Order of Service6 March 2016

BECOMING THE FATHERA 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 TOLD STORIES OF PARENTS AND CHILDREN;JESUS, IN WHOM WE SAW GOD’S NATURE MADE HUMAN;JESUS, WHO CALLS US TO BECOME HIS BODY.

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

Hymn:Abbots Leigh Cyril Vincent Taylor (1907-1991)

1. God is love, the heavens adoring;God is love, let earth rejoice;let creation sing its praises,high rejoicing with one voice.God who laid the earth’s foundation,and who spread the heavens above,God who breathes through all creation.is pure love, eternal love.

2. God is love, and is enfoldingall the world in one embrace,with unfailing grasp is holdingevery child of every race.And when human hearts are breakingunder sorrow’s iron rod,then they find that selfsame achingdeep within the heart of God.

3. God is love, and, though with blindnesssin affects the souls of all,God’s eternal loving-kindnessholds and guides us when we fall.Sin and death and hell shall nevero’er us final triumph gain;God is love, so love for evero’er the universe must reign.

Timothy Rees (1874-1939), alt.

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. 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: Luke 15: 1-3, 11b-32

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

Knox Singers: Cantate DominoGiuseppe Ottavio Pitoni (1657-1743)

Sermon: Becoming the Father

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. . . 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 SINSAS 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 YOURSNOW 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 FOREVER,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:Gatehouse John Bell (b.1949)

1. Among us and before us, Lord, you standwith arms outstretched and bread and wine at hand.Confronting those unworthy of a crumb,you ask that to your table we should come.

2. Who dare say No, when such is your resolveour worst to witness, suffer and absolve,our best to raise in lives by God forgiven,our souls to fill on earth with food from heaven?

3. Who dare say No, when such is your intentto love the selves we famish and resent,to cradle our uncertainties and fear,to kindle hope as you in faith draw near?

4. Who dare say No, when such is your requestthat each around your table should be guest,that here the ancient word should live as new,‘Take, eat and drink - all this is meant for you.’?

5. No more we hesitate and wonder why;no more we stand indifferent, sacred or shy.Your invitation leads us to say Yes,to meet you where you nourish, heal and bless.

John Bell (b. 1949)

We sit forThe Invitation, Institution and Setting Apart of the ElementsThe 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 . . .

The Breaking of the BreadLamb 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 CommunionFor the distribution, please come forward to the table,

receive 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:Hyfrydol Rowland Huw Prichard (1811-1887)

1. Love divine, all loves excelling,joy of heaven, to earth come down,fix in us thy humble dwelling,all thy faithful mercies crown:Jesu, thou art all compassion,pure unbounded love thou art;visit us with thy salvation,enter every trembling heart.

2.Come, almighty to deliver,let us all thy life receive;suddenly return, and never,never more thy temples leave:thee we would be always blessing,serve thee as thy hosts above,pray, and praise thee, without ceasing,glory in thy perfect love.

3. Finish then thy new creation,pure and spotless let us be,let us see thy great salvation,perfectly restored in thee:changed from glory into glory,till in heaven we take our place,till we cast our crowns before thee,lost in wonder, love and praise.

Charles Wesley (1707-1788)

Benediction and Sung AmenPostlude: Fantasia on ‘A Mighty Fortress is Our God’ Movement 1,Jan Zwart (1877-1937)

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

Psalm 126 John 12: 1-8

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

Director of Music: Daniel Cooper,organist@knoxchurch.co.nz

Pastoral Assistant: Jan Harlandph. 0273560215

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Keeping in TouchPlease help us get acquainted with you by filling in this form

and putting it in the offering bag.

Name:

Contact details

NOTICES

This Week: 6 March 2016 – 12 March 2016Today 10.00 am Morning WorshipWednesday 10.00 am Bible Study in committee room

Next Week: 13 March 2016 - 19 March 2016Sunday 10.00 am Morning WorshipWednesday 10.00 am Bible Study in committee room

Fireside Group MeetingThis will be on Monday 21 March at 7 30pm in the Knox Lounge. The speaker will be Carol Rout who will talk about her experiences as a survivor of the Wahine Disaster. Everyone is invited.

Faith, film and fictionNext meeting of the book and film group will be Sunday 13 March in the lounge at 5.00pm. We will watch the film Spitfire Grill.Please see Bronwyn if you would like the meeting dates for the year.

Knox LifeThe next issue of Knox Life is planned for 20 March. Contributions would be most welcome and should be in to the office by Monday 14 March at the very latest.

Icecream ContainersWanted empty 2 L ice cream containers with lids. The containers will be used at the forthcoming National Quilting Symposium. Please give to Jennifer McKinnon. Thank you.

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

EASTER DAY BREAKFAST

27 MARCH 2016As we have done in other years we will be celebrating Easter Day with breakfast on Easter Day 27 March.

Breakfast will be served from 8 30 – 9.00 am in the Knox Lounge.

Breakfast MenuFruit and Cereal

Scrambled Eggs and Bacon

Toast and Spread

Tea, Coffee

Cost $5.00 per person $10.00 per family.

Durham Street and St Luke’s have been invited to join us.

There are clip boards by both doors to be filled in by Sunday March 20. We  need to get an idea of numbers for food ordering but there will be food for extras.