“We are journeying together in God’s love . . .
to discover, nurture and share our gifts.”
February 18, 2007
Transfiguration Sunday
Installation of Elders & UCW Executive
As we turn toward the Season of Lent, Jesus is turning from the moment of transfiguration glory toward the time when God’s power and presence will be revealed in a new and surprising way. What does it mean in our lives to be open to the depths of God’s presence and the many mysterious ways it is revealed?
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 “A Memory” by V.D. Thompson
A time of silent preparation—Lighting the Christ Candle
Call to Worship (Responsive)
One: Moses came down from Mount Sinai, and his face glowed from beholding God’s glory.
All: Jesus went up the mountain, and Peter, James, and John saw his appearance
glow with God’s glory.
One: One: The people were frightened by Moses’ appearance.
The disciples were baffled by Jesus’ appearance.
All: All: Moses hid his face from the people with a veil so they would not be frightened.
One: One: Paul tells us to act with great boldness.
All: All: “And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected
in a mirror,are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to
another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.”
The light of Christ will enlighten our worship.
The joy of Christ will echo in our praise.
The faithful commitment of Christ will shine through our service.
Amen
Hymn # 339 “When Morning Gilds the Skies”
Conversation Time
Prayer for Transformation & Words of Assurance
One: May we have the grace to lift up our eyes from the routine and everyday,
All: To grasp a vision of awesome creative majesty.
One: May we have grace to stand back from the familiar friendships and family ties,
All: To see them transformed.
One: May we have the grace to carefully consider our priorities.
All: And measure them against the priorities of wholeness and compassion highlighted for us by Jesus Christ…(silent reflection)
Words of Assurance (One)
Installation & Celebration of Board of Elders for 2006
(the Board of Elders is invited to gather on the chancel)
James: We are gathered here to celebrate the selection of elders by covenanting together for the service of God in this place for this year.
Ray Yanke: I present our serving Elders: myself, Lesley Berg, Gordon Bruins, Pat Evans, Darcy Fox, Albert Hoffarth, Norm Jackson, Doug Pearson, Ted Sherring, Alvin Cruickshank, Sarah McOuat and John Sidlick who have all been elected by the congregation of Westminster United Church and called to be members of the Board of Elders.
James: From ancient times God’s people have been partners in covenants with God and with one another. By these covenants the responsibilities of each party were openly declared and commitments were made for mutual help and support. It is our purpose to covenant together as congregation and elders for the work of God’s ministry in this church.
You have been called to share in ministry as elders of Westminster United Church. You, the members of this congregation, are called to support your elders through advice and prayer and constructive ideas. The Board of Elders are responsible for encouraging and sharing freely with the congregation through their role as elders. Let us seek grace as we covenant together today. Let us pray:
All: By baptism we have been called to Christ’s ministry; awaken the Spirit within us as we commit ourselves to work together in Christ’s name. Amen.
Promises of the Congregation (The congregation is asked to stand)
James: Having elected these people as your elders, will you join with them in ministry within this congregation and beyond and will you support and pray for them as they serve among us? If so, please respond:
Congregation: Yes, I will by God’s grace. (The congregation may be seated)
Promises of the Board of Elders
James: As you continue as a single body of elders in our midst, will you offer your wisdom, understanding, and prayerful encouragement in the spirit of Christ’s love and uphold the ministry of the Board of Elders within this congregation?
The whole Board of Elders: We will, by the grace of God.
James: The Board of Elders is responsible for the spiritual welfare of the congregation with specific responsibility for worship, sacraments, and care for the people of the congregation. These promises and the ministry here, are a sign and seal that we have covenanted together as elders and congregation for this year, by the grace of God. Let us pray.
All: We have made covenants and commitments to the ministries we share as elders and people. May we be guided wisely as we seek together to be aware of the Spirit, that we may grow in love and understanding through Jesus Christ. Amen.
(Elders return to their seats)
Installation of the UCW Executive
(the elected UCW Executive are invited to join Jane in front of the chancel)
Jane: The Church which is the Body of Christ is composed of many members with many different gifts. You are blessed with varied talents and abilities. The members of “The United Church Women” or “Women of the United Church of Canada” are called to fulfil the purpose for which the organisation exists, 1) to unite the women of the Church for the total mission of the Church, 2) to express your loyalty and devotion to Jesus Christ through Christian witness, study, expressions of community and service. You have elected an Executive to assist you in carrying out these purposes and to guide the work of this organisation efficiently and effectively.
Addressing the UCW from 2007
You have been chosen by the members of UCW to take office and responsibility among them. Yours is to be a service of leadership under the grace and guidance of the Holy within each of you. As Jesus Christ came as a servant of all so following his example, you will serve this community of women.
Yonne Hole Frieda Hiller
Barb Grozell Joan Jantzie
Irene Fekete Jean Whiting
Alice Felesky Florence Leech
Sharon Clay Grace Lemon
Maureen Oster Grace Roth
Betty Sidlick Mary Robertson
Linda Kinvig Mary Cooper
Dorreen Lyon Lil Iwanicki
Bev Empey Maureen Oster
Vera Henderson Helen Lamb
Do you promise by God’s grace to give leadership in the UCW using your talents and abilities to fulfill the purpose of the UCW and to encourage and assist its other members in doing the same?
If so answer, “I do so promise.”
Because you have so promised, I now install you to office and appoint you to your several duties.
Addressing all members of the UCW regardless of where they are in the congregation.
To all the UCW members I uphold that Executive members, however sincere and consecrated, may never carry the responsibilities of an organization alone. They need the loyal and dedicated support of the whole membership.
In token of your willingness to accept this executive and in pledge of your support with your efforts and your prayers will all the members of UCW please stand?
Let us Pray: May the commitment and talents of these women be blessed so they may be faithful in the responsibilities they have undertaken. May they know that the work done in the name of Jesus Christ may bless the whole church. Amen.
Biblical Notes
Prayer of Illumination
Other lessons for your personal consideration from today’s lections are: From the Psalms – Psalm 99 & From the Epistles
2 Corinthians 3:12-42
Jody Davison – Flute
Transfiguration (read from the New Revised Standard Version)
One: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.
Hymn # 679 – “Let There Be Light”
Mission Moment: Sandra Plank
We Respond In Giving And Gratitude
Our Church Tithes and Offerings
Offertory “Who At My Door is Standing?” by E. Broughton
Prayer of Dedication (One)
Hymn # 79 “Arise, Your Light is Come”
Commissioning (One)
Filled with the hope and glory of Jesus Christ, walk with boldness.
Do not lose heart when engaged in the ministry of God, for God is with you.
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 “Andante” by P. Piel
The Life And Work Of The Congregation
This Week at Westminster (February 18 – 24)
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
Mardi Gras
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
Next Week at Westminster (February25 – March 3)
Sun. Music & Worship 9:00 a.m. Lounge
Worship 10:25 a.m. Sanctuary
Tues. Prayer Shawl Ministry 1:30 p.m. Lounge
Meditation Group 7:00 p.m. Adoption 2000
Wed. Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Nursery
Lenten Study 7:00 p.m. Lounge
Thurs. Senior Choir Practice 7:00 p.m. Sanctuary
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.)
The UCW will be serving hamburger soup following this Sunday’s worship today. There will be a free will offering with the proceeds to go to the screen fund.
Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras: Westminster will be hosting a 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: 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.
FAM Kidz Day, Friday, February 23, 2007 for children and youth age 3 and up activities from 9:00 a.m. until 4:p.m. $10.00/child. Activities will include: crafts, music, baking, games, stories and more. Lunch will be provided. See poster on bulletin board. Registration forms beside poster.
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.
On Sunday, March 4th we will be celebrating the Rotary Music Festival during worship.
UCW Presbyterial annual meeting will be held in Taber on March 10th 2007.
2007 South Alberta United Church Youth Rally (grades six to twelve), Friday, March 23rd to Sunday March 25th at Knox United Church in Taber (7:30 p.m. Friday – Noon, Sunday). Cost: $25.00/person, (this includes meals and swimming) This year’s theme: “Who is That Guy?!” Images of Jesus range from ‘a glass of warm milk’ to a revolutionary. Who do you say Jesus is? Registration forms available on the bulletin board.
If you have not renewed your subscription for the OBSERVER, please do so as the paperwork has to be mailed soon. If you wish to receive the Observer it is $14 per year. Please call Jane if you would like to subscribe.
Birthdays: Albert Park, Danielle McDaniel-Paul, Maureen Oster, Bill Thompson, Kirsten Wirth, Marion Shand, Andrew Weiss, Chad Allen, Gordon Schneider, Emil Bauer and Harvey Staples.
Anniversaries: Hugh & Bertha Harrison
Flowers are placed in the Sanctuary this morning
in loving memory of,
Marguerite Pols, Leonard H. Kohls
and Frieda Trekofski
by
Carol and Al Pols and family
South Alberta Presbytery
Your Prayers this week are requested for Ecumenical Campus Ministries, Erin Philips
Sunday School Co-ordinator........................................ Tara Johnson
Greeters & Ushers....................................................... Electra UCW
Nursery Attendant..................................................... Tanya Hoffarth
Coffee Hosts............................................................... Electra UCW
Scripture Reader................................................... Wally Bergstreser
Elder-in-Charge............................................................... Ray Yanke
Next Week’s Readings from: Deuteronomy 26:1-11; Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16; Romans 10:8b-13; Luke 4:1-13
Stewardship Thought For Today
Stewardship is not about maintaining the status quo on the mountaintop; stewards are transfigured for ministry in God’s world.
By Barbara Fullerton
Board of Elders Meeting February 13, 2007. It was the first meeting for new Elders; Darcy Fox, Albert Hoffarth, and Doug Pearson. Reverend Farrell gave an orientation of Elder-in-Charge duties for the benefit of new and incumbent Board members. Lesley Berg was elected secretary of the Board. Previous secretary, Doug Henderson, has completed his term on the Board. Ray Yanke was elected Board vice-chair. Doug Pearson volunteered to be a liaison to the Property Committee. Reverend Farrell closed the meeting with a prayer.
Respectfully submitted, Alvin Cruickshank, Board Chair