WELCOME AND NOTICES

The service will proceed unannounced

CALL TO WORSHIP: Psalm 150 (from Psalms for Praying)
Praise the Lord!
Praise be to God in earth’s sanctuary;
praise be to God in the mighty firmament!
Praise his mighty works of love;
praise the glory and extol the greatness of Love Divine!

Give praise with trumpets;
give praise with lute and harp!
Give praise with tambourine and dance;
give praise with strings and pipe!
Give praise with booming drums;
give praise with crashing cymbals!
Let everything that breathes
praise the Lord with their lives!
May it be so now and forever. © Nan Merrill

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)

OPENING PRAYERS

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN

SONG: How is Jesus Present?
RIGHT SIDE: 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.

LEFT SIDE: 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.

R—side 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.

L- side 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.

ALL – 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)
SKETCH: The Hypothetical Anniversary

A ROUND

THE SKETCH CONTINUES

READING: I Will Sing to My God ~ Sue Saunders
(A New Psalm in the Celtic Tradition – David Adam)

GWEN AND THE MUSIC GROUP

THE GIFT OF MUSIC

HYMN: Ours is a Singing Faith (Tune: Diademata WOV 163)
Ours is a singing faith! Now here the hymns we raise.
Resounding, strong, the years along and echoing our praise.
Ours is a singing faith! In confidence we sing:
Creation’s throne is God’s alone, so joyous voices ring.

Men:
Ours is a singing faith! Through all the ebb and flow
of youth and age, on history’s page we see saints come and go.
Ours is a singing faith! The melody rolls on,
sustained by those whose voices rose in praise in times long gone.

Women:
Ours is a singing faith! Upheld by work and prayer
that justice, peace and hope not cease but flourish everywhere.
Ours is a singing faith! Though grief or pain hold sway,
Christ still shall dwell, Emmanuel! God with us all the way.

Ours is a singing faith! All thanks to God be sung
by people here both far and near in every land and tongue.
Ours is a singing faith! Let psalms and anthems rise
from sun and moon and stars in tune till music fills the skies!
© Jane Parker Huber (ASF)

THE OFFERING: Music Group (Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves)

As we celebrate this day, we give you thanks God, for the gift of song, and for music that expresses what words cannot say.
We bring these gifts as an expression of our thanksgiving.
Bless them, and us we pray, as we seek to serve in and with the neighbourhoods and communities around us, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN: Throughout this Winter Season (Tune: WOV 176 Tyrolese)
Throughout this winter season,
in nature’s mid-year womb,
Christ grant you life and laughter
to lighten frosty gloom –
to lift our flagging spirits
beyond these short-lived days
to Advent and each coming
which fills our lives with praise.

You come as puddles crackle
beneath the children’s feet:
you come in leafless branches
outlined against the sleet:
you come when lives diminish
as smog envelopes all:
you come as snow which blankets
earth’s grime beneath its fall.

You come as fire and candle
and all that warms the heart:
you come in party feasting,
in music, dance and art:
you come in ancient stories
of years that are no more:
you come as liberation
and power for all the poor.

We seek to know your presence
in grey days and in bright:
in all the earth’s abundance
and during nature’s night:
but when we cannot see you
through blindness or through pain
enfold us in your dying
and rise in us again. © Bill Wallace (STC)

THE BLESSING

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

SUNDAY WORSHIP TIME FOR WINTER: 10am each week, until 4th August (except for 21st July, which will be 9am). During the time of combined services, we suggest you place your cash offering in an envelope labelled “St Martins”.

ST MARTIN’S PARISH 85th BIRTHDAY Sunday 7th July 2013:
Three course lunch at the Cashmere Club 12.30pm. Cost: $22.50 (children $10). Please sign the form today if you are coming. We need numbers by next Sunday 30th June. Come along and enjoy this time together. Any queries? Please contact Allison 332 0554 or Chris.

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

FIRESIDE: Joan M has invited us to meet at her home on Tuesday 25th June at 7.30pm to hear about her holiday and have a ‘catch-up’ with each other. We welcome other women to join us for the evening. Enquiries: Joan 337 1648 or Margaret 366 8936.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 26th June: Meet 9.30am in Holliss Ave just off Centaurus Rd. NB: This walk will have some up-hill parts! Coffee at Cuppa & Chat, Malcolm Ave. June 332 8874.

CARING & SHARING meets again for friendship, fun and food at 2pm on Wednesday 26th June in the Beckenham Methodist Lounge. Everyone welcome. Fern 332 4725.

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

COMBINED HUB CAFÉ-STYLE SERVICE Sunday 30th June 3pm at Hoon Hay Presbyterian Church, hosted by Hoon Hay & St James’. Everyone welcome.

PRELIMINARY NOTICE: Our financial year ends next week. Now is the time to write annual reports. Please give them to Anna or email them to the Office by WEDNESDAY 31st JULY at the very latest. Chris.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Monday 22nd July 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist. Please book through the Parish Office.

NOTICES need to be received by 9am Thursday please. Anna.

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

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon and Friday 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Location: St Anne’s Anglican Church, 7 Wilsons Rd (at the rear of the site near the sandpit).

HUB NEWS: Please see the noticeboard in the foyer for this week’s information. If you would like to receive this via email, please let Anna know.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 23rd Betty; Wed 26th Christine; Thu 27th Gwendoline.

ST MARTIN’S PARISH NOTICES 16th JUNE 2013
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Morning tea will be served after the service.

SUNDAY WORSHIP TIME FOR WINTER: As from today, we will be combining with the Methodist congregation at 10am each week, until 4th August (except for 21st July, which will be 9am). During the time of combined services, we suggest you place your cash offering in an envelope labelled “St Martins”.

NEXT SUNDAY 23rd June 10am: A reminder that next week is the music & fun service.

The new Sunday Readers’ Roster is now available – please check to see if there is one for you TODAY. Thank You.

ST MARTIN’S PARISH 85th BIRTHDAY Sunday 7th July 2013:
To help celebrate this birthday we have booked the Cashmere Club for lunch at 12.30pm. A three course meal for $22.50 (children $10). Please sign the form in the foyer or in the morning tea room if you plan on coming. We need numbers by Sunday 30th June. Come along and enjoy this time together. Any queries? Please contact Allison 332 0554 or Chris.

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

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 19th June: Meet 9.30am in Edward Stafford Ave (off William Brittan Ave). Park by Halswell Domain just beyond Steane Close. Coffee at The Old Vicarage, 335 Halswell Rd, 10.30am, wet or fine. June 332 8874.

BOARD OF MANAGERS’ meeting Wednesday 19th June 7.30pm.

CARING & SHARING meets again for friendship, fun and food at 2pm on Wednesday 26th June in the Beckenham Methodist Lounge. Everyone welcome. Fern 332 4725.

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

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Monday 22nd July 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist. Please book through the Parish Office.

NOTICES need to be received by 9am Thursday please. Anna.

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

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon and Friday 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Location: St Anne’s Anglican Church, 7 Wilsons Rd (at the rear of the site near the sandpit).

HUB NEWS: Please see the noticeboard in the foyer for this week’s information. If you would like to receive this via email, please let Anna know.

COMBINED HUB CAFÉ-STYLE SERVICE Sunday 30th June 3pm at Hoon Hay Presbyterian Church, hosted by Hoon Hay & St James’. Everyone welcome.

BOOK SALE at St Mark’s Anglican Church Hall (entrance off Vincent Place) Friday 21st June 10am-12noon.

CREATING WORSHIP 2 – AN INVITATION:
Following on from last year’s Lay Preacher seminar, another is planned for Saturday August 31st 2013. This is an inclusive event for anyone wishing to share in leadership of services. More details available soon. Richard Leete, Presbytery Clerk.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Wed 19th June, James.

WELCOME AND NOTICES
CALL TO WORSHIP: Based on the Psalm for the day: Ps 146
Praise God, O my soul. As long as I live I will praise God.
I will praise God with all my being;
I will sing joyfully and with thanksgiving.
Put no trust in riches, in illusionary things that fade away.
For when our day comes to depart this world,
we will carry only the love imprinted upon our soul.
Blessed are those whose strength, whose trust, is in God. God, who lives forever in our hearts,
loose the fetters of fear that bind us,
that we might praise you always with joyful song.

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

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

Lord, frame our desiring to do your requiring,
that unto your glory be all that we do;
and where we have faltered, give strength and give healing:
O praise to the Almighty,
sing praise to our God! ? C.A. Gibson & M. Barclay (WOV)
OPENING PRAYERS & THE LORD’S PRAYER
TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Alice Shanks

CHILDREN’S SONG: The Church is Wherever
The Church is wherever God’s people are praising,
knowing they’re wanted and loved by their Lord.
The Church is wherever Christ’s followers are trying
to live and to share out the good news of God.

the Church is wherever God’s people are loving,
where all are forgiven and start once again,
where all are accepted, whatever their background,
whatever their past and whatever their pain.

The Church is wherever God’s people are seeking
to reach out and touch folk wherever they are –
conveying the Gospel, its joy and its comfort,
to challenge, refresh, and excite and inspire.

The Church is wherever God’s people are praising,
knowing we’re wanted and loved by our Lord.
The Church is where we as Christ’s followers are trying
to live and to share out the good news of God. © W. Jenkins (CH4)

INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS

READINGS: 1 Kings 17: 8-16 John Shanks
Luke 7: 11-17 Margaret Shanks
SERMON: Ministry with

HYMN: Great Creator God You Call Us Tune: Regent Square WOV84
Great Creator God, you call us
through the church to do your will.
Stewards of both past and promise,
may we each our work fulfil,
building up in faith and nurture
Christ’s own mission, lively still.

Out of all our varied stories
may we weave a single tale,
here confessing sin and discord,
times we stumble, times we fail.
Yet forgiven, cleansed, refashioned,
in Christ’s strength shall we prevail.

Christ still calls to peace and justice,
health and wholeness, love and grace.
We are partners in that mission
for this time and in this place.
O God, grant us sense and courage
in the daily tasks we face.

Without vision, people perish,
without challenge, drift and die.
Give us then the tools of daring
and the clarity of eye
for creating in the present
visions far and wide and high. © JP Huber (ASF)

THE OFFERING
We bring these gifts remembering our vision, to be a vibrant
growing church reaching out in love.
We pray, O God, that you will bless these gifts, and us
as we work together with our community, that people may experience your love. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

HYMN: Loving Spirit, Great Creator (Tune: Hyfrydol WOV 148ii)
Loving Spirit, great Creator,
gracious Saviour, holy God.
We who worship and adore you
stand in awe on hallowed sod.
We would move in new directions,
in the service of your call.
Journey with us; keep us faithful
where you lead, we follow still.

Grant us in our inward journeys,
depth of insight, calm of heart;
flowering spirits, strength of purpose,
listening hearts (prayer’s purest art).
As disciples – Christ our teacher –
and as stewards of your grace,
grant us wisdom, faith, and courage
for our time and in this place.
When you call us for new service
through community or church,
may our full response be joyful
in our labour, love, and search.
Keep us focused, strong yet selfless,
daring paths untrod before,
delving deep beyond the surface
of each challenge to its core.

May our ministries and mission
stretch our vision pole to pole,
reaching outward, reaching inward,
touching body, heart, and soul.
People working, loving, sharing,
building bridges, clearing space –
finding in our mutual service
Christ in every human face. © JP Huber (SiC)

THE BLESSING

SUNDAY WORSHIP TIME FOR WINTER:
Beginning next Sunday, 16th June, we will be combining with the Methodist congregation at
10am each week, until 4th August
(except for 21st July, which will be 9am).

Please Note: during the time of combined services, we suggest you place your cash offering in
an envelope and label it “St Martins”.

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

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session TOMORROW 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist. Details from Lyndsey 388 1264.

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

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 12th June: Carpool 9.10am from 43 St Martins Rd to gather outside CPIT, Madras Street at 9.30am, opposite Countdown carpark. Park in Countdown (maximum 90 minutes before being clamped) or behind Black Betty Café (entrance off Allen St – Wilson Carpark, $2 per hour). Coffee at Black Betty’s, 165 Madras St, in the cupping room, 10.30am, wet or fine. Sue 960 7657.

THE PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN will meet on Wednesday 12th June 9.45am at St James’ Presbyterian Church, Barrington Street. The speakers for the morning will be Georgina & Bernard from the Neonatal Unit at Christchurch Women’s Hospital. There will be a short Conference report and also a Sales Table. Allison 332 0554.

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

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon and Friday 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Do pop in to the new location at St Anne’s Anglican Church, 7 Wilsons Rd (at the rear of the site near the sandpit) and say hello!

NOTICES need to be received by 9am Thursday please. Anna.

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

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

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Thu 13th Marette; Fri 14th John; Sat 15th Julian

CALL TO WORSHIP:
Come, praise God; sing of his great love.
Come, enjoy God in his creation:
Praise him for the wonders of the world.
Praise him for the smallest atom.
Proclaim his glory in the greatest star.
Come, praise God, for the breath of life:
that the Spirit of God flows in each creature.
Let us rejoice that he has made us out of love.
Let us praise our God, sing of his love.

HYMN: All the Wonder That Surrounds Us (Tune: Ar Hyd y Nos)
All the wonder that surrounds us
springs from God’s care:
all that marvels or confounds us,
raw, rich or rare;
touch and texture, sights and voices,
nature’s countless forms and choices:
all for which the heart rejoices
springs from God’s care.

Every creature, every human
lives by God’s grace:
every family, man and woman,
culture and race;
those whom fortune seems to favour,
those exploited for their labour,
those who need to know a neighbour
live by God’s grace.

God has willed that peace and justice
walk hand in hand.
These, with love, shall build foundations
on which we’ll stand:
love for lover, friend and stranger,
love defying death and danger,
love as first born in a manger –
heaven close at hand. © Iona Community WGRG

OPENING PRAYERS (& Jim Cotter’s Prayer – on screen only)

WELCOME AND NOTICES

STORY-TIME

READINGS: 1 Kings 18: 20-26, 30-39 Jenny Brettell
Responsive Psalm – Ps 96 – on screen only

HYMN: Ours is a Singing Faith (Tune: Diademata WOV 163)
Ours is a singing faith! Now here the hymns we raise.
Resounding, strong, the years a long and echoing our praise.
Ours is a singing faith! In confidence we sing:
Creation’s throne is God’s alone, so joyous voices ring.

Ours is a singing faith! Through all the ebb and flow
of youth and age, on history’s page we see saints come and go.
Ours is a singing faith! The melody rolls on,
sustained by those whose voices rose in praise in times long gone.

Ours is a singing faith! Upheld by work and prayer
that justice, peace and hope not cease but flourish everywhere.
Ours is a singing faith! Though grief or pain hold sway,
Christ still shall dwell, Emmanuel! God with us all the way.

Ours is a singing faith! All thanks to God be sung
by people here both far and near in every land and tongue.
Ours is a singing faith! Let psalms and anthems rise
from sun and moon and stars in tune till music fills the skies!
© Jane Parker Huber (ASF)

Luke 7:1-10 Wayne Barton

REFLECTION

A TIME OF QUIET

THE OFFERING: O God, we give thanks that the bread on the table is a gift which goes beyond personal nourishment and speaks of spiritual nourishment; that the wine on the table is a gift which goes beyond refreshment and speaks of love poured out; and these offerings, gifts that will also go beyond this faith community; speaking of our common humanity with all people. AMEN.

AN AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in God who created us from nothing
and goes on bringing to birth new things beyond our imagining.
We believe in Jesus Christ who entered our unknown journey
and experienced all our living,
who walked in our earthiness and can still be discovered in our midst.
We believe in the Holy Spirit who calls us on to truth
in light beyond our seeing,
who liberates us from powerlessness, and goes before us
calling us to be the church; to live out the hope of God’s realm.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

INVITATION TO COMMUNION & THE PEACE

HYMN: I Come With Joy to Meet My Lord (Tune: Kilmarnock WOV 186)
I come with joy to meet my Lord,
forgiven, loved, and free,
in awe and wonder to recall
his life laid down for me.

I come with Christians far and near
to find, as all are fed,
the new community of love
in Christ’s communion bread.

As Christ breaks bread and bids us share
each proud division ends.
The love that made us, makes us one,
and strangers now are friends.

And thus with joy we meet our Lord,
his presence, always near,
is in such friendship better known:
we see, and praise him here.

Together met, together bound,
we’ll go our different ways,
and as his people in the world
we’ll live and speak his praise. © Brian Arthur Wren (WOV)

A PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
May the Spirit of Christ be with you, And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift our hearts to God.

Let us give thanks to God who is Wisdom and Love.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
God of light … we raise our voices in praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord. God of power and might.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed is the One who comes in the name of God.
Hosanna in the highest …

COMMUNION

PRAYER FOLLOWING COMMUNION

HYMN: Sent Forth by God’s Blessing
Sent forth by God’s blessing, our true faith confessing,
the people of God from this dwelling take leave.
The supper is ended, O now be extended
the fruits of this service in all who believe.
The seed of Christ’s teaching, receptive souls reaching,
shall blossom in action for God and for all.
God’s grace did invite us, God’s love shall unite us
to work for the kingdom and answer its call.

With praise and thanksgiving to God ever living,
the tasks of our everyday life we will face.
Our faith ever sharing, in love ever caring,
embracing God’s children of each tribe and race.
With your feast you feed us, with your light now lead us;
unite us one in this life that we share.
Then may all the living with praise and thanksgiving
give honour to Christ and the name that we bear.
© World Library Publications (VU)
THE BLESSING

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

SUNDAY WORSHIP TIME FOR WINTER:
Beginning on Sunday 16th June, we will be combining with the Methodist congregation at 10am each week, until 4th August
(except for 21st July, which will be 9am).

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

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 29th May: Contact June 332 8874 for details of this week’s destination.

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

MEN’S GROUP will meet on Thursday 6th June 6pm at Merchiston, 75 St Martins Rd. Bring a plate for a shared tea and come along for a time of fellowship together. What do you know about Sea Camels? Come and hear what the speaker, John Nimmo, is going to tell you. Further details from Tony 332 0554.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Monday 10th June 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist. Please book through the Parish Office.

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon and Friday 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Do pop in to the new location at St Anne’s Anglican Church, 7 Wilsons Rd (at the rear of the site near the sandpit) and say hello!

NOTICES need to be received by 9am Thursday please. Anna.

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

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

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 2nd Rose; Mon 3rd Joan; Thu 6th Jessie.

Asia Sunday commemorates the founding of
the Christian Conference of Asia – the all Asia Council of Churches founded in 1957 – and calls upon member churches and councils as well as ecumenical partners around the world to pray for one another.

WELCOME AND NOTICES

GATHERING OF THE PEOPLE:
In Asia, the people are called to worship by the ringing of the bell, the gong, or by a call to prayer. [A gong is rung]
In Asia, people prepare themselves for worship with the lighting of the
candle, the incense, or the lamp. [Lighting of a candle]

CALL TO WORSHIP:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being.
In him was life, and the life was the light of all people.
Yet we find that people walk in darkness, live in conditions which deny life, work for those who squeeze life out of them, support systems and structures which are dead!
But Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life. I have come in order
that you might have life – life in all its fullness.
We praise and worship the Lord of Life. Amen

HYMN: Golden Breaks the Dawn © Sound the Bamboo
Golden breaks the dawn, comes the eastern sun;
Like a man of brawn, set his course to run.
Birds above me fly, flowers bloom below;
Through the earth and sky God’s great mercies flow.

Holy Father God, keep me safe today;
Help me as I plod, make me kind, I pray.
Let me guide our youth, honour weak and old;
Let me serve with truth, and God’s love unfold.

Give me daily bread, while I do my part;
Bright skies overhead, gladness in my heart.
Simple wants provide, evil let me shun;
Jesus at my side, till the day is done.

OPENING PRAYERS

READINGS: Psalm 107: 1-3, 7-10,13-16 Tony Blackler
Matthew 8: 5-12a Cynthia Cross

HYMN: The Love of God is Broad (WOV 667)
The love of God is broad like beach and mountain, wide as the wind, and our eternal home. God leaves us free to seek him or reject him; he gives us room to answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’. The love of God is broad like beach and mountain, wide as the wind, and our eternal home.

We long for freedom, where our truest being is given hope and courage to unfold. We seek in freedom space and scope for dreaming, and look for ground where trees and plants may grow.
The love of God…

But there are walls that keep us all divided; we fence each other in with hate and war. Fear is the bricks and mortar of our prison; our pride of self the prison coat we wear.
The love of God…

O, judge us, Lord, and in your judgment free us, and set our feet in freedom’s open space; take us as far as your compassion wanders among the children of the human race.
The love of God…

ADDRESS by Rev Dr John England

CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE

HYMN: Lord of Light Whose Name Shines Brighter (WOV 392)
Lord of light, whose name shines brighter than all stars of sun and space, deign to make us your co-workers in the kingdom of your grace; use us to fulfil your purpose in the gift of Christ your Son: Father, as in highest heaven, so on earth your will be done.

By the toil of lowly workers in some far outlying field, by the courage where the radiance of the cross is still revealed, by the victories of meekness through reproach and suffering won:
Father…

Grant that knowledge, still increasing, at your feet may lowly kneel; with your grace our triumphs hallow, with your charity our zeal; lift the nations from the shadows to the gladness of the sun:
Father…

By the prayers of faithful watchmen, never silent day or night; by the cross of Jesus bringing peace to men, and healing light; by the love that passes knowledge, making all your children one:
Father…

THE OFFERING (From the Church of South India – adapted)
By the grace of God we are a pilgrim people, ever moving forward,
and never settling down with the status quo.
We bring these gifts for blessing, along with our commitment
to unity and mission, sharing with all the fullness of the good news of Jesus Christ. Gracious God, fill us with the power of your Spirit that we may be your witnesses to the ends of the earth. Amen.
PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE OF ASIA
(adapted from CCA Resources for Asia Sunday)
Lord hear us: O Lord, hear our prayer.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN: O Many People of All Lands © Sound the Bamboo
O many people of all lands now come to God with praise;
Together shall we praise our God, Lord of all culture’s ways.

O varied tongues of humankind, now congregate to sing
With hymns of joy and wonderment, thank off’ring we would bring.

O Fount of Love and Light and Life, we thank you for this day;
We are assured of your supply of grace all through the way.

O Source of hope, desire and dream, just as we are, we come,
Inspired by you and your great beam to know more of your home.

From here we will go out to share in offices and homes,
Your never-failing love and care in substance, deeds and forms.

DISMISSAL AND BLESSING (from Thailand – adapted)

Please note in your diaries:
There is a change to our Sunday Worship time for Winter ~
Beginning on Sunday 16th June, we will be combining with the Methodist congregation at 10am each week, until 4th August
(except for 21st July, which will be 9am).

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

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

FIRESIDE will meet on Tuesday 28th May at Merchiston at 7.30pm, and Fern suggests everyone thinks of a (short) story about an ancestor/descendant/interesting cousin to share with the group. Bring a visual aid if you like… Fern 332 4725.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 29th May: Contact June 332 8874 for details of this week’s destination.

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

MEN’S GROUP will meet on Thursday 6th June 6pm at Merchiston, 75 St Martins Rd. Bring a plate for a shared tea and come along for a time of fellowship together. What do you know about Sea Camels? Come and hear what the speaker, John Nimmo, is going to tell you. Further details from Tony 332 0554.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Monday 10th June 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist. Please book through the Parish Office.

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon and Friday 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. Do pop in to the new location at St Anne’s Anglican Church, 7 Wilsons Rd (at the rear of the site near the sandpit) and say hello!
NB: Anna will be at Beckenham Methodist this Thursday, 30th May.

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

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

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 26th Barbara; Mon 27th Jim; Wed 29th Margaret; Thu 30th Keith; Sat 1st Madg.