We celebrate Spring Sunday with a fishing theme.
When we think of the myriad of species of fish, we also remember all the other water- living creatures, and we remember our rivers, streams that fertilize our land, the sea and the sea shore.
Through the symbolism of water we also remember
Christ as the water of life.

GATHERING:
We invite the rivers to worship with us:
the Avon, the Heathcote, Waimakariri, Rangitata and Rakaia,
and all the streams that flow to the sea.
We invite the sea and the shore to worship with us:
the crashing pacific waves, calmer bays, the sands
and the rock pools.
We invite all the sea creatures to praise God with us:
the fish and sea birds, crabs and anemone,
the mysterious creatures of the deep.
We celebrate the song of the waters that surround us
and the waters that bring life to the land.

HYMN: Roar the Waves (Tune: Praise My Soul WOV 68)
Roar the waves, the waters praising
God who saves; and from beneath
creatures rise in shapes amazing
to our eyes – he gives them breath:
God who set the planets blazing
holds us yet in life or death.

Cries a bird at break of morning –
music heard when life began;
Christ was there at day’s first dawning,
son to share a father’s plan:
Jesus born our hope and warning,
still with us – the Son of Man.

Sound the praise of God, Creator,
voices raise to Christ the Son;
in the Spirit Christians gather –
speak his merit everyone:
not in vain words glory – rather
tell again what God has done! © Michael Perry (HFTC)

OPENING PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Hilary Moore
HYMN: All Things Bright and Beautiful (A New Zealand version)
All things bright and beautiful,
all creatures great and small,
all things wise and wonderful –
the Lord God made them all.
The wild flowers in their beauty,
the mountain ranges tall,
the deep lakes and the rivers,
and friendly birds that call.
The cold wind in the winter,
the bright life-giving sun,
the ripe fruits in the garden –
he made them every one.

The coloured walls of gorges,
the pine trees green and tall,
the rocks, and pools and palm trees,
the sparkling waterfall.

The many-coloured corals,
the creatures of the sea
of forest, field or valley,
on farms or roaming free.

He gave us eyes to see them,
and lips that we might tell
how great is God Almighty,
who has made all things well. ? Together in Song

MISSION MOMENT ~ Aubrey McLeod

READINGS: Psalm 104: 24-30 Margaret Shanks
Luke 5: 1-11 John Shanks

REFLECTION

A Time of Quiet

HYMN: We Praise You Creator (Tune: St Denio WOV 80)
We praise you, Creator, in earth, sea and sky:
our Ruler, our Maker, our Sovereign most high.
Each new generation lifts voices in praise;
how good your creation, how gracious your ways!

Each springtime the blossoms bloom fragrant once more;
each summer and autumn brings forth its rich store.
With witness compelling our praise and our prayer,
creation is telling of your faithful care.

Your wondrous works teach us, Creator, to trace
the limitless reaches of your love and grace.
Your grace dwells among us, your love goes before:
from eldest to youngest we praise and adore. © A. Donaldson (VU)

THE OFFERING

HYMN: We Plough the Fields (as re-written for World Food Sunday)
We plough the fields, and scatter
the good seed on the land,
but it is fed and watered
by God’s almighty hand;
he sends the cold in winter,
the warmth to swell the grain,
the breezes and the sunshine
and soft refreshing rain.
All good gifts around us
are sent from heaven above;
then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord,
for such abounding love.

We glorify the Maker
of everything that is,
who gives to us to care for
the earth, the air, the seas,
who wills that all the peoples
might have their daily bread,
that we might share our plenty
as channels of God’s love.
All good gifts around us… C/A

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

HYMN: God of Unexplored Tomorrows (Tune: Marching WOV 110)
God of unexplored tomorrows,
of today and yesterday,
God of rock and flowing river,
be our refuge, be our way.

Guardian rock above, before us,
strong foundation where we build,
landmark through the haze of doubting,
shelter where our fears are stilled.

Be the cleansing, quenching water,
irrigate, disturb and move,
stir us from our easy shallows,
current of refreshing love.

God of rock and flowing river
now and ever with us stand,
to transform our land of promise
into each one’s promised land. © Beverley Jones (FFS)

THE BLESSING
HUB LUNCHEON St James’ Church Hall Sunday 14th October at 12.30pm
Cashmere Hills are assisting St James in hosting St Martins & Hoon Hay parishes. $5 per person. Numbers are limited to 25 per parish. Preference will be given to those who didn’t attend the Progressive Dinner. Please sign the list in the foyer if you wish to attend. Sonya 339 7038 & Judith 332 1577.
NOTICES
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Morning tea will be served after the service.

Chris would like to have another go at having the Prayers of the People written and led by members of the congregation. If you would like to be part of a prayer roster, please email Anna who prepares the rosters (stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz). This would begin in November.

NEXT SUNDAY’S SERVICE will be led by some of the young people and their leaders. It will also be a Pet Service. So feel free to bring along your pets (real or otherwise) to add to the occasion. Wayne.

FUNDRAISER: A record of the demolition of our beloved Hall is available on DVD. $20. Please add your name to the list in the foyer if you wish to purchase a copy, or see Aubrey 930 2525.

CUPPA & CHAT: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon. All welcome. Aubrey 930 2525.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 19th Sept.2nd attempt: Meet 9.30am in Gardens carpark (off Armagh St) by the footbridge to the kiosk. Coffee at Robert Harris, YMCA, 12 Hereford Street. All Welcome. June 332 8874.

SESSION meets Wednesday 19th September 7.30pm at Beckenham Methodist IN THE CHURCH.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS meets every Thursday 10am – 12 noon. $3 per session. New faces are always welcome. Beverley 332 7786.

THE PARISH OFFICE is CLOSED. Anna can be contacted as usual on Wed & Thurs 9am – 12 noon & Fri 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz.

EMAIL ADDRESSES: Please make sure Anna has your CORRECT email address so we can keep you informed about what is happening.

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

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 16th Gowan, Bob; Tue 18th Gilly, Benjamin; Fri 21st Beverley; Sat 22nd Hilary

HUB PROGRAM September 16 – 23rd committed to sharing & mutual support
St James’ Spreydon

Sun 16 10am Rev. Ruth Caughley preaching
5pm Ecumenical Celtic Service at St Mary’s Anglican – (Take a plate – with food on it ?)
Tues 18 9.30am Little Kids Music (Kay Ph. 339-2370)
7.30pm Hub meeting at St James
Wed 19 10am Foot Clinic in Hall Lounge (Bookings: Shona 337-1025)
7.30pm Indoor Bowls in Church Hall (Roger Ph. 337-0611)
Thurs 20 10am Foot Clinic in Hall Lounge (Bookings Gaynor 337-0611)
7.30pm Women Journeying (Kay 337-2370 or Eunice 942-4880)
Fri 21 4.30pm Programme in Friday Kids Room(Dorothy Ph. 338-5142)
World Day of Prayer for Peace (ideas to Stephanie)
Sun 23 10am Family Church Service – ‘Spring’
6pm Toasties at Halswell Anglican & Youth service at 7pm

Cashmere

Mon 17 9.15am Pre School Music in the Lounge
Wed 19 10am Forum – discusses last Sunday’s readings and Sermon.
Wed 19 2pm Cashmere APW meets at 47 Birdwood Ave. Wendy Paris will speak about ‘A Day in the Life of a Hospital Chaplain’
Wed 19 5pm-8pm Christchurch West Rotary– contact Rev David Coster
Thurs 20 10.45am-noon Prayer Group at 20 Major Aitken Drive

Sunday 23 2pm “Spring Fling” a Musical Matinee featuring piano, harp, accordion, flute, guitar, organ, and voice. Tickets $10 adults; $5 children, available from the Cashmere Hills and Hoon Hay Presbyterian Church Offices. Proceeds from this concert will be shared between Cashmere Hills and Hoon Hay Presbyterian Churches

Hoon Hay

Mon 17 9.30-10.40 am Tai Chi in lounge Brian 338 6228
7.30 pm Spreydon Indoor Bowls Pat 353 0265
Tues 18 10.00 am mainly music @ Hoon Hay Eleanor 9604824
6.00 pm Zumba Akaea 339 2013
Wed 19 1.00 pm Ladies Indoor Bowls Sheila 960 4412
7.00 pm Scottish Country Dancing David 322 7954
Thu 20 9.30-10.40 am Tai Chi in lounge Brian 338 6228
7.30 pm Spreydon Indoor Bowls Pat 353 0265
Fri 21 7.00 pm LIFT – Youth programme Matt 027 389 0000
Sat 22 1.30 pm Hoon Hay Indoor Bowls Brian 338 4488

NWELCOME AND NOTICES

CALL TO WORSHIP
The story of creation has not ended, but continues through
God’s goal of wholeness; wholeness to be realised in the world around us, and in our personal lives.
God continues to create, calling us onwards in the journey towards fullness of life; calling us to be co-creators, guided by the Spirit moving within us.

HYMN: Sing Praise and Thanksgiving
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

SONG: Christians Are All Kinds of People
Christians are all kinds of people, They’re average, they’re short, and they’re tall, From all kinds of backgrounds, with all kinds of outlooks, Our gracious God uses them all. Christians are all kinds of people, Not even especially good, but God’s love is mighty, and that is what counts, with mercy as wide as the sea; it reaches to you and to me.

Christians are all kinds of people. They’re smilers, they’re grouchers, they’re clowns. In all kinds of weather, wherever they gather, You’ll find every kind of them round. Christians are all kinds of people, And sometimes all kinds are in me.
but God’s love is mighty, and that is what counts, with mercy as wide as the sea; it reaches to you and to me.

God uses all kinds of people, The black and the pale and the tan, New Born and the aged, the fit and disabled, They all have a part in the plan. God uses all kinds of people, With problems, with hang-ups, with scars,
but God’s love is mighty, and that is what counts, with mercy as wide as the sea; it reaches to you and to me. ©Stan & Pauline Stewart

READINGS: Psalm 8 Warren Pettigrew
Mark 7: 24-37 Audrey Dunnachie

SERMON: Crossing boundaries – challenging assumptions

A TIME OF QUIET

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

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

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

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

OFFERING

You have gifted each one of us, living God:
some with spontaneous friendship, some with the ability to plan,
some with an observant eye, some with a generous nature,
some with warm compassion.
Bless our gifts of personality, the gifts that make us who we are.
Bless these gifts of money and food, that together all these things may advance the Way of Jesus, in our church family and this city. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

HYMN: Jesus Shall Reign
Jesus shall reign where’er the sun
does its successive journeys run;
his kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
till moons shall wax and wane no more.

People and realms of every tongue
declare his love in sweetest song;
and infant voices shall proclaim
their early blessings on his name.

Blessings abound where Jesus reigns:
the prisoners leap to lose their chains,
the weary find eternal rest,
and all who suffer want are blest.

Let every creature rise and bring
the highest honours to our King;
angels descend with songs again,
and earth repeat the loud Amen. C/A

THE BLESSING

HUB LUNCHEON
St James’ Church Hall
Sunday 14th October at 12.30pm
Cashmere Hills are assisting St James in hosting St Martins & Hoon Hay parishes. $5 per person. Numbers are limited to 25 per parish. Preference will be given to those who didn’t attend the Progressive Dinner. Please sign the list in the foyer if you wish to attend. Sonya 339 7038 & Judith 332 1577.
OTICES
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Morning tea will be served after the service, followed by the Annual Meeting.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session TOMORROW 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist – please note change of date. Lyndsey 388 1264.

CUPPA & CHAT: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon. All welcome. Aubrey 930 2525.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 12th Sept. Meet 9.30am in Gardens carpark (off Armagh St) by the footbridge to the kiosk. If wet, walk postponed to next week. If weather is doubtful, phone for a decision after 8.30am. Coffee at Robert Harris, YMCA, 12 Hereford Street. All Welcome. June 332 8874.

CHRISTCHURCH APW Wednesday 12th September at Cashmere Hills Presbyterian Church 9.45am. The Rev Dugald Wilson from the presbytery will give up to date information regarding the earthquake damage to church buildings in the city and what they think will be happening to many of them. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and hopefully to receive some answers. There will be a Sales Table. Allison 332 0554.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS meets every Thursday 10am – 12 noon. $3 per session. New faces are always welcome. Beverley 332 7786.

THE PARISH OFFICE is CLOSED. Anna can be contacted as usual on Wed & Thurs 9am – 12 noon & Fri 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz.

EMAIL ADDRESSES: Please make sure Anna has your CORRECT email address so we can keep you informed about what is happening.

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

“Unite & Celebrate” Youth Service Sunday 23rd September 7pm at St Mary’s Halswell. Come early for toasties at 6pm. Gold coin donation. Worship led by St Aug’s Youth Band. Speaker: Christoph Zintl. Ph Paddy 332 2725 for more information.

Chris would like to have another go at having the Prayers of the People written and led by members of the congregation. If you would like to be part of a prayer roster, please email Anna who prepares the rosters (stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz). This would begin in November.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Wed 12th Allan; Thu 13th Peter.

CALL TO WORSHIP – from the back of the church
I am the circling hawk dancing with joy for life.
God, you invite us to join in the dance!
I am the faithful soil nourishing each life I touch.
You invite us to join in the caring.
I am the swift stream singing my thanks for life.
You invite us to join in the song.
I am the blazing star bringing wonder to life.
You invite us to join in the wonder.
I am the voice of creation praising the God who shapes life:
You invite us to join in the praise.

HYMN: For the Beauty of the Earth (Tune: WOV 77)
For the beauty of the earth,
for the beauty of the skies,
for the love which from our birth
over and around us lies,
Christ, our God, to you we raise
this our sacrifice of praise.

For the joy of human love,
brother, sister, parent, child,
friends on earth, and friends above,
for all gentle thoughts and mild: Christ, our God, to you we raise…

For each perfect gift and sign
of your love so freely given,
graces human and divine,
flowers of earth and buds of heaven: Christ, our God, to you we raise…

OPENING PRAYERS & THE LORD’S PRAYER

WELCOME AND NOTICES

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Elizabeth Penwell

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 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 the rivers and the mountains in His hands,
He’s got the oceans and the seas in His hands,
He’s got you and he’s got me in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands.

He’s got everybody here in His hands,
He’s got everybody there in His hands,
He’s got everybody everywhere in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands. C/A

READING: The story of Genesis 1: 1-25 Bob Kayes

REFLECTION: Earth, the fragile green blue planet

AN AFFIRMATION ~ The Rainbow Creed
Brothers and sisters in creation, we covenant this day
with you and with all creation yet to be:
With every living creature and all that contains and sustains you.
With all that is on earth and with the earth itself.
With all that lives in the waters and with the waters themselves;
with all that flies in the skies and with the sky itself.
We establish this covenant that all our powers will be used to prevent your destruction.

We confess that it is our own kind that threaten your very life.
We ask for your trust
and as a symbol of our intention
we mark our covenant with you by the rainbow.

This is a sign of the covenant between ourselves, every living thing that is found on the earth and with the earth itself.
(From the International Consultancy on Religion, Education and Culture)

THE OFFERING & PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

INVITATION TO COMMUNION & THE PEACE

HYMN: Touch the Earth Lightly (Tune: Bunessan WOV 91)
Touch the earth lightly,
use the earth gently,
nourish the life of the world in our care:
gift of great wonder,
ours to surrender,
trust for the children tomorrow will bear.

Let there be greening,
birth from the burning,
water that blesses and air that is sweet,
health in God’s garden,
hope in God’s children,
regeneration that peace will complete.

God of all living,
God of all loving,
God of the seedling, the snow and the sun,
teach us, deflect us,
Christ re-connect us,
using us gently and making us one. © Shirley Murray (AA)

A GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
God is with you. And also with you.
Open your hearts. We open them to God.
Let us give thanks to our Creator.
It is right to join creation in thanking God.
It is right to give you thanks…
we proclaim your presence among us:
Holy, holy, holy God of all life,
earth and sea and sky are full of your presence
and glorify your name…

COMMUNION

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

HYMN: These Hills Where the Hawk Flies Lonely
These hills where the hawk flies lonely,
beaches where the long surf rolls,
mountains where the snows meet heaven,
these are our care.
Pastures where the sheep graze calmly,
orchards where the apples grow,
gardens where the roses cluster,
these are our prayer.

Forests where the tree ferns tower,
rivers running strong and clear,
oceans where the great whales wander,
these are our care.
Race meeting race as equals,
justice for age-old wrong,
worth for every man and woman,
these are our prayer.

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

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

THE BLESSING

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

EMAIL ADDRESSES: Please make sure Anna has your CORRECT email address so we can keep you informed about what is happening.

THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING will take place NEXT Sunday 9th September following morning worship.

CUPPA & CHAT: Wednesday 10am – 12 noon. All welcome. Aubrey 930 2525.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 5th Sept. Carpool from St Martin’s 9.10am for St Albans walk, followed by coffee at Ris’tretto at top end of Barbadoes St. Please note it will not rain on Wednesday! Allison 332 0554.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS meets every Thursday 10am – 12 noon. $3 per session. New faces are always welcome. Beverley 332 7786.

MEN’S GROUP meets on Thursday 6th September at 6pm at Merchiston, 75 St Martins Rd (please note change of venue) for a shared tea. The speaker will be Doug Shepherd (a friend of David Beaumont’s) and he has heaps to share with you.
Please bring a plate for the shared tea and come along for the last meeting of the year. Details of the October dinner will be shared on Thursday night. Tony 332 0554.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Monday 10th September 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist – please note change of date. We would love a volunteer to apply nail polish please for our Spring Special! Lyndsey 388 1264.

THE PARISH OFFICE is CLOSED. Anna can be contacted as usual on Wed & Thurs 9am – 12 noon & Fri 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz

The Opawa Painting Group wishes to advise they now meet in the Beckenham Methodist Lounge from 10am until 12 noon on a Monday. Help is available. Reasonable charges. For more information, phone Peter 332 1501.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 2nd Shirley; Mon 3rd Charlotte; Wed 5th Lyndsey, Anneke.

WELCOME AND NOTICES
• The Board of Managers’ Report

CALL TO WORSHIP:
Like the riot of colour of daffodils and blossom – we come.
Diverse and distinct, yet collected together – we come.
Like budding tree branches reaching to the skies – we come.
Yearning for the light and warmth – we come.
Like waves crashing onto sand and rock of the waterfront- we come.
Sometimes worried, sometimes broken – we come.
We come in hope, in faith, and in trust.
We come as a family of faith, eager to worship God as one.

HYMN: Praise With Joy the World’s Creator (Tune: Praise My Soul)
Praise with joy the world’s Creator,
God of justice, love and peace,
source and end of human knowledge,
force of greatness without cease.
Celebrate the Maker’s glory,
power to rescue and release.

Praise the Son 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, Son 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. © WGRG, Iona Community (VU)

OPENING PRAYERS & THE LORD’S PRAYER

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ William Penwell & Eleanor Barton

SONG: My God is So Big
My God is so big,
so strong and so mighty,
there’s nothing my God cannot do. (Repeat)

The mountains are his.
The valleys are his.
The stars are his handiwork too.

My God is so big,
so strong and so mighty,
there’s nothing my God cannot do. (Repeat) © St Paul’s Outreach Trust (NJS)

READINGS: 2 Samuel 11:26–12:13a: Nathan’s story that condemns David
Peggy Cree

Ephesians 4: 1-16: Live a life worthy of your calling Audrey Dunnachie

SERMON: Perilous Power

HYMN: There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
There’s a wideness in God’s mercy like the wideness of the sea;
there’s a kindness in God’s justice which is more than liberty.
There’s no place where human sorrows are more deeply felt than heav’n.
There’s no place where human failings have such kindly judgements giv’n.

For the love of God is broader than the measure of our mind
and the heart of the eternal is most wonderfully kind.
But we make that love too narrow by the limits of our own;
and we magnify God’s strictness with a zeal love will not own.
There is grace enough for thousands of new worlds as great as this;
there is room for fresh creations in that end-less world of bliss.
If our love were but more simple we would trust the living Word;
and our lives would fill with gladness in the joy of Christ our Lord. (C/A)

A TIME OF QUIET

THE OFFERING:
Ordinary things like paper and coin and modern things like electronic transaction can make for the extraordinary work of the Spirit –
alive and active in our world.
Bless these offerings, O God, that they may be the means by which your extraordinary grace is known; for we offer them in Jesus’ name. Amen.
WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
HYMN: God Eternal and Unchanging (Tune: Blaenwern)
God eternal and unchanging, though unbound by time or place, yet with constant, tender yearning you sustain our human race. History in all its colours, present moment where we stand, hidden future, still to open – all are gathered in your hand.

God who sees all human stories, you in each your touch display; sometimes known and sometimes hidden you have met us on our way. Though we may have failed or faltered, doubted love, resisted grace, yet, persistent, you walked with us, as we travelled to this place.

God, whose life pervades each moment, meet us in this present hour, as we open thought and action to your life’s transforming power. Startle, challenge and confront us, touch our hearts and free our hands so that we may see and serve you, yield to all your love demands.
God who stands beyond the future, what’s to come is still unknown. Yet, unchanging, you are with us and we will not walk alone. Go with us through doubt and darkness, stand with us in hopeful place, ‘til the chain of time is broken and we see you face-to-face. ©Pat Bennett

THE BLESSING

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

EMAIL ADDRESSES: Please make sure Anna has your CORRECT email address so we can keep you informed about what is happening.

THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING will take place on Sunday 9th September following morning worship.

FIRESIDE meets on Tuesday 28th August 7.30pm at Allison’s for a catch-up. Margaret 366 8936.

CUPPA & CHAT: Tuesday & Wednesday 10am – 12 noon. All welcome. Aubrey 930 2525.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 29th August: Meet 9.30am in Stourbridge St near the corner of Therese St. Coffee at Oderings. Others are welcome to join us. Margaret 366 8936.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS meets every Thursday 10am – 12 noon. New faces are always welcome. Beverley 332 7786.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Monday 10th September 1-4pm at Beckenham Methodist – please note change of date. We would love a volunteer to apply nail polish please for our Spring Special! Lyndsey 388 1264.

THE PARISH OFFICE is CLOSED. Anna can be contacted as usual on Wed & Thurs 9am – 12 noon & Fri 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz

The Opawa Painting Group wishes to advise they now meet in the Beckenham Methodist Lounge from 10am until 12 noon on a Monday. Help is available. Reasonable charges. For more information, phone Peter 332 1501.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Mon 27th Marie.

WELCOME AND NOTICES

CALL TO WORSHIP:
God who first called us to faith, calls us to celebrate our sense of belonging to the Body of Christ, the Church; to accept the joys and challenges that are part of our belonging to a family of God’s people.
At this time God calls us afresh, to live with courage and commitment; to draw wisdom and insight from our faith,
to experience faith itself as a bond which holds us together
in the face of difficulty, displacement and grief.

HYMN: In This Familiar Place
In this familiar place
I know the mystery of your grace.
For the love that I receive, for the truth that I believe,
I praise and thank you for this here and now.

In halting song and word
the music of your voice is heard.
For the love that I receive…

Among these friends of mine
I taste the company divine.
For the love that I receive…

Within this narrow sphere
I learn that you are everywhere.
For the love that I receive… ©Colin Gibson (AA)

OPENING PRAYERS & THE LORD’S PRAYER

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Cynthia Cross

SONG: I Am The Church
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!
The church is not a building;
the church is not a steeple;
the church is not a resting place;
the church is a people.

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

And when the people gather,
there’s singing and there’s praying;
there’s laughing and there’s crying sometimes,
all of it saying:

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)

MISSION MOMENT: Operation Christmas Child

READINGS: Genesis 12: 1-9 Beverley Hudson
Psalm 137: 1-6 Bruce Hudson

REFLECTION: Our Sense of Place

A TIME OF SHARING (and The Greeting)

HYMN: Songbook 5 Everyday I Will Offer You

THE OFFERING

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

HYMN: God of History, Recent Ancient (Tune: Hyfrydol)
God of history – recent, ancient –
God of every yesterday,
still our God in this day’s moments,
where we go and where we stay:
you have set us in this context,
time, relationship, and place,
hear our praise and glad thanksgiving
for all signs of present grace.

You have called us from division
into unity and hope.
Each and all belong together
in the world’s kaleidoscope.
Help us listen to the voices
daring us to be and do
what you plan for church and people,
loving others, praising you.

How are we, then, called to answer
as we work and as we live,
called to justice, called to mission,
learning to receive and give?
Shall we build a bridge of promise?
Tear down walls that split, divide?
Fling wide doorways, open windows?
Let the Spirit come inside?

God, you point us toward the future
where Christ leads and shows the way.
Here and now, work not yet finished
needs our strength and will today.
Thus we move into tomorrow,
called to live and work and be
reconcilers, pilgrim people,
called by Christ, by Christ set free. ©Jane Parker Huber (ASF)

THE BLESSING
NOTICES
A very warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. For the meantime, our Sunday worship will be at Beckenham Methodist at 9am.

EMAIL ADDRESSES: Please make sure Anna has your email address so we can keep you informed about what is happening.

NEW READERS’ ROSTER is now available. Please check to see if there is a copy for you TODAY. Thank You. Anna.

THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING will take place on Sunday 9th September following morning worship.

CUPPA & CHAT: 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month & Wednesdays (except the 2nd week of the month) 10am – 12 noon AT BECKENHAM METHODIST. All welcome. Aubrey 930 2525.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 22nd August: Meet 9.30am corner Colombo & Wordsworth Streets, Sydenham. Coffee to follow at Just Desserts. June 332 8874.

BOARD OF MANAGERS meets Wednesday 22nd August 7.30pm in the Beckenham Methodist Lounge.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS meets every Thursday 10am – 12 noon AT BECKENHAM METHODIST. New faces are always welcome. Beverley 332 7786.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Next Session Thursday 13th September. Lyndsey 388 1264.

Is there anyone in our church family who is in need of short or long term accommodation and who would be interested in renting a 2-bedroom flat in a quiet St Martins street? Contact Liz Penwell 337 3460 for details.

THE PARISH OFFICE is CLOSED. Anna can be contacted as usual on Wed & Thurs 9am – 12 noon & Fri 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz

World Day of Prayer National Committee AGM Saturday 25 August 9.30am at Bishopdale Church of Christ, cnr Greers Rd & Eastling St. Anyone interested is welcome to join us.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sat 25th Irene, Joan & Ken.