“We are journeying together in God’s love . . .
to discover, nurture and share our gifts.”
September 28, 2008
As we live between frustration and hope, we call out to God and to our human leaders. We long to know we will be heard, that there will be a response. Assured by Christ, we can be confident of God’s sustaining presence. What does it mean to trust the God envelope in which we live?
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
A time of silent preparation—Lighting the Christ Candle
Call to Worship (Responsive)
One: We do not meet alone.
All: We meet surrounded by the saints of every age.
One: We gather in the presence of the Holy who indwells each of us.
All: We meet in the presence of love and compassion.
As we are lead into new experiences, may we be open to the Divine presence among and within. May we sense this Divine glory in the sights and sounds and reflections of this fall day. Amen.
Hymn # 585 “Jesus Bids Us Shine”
Conversation Time
The Sunday school & Youth leave for their classes.
Prayer for Transformation & Words of Assurance
We stand at the brink of what has been and what is yet to be. But the way forward is unknown and so we may hesitate: discouraged, frightened, insecure, complaining. Yet we know we must move ahead on our journey. May we be mindful of the sustaining presence within and like a bird in full flight, may this assurance soar at our faith centre so we can rise above the challenges of this moment… (time for silent reflection)
Words of Assurance (One)
Biblical Notes
Prayer of Illumination
Other lessons for your personal consideration from today’s lections are:
From the Prophets – Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32, From the Psalms –
Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 or Psalm 25:1-8 & From the Epistles – Philippians 2:1-13.
(Read from the New Revised Standard Version)
One: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.
Hymn #271 “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy” vv 1, 2, 4, 5
Mission Moment: Marilynn Piotrowski
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)
Hymn #215 “Hope of the World” vv 1, 2, 3, 5 tune 586
Commissioning (One)
We leave now with the assurance of Divine presence always with, in, and around us; the sturdy rock upon which we stand.
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 28 – October 4)
|
Sun. |
Christian Development |
9:00 a.m. |
Lounge |
|
|
Worship |
10:30 a.m. |
Sanctuary |
|
|
Jr. Choir Practise |
11:45 a.m. |
Lounge |
|
|
UCW Hamburger Soup |
11:45 a.m. |
Memorial Hall |
|
Tues. |
Prayer Shawl Ministry |
1:30 p.m. |
Lounge |
|
Wed. |
Bible Study |
9:30 a.m. |
Nursery |
|
|
Mission & Outreach |
10:00 a.m. |
Jane’s Office |
|
|
Overcoming Anxiety & Panic |
7:30 p.m. |
Sanctuary |
|
Thurs. |
Sr. Choir |
7:00 p.m. |
Sanctuary |
Next Week at Westminster (October 5 – October 11)
|
Sun. |
Music & Worship |
9:00 a.m. |
Lounge |
|
|
Hymn Sing |
10:15 a.m. |
Sanctuary |
|
|
World Wide Communion |
10:30 a.m. |
Sanctuary |
|
|
Ham & Pancake Brunch |
11:30 a.m. |
Mem. Hall |
|
Mon. |
Property |
7:00 p.m. |
West. Room |
|
Tues. |
Prayer Shawl Ministry |
1:30 p.m. |
Lounge |
|
Wed. |
Bible Study |
9:30 a.m. |
Nursery |
|
|
Edythe Hewitt UCW Meeting |
2:00 p.m. |
Lounge |
|
|
Adult Confirmation |
7:00 p.m. |
James’ Office |
|
Thurs. |
Electra Unit |
1:00 p.m. |
Lounge |
|
|
Sr. Choir |
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.)
I would like to thank the congregation of Westminster United Church for all the food, thoughts, prayers and cards in my time of illness. I can’t express how much it meant to my family and myself. Thanks again for the kindness we were shown. Carol Henderson
Just a reminder, if you are interested in Greeting and Ushering or being a Coffee Host 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 place 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.
The Women's Shelter Wish List: Please see the extensive list on the bulletin board and the drop-off box in Memorial Hall.
The UCW is planning several fund raisers in the next few months. Today: Hamburger Soup after worship with a vegetarian option for those who prefer it. October 19th: Chili & Bun day plus a mild chilli and a meatless chilli. In November there will be Christmas cookie sale. We invite congregation members to donate their favourite cookie. Please place them in the fridge freezer and mark UCW. Thank you, everyone, for your generosity.
The Meditation Group will meet at Pat Owens house starting September 30th, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. For more information, please contact Pat at 403-526-1393.
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 this Wednesday, October 1st, 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.
Alberta Council on Aging presents Grab the Grants! October 1, 2008, 9:30 a.m. o 11:30 a.m., at 29 Main Street S., Redcliff. This is a traveling workshop to inform community and non-profit groups of the availability of funding opportunities within the province. For more information and to register contact Gerry Taillefer at 403-548-6900. Cost is $10/person. See poster on bulletin board by Memorial Hall.
Fifth Avenue Memorial United Church is pleased to present a Fall Turkey Supper on October 5, 2008. Adults - $12.00, Children 6-12 - $6.00. Tickets can be picked up at the church office, 476 – 4 Street S.E.
World Food Day Dinner. October 15th, tickets are $8, available at Unisphere and at the church office. All proceeds go to the Canadian Foodgrain Bank. This event is hosted by Unisphere/KAIROS. Speakers: Charlie Redpath on the local CFB Grow Project and Marcia Stodalka, community nutritionist on food security in Medicine Hat and District.
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.
FALL SUPPER; Westminster United Church will be hosting our Annual Fall Supper on Saturday, November 1st. Meal times are 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Ticket prices are: Adult $10, Children 12 and under $5 or family $25. Tickets can be purchased after the service in Memorial Hall or from the office. Sign up sheets have also been posted for food donations and volunteers.
Birthdays: Sean Wilkinson, Jane Clarke, Connor Harrison, Nadine Schwengler, Lil Iwanicki, Harold Leitch.
South Alberta Presbytery
Your prayers this week are requested for Rolling Hills Pastoral Charge and the Rev. Ari Langstraat.
Sunday School Co-ordinators........................................................... Jackie Schlenker, Kim Hanson
Greeters & Ushers............................................................................ Lil Iwanicki, Carol Bell
........................................................................................................ Jean Pfeifer,
Gladys Schlenker, Phyllis Schorr
Nursery Attendant............................................................................ Shauna Kohls-Walters
Coffee Hosts.................................................................................... race Roth, Marion Bauer
Scripture Reader.............................................................................. Yvonne Hole
Elder-in-Charge................................................................................ Lesley Berg
Next Week’s Readings from: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Psalm 19, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46.
Stewardship Thought For Today
"Fundraising is first and foremost, a form of ministry. It is a way of announcing our vision and inviting other people into our mission. It is proclaiming what we believe in such a way that we offer other people an opportunity to participate with us in our vision."
by Henri Nouwen