WELCOME AND CALL TO WORSHIP

We come from our scattered lives to this sanctuary
to seek our unity in the Spirit
To seek the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ
to seek the peace of God the Father

God’s people have gathered
let us worship the Lord together.

OPENING HYMN: 65 Holy, Holy, Holy

PRAYERS OF ADORATION & CONFESSION

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Alice Shanks

SONG: Songbook 31 This is the Day

READINGS FROM SCRIPTURE:
1 Samuel 8: 4-11; 16-20 Catherine Fitchett
2 Corinthians 4: 13 – 5: 1 Margaret Shanks

SERMON:
The text under the flag (Proverbs 14:34)

HYMN: 665 We Turn to You, O God of every nation (omit v2)

PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING & INTERCESSION
In the life of our land
Let Your kingdom come,
Your will be done, O Lord.

THE PEACE

OFFERING & THE LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN: How good it is, to thank you Lord (Tune: St Fulbert)
How good it is to thank you, Lord,
Proclaim your name most high;
To praise your faithfulness at dawn,
Your love when night is nigh;

And on a ten-stringed instrument,
And with a harp’s sweet sound,
And with the music of the lute
To make your praise abound.

For all your actions make me glad,
Your works inspire my praise;
I sing for joy with my whole heart
Today, and all my days. ©CH4

BLESSING & SUNG THREEFOLD AMEN

NOTICES
A very warm welcome to you all as you worship with us this morning. Please stay for a cup of tea or coffee in the lounge after the service.

NEXT SUNDAY we have the baptism of Bridie Patricia Beasley.

THANKSGIVING OFFERING Sunday 17th June. Please make sure your name or giving number is on the front of the envelope if you require a receipt, which will be issued at the end of this financial year (31 March 2013). Receipts are also available for those not on the envelope system. If you won’t be at church next Sunday, please bring your envelope the following week. Thank You. Joan Macdonald, Treasurer.

CUPPA & CHAT Mondays 6.30 – 8.00pm with FREE soup and rolls Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon. Do pop in! For details, please contact Aubrey 930 2525. All welcome.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 13th June: Meet 9.30am in Stourbridge St, at Lyttelton St end for a saunter around Spreydon. Coffee at Oderings. June 332 8874.

Christchurch APW will meet on Wednesday 13th June at 9.45 at St Martins Church. The speaker will be Pauline Marshall from the Hearing Association. All welcome and there will be a Sales Table. Allison 332 0554.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS Thursdays 10am – 12 noon. New faces always welcome! Please contact Beverley 332 7786 for more information.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: The next session is on Thursday 21st June. Offers of help to Lyndsey please 388 1264.

KING’S SPEECH Study: Please sign the clipboard in the foyer if you are interested. Chris.

BIRTHDAYS – We do not have a complete list of parishioners’ birthdays. If you would like your name included, please contact the Parish Office with the details. You are not required to divulge the year you were born! Thanks, Anna.

MARMALADE FOR MISSIONS: Please support this fundraiser!

BOOK EXCHANGE – Looking for something to read on these cold winter nights? Have a look on the shelf in the Lounge. Buy a book for $1 or swap a book for only 50 cents.

NEW READERS’ ROSTER is available today – please check to see if there is a copy for you. Thank You. Anna.

An Invitation to the people of St Martin’s Presbyterian Parish ~ you are warmly invited to join with the Anglican community of Opawa-St Martins at St Anne’s Church, cnr Wilsons & Centaurus Roads for evening prayer in the style of Taize worship TONIGHT at 5pm followed by soup & rolls. A gold coin donation to support Church Missionary Society partner Stephen Coulthard who is teaching in Dodoma, Tanzania, would be appreciated. All are welcome.

THE PARISH OFFICE is open Wed & Thurs 9am – 12 noon & Fri 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Wed 13th Marette (80); Thu 14th John.

CALL TO WORSHIP: (From the back of the Church)
Let us worship the eternal God, the Source of Love and Life, who creates us. Let us worship Jesus Christ, the Risen One, who lives among us. Let us worship the Spirit, the Holy Fire, who renews us. To the one true God be praise in all times and places, Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer.

HYMN: All Creatures of Our God and King (Tune: WOV 3)
All creatures of our God and King,
lift up your voice and with us sing:
sing praises, alleluia!
Bright burning sun with golden beam,
soft shining moon with silver gleam,
sing praises, sing praises,
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Earth, ever fertile, day by day
brings forth rich blessings on our way:
sing praises, alleluia!
The flowers and fruits that in you grow,
let them God’s glory also show;
sing praises, sing praises,
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Let all things their Creator bless,
and worship God in humbleness:
sing praises, alleluia!
Praise God eternal, praise the Son,
and praise the Spirit, three in One:
sing praises, sing praises,
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! © G. Shirmer, Inc. (VU)

OPENING PRAYERS & THE LORD’S PRAYER

WELCOME AND NOTICES

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN
READINGS: Isaiah 6: 1-8 ~ Isaiah’s call June Service

John 3: 1-17: ~Jesus speaks of coming into relationship with God.
John Shanks
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)

REFLECTION: Invitation to the Dance

A TIME OF QUIET

HYMN: 183 Lord of the Dance

AN AFFIRMATION FOR TRINITY SUNDAY: (Janet Morley)
O God, the source of our being and the goal of all our longing,
we believe and trust in you.
The whole earth is alive with your glory,
and all that has life is sustained by you.
We commit ourselves to cherish your world, and to seek your face.
O God, embodied in Jesus’ life, we believe and trust in you.
You confronted the proud and the powerful, and welcomed as friends those of no account.
Holy Wisdom of God, firstborn of creation,
you emptied yourself of power, and became
foolishness for our sake.
You laboured for us upon the cross,
and have brought us forth to the hope of resurrection.
We commit ourselves to struggle against evil, and to choose life.

O God, life-giving Spirit, Spirit of healing and comfort,
of integrity and truth we believe and trust in you.
Warm-winged Spirit, brooding over creation,
rushing wind and Pentecostal fire, we commit ourselves to work with you, and renew our world. AMEN.

THE OFFERING

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

INVITATION TO COMMUNION & THE PEACE

COMMUNION HYMN: 658 Let us Talents and Tongues Employ

A GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
May God be with us. God is with us.
Let us lift our hearts to God. We lift our hearts in prayer to God.
Let us give thanks to God.
We offer joyful thanks and praise to God,
Creator, Redeemer, Life-Giver.
Gracious God , Creator of life and Source of Love…
and so we join with people of every age and time, saying…
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might;
Heaven and earth are full of your glory
Hosanna in the Highest.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of God.
Hosanna in the highest…

COMMUNION

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Gracious God, three- in-one, we give you thanks
For this meal shared in your name.
May it be sustenance for us, your disciples in the world.
May it be a reminder of all your mighty acts for us.
May it be a continued blessing to us through the coming of the Spirit, now and always. AMEN.

HYMN: 61 Lord, Your Almighty Word

THE BLESSING
NOTICES
A very warm welcome to you all as you worship with us this morning. Please stay for a cup of tea or coffee in the lounge after the service.

CUPPA & CHAT Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon. Do pop in! For details, please contact Aubrey 930 2525.
BREAKING NEWS: Now also open on Mondays 6.30 – 8.00pm with FREE soup and rolls. Everyone is very welcome.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 6th June: Meet 9.30am in Hawford Rd by Opawa Mall. Coffee at Opawa Mall Bakery & Café. Joan 338 8700.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS Thursdays 10am – 12 noon. New faces always welcome! Please contact Beverley 332 7786 for more information.

MEN’S GROUP will meet in the church lounge on Thursday 7th June commencing at 6pm with a shared tea. The speaker is David Beaumont, and we look forward to seeing you all at this evening. Further details from Tony 332 0554.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: The next session is on Thursday 21st June. Offers of help to Lyndsey please 388 1264.

BIRTHDAYS – We do not have a complete list of parishioners’ birthdays. If you would like your name included, please contact the Parish Office with the details. You are not required to divulge the year you were born! Thanks, Anna.

MARMALADE FOR MISSIONS: Please support this fundraiser!

BOOK EXCHANGE – Looking for something to read on these cold winter nights? Have a look on the shelf in the Lounge. Buy a book for $1 or swap a book for only 50 cents.

THE PARISH OFFICE is open Wed & Thurs 9am – 12 noon & Fri 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 3rd Joan; Wed 6th Jessie.

WELCOME AND BIRTHDAYS – Jessie

NOTICES ~ Wayne

SONGS: Wayne
Learn: 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.
Refrain

SONG: Songbook 31 This is the Day

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.
Refrain

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

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

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

CALL TO PRAYER: Be Still For the Presence of the Lord (seated)
Be still, for the presence of the Lord, the Holy One is here.
Come, bow before Him now, with reverence and fear.
In Him no sin is found, we stand on holy ground.
Be still, for the presence of the Lord, the Holy One is here.

Be still, for the glory of the Lord is shining all around;
He burns with holy fire, with splendour He is crowned.
How awesome is the sight, our radiant King of light!
Be still, for the glory of the Lord is shining all around.

Be still, for the power of the Lord is moving in this place,
He comes to cleanse and heal, to minister His grace.
No work too hard for Him, in faith receive from Him;
Be still, for the power of the Lord is moving in this place.
© David J Evans (Common Ground)

OPENING PRAYER ~ Lydia
TIME WITH THE CHILDREN: ~ Alice

INTRODUCTION TO THE PENTECOST THEME ~ Chris

ALL AGE ACTIVITIES

OFFERING ~ Alexandria and others

OFFERTORY PRAYER ~ Gilly and Lauren

HYMN: There’s a Spirit in the Air (Tune: Lauds)
There’s a Spirit in the air,
telling Christians everywhere:
“Praise the love that Christ revealed,
living, working in our world.”

Lose your shyness, find your tongue
tell the world what God has done:
God in Christ has come to stay.
Live tomorrow’s life today!

When believers break the bread,
when a hungry child is fed,
praise the love that Christ revealed,
living, working in our world.

Still the Spirit gives us light,
seeing wrong and setting right:
God in Christ has come to stay.
Live tomorrow’s life today!

When a stranger’s not alone,
where the homeless find a home,
praise the love that Christ revealed,
living, working in our world.

May the Spirit fill our praise,
guide our thoughts and change our ways.
God in Christ has come to stay,
live tomorrow’s life today! © Brian Wren (VU)

PRAYERS FOR OTHERS ~ Samantha Rose

PETER AND THE PENTECOST BALLOON

SONG: Go, Tell Everyone
God’s Spirit is deep in my heart,
he has called me and set me apart.
and this is what I have to do,
what I have to do…

He sent me to give the Good News to the poor,
tell prisoners that they are prisoners no more,
tell blind people that they can see,
and set the downtrodden free,
and go tell everyone the news that the Kingdom of God has come,
and go tell everyone the news that the Kingdom of God has come.

And just as the Father sent me,
so I’m sending you out to be
my witnesses throughout the world,
the whole of the world…

Don’t worry what you have to say;
don’t worry, because on that day
God’s Spirit will speak in your heart
– will speak in your heart… © Oxford University Press (R & S)

SUNG BLESSING: (Tune: Eidelweiss)
May the Lord, mighty God,
bless and keep you for ever;
grant you peace, perfect peace,
courage in every endeavour.

Lift up your eyes and see his face
and his grace for ever;
may the Lord, mighty God,
bless and keep you for ever. C/A

FELLOWSHIP TIME AND MORNING TEA

NOTICES
A very warm welcome to you all as you worship with us this morning. Please stay for a cup of tea or coffee in the lounge after the service.

CUPPA & CHAT Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon. Do pop in! For details, please contact Aubrey 930 2525.
BREAKING NEWS: Now also open on Mondays 6.30 – 8.00pm with FREE soup and rolls. Everyone is very welcome.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 30th May: Sumner for sea and hopefully sunshine! Carpool from Church at 9.05am to meet cnr Marriner St & The Esplanade for a jaunt around Sumner and admire the artistic containers. June 332 8874.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS Thursdays 10am – 12 noon. New faces always welcome! Please contact Beverley 332 7786 for more information.

MEN’S GROUP will meet in the church lounge on Thursday 7th June commencing at 6pm with a shared tea. The speaker is David Beaumont, and we look forward to seeing you all at this evening. Further details from Tony 332 0554.

PROGRESSIVE DINNER with Cashmere, St James & Hoon Hay Churches:
Saturday 16th June starting 4.30pm at St James’. Mark your calendar now. Queries to Fern 332 4725 or Judith 332 1577 please.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: The next session is on Thursday 21st June. Offers of help to Lyndsey please 388 1264.

A NEW READERS’ ROSTER is due out shortly. If you would like to join, please let Anna know this week.

BIRTHDAYS – We do not have a complete list of parishioners’ birthdays. If you would like your name included, please contact the Parish Office with the details. You are not required to divulge the year you were born! Thanks, Anna.

THE PARISH OFFICE is open Wed & Thurs 9am – 12 noon & Fri 9-11am. Phone 332 6192 or email stmartpresch@xtra.co.nz

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 27th Jim; Tue 29th Rupert, Margaret; Wed 30th Keith; Fri 1st Madg; Sat 2nd Rose.

WELCOME AND NOTICES ~ website update from Deborah

CALL TO WORSHIP: (adapted from Asia Sunday Liturgy)
Across the world, we call ourselves to worship by the ringing of the bells, the gong, music, or by a call to prayer.
Across the world, we prepare ourselves for worship with the lighting of a candle, incense, silence.
Across the world, we come together to worship God, bringing concerns from our individual lives, communities, region
and the world. Across the world we come in adoration and praise.

HYMN: 141 O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing (omit verse 3)

OPENING PRAYERS:

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN ~ Jamie Cross

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

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

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

He’s got 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

MISSION MOMENT Beverley Hudson

INTRODUCTION & THE READINGS: Psalm 1 Responsively –
on screen only
1 John 5: 9-13 Tony Beasley
John 17:6-19 Sue Saunders

SERMON: Actions Speak Louder Than Words

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.
Join hands, then, people of the faith,
whate’er your race may be;
all children of the living God
are surely kin to me.
In Christ shall true hearts
everywhere
their high communion find,
his service is the golden cord
close-binding humankind.
In Christ now meet both east and
west,
in him meet south and north,
all Christ-like souls are one in him
throughout the whole wide earth. C/A
OFFERING: (Prayer from Asia Sunday Liturgy)
O God, make us your instruments of peace and reconciliation.
Where there is hatred, may we bring love.
Where there is wrong, may we bring pardon.
Where there is discord, may we bring harmony.
To those cut off from what they believe
to those who are tortured, and those whose lives are threatened,
may we be instruments of your justice and your freedom.
Where there is despair may we bring hope
Where there is darkness may we bring light
Where there is sadness, may we bring joy
Where there is pain and suffering, where there is oppression and inhumanity may we bring your loving presence.
Fill us with your spirit of peace. Help us to hunger and thirst for justice.
Along with these gifts we give ourselves in service to your world. Amen.
WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

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 you all as you worship with us this morning. Please stay for a cup of tea or coffee in the lounge after the service.

PENTECOST SUNDAY 27th May 10am – come and join the celebrations!

CUPPA & CHAT Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon. Do pop in! For details, please contact Aubrey 930 2525. All are welcome.

FIRESIDE: We are very pleased that Peggy has agreed to share some of her experiences in India & Dubai and invite you to join us at 7.30pm in the church lounge on Tuesday 22nd May. Enquiries to Margaret 366 8936.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 23rd May: Meet 9.30am outside Waltham School in Hastings St East for a walk around Waltham & Opawa, ending up at the coffee house in Waltham Rd. June 332 8874.

CARING & SHARING meets at 2pm on Wednesday 23rd May in the Lounge. Bob Salton will be entertaining us. All are welcome. For more information, please contact Barbara 942 1939 or Joan 338 8700.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS Thursdays 10am – 12 noon. New faces always welcome! Please contact Beverley 332 7786 for more information.

CHRISTCHURCH PRESBYTERY is offering a workshop entitled “Is there a New Zealand identity?” St George’s Hall, Gloucester St, Linwood on Saturday 26th May at 2pm. See noticeboard for details. All Welcome.

PROGRESSIVE DINNER with Cashmere, St James & Hoon Hay Churches:
Saturday 16th June starting 4.30pm at St James’. Mark your calendar now. Please sign the sheet in the foyer if you can come. Further details later. Queries to Fern 332 4725 or Judith 332 1577 please.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: The next session is on Thursday 21st June. Offers of help to Lyndsey please 388 1264.

JARS: URGENTLY REQUIRED – small and medium sized jam jars for Marmalade for Missions – please leave in the church kitchen. Thank you.

THANK YOU to everyone for your love, care and prayers following my dad’s sudden death. Your support of our family is greatly appreciated. Anna.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Tues 22nd Jennifer (80), Judith; Thurs 24th Hadley; Sat 26th Barbara.

CALL TO WORSHIP: From Psalm 98
Sing a new song to the Lord! He has worked miracles,
and with his own powerful arm, he has won the victory.
The Lord has shown the nations that he has the power to save
and to bring justice.
God has been faithful in his love for Israel,
and his saving power is seen everywhere on earth.
Tell everyone on this earth to sing happy songs
in praise of the Lord.
Make music for him on harps. Play beautiful melodies!
Sound the trumpets and horns and celebrate with joyful songs
for our Lord and King!
Command the ocean to roar with all of its creatures,
and the earth to shout with all of its people.
Order the rivers to clap their hands, and all of the hills
to sing together. Let them worship the Lord!

HYMN: Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You (Henry Van Dyke)
Joyful, joyful, we adore you,
God of glory, God of love;
hearts unfold like flowers before you
opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness,
drive the dark of doubt away;
giver of immortal gladness,
fill us with the light of day.

All your works with joy surround you,
earth and heaven reflect your rays,
stars and angels sing around you,
centre of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
flowery meadow, flashing sea,
chanting bird and flowing fountain,
sound their praise eternally.

You are giving and forgiving,
ever blessing, ever blest,
well-spring of the joy of living,
ocean-depth of happy rest.
Source of grace and fount of blessing,
let your light upon us shine,
teach us how to love each other,
lift us to the joy divine.

Mortals join the mighty chorus
which the morning stars began;
God’s own love is reigning o’er us,
joining people hand in hand.
Ever singing, march we onward,
victors in the midst of strife;
joyful music leads us sunward
in the triumph song of life. C/A

OPENING PRAYERS & THE LORD’S PRAYER

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN WAYNE BARTON

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

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

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

INTRODUCTION & THE READINGS:
Acts 10: 44 – 48 Judith Mackay

HYMN: 224 Joy to the World (Based on Psalm 98, the Psalm for the day)

John 15: 9 – 17 Warren Pettigrew

SERMON: Is it a new song?

HYMN: I Come With Joy a Child of God (Tune: Kilmarnock WOV 452)
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.

The Spirit of the risen 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. ? Stainer & Bell (CH 4)
OFFERING:
God, we joyfully present our gifts:
Through them, may faith counter unbelief,
hope counter despair,
fellowship counter loneliness,
and outreach counter self-serving.
God, bless these gifts for action, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
HYMN: As a Fire is Meant For Burning
As a fire is meant for burning with a bright and warming flame,
so the church is meant for mission, giving, glory to God’s name.
Not to preach our creeds or customs, but to build a bridge of care,
we join hands across the nations, finding neighbours everywhere.

We are learners, we are teachers, we are pilgrims on the way.
We are seekers, we are givers, we are vessels made of clay.
By our gentle, loving actions, we would show that Christ is light.
In a humble, listening Spirit, we would live to God’s delight.

As a green bud in the springtime is a sign of life renewed,
so may we be signs of oneness mid earth’s peoples, many hued.
As a rainbow lights the heavens when a storm is past and gone,
may our lives reflect the radiance of God’s new and glorious dawn.
? Ruth Duck (VU)

THE BLESSING

NOTICES
A very warm welcome to you all as you worship with us this morning. Please stay for a cup of tea or coffee in the lounge after the service.

KITES: If you have a kite, please bring it to church NEXT Sunday 20th May so we can prepare for Pentecost. Thank you. Worship Committee.

PENTECOST SUNDAY 27th May 10am – come and join the celebrations!

CUPPA & CHAT Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon. Do pop in! For details, please contact Aubrey 930 2525. All are welcome.

ST MARTINS MESSENGER: All contributions for the next newsletter need to be emailed to Lyn (l.mck@xtra.co.nz) by this Wednesday at the latest please.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 16th May: Meet 9.30am on the corner of Orbell & Burke Streets for a walk in the Addington area west of Brougham Street. Coffee in The Colombo. June 332 8874.

REMINDER: Session meets Wednesday 16th May 7.30pm.
CRAFTY CRAFTERS Thursdays 10am – 12 noon. New faces always welcome! Please contact Beverley 332 7786 for more information.

CHRISTCHURCH PRESBYTERY is offering a workshop entitled “Is there a New Zealand identity?” St George’s Hall, Gloucester St, Linwood on Saturday 26th May at 2pm. See noticeboard for details. All Welcome.

PROGRESSIVE DINNER with Cashmere, St James & Hoon Hay Churches:
Saturday 16th June starting 4.30pm at St James’. Mark your calendar now. Please sign the sheet in the foyer if you can come. Further details later. Queries to Fern 332 4725 or Judith 332 1577 please.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: The next session is on Thursday 21st June. We are still seeking more volunteers to train up to cut nails, assist with the footspas and massage. This clinic happens every six weeks. Offers of help to Lyndsey please 388 1264.

JARS: URGENTLY REQUIRED – small and medium sized jam jars for Marmalade for Missions – please leave in the church kitchen. Thank you.

Pioneers Bible Study Group is seeking more participants. Please contact Bruce or Beverley Hudson 332 7786.

ST MARTINS THEATRE GROUP: Please phone Lyn 338 0840 if you are interested in Much Ado About Nothing at The Court Monday May 21, 6.30pm.

CHRISTIAN WORLD SERVICE is seeking expressions of interest of people to join the Trust Board. The information is on the noticeboard.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Wed 16th Kim; Fri 18th Margaret.