Westminster United Church

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

 to discover, nurture and share our gifts.”

October 14, 2007

As Jesus’ followers, we present ourselves to God and open ourselves to God’s presence.  We encounter God’s grace and healing amid all the circumstances of our lives.  As the passages today reveal, this encounter may come in unexpected ways.  We, in turn, are called to respond richly–in our relationship to God and our relationship with others.

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:      We live with abundance and plenty,   

All: and we respond in joy and celebration.

One:      The Spirit moves within us for justice in our living,

All: and we respond with passion and commitment.

One:      Jesus gives us hope and reconciliation,

All: and we respond by living lives of renewed love.

Opening Prayer (Unison)

Creating God, who painted the stars in the sky, who stirs the wind on the waves, who opens our eyes at birth, and closes them at death, may we hear your voice in the rush of water, feel your love in the sun on our faces or the touch of another. May we be more aware of these signs that we might be renewed and reassured on our journey. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Hymn #570 “Jesus’ Hands Were Kind Hands”

Conversation Time

The Sunday School & Youth leave for their classes.

 May we desire to be whole and healthy.  Whole and healthy in body as we watch our diet and exercise.  Whole and healthy in our minds as we explore new ideas and theories and when we discuss issues with our friends.  May we be whole and healthy emotionally as we share our feelings and when we hear the deepest concerns of others. May we be whole and healthy in spirit as we explore our faith with openness and when we share our faith with others…(time for silent reflection)

Words of Assurance (One)

Biblical Notes

Prayer of Illumination

 Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7  From the Hebrew Scriptures Pg. 730 (NRSV)

Other lessons for your personal consideration from today’s lections are: From the Hebrew Scriptures, 2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c  & From the Psalms – Psalm 66:1-11 or Psalm 111 & From the Epistle – 2 Timothy 2:8-15.

 Anthem “Because I Have Been Given Much”

 Luke 17:11-19 From the Christian Scriptures Pg. 103 (NRSV)

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

A Message

Hymn #  575  “I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me”

Mission Moment: Anna Marie Hancock

 Our Church Tithes and Offerings

Offertory

Dedication #227 v.2 “For the Fruit of all Creation”

In the just reward of labour, God’s will is done. 

In the help we give our neighbour, God’s will is done. 

In our worldwide task of caring for the hungry and despairing,

In the harvests we are sharing, God’s will is done.

Prayer of Dedication (One)

Prayer of Thanksgiving, Intercession & Lord’s Prayer

Hymn # 678 “For the Healing of the Nations”

Commissioning (One)

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 (October 14 – October 20)

Next Week at Westminster (October 21 – October 27)

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.)

Bible Study: Every Wednesday morning 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 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.

World Food Day Dinner, 5:30 p.m. October 17, 2007, St Patrick¹s Church Downstairs. Tickets: $8.00 or $6 with non-perishable food donation. For more info: Unisphere 529-2656. Proceeds to Canadian Food Grains Bank. See poster on bulletin board towards Memorial Hall.

The UCW will be serving chilli and buns following the worship service on October 21^st.  There will be a freewill offering.  This is a fund-raiser for new card tables.

Youth Fun Night, October 26: plans are being made for a gathering of youth (grade 7-12) from Westminister and Fifth Avenue Memorial. This games night gathering will be at Westminster. More details will follow next week but youth and their parents please mark this date on your calendar.

A Halloween Party will be taking place on Saturday October 27^th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall. Everyone is welcome. There will be games, pumpkin carving and snacks and a lot of fun. Kids and parents are encouraged to wear costumes, bring a pumpkin and a snack for the goodie table. Free for all. Any questions or if you can volunteer, please contact Jackie Schlenker at 526-6221 or Kim Hanson at 528-4970.

FALL SUPPER. Westminster United Church will be hosting our annual Fall Supper on Saturday, November 3^rd. Meal times will be at 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Ticket prices are: Adults - $10, Children 12 and under - $5, Families - $25. Tickets can be purchased in Memorial Hall following today’s service. If you would like to help, please see the sign-up sheet in the hallway to Memorial Hall.

November 11^th  will be our Presbytery Pastoral Oversight Visit.

The Commune-I-Care call out has been completed for September.  260 calls made, 194 personally spoken to, 28 messages left on machines, 24 families that we couldn’t contact.  Thank you to everyone who was involved with this call out. We need two more callers for January 2008. Anyone wishing to be a part of this ministry, please call Betty Sidlick, 580-3730.

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.

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.

Celebrations This Week

 Birthdays: Carlos Contreras, Irene Cunnings, Jan Brown, Ralph Roth, Heberney Contreras, Judy Nay.

South Alberta Presbytery

Your prayers this week are requested for all people serving on Conference and National Committees within the United Church.

 Our Order of Ministry This Morning

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

Greeters & Ushers ……………………………….   Sandra Plank, Janice Croissant

………………………………………………..… ……   ……Keith & Joyce Scott

Nursery Convenor …………………………..………… …………..Tanya Hoffarth

Coffee Hosts ……………………………   .Jean Riggins, Clare Crews, Betty Frisch,

……………………………………………………  …...Grace Roth, Phyllis Schorr

Scripture Reader …………………………………… .……………….Sandra Plank

Elder-in-Charge ………………………………………  ……………Albert Hoffarth

Next Week’s Readings from: Jeremiah 31:27-34 or Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 119:97-104 or Psalm 121, 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5, Luke 18:1-8.