Westminster United Church

“We are journeying together in God’s love . . . to discover, nurture and share our gifts.”

June 21, 2009

First Nations & Christian Family Sunday

When disciples follow Jesus, they may be led to places that generate fear, and fear is not always inappropriate in this world. Yet God journeys with us in the boat. God’s presence offers the promise of peace that calms spirits and encourages trust. When we cry out in faith, God hears. When God hears, our hearts need not fail – we can sail on with courage.

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:   In a world that often causes us to be afraid;

All:    we gather in the promise of peace.

One:   During a time in history that often seems uncertain in the midst of great ecological change and challenge;

All:    we come to be renewed by love shown through the  example of Jesus.

One:   And trying to cope with the every day stresses of modern life;

All:    We open ourselves to the encouragement of the indwelling Spirit.

Opening Prayer (Unison)

We have been called to gather into this community. There is a place for each of us. Let what we say and do here be real and honest for us. May this time together prepare us for the life of the world. Amen.              

Hymn #339 “When Morning Gilds the Skies”

Colouring packets for the children are available in the first pew on the pulpit side of the church.

God, we celebrate the life, which we have. We have experienced broken lives made whole, old wounds of alienation healed over, and tired spirits rejuvenated with new vision. May we be grateful for the purpose and possibilities that have been placed before us. Yet there may have been times when doubt has overcome hope, cynicism has replaced dedication, the world’s values have captured us. May we let go of the past that we might move joyfully into a new future that points to love and justice … (time for silent reflection)

Words of Assurance (One)

“Peace! Be still!” Friends, love is victorious. We arise as with the dawning of a new day. Amen.

Biblical Notes / Prayer of Illumination

Job 38:1-11 From the Hebrew Scriptures Pg. 532

Other lessons for your personal consideration from today’s lections are: 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49; Psalm 9:9-20 or 1 Samuel 17:57–18:5, 10-16; Psalm 133; Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32; 2 Corinthians 6:1-13.

Anthem “Treasure Each Moment”

Mark 4:35-41 From the Christian Scriptures Pg. 50 (Read from the NRSV)

Reflection

Hymn #248 “When Long Before Time”

Mission Moment

Our Church Tithes and Offerings / Offertory

Dedication #537 “Your Work, Oh God, Needs Many Hands”

Prayer of Dedication (One)

These offerings are one of the ways we serve. May these gifts and the time and the skills that go with them be blessed. Amen.

Prayer of Thanksgiving, Intercession & Lord’s Prayer

Hymn #567 “Will You Come and Follow Me”

Commissioning (One)

Go in the peace, which passes all understanding, daring to care, daring to share, and daring to love.

Choral Amen

Hymn #884 “We Shall Go Out With Joy” (x2)

Postlude

               This Week at Westminster (June 21 – 27)

Sun.	Trustees Meeting	9:00 a.m.	Shalom Room
	Worship	10:30 a.m.	Sanctuary
Thurs.	Sr. Choir	7:00 p.m.	Sanctuary

                             Next Week at Westminster (June 28-July 4)

Sun.

Worship

10:30 a.m.

Shalom Room

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.)

Everyone is invited to join Clare Crews as she celebrates her 85^th Birthday at a Come & Go Tea today from 2 – 4:00 p.m. in the Terrace Room at Chinook Village.

Summer Services will be held here at Westminster in July and at Fifth Avenue Memorial in August. These services will all begin at 10:00 a.m. We resume to normal services at 10:30 a.m. in September.

Celebrations This Week

The ministry of Westminster United Church was extended into the community this past week as James officiated at the marriage ceremony of Jill Cooper and Todd Regehr.

Birthdays: Tyler Schnell, Andrew Scott, Lawrence Pfeifer, Clare Crews, Tom Pragnell, Murray Bell, Jade Spruyt, Corri-anne Rattai, Gordon Bruins, Bonnie Spruyt, John Robertson, and Margaret Shirkie

Anniversaries: Maureen & Gordon Oster; Morgan & Andrea Judge

Flowers are placed in the Sanctuary this morning in loving memory of Rev. Lowell Hubbard and Betty Hull, husband and daughter, by Rose Hubbard

South Alberta Presbytery: Our prayers are requested this morning for St. Andrews College, Saskatoon and St. Stephens College, Edmonton.

Our Order of Ministry This Morning

S.S. Co-ordinators:  Jackie Schlenker, Kim Hanson

Greeters & Ushers:  Rae Wahl, Anna Marie Hancock, Ray Yanke & Emma Nelson Yanke

Nursery Assistant:   Barb Grozell

Coffee Hosts:          Joyce Carlson, Mina Carlson, Jackie Carlson, and Sharon Clay

Scripture Reader:     Lesley Berg

Elder-in-Charge:      Darcy Fox

Next Week’s Readings from: 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27; Psalm 130 or Wisdom of Solomon 1:13-15, 2:23-24; Lamentations 3:23-33 or Psalm 30; 2 Corinthians 8:7-15; and Mark 5:21-43.