Westminster United Church

“We are journeying together in God’s love to discover,

 nurture and share our gifts.”

September 23, 2007

The author of the letter to Timothy urges Christians to pray for everyone, including political leaders, so that all people may live in peace. Our readings today encourage us to seek God’s reign of peace and wholeness – shalom – as we live as citizens both of our own countries and of God’s realm.

Prelude

Sharing Announcements

A Time of Greeting

A time of silent preparation—Lighting the Christ Candle

Call to Worship (Responsive)

One:  Come, gather as people of the light,

All: shaping in the world a space we call shalom.

One:  Come, gather as community,

All: a community of travellers on a sacred journey to share God’s message of shalom.

Opening Prayer (Unison)

We are called to be committed people. Committed to join here in

community when we are able. We are called to friendships which are healthy and sustaining. We are called to use our own resources compassionately and justly. We are called to build up this faith community with kindness and with values of Jesus. Amen.

Hymn #415 “God, We Praise You for the Morning”

Conversation Time - The Sunday School & Youth leave for their classes.

We are called to use our opportunities. When we have the chance to bring family or friends together, may we take it. When we have a chance to support and encourage others, may we do it. When we see a chance to volunteer in our faith or local community, may we be ready. When we see the chance to give, or to speak out for the downtrodden of our world, may we seize the moment…(time for silent reflection)

Words of Assurance (One)

It is so easy to hang back, to procrastinate. It is so easy to find reasons not to act. But may we stay alert, to be prepared, to be courageous. Our endeavours will be blessed and peace will be ours.

Biblical Notes

Prayer of Illumination

1 Timothy 2:1-7 From the Epistles  Pg. 261

Other lessons for your personal consideration from today’s lections are: From the Hebrew Scriptures - Jeremiah 8:18-9:1 From the Psalms – Psalm 79:1-9, Psalm 113 .

Anthem “Song of Fellowship”

Luke 16:1-13 From the Christian Scriptures Pg. 101

The Shrewd Manager (Read from the New Revised Standard Version)

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

Reflection: The Struggle for Shalom

Hymn # 589 “Lord, Speak to Me”

Mission Moment: Sean Wilkinson

Our Church Tithes and Offerings

Offertory

Dedication #544 “In Gratitude & Humble Trust” (tune 530)

In gratitude and humble trust we bring our best today

to serve your cause and share your love with all along life’s way. 

O God, who gave yourself to us in Jesus Christ, your Son,

teach us to give ourselves each day until life’s work is done.

Prayer of Dedication (One)

May our gifts provide blessings for the work of this community and beyond. Amen.

Prayer of Thanksgiving, Intercession & Lord’s Prayer

Hymn # 356 “Seek Ye First”

Commissioning (One)

May the footprints of the Holy, guide each of our journeys; may the echo of laughter always fill our souls with light; and may the love of the universe endlessly bend towards us.  

Choral Amen

#647 “Travel On, Travel On”

Travel on, travel on, there’s a spirit that is flowing, a spirit that is flowing night and day. Travel on, travel on, with the spirit that is flowing, the spirit will be with us all the way. Travel on, travel on, with the river that is flowing, the spirit will be with us all the way.

Postlude

This Week at Westminster  (September 23 – September 29)

Next Week at Westminster  (September 30 – October 6)

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.)

Congregational Life and Work Committee is appealing to you, the congregation. The freezer is looking better, still, on Sunday mornings most of us enjoy snacks with our coffee and your donations of loaves, muffins, cookies and fruit bread (only suggestions) bless everyone.  Please bring baking to the church anytime and place it in the Auxiliary Kitchen freezer. Thank you.

Grasslands Naturalists invites everyone to attend a Riparian Fieldtrip with Norine Ambrose next Saturday, September 29^th at Police Point Park. For information call the Nature Line at 529-6225. A poster is in the hallway leading to Memorial Hall.

Bible Study: Every Wednesday morning 9:30 to 11:00 in the nursery. This invitation is to anyone interested in deliberating on the lectionary readings used each Sunday. Regular attendance not necessary as each study is different.

We will be decorating the sanctuary for Thanksgiving on Oct. 3^rd  at 9:30 a.m. Anyone wishing to help, please call Jane.

The Medicine Hat Women's Shelter has been running at or near our full capacity of 18 women and children for many months now. We are finding the shelter in need of some essential items we provide to the women and children when they come into shelter.   Items needed are: women's pyjamas (all sizes, including plus sizes), children's pajamas (sizes 7 & up, boys and girls),  shampoo & conditioner (regular sized bottles please), body wash, hair spray, gels and mouse, hair brushes, ladies underwear (new) & bras. Please drop off your donations in the basket in Memorial hall and the delivery will be taken care of.

Ladies, please consider yourselves personally invited to Western Women’s Conference 2007, at the Delta Lodge, Kananaskis, Alberta, November 2 – 4, 2007. Brochures are available on bulletin board going into Memorial Hall. Those wanting to go and wishing to car pool, call Anne at the office for more information.

Celebrations This Week

Birthdays:      Marian Bauer, Katelyn Richard, Darlene O’Reilly,

Myra Gerhardt, Josephine Opp, Boo Thompson, Sean Wilkinson, Jane Clarke.

South Alberta Presbytery

Your prayers this week are requested for Coaldale-Raymond Pastoral Charge, Bob Wallace.

Our Order of Ministry This Morning

          Sunday School Co-ordinators .... Jackie Schlenker, Kim Hanson

          Greeters & Ushers.............................         Electra UCW

          Nursery Attendant.............................         Kira Schlenker

          Coffee Hosts......................................         Electra UCW

          Scripture Reader................................         Grace Lemon

          Elder-in-Charge.................................         Gordon Bruins

Next Week’s Readings from: Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 or Amos 6:1a, 4-7, Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16 or Psalm 146, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Luke 16:19-31.