“We are journeying together in God’s love . . .
to discover, nurture and share our gifts.”
January 13, 2008
The Spirit is at work in our lives. In this short Season after the Epiphany, the scriptures invite us to wonder about the many ways that the Spirit brings change. This week, we hear the voice of God speaking new things into action, and consider the blessings and responsibilities that come with this gift of Spirit.
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 “Here I Am to Worship”
A time of silent preparation—Lighting the Christ Candle
Call to Worship (Responsive)
One: Let us journey to the River Jordan,
All: where the people of Israel entered the promised land.
One: Let us journey to the River Jordan,
All: where the crowds gathered to confess and be baptized by John.
One: Let us journey to the River Jordan,
All: and watch, as Jesus comes to be baptized.
Spirit of winter cold and delightful warm spells, we are thankful for pure white snow and running water, for clear bright skies and the promise of new life. May this time of worship be like a winter thaw in our hectic, worried lives. May we hear a new word for our ever-changing and uncertain times. May we be blessed, in our worship, that we might be your blessings. Amen.
Hymn # 100 “When Jesus Comes to Be Baptized”
Conversation Time
Chorus: Let the Children Come to Me (x3)
For that’s what heaven is made of.
The Sunday School & Youth leave for their classes.
Prayer for Transformation & Words of Assurance
The light of the Holy shines in our darkness. When we struggle to find the truth, or tell the truth, may we be enlightened. When we struggle to find words of support or comfort, may we be encouraged. When we shy away from the just cause or from merciful action, may we be challenged. When we hang back from faith community needs, may we be prompted to participation…(time for silent reflection)
Words of Assurance (One)
Biblical Notes
Prayer of Illumination
Other lessons for your personal consideration from today’s lections are: From the Psalms – Psalm 29 & From the Epistle Scriptures – Acts 10:34-43.
Anthem “A Simple Christmas Processional”
(an interpretation)
One: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.
Hymn # 229 “God of the Sparrow”
Mission Moment: Sean Wilkinson
We Respond In Giving And Gratitude
Offertory
Prayer of Dedication (One)
As I live every day, I want to be a channel for peace. May I bring love where there is hatred and healing where there is hurt, joy where there is sadness and hope where there is fear. I pray that I may always try to understand and comfort people as well as seek comfort and understanding from them. Wherever possible, may I choose to be a light in the darkness, a help in times of need, and a caring, honest friend. And may justice, kindness and peace flow from my heart forever. Amen.
Hymn # 567 “Will You Come & Follow Me”
Commissioning (One)
We go forth in faith, choosing to open our eyes to the needs that are around us, choosing to put apathy aside, willing to get involved, choosing to joyfully work with others in the enterprise of faith, choosing life!
Choral Amen
# 424 “May the God of Hope Go With Us” vs 1
May the God of hope go with us every day,
filling all our lives with love and joy and peace.
May the God of justice speed us on our way,
bringing light and hope to every land and race.
Praying, let us work for peace, singing, share our joy with all,
working for a world that's new, faithful when we hear Christ's call.
Postlude “African Star Carol”
The Life And Work Of The Congregation
This Week at Westminster (January13 – January 19)
|
Sun. |
Worship |
10:30 a.m. |
Sanctuary |
|
|
|
Jr. Choir Practise |
11:30 a.m. |
Lounge |
|
|
Tues. |
Prayer Shawl Ministry |
1:30 p.m. |
Lounge |
|
|
|
Meditation |
7:00 p.m. |
Adopt. 2000 |
|
|
Wed. |
Bible Study |
9:30 a.m. |
Nursery |
|
|
Thurs. |
Senior Choir Practise |
7:00 p.m. |
Sanctuary |
|
Next Week at Westminster (January 20 – January 26)
|
Sun. |
Trustees |
9:00 a.m. |
Shalom Room |
|
|
Worship |
10:30 a.m. |
Sanctuary |
|
|
Jr. Choir Practise |
11:45 a.m. |
Lounge |
|
Tues. |
Prayer Shawl Ministry |
1:30 p.m. |
Lounge |
|
|
Meditation |
7:00 p.m. |
Adopt. 2000 |
|
Wed. |
Bible Study |
9:30 a.m. |
Nursery |
|
Thurs. |
Sr. Choir |
7:00 p.m. |
Sanctuary |
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.)
Congregational Life and Work Committee is appealing to you, the congregation. The freezer is empty. On Sunday mornings most of us enjoy snacks with our coffee. We are asking for donations of loaves, muffins, cookies and fruit bread (only suggestions). Bring baking to the church anytime and place items in the Auxiliary Kitchen freezer. Thank you.
Your 2008 Offering Envelopes are available in the Narthex. The cost of the Observer is $14.00. When you pick up your envelopes, please check the number on your label with the envelope number to be sure they are the same. People on PAR were not issued envelopes and their number has been changed. Destroy your old unused envelopes. Thanks for your cooperation. – Al Pols
PAR Subscribers—If you wish to receive THE OBSERVER magazine, please pick up a donation envelope in the Narthex.
Commune-I-Care call out will take place January 13 - 19. These calls provide each family with regular opportunities to receive information and notices of coming activities or events and to allow families to give information regarding celebrations in their lives and provide information regarding possible needs they may have.
Friends of Medicare present “Sicko”, a film by Michael Moore, January 17th, at 7:00 p.m. Admission is free at the Medicine Hat College room B369. Discussion to follow.
The Annual Congregational Meeting will be held Sunday, January 27th beginning with a potluck lunch immediately following worship. This is the time that we take to review the past year’s work, show our appreciation to those who contributed to that work and make plans for the coming year. Your contribution is most important, please plan on attending. Bring your copy of the Annual Report to this meeting (found at the back of the Sanctuary or on the ramp). Highlight your report for anything you wish to have clarified or for which you wish to share comment.
Food contributions for the pot luck lunch will be as follows:
Ross Glen & Southridge – desserts
Crestwood, SE/SW Hill, Flats and
Crescent Heights – sandwiches (1/2 a loaf)
Others – pickles or any of the above.
The cost to put flowers in the sanctuary for loved ones has increased this year to $35. If you wish to place flowers, please contact Sharon Clay at 527-5681 or see the sign up sheet in the Narthex.
Birthdays: Brent Carlson, Ernie Mylymok, Vera Henderson, Pat Marshall, Joyce Scott, Flora Gaub, Roberta Playford, Grace Roth, Beth Miner, Velma Pearson.
Anniversaries: Andy & Betty Wudrich
The ministry of Westminster United Church was extended into the community this past week as James conducted the funeral service for Margaret Irene Wing.
Sunday School Co-ordinators...................................... Jackie Schlenker, Kim Hanson
Greeters & Ushers....................................................... Irene Fekete, Violet Rud,
................................................................................... Al and Peggy Smith
Nursery Convenor....................................................... Tanya Hoffarth
Coffee Hosts............................................................... Grace Roth, Phyllis Schorr
................................................................................... Jean Riggins, Doreen Lyon
Scripture Reader.......................................................... Lorraine Scott
Elder-in-Charge............................................................ Doug Pearson
Next Week’s Readings from: Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42.
Stewardship Thought For Today
Stewardship involves recognizing and participating in God’s abundance by contributing to it.
by Barbara Fullerton
Board Report January 8, 2008
The United Church Observer has an article in this issue about our dinner theatre along with photos. The Elders received instructions on using the new CD recording machine. Jane’s sabbatical has been approved from April 1-June 30, 2008. Albert Hoffarth’s resignation from the Board was accepted with regret. 2008 budget was approved to be presented to the annual meeting.
Respectfully submitted, Lesley Berg, Secretary