Westminster United Church

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

 to discover, nurture and share our gifts.”

February 17, 2008 “Lent II”

Installation of Board Members & UCW Executive

Place yourself in the shoes of Nicodemus. What questions or affirmations would you bring to Jesus? In what ways have you experienced birthing to new life, or life from above? Where, and with whom, might faith be calling you to venture through this Season of Lent?

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:      Those whose ministry is caring for others: Where do you  seek the Spirit?

All:        In the place of caring and trusting.

One:      Those whose ministry is in community renewal: Where do you seek the Spirit?

All:        In the place of building and re-creating.

One:      Those whose ministry is social action: Where do you seek the Spirit?

All:        In the place of justice and truth.

One:      Those whose ministry is leading: Where do you seek the Spirit?

All:        In the place of birth and rebirth.

One:      Those whose ministry is teaching: Where do you seek the Spirit?

All:        In learning and discovery.

One:      Those whose ministry is music: Where do you seek the Spirit?

All:        In worship and in song.

One:      All who love and serve; Where do you seek the Spirit?

All:      We seek the Spirit together as loving community and we come now to worship, live, and celebrate life in that Spirit.

Opening Prayer (Unison)

May we receive a spiritual rebirth; As we receive inspiration, there is joy. As we encounter the saints and follow their example, we take courage. As we feel support in community and give of our talents, our faith comes alive. As we reflect on Jesus Christ, and renew our commitment, we know peace. Amen.    

Hymn # 340 “Jesus, Friend of Little Children”

Conversation Time

The Youth leave for their classes.

May we seek to bring together that which has fallen apart, to mend the broken edges of our lives, to fill the aching emptiness we sometimes feel with satisfactions this world offers. May we be drawn together into more faithful connections with one another,  as faithful followers of Jesus…(time for silent reflection)

Words of Assurance (One)

 (the Board of Elders is invited to gather on the chancel)

James: We are gathered here to celebrate the selection of Board Members by covenanting together for the service of God in this place for this year.

Darcy Fox: I present our serving Elders: myself, Ray Yanke, Lesley Berg, Gordon Bruins, Pat Evans, Doug Pearson, Ted Sherring, John Sidlick, Dawn Skogen, Jennifer Oster and Jackie Carlson who have all been elected by the congregation of Westminster United Church and called to be members of the Board of Elders.

James: From ancient times God’s people have been partners in covenants with God and with one another.  By these covenants the responsibilities of each party were openly declared and commitments were made for mutual help and support.  It is our purpose to covenant together as congregation and elders for the work of God’s ministry in this church.

You have been called to share in ministry as elders of Westminster United Church.  You, the members of this congregation, are called to support your elders through advice and prayer and constructive ideas. The Board is responsible for encouraging and sharing freely with the congregation through their role as elders.  Let us seek grace as we covenant together today. Let us pray:

 All: By baptism we have been called to Christ’s ministry; awaken the  Spirit within us as we commit ourselves to work together in Christ’s name.  Amen.

Promises of the Congregation (The congregation is asked to stand)

James: Having elected these people as your elders, will you join with them in ministry within this congregation and beyond and will you support and pray for them as they serve among us? If so, please respond:

Congregation: Yes, I will by God’s grace. (The congregation may be seated)

Promises of the Board of Elders

James:  As you continue as a single body of elders in our midst, will you offer your wisdom, understanding, and prayerful encouragement in the spirit of Christ’s love and uphold the ministry of the Board of Elders within this congregation?

The whole Board of Elders: We will, by the grace of God.

James: The Board of Elders is responsible for the spiritual welfare of the congregation with specific responsibility for worship, sacraments, and care for the people of the congregation. These promises and the ministry here, are a sign and seal that we have covenanted together as elders and congregation for this year, by the grace of God. Let us pray. 

All: We have made covenants and commitments to the ministries we share as elders and people.  May we be guided wisely as we seek together to be aware of the Spirit, that we may grow in love and understanding through Jesus Christ. Amen. 

(Elders return to their seats)

Certificates of Appreciation to those who have served 

(the elected UCW Executive are invited to join Jane in front of the chancel)

Jane: The Church which is the Body of Christ is composed of many members with many different gifts.  You are blessed with varied talents and abilities.  The members of “The United Church Women” or “Women of the United Church of Canada” are called to fulfil the purpose for which the organisation exists, 1) to unite the women of the Church for the total mission of the Church, 2) to express your loyalty and devotion to Jesus Christ through Christian witness, study, expressions of community and service.  You have elected an Executive to assist you in carrying out these purposes and to guide the work of this organisation efficiently and effectively.

Addressing Members of the Executive

Biblical Notes

Prayer of Illumination

Philemon vv 1 – 7

 Other lessons for your personal consideration from today’s lections are: Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 12, 1 Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17.

Hymn # 333 “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”

Philemon vv 8 – 25  

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

Reflection: “Confronting Enslavements” 

Hymn # 117 “Jesus Christ is Waiting” 

Mission Moment: Sean Wilkinson 

Our Church Tithes and Offerings

Offertory

Dedication #539 “God of All Good” vs 1

God of all good, our gifts we bring to you,

Use them your holy purpose to fulfill;

Tokens of love and pledges brought anew

That our whole life is offered to your will.

Prayer of Dedication (One)  

Prayer of Thanksgiving, Intercession & Lord’s Prayer 

Hymn # 421 “Lead On, O Cloud of Presence” 

Commissioning (One) 

Choral Amen 

#649 “Walk With Me”

Walk with me, I will walk with you and build the land that God has

planned where love shines through.

Postlude

The Life And Work Of The Congregation

This Week at Westminster  (February 17 – February 23)

Next Week at Westminster  (February 24 – March 1)

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.)

Meditation Group will be cancelled until March 18^th. (after the Lenten Study).

Our church family is in need of two replacement volunteers; one to look after the co-ordination of greeters and ushers, and one to organize coffee hosts for Sunday mornings. These jobs give you an opportunity to get to know more of the congregation.  Greeters and ushers co-ordinator is needed immediately, and the coffee host co-ordinator is needed by this June. If either of these appeal to you, please call Anne at the office at 526-5247.

UCW Executive Meeting on February 19^th, at 1:00 p.m. in the Nursery.

Lenten Study 2008: This year you are invited to participate in a study featuring Walter Brueggemann. Countering Pharaoh’s Production-Consumption Society Today. “It is a journey from slavery to covenant that we keep making over and over again…[because] Pharaoh has immense power always to draw us back to slavery.” You are asked to gather in the Sanctuary prepared to begin at 7 p.m.. This video study will run 4 more Wednesday evenings. Interested folks please speak to James so printed materials may be prepared for you.

Commune-I-Care will be making their second “call-out” for the year in April/May.  Our last “call-out” was very successful with 258 families called. 188 families spoken to. 13 referrals. 45 messages left on machines. 25 families that we couldn’t contact. 10 new families called. Thank you to everyone who was involved in this call out. Your time and talents are very much appreciated. 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. Submitted by Betty Sidlick

Celebrations This Week

Birthdays:   Albert Park, Danielle McDaniel-Paul, Maureen Oster, Bill Thompson, Kirsten Wirth, Andrew Weiss.

Anniversaries: Bertha and Hugh Harrison.

Our Order of Ministry This Morning

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

Greeters & Ushers.......................................................           Doug & Velma Pearson,           ..................................................................                                 Katie Konrad

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

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

Coffee Hosts...............................................................           Karen Knibbs, Joyce                 ........................................................................                             Shannon

...................................................................................           Kim Sherring, Janice Neigum

Scripture Reader..........................................................           Gordon Bruins

Elder-in-Charge............................................................           Darcy Fox

Next Week’s Readings from: Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42.