Westminster United Church

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

 to discover, nurture and share our gifts.”

December 30, 2007

Music Service

Worship Leader:  Anna Marie Hancock

Our lives are marked by growth.  At all ages, our faith is grounded in love and nurtured through collective wisdom of God’s people.  Transformed by this wisdom, we reach out to share it with others in word and deed.  In what ways have you grown in wisdom over the years?  In what ways does your church celebrate God’s wisdom in people of all ages?

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:      The joy of a carver with a new  block of wood.

All:        The excitement of a reader with a new book.

One:      The response of a musician to a new tune.

All:        The love of a mother for a new baby.

One:      The sense of adventure in a new path taken.

All:        For all our new starts, we are truly thankful

One:      Let us worship together.

Opening Prayer (responsive)

One:      This is the time for new beginnings.

All:        This is the time for reflection.

One:      This is the time for taking stock.

All:        This is the time for setting faithful New Year goals.

One:      This is the time for putting old grudges and resentments to  rest.

All:        This is the time for seeking new friends and fresh

       avenues of Christian service.

One:      This is the time for renewing our faith.

All:        This is the time to rejoice in Christ’s spirit amongst us. 

       Amen.

Carol #35 “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice”

Carol #69 “Away in a Manger”

One:      We celebrate our joys and achievements in the past year.

All:        We reflect on the hardship, the unexpected change, the

  setbacks—all the situations from which we may learn and grow.

One:      We celebrate our friendships and family ties.

All:        We reflect on times of uncaring, poor communication,

                and of relationships strained – all the situations from   which we may learn and grow.

One:      We celebrate the fulfillment we have found within the faith community.

All:        We reflect on missed opportunities for worship and service,   

             and the times when we may be blind to the work of the wider church

            – all the situations from  which we may learn and grow.

One:      We celebrate the discipleship of Jesus Christ which is ours.

All:        We reflect on our struggle to hear the call of Jesus and to follow his example

             carefully – all the situations from  which we may learn and grow, in faith and action …               (Silent Reflection)

Words of Assurance (One)

A new year, a new set of goals.  Pardon and peace are ours.  Amen.

Sr. Choir Anthem

Carol Requests

The Dialogue: “Christmas in Early Methodism”

Carol #71 “’Twas in the Moon of Wintertime”

Our Church Tithes and Offerings

Offertory

Dedication  # 55 “In the Bleak Midwinter” vs 4

What can I give him, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;

If I were a wise man, I would do my part;

Yet what I can I give him – give my heart.

Prayer of Dedication (One)

As bells ring out, as joy breaks out, as light shines out, we recognize the blessing these gifts will bring, and we rejoice!   Amen.

Carol #38 “Angels We Have Heard on High”

Carol Requests

Prayer of Thanksgiving, Intercession & Lord’s Prayer

Commissioning

We leave this church, resolved to model our New Year’s way on the example of Jesus.  We have nothing to fear!

Choral Amen

#43 “Go, Tell It On The Mountain”

Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere. 

Go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born. (x2)

Postlude

This Week at Westminster  (December 30 – January 5)

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, address changes etc).

Our next communion service will be held on Epiphany, Sunday, January 6, 2008.

Our Order of Ministry This Morning

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

Greeters & Ushers……………………………………………TBA

Coffee Hosts …………………………Vivian & Wally Bergstreser

…………………………………………...Doug & Velma Pearson

Elder-in-Charge ……………………………………..Ted Sherring

Next Week’s Readings from: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12.

Happy New Year!