Sunday, July 6, 2008 – 10:00 a.m.
A Combined Summer Service for
The United Churches of Medicine Hat.
Today’s worship leader is Jane Clarke, DLM
Prelude
Announcements—Time of Greeting
A time of silent preparation—lighting the Christ Candle
Call to Worship (Responsive)
One: Take time to smell the flowers, to roll down a grassy hill, to make a dandelion necklace.
All: Slow down the pace of your life, take a deep breath, and share a cup of coffee with a friend.
One: Enter this sacred space, wait for our spirits to stir, feel our burdens lift.
All: We gather to be reminded to do these things.
Opening Prayer (Responsive)
One: Divine beauty is revealed in a summer rose,
All: we are thankful for this creative perfection.
One: Joy is revealed in the reunion of old friends,
All: we are thankful for never-failing companionship.
One: May we rely upon our Spirit’s strength in times of tough struggles.
All: We are thankful for this essential peacefulness.
One: Let us be aware of the Divine within each of us during this time together as our voices sing, as our minds are challenged, and as hearts respond to this love that surrounds us. Amen.
We instinctively know that we should try to speak the truth. There may be times when we have not done that. There may have been times when we have caused hurt to others or ourselves. We know that every minute is a new beginning for us. The past is gone and we are allowed a new start. This ought to make us truly thankful…(A time for silent reflection)
Biblical Notes
Prayer of Illumination
Matthew 11:25-30 From the Christian Scriptures Pg. 16
Our Church Tithes and Offerings
Offertory
Dedication #540 “Grant Us God, the Grace”
Grant us, God, the grace of giving,
with a spirit large and free,
that ourselves and all our living
we may offer faithfully.
May we be empowered to respond generously, wisely and compassionately, that our gifts combined with the gifts of others, may follow the pattern of Jesus Christ, and become a lively blessing. Amen.
Prayer of Thanksgiving, Intercession & Lord’s Prayer
All: looking with awe at the billowing clouds, and star-spread night sky; celebrating the joy of each new day, finding the deepest lessons in the simplest games, ready to trust and share with friends, prepared to forgive and start again, wondering at the sheer goodness of Jesus, believing totally in the love he had for all.
One: Go confidently in that love.
#884 “We Shall Go Out With Joy”x2
You shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace;
the mountains and the hills will break forth before you;
there'll be shouts of joy, and all the trees of the field
will clap, will clap their hands!
And all the trees of the field will clap their hands, (clap, clap)
the trees of the field will clap their hands, (clap, clap)
the trees of the field will clap their hands, (clap, clap)
while you go out with joy.
Postlude
Welcome to Westminster this morning.
Please join us for refreshments after worship.
Flowers are placed in the Sanctuary this morning
in memory of
Bonnie Bruce (daughter)
& Hec Crothers (brother)
By
Adair Prouty
South Alberta Presbytery
Your prayers this week are requested for our First Nations neighbours.
The duty rosters for Ushers & Greeters, Bulletin Folders and Coffee Hosts are on the peg board by Memorial Hall.
Summer Worship Schedule: Again this summer the congregations of Fifth Avenue Memorial and Westminster United Churches shall continue to gather in shared worship. The remaining services in July will be held at WUC. The services in August will be held at FAM and all services will begin at 10:00 a.m. The WUC church office will be closed from July 29 – August 19th.
Women’s Retreat (Taking Care of Ourselves and Others) - Saturday, September 13th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Westminster Church Hall. The Westminster UCW invites all women to a day of Inspiration in the form of song, skit, spiritual drumming, and more. Lovely noon-time lunch. Registration of $15 is due by Wednesday September 3rd. Registration can be made at the church office 403-526-5247.
Are you on PAR (Pre-arranged Remittances)? One monthly deduction for your church giving. It continues even if you are away. Applications can be filled out and put on the collection plate with a void cheque or contact Donna Scharf at 526-1555.