“We are journeying together in God’s love . . .
to discover, nurture and share our gifts.”
Advent III
December 17, 2006
Choir Cantata
John announces good news, even while calling for reorientation of our lives in light of this news. The other readings rejoice in God, who is in our midst. For whom are these texts good news and why? What are the questions John moves us to ask; and in their light, what then should we do?
If you would like to stay seated for any or all of the “standing” parts of the service, please feel free to do so.
We Gather To Worship God
Prelude “Songs of Christmas” arr. Wilson
Sharing Announcements
A time of silent preparation—Lighting the Christ Candle
Call to Worship (Responsive)
One: John, wild prophet, baptizer,
All: We approach you with fear and anxiety.
One: John, voice of conscience, baptizer,
All: We hear you and are humbled.
One: John, caller to repentance, baptizer,
All: We stand ready to make a fresh start.
One: John, forerunner of Jesus, baptizer,
All: We will seek justice and peace.
Hymn #76 “See Amid the Winter’s Snow”
Advent Chant
Twilight, then darkness, night falls and candles glow.
Gently surrounding us a new birth of hope.
Watching, waiting, awak’ning a new birth of hope.
Prayer for Transformation & Words of Assurance
One: Do you hear the challenge of John the Baptist? Sharing is in style!
All: In John’s day, food and clothes; Today? Tax breaks for the poor, low cost housing, and aid for developing nations.
One: Do you hear the challenge of John the Baptist? Don’t abuse power!
All: In John’s day, cheating tax collectors; Today? Unfeeling government officials and our selfish control of other persons.
One: Do you hear the challenge of John the Baptist? Don’t accuse anyone falsely!
All: In John’s day, bullying soldiers; Today? Those who spread rumours, and tarnish the reputation of others.
One: Do you hear the challenge of John the Baptist? Take Jesus seriously!
All: In John’s day, the Chosen One of God; Today? The same Jesus, whose example tests us and challenges us … (A Time for Silent Reflection)
Words of Assurance (One)
Hymn #47 “Still, Still, Still”
Narrator: Pat Marshall
We Respond In Giving And Gratitude
Offertory “Three Songs of Christmas” by Lani Smith
Piano: Tanya Hoffarth
What can I give him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a wise man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give him – give my heart.
Hymn #73 “The Virgin Mary had a Baby Boy”
Commissioning (One)
It is time for a change! Let us speak out when we find injustice, work carefully to nurture community, face loss with gentleness and reality, forgive the deepest hurts gradually, and prepare for the coming of Christ thoroughly!
Choral Amen
#884 “You Shall Go Out With Joy” (x2)
You shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace;
the mountains and the hills will break forth before you;
there'll be shouts of joy, and all the trees of the field
will clap, will clap their hands!
And all the trees of the field will clap their hands, (clap, clap)
the trees of the field will clap their hands, (clap, clap)
the trees of the field will clap their hands (clap, clap)
while you go out with joy.
Postlude “Angels Form the Realms of Glory” arr. Wilson
The Life And Work Of The Congregation
This Week at Westminster (December 17 - 23)
Sun. Advent III, Choir Cantata 10:25 a.m. Sanctuary
No Jr. Choir Practice
Choral Celebration 7:00 p.m. Sanctuary
Wed. Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Nursery
Thurs. Senior Choir Practice 7:00 p.m. Sanctuary
Next Week at Westminster (December 24 - 30)
Sun. Advent IV, Communion 10:25 a.m. Sanctuary
No Jr. Choir Practice
Family/Candlelight Service 7:00 p.m. Sanctuary
Wed. Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Nursery
Thurs. No Senior Choir Practice
Friendship Rosters: Please sign the Friendship Roster this morning. It is a helpful record of your worship presence and a way to share special concerns (ie. Prayer requests, name tag requests, etc.)
Westminster United Church - Church Secretary Position Available. The Church Secretary performs the daily reception and clerical duties for the church. Proven experience with Microsoft office computer applications and multi-tasking in a busy office environment is required. This very vital position is part-time, comprising 24 hours per week, Tuesday through Friday. Your sealed resume may be mailed or delivered to Westminster United Church office by Dec. 22, 2006. If you have not previously volunteered to help cover the office during the time we will be without a secretary, the M&P committee would be delighted to hear from you! Any day or half day between Dec 19-22 and Dec 27-29 that you could help would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Sharon Clay @ 527-5681.
Christmas Outreach – During Advent we are, again, collecting Birthday bags for the Food Bank ~ cake mixes, icing, candles, balloons, etc. Also for the Homeless Shelter ~ warm socks & personal hygiene items ~ mitts, hats & gloves are also welcome.
Christmas Choral Celebration – Tonight at 7:00 p.m. This evening celebration is being hosted by our Senior Choir followed by coffee and goodies in Memorial Hall. Free to all.
Kiwanis Christmas Dinner – Dec. 25 at the Veiner Centre. Entertainment starts at 1:00 p.m. with dinner served at 1:30 p.m. This dinner is for anyone alone at Christmas. Application forms are on the bulletin board or available from the Veiner Centre. For more information call 529-8383.
Year 2006 Contributions: The deadline to contribute funds in the 2006 tax year is noon, December 31, 2006. The office will be closed at this time; however, there is a mail slot to the left of the burgundy doors (office entrance) where you may deposit your contributions. This slot will be emptied at noon on December 31. Contributions received or left in the church mailbox after this time will be credited to the 2007 tax year.
Your 2007 Offering Envelopes are available in the Narthex. The cost of the Observer is $14.00. When you pick up your envelopes, please check the number on your label with the envelope number to be sure they are the same. People on PAR were not issued envelopes and their number has been changed. Please do not use these envelopes, including the Observer envelope until the year 2007. Destroy your old unused envelopes in the New Year. Thanks for your cooperation. For people without envelopes or on P.A.R. who wish to receive the United Church Observer, the Observer envelopes in the Narthex can be used.
There still are some Photo Directories that people haven’t picked up yet. They can be picked up at the office during the week or if you would like to purchase one of the overprint copies, the cost is $8.00.
Nursery volunteers are needed to help on Sundays during worship. Please contact Tanya Hoffarth at 526-7570; also wanted for the Nursery, gently used interactive toys for toddlers (ie. plastic food, Fisher Price barn, or Little People house; No Lego, blocks, trucks, toy cars, or baby rattles are needed). Toys may be brought to the nursery or church office. Thank you!
P.A.R. (Pre-Authorized Remittance) Thank you to all who shared their PAR stories. The fall campaign has been informative. Application forms can be picked up & returned to the church office or call Donna Scharf at 526-1555.
Habitat for Humanity is looking for any volunteers who might be able to donate their time to assist in the completion of our duplex located at 1114 Queen Street. We are especially in need of finishing carpenters, painters, etc. for more information; call Al Piotrowski at 527-3229.
Celebrations This Week
Birthdays: Wayne Adams, Jennifer Bergstreser, Jim Cunnings, Bruce Evans, Jim Hayward, Doug Henderson, Florence Leech, and Heather Willette.
Anniversaries: Dave & Myra Gerhardt.
Flowers are placed in the Sanctuary this morning
in loving memory of both,
my husband, Gordon &
my mother Mrs. Guthrie
by
Joan Anderson
and also in loving memory of
Stella & Raymond Clark
by
Sandra, Brenda & families
South Alberta Presbytery
Your prayers this week are requested for Bethlehem – Palestinians and Israelis.
Sunday School Co-ordinator....................................... Tara Johnson
Greeters & Ushers................... Ron & Donna Scharf, Jean Riggins,
Florence Leech and Boyd Alcock
Nursery Attendant.................................................. Janice Neigum
Coffee Hosts................................... Adair Prouty, Jim Neigum and
Keith & Joyce Scott
Elder-in-Charge................................................... Doug Henderson
Next Week’s Readings from: Micah 5:2-5a; Luke 1:47-55 or Psalm 80:1-7; Hebrews 10:5-10 & Luke 1:39-45, (46-55).
The ministry of Westminster United Church was shared with the wider community as James conducted a funeral service for Mike Johnson on Friday. Our condolences and prayers go out to Pat Evans and all Mike’s family.
Stewardship Thought For Today
Blessed are those who give without remembering and take without forgetting.
Elizabeth Bibesco (1897-1945), English writer
Board Summary for December 12, 2006
Rev. Farrell reported recruiting of prospective Board members has gone well. A full compliment is anticipated.
A leak in the roof has developed, possibly
where new and old
roofing meets. The Property Committee will have the roofing contractor
investigate.
Discussion on the proposed 2007 budget. The
Board approved the
proposed budget with amendments. It will be submitted to the
Annual Congregational meeting in January.
The treasurer reported a very fiscally responsible 2006 is worthy of note. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.
Respectfully submitted, Alvin Cruickshank, Chairperson