June 17, 2018
WELCOME TO ST ANDREW’S ON THE TERRACE
Today we reflect on the third stanza of the Charter of Compassion
GATHERING
As spiritual people we have a responsibility
We are called to guard the role of compassion in our religious life.
The most important commandments which Jesus cited
focused on love of the sacred
and compassion towards humankind.
We are called to treat others as we would treat ourselves;
Who does not want to be treated with compassion?
PROCESSIONAL HYMN ‘And did those feet in former times’
Words: © 2000 Susan Jones: this version 2014 and 2018
Tune: CH 4 #106 Jerusalem
And did those feet in former times
walk upon scree and tussock brown
and did the man, Jesus the Christ
cross mountains high and rolling downs?
and did he know the morning mist?
and did he know the harbour’s sheen?
and did he love this cityscape
its terraced streets, the urban scene?
And does he still walk this our land,
talking and laughing with us yet?
And does he know that stab of need
when neighbours snub, and worse, neglect?
And is he there when wine is poured?
And is he there when bread’s prepared?
And does he smile when compassion’s real?
And does he weep when it is not?
Be with us Christ, as we step out.
Come with us on our lifelong quest.
Be our true guide, on our right hand,
be with us, walking and at rest.
So we will know life to the full,
be there to see us through the night.
For we would be your followers
pursue your Way with all our might.
WELCOME
Kia ora tatou.
Kia ora.
PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER Jim Cotter version on card
TIME WITH THE CHILDREN Ellen Murray
LIGHTING THE RAINBOW ROOM CANDLE
BLESSING THE CHILDREN (All stand)
We send you to the Rainbow Room programme to hear stories, ask questions and have fun together.
We bless you. Amen.
PASSING THE PEACE
Feel free to pass the peace with those nearby or move to greet others further away. Passing the peace consists of shaking hands and saying “Peace be with you.” The response is “Peace be with you” or just “And with you.” Or, simply saying ‘Hello” is a good idea. Also feel free to simply observe if you wish!
THE WORD IN TEXTS Joan Tyler
Hebrew Bible Deuteronomy 6: 4-9
and Leviticus 19: 13-18
Gospel Mark 12: 28-34
Contemporary reading from “the third stanza of the Compassion Charter
inspired by Karen Armstrong
We therefore call upon all men and women to restore compassion to the centre of morality and religion ~ to return to the ancient principle that any interpretation of scripture that breeds violence, hatred or disdain is illegitimate ~ to ensure that youth are given accurate and respectful information about other traditions, religions and cultures ~ to encourage a positive appreciation of cultural and religious diversity ~ to cultivate an informed empathy with the suffering of all human beings—even those regarded as enemies.
RESPONSE
For the Word in scripture,
for the Word among us,
for the Word within us,
we give thanks
LIFE MOMENT Reflection on Parihaka Fionnaigh McKenzie
REFLECTION ‘Compassion transcending religion’ Susan Jones
HYMN AA 94(i) ‘Loving Spirit’
Words © 1989 Shirley Murray. Music © 1990 David Dell
1.Loving Spirit, loving Spirit,
you have chosen me to be,
you have drawn me to your wonder,
you have set your sign on me.
2.Like a mother you enfold me,
hold my life within your own,
feed me with your very body,
form me of your flesh and bone.
3. Like a father you protect me,
teach me the discerning eye,
hoist me up upon your shoulder
let me see the world from high.
4. Friend and lover, in your closeness
I am known and held and blessed:
in your promise is my comfort,
in your presence I may rest.
5. Loving Spirit, loving Spirit,
you have chosen me to be,
you have drawn me to your wonder,
you have set your sign on me.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH said as OFFERING PRAYER
We are called, all of us
to restore compassion to the centre of morality and religion,
that compassion might be our goal.
We are called, all of us
to return to the ancient principle that
interpreting scripture in ways which breed violence, hatred or disdain
is illegitimate, and damaging to humanity.
We are called, all of us,
to raise our young with accurate and respectful information
about other traditions, religions and cultures.
We are called, all of us,
to encourage positive appreciation of cultural and religious diversity and to cultivate informed empathy with the suffering of all beings.
We are called, all of us,
to show compassion to all,
even those we regard as enemies.
We are so called,
and in the silence we make our response
Silence
So may it be
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.
LIFE IN THE COMMUNITY OF ST ANDREW’S
People share notices and visitors are welcomed. If you have a notice not already in the order of service, 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 Barrie Keenan
CIRCLE OF PRAYER
We think today of the people of France and the Reformed Church of France. In New Zealand, we remember those in Parliament, and today we name Jan Tinetti and Nicky Wagner, list MPs. Here in the Central Presbytery, we pray for the leaders and people of Knox Presbyterian Church, Lower Hutt.
PRAYER FOR ST ANDREW’S on card
HYMN ‘Give thanks for life’
Tune WOV 384 Sine Nomine Words: © Shirley Erena Murray
Give thanks for life,
the measure of our days,
mortal, we pass
through beauty that decays,
yet sing to God our hope, our love, our praise, Alleluia!
Give thanks for those
who made their life a light
caught from the Christ-flame,
bursting through the night,
who touched the truth, who burned for what is right, Alleluia!
And for our own,
our living and our dead,
thanks for the love
by which our life is fed,
a love not changed by time or death or dread, Alleluia!
Give thanks for hope,
that like the wheat, the grain
that lies in darkness
does its life retain
in resurrection to grow green again, Alleluia!
BLESSING
SUNG AMEN
POSTLUDE “End Credits” from Jurassic Park by John Williams
THANK YOU Peter Franklin
our musician today