June 5, 2022
WELCOME TO ST ANDREW’S ON THE TERRACE
Today’s service is led by Rev. Dr Fei Taule’ale’ausumai
PRELUDE Rusper
(English Traditional Melody)
GATHERING
As people from of old gathered to celebrate
their covenant with the Holy One,
so we gather to reaffirm our wonder in a
God who is always reaching out to us.
In Torah and prophet great
wisdom is found,
in new words and meanings
God’s voice speaks afresh.
With first fruits of the year’s harvest
the ancients gave thanks,
our hearts, minds and voices
we bring now with joy.
SILENCE
PROCESSIONAL HYMN CH 204 ‘I am the Church’
Richard Kinsey Avery
Tune: We are the church
Refrain – 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.
1. The church is not a building;
the church is not a steeple;
the church is not a resting place;
the church is a people.
(Refrain)
2. We’re many kinds of people,
with many kinds of faces,
all colours and all ages, too
from all times and places.
(Refrain)
3. Sometimes the church is marching;
sometimes it’s bravely burning,
sometimes it’s riding, sometimes hiding;
always it’s learning.
(Refrain)
4. 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)
5. At Pentecost some people
received the Holy Spirit
and told the Good News through the world
to all who would hear it.
(Refrain)
OPENING RESPONSES Neil Paynter and Brian Woodcock Iona Community
With the whole church we affirm
that we are made in God’s image,
befriended by Christ, empowered by the Spirit.
With people everywhere we affirm
God’s goodness at the heart of humanity,
planted more deeply than all that is wrong.
With all creation we celebrate
the miracle and the wonder of life,
forever at work in ourselves and the world.
WELCOME
E te whānau a Te Karaiti
ngā mihi aroha ki a tātou katoa.
Kia ora tātou.
Talofa lava, o le vaiaso lenei o le gagana Samoa
Good morning, this week has been Samoan language week.
Talofa lava.
PRAYER
God of presence and faithfulness,
we seek you in the shifting sands of our lives.
The babble of many voices surrounds us,
insistent and never ending,
pulling us this way and that.
We strain to hear your words of
wisdom and peace, that will keep us
deeply connected to you and
guide and sustain us on our long journey.
Calming our anxious hearts
we listen within.
Your words are our own mother tongue
and recognising them, our hearts ignite
with astonishment and joy.
JESUS’ PRAYER Jim Cotter paraphrase
Eternal Spirit
Life-Giver, Pain-Bearer, Love-Maker,
source of all that is and that shall be,
Father and Mother of us all,
loving God, in whom is heaven:
the hallowing of your name
echo through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed
by the peoples of the world!
Your heavenly will be done
by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom
sustain our hope and come on earth.
With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and test,
strengthen us.
From trials too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory
of the power that is love, now and for ever.
Amen.
LIGHTING THE RAINBOW CANDLE
The rainbow candle represents the inclusive nature of our church where all are
welcome and also celebrates our children.
TIME WITH THE CHILDREN Ellen Murray
BLESSING THE CHILDREN (All stand)
It being Queens Birthday there are activities at the back of the church and we
say…
We bless you. Amen.
PASSING THE PEACE
Traditionally we shake hands to pass the peace and say “peace be with you.” Now that COVID-19 is
here we ask that you pass the peace without shaking hands.
THE WORD IN TEXTS Heather Macfarlane
Hebrew Bible Genesis 11:1-9
Gospel Acts 2:1-21
Contemporary reading ‘Thinking about Pentecost’
From: All Age Worship by Rosie Staite
Wow some exciting things happened that day, and people were changed.
God gave the GIFT of the Holy Spirit.
But we can’t SEE the Holy Spirit – just like we can’t SEE electricity, but both are
pretty powerful!
What did the friends of Jesus hear first that day?
What did they see?
How did they feel?
What could they do that surprised the crowds?
Who can speak another language? Even just a few words …
Could you try saying a few words in another language, all at the same time…
Try it!
No wonder the crowd in Jerusalem wondered what was going on! Some of you
may be able to speak in a prayer language you might not understand –
that’s one of the gifts not all of us want, but some of us are given!
Now think about Peter… Here he is getting up in front of all the crowd telling
people about Jesus, just weeks after he denied ever knowing Jesus.
What a change!
The Holy Spirit took away his fear and gave him God’s courage and surprising
ability to understand what was happening and to tell everyone.
How does the Holy Spirit work?
Well it’s like:
• Sometimes we know we are on the wrong path and we need to change
direction. That’s the prod of the Holy Spirit. Ever had a moment like that?
• Sometimes we are calm in a crisis, and we wonder – how did we ever
manage that? That’s the Holy Spirit at work. Parents are good at that!
• Sometimes we worry, or question, and then suddenly KNOW what we
need to do. That’s the process of the Holy Spirit.
• Sometimes we help someone else at just the right moment. That’s the
Holy Spirit at work answering their prayers through us.
• Sometimes something turns out just right for us. That’s the Holy Spirit at
work too.
When we pray to God, we plug into the power of God and that’s when the Spirit
of God is unleashed. The Holy Spirit fills us, and helps us, just as it did long ago.
That’s pretty cool!
RESPONSE
For the Spirit of God in word,
for the Spirit of God among us,
for the Spirit of God within us,
we give thanks.
REFLECTION Rev. Dr Fei Taule’ale’ausumai
HYMN HIOS 7 ‘As the wind song through the trees’
Words © 2005 Shirley Erena Murray
Music by Swee Hong Lim © 2005 Hope Publishing Company
1. As the wind song through the trees,
as the stirring of the breeze,
so it is with the Spirit of God,
as the heart made strangely warm,
as the voice within the storm,
so it is with the Spirit of God.
Never seen, never known
where this wind has blown
bringing life, bringing power to the world,
as the dancing tongues of fire,
as the soul’s most deep desire,
so it is with the Spirit of God.
2. As the rainbow after rain,
as the hope that’s born again,
so it is with the Spirit of God,
as the green in the spring,
as a kite on a string,
so it is with the Spirit of God,
making worlds that are new,
making peace come true,
bringing gifts, bringing love to the world,
as the rising of the yeast,
as the wine at the feast,
so it is with the Spirit of God.
OFFERTORY MUSIC ‘Coronation March’
from “Crown Imperial”
We recognise and bless the gifts brought to the table, and those which wing
their way electronically from our banks to the church’s account.
OFFERING HYMN Tune: Duke Street WOV 24
For the spirit of God in our lives,
for the uplifting power of a loving presence
in the world – seen and unseen –
we give thanks.
We bring our own gifts
of money, food, music and reflection
in that same spirit of generosity and love.
Amen
LIFE IN THE COMMUNITY OF ST ANDREW’S
People share notices and visitors are welcomed. If you have a notice, please move to the front row, ready
to speak briefly from the lectern.
For the benefit of newcomers, please introduce yourself before you begin.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Anna Smith
CIRCLE OF PRAYER
We think today of the people of Puerto Rico and the Council of Churches of
Puerto Rico. We hold all refugees in our hearts. We pray in particular for
those detained for many years in Papua New Guinea & Nauru. We give thanks
for progress that has been made and pray that their calls for justice might yet
find a compassionate response. In New Zealand, we remember those in
Parliament, and today we name Simon Watts (North Shore) and Duncan
Webb (Christchurch Central). Here in the Central Presbytery, we pray for the
leaders and people of First Presbyterian Church, Martinborough.
PRAYER FOR ST ANDREW’S
Renew your people, God,
and renew our life in this place.
Give us a new spirit of unity
with all who follow the Way of Jesus
and new bonds of love
with people of other faiths.
Bless the city in which we live
that it may be a place
where honest dealing,
good government,
the desire for beauty,
and the care for others flourish.
Bless this church
that what we know of your will
may become what we do,
and what we believe
the strong impulse
of our worship and work.
Amen
PRAYER Dorothy McRae-McMahon
God of all history, God of our history,
direct us to your vision for this day and our place.
Inspire us to catch the majesty of your dreams
so that we dare not move towards them without carrying with
us the mystery of your life within and around us,
Inspire us with the wonder of the breadth of all that you imagine
so that we will long with all our heart and mind and strength to be part of
it.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
St Andrew’s is an open community and all are invited to Christ’s table.
Wherever you are on your faith journey, wherever you have come from and
wherever you are going to, whatever you believe, whatever you do not
believe, you are welcome to participate in the communion. This is God’s meal
for all people.
COMMUNION HYMN FFS 57 ‘Song of faith that sings forever’ vs 1-3
Words: Shirley Murray © Hope Publishing Co. 1999
Music: Abbeyfield Colin Gibson © Hope Publishing co. 1999
1. Song of faith that sings forever
through God’s people, ages long,
Word that holds the world together
when our hearts take up the song,
always, always, somewhere sounding,
though the source we do not see,
counterpoint to all despairing,
it is hope that sets the key.
2. Song of faith in exaltation,
rising through the vaults of prayer,
tune of simple celebration
offered up in open air,
song in chapel and cathedral,
descant to our daily tone,
song from sickbed or in prison,
faith must often sing alone.
3. And when life would overwhelm us,
when there seems no song to sing,
hear the constant voice of courage
out of fear and suffering:
all who’ve loved and trusted Jesus,
all who lift us to be strong,
endless, endless are the voices
of the faith that makes the song.
THANKSGIVING PRAYER Adapted from All Desires Known by Janet Morley
The original of this prayer was first used on Easter Day 1987 in the St Hilda Community
O Eternal Spirit, we give thanks,
because with fire and wind you came among us.
You burst forth
and our lives have never been the same.
You continue to reveal yourself to women and men
many times, in different places, in a myriad of ways
offering us a new way of living
a new energy empowering us for the journey.
Therefore with the energy and powerful love
which we can now find deep within us,
with the creative ones
who delight, and transform darkness and despair,
with those with artistic skill
who dare to visualise for us another way,
with the damaged ones
who bring to life’s stage new drama,
with those who are rich in enthusiasm
who inspire others to do good and do well,
we give thanks, saying:
Holy, holy, holy, loving Spirit God,
heaven and earth are full of your glory,
the glory of the power that is love
Hosanna in the highest;
blessed are they who come in the name of God;
hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is our brother Jesus
who walks with us in the spirit of life,
now always with us wherever we are,
who, after a meal with his friends,
people much like us, took bread, gave thanks, broke it and said:
‘This is my body which is for you
Do this to remember me’
In the same also the cup, after supper saying words like
‘This cup is the new covenant,
Do this whenever you drink it, to remember me.’
Come now disturbing Spirit
brood over and breathe on these earthly things
and make us one body in Christ.
Open our eyes, unlock our hearts, name us here;
touch and heal all that has been buried in us,
transforming ugliness into beauty,
transforming despair into hope,
that we may go out with power,
to release new life in the world.
DISTRIBUTION
You will be served communion in your seats. The light liquid is wine and the
dark liquid is grape juice.
CLOSING PRAYERS
We do not rise from this table without remembering
other members of this worldwide family:
for those who are suffering from poverty
we pray relief,
for those who fear war
we pray peace,
for those who experience prejudice
we pray acceptance,
for those treated with hate
we pray love.
for those who doubt their former beliefs
we pray trust and faith,
for all who seek a spiritual path
we pray they will find it.
So may it be.
AMEN
HYMN WOV 629 ‘Faafetai I le Atua’
Music: © Words: © #. Verses Tune Regents Square
1. Fa’afetai i le atua,
lena tatou tupu ai,
ina ua na alofa fua
ia te tatou uma nei.
Ia pepese,
aleluia, faafetai
English translation
Thanks to God
who has given us life
when he freely loved
all of us
Sing
Alleluia, give thanks.
2. Faafetai i lona alo
lena afio mai luga
le ua fai ma faapaolo
mai le puapuaga
Ia pepese
aleluia faafetai
Thanks to his Son
who came from above,
who protects you
from all suffering
Sing
Alleluia, give thanks.
3. Faafetai i le agaga
le fesoasoani mai
e manuia talosaga
atoa uma mea e fai
Ia pepese
aleluia faafetai
Thanks to the Spirit
Who helps
To bless our prayers
And whatever we do.
Sing
Alleluia, give thanks.
BLESSING Bronwyn Angela White
In this season of Pentecost in Aotearoa—
leaves flaming on autumn trees
drifting onto our heads
as we scuff across leaf-crunchy lawn
—may the dazzling fire and howling wind
warm but not burn us, heat but not scorch,
stir us not into whirlwind but purposeful action;
move us to compassion,
breathe new life into our lungs and hearts;
inspire us anew.
In this season of Pentecost in Aotearoa—
may the wind and fire that inspired the apostles,
former doubters and promise-breakers,
glory-seekers, sleepers while on watch
to become truth speakers, healers and teachers,
world changers, spreading good news
empower us in service to others and
in the healing of our world.
May we speak in tongues that all understand:
loving action, warmth of friendship,
justice for all, and integrity:
Loving flame, Comforter, Spirit of truth.
SUNG BLESSING FFS 49 ‘May the God of new beginnings’
Words © 2000 John Murray, Music © 2000 Colin Gibson
Reprinted under One License A-623996. All rights reserved
May the God of new beginnings start with you and me.
May the God of continuing story speak through you and me.
May the God of infinite wisdom shine in you and me.
May the God of safe homecomings welcome you and me.
SAMOAN BENEDICTION:
Ia tumau mai ia te’i matou uma lava le alofa tunoa o le Atua, ma lona alo
pele o Iesu Keriso, faatasi ma le mafutaga a le Agaga Paia, nei se’i o’o i le
fa’avavau, fa’avavau lava. Amene.
SUNG AMEN
POSTLUDE “The Rejoicing”
by G.F. Handel (1685-1759)
THANK YOU