Sunday, July 27, 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: Come into the joy of your divinity that the body-mind-spirit may be of one accord in the fullness of life and of faith.
All: Let us celebrate in the richness and diversity of life in presentness of the divinity within us.
Opening Prayer (Unison)
May we awaken to the Holy presence within, here in this place. May we awaken to the power of love, here in the ordinary crowd. May we build a neighbourhood of justice for all, now in this ordinary time. May we daily work to be a world at peace, now with these ordinary hands.
One: Life rises in our midst.
All: Sometimes hard-won.
One: It surprises us when it blossoms forth at unexpected times.
All: And in unexpected places.
One: It comes with power stronger than death.
All: Life born of courage. Life born of love… (A time for silent reflection)
Biblical Notes
Prayer of Illumination
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 From the Christian Scriptures – Pg 20.
Anthem “I Feel the Spirit”
Reflection for the Day
Mission Moment
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.
Through these gifts we will worship joyfully. Through these gifts we will care compassionately. Through these gifts we will provide hope globally, and declare our faithfulness. Amen.
Prayer of Thanksgiving, Intercession & Lord’s Prayer
As we leave here, may we continue to grow in the faith steadily; serve others justly and carefully; participate in the faith community enthusiastically; rejoice in what we share.
#884 “You 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.
South Alberta Presbytery
Your prayers this week are requested for Waterton United Church, Pastoral Charge Supervisor, George Ward.
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 August will be held at FAM and 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 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.