Westminster United Church

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

 to discover, nurture and share our gifts.”

May 4, 2008

Local Food Needs Sunday

To be a community of faith is to be a community of prayer. When have you prayed for, or been prayed for by another. Where do you experience the connections between prayer and hope; prayer and witness; prayer and power?

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 from reverse)

Opening Prayer (Responsive)

One:             As we worship together, may we live together.

All:               As we live together, may we witness together.

One:             As we witness together, may we journey together.

All:               As we journey together, may we meet together.

One:             As we meet together, may we worship together.

All:               And may our worship be centered in God, as   

                     God is centered in us. Amen.

Hymn #340 “Jesus, Friend of Little Children”

Conversation Time

The Sunday School & Youth leave for their classes.

If we put our trust in money, popularity, or influence, may we have fresh insight. If we fail to take the example of Jesus seriously, may we be inspired. If our faith is solitary, if our friendship is half-hearted, may we be brought to community. If we fear the trials of life, or the fact of death, may we receive a new vision…(time for silent reflection)

Words of Assurance (One)

Biblical Notes

Prayer of Illumination

Acts 1:6-14 From the Christian Scriptures Pg. 149

Other lessons for your personal consideration from today’s lections are: From the Psalms – Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 & From  the Epistles – 1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11.

Anthem “Shine, Jesus Shine”

John 17:1-11 From the Christian Scriptures Pg. 141

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

A Message

Hymn #213 “Rejoice, the Lord Is King”

Mission Moment: Marilynn Piotrowski

Our Church Tithes and Offerings

Offertory

Dedication #518 “As Those of Old Their First Fruits Brought” vs 3

As those of old their first-fruits brought of vineyard, flock,

and field to God, the giver of all good, the source of bounteous yield; so we today our first-fruits bring:the wealth of this good land, of farm and market, shop and home, of mind and heart and hand.

Prayer of Dedication (One)

Prayer of Thanksgiving, Intercession & Lord’s Prayer

Hymn #310 “God, Who Touches Earth With Beauty”

Commissioning (One)

As we go from here may we go in awe of creation, inspired to do the chores of each day with a spirit of thankfulness and joy.

Choral Amen

#964

Go now in peace, go now in peace. May the love of God surround you everywhere, everywhere you may go.

Postlude

The Life And Work Of The Congregation

This Week at Westminster (May 4 – May 10)

Next Week at Westminster (May 11 – May 17)

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.)

Bulletin Folders Needed on Friday afternoons at 1:00 p.m. in the lounge. There is a sign-up sheet posted on the bulletin board going into Memorial Hall.  Informal and fun gathering time for everyone.

UCW Executive will meet today following worship.

The Sunday school teachers will be meeting today after worship in the Youth Room.

Commune-I-Care will be making their second “call-out” for the year from May 4^th to May 10^th.   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.

Westminster’s Spring Brunch will be held next Sunday following worship. (Tickets available in the Hall following worship today; and will be available from the office during the week). Brunch Tickets are:

Adults $5, Children $3, Families $15. There are helper sign-up sheets in the hallway leading to Memorial Hall.

F.A.M. CHORAL CONCERT: The award-winning University of Victoria Chamber Singers (current & alumni) today, at 3 p.m. are presenting a concert at Fifth Avenue Memorial United Church (along with the Selah Singers) as part of a 3-week cross-Canada concert tour.  Tickets are $10 and available at the door or in advance at Cafe Caprice.

Square Circle UCW will hold their next meeting on May 7^th, at 7:30 p.m. in the lounge.

Edythe Hewitt UCW will hold their next meeting on May 7^th, at 2:00 p.m. in the Lounge. Hostess: Lil Iwanicki.

The Westminster Plant and Garage Sale will be held next Saturday, May 10^th. Items can be brought to the church on Friday, May 9^th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We need your donations of goods; (no clothing or perishables or broken items, plants are welcome). If persons wish to rent a table to “staff” themselves, these tables will be on a “first come – first serve” basis. Income from the rental tables remains at the discretion of the renter.  A successful sale depends on your donations. Please contact Linda for further information at 527-7005.

Paint and Stain Party on the outside of the Sanctuary on Saturday, May 17^th at 10:00 a.m.  Phone Al Piotrowski at 527-3229 or Doug Pearson at 504-1938 for more information.

Canyon Church Camp: Camping Season is approaching. For more information, registration forms and camp dates are posted on the bulletin board for the Summer Program.

Camp Shagabec: Registration forms and camp dates are on the bulletin board. There are also summer job opportunities available for this camp. Applications for these opportunities are available in the office.

Does anyone collect Canadian Tire money? If so, would you like to donate it to Camp Shagabec? Please drop off donations at the church office, knowing your donation will offset camp expenses.

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.

The ministry of Westminster United Church was extended into the community this past week as James conducted the funeral service for Doris Elma Grant and the service for Kate Cave, one of our long-time members.

Celebrations This Week

Birthdays: Glen Allan, Marilyn Link, Myrtle Bangs, Peggy Smith, Alex Shand, Irene Leidal, Ralph Clarkson, Dianne Schneider and Ray Yanke.

Anniversaries: Mike & Joan Jantzie, Steve & Melanie Rattai, Kevin & Cheryl Carleton, Marilynn & Al Piotrowski, Arleigh & Bob Marsh.

Flowers are placed in the Sanctuary this morning by Wilton & Pat Thornsteinson.

South Alberta Presbytery

Your prayers are requested for the Foremost Pastoral Charge, and Marie Barr, DLM.

Our Order of Ministry This Morning

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

Greeters & Ushers.......................................................           Leonard & Ester Klaudt

...................................................................................           Lesley Berg, Mary Skjenna,       ...................................................................                              Frieda Hiller

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

Coffee Hosts...............................................................           John & Betty Sidlick

...................................................................................           Wally & Vivian Bergstreser

Scripture Reader..........................................................           Joy Biko

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

Next Week’s Readings from: Acts 2:1-21 or Numbers 11:24-30, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 or Acts 2:1-21, John 20:19-23 or John 7:37-39.