Westminster United Church

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

 to discover, nurture and share our gifts.”

March 9, 2008

Lent V 

Though we will die, in Christ we live. The witness of Scripture invites us to trust that there are no endings that stretch beyond God’s boundless care and power to redeem. When in your life have you found hope in the steadfast, saving love of God? How might you, in your church, offer such hope to those who grieve?

 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:    As we move toward Good Friday – uncertainty grips us, as it does the disciples. We know that enthusiasm can turn  to rejection;

All:      what will it take to keep our commitment strong?

One:    The powers promoting excessive self-indulgence are always ready for us.

All:      Will we have the courage to stay faithful?

Opening Prayer (Unison)

We are a worshipping community. We will “sing the praise of him who died.” We will work together to defeat the forces of injustice. We are a community of faith. We will proclaim the Good News. We are a venturing community. In our acceptance, in our readiness to serve, in our endurance, we will proclaim the root of our discipleship. Amen.

Junior Choir Sings “Celebrate This Glorious Day”

Conversation Time

The Sunday School & Youth leave for their classes.

We will not allow the jeering crowd to influence us. We will speak out for the faithful way, even if it costs us. The nails no longer have the last word. We will break free from those situations that hold us fast. The persuasive speech of a powerful leader no longer controls us. We will trust in our own abilities to encounter the Holy and will look to the pattern of Jesus Christ. The stress of suffering, the thought of dying, no longer dominates us. We will face the most severe tests and emerge through…(time for silent reflection).

Words of Assurance (One)  

Biblical Notes

Prayer of Illumination

Psalm 73:1-14

Other lessons for your personal consideration from today’s lections are: Ezekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 130; Romans 8:6-11; John 11:1-45.

Hymn # 382 “Breath On Me, Breath of God”

Psalm 73:15-28

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

Video Message: “Countering Pharaoh’s Production –  Consumption Society Today” by Walter Brueggeman 

Hymn # 409 “Morning Has Broken”

Mission Moment: Barb Grozell

Our Church Tithes and Offerings

Offertory

Dedication #219 “When All Your Mercies, O My God” vs 2

Ten thousand thousand precious gifts my daily thanks employ;

Nor is the least a cheerful heart that tastes those gifts with joy.

Prayer of Dedication (One)

Prayer of Thanksgiving, Intercession & Lord’s Prayer

Hymn # 378 “Spirit of God, Descent Upon My Heart”

Commissioning (One)

May we be brought to life and freed from all the deadness of the past. Freed to break through self-imposed limits. Freed to give with abundant generosity, and freed to follow Jesus faithfully.

Choral Amen

#298 “When You Walk from Here”

When you walk from here, when you walk from here, walk with justice, walk with mercy, and with God’s humble care.

Postlude

The Life And Work Of The Congregation

This Week at Westminster (March 9 – March 15)

Next Week at Westminster  (March 16 – March 22)

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.).

If you have not renewed your subscription for the OBSERVER, please do so as the paperwork has to be mailed soon.  If you wish to receive the Observer it is $14 per year.  Please call Anne at the office, 526-5247 if you would like to subscribe.

 Membership Sunday will be on March 23 (Easter Sunday).  Anyone wishing membership by transfer, reaffirmation or baptism please speak with James.

 Edythe Hewitt UCW Unit meeting Wednesday, March 12 at 2:00 p.m. at the home of Grace Roth, 1126 McCaig Crescent S.E..

During Lent, Wednesday Noon Lunch, at St. Barnabas Anglican Church, from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. The $5 fee will be donated to the Grandmothers of Africa who are looking after their orphaned grandchildren. Everyone is welcome to share lunch on Wednesday’s in February and March at St. Barnabas Church, 635 4^th St. S.E.

UCW Executive will meet today after worship.

Saturday, March 15^th at 2:00 p.m. there will be Easter Egg decorating and an egg hunt here at the church.  Bring  hard-boiled eggs for you to decorate and a goodie to share.

You are invited to the Annual Palm Sunday Ham and Sausage Supper at Peace United Church, Irvine, on Sunday, March 16.  Supper served 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. ($10/adult, $5/child 5-12 yrs, 5 & under free).

Meditation Group will resume, Tuesday, March 18.

The UCW will be holding their annual Easter Program, beginning in the sanctuary, followed by Tea and Hot Cross Buns in the Hall on Wednesday, March 19^th, at 1:00 p.m. All woman of the church are welcome.

We will be decorating the sanctuary for Easter on March 22^nd at 10:00 a.m.  Everyone welcome!

People in the United Church are invited to turn off your lights for one hour at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, as part of the KAIROS Re-Energize: Time for a Carbon Sabbath campaign. This campaign is being carried out in every time zone.

Our spring garage sale is approaching May 10, 2008.  We would like you to think about any items for donation at this time only (no plants, food or clothes). If you would like to rent a table, please contact Linda at 527-7005.

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 appeals to you, please call Anne at the office at 526-5247.

A reminder to support the United for Peace Campaign. As a community of faith, we are called to participate together with others in the struggle for the right to a just peace with dignity for all God’s people. The United Church of Canada is committed to pursuing peace. One expression of this commitment is the United for Peace Campaign. This is a 2 year campaign. Please find donation envelopes and brochures with more information about this project in the Narthex or on the ramp. 

Celebrations This Week

Birthdays:   Dylan Adams, Delmar Adams, Marg McCulley, Betty Sidlick, Jeanette Merrick, Edwin Maier.

Flowers are placed in the Sanctuary this morning by Sharon Clay in loving memory of her mother Edith Clay.

Our Order of Ministry This Morning

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

Greeters & Ushers.......................................................           Bea Hirsch, Violet Rud

...................................................................................           Yvonne Hole, Gordon &  Anne Bruins

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

Coffee Hosts...............................................................           Dub & Gwen Henderson

...................................................................................           Pat Thornsteinson, Joan  Jantzie

Scripture Reader..........................................................           Ted Clugston

Elder-in-Charge............................................................           Doug Pearson

Next Week’s Readings from: Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 31:9-16 or Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 21:1-11 or Matthew 26:14-27:66 or Matthew 27:11-54.

Stewardship Seconds 2008