“We are journeying together in God’s love . . .
to discover, nurture and share our gifts.”
June 10, 2007
As Elijah fulfills his calling as God’s prophet, he relies on others to provide the basic necessities of life. Like the widow of Zarephath, we are called to a generous hospitality. Our gifts, even when they may seem small, give life to others. Like Elijah and Jesus, we are called to a daring compassion. In what ways can we show God’s love in action in our daily lives?
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 Chris White
A time of silent preparation—Lighting the Christ Candle
Call to Worship (Responsive)
One: The welcoming approach of Jesus Christ
All: Becomes our welcome, to all who worship in this space.
One: The inspiring words of Jesus Christ
All: Becomes our words of assurance and encouragement, and our call to avoid a judgemental stance.
One: The faithful way of Jesus Christ
All: Becomes our way of acceptance and challenge, and our concern for the powerless and depressed.
One: The compassionate ministry of Jesus Christ
All: Becomes our energy for a ministry of healing, listening and caring.
One: Let us worship God!
One: To God we say, unending is your faithfulness.
All: From the beginnings of history, you have been with your creation.
One: Inspiring is your faithfulness.
All: From generation to generation, you have looked for us and found us in this church family.
One: Awesome is your faithfulness.
All: In the midst of life’s trials and turmoil’s, you have been a rock, the One on whom we can rely.
One: A saving grace is your faithfulness.
All: In Jesus Christ your faithfulness has become clear. Through Jesus we are enabled to faithfully serve the youngest ones, the needy person, and those of advanced years. Amen.
Hymn: #268 “Bring Many Names”
Conversation Time
The Sunday School & Youth leave for their classes.
Prayer for Transformation & Words of Assurance
One: A woman with a sinful past comes to visit Jesus.
All: Jesus meets her without judgement or prejudice. Would we have welcomed her attention?
One: The woman anoints Jesus with costly ointment.
All: Would we have appreciated her generosity, or suggested the money could have been used for charitable purposes?
One: The Pharisee is surprised that Jesus has welcomed her loving act.
All: Do we not judge people by their reputation, and by the company they keep?
One: Jesus held up her action as an example of compassion, and was quick to make clear that her sins had been forgiven.
All: Would we have seen the woman in such a compassionate light and would we have been as ready to offer her forgiveness?... (A time for silent reflection).
Words of Assurance (One)
Biblical Notes
Prayer of Illumination
Elijah and the Widow in Zarephath
Other lessons for your personal consideration from today’s lections are: From the Psalms – Psalm 146 & From the Christian Scriptures – Galatians 1:11 - 24.
Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son (Read from the New Revised Standard Version)
One: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.
Hymn #278 “In the Quiet Curve of Evening”
We Respond In Giving And Gratitude
Mission Moment: Clara White
Your work, O God, needs many hands to help you everywhere, and some there are who cannot serve unless our gifts we share. Because we love you and your work, our offering now we make: be pleased to use it as your own, we ask for Jesus sake.
Prayer of Dedication (One)
Hymn #593 “Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us With Your Love”
Commissioning (Responsive)
One: The Holy Spirit is with us and the word is our inspiration.
All: The faith community takes heart as we move into challenging territory.
One: The Holy Spirit is with us!
All: We have nothing to fear.
Choral Amen
#298 “When You Walk from Here”
When you walk from here, when you walk from here, walk with justice; walk with mercy, and with God’s humble care.
Postlude
The Life And Work Of The Congregation
This Week at Westminster (June10 – June 16)
|
Sun. |
Worship |
10:25 a.m. |
Sanctuary |
|
|
Ministry & Personnel |
Noon |
Jane’s Office |
|
Tues. |
Prayer Shawl Ministry |
1:30 p.m. |
Lounge |
|
|
Board of Elders |
7:00 p.m. |
Lounge |
|
Thurs. |
Sr. Choir |
7:00 p.m. |
Sanctuary |
|
|
UCW Electra |
11:00 a.m. |
Mem. Hall |
|
Fri. |
Friday Night at the Movies |
7:00 p.m. |
Lounge |
Next Week at Westminster (June 17 – June 23)
|
Sun. |
Trustees |
9:00 a.m. |
Shalom Room |
|
|
Worship |
10:25 a.m. |
Sanctuary |
|
Tues. |
Prayer Shawl Ministry |
1:30 p.m. |
Lounge |
|
Thurs. |
Sr. Choir |
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.)
I would like to thank the congregation for all the support and encouragement particularly over the past few years and especially for the wonderful celebration prepared for last Sunday. A very warm thank you to Kim Sherring for all her hard work preparing banners for the hall and setting up the sanctuary decorations. Jane.
We are thankful to Kim Hanson and Jackie Schlenker, who have volunteered to be our new Sunday School Co-ordinators. If you feel you would like to offer your gifts for the ministry of Sunday School Teaching, we are still in need of four Sunday School Teachers. Please call Jane or leave a message with Anne in the office.
Are you on PAR (Pre-arranged Remittances)? One monthly deduction for your church givings. It continues even if you are away. Applications can be filled out and put on the collection plate with a void cheque or contact Donna Scharf at 526-1555.
Volunteers are needed to help paint the brick wall in the basement (leading to Adoption 2000) on Friday, June 15 and Saturday June 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. For more information, contact Al Piotrowski @ 527-3229.
Friday Night at the Movies, June 15th, 7 p.m. Featuring Longford; a portrait of Lord Longford, a tireless British campaigner whose controversial beliefs often resulted in furious political debate and personal conflict.
“Adventures in Wilderness and Faith” for young adults ages 18 – 30 years. June 15 – 17, Back packing weekend in the Rockies. July 20 – 22, Camping and day hikes, Waterton National Park, and August 3 – 6, Canoe trip Lakeland Provincial Park. For more information, and brochure, see bulletin board by Memorial Hall.
Ladies Night Summer Book Read: “A Jest of God”, by Margaret Laurence. Enjoy the book over the summer, and join us in September for a discussion. There are multiple copies of the book available at the Public Library.
The Commune-I-Care call out has been completed for May. 260 calls made, 197 personally spoken to, 39 messages left on machines, 24 families that we couldn’t contact. Thank you to everyone who was involved with this call out. We are always in need of callers. Anyone wishing to be a part of this ministry, please call Betty Sidlick, 580-3730.
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.
Birthdays: Kim Sherring, Dorothy Smith, Madge Nieman, Jennifer Oster, Grace Lemon.
Anniversaries: Doug & Velma Pearson, Edwin & Lydia Maier, John & Betty Sidlick, Derrick & Kamara Adams.
South Alberta Presbytery
Your prayers this week are requested for McKillop Pastoral Charge, Terry Shillington and Cathy Coates.
Sunday School Co-ordinator Kim Hanson & Jackie Schlenker
Greeters & Ushers Dub & Gwen Henderson
Larry & Vera Henderson
Nursery Attendant Tanya Hoffarth
Coffee Hosts Wally & Vivian Bergstreser
Eileen Marchand, Barb Grozell
Scripture Reader Mina Carlson
Elder-in-Charge Gordon Bruins
Next Week’s Readings from: 1 Kings 21:1-10, (11 – 14) Psalm 5:1-8, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36-8:3.
Stewardship Thought For Today
The widow of Zarephath was the epitome of a steward without fear, generously sharing all she had, in the assurance that with God she had enough.
by Barbara Fullerton