“We are journeying together in God’s love . . .
to discover, nurture and share our gifts.”
January 11, 2009
In the defining moment of baptism, there is a new beginning for Jesus and for all who would follow him in the days and years to come. God affirms the goodness of creation and calls Jesus “beloved.” As we grow in understanding our own baptism, we rejoice that we also are God’s beloved with the psalmist, we say, “Glory!”
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: Come from the demands of everyday life, to experience peace.
All: We will experience peace as we join together.
One: Come from the routine of everyday life, to experience community.
All: We will experience community as we support and encourage one another.
One: Come from the predictability of everyday life, to experience a challenge.
All: We will experience a challenge as we respond to the ministry of Jesus Christ.
One: Come from the uncertainty of everyday life, to experience security.
All: We will experience security as we put our trust in the presence of God, which is love
beyond limits.
As we gather in this place of worship, may we be inspired with love. Then as we return to our worlds of work and learning and living, may we be enlightened with wisdom, and empowered with the strength of the Holy within. Amen.
Hymn # 100 “When Jesus Came to be Baptized”
Conversation Time
The Sunday School & Youth leave for their classes.
Prayer for Transformation & Words of Assurance
One: We gather to welcome the beginning of Jesus’ ministry.
All: Like the crowds on Jordan’s bank, we come humbly, to leave the past behind.
One: We gather expectantly, for we are ready to hear the prophetic Word.
All: We are called to listen carefully, plan enthusiastically, and to respond practically.
One: We gather to make the new start that baptism symbolizes.
All: With that Jordan crowd, we confess our fear of change, but affirm our willingness to turn our lifestyle around.
One: We gather to witness the awesome power of the Spirit within us.
All: We will be inspired to renew our relationships and to work in community to enliven our neighbourhood.
… (time for silent reflection)
Words of Assurance (Responsive)
One: Are we ready to change our ways: to forgive freely, to give of ourselves with generosity, to listen carefully, to
meet needs promptly, to respond faithfully, and to act justly?
All: We are ready!
One: Pardon and peace are ours. Amen.
Biblical Notes
Prayer of Illumination
Other lessons for your personal consideration from today’s lections are: From the Psalms – Psalm 29 & From the Epistle – Acts 19:1-7.
Hymn # 229 “God of the Sparrow”
Mission Moment: Dawn Skogen
We Respond In Giving And Gratitude
Offertory
Prayer of Dedication (One)
As we have received so we give freely, cheerfully and liberally. Amen.
Hymn #39 “Mother Earth, Our Mother Birthing”
Commissioning (One)
Go from here with joy knowing we have the gifts of forgiveness, encouragement and the promise of God’s presence in every day and in every situation.
Choral Amen
Hymn #424 “May the God of Hope Go with Us” vs 1
May the God of hope go with us every day,
filling all our lives with love and joy and peace.
May the God of justice speed us on our way,
bringing light and hope to every land and race.
Praying, let us work for peace, singing, share our joy with all,
working for a world that's new, faithful when we hear Christ's call.
Postlude
The Life And Work Of The Congregation
This Week at Westminster (January 11 – January 17)
|
Sun. |
Worship |
10:30 a.m. |
Sanctuary |
|
|
Jr. Choir Practise |
11:45 a.m. |
Lounge |
|
|
Ministry & Personnel |
12 noon |
Nursery |
|
Tues. |
Prayer Shawl Ministry |
1:30 p.m. |
Lounge |
|
|
Board Meeting |
7:00 p.m. |
Lounge |
|
Wed. |
Bible Study |
9:30 a.m. |
Nursery |
|
Thurs. |
Senior Choir Practise |
7:00 p.m. |
Sanctuary |
Next Week at Westminster (January 18 – January 24)
|
Sun. |
Trustees |
9:00 a.m. |
Shalom Room |
|
|
Confirmation |
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 |
|
Thurs. |
Sr. 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.)
We are in need of ushers, greeters and coffee hosts. If you can make a commitment, please volunteer your time on the sign-up sheets by Memorial Hall.
The Journey Through Grief – A Drop-in Program Starts January 7th until May 13th 2009. For more information, please see bulletin boards.
Your 2009 Offering Envelopes are available in the Narthex. The cost of the Observer is $14.00. When you pick up your envelopes, please confirm the 2009 number is the same as number you had in 2008. Please destroy your old unused 2008 envelopes. Thanks for your cooperation. ~ Murray Bell.
PAR Subscribers—Or anyone in the congregation, if you wish to receive THE OBSERVER magazine, please pick up a donation envelope in the Narthex.
Annual Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, Jan. 25th. This year’s lunch before the annual meeting will be catered by the UCW. Turkey soup, buns and goodies will be served. Free will offering. Proceeds to renovation fund.
Birthdays: Darcy Fox, Bea Hirsch, Reese Adams, Anne Maier, Stan Bohnet, Brent Carlson, Vera Henderson, Pat Marshall, Joyce Scott, Flora Gaub, Roberta Playford, and Grace Roth.
Anniversaries: Boo & William Thompson.
South Alberta Presbytery
Your prayers are requested for the McKillop Pastoral Charge, Rev. Cathy Coates.
Sunday School Co-ordinators........................................................... Jackie Schlenker, Kim Hanson
Greeters & Ushers............................................................................ Everett & Clara White,
........................................................................................................ Sandra Plank, Gunn Family
Acting Nursery Convenor................................................................. Jackie Carlson
Coffee Hosts.................................................................................... Murray & Carol Bell
........................................................................................................ Vivian & Wally Bergstreser
Scripture Reader.............................................................................. Pat Marshall
Elder-in-Charge................................................................................ Jennifer Oster
Next Week’s Readings from: Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18, 1 Samuel 3:1-10, (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51.
Stewardship Thought For Today
Stewardship is ascribing to God the glory of God’s creation of the heavens and the earth.
By Sheila Campbell