Westminster United Church

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

 to discover, nurture and share our gifts.”

 May 13, 2007

Christian Family Sunday

Currants of God’s Spirit carry us in directions we may not have chosen and to margins where we may not have gone. Lydia welcomes the gospel’s message and its messenger by a river. Her baptism christens mutuality of ministry. Waters of life wash through all the readings today: inviting love, making persons whole, and imparting holy presence.

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

Sharing Announcements

A Time of Greeting

A time of silent preparation—Lighting the Christ Candle

Call to Worship (Responsive)

One:      You who are gathered here this morning, from where do you come?

All:        We come from near and far.

One:      You who are gathered here this day, where will you go?

All:        We will follow the leading of Jesus.

One:      Come rest awhile and we will drink together, fresh waters from the river of life.

All:        And we will join together as a family of faith.

Opening Prayer (Responsive)

One:      With the loving vulnerability of a tiny baby,

All:        We see God’s face.

One:      With the infinite curiosity of a growing child,

All:        We search together to know God.

One:      With the joyful responsibility of young parents,

All:        We seek the Holy within.

One:      With the reflective experience of maturity,

All:        We sense God’s surrounding presence.

One:      With the creaking wisdom of advancing years,

All:        We rest in a hope strong and secure, in all our living, in all our striving, in all our forgiving.               We know the ever present God. Amen.

Hymn # 222 “ Come, Let Us Sing”

Conversation Time

The Sunday School & Youth leave for their classes.

May our understanding of family be deepened. May we perceive the hidden hurt, encourage the neglected talent, and meet the unspoken need. May our understanding of family be widened. That we may support the powerless stranger, recognize our struggling neighbour, and identify the lonely newcomer. May our holy understanding of family be realized. May light defeat the darkness, Christ’s acceptance mark our relationships, and the Spirit renew our faith community.

… (A time for silent reflection).

Words of Assurance (One)

Life within families, the human family and the family of Jesus Christ, requires reflection, commitment, and hard faithful work. May we be willing to grow and mature in our family life.

Biblical Notes

Prayer of Illumination

Acts 16:9-15 From the Christian Scriptures Pg. 172

In Troas: Paul’s Vision

Other lessons for your personal consideration from today’s lections are: From the Psalms – Psalm 67  & From the Gospel of John 14:23-29 .

Anthem “Special Moments” by Dave & Jean Perry

Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5 From the Christian Scriptures Pg. 322

The New Jerusalem (Read from the New Revised Standard Version)

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

Reflection:  The Message

Hymn # 556 “Would You Bless Our Homes And Families”

Mission Moment:  Clara White

Our Church Tithes and Offerings

Offertory 

Dedication #289

It only takes a spark to get a fire going, and soon all those around can warm up in its glowing: that’s how it is with God’s love, once you’ve experienced it: you spread God’s love to everyone, you want to pass it on.

Prayer of Dedication (One)

We give these gifts as an act of celebration. And we celebrate our own new life, and the worldwide proclamation of the good news to all people everywhere. Amen.

Prayer of Thanksgiving, Intercession & Lord’s Prayer

Hymn # 686 “God Of Grace And God Of Glory”

Commissioning (One)

Let us live joyfully in your families! Giving ourselves to the needs of the wider family circle. Doing everything in the lively Spirit of Jesus Christ.

Choral Amen.

#964  “Go Now In Peace

Go now in peace, go now in peace. May the love of God surround you everywhere, everywhere you may go.

Postlude

        The Life And Work Of The Congregation

This Week at Westminster (May 13 – May 19)

Next Week at Westminster (May 20  – May 26)

Thank you to Adele Armstrong for providing the music for this mornings service.

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.)

James is away on his spring weekend off, spending Mother’s Day with his mom in Barry, Ontario. Following that, he will be on study leave in Montreal, returning on May 22^nd. 

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. Please drop-off your items to Memorial Hall on May 25^th between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.  Contact Linda Carney at 527-7005 if you are able to volunteer on May 25^th to help with pricing or if you have any questions.

You are invited to join us for the Celebration of Ministry Service,  At this service Jane will be recognized as a Lay Pastoral Minister. Saturday, May 26, 2007, 2:00 p.m., Robertson-Wesley United Church, 10209 123 Street, Edmonton. Reception to follow. Amiskwaciy Academy, 101 Airport Road: Shuttle departs: 12:45, 1:00, 1:15, 1:30 Shuttle returns: (15 minute intervals) 4:15 to 5:45 p.m.Oliver School , 10227 118 Street:Shuttle departs: 12:55, 1:10, 1:25, 1:40 p.m. Shuttle Returns: (15 minute intervals) 4:05 to 5:35 p.m.Robertson-Wesley United Church, 10209 123 StreetShuttle departs: (15 minute intervals) 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.

Congregational Picnic is June 3^rd. Hot dogs, veggies, fruit, freezies and beverages will be supplied.  Please bring chips or cookies. Races to follow outside.

Canyon Camp: Registration forms and camp dates are posted on the bulletin board.

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

Flowers are placed in the sanctuary this morning in memory of our mothers Irene Palnau and

Christena Scott - By Lorraine & Bill Scott

The ministry of Westminster United Church was extended into the community as Jane conducted the funeral

service of Norma Henderson this past Friday. 

Ministry was also extended into the community as Jane conducted a wedding at Fifth Avenue Memorial United

Church on Saturday.

Celebrations This Week

Birthdays: Sonja Herter, Clayton Richard, Evan Gardner, Donna McIntyre, Arleigh Marsh, Emily Martin, Lorraine Scott.

Anniversaries:  Noel & Penita Schnell, Ed & Faith Buckholz, Dale & Lenora Stein, Claude & Dawn Skogen.

South Alberta Presbytery

Your prayers this week are requested for Bow Slope Pastoral Charge, Ari Langstraat.

Our Order of Ministry This Morning

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

Greeters & Ushers                                The LeClair Family,

.............................                                Florence  Leech

........................................                     Don Lonson

  Nursery Attendant......                            Tanya Hoffarth

  Coffee Hosts………….                         Mother’s Day Brunch

Scripture Reader.........                          Janice Croisant

Elder-in-Charge...........                         Sarah McOuat

Next Week’s Readings from: Acts 16:16-34, Psalm 97, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, John 17:20-26.