GATHERING: (From the back)
Spirit come. Come with water and with fire,
and be the renewal for our souls.
Spirit come. Come with word and with song,
and be the transformation in our worship.
Spirit come. Come with passion and with intent,
and be the stirrer in our faith.
Spirit come. Come with impatience and with frustration,
and be the kindling in our justice.
Spirit come. Come with challenge and with purpose,
and be the energizing of our community.
Spirit come. Come with promise and with grace,
and be the enlivening of our church.
Spirit come. Come with love and with hope.
Come and be among us.

HYMN: On Pentecost They Gathered (Tune: Ellacombe WOV 277)
On Pentecost they gathered quite early in the day,
a band of Christ’s disciples to worship, sing and pray.
A mighty wind came blowing, filled all the swirling air,
and tongues of fire a-glowing inspired each person there.

The people all around them were startled and amazed
to understand their language, as Christ the Lord they praised.
What universal message, what great good news was here?
That Christ, once dead, is risen to vanquish all our fear.

God pours the Holy Spirit on all who would believe,
on women, men, and children who would God’s grace receive.
That Spirit knows no limit, bestowing life and power.
The church, formed and reforming, responds in every hour.

O Spirit, sent from heaven on that day long ago,
rekindle faith among us in all life’s ebb and flow.
O give us ears to listen and tongues a-flame with praise,
so folk of every nation glad songs of joy shall raise. ©JP Huber (ASF)

OPENING PRAYERS

WELCOME AND NOTICES

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Cynthia & Jamie Cross

SONG: We Are the Church
The church is not a building;
the church is not a steeple;
the church is not a resting place;
the church is a people.
I am the church! You are the church!
We are the church together!
All who follow Jesus,
all around the world!
Yes, we’re the church together!

We’re many kinds of people,
with many kinds of faces,
all colours and all ages, too
from all times and places.

Sometimes the church is marching;
sometimes it’s bravely burning,
sometimes it’s riding, sometimes hiding;
always it’s learning.

At Pentecost some people
received the Holy Spirit
and told the Good News through the world
to all who would hear it. © Hope Publishing (UMH)

LEARN TWO SONGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY (words on insert)
• Golden Breaks the Dawn
• O Many People of All Lands

READINGS: Genesis 12: 1-9 Allison Blackler
Acts 2: 1-21 Joan Scott

PENTECOST AND PILGRIMAGE

HYMN: Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness
Spirit, Spirit of gentleness,
blow through the wilderness
calling and free.
Spirit, Spirit of restlessness,
stir me from placidness,
wind, wind on the sea.

You moved on the waters,
you called to the deep,
then you coaxed up the mountains
from the valleys of sleep;
and over the ages you called to each thing,
wake from your slumbers
and rise on your wings.

You swept through the desert,
you stung with the sand,
and you goaded your people
with a law and a land;
and when they were blinded
with their idols and lies,
then you spoke through your prophets
to open their eyes.

You sang in a stable,
you cried from a hill,
then you whispered in silence
when the whole world was still;
and down in the city
you called once again,
when you blew through your people
in the rush of the wind.

You call from tomorrow,
you break ancient schemes.
From the bondage of sorrow
the captives dream dreams;
our women see visions,
our men clear their eyes
with bold new decisions
your people arise. © James Manley (VU)
THE OFFERING
To the possibility, persistence, growth, imagination,
and adventure of the Spirit, we dedicate ourselves and this offering, knowing the stuff that makes things happen is your energy, God –
the energy of your Spirit, moving across the church,
and we will be part of it, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN: Filled With the Spirit’s Power (Tune: Woodlands WOV 109)
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 (VU)

THE BLESSING

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

We will observe Asia Sunday next Sunday, 26th May. Please let John England know, (or Chris), if there is anything in particular you would like to know about the churches, or other faiths, in Asia.

BACON FUNDRAISER: Last chance to order TODAY! The bacon will be delivered after 29th May; any bacon not delivered that week will be named and in the fridge on Sunday 2nd June. Joan 337 1648.

PARISH PHONE LIST: If you require a paper copy, please collect one from the Office. Anna 332 6192 (see hours below).

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

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 22nd May: Meet 9.30am in Cambridge Tce just off Barbadoes St by the cemetery. Coffee venue TBC (possibly Muffin Break at South City). June 332 8874.

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 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!

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: Wed 22nd Jennifer, Judith; Fri 24th Hadley.

SONGS TO LEARN:
(from “Sound the Bamboo”, Christian Conference of Asia Hymnal 2000)

Golden Breaks the Dawn
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.

Words transl. from Mandarin by Frank W Price
Music: LE P’ING; Te-ngai Hu, China; arr. Bliss Wiant

O Many People of All Lands
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.

Words: Natty G Barranda, Philippines
Music: MATERNIDAD; Lois F Bello

WELCOME AND NOTICES

GATHERING (together):
We look for you, straining our eyes into the far country,
but our vision is disrupted by the least, the lost,
the littlest, the last among us.

We race after you, trying to catch up, and turning the corner
find only a homeless family in our path.

We wander the streets, yearning to find you, calling your name,
but it is only a single mother who turns and wearily smiles,
a street person who whispers hello,
a little girl who pirouettes and takes our hand.

Gone…
But you are still here Lord.
Help us to see.

HYMN: Lift up Your Hearts, Believers (Tune: WOV 250)
Lift up your hearts, believers!
This is the holy day
when Jesus our Redeemer,
completes salvation’s way.
The forty days are over,
and clouds shine high and bright
as Christ, the overcomer,
is taken from our sight.

Lift up your hearts, believers!
Ye gates, lift up your heads!
Though minds be full of wonder,
though souls be filled with dread.
The Spirit has been promised,
and, though we are alone,
we wait until the moment
when fire and wind are known.

Lift up your hearts, believers!
And do not be downcast,
for Jesus, our Redeemer,
receives the crown at last.
The thorns of crucifixion
are changed to stars of light,
and Christ, the Lord of glory,
is named as God’s delight. (Author unknown)

OPENING PRAYERS

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Alice Shanks

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 our mothers and our fathers in His hands,
He’s got our mothers and our fathers in His hands,
He’s got our brothers and our 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 you and he’s got me in His hands,
He’s got everybody here in His hands,
He’s got everybody everywhere in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands. C/A

READINGS: Psalm 93 Barry Moore
Acts 1: 1-11 Hilary Moore

A DIALOGUE

A TIME OF QUIET

THE OFFERING
O God, creative and caring, just and giving;
receive and bless these gifts we bring that they may be used:
to create, to care, to free, to promote justice, and to share
your goodness with the world, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN: Christ be our Light
Longing for light, we wait in darkness.
Longing for truth, we turn to you.
Make us your own, your holy people,
light for the world to see.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in your Church gathered today.

Longing for peace, our world is troubled.
Longing for hope, many despair.
Your word alone has power to save us.
Make us your living voice.
Christ, be our light…

Longing for food, many are hungry.
Longing for water, many still thirst.
Make us your bread, broken for others,
shared until all are fed.
Christ, be our light…

Longing for shelter, many are homeless.
Longing for warmth, many are cold.
Make us your building, sheltering others,
walls made of living stone.
Christ, be our light…

Many the gifts, many the people,
many the hearts that yearn to belong.
Let us be servants to one another,
making your kingdom come.
Christ, be our light… Bernadette Farrell (CH4)

THE BLESSING
NOTICES
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Morning tea will be served after the service, followed by a congregational meeting to consider the recommendation from the Session and the Board of Managers regarding future buildings for the parish.

NEXT SUNDAY 19th MAY 7.45am Pentecost Sunday Breakfast: There is a list in the foyer – please put your names down if you would like to attend. Worship Committee.

We will mark Asia Sunday on 26th May. Please let John England know, (or Chris), if there is anything in particular you would like to know about the churches, or other faiths, in Asia.

BACON FUNDRAISER: We will be selling packets of 400 grams (12-14 slices) of Hellers Short Cut Middle Bacon for $8.00 each. Delivery day will probably be the weekend of 26 May. Order forms are available from Joan Mac 337 1648.

THE NEW PARISH PHONE LIST is now available. If you require a paper copy, please sign the list in the foyer, or contact the Office. Anna.

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

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 15th May: Meet 9.30am on corner Colombo/Tuam Streets (near carpark opposite Ballantynes back entrance). Coffee at C1 Espresso 185 High St (cnr Tuam & High Sts). Sonya 339 7038.

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 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!

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

HUB REPORT: please see the noticeboard in the foyer for this week’s news.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Thu 16th Kim; Sat 18th Margaret.

WELCOME AND NOTICES

GATHERING:
Come, listen to stories of faith and trust from long ago.
We come, celebrating Christ with us in the here and now.
Come, dream exciting new possibilities for the future.
We come, conscious of the need to have the courage
of past generations.

Let us join generation upon generation in worshipping God.

HYMN: Tell Out, My Soul
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 (WOV)

OPENING PRAYERS & THE LORD’S PRAYER

STORY-TIME

INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS
READINGS: Psalm 67 June Service
Acts 16: 9-15 Joan Macdonald

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

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…

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… © Stainer & Bell Ltd (CH4)

SERMON: Courage in Vulnerability

A TIME OF QUIET

AN AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (The United Church of Canada Creed)
We are not alone, We live in God’s world.
We believe in God: who has created and is creating,
who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh,
to reconcile and make new,
who works in us and others by the Spirit.
We trust in God.
We are called to be the Church:
to celebrate God’s presence,
to live with respect in Creation,
to love and serve others,
to seek justice and resist evil,
to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen,
our judge and our hope.

In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us.
We are not alone. Thanks be to God.

THE OFFERING
God of new life, out of the abundance of our lives
we offer these gifts to you.
Through your blessing and our willingness to share,
may these offerings become a source for hope and love
in this church family, and in the community beyond us,
in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

INVITATION TO COMMUNION & THE PEACE

HYMN: For Your Generous Providing (Tune: Austria WOV577)
For your generous providing
which sustain us all our days,
for your Spirit here residing,
we proclaim our heartfelt praise.
Through the depths of joy and sorrow,
though the road be smooth or rough,
fearless, we can face tomorrow
for your grace will be enough.

Round your table, through your giving,
show us how to live and pray
till your kingdom’s way of living
is the bread we share each day:
bread for us and for our neighbour,
bread for body, mind, and soul,
bread of heav’n and human labour –
broken bread that makes us whole.
© Church of Scotland Panel on Worship (CH4)
COMMUNION PRAYER

When we are travelling, God is with us.
When we are alone, God comes to us.
When we feel weak and unsure, God offers us food for the journey.
Loving God… who have gone before us and those who will follow us.
Holy, Holy, Holy 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 AFTER COMMUNION

HYMN: God Gives us a Future (Tune: Camberwell WOV 170ii)
God gives us a future, daring us to go
into dreams and dangers on a path unknown.
We will face tomorrow in the Spirit’s power,
we will let God change us,
for new life starts now.

We must leave behind us sins of yesterday,
for God’s new beginning is a better way.
Fear and doubt and habit must not hold us back:
God gives hope, and insight,
and the strength we lack.

Holy Spirit, teach us how to read the signs,
how to meet the challenge of our troubled times.
Love us into action, stir us into prayer,
till we choose God’s life,
and find our future there. © E J Smith (TIS)

THE BLESSING

A CONGREGATIONAL MEETING is called for Sunday 12th May following Morning Worship. The meeting will consider a recommendation from the Session and the Board of Managers regarding future buildings for the parish.
The recommendation from the combined meeting of the Session and the Board of Managers has been e-mailed.
Paper copies for those who do not have e-mail are available today:
please make sure you collect your NAMED copy.
NOTICES
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Morning tea will be served after the service.

THE NEW PARISH PHONE LIST is now available. If you require a paper copy, please sign the list in the foyer, or contact the Office. Anna.

BACON FUNDRAISER: We will be selling packets of 400 grams (12-14 slices) of Hellers Short Cut Middle Bacon for $8.00 each. Delivery day will probably be the weekend of 26 May. Order forms to take away or fill in will be available in the Lounge after Church. Joan Mac 337 1648.

SUNDAY 19th MAY 7.45am: This is Pentecost Sunday so what better way to start off than with Breakfast! There is a list in the foyer – please put your names down if you would like to attend this breakfast. For further information, speak to a Worship Committee member: Bill, June, Audrey, John S, Joan Mac, Fern, Allison or Chris.

THANKSGIVING OFFERINGS may be made on any Sunday over the next few weeks or posted to Joan Mac.

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

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 8th May: Meet 9.30am in Smith St at the side entrance to Portstone Garden Centre. Coffee at the cafe. June 332 8874.

CHRISTCHURCH APW will meet on Wednesday 8th May at 9.45am at St James’ Presbyterian Church, Barrington Street. Our speaker will be from the City Guided Walking Tours and you are all welcome to attend. There will be 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.

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! Anna. WEBSITE: www.stmartins.org.nz
BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Tue 7th Lucy; Fri 10th Jill.

WELCOME AND NOTICES

CALL TO WORSHIP:
This is one world and we are one people.
There is one God and we are all God’s people.
There is one life and we are called to live it together.
There is one hope and we share it with one another.
With one voice, one joy, one faith, one love
we worship God together.

HYMN: Praise With Joy (Tune: Praise My Soul WOV 68)
Praise with joy the world’s Creator,
God of justice, love and peace,
source and end of human knowledge,
God whose grace shall never cease.
Celebrate the Maker’s glory,
power to rescue and release.

Praise the Christ who feeds the hungry,
frees the captive, finds the lost,
heals the sick, upsets religion,
fearless both of fate and cost.
Celebrate Christ’s constant presence –
friend and stranger, guest and host.

Praise the Spirit sent among us,
liberating truth from pride,
forging bonds where race or gender,
age or nation dare divide.
Celebrate the Spirit’s treasure –
foolishness none dare deride.

Praise the Maker, Christ and Spirit,
one God in community,
calling Christians to embody
oneness and diversity.
Thus the world shall yet believe,
when shown Christ’s vibrant unity. © Iona Community (VU)
OPENING PRAYERS & THE LORD’S PRAYER (sung)

STORY-TIME

INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS

READINGS: Psalm 148 Deborah Fitchett
(from A New Zealand Prayer Book)

Acts 11:1–18 Marilyn Tait

John 13: 31-35 Deborah Fitchett

HYMN: In Christ There is No East or West
In Christ there is no east or west,
in him no south or north,
but one great family of love
throughout the whole wide earth.

In him shall true hearts everywhere
their high communion find,
his service is the golden cord
close-binding humankind.

Join hands, then, people of the faith,
whate’er your race may be;
all children of the living God
are surely kin to me. (C/A)

SERMON: Beyond Boundaries

A TIME OF QUIET

HYMN: We are Many, We are One
We are many, we are one,
and the work of Christ is done
when we learn to live in true community,
as the stars that fill the night,
as a flock of birds in flight,
as the cluster of the grapes upon the vine;
as the branches of a tree,
as the waves upon the sea,
as the cluster of the grapes upon the vine.
All division is made whole
when we honour every soul,
find the life of God in every you and me,
as the fingers of a hand,
as the grains that form the sand,
as the cluster of the grapes upon the vine;
as the threads upon a loom,
as a field of flowers in bloom,
as the cluster of the grapes upon the vine.

We will join creation’s song,
make a world where all belong,
build as one in peace and loving harmony,
as the voices of a choir,
as the flames within a fire,
as the cluster of the grapes upon the vine;
as the snowflakes in the snow,
as the colours of a bow,
as the cluster of the grapes upon the vine. © Colin Gibson (FFS)

THE OFFERING
God, all creation ~ from greatest to least
and all equal in your sight ~ praises you.
In response to your love, we bring these gifts for blessing:
the gifts of money and food, skills and time,
love and energy; to be caught up and used in your work in the world,
through Jesus the Christ. Amen.

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

HYMN: We Remember With Thanksgiving (Tune:Blaenwern WOV 165ii)
We remember with thanksgiving
those who dared frontiers of old.
Speaking words of faithful living,
they in truth the gospel told.
They believed the church’s story
that in Christ all folk are one.
Both the mission and the glory
were that God’s good will be done.
We rejoice to see the Spirit
working here and now as then,
claiming lives of those who hear it –
good news told by tongue and pen.
Reconciling, teaching, healing,
saving body, mind and soul;
peace with justice, love revealing
God’s desire to make us whole.

Into future generations
may the Word go out abroad,
so all people, lands and nations
join to praise our gracious God.
Then, in gratitude for vision,
Reaffirm, recall, rejoice,
recommit ourselves to mission,
still the church’s clearest voice. © Jane Parker Huber (SiC)

THE BLESSING

NOTICES A very warm welcome to all who worship with us today. Morning tea will be served after the service.
A CONGREGATIONAL MEETING is called for Sunday 12th May following Morning Worship. The meeting will consider a recommendation from the Session and the Board of Managers regarding future buildings for the parish. The recommendation from the combined meeting of the Session and the Board of Managers will be e-mailed or circulated this week. If you have an e-mail address not on the parish list, but are willing to share it for the purpose of receiving this information, please e-mail Anna at stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz
SUNDAY 19th MAY 7.45am: This is Pentecost Sunday so what better way to start off than with Breakfast! There is a list in the foyer – please put your names down if you would like to attend this breakfast. For further information, speak to a Worship Committee member: Bill, June, Audrey, John S, Joan Mac, Fern, Allison or Chris.
THANKSGIVING OFFERINGS may be made on any Sunday over the next few weeks or posted to Joan Mac.
NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTIONS to Anneke by Friday 3rd May please. Post to 5 Simeon Quay Lyttelton 8082 or email anneke.howie@gmail.com. Queries? Phone Anneke on 328 7459.
CUPPA & CHAT: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon in the Lounge at Beckenham Methodist. All welcome. Aubrey 930 2525.
WEDNESDAY WALKERS 1st May: Meet 9.30am – details from Judith 332 1577.
CRAFTY CRAFTERS meets every Thursday from 10am – 12 noon in the Beckenham Methodist Lounge. $3 per session. New faces are always welcome ?. Beverley 332 7786.
MEN’S GROUP will recommence for the year on Thursday 2nd May at 6pm with a shared tea. Venue: Merchiston 75 St Martins Rd. Rob Meier will be talking about his adventures in Vietnam, and you are all invited to attend. For further information, phone Tony 332 0554.
Turakina Maori Girls’ College presents a musical and cultural afternoon on Saturday 11th May at the Archer Leisure Centre, 166 Colombo Street. Admission by ticket ($20) only – available from the Archer Office 943 6006. Afternoon tea included. All Welcome.
FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Monday 10th June 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist. Phone the Parish Office 332 6192 to book.
THE PARISH OFFICE is now at St Anne’s Anglican Church, 7 Wilsons Rd (at the rear of the site near the sandpit!). Open Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon and Friday 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz.
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 28th Joan; Wed 1st Margaret, Betty.

WELCOME AND NOTICES:
• Board of Managers Report

GATHERING:
Let us gather now in worship: not just because we believe in God,
but because God believes in us. May we live forever in the faith
that begins and ends with God. God of the journey, in this time together, may we be aware of the great company of your people, who will worship you this day. Together may we look for a time, and work for the day, when there will be joy at sunrise and peace at sunset, and all will be free.

HYMN: God Whose Love is Everywhere
God whose love is everywhere
made our earth and all things fair,
ever keeps them in his care;
praise the God of love!
He who hung the stars in space
holds the spinning world in place;
praise the God of love!

Come with thankfulness to sing
of the gifts the seasons bring,
summer, winter, autumn, spring;
praise the God of love!
He who gave us breath and birth
gives us all the fruitful earth;
praise the God of love!

See the sign of love appear,
flame of glory, bright and clear,
light for all the world is here;
praise the God of love!
Gloom and darkness, get you gone!
Christ the Light of life has shone;
praise the God of love! © Jubilate Hymns

O.T. READING: Exodus 17: 1-7 Is the Lord with us or not?
Catherine Fitchett
PRAYER OF CONFESSION

HYMN: O God of Bethel – remain seated
O God of Bethel, by whose hand
your people still are fed,
who through this earthly pilgrimage
have all your servants led.

Our vows, our prayers, we now present
before your throne of grace;
God of past ages, be the God
of each succeeding race.

Through each perplexing path of life
our wandering footsteps guide;
give us each day our daily bread,
and shelter fit provide.

O spread your covering wings around,
till all our wanderings cease,
and at our God’s beloved abode
our souls arrive in peace. C/A

N.T. READING: Acts 16: 16-34 Paul and Silas Released from Prison
Herb Madgwick
A Story of Freedom

HYMN: We Sing a Love (Tune: Woodlands WOV 109)
We sing a love that sets all people free,
that blows like wind, that burns like scorching flame, enfolds like earth, springs up like water clear:
come, living love, live in our hearts today.

We sing a love that seeks another’s good
that longs to serve and not to count the cost,
a love that yielding, finds itself made new:
come, caring love, live in our hearts today.

We sing a love, unflinching, unafraid
to be itself, despite another’s wrath,
a love that stands alone and undismayed:
come, strengthening love, live in our hearts today.

We sing a love, that, wandering, will not rest
until it finds its way, its home, its source,
through joy and sadness pressing on refreshed:
come, pilgrim love, live in our hearts today.

We seek a burning, fiery, Holy One,
that seeks out shades of ancient bitterness,
transfiguring these, as Christ in every heart:
come, joyful love, live in our hearts today. © Stainer & Bell (CH4)

The Ant and the Elephant

REFLECTION: Freedom, you know, is a funny thing!

A TIME OF QUIET

THE OFFERING
God of unlimited grace, you gift us with wonder and pleasure
and delight, goodness and beauty and bounty.
We bring these gifts for blessing, that they might work to transform us and our world, from all that is negative and ugly and enslaving;
that we and others may know ourselves to be blessed by your abundant love, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

HYMN: Take My Gifts
Take my gifts and let me love you,
God who first of all loved me,
gave me light and food and shelter,
gave me life and set me free.
Now, because your love has touched me,
I have love to give away;
now the bread of love is rising,
loaves of love to multiply!

Take whatever I can offer-
gifts that I have yet to find,
skills that I am slow to sharpen,
talents of the hand and mind,
things made beautiful for others
in the place where I must be:
take my gifts and let me love you,
God who first of all loved me. © Shirley Murray (AA)

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

HYMN: O God You Build the Church (Tune: Leoni WOV 53 )
O God, you build the church
in earthly time and space;
yet not alone by stone on stone,
but grace on grace.
You temper us by fire
with your refiner’s skill,
to give resiliency and strength
to do your will.

From ashes we arise,
our spirits soaring free,
since Christ has called us to the work
of ministry.
May we respond in faith,
with talents, word, and deed,
Wherever you may challenge us
through human need.

We look ahead with hope,
relying on your care,
for your redeeming providence
is everywhere.
Your workplace is the world;
may we be builders too,
when Spirit guided, led by Christ,
we build with you. © JP Huber (Singing in Celebration)

THE BLESSING

NOTICES
A very warm welcome to our friends from St James’ Spreydon and all who worship with us today. Morning tea will be served after the service.

THANK YOU to everyone who helped with last week’s Fair. The amount raised after known expenses was $4375.90.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: TOMORROW 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist. Enquiries and offers of help to Lyndsey 388 1264.

THE PARISH OFFICE is now at St Anne’s Anglican Church, 7 Wilsons Rd (at the rear of the site near the sandpit!). Open Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon and Friday 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz.
NB: Anna is on leave Thursday & Friday this week.

THANKSGIVING OFFERING may be made on any Sunday over the next few weeks or posted to Joan Mac.

NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTIONS to Anneke by Friday 3rd May please. Post to 5 Simeon Quay Lyttelton 8082 or email anneke.howie@gmail.com. Queries? Phone Anneke on 328 7459.

FIRESIDE members and others interested are invited to Barbara’s home on Tuesday 23rd April at 7.30pm to hear about her trip with Rob, which included visiting Vermont to meet friends from their time in Vietnam. Enquiries to Barbara 379 1474 or Margaret 366 8936.

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

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 24th April: Meet 9.30am on the corner of Catherine & Heathcote Streets for a wander in Woolston. Coffee at Holy Smoke. Fern 332 4725.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS meets every Thursday from 10am – 12 noon in the Beckenham Methodist Lounge. $3 per session. New faces are always welcome ?. Beverley 332 7786. NO Session this week (ANZAC Day).

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

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

Turakina Maori Girls’ College presents a musical and cultural afternoon on Saturday 11th May at the Archer Leisure Centre,
166 Colombo Street.
Admission by ticket ($20) only – available from
Archer Office 943 6006.
Afternoon tea included. All Welcome.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 21st David; Fri 26th Rob.