Order of Service 18 October 2015

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a very small heart, it could hold a rather large amount of gratitude.”

A.A. Milne

The Power of Gratitude

WELCOME TO KNOX

Knox 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. The Call to Worship:

We light a candle in the name of Jesus Christ, the Light of the world.

JESUS, OWNING NOTHING BUT HAVING EVERYTHING; JESUS, WHOSE LIFE WAS A DEEP EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE; JESUS, IN WHOSE NAME WE GATHER.

Kia noho a Ihowa ki a koutou. God be with you. MA IHOWA KOE E MANAAKI. GOD BLESS YOU. Hymn: Ar Hyd Y Nos Welsh traditional melody

1. For the fruits of the creation, thanks be to God; for good gifts to every nation, thanks be to God; for the ploughing, sowing, reaping, silent growth while we are sleeping, future needs in earth’s safe-keeping, thanks be to God.

2. In the just reward of labour, God’s will is done; in the help we give our neighbour, God’s will is done; in our worldwide task of caring for the hungry and despairing, in the harvests we are sharing, God’s will is done.

3. For the harvests of the Spirit, thanks be to God; for the good we all inherit,

thanks be to God; for the wonders that astound us, for the truths that still confound us, most of all, that love has found us, thanks be to God.

Fred Pratt Green (1903-2000)

Prayer of Approach

. . . Lord have mercy. CHRIST HAVE MERCY. Lord have mercy.

Assurance and Response

. . . In the name of Christ I say to you: You are forgiven and you are free. THANKS BE TO GOD.

Prayer of Supplication:

God, whose generosity has marked each next reach of our common story, LET US NOT FORGET OUR BLESSINGS.

Give us memories of support in hard times. GIVE US GRATITUDE FOR BLESSINGS IN TIMES OF PLENTY.

Dwell in our hearts THAT WE MAY BE PEOPLE OF CHEERFUL THANKSGIVING.

We pray this in the name of Jesus, and even as he taught us, so together we pray:

. . . OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN HALLOWED 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 Passing of the Peace

Kia 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.

If there are younger ones present A 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. The First Lesson: Deuteronomy 8: 7-18

In this is the Word of God. THANKS BE TO GOD. Knox Singers: Glory to God Daniel Cooper (b. 1997) The Second Lesson: 2 Corinthians 9: 6-15

In this is the Word of God. THANKS BE TO GOD. Hymn: Lucerna Laudoniae David Evans (1874-1948)

1. 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.

2. For the beauty of each hour, of the day and of the night, hill and vale, and tree and flower, sun and moon and stars of light, Christ our God, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.

3. For the joy of ear and eye, for the heart and mind’s delight, for the mystic harmony linking sense to sound and sight, Christ our God, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.

4. For the joy of human love, brother, sister, parent, child, friends on earth & friends above, pleasures pure and undefiled, Christ our God, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.

5. For each perfect gift divine to the human race so given, joys bestowed by love’s design, flowers of earth and buds of heaven, Christ our God, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.

Folliott Sandford Pierpoint (1835-1917), alt. Sermon: The power of gratitude

Generally, sermons are posted on our website shortly after the service at: http://www.knoxchurch.co.nz/sermons.html

Hard copies of the sermons are available before and after the service – ask the person at the door.

Music for Reflection Hymn: Austria Franz Josef Haydn (1732-1809)

1. God, Creator of the universe spoke the word and gave it birth, called for life in plants and creatures, said ‘twas good and blessed the earth. God, Creator, we would join you, care for earth and live shalom, adoration, jubilation, make the earth a joyful home. 2. God, Redeemer of the captive, led the slave by fire and cloud, granted haven to the fugitive, scattered those enthroned and proud. God, Redeemer, we would join you, fight for justice and release, liberation, God’s salvation, make the earth a home for peace. 3. God incarnate, God in person, walked the paths of daily life, taught and healed and brought salvation, shared with us our times of strife. God incarnate, we would join you, fill the world as living yeast, incarnation, proclamation, welcome all the open feast! 4. God of history and the future, keep us moving with you now. Grant us strength for this adventure and the courage of our vow. God of action, we would join you, keep us faithful and renewed. Reformation, transformation, these shall sign our gratitude. Source of text unknown

Prayers for Others and Ourselves

led by Graeme Downie

The Stewardship Narrative

The Offering and Dedication

We stand for the dedication of the Offering The grace and goodness of God overflows. OUR CUP RUNS OVER.

For the gift of time, the days that we have been given and encouraged to fill with meaningful service, WE EXPRESS OUR GRATITUDE.

For the skills and talents we have been given, the creative powers at our disposal, THANKS BE TO GOD.

For the money that we have received, for its power to make good things happen and its capacity to express thankfulness, WE ACKNOWLEDGE GOD’S GRACE.

In the life we share, IN THE CHURCH FOR WHICH WE CARE,

may we be enabled to offer our time, talent and treasure. BLESS US TO BE GOOD STEWARDS OF THE PLENTY WE SHARE. Bless this offering THROUGH JESUS CHRIST, AMEN.

Notices Hymn: Hyfrydol Rowland Huw Prichard (1811-1887)

1. God, we see what you have given; signs of grace are everywhere! All around are gifts from heaven — gifts enough for all to share. We are stewards of your bounty, called to give as we've received; and your blessings have been plenty from the day we first believed.

2. We are stewards of the richness

that you send from heav'n above. For in Christ, you gave up greatness, humbly showing us your love. In a manger — gift from heaven! On a cross — with love and pain! You proclaimed we are forgiven; now you send us in your name.

3. We are stewards of your welcome that you showed through Christ the Son. In his living and his teaching, Jesus welcomed everyone. To the outcast and the stranger, he showed hospitality! By your Spirit, may we also give the welcome we've received.

4. We are stewards, sent out sharing,

offering you our very best. Through our serving and our caring may we give as we've been blessed. God of love, may faithful living be much more than Sunday talk. Send us loving, serving, giving; help us daily walk your walk!

Carolyn Winfrey Gillette (b. 1961)

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 covered

under a music copyright licence agreement: LicenSing #604802

Bible readings for next week

The readings for next week’s service are likely to be: • Psalm 126 • Mark 10: 46-52

NOTICES This Week: 18 October 2015 – 24 October 2015 Today 10.00 am Morning Worship 11.15 am Book Group will meet and discuss the book All the light we cannot see by Anthony Doerr (2014). Notes are available on the table in the gallery entrance (new foyer). Monday 7.30 pm Fireside Group meets in Lounge. See below. Wednesday 10.00 am Knox Bible Study in committee room Next Week: 25 October 2015 – 31 October 2015 Sunday 10.00 am Morning Worship 1.30 pm Open day at Knox. See below. Wednesday 10.00 am Knox Bible Study in committee room Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting of Knox Church will be held immediately following the morning service on Sunday 8 November 2015. The annual reports and accounts will be available for two weeks before the meeting. Janet Wilson - Knox Council Clerk Knox Fireside Group – Open meeting Next meeting of Fireside Group Monday October 19 at 7 30pm in the Knox Lounge. The speaker is the liaison person with PILLARS. In November, as in other years, Knox will gather food and goods for PILLARS - this will be a great opportunity to discover more about PILLARS. All Welcome. Open Day at Knox Knox Open Day, Sunday 25th October 1.30 - 4.30 pm. This is part of the Christchurch Heritage Week and we are open to visitors with displays, music and refreshments. Free. If you have any old photographs or memorabilia of Knox, we would love to display them. Ring Noeline Bain, 352 8935 or Liz Baxendine 355 5137. PILLARS For the first 3 Sundays in November our Food offerings etc will be donated to PILLARS instead of St George’s Iona.

Gardener of the Year As many of you will know, Brian Coker has nominated his wife, Helen, for the Gardener of the Year contest as she has been working so hard to create an accessible garden at their new home. Helen has been chosen as one of the 5 finalists and now the public is invited to vote for the winner. Visit www.nzgardener.co.nz , buy a current NZ Gardener magazine, or post your vote to 2015 GARDENA Gardener of the Year, NZ Gardener, PO Box 6341, Wellesley St, Auckland. Votes due by 1 November. Thanks Janet Wilson 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 Secretary

Janet Wilson ph 338 720 email janetwilson@clear.net.nz

BAKING FOR CHRISTMAS As we did last year we will do baking for Christmas with all proceeds going to

the Rebuild. There will be Christmas Cakes small 10cm, medium 15cm, large 22-23 cm, Truffles and Afghans and Shortbread made by Doug Shaw.

HOW CAN YOU HELP? All recipes and some ingredients will be given, can you make Christmas cakes, truffles? Donation of money to go towards the ingredients, seek and collect orders.

TIME TABLE October – order forms to go out October 31 – all order forms to be returned November – make Christmas cakes and truffles December 5 – in the morning pack baking

IF YOU CAN HELP IN ANY WAY PLEASE CONTACT

Jennifer McKinnon – jennifer.mckinnon@xtra.co.nz – 338 0333 Di in the Office – office@knoxchurch.co.nz – 379 2456

Extra order forms can be obtained from the church Office or from the table in the foyer leading into the church.

Paying our way at Knox

Our offerings of money are crucial to meeting the everyday financial needs of Knox Church. At this time we are asking you to carefully consider how you may contribute to keeping Knox going - and growing. Could you move from dropping a casual donation into the offering bag on a Sunday to joining our regular giving system? That would mean you would receive donation statements and could then apply for a rebate of 1/3 from the IRD each year - while still helping Knox. For those who are already giving regularly, how long is it since you thought about the amount you donate? I know that I’ve just given the same amount for years. But costs for Knox have not stood still all those years, unfortunately. Could you make even a small increase? Could you commit to a direct payment arrangement with your bank? That method allows the Knox Treasurer to have some certainty about monthly income. HOW OUR REGULAR GIVING SYSTEM WORKS

1. All donors receive a quarterly statement from the Knox “Envelope Secretary”. At the end of the financial year you can send your annual statement to the IRD for your 1/3 rebate.

2. Direct payment through your bank. Most people use this system now. It is easy to set up and then carries

on automatically - and it helps Knox by coming in regularly. The Treasurer can have some certainty about how much basic income will be available to pay Matthew, Diane, the cleaner, the electricity etc. Just contact the Envelope Secretary to obtain the Knox bank account number, then see your own bank.

3. Envelope system. Some people prefer the traditional method of putting cash or a cheque

into a labelled envelope and handing it in during the Sunday service. That is fine. Envelopes are provided, along with your statement, each quarter throughout the year.

4. Internet banking. This is fine, too. You need to make sure that your name appears on

Knox’s bank statement so that your donation can be identified and recorded for your statement - and please notify the Envelope Secretary. No name = no refund!

5. Live now - give later. We all know it can be hard to spare much for Knox if one is on a small

income. Maybe you could consider including a bequest to Knox in your will? Past bequests have been a wonderful help to Knox and to our outreach into the community. A bequest may be left for specified purposes, but it is probably more helpful to leave future use unspecified as no-one knows what Knox’s needs may be years ahead.

For further information please contact the “Envelope Secretary”: Janet Wilson (phone 338 7203); <janetwilson@clear.net.nz

Our current financial situation Do you know how much it costs to run Knox – stipend and wages, electricity, insurance, maintenance, equipment, office expenses, etc.? Did you know that just to heat the church for on Sunday service costs $75 - $90? Here are the basic facts of our income and expenses: For the 2014/15 financial year: Average weekly expenses: $4886 Average weekly income: $3918 (offering = $1399, income from property

and interest = $2519) Yes, that means an average loss of $968 every week of the year. Over the next year we hope to increase income from church facilities hire but we also expect to earn less in interest We need to be able to fund the running of our church and carry out our mission in the wider community. We as you to prayerfully consider your own contribution to Knox – what time, what skills and passions, what financial support you can offer.

Making your response Over the last four Sunday services we have explored the themes of Christian stewardship – the faithful use of time, talent and treasure. The sermons from each of these Sundays (20 & 27 September, 4 & 11 October) can be found on our website: http://www.knoxchurch.co.nz/sermons.html We have sought to stimulate your thinking about the various contributions of time, talent and treasure that you can make to your church. The recently released edition of “Knox Life”, our parish newsletter, included a form you can use to indicate any adjustments in your offering (of time, talent and treasure) to Knox. This morning many people will be putting their completed forms into the offering bags. If you have become separated from your form, and wish to make a response, extra forms can be found on the table in the Gallery. Feel free to take an extra copy and send it into the Church office in the next few weeks.

“Haves” or “have nots”?

Knox Directory

28 Bealey Ave, Christchurch 8013 ph. (03) 379 2456, fax (03) 379 2466

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

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

Visit our website

www.knoxchurch.co.nz

Minister: Rev. Dr Matthew Jack

ph. (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 Harland ph. 0273560215

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Keeping in Touch

Please help us get acquainted with you by filling in this form and putting it in the offering bag.

Name: Contact details