WELCOME AND NOTICES
• Session Report – Fern Wakefield

CALL TO WORSHIP:
As the disciples, who encountered Jesus, became acutely aware of priorities, so we come before you, God, ready to look at life differently.
As the disciples faithfully trusted and found their trust wonderfully rewarded,
so we come before you, God, prepared to put our loyalty to your Way before all else. As the disciples found that responding to Jesus’ call was the most challenging event of their life, so we come before you, God, and hear the words of Jesus: Follow me!

HYMN: All creatures of our God and King
All creatures of our God and King,
lift up your voice and with us sing
sing praises, hallelujah!
Bright burning sun with golden beam,
soft shining moon with silver gleam,
sing praises, sing praises,
hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah!

O rushing winds and breezes soft,
O clouds that ride the winds aloft,
sing praises, hallelujah!
O rising morn, in praise rejoice;
O lights of evening, find a voice:
sing praises, hallelujah!
hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah!

Earth, ever fertile, day by day
Brings forth rich blessings on our way,
sing praises, hallelujah!
The flowers and fruits that verdant grow,
let them God’s glory also show;
O praise him, O praise him,
hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah!
Let all things their Creator bless,
and worship him in humbleness;
sing praises, hallelujah!
Praise, God eternal, praise the Son,
and praise the Spirit, three in One:
sing praises, hallelujah!
hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah! © G. Schirmer (VU)

OPENING PRAYERS

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Hilary Moore
SONG: One More Step Along the World
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;
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 & Bell Ltd (CH4)

INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS
READINGS: Isaiah 6: 1-8 Jessie Robb
Luke 5: 1-11 Bernie Brettell

SERMON: The Big Catch

A TIME OF QUIET

HYMN: Will You Come and Follow Me
Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?
Will you go where you don’t know and never be the same?
Will you let my love be shown, will you let my name be known,
will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?

Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name?
Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same?
Will you risk the hostile stare should your life attract or scare?
Will you let me answer prayer in you and you in me?

Will you let the blinded see if I but call your name?
Will you set the prisoners free and never be the same?
Will you kiss the leper clean, and do such as this unseen,
and admit to what I mean in you and you in me?

Will you love the “you” you hide if I but call your name?
Will you quell the fear inside and never be the same?
Will you use the faith you’ve found to reshape the world around,
through my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me?

Christ, your summons echoes true when you but call my name.
Let me turn and follow you and never be the same?
In your company I’ll go where your love and footsteps show.
Thus I’ll move and live and grow in you and you in me.
© WGRG, Iona Community (CH4)

OFFERING
We bring these gifts, O God, knowing that all we have is a gift from you. Your creative wonder surrounds us every day, and the blessings
of your world enable us to share what we have received.
As we give thanks for what we have, may we be encouraged to share these gifts, for the care and service of others, in Jesus’ name. Amen

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN: God Who Sets Us on a Journey (Tune: Hyfrydol)
God who sets us on a journey to discover, dream and grow,
lead us as you led your people in the desert long ago;
journey inward, journey outward, stir the spirit, stretch the mind;
love, for God and self and neighbour, marks the way that Christ
defined.

Exploration brings new insights, changes, choices we must face;
give us wisdom in deciding, mindful always of your grace;
should we stumble, lose our bearings, find it hard to know what’s right,
we regain our true directions focused on the Jesus light.

End our longing for the old days, grant the vision that we lack –
once we’ve started on this journey there can be no turning back;
let us travel light, discarding excess baggage from our past,
cherish only what’s essential, choosing treasure that will last.

When we set up camp and settle to avoid love’s risk and pain,
you disturb complacent comfort, pull the tent pegs up again,
keep us travelling with the knowledge you are always at our side,
give us courage for the journey, Christ our goal and Christ our guide.
© Joy Dine (FFS)
THE BLESSING

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

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 13th February. Car pool 9.10am from St Martin’s Church or meet at St Albans Park 9.30am. Park in Edward Ave, just off Barbadoes St. Coffee to follow at Ris’tretto. June 332 8874.

LENTEN STUDIES 2013: Expressions of interest are sought for this year’s study groups. There will be two sessions (Monday morning & Tuesday evening) led by Chris Elliot & Alan Webster. They will run for four weeks and be open to both congregations. Please sign the list in the foyer if you are interested. More details later.

Chris is looking for participants for the dramatic readings during Lent. Clip Board in foyer. Please sign up for the different Sundays.

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

APW will meet on Wednesday 13th February at 9.45 am at St James Presbyterian Church, Barrington Street .
The speaker for the morning will be the Rev Susan Baldwin from Malvern talking about her adventures on the sailing ship Endeavour. There will be a Sales Table and we look forward to seeing you all at this meeting. Allison 332 0554.

ASH WEDNESDAY 13th February. St Martin’s members are welcome to join our Anglican neighbours. 10am at St Mark’s Church Lounge , Opawa Rd or 7pm at St Anne’s Church, Wilsons Rd. Chris.

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.

DEADLINE FOR NEXT MAGAZINE is FRIDAY. Email contributions to anneke.howie@gmail.com or phone Anneke on 328 7459.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Monday 11th March 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist. More volunteers desperately required please! Enquiries and offers of help to Lyndsey 388 1264.

GARDENERS UNITE and divide your perennials. We will be having a garden stall at Cashmere Presbyterian Church’s Fair on 16th March. More details later regarding transport of plants to Cashmere. If you would like to help on the day, with setting up, pricing, selling – even for a short time – please let Anna know 332 6192. Mission Resource Committee.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Mon 11th William; Wed 13th Margot (80); Fri 15th Alexandria, Beryl.

PARISH OFFICE hours: Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon and Friday 9-11am. Contact Anna on 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz. WEBSITE: www.stmartins.org.nz

The 5th Christchurch Girls’ Brigade Company (part of Beckenham Methodist’s outreach) is looking for new members. Meetings are held every Wednesday during school terms at Merchiston, 75 St Martins Rd, where the girls enjoy fun activities to educate, inspire and develop physical, social and educational skills.
5-8 years: 3.15 – 4.45pm. 9 & over: 7.00 – 8.30pm.
Please contact Dianne Claughton 332 2889 for further information.

WANTED: Large green bands for preserving jars. Please phone Sue 960 7657 if you can help.

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

Fair Weather – Trestle Fair

Saturday 13th April (if wet Saturday 20th April)

We will be having a Fair Weather – Trestle Fair on the Church site on Saturday 13th April 2013, (if wet Saturday 20th April) so start cleaning out your cupboards.
We will let you know in good time where to deliver your goods or would you like them to be collected?
We are only having the following stalls/tables:-
White Elephant
Cakes
Preserves/Jam
Books
We do not want large electrical items, such as TVs, Computers,Stereos No household furniture please.

We look forward to everyone helping to make this event a success

CALL TO WORSHIP
On this first day of the week we gather:
not alone, but as Christ’s body; as ones who have a shared life.
On this day of celebration, we gather: not in isolation, but in community; as those who care for one another.
On this day we gather to worship, in word, sacrament and song:
not with empty hands, or empty hearts, but as those who come to be built up to truly be God’s people in our time and place.

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…
O praise to the Almighty…

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… ? C.A. Gibson & M. Barclay (WOV)

OPENING PRAYERS

HYMN: Amazing Grace (WOV 56) – Remain seated
Amazing Grace! how sweet the sound,
that saved someone like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind, but now I see.

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear,
the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
‘tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,
his word my hope secures;
he will my shield and portion be
as long as life endures. C/A

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN Wayne Barton

INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS

READINGS: Jeremiah 1: 4-10 Bob Kayes
Luke 4: 16-30 Audrey Dunnachie

SERMON: Listening Between the Lines

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)

THE OFFERING
God, in offering these gifts may we have the awareness of giving
with others for common goals. In offering these gifts may we have the awareness that deep needs can be met – within this faith community, within communities of our city and beyond.
As we offer these gifts for blessing, may we know your blessing with us the givers, O loving and generous God. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER

INVITATION TO COMMUNION

HYMN: Let us Talents and Tongues Employ (WOV 658)
Let us talents and tongues employ,
bread is broken, the wine is poured,
reaching out with a shout of joy;
Christ is spoken and seen and heard.
Jesus lives again,
earth can breathe again,
pass the Word around:
loaves abound!

Christ is able to make us one;
at his table he sets the tone,
teaching people to live to bless,
love in word and in deed express.
Jesus lives again…

Jesus calls us, sends us out
bearing fruit in a world of doubt,
gives us love to tell, bread to share:
God-Immanuel everywhere!
Jesus lives again…

GREAT 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 our thanks and praise.

God of the summer’s day… hymn of praise and thanksgiving:
Holy, holy, holy God, power of life and love!
Heaven and earth are full of your glory!
Hosanna through the ages!
Blest is the One who comes to bring your justice to earth!
In our praise and thanksgiving … Do this in remembrance of him.
Christ has died
Christ has risen
Christ is with us forever.

COMMUNION

PRAYER FOLLOWING COMMUNION

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 sing to you. C/A

THE BLESSING

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

WEDNESDAY 6th February, Waitangi Day walk is a fundraiser in response to the Fireside challenge. Bring at least $5 per person, meet 9.30am on the corner of Longfellow & Southampton Streets, Sydenham (park in Southampton St) and go there and back to see how far it is before enjoying hot scones and real coffee at the Cook’s Garden. Sue 960 7657.

LENTEN STUDIES 2013: Expressions of interest are sought for this year’s study groups. There will be two sessions (Monday afternoon & Tuesday evening) led by Chris Elliot & Alan Webster. They will run for four weeks and be open to both congregations. Please sign the list in the foyer if you are interested. More details later.

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

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.

DEADLINE FOR NEXT MAGAZINE is 15-17 February. Please forward information to our new Editor, Anneke Howie 5 Simeon Quay, Lyttelton or email anneke.howie@gmail.com. Phone 328 7459. She is looking forward to receiving any news people wish to share with the members.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Monday 11th March 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist. We would love to have some more volunteers for this clinic. It’s not just feet! We require welcomers and tea makers as well as people to massage feet and cut toenails. Enquiries and offers of help to Lyndsey 388 1264.

WANTED: Large green bands for preserving jars. Please phone Sue 960 7657 if you can help.

WALTHAM COMMUNITY COTTAGE would love some contributions of food suitable for making a meal. Some suggestions are: cans of lentils, chickpeas, every type of tomato, kidney beans, butter beans; rice; packets of tortillas; salsa.
All the above are very much needed and every contribution is greatly appreciated. For more details, please contact Fern 332 4725.

THE PARISH OFFICE hours are Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon and Friday 9-11am. To have information included in the weekly notices email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz or phone Anna on 332 6192 by 9am Thursday please.

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: Mon 4th John; Wed 6th Rob; Thu 7th Jean, Kim.

WELCOME AND NOTICES

OPENING HYMN: Let us Sing to the God of Salvation
Let us sing to the God of salvation,
let us sing to the Lord our rock!
Let us come to his house with thanksgiving,
let us come before the Lord and sing!
Praise our Maker,
praise our Saviour,
praise the Lord our everlasting King.
Every throne must bow before him,
God is Lord of everything!

In his hands are the earth’s deep places
and the strength of the hills is his;
all the sea is the Lord’s, for he made it,
by his hands the dry land was formed.

Let us worship the Lord our Maker,
let us kneel to the Lord our God;
for we all are the sheep of his pasture,
he will guide us by his powerful hand.

Let today be the time when you hear him!
May our hearts not be hard or cold,
lest we stray from the Lord in rebellion,
as his people did in time of old. © R.T Bewes (WOV)

GATHERING

BECKENHAM MUSIC GROUP:
As the deer pants for the water,
so my soul longs after you.
You alone are my heart’s desire
and I long to worship You.
You alone are my strength, my shield,
to you alone may my spirit yield.
You alone are my heart’s desire
and I long to worship you.

I want you more than gold or silver,
only you can satisfy.
You alone are the real joy-giver
and the apple of my eye.

You’re my friend and you are my brother,
even though you are a king.
I love you more than any other,
so much more than anything. © Restoration Music (CH 4)

Light of the World,
You stepped down into darkness
Opened my eyes, let me see
Beauty that made this heart adore you
Hope of a life spent with you
So here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that
You’re my God
You’re altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me

King of all days so highly exalted
Glorious in heaven above
Humbly you came to this world you created
All for love’s sake became poor
So here I am…

And I’ll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross © Tim Hughes MP 1086

PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING

LEARNING FOR ALL
BECKENHAM MUSIC GROUP
Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because he’s given Jesus Christ his son
Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because he’s given Jesus Christ his son

And now let the weak say “I am strong”
Let the poor say “I am rich”
Because of what the Lord has done for us
And now let the weak say “I am strong”
Let the poor say “I am rich”
Because of what the Lord has done for us…
Give thanks. © Henry Smith MP 170

THE OFFERING – Beckenham Music Group
All heaven declares
The glory of the risen Lord
Who can compare
With the beauty of the Lord?
For ever he will be
The Lamb upon the throne
I gladly bow the knee
And worship him alone

I will proclaim
The glory of the risen Lord
Who once was slain
To reconcile us to God
For ever you will be’
The Lamb upon the Throne
I gladly bow my knee
To worship you alone © Tricia Richards MP14

OFFERTORY PRAYER
Loving God, we bring these gifts of money and food for blessing, along with ourselves. From within our congregations come many gifts, so others might be fed, cared for, reconciled, renewed.
From many gifts come one hope: that good news might be lived and shared with people who have none; that people who cannot see a future might touch and know its reality; that people who are burdened by the events of life might feel the weight lifted; that all might know themselves to be loved by God,
in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

READINGS: Psalm 133 Beckenham
Ephesians 4: 1-7, 11-16 St Martins

HYMN: All Praise to Our Redeeming Lord
All praise to our redeeming Lord,
who joins us by his grace,
and bids us, each to each restored,
together seek his face.

The gift which he on one bestows,
we all delight to prove;
the grace through every vessel flows,
in purest streams of love.

He bids us build each other up;
and gathered into one,
to our high calling’s glorious hope
we hand in hand go on.

We all partake the joy of one,
the common peace we feel,
a peace to sensual minds unknown,
a joy unspeakable.

And if our fellowship below
in Jesus be so sweet,
what heights of rapture shall we know
when round his throne we meet! C/A

Methodist Presbyterian Musings
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
HYMN: All Praise to Our Redeeming Lord (see above for words)
THE BLESSING

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

NEXT SUNDAY’S SERVICE is at 9am. There will be Communion. Please note time.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session TOMORROW 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist. We would love to have some more volunteers for this clinic. It’s not just feet! We require welcomers and tea makers as well as people to massage feet and cut toenails. If you want to see what’s involved, please come along tomorrow and have a look. Enquiries and offers of help to Lyndsey 388 1264.

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

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 30th January: Meet 9.30am in South Library carpark (Hunter Tce end). Coffee at Red. June 332 8874.

SESSION meets on Wednesday 30th January at 7.30pm in the Beckenham Methodist Lounge.

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.

DEADLINE FOR NEXT MAGAZINE is 15-17 February. Please forward information to our new Editor, Anneke Howie 5 Simeon Quay, Lyttelton or email anneke.howie@gmail.com. Phone 328 7459. She is looking forward to receiving any news people wish to share with the members.

WALTHAM COMMUNITY COTTAGE would love some contributions of food suitable for making a meal. Some suggestions are: cans of lentils, chickpeas, every type of tomato, kidney beans, butter beans; rice; packets of tortillas; salsa.
All the above are very much needed and every contribution is greatly appreciated. For more details, please contact Fern 332 4725.

THE PARISH OFFICE hours are Wednesday & Thursday 9am – 12 noon and Friday 9-11am. To have information included in the weekly notices email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz or phone Anna on 332 6192 by 9am Thursday please.

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

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

Community Fun Day Saturday 1st February 5-7pm at St Anne’s Anglican Church, 7 Wilsons Road. Free sausage sizzle and lots of family activities. Everyone welcome.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 27th Nola, Bernie; Thu 31st Bryan, Adrienne; Fri 1st Alice.

WELCOME AND NOTICES

CALL TO WORSHIP:
Radiant God, light for all people and all places,
by the guidance of a star you led the Magi to worship the Christ Child.
By the light of faith lead us to worship you in peace
and love, and guide us in your way.

HYMN:Angels, from the Realms of Glory
Angels, from the realms of glory,
wing your flight through all the earth;
heralds of creation’s story,
now proclaim Messiah’s birth:
come and worship
Christ, the new-born King,
come and worship,
worship Christ, the new-born King.

Shepherds, in the fields abiding,
watching by your flocks at night,
God with us is now residing;
see, there shines the infant Light:
come and worship …

Wise men, leave your contemplations,
brighter visions shine afar;
seek in him the hope of nations,
you have seen his rising star:
come and worship …

Though an infant now we view him,
he will share his Father’s throne,
gather all the nations to him:
every knee shall then bow down:
come and worship … © In this version Jubilate Hymns (HFTC)
OPENING PRAYERS

STORY-TIME

O.T. READING: Isaiah 60: 1-6Bruce Hudson
The image of light as a show of God’s glory

INTRODUCTION TO THE N.T READING

READING: Matthew 2: 1-12 Rob & Barbara Meier

HYMN: Wise Men Came Journeying (Tune: Slane WOV455)
Wise men came journeying, once long ago,
camel hooves swirling the sun dune and snow,
gold in the saddle-bag, myrrh in the jar,
incense to honour the Child of the star.

Wise are the travellers led to move on,
following signs where the Christ light has shone,
facing the deserts and crossing the lines,
heeding no limits that culture defines.

Wise are each one of us looking for change,
stargazer people, respecting the strange,
inner and outer worlds open to light,
centred on seeing the real and the right.

Wise ones keep journeying all through their days,
bringing their gifts to the source of their praise,
risking the Promise with all they hold dear,
seeking God’s grace at the door of the year. © Hope Publishing (CoC)

REFLECTION: If we could see the whole journey…

THE OFFERING
As the magi brought gold, so we bring these gifts.
As the magi brought frankincense, so we bring our prayers.
As the magi brought myrrh, so we bring our lives to you, O God;
in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prayers of the people & THE LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN: I Come With Joy, a Child of God (Tune: Kilmarnock WOV 186)
I come with joy, a child of God,
forgiven, loved and free,
the life of Jesus to recall,
in love 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.

The Spirit of the Living Christ,
unseen, but ever near,
is in such friendship better known,
alive among us here.

Together met, together bound,
by all that God has done,
we’ll go with joy, to give the world
the love that makes us one. © Steiner and Bell (CH 4)

A PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Come with thanksgiving and hope… but not as we had predicted.
We thank you for entering our life; for coming as a child, reminding us that each human life is precious;
that we depend totally on your goodness,
that we rely on each other to live and survive,
that we are to grow in your love and wisdom…

COMMUNION

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Now that the mad rush is over… which keep us from fullness of life.

As we face the year ahead, we thank you for one another and for your grace. Help us individually, and as congregations, to be signs of your compassion, hope, joy, and unity in this world you love. Amen.

HYMN: I Am the Light of the World
“I am the light of the world.
You people come and follow me!”
If you follow and love
you’ll learn the mystery
of what you were meant to do and be.

When the song of the angel is stilled,
when the star in the sky is gone,
when the kings and the shepherds
have found their way home,
the work of Christmas is begun:
“I am the light of the world…

to find the lonely and the lost,
to heal their broken souls with love,
to feed the hungry children
with warmth and good food,
to feel the earth below, the sky above;
“I am the light of the world…

to free the prisoners from their chains,
to make the powerful care,
to re-build the nations
with strength of goodwill,
to be at one with people everywhere;
“I am the light of the world…

to bring hope to every task you do,
to dance at a baby’s new birth,
to make music in
an old man’s heart,
and sing to the colours of the earth.
“I am the light of the world… © Desert Flower Music (VU)

THE BLESSING

9:30am – St Martin’s Presbyterian and Beckenham Methodist combined parishes

O Come All Ye Faithful

O come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold him
Born the King of angels;
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
Christ the Lord.

Sing choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above,
“Glory to God in the highest”:
O come, let us adore him…

Yea, Lord, we greet you
born to be our Saviour;
Jesus, to you be glory given:
Word of the Fathernow in flesh appearing:
O come, let us adore him…
C/A

O Little Town of Bethlehem (Tune Forest Green WOV240)
O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

O morning stars together, proclaim the holy birth,
And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth!
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.

How silently, how silently, the wondrous Gift is giv’n;
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His Heav’n.
No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!

Joy to the World
Joy to the world! The Lord is come;
let earth receive its king;
let every heart prepare him room,
and heaven and nature sing,
and heaven and nature sing,
and heaven, and heaven and nature sing.

Joy to the earth! The Saviour reigns;
let us our songs employ;
while fields and streams, rocks, hills and plains
repeat the sounding joy,
repeat the sounding joy,
repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
and makes the nations prove
the glories of his righteousness
and wonders of his love,
and wonders of his love,
and wonders, wonders of his love. C/A

We Wish You a Merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
we wish you a merry Christmas
And a Happy New Year
Good tidings we bring
To you and your kin
Good tidings for Christmas
And a Happy New Year

Now bring us some figgy pudding
Oh bring us some figgy pudding
Oh, bring us some figgy pudding
And a cup of good cheer
Good tidings we bring
To you and your kin
Good tidings for Christmas
And a Happy New Year

We won’t go until we get some
We won’t go until we get some
We won’t go until we get some
So bring some out here
Good tidings we bring
To you and your kin
Good tidings for Christmas
And a Happy New Year

We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
And a Happy New Year
Good tidings we bring
To you and your kin
Good tidings for Christmas
And a Happy New Year