Order of Service6 September 2015

Asking for What you Need

A COMMUNION SERVICE

WELCOME TO KNOXKnox Church is a congregation within the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand. We aim to create Christian community in which people of all

ages, sexual orientations, cultural backgrounds and socio-economic situations are included as equally valued participants in our congregational life. We cherish our diversity, offering a safe place of belonging to any who wish to

explore their beliefs in an atmosphere promoting discussion, the development of healthy relationships and spiritual growth. We strive to be open to dialogue and shared experiences with people of other faiths. We enjoy worshipping the God made known in Jesus, endeavouring to do so in ways that are relevant to our daily lives, respect the integrity of creation, and make a positive difference

to our wider world.

A loop system for hearing aids operates at Knox.

Toilets are available through the door on the lectern side of the sanctuary.

This is a communion service. On the understanding that God desires to nurture people at every stage of their journey, the table at Knox is an open one.

Members of any denomination, as well as any who are seeking God sincerely, are welcome to receive communion here.

The Call to Worship:We light a candle in the name of Jesus Christ, the Light of the world.

Jesus, who sets the prisoners free;Jesus, who opens the eyes of the blind;Jesus, who lifts up those who are bowed down;Jesus, give us grace to follow in your way.

Kia noho a Ihowa ki a koutou. God be with you.MA IHOWA KOE E MANAAKI. GOD BLESS YOU.

Hymn:

Where mountains rise to open skies your name, O God, is echoed far, from island beach to kauri’s reach,in water’s light, in lake and star.

Your people’s heart, your people’s part be in our caring for this land, for faith to flower, for arohato let each other’s mana stand.

From broken word, from conflict stirred, from lack of vision, set us free to see the line of your design,to feel creation’s energy.

Your love be known, compassion shown, that every child have equal scope: in justice done, in trust begunshall be our heritage and hope.

Where mountains rise to open skies your way of peace distill the air, your spirit bind all humankind,one covenant of life to share!

Shirley Erena Murray Tune: Dunedin (Vernon Griffiths)

Prayer of Approach

You have set us, O God, in a land that flows with milk and honey. Even if the price for milk worries us and the bees are threatened with problems, it is still a good place to live. You have given us the stewardship of this inheritance.GUIDE US IN OUR CARING FOR THIS LAND.

You have given us each other, O God, in a rich variety of cultures and customs. That is enriching, but at times we find it more comfortable to be with those we know and be less open to ways with which we are not familiar. Teach us to trust your purposes for all of humanity.HELP US SEE THE LINE OF YOUR DESIGN.

Like all other peoples, O God, our history is a mixture of good stories of success and troubling stories of failure. We value our heritage, but dream of a yet better tomorrow. May our trust in you embolden our quest for justice and compassion.STRENGTHEN OUR LOVE AND OUR HOPE.

This is a peaceful place, O God, but your world is in turmoil in so many places. Encourage us neither to despair at the enormity of the problems we face, nor to retreat into a citadel and hope the trouble will not bother us. Call us again to the way of Christ, through whom you fashioned us anew. So, in him,MAY YOUR SPIRIT BIND ALL HUMANKIND.

We know all too well, O God, our weakness and our fragility. But you are a God of grace and deep compassion. You have never given up on us, and call us in Christ to trust your love and your forgiveness. And so we pray: Lord have mercy. CHRIST HAVE MERCY. Lord have mercy.

Assurance and Response God our creator brings us new life, forgives and redeems us. Take hold of this forgiveness and live your life in the Spirit of Jesus. In the name of Christ I say to you: You are forgiven and you are free. THANKS BE TO GOD. AMEN.

The Notices

If there are younger ones presentA Conversation with the Younger Ones

Young People’s Blessing:Young ones, go to your worship with our blessing.TAKE OUR FAITH AND HOPE;MAKE NEW THINGS WITH WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN.MAY GOD BLESS AND GROW YOU.AMEN.

Young ones are welcome to move through to the Sala del Sol (upstairs in the Knox Centre) for well supervised, faith-based youth activities.

Gospel Lesson: Mark 7:24-37

This is the gospel of Christ.PRAISE TO CHRIST THE WORD.

Knox Singers: “Ave Verum Corpus”, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Guest Conductor William Muir

Sermon: “Sometimes a bit of cheek gets you further.”

Generally, sermons are posted on our website shortly after the service at: http://www.knoxchurch.co.nz/sermons.htmlHard copies of the sermons are available before and after the service – ask the person at the door.

Prayers for Others and Ourselves

Prayers for all people and especially those in need.

Finally we pray, giving thanks for those who have gone before us in the faith, especially those whom we now miss at this table. Eternal God, surrounded as we are by so great a cloud of witnesses, we remember with gratitude all your faithful people who have served you throughout the ages. We ask that following their example we too may live by faith, serve with love and die in hope; and at the end, in union with them, give glory and praise to you in your eternal kingdom; for we pray it, even as Jesus taught us, saying:

OUR FATHER IN HEAVENHALLOWED BE YOUR NAME,YOUR KINGDOM COME,YOUR WILL BE DONE,

ON EARTH AS IN HEAVEN.GIVE US TODAY OUR DAILY BREAD.FORGIVE US OUR SINS

AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO SIN AGAINST US.SAVE US FROM THE TIME OF TRIAL

AND DELIVER US FROM EVIL.FOR THE KINGDOM, THE POWER AND THE GLORY ARE YOURS

NOW AND FOR EVER. AMEN.

The Offering and DedicationWe stand for the dedication of the Offering.

Blessed are you, O God of all creation.Through your goodness, we have this money to offer,which we have earnedusing the talents that you have given us.It will further the work of your kingdom.BLESSED BE GOD FOREVER.

Blessed are you, O God of all creation.Through your goodness we have this bread to offer,which earth has given and human hands have made.It will become for us the bread of life.BLESSED BE GOD FOREVER.

Blessed are you, O God of all creation.Through your goodness we have this wine to offer,fruit of the vine and work of human hands.It will become for us our spiritual drink.BLESSED BE GOD FOR EVER,THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD, AMEN.

The Passing of the PeaceKia tau tonu te rangimarie o te Ariki ki a koutou.The peace of Christ be with you all.

A KI A KOE ANO HOKI;AND ALSO WITH YOU.We exchange a sign of peace with one another.

Communion Hymn:

Now to your table spreadwe come, each one in faiththat you alone provide the words of life and death:in wine and bread,in promised foodwe find your loving heart, O God.

Hands of the world stretch outyour mystery to touchin longing to believe a truth beyond our reach,to sing in joy,to cry in grief,to know your meaning for our life.

Here is our common wealthin sharing what is good,as though all humankind around one table stood,this bread to break,this wine to taste:one people in the name of Christ.

Shirley Erena Murray Tune: Love Unknown (John Ireland)

We sit forThe InvitationThis table is not ours, it belongs to God.It is in God’s name that we invite all who would come, to take a place here.

The InstitutionLet us now hear the words of institution of this sacrament as recorded by the apostle Paul:

For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night when he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

For as often as your eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

The Setting Apart of the ElementsWith this bread and this cupwe do as Christ commands:we set them apart for the sacrament to which he calls us,and we come to God with our prayers of thanksgiving.

Let us pray.The Great Eucharistic Prayer:May God be with you.AND ALSO WITH YOU.Lift up your hearts.WE LIFT THEM TO GOD.Let us give thanks to the world’s creator.IT IS RIGHT TO GIVE OUR THANKS AND PRAISE.

It is right indeed, eternal God,to give you thanks and praise.For in a time beyond our dreamingyou brought forth light out of darkness,and in great loveyou set humanity at the heart of your creation.

When our disobedience took us far from you,you did not abandon us.Again and again you called us into covenant with you,as the prophets taught us to hope for salvation.

And we praise you,that in the fullness of time,you sent Jesus Christ to be one with us -to set your glory before us,and to reveal the beauty of your love.

When, through hammer and nailshis heart was stilled,and all was death and endings,you raised him to your right handwhere he intercedes for us,and opens the door to eternal life.

Pour out the Holy Spirit on us,and on these gifts of bread and wine,that they may be for us the body and blood of Christ.Make us one with him, one with each other,and one in ministry in the world,until at last we feast with him in the kingdom.

Through your Son, Jesus Christ,all honour and glory is yours, eternal God,

now and for ever. AMEN.The Breaking of the BreadThe bread we break,is a sharing in the body of Christ.

The cup we takeis a sharing in the blood of Christ.

Lamb of God:

Jesus, Lamb of God,HAVE MERCY ON US.JESUS, BEARER OF OUR SINS,HAVE MERCY ON US.JESUS, REDEEMER OF THE WORLD,GRANT US YOUR PEACE.

The CommunionReceive this sacrament of the Lord Jesus Christ.Feed on him in your hearts, by faith, with thanksgiving.These are the things of God for the people of God.

For the distribution, please come forward to the table, take some bread from the loaf, dip it in the cup, and return to your seat. If you prefer non-alcoholic grape

juice or gluten free bread, please take communion from the server with the communion tray.

The Prayer After CommunionEternal God,we give you thanks and praisethat while we were still far offyou met us in your Son, and brought us home.MAY WE WHO SHARE HIS BREADLIVE HIS RISEN LIFE;WE WHO DRINK HIS CUPBRING LIFE TO OTHERS;WE WHOM THE SPIRIT LIGHTSGIVE LIGHT TO THE WORLD,THAT ALL YOUR CHILDREN SHALL BE FREE,AND THE WHOLE EARTH LIVE TO PRAISE YOUR NAME.AMEN.

Hymn:

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 aroundthrough my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me? Lord, 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.

John Bell & Graham MauleTune: Kelvingrove (Scottish, trad.)

Benediction and Sung Amen

Postlude

Tea and coffee are served in the Knox Centre Lounge following the morning service

Music printed in this order of service is coveredunder a music copyright licence agreement: LicenSing #604802

Bible readings for next week (13 September)

The readings for next week’s service are likely to be:

* Psalm 8: 1, 3-5

* Matthew 22: 15-22

* Matthew 9: 35-36

* Luke 10: 29-37

* Mark 6: 30-32

Knox Directory28 Bealey Ave, Christchurch 8013

ph. (03) 379 2456,fax (03) 379 2466

office@knoxchurch.co.nzOffice hours: Mon-Fri 9.00am-noon

Secretary: Diane Harrington,ph. (03) 379 2456

Visit our websitewww.knoxchurch.co.nz

Minister: Rev. Dr Matthew Jackph. (03) 3570 111,

minister@knoxchurch.co.nz

Session Clerk: Janet Wilson,ph. (03) 338 7203

Organist: Daniel Cooper,organist@knoxchurch.co.nz

Pastoral Assistant: Jan Harlandph. 0273560215

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Keeping in Touch

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NOTICES This Week: 6 September 2015 – 12 September 2015Today 10.00 am Morning Worship Wednesday 10.00 am Knox Bible Study in committee roomFriday 6.00 pm Movie night – new time see below

Next Week: 13 September 2015 – 19 September 2015Sunday 10.00 am Morning Worship – see belowWednesday 10.00 am Knox Bible Study in committee room

Movie NightFriday 11 September at 6.00 pm in the lounge. Bring your tea!!The film is The Elegance of the Hedgehog, based on the novel of the same name.

Fireside GroupNext Fireside Group meeting is Monday 21 September at 730 pm in lounge. Speaker is Ngaire Worsley taking about Kits 4 Kids. All welcome.

The Sumner Silver BandNext Sunday morning we welcome back to Knox the Sumner Silver Band, for a special morning service of readings, reflections, strong hymns and good band music.  Matthew has written some reflections on "the pilgrimage to full humanity", and Daniel has written some special hymn arrangements for the band.  Please invite your friends and family to what should be a wonderful event.

Knox church values the support of all who are involved in our community’s life. For those who wish to contribute financially, charitable donations are eligible for a tax rebate of 33%. Options

are available for giving; for information please contact our Donation SecretaryJanet Wilson ph 338 720 email janetwilson@clear.net.nz

EcuAction invites you to hear ...

REV KOLOMA MAKEWINLecturer at Rarongo Theological College in Papua New Guinea

WHEN: Saturday 19 September, 12.30 pm(Over a shared lunch – bring food to share –

tea/coffee provided)

WHERE: The “Reese Room”Papanui Methodist Church68 Harewood Road (Cnr Harewood Rd & Chapel St)

Koloma will be coming to Christchurch after attending a World Council of Churches organised workshop for Pacific leaders in Auckland.

DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY for an update on the Church in the Pacific

Further info from: Brian TurnerPh: 03 312 2037 / 021 129 4305email: bhturner@clear.net.nz

EcuAction is a Canterbury based interchurch action group.Co-convenors: Rev Dr John England Sister Dr Kath Rushton RSMContact: ecu.action@gmail.com / PO Box 24050, Christchurch 8062