“We are journeying together in God’s love . . .to discover, nurture, and share our gifts.”
January 17, 2010
“Baptism/Confirmation Sunday”
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 ovoid 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: Let us acknowledge the awesome mystery embodied in every person.
All: Through us God comes to unique and personal expression.
One: Let us give thanks for the abundance of life on this earth.
All: Through it we and all people may be nourished.
Holy One of surprises, may we be startled with truth we do not see, may we be amazed with power and grace, may we be beckoned, and lead far above restricted hope and narrow faith. Amen.
Hymn #644 “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry” (vv. 1-3)
(During the hymn, those sharing in the baptism gather on the chancel.)
Jackie Carlson: On behalf of the Board of Westminster United Church, I present the following children for initiation into the body of Christ through Baptism:
Brooklyn Dee Foster and Carter Blake Fosterdaughter and son of Derek Foster and Tammy Hermanson-Foster |
You come to this place bringing your daughter, Brooklyn, and your son, Carter. You speak for them. Their care and nurture is entrusted to you. You bring them here to commit both them and yourselves to a life of faith, a journey with ever new experiences and challenges.
Do you see the act of baptism as a symbol of our celebration of the life of your children, filled as they already are with the spirit of the Divine? If so, please say, “I do.”
I do.
Do you believe that as we share the stories of life, yours, ours, those of our children and those of people of wisdom and faith who have gone before us, that we come to know the Divine more fully? If so, please say “I do.”
I do.
Do you commit yourself and your children to a journey of the spirit within the faith community, seeking to find and nurture the wholeness within yourself, your child and the world? If so, please say “I do.”
I do.
Baptismal Promises of the Congregation (Please stand.)
One: We gather at this font to celebrate the Spirit of Life that connects us all and through which we come to love ourselves, one another, and the whole of creation.
All: This font and the water in it are our symbols of community and symbols of our common need for the refreshing waters of the Spirit.
One: Through water we are born, of water we are made, by water we are sustained. Each of you, whole and loved knows the need for support and care upon the spiritual journey. As these individuals gather to commit to this journey through baptism, let us pledge our care to them.
All: We stand as witnesses to the commitment these people make to the journey of faith and pledge ourselves, through the symbol of this water, to their love, support, and care as they discover the ways that the Spirit unfolds for them. (Please be seated.)
Let us pray. (One)
May we be thankful for the gift of life and within it, the gift of water. Over its unshaped promise the Spirit hovered at creation; by water comes the growth of the earth. Through water the children of Israel were led to freedom; in the waters of the Jordan, Jesus, was baptised. May this water be a sign for all of new life. Amen.
The water is poured.
The Baptism
(All relatives and friends of Brooklyn and Carter are asked to stand where they are seated in the pew as they are being baptised.)
Brooklyn Dee / Carter Blake: “I baptise you in the name of the Father, the Son & the Holy Spirit. You are baptised in the name of love: its beginning and its end, its commitment and its challenge, its peace and its power.”
Laying on of Hands
(The family, Jackie, and minister place their hands on Brooklyn / Carter, to indicate the action of the Holy Spirit.)
Brooklyn / Carter: “May the Spirit work within you, that being born of water and Spirit; you may be a faithful witness of Jesus.”
People Respond: “Amen.”
In the name of Jesus, who was baptised as you are now, you are welcomed into the household of faith with joy and thanksgiving.
Brooklyn and Carter are greeted by the children.
Baptismal certificates are distributed.
The family return to their seats during the hymn and the Children leave for Sunday School classes.
Hymn #644 “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry” (vv. 4-7)
In the depths of winter, a stillness covers the land protecting it from the harsh cold of existence. Deep asleep, the fruits of the field and the strength of the forests rest through the crispness of the morning. May we still ourselves, too. Our hearts, also need rest from the excesses of cold, of busyness, of a sterile world. May we find in the centre of our hearts, those places where stillness pours over us like a running summer brook that we might be refreshed and made new … (time for silent reflection)
Words of Assurance (One)
We know that as we still ourselves and find the Holy within, peace and rest will be ours. Amen.
Biblical Notes / Prayer of Illumination
Other lessons for your personal consideration from today’s lections are; Psalms 36: 5-10 and John 2:1-11
(During the singing of this hymn – those sharing in the service of Adult Baptism and Confirmation please join on the Chancel.)
Confirmands:
Derek Foster, Tammy Hermanson-Foster, Angela Irvine (Baptism), Scott Irvine, Brenda Wallsmith, Gordon Wallsmith
The Promises
One: Derek, Tammy, Angela, Scott, Brenda, and Gordon; desiring the freedom of new life in Christ, I ask you before God and this congregation: Do you profess anew your faith in God your Creator, in Jesus Christ the Word made flesh, and in the Holy Spirit, God with us?
Answer: I do.
One: Do you declare your intention to continue with the people of Westminster United Church as we seek the presence of God among us through worship, study, and prayer?
Answer: I do, God being my helper.
One: Do you now express your hope to continue in the life and work of this church as you support it with your gifts and share in its mission to all people?
Answer: I do, God being my helper.
One: Will you endeavour daily to respond to God’s love, to seek God’s will, and to fulfill your Christian calling and ministry in the world?
Answer: I will, God being my helper.
Confirmation
(Laying on of hands.)
Derek / Tammy / [Angela] / Scott / Brenda / Gordon: May the power of the Holy Spirit work within you, that being born of water and the Spirit, you may continue to be a faithful witness of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Commissioning
Go into the world in the power of the Holy Spirit to fulfill your high calling as a servant and minister of Jesus Christ.
Welcoming
In the name of Jesus Christ, we welcome you to the privileges and responsibilities of membership in Westminster Congregation.
* * * * *
The Baptism
(All relatives and friends of Angela Irvine are asked to stand where they are seated in the pew.)
Angela, “I baptise you in the name of the Father, the Son & the Holy Spirit, the God who has created and is creating; Jesus Christ, the word made flesh; and the Holy Spirit who works in us and others. With the sign of the Cross, you are marked as Christ's forever.”
In the name of Jesus Christ, who was baptized as you are now, I affirm that you are baptised into the sacred struggle for the shalom of God.
Congregation:
As God has called us, we pledge to you our friendship, our help, and our prayers.
When the Liturgy of Baptism and Confirmation has been celebrated:
One: Let us pray
All: Teach us, God to serve You as You deserve; to give and not to count the cost, to be spiritually vulnerable for you, to be willing to “be” as well as willing to “do”, to give gifts of our being without seeking a reward, save that of knowing that we walk in your presence, through Jesus Christ, the Word made Flesh. Amen.
The Distribution of Certificates, Gifts & Bibles
Prayer of Dedication (One)
Holy One of splendour, your goodness sustains us, and your graciousness gives us hope. Use us and these gifts to further the way of love, hope, and justice in the world. Amen.
Hymn #224 “Sing A Happy Hallelujah”
Commissioning (One)
Let us go from here being a sign of community to the lonely, a sign of hope to the discouraged, a sign of compassion to the downhearted, a sign of love to the rejected. In the spirit of Christ we have everything to gain.
Choral Amen
Hymn #649 “Walk with Me”(Chorus)
Postlude
Welcome to Westminster this morning. Please gather for coffee in Memorial Hall, following worship.
This Week at Westminster (January 17 – 23)
Sun. |
Trustees |
9:00 a.m. |
Shalom Room |
Worship (Baptism/Confirmation) |
10:30 a.m. |
Sanctuary |
|
Jr. Choir Practice |
10:45 a.m. |
Lounge |
|
Tues. |
Prayer Shawl |
1:30 p.m. |
Lounge |
Wii |
2:00 p.m. |
Memorial Hall |
|
Wed. |
Bible Study |
9:30 a.m. |
Nursery |
Thurs. |
Senior Choir Practice/Coffee |
7:00 p.m. |
Sanctuary |
Next Week at Westminster (January 24-30)
Sun. |
Christian Development |
9:00 a.m. |
Lounge |
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 |
2:00 p.m. |
Memorial Hall |
|
Thurs. |
Senior Choir Practice |
7:00 p.m. |
Sanctuary |
Please sign the Friendship Roster this morning.
The freezer is empty!—The Congregational Life Committee is appealing to the congregation for Sunday morning coffee time goodies. Please place donations (dated) in the large freezer in the auxiliary kitchen.
Your 2010 offering envelopes are available in the Narthex. The cost of the Observer is $20.00 this year. People on PAR are not issued envelopes. Please destroy your old unused 2009 envelopes.
Thanks for your cooperation.–Murray Bell, Treasurer
PAR Subscribers – If you wish to receive THE OBSERVER magazine, please pick up a donation envelope in the Narthex.
Commune-I-Care will be making their “call-out” January 24-30. These calls provide each family with regular opportunities to receive information; notices of upcoming activities or events; and to allow families to give information regarding celebrations in their lives and provide information regarding possible needs they may have.
Our Annual Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, February 7, 2010. It will begin with a potluck lunch immediately following worship. Food contributions for the pot luck lunch will be as follows:
Rose Glen & Southridge – desserts
Crestwood, SE/SW Hill, Flats and
Crescent Heights – Sandwiches (1/2 a loaf)
Others – pickles or any of the above.
This is the time that we take to review the past year’s work, show our appreciation to those who contributed to that work and make plans for the coming year. Your contribution is most important, please plan on attending. Bring your copy of the Annual Report to this meeting (found at the back of the Sanctuary or on the ramp). Highlight your report for anything you wish to have clarified or for which you wish to share comment.
Garage Sale: Since Christmas is over and we are deep in winter, now is a good time to be thinking about donations for the garage sale. Anything (except clothing and food) you wish to pass along, don’t need, or that can be useful to others would be appreciated. The garage sale is scheduled for May 7 and 8 this year. Please do not bring items to the church until the morning of Friday, May 7.
Funerals: The ministry of Westminster United Church was extended into the community this past week as James conducted the funeral services for Hugh Harrison and Ruth Sturm. Our condolences and prayers go out to the families.
The United Church mourns the loss of Rev. George Spady who served the church in this area.
Birthdays: Roberta Playford, Grace Roth, Beth Miner, Velma Pearson, Natalie Johnson, Adair Prouty, and Larry Brown.
South Alberta Presbytery:Our prayers this week are requested for Brooks Pastoral Charge.
Sunday School Co-ordinators |
Jackie Schlenker, Kim Hanson |
A/Nursery Convenor |
Jackie Carlson |
Greeters & Ushers |
Claude & Dawn Skogen Al & Marilynn Piotrowski |
Coffee Hosts |
Dale & Lenora Stein, Judy Weber, and Sharon Clay |
Scripture Reader |
Marilynn Piotrowski |
Elder-in-Charge |
Gordon Schneider |
Next Week’s Readings: Nehemiah 8: 1-3, 5-6, 8-10; Psalm 19;
1 Corinthians 12:12-31a; and Luke 4:14-21.
Stewardship Thought For Today
All gifts are gifts of the one Spirit. Our job is to find the best way to use what we have been given.
by Kathie Murphy
BOARD SUMMARY
Al Olson was welcomed as a new elder. He will be representing Music & Worship on the Board. Gordon Bruins will sit as the Property rep for one more year. The position of Board Secretary still needs to be filled. A draft of the Westminster United Church Child Protection and Duty of Care Policy was discussed. The motion to accept was tabled until February. This policy is required in order for us to obtain insurance coverage. JNAC is still gathering information before presenting their report. -Lesley Berg, Secretary
STUDENT BURSARY FUND
Alberta & Northwest Conference Bursaries are granted to those preparing for ministry within the United Church of Canada. This year of economic instability will have an effect on both the students and the earned revenue. Please consider making a donation in support of this valued program. Send donations to Student Bursary Fund Society, c/o Helen Murray, 350-223, Tuscany Spring Blvd N.W., Calgary, AB, T3L 2M2.
HAITI EARTHQUAKE APPEAL
In response to the humanitarian crisis provoked in Haiti by the serious earthquake on Tuesday, January 12, The United Church of Canada is appealing for donations to support relief and reconstruction efforts. The church has already committed $20,000 to relief efforts by partners in the region.
Members of ACT Alliance ACT Alliance (the network of churches and Christian aid agencies that enables global responses to emergencies) are already in place, assisting those affected by the earthquake. The ACT Secretariat in Geneva is coordinating the relief operations of its members, and more details will follow in the coming days.
You may make a donation in either of two ways:
*Support the Emergency Response Fund of The United Church of Canada or
*Designate a gift for the “Haiti Appeal.” Funds collected will be shared directly with networks in the region. Cheques and **online donations should be made payable to The United Church of Canada and marked "Haiti Appeal." The funds will be treated as “designated gifts.” Please note: Designated gifts cannot be counted as M&S Fund credits. However, they are eligible for tax receipts. Congregational treasurers may receive and receipt individual cheques and then forward one congregational cheque to the United Church. For further information see the United Church of Canada website.
Statements of Faith Adult Confirmation 2009-2010
Derek, Tammy, Alaiya, Blair, Carter & Brooklyn Foster
The United Church is how we began our journey together by marriage and now we would like to have our children also be a part of such a welcoming faith community. We, together, enjoy the way we feel when we are within the atmosphere at Westminster and the few people we shared our time with made us feel like family. We look forward to our time here and to get to know everyone. Thank you for welcoming us with open arms.
Scott Irvine
I am so thankful for the experiences I shared with James and others at our confirmation classes. Here, I learned that the United Church is the only church where I actually felt comfortable with my own religious beliefs and the only church where I could share my true opinions. I look forward to my family’s growth within the Westminster United Church community.
Angie Irvine
My husband, Scott, and I have been involved in the United Church on and off since we were married in Southminster United Church in Lethbridge in 2003. The United Church has always felt like a place that “fit” for us where we could worship and express our faith freely, without judgement. It is this inclusiveness and support in the exploration of my personal faith that I value so deeply. Since the birth of our children, Benny and Alex, and moving to Medicine Hat, I feel so fortunate to have found a church community that has embraced us and supported us in our spiritual and community life. I look very forward to serving in Westminster United Church and having my boys grow up in this “family.” Not only have this fall’s confirmation classes helped me explore my faith and grow to respect the United Church beliefs even more but, they have also assisted me in building a spiritual foundation with my husband, one that will serve our family unit well in the years to come. I am so grateful to have gone through these classes with Scott. They allowed us a lead into many discussions we may not have taken the time to have otherwise. Thank you to James and all of my fellow classmates for an enjoyable and fulfilling experience.
Brenda Wallsmith
I am grateful to have attended the adult confirmation class this fall. I am now more familiar with Westminster Church as well as the many beliefs of the United Church of Canada. As a result of our discussions I realize I am only starting on my faith journey and look forward to that experience.
Gordon Wallsmith
The opportunity to participate in the adult confirmation class was rewarding to me personally. I came to know the United Church better and gain an understanding of the people who make up the “Westminster” family. Since moving to Medicine Hat and becoming involved at Westminster we have been made to feel welcome and it is now an important part of our social, as well as spiritual, life. Through the class I came to realize that we all come to the Church in different ways and the United Church is inclusive and open to the personal reasons that people have in choosing their religious affiliations.