Sunday, July 1, 2007 – 10:30 a.m.
A Combined Summer Service for
The United Churches of Medicine Hat.
Today’s worship leader is Rev. James Farrell
Prelude
Announcements—Time of Greeting
A time of silent preparation—Lighting the Christ Candle
Call to Worship (Responsive)
One: Through prophets, rulers, and leaders,
All: The story is passed on to the world.
One: Through disciples and apostles and followers,
All: The story is passed on to the world.
One: Through saints and reformers and mystics,
All: The story is passed on to the world.
One: Through you and me and us,
All: The story is passed on to the world.
One: Come, Let us continue the story.
Opening Prayer (Unison)
We gather in this place as prophets and disciples, as people led by the Spirit. We are called here by love, we come to be renewed in our faith and go from here ready to serve. May we be open to the spirit. Amen.
We have been called to commitment. When apathy prevents us from beginning the task, may we be inspired. When we find excuses for not carrying out the faithful task, alert us. When priorities are clear but we ignore them, may we be confronted. When we see the need to work with others, may we be enabled to make the first move. In the midst of hard struggle, may we set before us the example of Jesus Christ, who suffered yet won through … (A time for silent reflection)
Words of Assurance (One)
Biblical Notes
Prayer of Illumination
Today’s Reading, from the Christian Scriptures - Luke 9:51-62.
Our Church Tithes and Offerings
Offertory
Grant us, God, the grace of giving, with a spirit large and free, that ourselves and all our living we may offer faithfully.
Prayer of Thanksgiving, Intercession & Lord’s Prayer
Go now to: Discover the right path! Sense the temptation to avoid and delay! Be aware of the tendency to make excuses! Realize the good work that can be accomplished with others! Remember the Christian name we bear!
#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
South Alberta Presbytery
Your prayers this week are requested for Canyon Church Camp.
Westminster United Church is seeking a Music/Choir Director for the adult choir and to share in the music ministry at Westminster United Church. This position is from September 1 to June 30. Sealed resumes marked “Chair, Ministry & Personnel Committee” must be delivered to Westminster United Church, no later than July 3, 2007 or emailed to adair.prouty@gmail.com.
CUSTODIAN: Westminster United Church is seeking a Custodian for our church. Carol Henderson has tendered her resignation as she has moved on to pursue another career. Thankfully we will be able to keep her for approximately two months more. Thank you for all of your work Carol and for offering to stay for the summer.
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.
St. Barnabas Anglican Church, (635 – 4th Street S.E) “Through the Garden Gate” 10th Annual Festival of Flowers, Saturday, July 21, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Flowers, music, refreshments, arts and crafts. No charge. Everyone is welcome!
“Adventures in Wilderness and Faith” for young adults ages 18 – 30 years. 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.
Summer Worship Schedule: Again this summer the congregations of Fifth Avenue Memorial and Westminster United Churches shall gather in shared worship. The services in July will be held at WUC and begin at 10:30 a.m. The services in August will be held at FAM and begin at 10:00 a.m.