Sunday, July 13, 2008 – 10:00 a.m.
A Combined Summer Service for
The United Churches of Medicine Hat.
Today’s worship leader is Rev. James Farrell
Prelude
Announcements—Time of Greeting
A time of silent preparation—Lighting the Christ Candle
Call to Worship (Responsive)
One: We embrace the thought that, “Today is a day the Lord has made.”
All: Therefore, “let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
One: Let us indeed! For the day is sacred and this place is sacred.
All: Let us celebrate the richness and diversity of life this and every day.
Opening Prayer (Unison)
We are gathered here to be part of a community. We are here to learn from one another. We are here to share the love that we experience through the life of Jesus. We are here to reflect on the possibilities before us, for wholeness and healing. Amen.
Hymn # 291 “All Things Bright and Beautiful”
Words of Assurance (One)
Biblical Notes
Prayer of Illumination
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 From the Christian Scriptures – Pg. 19.
Hymn # 339 "When Morning Gilds the Skies"
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.
Prayer of Dedication (one)
Prayer of Thanksgiving, Intercession & Lord’s Prayer
Hymn # 424 “May the God of Hope Go With Us”
Commissioning (One)
As we leave here may we be ready to share the spirit of generosity with those around us; ready to befriend the lonely; ready to help the downhearted; ready to take time to listen and understand; ready to proclaim the faith with kindness and with sensitivity; and ready to act justly and love mercy.
#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 my husband, Ed by Alice Felesky
South Alberta Presbytery
Your prayers this week are requested for Lutheran Churches.
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 are gathering in shared worship. The 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.
Walk 4 Justice: 60 women will walk across Canada to honour missing and murdered Aboriginal women, men and children. This group will be walking from Vancouver to Parliament Hill and will be in Medicine Hat today, July 13th and tomorrow, July 14th. If you are interested in participating, would like to make a donation or for more information, see poster on bulletin board by Memorial Hall or call Roxanne McKenzie at 403-526-0756.
Women’s Retreat (Taking Care Of Ourselves And Others) - Saturday, September 13th from 10 a.m. to 3 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.
Catch The Spirit – Great Escape for Women, Sept, 19 – 21, 2008 at Elkwater Girl Guide Camp. Come and join us for a fun, spiritual weekend. Relax in the soothing atmosphere of the Cypress Hills surrounded by friends, old and new. Cost: $70.00, register at Fifth Avenue Memorial United Church. For more information, call Gloria or Maureen at 403-526-2237. Limited to the first 30 paid registrations.