“We are journeying together in God’s love . . .
to discover, nurture and share our gifts.”
September 14, 2008
Recovenanting Sunday
As we gather together in the sacred circles of our church communities, we are reminded that we will be called on to forgive as we are forgiven. We are called to struggle together to reclaim our true identity as an Exodus people—freed by God from all that enslaves.
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 silent preparation—Lighting the Christ Candle
Call to Worship (Responsive)
One: This is a new day.
All: Let us rejoice and be glad.
One: This day we join together in community.
All: Let us be thankful for this community.
This is the first day of a new week and we move ahead into a new church season. We celebrate the new life which is ours. We are thankful for this new season. We have laughed and played in the sunshine of summer. Now we turn to a time of change and harvest in our land. This is a new time in our lives. We have left our vacations behind us. We have returned to our classrooms and jobs, and Fall routines, to new challenges and new joys. Let us rejoice in new beginnings. Amen.
Hymn # 395 “Come In, Come In and Sit Down”
Conversation Time
Recovenanting Together
One: During the weeks of summer, people from this congregation have had many experiences. Today, we celebrate these experiences. As our congregation re-gathers for a new season, we bring new stories to share with others. Stories about our vacation time; whether that be playing outside; taking a trip; attending summer camp; visiting family & friends, to name only some of the things.
All: Our lives are a journey filled with new experiences. As we grow in our faith, may we share our gifts with one another. May we help each other to learn and to love.
One: As we gather together again, may we be blessed and guided into the days to come. We gather here as the Body of Christ.
All: We gather here as the church.
One: For almost 2000 years, Christians have gathered in many places: in cities, towns, and countryside; in homes, caves, refugee camps, cathedrals, and open fields; in Philippi, Thessalonica, Rome, Ephesus, and here in Medicine Hat.
All: And as we gather together, we learn from one another, we share stories with one another, we pray, we sing, we break bread, we care for one another, we volunteer our time, we teach our children, we support one another, we welcome the stranger, we renew our faith, and we prepare to go out to be the Body of Christ in the world.
One: In this ongoing Season after Pentecost we the people of faith in this place rededicate ourselves to be the church, today and always.
All: Let us be the church! Amen.
The Sunday school & Youth leave for their classes.
Prayer for Transformation
To build a community, we must be ready to appreciate the gifts and talents of some very different persons. To build a community, we must be ready to listen to the deepest concerns of our friends. To build a community, we must be ready to listen to new truth and act courageously on what we hear. To build a community, we must be ready to follow the example of Jesus…(time for silent reflection)
Dedication Liturgy for Installed Technology (responsive)
Biblical Notes
Prayer of Illumination
Other lessons for your personal consideration from today’s lections are: From the Psalms – Psalm 114 & From the Christian Scriptures – Romans 14:1-12.
(read from the New Revised Standard Version)
One: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.
Hymn #633 “Bless Now, O God”
We Respond In Giving And Gratitude
Offertory
In gratitude and humble trust we bring our best today
to serve your cause and share your love with all along life's way.
O God, who gave yourself to us in Jesus Christ, your Son,
teach us to give ourselves each day until life's work is done.
Prayer of Dedication (One)
May these gifts be blessed and may the ministries that we support with our offerings be blessed also. Amen.
Hymn #639 “One More Step Along the World I Go”
Commissioning (One)
We are a people ready for adventure! We venture forth to risk life- giving experiences. We venture forth to challenge clear evidence of injustice. We venture forth to meet the needs of troubled loved ones. We venture forth with Christ’s example before us. We venture forth with the inner peace of the Holy to secure us.
Choral Amen
#224 “Sing a Happy Hallelujah” vv 1 & 4
Sing a happy hallelujah; sing it out with heart and style,
we're the echo of God's laughter; we're the image of God's smile.
Hallelujah, all creation, hallelujah everyone!
Hallelujah, all creation, hallelujah everyone!
Every day sing hallelujah! We are loved, though so absurd,
human, foolish, chosen people, God still takes us at our word!
Hallelujah, all creation, hallelujah everyone!
Hallelujah, all creation, hallelujah everyone!
Postlude
The Life and Work of the Congregation
This Week at Westminster (September 14 – September 20)
|
Sun. |
Worship/Recovenanting |
10:30 a.m. |
Sanctuary |
|
|
Junior Choir Practise |
11:45 a.m. |
Lounge |
|
Tues. |
Prayer Shawl Ministry |
1:30 p.m. |
Lounge |
|
Wed. |
Bible Study |
9:30 a.m. |
Nursery |
|
|
Adult Confirmation |
7:00 p.m. |
James’ Office |
|
Thurs. |
Senior Choir Practise |
7:00 p.m. |
Sanctuary |
Next Week at Westminster (September 21 – September 27)
|
Sun. |
Trustees |
9:00 a.m. |
Shalom Room |
|
|
Worship/Baptism |
10:30 a.m. |
Sanctuary |
|
|
Jr. Choir Practise |
11:45 a.m. |
Lounge |
|
Tues. |
Prayer Shawl Ministry |
1:30 p.m. |
Lounge |
|
Wed. |
Bible Study |
9:30 a.m. |
Nursery |
|
|
Adult Confirmation |
7:00 p.m. |
James’ Office |
|
Thurs. |
Senior Choir Practise |
7:00 p.m. |
Sanctuary |
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.)
Anyone interested in Fall Adult Confirmation Classes, please speak with James.
Just a reminder if you are interested in Greeting and Ushering please sign up on the roster by Memorial Hall.
Now that summer is over, the Congregational Life Committee is appealing to the congregation again, for goodies for Sunday morning coffee time. Please drop off donations in the large freezer in the auxiliary kitchen.
Our Church is in need of a replacement volunteer to look after the co-ordination of the nursery on Sunday mornings. This volunteer is needed immediately. If interested, please contact Jackie Carlson at 403-528-4072.
We are in need of four volunteer counters for the weekly Sunday offering. Two people are needed for each Sunday. This would enable a rotation method so the same people would not have to count every Sunday. If you feel this is a ministry you could offer, please call the church office or speak with Murray Bell.
The Women's Shelter Wish List consists of: Journals, alarm clocks, City Transit Passes, Grocery Gift Cards, Long Distance Phone cards, and new children's bathing suits. A more extensive list is on the bulletin board in the hall. Items can be left in specially marked boxes.
Do you struggle with Anxiety or Panic? Anxiety and depression are the #1 emotional illnesses in our country today. Mike Glugosh understands how debilitating anxiety and depression can be. Mike will be giving a seminar at Westminster United Church on October 1, at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. See the poster on the bulletin board by Memorial Hall or call the church office at 526-5247.
The United Church Banff Men’s Conference is coming up soon, October 17th to 19th. Men of the congregation are invited to pick up a brochure from the ramp in order to register for the Conference. Guest Speaker: Dr. Amin Hussain will speak on Muslim – Christian relations.
Birthdays: Pete Hirsch, Andrew Maier, Janice Neigum, Lois Clarkson.
Anniversaries: Warren & Kim Hanson, Doug & Margaret Henderson, Al & Peggy Smith, Donna & Leroy Angle, Bruce & Michele Gardiner.
Flowers are placed in the Sanctuary this morning in loving memory of Bob Patterson by Pat Connell & family.
South Alberta Presbytery
Your prayers are requested for South Alberta Presbytery and its executive.
Sunday School Co-ordinators........................................................... Jackie Schlenker, Kim Hanson
Greeters & Ushers............................................................................ Ralph & Grace Roth
........................................................................................................ Jean Whiting, Mina Carlson, Joyce Carlson
Acting Nursery Convenor................................................................. Jackie Carlson
Coffee Hosts.................................................................................... The Mattson Family
Scripture Reader.............................................................................. Norm Jackson
Elder-in-Charge................................................................................ Ray Yanke
Next Week’s Readings from: Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16.
Stewardship Thought For Today
How often does fear prevent us from giving as much as we are able to give? Stewardship allows us to choose to be free from fear by using our gifts to free others from what enslaves them.
by Kathie Murphy
Board Meeting Summary – September 9, 2008
In an attempt to eliminate the $13,000 cost incurred during renovations, the UCW has challenged the Board to see who can raise the most funds. The Board has gladly accepted and will have a pancake brunch Sun. Oct. 5 after service as their initial event. The annual Fall Supper date was set for Sat. Nov. 1, 2008.
The Board expressed appreciation to all those who gave of their time this summer to ensure that the renovations were completed.
Respectively Submitted by Lesley Berg, Board Secretary