July 12, 2009
A Combined Summer Service for the United Churches of Medicine Hat.
Today’s worship leader is Taylor Croissant
Prelude / Sharing Announcements / A Time of Greeting
A time of silent preparation—Lighting the Christ Candle
Call to Worship (Responsive)
One: We dare to dream.
All: We dare to hope.
One: In a new day – starting today.
All: Let us celebrate in richness and diversity of life in the presentness of God.
God, your presence is around and among us in this gathered community of faith, in the doing of justice and evidence of peace, in the face of a stranger and the story of a friend. May we recognize the sacred at all times and places and be inspired with joy. May we have the courage and freedom to express this joy in every way and with all that we are. Amen.
Hymn #245 “Praise the Lord with the Sound of Trumpet”
Colouring packets for the children are available in the first pew on the pulpit side of the church.
Prayer of Transformation (Unison)
One: We hear the voice that reflects the truth about ourselves, the truth we would rather not hear.
All: One part of us would like to silence the truth-teller; one part of us would like to learn from that voice.
One: We hear the voice that calls on us to revenge a wrong, real or perceived.
All: One part of us would like to act vengefully; one part of us would like to forgive and forget.
One: We hear the voice that calls us to hold a grudge and not let it go.
All: One part of us is ready to wait until we can get our own back; one part of us would bring the grudge into the open and erase it with love.
One: We hear the voice that recalls a promise made, which we later regret bitterly.
All: One part of us gives the weak reminder, “You cannot go back on your word”; one part of us is ready to confess our mistake and go in a faithful direction … (time for silent reflection)
Words of Assurance (One)
We are called to face reality. We are shown how we can replace contradictions with certainty, weakness with strength, and our dark side with the light. Pardon and peace are ours. Amen.
Biblical Notes
Prayer of Illumination
Matthew 25:14-30 From the Christian Scriptures Pg. 37 (read from the NRSV)
Hymn #291 “All Things Bright and Beautiful” (Chorus, vv 1-5, Chorus)
Grant us, God, the grace of giving, with a spirit large and free,
that ourselves and all our living we may offer faithfully.
Prayer of Dedication (One)
Here we bring our gifts for blessing. Here we bring the rewards of our labours. Here we dedicate our talents. Here we offer our time. Here we bring our gifts for blessing. Amen.
Hymn #424 “May the God of Hope Go with Us”
Commissioning (One)
Let us move forward into our world with delight, knowing we are part of the great divine dance of life. May the blessing of God, the dancer and the dance, move with us and within us this day and always.
Choral Amen
Hymn #884 “You Shall Go Out with Joy” (X2)
The Life and Work of the Congregation
Welcome to Westminster this morning. Please join us for refreshments after worship.
South Alberta Presbytery: Our prayers are requested this morning for Lutheran Churches.
Summer Worship Schedule: Again this summer the congregations of Fifth Avenue Memorial and Westminster United Churches shall continue to gather in shared worship. The remaining services in July will be held at WUC and services will begin at 10:00 a.m. The services in August will be held at FAM and will also begin at 10:00 a.m.
Westminster United UCW is sponsoring a “Women's Retreat” entitled Around the World and Then Home on Saturday, September 12, in Memorial Hall from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The registration fee of $20 should be in to the church office by Friday, September 4. It includes a catered lunch, Northern Lights Drumming, and much, much more. All women are invited to attend.
St. John’s Presbyterian Church is hosting “A Day with John Bell” on September 25. Meeting Jesus in the Psalms: Explore new insights on Jesus’ hymn and prayer book in a series of participative workshops. Posters are on the way to Memorial Hall. Registration forms are in the office.
This Sunday’s Elder-in-Charge is Doug Pearson. He will be available to assist with congregational needs.