

OPENING PRAYER & SUNG LORD’S PRAYER

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Wayne Barton

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

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

He came singing peace and he lived singing peace;
he died, singing peace. He arose in silence.
For the peace to go on we must make it our song:
you and I be the singers. © Colin Gibson (AA)

INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS

READINGS: Psalm 107: 1-3, 17-22 Elizabeth Penwell
John 3: 14-21 Judith Mackay

SERMON: Jesus and God and the World

A TIME OF QUIET

OFFERING
For the gospel of new life and transformation,
for the company of supportive family and friends,
for satisfaction of work well done,
for love which has its source in you,
and for every good gift of the earth, we give thanks, O God.
Accept these offerings, as a sign of our gratitude,
and of our commitment to serve you in your world. AMEN.

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)

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

HYMN: Autumn Comes in all its Fullness (Tune: Hyfrydol 148ii)
Autumn comes in all its fullness
harvest of the land and heart.
Autumn has its birth in winter
in the stillness where life starts.
Every death brings hope of birthing,
every birthing heralds death,
for the patterns framed by nature
form the seasons of our hearts.

Autumn calls for deep reflection
on the choices that bear fruit –
how we sow and how we nurture
all our just and vain pursuits.

Buried in autumnal endings
lies the greening of the tomb,
for the letting go in autumn
gives the entry to life’s womb.

God of March and April Autumn,
God of Northern Autumn too,
May Christ’s life and nature’s seasons
be as one instead of two. © Bill Wallace (STC)

THE BLESSING

HOLY WEEK & EASTER SERVICES 2015

Sunday 29th March 10am Combined Palm Sunday Service

Monday 30th March 7pm Holy Week Meditation

Tuesday 31st March 7pm Holy Week Meditation

Wednesday 1st April 7pm Holy Week Meditation

Thursday 2nd April 7.30pm Combined Maundy Thursday Service

Friday 3rd April 10am Combined Good Friday Service

Sunday 5th April 7.30am Easter Sunrise Service followed by breakfast
9am Easter Day Communion

All are welcome

PALM SUNDAY DEVOTION: The Risingholme Singers are presenting Part 2 of Handel’s Messiah on Sunday 29th March in St Andrew’s at Rangi Ruru, 2.30 pm. Brilliant soloists, string accompaniment, and a choir gaining in confidence! Tickets $15 from John Shanks or at the door.

NOTICES:
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea following the service.

MANY THANKS to everyone who helped with yesterday’s Garage Sale.

FOOT CLINIC: Next Session TOMORROW 1-4pm. Lyndsey 388 1264.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 18th March: Meet 9.30am at Halswell Quarry carpark, Cashmere Rd (near Kennedys Bush Rd). Coffee at Stevies, 3 Kennedys Bush Rd. Janette & Cyril 332 1240 or Sonya 339 7038.

SESSION Meeting Wednesday 18th March 7.30pm.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS: Thursdays 10am – 12 noon in the Lounge. $3 per session. New faces are always welcome ?. Beverley 332 7786.

HARVEST THANKSGIVING NEXT SUNDAY 22ND MARCH: There is now an urgent need to Harvest your Potato in a Bucket. Bill has paper bags for the magnificent harvest and we ask you to bring them to Church next Sunday.
We will also be stocking the Pantry at Waltham Cottage so all donations of produce, and pantry goods will be most welcome – baking products, tinned food and pasta etc. Worship Committee.
NB: Plan your trip to church carefully. Road closures are in place for City2Surf!

PALM SUNDAY 29th March: The service will be at 10am.

NEW READERS’ ROSTER available – please collect yours today. Anna.

SHARING YOUR FAITH WORKSHOP: How can we share our faith?
What can we say when? How can we avoid:Christian cringe?
Come and hear some ideas, share your own and be inspired
to begin making a difference. Tuesday 24 March, 7.30 –
9.30pm at St Mark’s Methodist Church, corner Somerfield and Barrington. $10 per person, $20 per parish group. Diane Claughton 332 2889.

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am-12noon; Fri 9-11am. Pop in and visit at 7 Wilsons Rd. Phone 332 6192. Email: stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website: www.stmartins.org.nz. Notices to Anna by 9am Thursday please.
NB: Anna will be at Beckenham Methodist this Thursday 19th from 10am.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Tue 17th Marie; Thu 19th Rosalie S (90).

WELCOME AND NOTICES

CALL TO WORSHIP:
Wise God, holy and faithful: your love brings us truth.
Wise God, just and joyful: your stories bring us hope.
Wise God, surprising and disturbing: your breath brings us life.

As we gather in worship today, open our minds to your wisdom,
open our hearts to your truth, open our very being to your love and hope.

HYMN: O God, Whom we Praise (Tune: Hanover WOV 67)
O God, whom we praise from morning till night,
your grace fills our days as lustrous as light.
In joy or in sorrow we call on your name,
today and tomorrow, as always the same.

We know without you our living is vain.
You give us a view of life that’s humane,
of growing and learning that never should cease,
of working and yearning for justice and peace.

Our knowledge is frail. Your wisdom is pure.
Our scheming may fail. Your actions are sure.
Our striving can never our full hopes attain,
your truth lasts forever, eternal your reign.

Now fit us for life in this time and place.
Calm all fear and strife and grant us the grace
to stand with our Saviour, proclaiming to all,
by faith and behaviour, response to your call. © J P Huber (ASF)

OPENING PRAYER & THE LORD’S PRAYER

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Alice Shanks

SONG: There’s a Song of Love in My heart
There’s a song of love in my heart;
love is a gift from Jesus.
There’s a song of love in my heart;
love is a gift from God.
Alleluia! Love in my heart is singing praises.
Alleluia! Love is a gift from God.

There’s a song of faith in my heart;
faith is a gift from Jesus.
There’s a song of faith in my heart;
faith is a gift from God.
Alleluia! Faith in my heart is singing praises.
Alleluia! Faith is a gift from God.

There’s a song of hope in my heart;
hope is a gift from Jesus.
There’s a song of hope in my heart;
hope is a gift from God.
Alleluia! Hope in my heart is singing praises.
Alleluia! Hope is a gift from God. © Handt Hanson (Seasons of the Spirit)

INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS

READINGS: Psalm 19 Irene Gray
Mark 2: 13 – 22 Deborah Fitchett

SERMON: The world belongs to those who offer it the greatest hope
(Pierre Teilhard de Chardin)
A TIME OF QUIET

OFFERING:
On this Lenten journey of 2015, we reflect on the choices Jesus made.
May our gifts reflect our choice to follow in the way of Christ:
a way of compassion and healing, a way of support for the powerless, a way of challenging wrong, a way of love.
Bless these gifts, O God, as you have blessed us. Amen.

HYMN: Church of the Living Christ
Church of the living Christ,
people of Easter faith –
speak to the Man who walks
free from the dark of death!
The Christ who burst the tomb apart
comes questioning the Church’s heart.

No use old wineskins now –
new wine is hear to stay:
no patching up old schemes –
new patches tear away,
old gear, old concepts have no place
where Christ’s own presence sets the pace.

Women and men of God,
come, as one Church to serve,
bring all the skills we have,
sharpen our every nerve:
to save a world in bitter need
the rule of love must come in deed.

We are the Body now –
our feet must mark the Way,
our speech declare the Word
and live it day by day,
the resurrection story ours,
disciples gifted with new powers! © Shirley Murray (AA)

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

HYMN: All My Hope on God is Founded (Tune: Groeswen)
All my hope on God is founded;
he doth still my trust renew.
Me through change and chance he guideth,
only good and only true.

God unknown,
he alone
calls my heart to be his own.

Human pride and earthly glory,
sword and crown betray his trust;
what with care and toil he buildeth,
tower and temple, fall to dust.
But God’s power,
hour by hour,
is my temple and my tower.

Daily doth the almighty giver
bounteous gifts on us bestow;
his desire our soul delighteth,
pleasure leads us where we go.
Love doth stand
at his hand;
joy doth wait on his command.

God’s great goodness ay endureth,
deep his wisdom passing thought:
splendour, light and life attend him,
beauty springeth out of naught.
Evermore
from his store
new-born worlds rise and adore. C/A

THE BLESSING

NOTICES:
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea following the service.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 11th March: Meet 9.30am in Armstrong Ave. Coffee at Fava by Centaurus Rd roundabout. All welcome. Anneke 328 7459.

APW: Wednesday 11th March 9.45am at St James’ Barrington St. The speaker will be Steve from Trees for Canterbury and there will be a limited opportunity to purchase plants following his talk. Allison 374 6673.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS: Thursdays 10am – 12 noon in the Lounge. $3 per session. New faces are always welcome ?. Beverley 332 7786.

SUPER GARAGE SALE NEXT Saturday 14th March 10am at 43 St Martins Rd. Donations of baking, jams, pickles, preserves, plants and produce very welcome. Helpers required from 8am!

FOOT CLINIC: Next Session Monday 16th March 1-4pm. Lyndsey 388 1264.

HARVEST THANKSGIVING SUNDAY 22ND MARCH: This year we will once again be stocking the Pantry at Waltham Community Cottage. All the usual – canned food, vegetables, fruit, preserves , breakfast cereals, pasta, sugar, flour etc.
HOWEVER, Don’t forget to harvest your potato and bring the rewards of all your hard work along. These wonderful little gems will also be given to the Cottage. There will be brown paper bags available next Sunday for you to put them in. Worship Committee.

KNOWING YOUR NEIGHBOUR IS A PIECE OF CAKE: Last year’s inaugural event was so successful that it’s happening again this year on 28th & 29th March. For details and how to get involved, go to facebook.com/the neighbourhood project. Fliers are also available in the Lounge.

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am-12noon; Fri 9-11am. Pop in and visit at 7 Wilsons Rd. Phone 332 6192. Email: stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website: www.stmartins.org.nz. Anna must have any notices by 9am Thursday please.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 8th Anne; Mon 9th Sharyn.

Treasure our Children ~ Honour our Young People
WELCOME AND NOTICES

CALL TO WORSHIP: Led by Daniel Mackay
Come, celebrate the joy of children –
their playfulness and their zest for life.
Come, celebrate the promise of young people –
their growth and achievements.
Come, celebrate this International Children’s Day –
let us treasure our children and honour our young people.

A CANDLE IS LIT TO CELEBRATE THIS DAY

OPENING PRAYER

SONG: He’s got the Whole World in His hands
He’s got the whole world in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands.

He’s got my brothers and my sisters in His hands,
He’s got my brothers and my sisters in His hands,
He’s got my brothers and my sisters in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands.

He’s got the sun and the rain in His hands,
He’s got the moon and the stars in His hands,
He’s got the wind and the clouds in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands.

He’s got all of the children, in His hands.
He’s got all the young people, in His hands.
He’s got all of us everywhere, in His hands.
He’s got the whole world in His hands. (© unknown)

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN – Alice Shanks

READING: Let Me Be A Child (Author unknown) – Led by Ethan Doughty

HYMN: With a Hoot and a Toot
With a hoot and a toot
on a pipe or a flute
we will praise, we will worship God;
with a hum or a thrum,
with a roll on a drum,
we will make him a joyful noise.
Bow a cello that is mellow,
sound a trumpet call,
blow a horn and a deep bassoon;
every instrument is playing,
with our voices we are saying
we rejoice, we are glad in God.

With a flat or a sharp,
with a chord on a harp,
we will praise, we will worship God;
with a ping on a string,
with a choir that can sing,
we will make him a joyful noise.

With the clap of a hand,
or the sound of a band,
we will praise, we will worship God;
with a paper and comb,
on an old trombone,
we will make him a joyful noise.

With a peal on a bell,
with a cheer or a yell,
we will praise, we will worship God;
with a bong on a gong,
through the words of this song,
we will make him a joyful noise. © Colin Gibson (AA)

We Hear From Our Young People

~ Samantha Rose, William Penwell, Liam Robb, Jessie Robb

READING: From Ecclesiastes 11: 7 – 12:1 (The Message)
– Gilly Penwell

People Who Support and Encourage ~ Wayne and Gillian

HYMN: One More Step Along the World I Go
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 corner 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 and Bell Ltd (CH 4)

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER
THE OFFERING: Aided by Adam & Jack Barton

PRAYER: Led by Ellen Doughty

INVITATION TO COMMUNION AND THE PEACE

COMMUNION HYMN: Fill The Cup and Share The Bread
Long ago and far away,
Jesus lived and worked and prayed.
Healed the sick and the fearful and lonely.
Lived his life to show us God’s way.
Stretched his arms out as he said
Fill the cup and share the bread
Remember me in love and joy and blessing

Jesus gathered the children around him.
Spoke of love and the joy to be found.
Told them stories of wisdom and wonder.
God’s creation in all that’s around.

Jesus called all his friends to be with him.
Share the bread and the cup once again.
Life to you I will offer it gladly.
Love will be with you right to the end. © Pat Mayberry(Seasons of the Spirit)

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 God thanks and praise.

Loving God, we thank you for all the gifts of creation:
for trees and forests, plants and flowers,
for animals that are furry, or slimy, or small,
that walk, slither or jump,
for people who are short or tall, round or thin.
For all we have, we thank you:
for food and warmth and safety,
for the love and care that surrounds us,
whether we live with others, or by ourselves.

For all you give us we thank you.
For the love we share in the Church;
for the Bible that tells of your love for us
and for people long ago;
for the songs that sing of your love;
for Jesus who was born for us, lived for us,
and gave his life for us: Jesus who lives for us today.

And so we join with all people everywhere, saying:

Holy, holy, holy God, power of life and love!
Heaven and earth are full of your glory!
Hosanna through the ages!
Blest is he who comes to bring justice and peace to earth!

Here on this table are bread and wine… Most special of all
on the night of his arrest Jesus took bread, said thanks to God,
broke the bread and shared it with his friends.
he took the cup and gave it to them:
“Do this,” he said, “to remember me.” ….

PRAYER FOLLOWING COMMUNION

THE BLESSING followed by May the Lord, Mighty God
May the Lord, mighty God, (Tune: Edelweiss)
bless and keep you for ever;
grant you peace, perfect peace,
courage in every endeavour.

Lift up your eyes and see his face
and his grace for ever;
may the Lord, mighty God,
bless and keep you for ever. (author unknown)

NOTICES:
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea following the service.

REMINDER: Monday Lent study group begins tomorrow. Coffee at 10am for a 10.15am start. Chris.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 3rd March: Meet 9.30am at 2 Pentonville Cl, Westmorland. Joan will also host coffee/tea as a fundraiser for St Martin’s Building Fund. Everyone welcome. Joan 338 8700.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS: Thursdays 10am – 12 noon in the Lounge. $3 per session. New faces are always welcome ?. Beverley 332 7786.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER THIS Friday 6th March 7.30pm at Beckenham Methodist Church.

COURT THEATRE “Le Sud”: Payment required TODAY please. Sue 960 7657.

SUPER GARAGE SALE Saturday 14th March 10am at 43 St Martins Rd. Donations of baking, jams, pickles, preserves, plants and produce very welcome.

FOOT CLINIC: Next Session Monday 16th March 1-4pm. Lyndsey 388 1264.

HARVEST THANKSGIVING SUNDAY 22ND MARCH: This year we will once again be stocking the Pantry at Waltham Community Cottage. All the usual – canned food, vegetables, fruit, preserves , breakfast cereals, pasta, sugar, flour etc.
HOWEVER, Don’t forget to harvest your potato and bring the rewards of all your hard work along. These wonderful little gems will also be given to the Cottage. There will be brown paper bags available on Sunday 15th for you to put them in. Worship Committee.

UPDATED PARISH PHONE LIST now available. Paper copies can be collected from the Office (7 Wilsons Rd at rear of section by sandpit) on Wednesday or Thursday mornings.

DO YOU HAVE any little fix-it jobs around your property which need attention? We have people who can help. Now’s the time to check those smoke alarm batteries! Contact the Office 332 6192 for more information.

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am-12noon; Fri 9-11am. Pop in and visit at 7 Wilsons Rd. Phone 332 6192. Email: stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website: www.stmartins.org.nz. Anna must have any notices by 9am Thursday please.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Fri 6th Errol.

WELCOME AND NOTICES

CALL TO WORSHIP:
Round about us, here among us ~
God of promise and love.
Calling our names, bidding us welcome ~
God of promise and love.

God is with us ~ God is among us ~ God is ahead of us.
Let us tell out the Good News, trust the Good News,
live the Good News.

HYMN: Tell Out, My Soul (WOV 109)
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord!
Unnumbered blessings, give my spirit voice;
tender to me the promise of his word;
in God my Saviour shall my heart rejoice.

Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his Name!
Make known his might, the deeds his arm has done;
His mercy sure, from age to age the same;
His holy Name – the Lord, the Mighty One.

Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his might!
Powers and dominions lay their glory by.
Proud hearts and stubborn wills are put to flight,
The hungry fed, the humble lifted high.

Tell out, my soul, the glories of his word!
Firm is his promise, and his mercy sure.
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord
To children’s children and for evermore! ©Hope Publishing (CH 4)

OPENING PRAYER & THE LORD’S PRAYER

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Gillian Cree

SONG: How is Jesus Present?
How is Jesus present? How is Jesus present?
How is Jesus present today?
Tell me how he’s present. Tell me how he’s present.
Tell me how he’s present today.

He’s present in the children, present in the family,
present in the meal that you share.
He’s present when you’re laughing, present when you’re giving,
present when you listen and care.

But I cannot see him, but I cannot see him,
but I cannot see him today.
Are you just pretending? How can it be real?
I would like to see him today.

Every time you listen, every time you’re sorry,
every time you care for a friend,
that is when he’s present, though you do not see him,
“I am with you always”, he said.

Now I understand. Now I understand.
Let us celebrate today!
He’s present in the WORD, present in the PEOPLE,
present in the breaking of BREAD. © Cecily Sheehy (AA)

INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS

READINGS: Genesis 28:10-16 John Shanks
Mark 1: 9-15 Margaret Shanks

SERMON: A Different Beginning

A TIME OF QUIET

THE OFFERING
Gracious God, we begin another season of Lent mindful of all your gifts. We re-dedicate ourselves to make this journey with Jesus;
to remember your promises, and to live the good news of your abundant grace and love for all people.
Accept these gifts we bring, along with our promise to love and serve, in Christ’s name. Amen.

HYMN: Bless Now, O God, the Journey (Tune: Thornbury WOV 389) Bless now, O God, the journey that all your people make,
the path through noise and silence, the way of give and take.
The trail is found in desert and winds the mountain round,
then leads beside still waters, the road where faith is found.

Bless sojourners and pilgrims who share this winding way,
whose hope burns through the terrors, whose love sustains the day.
We yearn for holy freedom while often we are bound.
Together we are seeking the road where faith is found.

Divine Eternal Lover, you meet us on the road.
We wait for lands of promise where milk and honey flow.
But waiting not for places, you meet us all around.
Our covenant is written on roads, as faith is found. © GIA Publications (VU)

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

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 give to you. C/A (Version from Hymns for Today’s Church)

THE BLESSING

NOTICES:
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Please stay for morning tea following the service.

FIRESIDE: We plan to meet at Anneke’s on Tuesday 24th February at 7.30pm to ‘catch up’ and enjoy her views of Lyttelton, and perhaps walk around the area {depending on inclination and weather!} Women of the congregation are very welcome to join us. Margaret 366 8936.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 25th February: Meet 9.30am in Lichfield St by Bus Interchange for a walk around the town centre. Coffee venue TBC. Phone/text Sonya 027 253 3397.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS: Thursdays 10am – 12 noon in the Lounge. $3 per session. New faces are always welcome ?. Beverley 332 7786.

SUMMER OF FUN COMMUNITY FUN DAY: This Saturday 28th February 1.30 – 4.30pm at Holliss Reserve, Cashmere. Bring your family, friends and neighbours along.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER Friday 6th March 7.30pm at Beckenham Methodist Church.

COURT THEATRE “Le Sud”. Thursday 9th April 6.30pm. Tickets $42 each. Please sign the clipboard in the Lounge and pay (in a named envelope) by Sunday 1st March. Sue 960 7657.

FOOT CLINIC: Next Session Monday 16th March 1-4pm. Lyndsey 388 1264.

HARVEST THANKSGIVING SUNDAY 22ND MARCH: This year we will once again be stocking the Pantry at Waltham Community Cottage. All the usual – canned food, vegetables, fruit, preserves , breakfast cereals, pasta, sugar, flour etc.
HOWEVER, Don’t forget to harvest your potato and bring the rewards of all your hard work along. These wonderful little gems will also be given to the Cottage. There will be brown paper bags available on Sunday 15th for you to put them in. Worship Committee.

UPDATED PARISH PHONE LIST now available. Paper copies can be collected from the Office (7 Wilsons Rd at rear of section by sandpit) on Wednesday or Thursday mornings.

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wed & Thurs 9am-12noon; Fri 9-11am. Pop in and visit at 7 Wilsons Rd. Phone 332 6192. Email: stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Website: www.stmartins.org.nz. Anna must have any notices by 9am Thursday please.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 22nd Lindsay, Ross; Mon 23rd Bessie; Wed 25th Bill; Fri 27th Elizabeth.

SUPER GARAGE SALE
St Martin’s Presbyterian Church
43 St Martins Road
SATURDAY 14th MARCH 2015
FROM 10.00AM
Baking, Jams, Pickles, Preserves, Books, Plants and Produce, Children’s Toys, Jewellery, Sausage Sizzle.
Bargains for everyone.