Westminster United Church

“We are journeying together in God’s love . . .

 to discover, nurture and share our gifts.”

April 29, 2007

 Holy work takes shape in ministry with those in our communities and outside our circles. Holy work is shown by words and actions that wipe away tears, restore life, and testify when we open our lives to the Spirit and follow God’s leading. Holy work is done by those who see need and respond in Jesus’ example.

 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 “Selections” by Christopher Norton

Sharing Announcements

 A Time of Greeting

 A time of silent preparation—Lighting the Christ Candle

Call to Worship (Responsive)

One:      This is the place of gathering.

All:        We gather to celebrate God’s love.

One:      This is the place to give thanks.

All:        We are thankful for gifts wonderful and gracious.

One:      This is the place of listening.

All:        We listen for works to inspire and lead us.

One:      This is the place for building faith community.

All:        Joined in community, we can work for justice and bring peace.

Opening Prayer (Unison)

The Good Shepard brings us together. With joy, we join in community to worship and serve. As the Shepard has known adversity, yet God leads us. In a maze of tough choices, through the darkest night, we will be guided. The Shepard has known hatred and abuse, yet God, keeps on loving us. In life, in death, we will be brought home. Amen.

Jr. Choir Sings “Lord, I Want To Be A Christian”arr. Loonis McGlohon   Soloist: Keara Glasser

Conversation Time

The Sunday School & Youth leave for their classes.

 One:      God is revealed in many ways. Many images help us to understand this special significance to. God is                revealed as Shepard.

All:        When we ignore God’s wise call, when we go our own way, may we return to what is the                     loving way.

One:      God is revealed as Gracious Host.

All:        When we turn down God’s invitation, when  we focus on the faults of our fellow guest, may               we return to what is the loving way.

One:      God is revealed as Friend.

All:        When we rely only on our own resources, when our pride refuses freely offered help,                      may we return to what is the loving way.

One:      God is revealed as Courage-bringer to the powerless;

All:        When we will not recognize the needy, when we fail to support the downtrodden, may we                   return to the loving way... (A time for silent   reflection).

Words of Assurance (One)

Biblical Notes

Prayer of Illumination

Acts 9:36-43 From the Christian Scriptures Pg. 163

Peter in Lydda and Joppa

Other lessons for your personal consideration from today’s lections are: From the Psalms – Psalm 23  & From the Christian Scriptures – Revelation 7:9-17.

 Hymn # 396 “Jesus, Stand Among Us”

John 10:22-30 From the Gospel Pg. 132

Jesus is Rejected (Read from the New Revised Standard Version)

One: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.

Reflection: “Recognizing Dorcas’ Gift”

Hymn # 229 “God of the Sparrow”

Mission Moment:  Betty Sidlick

Our Church Tithes and Offerings

Offertory  “Selections” by Christopher Norton

Dedication #538 “For the Gift of Creation”

For the gift of creation, the gift of your love,

and the gift of the Spirit by which we live,

we thank you and give you the fruit of our hands.

May your grace be proclaimed by the gifts that we give.

Prayer of Dedication (One)

Prayer of Thanksgiving, Intercession & Lord’s Prayer

Hymn # 296 “This Is God’s Wondrous World”

Commissioning (One)

Go forth to playgrounds and workplaces, to streets and shops, to homes and offices and schools – places of holy work. Go to serve and to spread God’s love in all you do. Go in the spirit of Dorcas, and in the name of Jesus.

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 “Selections” by Christopher Norton

This Week at Westminster (April 29 –May 5)

Next Week at Westminster (May 6 – May 12)

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’s Spring Brunch will be held Sunday, May 13 following worship. (Tickets available in the hall following worship and from the office during the week). Adults $5, Children $3, Families $15. There are helper’s sign-up sheets in the hallway leading to Memorial Hall.

Westminster Plant & Garage Sale – Saturday May 26^th. Please select items to donate to the sale (no clothing or perishables, plant donations are welcome). Remember all income goes to the Mission & Outreach programs. We are counting on your donations for our success.  Contact Linda Carney 527-7005.

Canyon Camp: Registration forms and camp dates are posted on the bulletin board. Job Opportunity: A head cook and an assistant cook are needed. Both of these are paid positions, the head cook’s salary starting at $500/wk and the assistant cook $300/wk for a forty hour week.  Starting date is July 1. The camp is open until Sept. 8. This would be a great opportunity for partners to work together. If people cannot commit for the entire period, we would consider appointing for two separate week periods. We are still looking for Resource Staff (craft leaders, nature leaders, camp parents, etc.) These are unpaid positions which offer free room and board. Contact Leone Johannson 403-223-2710 or email: leonemj10@hotmail.com.

Camp Shagabec: Registration forms and camp dates are on the bulletin board. There are also summer job opportunities posted for this camp.

Anyone wanting to use up left-over wool: We are helping the Girl

Guides by knitting or crocheting squares to make blankets. The blankets

will be used in shelters and given to the homeless throughout Canada.  For a pattern, please call Jane 526-5247.

The ministry of Westminster United Church was extended into the community this week as James officiated at the marriage ceremony for Crystal Dale and Dallas Martens.

The ministry of Westminster United Church was shared with all who gathered for the funeral service of long time member, Ed Heine this past Friday. Ed will be missed.

Celebrations This Week

Birthdays: Al Smith, Hugh Harrison, Ryan O’Reilly, Edna Silverthorne, Glen Allan, Marilyn Link, Myrtle Bangs.

Anniversaries:  Yvonne & Ron Hole, Rob & Carol Henderson, Arleigh & Bob Marsh.

South Alberta Presbytery

Your prayers this week are requested for Revelations Book Store and its staff.

Our Order of Ministry This Morning

Sunday School Co-ordinator...........

Greeters & Ushers      Penita, Jessica & Karli Schnell,

             Bob & Arleigh Marsh, Everett & Clara White

    Nursery Attendant                             Tanya Hoffarth

Coffee Hosts                                 Ken & Bev Empey,

                                                 John and Betty   Sidlick

Scripture Reader                                Sean Wilkinson

Guest Musician                        Shauna Kohls-Walters

Elder-in-Charge                                      Ted Sherring

Next Week’s Readings from: Acts 11:1-18, Psalm 148, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35