Westminster United Church

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

 to discover, nurture and share our gifts.”

October 28, 2007

Reformation Sunday

God sustains humankind and all that exists with gifts of love. This premise is central in the readings today. As we place ourselves in God’s presence, we are mindful that the things we do don’t make us deserve the richness  of God’s grace and mercy—these are gifts. We ground our lives in prayers of thanksgiving for such daily blessings.

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:      Creator of calm, 

All:        Even with our uneasiness and fear, we approach you.

One:      Promise of forgiveness,

All:        Even when we are aware of our shortcomings, we approach you.

One:      Giver of hope,

All:        Even when we lack confidence for the journey, we approach you.

One:      Source of compassion,

All:        Even when we lack your healing spirit, we approach  you.

Opening Prayer (Unison)

More than having great wealth, we appreciate creation. More than fame and popularity, we value the pattern of Jesus Christ. More than belonging to an exclusive group, we are glad to be members of a faith community. More than anything else in all the world, we rejoice in the love for ourselves and one another.

Hymn # 225 “We Praise You For the Sun”

Conversation Time

The Sunday School & Youth leave for their classes.

If we see ourselves as a cut above others, may we be brought down to earth. If we insist on our own way, may we be enabled to understand what that means, to those close to us. If we ignore the crying needs around us, may we wake up to respond to them. If we are full of our own self-importance, may a child be put in our midst. If we trumpet our own greatness, may we find the path that leads to humility…(time for silent reflection)

Words of Assurance (One)

Biblical Notes

Prayer of Illumination

2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 From the Epistles  Pg. 267

Other lessons for your personal consideration from today’s lections are: From the Hebrew Scriptures: Joel 2:23-32 or Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22, & From the Psalms – Psalm 65 or Psalm 84:1-7.

Anthem  “Let Everything Praise God”

Luke 18:9-14  From the Christian Scriptures Pg. 104

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Read from the New Revised Standard Version)

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

A Message: “Someone’s Praying Lord”

 Hymn # 378 “Spirit of God”

Mission Moment: Marg McCulley

Our Church Tithes and Offerings

 Offertory

 Dedication #227 vs 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 # 380 “She Comes Sailing On The Wind”

Commissioning (One)

Let us go to proclaim the message of God’s love to all people—a message of mercy and strength, a message of hope and justice, a message of healing and renewal. And the blessings of God surround you wherever you may go. Amen

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 28 – November 3)

Next Week at Westminster  (November 4 – November 10)

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 is not necessary as each study is different.

FALL SUPPER. Westminster United Church will be hosting our annual Fall Supper this 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 can help, please see the sign-up sheet in the hallway to Memorial Hall.

Sunday School Teachers – there will be a meeting on November 4, 2007 following worship in Youth Room.

Edythe Hewitt UCW Unit: Wednesday, November 7^th meeting at 2 p.m., at home of Mary Robertson, 102 Connaught Drive SW.

November 11^th will be our Presbytery Pastoral Oversight Visit. It is the Presbytery’s responsibility to keep in touch with all Pastoral Charges through this visit every 3 years for support in times of struggle and to celebrate and encourage achievements. The visiting team will meet with all members of the Board at 7:00 p.m. and committees/congregation from our church at 8:00 p.m. – everyone is invited and encouraged to attend. The discussion will cover a wide range of topics including worship, sacraments, Christian development, leadership, resources, mission and outreach, stewardship & future planning and everyone’s input is valuable. Please mark this date on your calendar and plan on attending this important meeting.

Join with us in An Evening of Singing with Cheryl and Bruce Harding on Monday, November 26 at 7pm at Fifth Avenue Memorial United Church.  Suggested donation $10 or what you can afford.

Celebrations This Week

Birthdays: Gladys Leitch, John Fowler, Marjorie Berg, Theresa Hardiker, Leonard Klaudt, Drew Gardiner, Stuart Hardiker, Michele Gardner, Bill Scott, Viola Foster, Bill Taylor, Garth Campbell,  Alexis Judge, Stefan Judge.

Anniversaries:  Darlene & Howard Widmer, Ila & Ted Dillabough, Bill & Helen MacPhail, Esther & Leonard Klaudt.

We have received a “Thank You” note from the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society, which reads, “Dear Congregation, Thank you very much for your recent generous donations of P.J.’s, toiletries and socks. These are items we are always in need of. We and our clients continue to be gratified and amazed at the support we receive from our community. Thank you again. M.H. Women’s Shelter Society”.

The ministry of Westminster United Church was extended into the community this past week as Jane conducted the funeral services for Orman Bond.

South Alberta Presbytery

Your prayers this week are requested for all people living under the siege or threat of war.

Our Order of Ministry This Morning

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

Greeters & Ushers ………………………………………….…………..Beth Minor, Irene Fekete,

…………………………………………………………….……..Barb Grozell, Charlene Andreas

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

Coffee Hosts …………………………………………………………….Larry & Vera Henderson

…………………………………………………………………………..Gwen & Dub Henderson

Scripture Reader ……………………………………………………………………..Linda Kinvig

Elder-in-Charge ……………………………………………………………………….John Sidlick

Next Week’s Readings from: Habakkuk 1:1-4:2:1-4 or Isaiah 1:10-18, Psalm 119:137-144 or Psalm 32:1-7, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Luke 19:1-10.