“We are
journeying together in God’s love . . .to discover, nurture, and share our
gifts.”
October 11, 2009
Thanksgiving
Sunday
At times, the perceived absence of God from our lives evokes our questions. At other times, it is the presence of God that grieves us. Words borne of God’s love are not always welcomed or heeded when they seek our transformation. Yet what seems impossible for us to do or conceive grows in possibility when we recognize Jesus’ deep love for us.
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.
A Time of Greeting: Our sensitivity to the realities of the H1N1 virus, which is transmitted from hand contact to the mouth, nose, and eyes, encourages each of us to observe good hand hygiene. It is also important for us to avoid public gathering if we feel unwell. If we all do our part in eliminating the spread of this virus, hopefully it will be a short lived health concern.
Prelude / Sharing Announcements / A Time of Greeting
Call to Worship (Responsive)
One: This is a time for giving thanks; a time to be mindful of the good that encircles us.
All: May we be thankful for all we have.
One: Friends and family encourage and care, and this community shows us many loving ways.
All: May we be thankful for those who show us love.
One: We find a home in creation and the earth gives us food to nourish us.
All: May we be thankful for what creation gives us.
In this time together when we sing and pray, listen and teach, may we recognize and celebrate sacred goodness in all people—everywhere—. May we learn to see the good in everyone we encounter, and may all see the divine goodness in us. Amen.
Hymn #516 “Come, You Thankful
People, Come”
Conversation Time
Colouring packets for the children are available in the first pew on the pulpit side of the church.
May we awaken the spirit within and fill our nostrils with the smell of creation. Let us fill our eyes and ears with the sights and sounds of the beauty around us. Let us touch the tenderness of those who we share life with. Let us give thanks for our breath, our senses, our singing, and our silence. May we know intimately the presence of the Divine within and allow that presence to influence the way we see our lives and the lives of others … (time for silent reflection)
Words of Assurance (One)
The Holy presence within each of us allows for a new beginning of peace always. Amen.
Biblical Notes / Prayer of Illumination
Other lessons for your personal consideration from today’s lections are: from Psalm 126; from the Christian Scriptures; and from the Epistles, 1 Timothy 2:1-7.
Hymn #291 “All Things Bright and Beautiful”
Mission Moment
Prayer of Dedication (One)
May these gifts be received in hope and thanksgiving as we offer them out of the good of this community and to the good of our neighbours, our city, our world. Amen.
Hymn #242 “Let All Things Now Living”
Commissioning (One)
May you always stand tall as a tree. Be as strong as a rock. As gentle and still as the morning mist. Hold the warmth of a campfire in your heart. And may you allow the Creator Spirit within to walk with you as Spirit Guide.
Choral Amen
Hymn #884 “We Shall Go Out
With Joy”
Postlude
Welcome to Westminster this morning. Please convene for coffee in Memorial Hall, following worship.
This Week at Westminster (October 11 - 17)
| Sun. | Worship: Thanksgiving | 10:30 a.m. | Sanctuary |
| Tues. | Prayer Shawl | 1:30 p.m. | Lounge |
| Board of Elders | 7:00 p.m. | Lounge | |
| Wed. | Bible Study | 9:30 a.m. | Nursery |
| Wii Fun | 2:00 p.m. | Memorial Hall | |
| Adult Confirmation Study | 7:00 p.m. | Lounge | |
| Thurs. | Senior Choir Practice | 7:00 p.m. | Sanctuary |
Next Week at Westminster (October 18 - 24)
| Sun. | Trustees | 9:00 a.m. | Shalom |
| Worship | 10:30 a.m. | Sanctuary | |
| Jr. Choir Practice | 11:45 a.m. | Lounge | |
| Tues. | Prayer Shawl | 1:30 p.m. | Lounge |
| Wed. | Bible Study | 9:30 a.m. | Nursery |
| Wii Fun | 2:00 p.m. | Memorial Hall | |
| Adult Confirmation Study | 7:00 p.m. | Lounge | |
| Thurs. | Senior Choir Practice | 7:00 p.m. | Sanctuary |
| Sat. | Annual Fall Supper | 4:30/6:00 p.m. | Memorial Hall |
Deadline for printed announcements is Thursday at Noon each week.
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.)
The Life and Work of the Church continues . . . if you are interested in Greeting, Ushering, Hosting Coffee, Reading Scripture during worship, or volunteering in the Nursery, please sign up on the way into Memorial Hall. If counting the Offering is more to your liking, please contact the office to be added to the schedule.
Congregational Life Committee reminds the congregation of the on-going need for baked goodies for Sunday morning coffee time.
PAR (Pre-Authorized Remittance) Did you know that people on PAR donated twice as much to Mission & Service as non Par givers? Call Donna at 403-526-1555 for information.
Westminster’s Annual Fall Supper is Saturday, October 24th with sittings at 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Tickets: Adults $12, Children [under 12] $6 and families $35 will be on sale today during coffee in Memorial Hall and in the office throughout the week.
World Food Day is being celebrated at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church this Friday at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the Unisphere office. Questions can be directed to anyone from the Mission & Outreach Committee.
Banff Men’s Conference is this weekend. The poster and registration information is posted on the way into Memorial Hall.
The ministry of WUC was extended into the community this past week as James conducted the funeral service for Al Smith. Our condolences and prayers go out to the family and friends of Al Smith.
The ministry of WUC was also extended into the community this past week as James officiated at the marriage ceremonies of Jennifer Babiak & Curtus Evans and Lisa Bergquist & Daniel Frost.
Birthdays: Walter Link, Ken Spruyt, Doug Pearson, Carlos Contreras, Ralph Roth, and very special wishes to Irene Cunnings on her 90th birthday.
Flowers are placed in the Sanctuary this morning in loving and thankful memory of John & Jessie Fotheringham, parents of Pat Marshall.
South Alberta Presbytery: Our prayers this week are requested for all people serving on Conference and National Committees within the United Church.
| Sunday School Co-ordinators | Jackie Schlenker, Kim Hanson |
| A/Nursery Convenor | Jackie Carlson |
| Greeters & Ushers | Elnora Heine, Jean Jans, Barb Grozell, Lesley Berg |
| Coffee Hosts | Maureen Oster, Jennifer Oster, Melanie Rattai, Sharon Clay |
| Scripture Reader | Anna-Marie Hancock |
| Elder-in-Charge | Pat Evans |
Next Week’s Readings from: Job 38:1-7, (34-41); Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c or Isaiah 53:4-12 or Psalm 91:9-16; Mark 10:35-46; and Hebrews 5:1-10.
Stewardship Thought for Today
Knowledge defines all we
currently know and understand;
imagination points to all we might yet discover and create.