“We are journeying together in God’s love . . . to discover, nurture and share our gifts.”
April 26, 2009, Camp Sunday
The United Church currently owns and operates 60 camps across the country. Camping has been a vital and important ministry of The United Church of Canada for over 75 years. Today we are joining in the celebration of United Church camps. We invite you to join together in this time of reflection to renew our call to silence the chaos in our lives and re-enter the Spirit’s call from the wilderness that houses camps across our United Church.
If you would like to stay seated for any or all of the “standing” parts of the service, please feel free to do so.
Need a refuge? Our Nursery is located off Memorial Hall, has a speaker system through which to hear the service, and exists for all who may need this space. Memorial Hall approach is via the pulpit side exit.
Prelude / Sharing Announcements / A Time of Greeting
A time of silent preparation—Lighting the Christ Candle
Call to Worship (Responsive)
One: Each morning brings a newness that we need but step into.
All: It can wash us, lift us, heal us, hold us; just as each of us has need.
One: May we be open to the power that lies dormant within us.
All: May we be full with a confidence in our own strength that we might see the hope in this day.
One: May we move from the routines that we follow,
All: to the fullness of life that we might live.
May we be surprised with the message of hope, when the world seems a hostile place. May we be surprised with Holy sustaining presence, when we do not know where to turn. May we be surprised with the way of justice and truth, when the easy way beckons. May we be surprised with the face of Jesus, in the most unexpected of persons. Amen.
Hymn #395 “Come In, Come In and Sit Down”
Conversation Time
Prayer for Transformation & Words of Assurance
One: Join us on our Easter journey, Jesus.
All: Refresh our memory and remind us of our shortcomings as your followers.
One: Join us in the upper room.
All: Enable us to put our fears and doubts in the past, and to greet you with joy.
One: Join us as we work together.
All: Remove the limits from our vision and open us up to new opportunities, new horizons.
One: Join us in a renewed community.
All: Give us enthusiasm as we serve faithfully, and courage to proclaim the Good News . . . (time for silent reflection)
Words of Assurance (One)
The Holy is within each of us as we resolve to think, speak, and act in a faithful way. We always have the opportunity for a fresh start. Amen.
Scripture Notes
“Holy Ground” by Ann Weens – Breanne Gerhardt
Other lessons for your personal consideration from today’s lections are: Psalm 4; from the Christian Scriptures Luke 24:63b-48; from the Epistles Acts 3:12-19 and 1 John 3:1-7.
Hymn #820 “Make a Joyful Noise”
We Respond In Giving And Gratitude
Prayer of Dedication (One)
May these gifts be blessed. May we be blessed with a will to make a difference. Amen.
Prayers of the People & Lord’s Prayer
All: Lord, listen to your children praying, Lord, send your Spirit in this place; Lord, listen to your children praying, Send us love, send us power, send us grace!
One: May we be thankful to be gathered together as a community of faith this Camp Sunday. We are thankful for the ministry of camping and we support of that ministry. We are campers, camp grandmothers and grandfathers, camp nurses, financial supporters, board members, fundraisers, chaplains, leaders, and so much more. Let us give thanks for all who work in this ministry that calls us so deeply and profoundly.
All: Lord, listen to your children praying, Lord, send your Spirit in this place; Lord, listen to your children praying, Send us love, send us power, send us grace!
One: May we continue to be aware of such Holy Presence within all creation. As we do so let us remember those who live in less fortunate circumstances than we do let us send them light and love to:
· those around this world who suffer the devastation of war
· those around this world and in our community for whom the day started in hunger
· those who grieve loved ones and started this day wishing they could turn back the clock
· those who are lonely and heavy-burdened, may your breath, foundation, abundant love, and faith fill their hearts
All: Lord, listen to your children praying, Lord, send your Spirit in this place; Lord, listen to your children praying, Send us love, send us power, send us grace!
One: In silence we pray for those who are in our minds and hearts ... We see the presence of Holy Mystery in the laughter of people; in the ability to work together; in the meals we share with one another; in the beauty of the sunrise and sunset; in the tears as we are challenged day by day; in the skits, the dances, and the things we make. We have been gathered around the fire to share our faith with one another. Let us join together as our ancestors were taught by Jesus as he imaged God as father as we sing:
Hymn #960 “Lord's Prayer”
Hymn #639 “One More Step Along the World I Go”
Commissioning (One)
The risen spirit of Jesus is with us as we leave this church: renewing our worship, binding us in Christian community, encouraging us to use our varied gifts, call us to stand up and be counted.
Choral Amen
Hymn #884 “You Shall Go Out with Joy”
Postlude
The Life and Work Of The Congregation
Welcome to Westminster this morning. Please gather for coffee and Hot Dogs in Memorial Hall following worship today. A free will offering will be received. The proceeds will go to sponsoring a child at Camp Shagabec.
This Week at Westminster (April 26 to May 2)
|
Sun. |
Christian Development |
9:00 a.m. |
Lounge |
|
|
Worship/Camp Sunday |
10:30 a.m. |
Sanctuary |
|
|
Jr. Choir Practice |
11:45 a.m. |
Lounge |
|
Tues. |
Prayer Shawl Ministry |
1:30 p.m. |
Lounge |
|
Wed. |
Bible Study |
9:30 a.m. |
Nursery |
|
|
Mission & Outreach |
1:30 p.m. |
Unisphere |
|
|
Wii Fun – cancelled this week |
||
|
Thurs. |
Sr. Choir Practice |
7:00 p.m. |
Sanctuary |
Next Week at Westminster (May 3 - 10)
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Sun. |
Music & Worship |
9:00 a.m. |
Lounge |
|
|
Worship: Communion & Local Food Needs |
10:30 a.m. |
Sanctuary |
|
|
Jr. Choir Practice |
11:45 a.m. |
Lounge |
|
|
Ministry & Personnel |
12:00 p.m. |
Shalom Room |
|
|
UCW Executive |
12:00 p.m. |
Nursery |
|
Tues. |
Prayer Shawl Ministry |
1:30 p.m. |
Lounge |
|
Wed. |
Bible Study |
9:30 a.m. |
Nursery |
|
|
Mission & Outreach |
1:30 p.m. |
Unisphere |
|
|
Wii Fun |
2 - 4:00 p.m. |
Memorial Hall |
|
Thurs. |
Sr. Choir Practice |
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.)
Ushers, Greeters, and Coffee hosts: If you can make a commitment, please volunteer your time on the sign-up sheets by Memorial Hall. Please remember to mark the date on your calendar! In the event that you cannot keep the commitment, please contact Lil Iwanicki at 403-527-8430 and Sharon Clay at 403-527-5681, so replacement volunteers may be obtained.
Everyone is welcome to join the Annual General Meeting of Palliser Friends of Medicare on Saturday, May 2nd in Memorial Hall at Westminster United. Guest Speaker is Carol Secondiak, former Palliser Health Board Chairperson.
Selah Singers, along with Lethbridge Christian Men’s choir, invite you to their performance on Saturday, May 2nd at 7:00 p.m. Unity Lutheran Church, 8 Palliser Place NE. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Free will offering.
The Westminster Plant and Garage Sale will be held Saturday, May 9th. Items can be brought to the church on Friday, May 8th from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. We need your donations of goods [no clothing, perishables, or broken items], and plants need to be in containers. Please contribute to this Mission & Service sale. Any questions, call Linda at 403-527-7005.
Sunday, May 10th, WUC is extending an invitation to all children and youth to share their talents during this worship service for Jane’s last Sunday. Please contact Jane if you are willing to share in the ministry of this day.
Fifth Avenue Memorial along with Multicultural Folk Arts will be holding their first ever “Flea Market” Friday, May 1st 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday, May 2nd 10 a.m. to 2: p.m. For further information, contact Helen at 403-527-4727.
Our Spring Brunch, with “free will” offering is Sunday, May 10th after worship in Memorial Hall. Signup sheets for food donations, setup, servers, and cleanup are on the bulletin board on the way to Memorial Hall.
Birthdays: Vi Schneider, Evan Gunn, Kenny Sanders, Gail Thompson, Edna Forsythe, Al Smith, Hugh Harrison, Ryan O’Reilly, Cam Lockerbie
Anniversaries: Jaci & Darcy Fox, Grace & Ralph Roth, Yvonne & Ron Hole, Carol & Rob Henderson
South Alberta Presbytery
Revelations Bookstore and its Staff.
Sunday School Co-ordinators................................................................. Jackie Schlenker, Kim Hanson
Greeters & Ushers Leroy & Donna Angle
........................................................................................................... Peggy Smith, Albina Jackson
Acting Nursery Convenor....................................................................... Jackie Carlson
Coffee Hosts......................................................................................... Electra UCW
Reader................................................................................................. Breanne Gerhardt
Elder-in-Charge..................................................................................... Ted Sherring
Next Week’s Readings: Psalm 23; John 10:11-18; Acts 4:5-12; 1 John 3:16-24.
Stewardship Thought For Today
How are our stewardship practises affected when we consider that we are all God’s children? by Sheila Campbell