“We are journeying together in God’s love . . .
to discover, nurture and share our gifts.”
February 11, 2007
Jesus begins to teach about the life of disciplineship, turning conventional human understanding upside down. In speaking of blessings and woes, Jesus surprises and challenges. Our readings affirm that all who trust in the promises of God are blessed.
If you would like to stay seated for any or all of the “standing” parts of the service, please feel free to do so.
Prelude “Sinfonia” by J.S. Bach
A time of silent preparation—Lighting the Christ Candle
Call to Worship (Responsive)
One: May we always be faithful
All: like a strong tree growing in the desert sun.
One: Let our roots run deep to the sweet waters of the spirit
All: to resist the heat of temptation
One: to yield the fruit of the Spirit in our daily lives,
All: to be free from worry about trivial things,
One: to wither not from doubt,
All: to delight in your laws.
One: May we continue to be faithful,
All: like a strong tree growing in the desert sun.
We cling to the light and power of the example we find in Jesus.
We know that if we did not have Jesus to follow there would be no hope; no hope for the poor, the hungry, or the oppressed; no hope for the rejected, or for those who mourn. Because of Jesus, we have hope and know that we are blessed—blessed with spiritual richness; blessed with the bread of life; blessed with the laughter of true joy and blessed with liberation from fear. Amen
Junior Choir: “The Prayer of a Child”
Conversation Time
The Sunday School & Youth leave for their classes.
Prayer of Resolution & Words of Assurance
In the struggles of everyday living, God is with us. In the support of family members, may we have patience. In the hard places of decision making, may we have the will to weigh up alternatives carefully. When conflicts come between friends or at work, may we have the desire to reconcile, and the will to make a fresh start. In times of ill health or personal setback, may we have the courage to endure, and the strength to go forward hopefully. When we have suffered loss, may we have clear vision, a vision of life which will be good once more. (a time for silent reflection)
Words of Assurance (responsive)
All: In a resolve to change our ways, we are encouraged.
One: As we set out again to live faithfully.
All: Pardon and Peace are ours.
Biblical Notes
Prayer of Illumination
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Other lessons for your personal consideration from: the Psalms – Psalm 1 & From the Epistles – 1 Corinthians 15:12-20.
Hymn #374 “Come And Find A Quiet Centre”
Luke 6:17-26 from the Christian Scriptures Pg. 84
Jesus Teaches and Heals (Read from the Revised Standard Version)
One: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.
Hymn #691 “Though Ancient Walls”
Mission Moment: Barb Grozell
We Respond In Giving And Gratitude
Offertory “The Lord Is My Shepard” by Thomas Koschat
Prayer of Dedication (One)
Hymn #296 “This Is God’s Wondrous World"
Commission (one)
Go. Bless and be blessed.
Go. Love and be loved.
Go. Renew and be renewed.
Go with God's blessing for the world.
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 “Grand Processional” by J. Brahms
The Life And Work Of The Congregation
Next Week at Westminster (February 11 -17)
Sun. Worship 10:25 a.m. Sanctuary
Jr. Choir Practice after worship Lounge
S.S Teachers meeting after worship Youth Room
Ministry & Personnel Mtg noon Shalom Room
Tues. Prayer Shawl Ministry 1:30 p.m. Lounge
Wed. Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Nursery
Thurs. Senior Choir Practise 7:00 p.m. Sanctuary
Ladies Night Out (Yoga) 7:00 p.m. Lounge
Next Week at Westminster (February 18 - 25)
Sun. Worship 10:25 a.m. Sanctuary
Tues. Prayer Shawl Ministry 1:30 p.m. Lounge
Meditation Group 7:00 p.m. Adoption 2000
Shrove Tuesday 5:30 p.m. Memorial Hall
Lenten Study Begins 7:00 p.m. Lounge
Wed. Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Nursery
Thurs. Senior Choir Practice 7:00 p.m. Sanctuary
Friday Friday Night at the Movies 7:00 p.m. Lounge
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.)
Sunday School Teachers: There will be a meeting today after worship – Shalom Room.
Gordon Memorial United Church Sunday School will be holding their Annual Strawberry Shortcake Valentine Tea and Bake Sale on Tuesday, February 13, 2007, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. The $3.00 entrance fee includes strawberry shortcake, coffee or tea and door prizes.
Ladies Night Out: An introduction to Yoga on Thursday, February 15, at 7:00 pm in the lounge. Wear comfy clothes and join in the fun. This is for all ability levels, no experience necessary. All ladies welcome.
Friday Night at the Movies February 16th 7 p.m. in the Lounge. Bee Season. A wife and mother begins a downward emotional spiral, as her husband avoids their collapsing marriage by immersing himself in his 11 year-old daughter's quest to become a spelling bee champion.
The UCW will be serving hamburger soup following worship next Sunday, February 18th. There will be a freewill offering with proceeds to go to the screen fund.
Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras: Westminster will be hosting the pancake supper at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20th. We are also having a Mardi Gras party. You are invited to wear a costume. There will be mask and bead necklace making and games. Come and have fun!
Spring/Lenten Study: This year, we will be engaging the Living the Questions series of videos to inform our discussion as we meet together 6 Wednesday evenings in Lent beginning Ash Wednesday, February 21st. Our gathering time will be at 7 p.m. in the Church Lounge. All are welcome. If you intend to attend, please let James know as this will facilitate better set up and preparation for this study.
The Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter is in need of childcare volunteers during the daytime and in the evenings. If you are interested in this, or any other volunteer opportunity at the Women’s Shelter, please call the Volunteer Coordinator at the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter at 527-8223 or email volunteer@psh-medhat.com.The Commune-I-Care call out has been completed for January. 265 calls made, 202 personally spoken to, 31 messages left on machines, 32 families we couldn’t contact. Thank you to everyone involved in this ministry. Next call out will be in May.
Canadian Food Grains Bank is having a supper sponsored by the Medicine Hat & District Growing Project. Guest speaker will be Ary Vruken, the Program Director for the Food Grains Bank. Tickets are available from the church office. We have been asked to fill a table of 8 for $140.00. That is $17.50 per person. Please see the bulletin board for more information. Leave your name with Anne, in the office if you are interested.
World Day of Prayer will be held on March 2nd 7 pm at Fifth Avenue Church.
UCW Presbyterial annual meeting will be held in Taber on March 10th 2007.
Birthdays: Keara Glasser, Timora Hardiker, Adam O’Reilly, Logan/Jenna Spruyt, Vivian Bergstreser, Earl Carlson, Donna Scharf, Doris Gibson, Rita Ramage, Eileen Lange, Jacquie Heard, Pat Bohnet.
South Alberta Presbytery
Your prayers this week are requested for Burdett – Bow Island, Pastoral Charge and Sandra McMillan.
Sunday School Co-ordinator........................................ Tara Johnson
Greeters & Ushers.................... Kim, Taylor and Mackenzie Hanson,
……………………..…Emil and Marian Bauer, and Jean Riggins
Nursery Attendant..................................................... Tanya Hoffarth
Coffee Hosts............. Edna Silverthorne, Kim Sherring, Linda Kinvig,
............................................................................... Diane Schneider
Scripture Reader...................................................... Marg McCulley
Elder-in-Charge......................................................... Sarah McQuat
Next Week’s Readings from: Exodus 34:29-35; Psalm 99; 2 Corinthians 3:12-42; Luke 9:28-36 (37 – 43)
Stewardship Thought For Today
“Stewards of God’s realm love their enemies, do good to those who hate them, bless those who curse them, and pray for those who abuse them”