Sunday, July 8, 2007 – 10:30 a.m.
A Combined Summer Service for
The United Churches of Medicine Hat.
Today’s worship leader is Jane Clarke, LPM
Prelude
Announcements—Time of Greeting
A time of silent preparation—Lighting the Christ Candle
Call to Worship (Responsive)
One: We join together to listen for God in unexpected prophets.
All: We join together to hear God’s voice in unexpected moments.
One: We join together to come with God into every nook and cranny where the unexpected is hidden in every “yet-to-be”.
All: Come, let us journey together.
Opening Prayer (Responsive)
One: May we awake the creative within,
All: That we may discover new ways to promote acceptance and compassion.
One: May we awaken the supportive spirit within,
All: That we may bring courage to those who feel powerless.
One: May we awaken the understanding spirit within.
All: That we may know how it feels to walk in another’s shoes.
One: May we awaken the loving spirit within.
All: That we may find joy as faithful followers of Jesus Christ. Amen.
One: We know the peace of summer when we are outdoors on a beautiful evening, among family or friends. That is the peace of God in creation.
All: If we are tempted to avoid an essential decision, may we know peace through taking action.
One: If we are tempted to let needed words go unsaid, may we have peace through speaking up.
All: If we are tempted to put our spiritual life into the background, may we know peace through a renewed life of faith.
One: If we are tempted to forget the needs of a suffering world, may we know peace through sharing our gifts.
All: If we are tempted to be selfish, may we know peace through the generous spirit within… (A time for silent reflection)
Words of Assurance (One)
Biblical Notes
Prayer of Illumination
Today’s Reading from the Hebrew Scriptures, 2 Kings 5:1-14.
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
One: Ready for action, we leave this service.
All: To reflect humbly, decide carefully, go out confidently, and love wholeheartedly.
#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 our First Nations neighbors.
CUSTODIAN: Westminster United Church is seeking a Custodian for our church. Interested parties should share their interest with the Ministry and Personnel committee through our chair Adair Prouty at 529-5234 or adair.prouty@gmail.com.
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, “Through the Garden Gate” 10th Annual Festival of Flowers, Saturday, July 21, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. 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.