“We are
journeying together in God’s love . . .to discover, nurture, and share
our gifts.”
November 15, 2009
The readings for today are filled with promise-bearing words that urge us to pursue just and hopeful lives. When the future looks bleak, Hannah cries out to God, then names her longed-for child Samuel (“Heard of God”). With Hannah, God’s people in all times and places rejoice that God acts for the sake of new beginnings.
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: Among us the spirit of Creativity God conceives new life
All: And we feel the life within us.
One: In our history Jesus the Sage makes gentle entry
All: And we see the light before us.
One: Within our dreams the truth of who God is for us is revealed
All: We await the hope of the world.
God of all life we give thanks for the signs of your love and creativity that dwell deep within us, surround us and bless us. May our faith be called into action. May our faith give us courage to act. Amen.
Hymn #559 “Come, O Fount of Every Blessing”
Conversation Time
The Sunday School & Youth leave for their classes.
We long for security amid a changing world as civilized order is threatened by wars. We long for security, in changing family situations. We long for security in a changing church: the old tunes and traditions are replaced, patterns of worship are new, there is a different level of commitment. We long for security, in a changing faith: questioning and doubt are front and center, the person of Jesus is debated, the scriptures are probed… (time for silent reflection)
Words of
Assurance (One)
Holy presence is a constant in a changing world. The sprit within is
still at work. Friends still encourage, the downhearted are still lifted
up, and the powerful are still opposed. We have our security. Amen.
Biblical Notes / Prayer of Illumination
Other lessons for your personal consideration from today’s lections are: 1 Samuel 1:4-20; 1 Samuel 2:1-10; Psalm 16; and Hebrews 10:11-14, (15-18), 19-25.
Hymn #374 “Come and Find the Quiet Centre”
Mission Moment
Prayer of Dedication (One)
With generous hearts, we give in faith, for we know that these gifts will be blessed as they are used for the work of this community and beyond. Amen.
Hymn #708 “My Lord, What a Morning”
Commissioning (One)
Fall in love with living, wrestling with the chaos and the pain within ourselves and within the world. Join the celebration of life, dancing with the angels and the clowns. And may the Holy One of peace and joy, who is continually making all things new, embrace us as a partner in the divine creating.
Choral Amen
Hymn #424 “May the God of Hope Go with Us”
Postlude
Welcome to Westminster this morning. Please gather for coffee in Memorial Hall, following worship.
Next Week at Westminster (November 15-21)
| Sun. | Trustees | 9:00 a.m. | Shalom Room |
| 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 | |
| Sat. | UCW Poinsettia Tea | 2:00 p.m. | Memorial Hall |
This Week at Westminster (November 22-28)
| Sun. | Worship / Jr. Choir Sings | 10:30 a.m. | Sanctuary |
| Tues. | Prayer Shawl | 1:30 p.m. | Lounge |
| Wed. | Bible Study | 9:30 a.m. | Nursery |
| Wii Fun | 2:00 p.m. | Memorial Hall | |
| Confirmation | 7:00 p.m. | Lounge | |
| Fri. | Christmas Decorating | 10:00 a.m. | Sanctuary |
Deadline for printed announcements is Thursday at Noon each week.
Please sign the Friendship Roster this morning.
The Joint Needs Assessment Committee (JNAC) would like to meet with all Westminster's groups and committees. Prior to our meeting, we would like each group to discuss two items: 1. Why does our congregation exist? 2. What does your group determine to be the top three needs of our church? We are asking that a representative from each group/committee contact us to plan a meeting time to discuss these two items. Please call Lenora Stein at 527-7237 or Doug Henderson at 526-9422.
The deadline for ANNUAL REPORT SUBMISSIONS is TODAY. Your help is appreciated by the office. “WE KNOW WHERE YOU LIVE!”
Our UCW Poinsettia Tea will be on November 21st from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome. The men will be serving. A bake table will be featured.
Edythe Hewitt UCW is in charge of the “Campus Care Project” under the sponsorship of All Saints Anglican Church. Twice a year an appeal is made for single person-sized food portions for college students. The last day for drop off (located in the Narthex) is Sunday, November 22. Donations of money will be receipted and should be made out to All Saints Anglican Church – Campus Care Project. Cheques may be dropped into the collection plates. The UCW appeals to the congregation for a good response.
Our UCW’s Cookie Sale will be on December 13th following worship. Donations of homemade cookies will be appreciated.
Hatterland Children's Theatre presents Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (musical) from Nov. 19 to Nov. 21 at 7:00 pm with a matinee on Sat. Nov. 21 at 2:00 pm. The place is the Cultural Center Black Box Theatre. Tickets are on sale at Our Flower Shop.
Fifth Avenue Memorial will be holding a “Gifts & Goodies Gala” on Saturday, November 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. See the poster on the way to Memorial Hall for more information.
Celebrations This Week
Birthdays: Jean Pfeifer, Faith Buckholz, Alvin Paul, Kira Gerhardt, and Linda Millington.
Anniversaries: Orrin & Peggy Hungerford
Flowers are placed in the Sanctuary this morning in loving memory of George Forsythe by Edna and Family.
South Alberta Presbytery: Our prayers this week are requested for Burdett-Bow Island Pastoral Charge and Sheila MacLeod.
| Sunday School Co-ordinators | Jackie Schlenker, Kim Hanson |
| Nursery Attendant | Barb Grozell |
| Greeters & Ushers | John & Betty Sidlick,
Everett & Clara White |
| Coffee Hosts | Sharon Clay, Donna
Scharf,
John & Betty Sidlick |
| Scripture Reader | Wally Bergstreser |
| Elder-in-Charge | Ray Yanke |
Next Week’s Readings from: 2 Samuel 23:1-7; Psalm 132:1-12, (13-18); or Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; Psalm 93; Revelation 1:4b-8; John 18:33-37
Stewardship Thought for
Today
Stewardship is the act of how we choose to live in creation.
Board Summary:
Report from Boyd Alcock, Presbytery Reps. Boyd and Grace have resigned as our reps. effective immediately. Donna Scharf has graciously agreed to again find volunteers for the Christmas kettles. JNAC are continuing their work doing information gathering. Fall supper had 272 tickets sold with a profit of $3336.05. 2010 budget was approved to present to the congregation at the annual meeting. James Farrell’s sabbatical was approved from April 1, 2010 to June 30, 2010. Submitted by Lesley Berg