“We are journeying together in God’s love . . .to discover, nurture, and share our gifts.”
February 14, 2010
A voice from heaven is heard again as the Season after the Epiphany draws to a close. What was spoken at the river (Luke 3:22) is proclaimed on the mountaintop: “This is my Son, the Chosen; listen to him: (9:35). With disciples of all times and places, we are called through Christ to a new way of life. As we follow, we join in the celebration of God’s glory.
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: We come into this ordinary place expecting the extraordinary:
All: community in the hands and hearts of common people, spirits lifted in the words and music of weekly worship.
One: A way is made through the wilderness of our souls;
All: valleys lifted and mountains brought low, for Spirit to come alive within us again.
One: A voice assures us, “You are beloved” and we are called to be community.
All: Let us join together as community.
Opening Prayer (Unison)
Through clouds of wonderment, of uncertainty, of anxiety, sometimes, we hear a still, small voice proclaiming the presence of Spirit in the midst of our day-to-day living. We pause and become mindful. We pause and listen to the voice within and around. We pause at the astounding glory of this presence. Amen.
Hymn #606 “In Christ There Is No East or West” (Tune of #344)
Conversation Time
Coloring packets for the children are available in the first pew on the pulpit side of the church.
Prayer for Transformation (Unison)
May we have the grace to lift up our eyes from the routine and everyday to grasp a vision of awesome creative majesty. May we have the grace to stand back from the familiar friendships and family ties to see the worth of each person. May we have the grace to lift up our eyes from “the way things have always been,” to see them transformed. May we have the grace to carefully consider our priorities, and measure them against the priorities of wholeness and compassion highlighted for us by Jesus … (time for silent reflection)
Words of Assurance (One)
The view from the mountaintop is awe inspiring, but we cannot remain there. In our careful reflection, we come down to earth. We can ready ourselves for new opportunities, new ventures, and fresh responsibilities. Peace is ours. Amen
Biblical Notes / Prayer of Illumination
Other lessons for your personal consideration from today’s lections are: Psalm 99 and 2 Corinthians 3:12—4:2
Willing Gardeners speak of Westminster United Church
Eleanor Townsend:
Importance
Westminster church has played an important part in my life. I sang in the junior choir in the old church and belonged to Nellie Elder’s C.G.I.T. group.
I joined the church at the age of 12. That year the church paid for me to attend summer camp at Kasota Beach, Sylvan Lake. I loved the quiet morning worship & the lively camp fires. Later in life I taught Sunday school for a time & also served as C.G.I.T. Leader for a brief time.
I served one year as a councillor at Elkwater camp. In 1943 I was married at home by Rev. Layton. I belonged to the senior choir for 17 years. I was baptized along with my sister-in-law Edith clay by Rev. Helen Reid. My daughter, Lyn, was later baptized into the church. I served one term as elder on the music & worship committee and two as a caller. I have always found the church to be warm & welcoming; a very comforting place in time of sorrow.
Changes
There have been many changes over the years. The old church was very small with no room for morning coffee, church dinners or teas. We did however, always have a Christmas party & concert. The church today is very informal. In the past ladies always wore dresses, hats & gloves. There was never any clapping & children were not allowed out of their seats. There have been great changes in recent years; more choir space, new choir chairs, new choir gowns & room for plays, teas, church dinners & coffee hour. I think the changes have been great.
Boyd Alcock:
The Importance of Westminster Church
So What Makes This Place Important To Us?
Changes We Have Witnessed
Changes for the Future
Margaret Taylor:
Firstly, I need to say that the congregation of Westminster United Church is very important to me. You are my extended family.
You’re always there when I feel the need to have a shoulder to cry on, you accept me for what I am, not for who I’m married to, my professional affiliation, or who my ancestors were. With you I am free to be me. Warts and all.
I’m even free to discuss issues that in other places would be called heretical or blasphemous. And feel loved doing so.
Having said that I have seen a few changes. Some are physical, such as the changing of the chancel several years ago to being more open, more inviting, to the latest transformation in the washrooms and the décor in the lounge and some of the Sunday School Rooms.
Others have been the journey to using inclusive language. I can remember when God was always a “He,” and that the “she” part of the equation was always relegated to the domestic duties of the congregation, instead of performing in a “leadership role.”
I remember when the sexual orientation question split the United Church across the nation, and had it’s own repercussions, some of which are still being felt today, in Westminster.
I remember when Communion was restricted to being a “confirmed adults only” activity, and when the wearing of the Alb was considered a trend towards Papist traditions. Even the “coming forth” form of communion service was considered a “Papist trend.” And including Children in the worship service was very much a “new thing.”
I have seen this congregation weather some very rough spots, and be steadfast to become what she is today. I am proud of being a part of her.
As to future, I think we need to be less focused on the “building” and more focused on the “people.” The building is important, but it’s importance is measured by the services that it provides to the people. I would like to see more young people actively engaged in our congregation. Their
Energy and enthusiasm are infectious and contagious and would bring a lot of laughter and light with them. I’d love to see a “mentor” program for young people. Maybe even an “Adopt a Grandparent” scheme, which would couple children without Grandparents near by to those who don’t have Grandchildren near by.” Worship teams that would help the ordained clergy in leading some of the worship services.
The inclusion of some alternate forms of musical worship on occasion to augment the wonderful traditional choir that we already have.
I’d love to see the Annual Christmas Choral Celebration continue. I’d love us to be a “sister congregation” to Knox United in Fernie, and perhaps to another congregation in Southern Alberta, where we could share our gifts and uplift them in whatever way possible.
We have the Prayer Shawl Ministry, which is truly great! I’d like to see that extended to maybe a “Teddy Bear” ministry to the Women’s Shelter, or a “Comfort Quilt” to the Women’s Shelter, or the Homeless Shelter. Maybe host a dinner every couple of months for College students.
There is a lot of Love in Westminster. And I think that needs to be celebrated, encouraged, and shared. With everyone. Thank You.
Kim Sherring:
Westminster is important to me because:
Ø Of all of you:
– a diverse, inclusive, welcoming church family
– willing to engage in relationship
– willing to laugh together & cry together
– willing to offer & willing to accept, SUPPORT
– in both joy & sorrow
– through the ups & downs of life.
Ø We are a community where we share in a common faith – but also question the interpretation of the scriptures, for the betterment of human kind. We explore opportunities – for making a difference, promoting peace, being ecologically perceptive – being aware for a deeper purpose.
Ø Each one of us has the need to feel we belong – to have a sense of worth. I believe these needs can be fulfilled at Westminster, if we summon the courage – to personally reach out and share – through our gifts & talents – discipleship & stewardship.
Ø We each reap what we sow – the more we give and reach out – the more we receive the abundance of God’s grace.
Ø Our ‘collective’ wisdom, gifts, and talents, are what make us unique. They’re also what makes ‘the whole greater than the sum of its parts’. Through teamwork – multiple ideas and many helping hands – this allows us to achieve more collectively (that being the whole) than we could singularly (the sum of the parts).
Changes I’ve experienced during my time here:
Ø Our joint collaboration with Saamis Immigration and rental of the Manse for interim housing of displaced immigrants.
Ø Electronically – the addition of our Website – large screen in the Sanctuary – and PowerPoint presentation at our annual meetings.
Ø Partnership & community building by many committees leading worship, during James’ last sabbatical.
Ø Jane’s completion of training and subsequent appointment to Lay Pastoral Minister.
Ø There’ve been multiple staffing changes: Junior Choir Director, Custodians, Music Director, Treasurer, Secretaries (me being one of them) and the departure of Jane.
Ø I’ve seen transformations among our Board of Elders, Committee Chairs, and UCW Units & UCW Executive.
Ø Then there is the continuous daunting task of varying maintenance & structural upkeep, some of which include – renovations to the women's washroom, the huge improvement to Memorial Hall’s floor, and the aesthetic enhancement to Luyten Hall for the purpose of income prospects.
Ø I’ve observed a decline in Sunday attendance – especially by children, youth, and young adults.
Ø The biggest change I’ve experienced during my seven years attending -- could be named as indifference, complacency, or stagnation.
Ø This is not necessarily a bad thing when defined as being in a comfort zone. We all need a soft place to fall – a place where ... We’re not condemned when at our worst – a place for quiet contemplation among our busy lives.
Ø However, indifference can negatively influence our deeper purpose – when serving is neglected – through either oversight, lack of interest, or burnout. I am most certain the Joint Needs Assessment Committee is the latest to have experienced this – through the lack of response to their questionnaire this past November & December.
Ø Complacency can deeply hurt those who need to know they are missed when they don’t show up. Visitors and potential members need to be shown around in order to feel comfortable in our environment.
Ø Stagnation – indicated by the lack of interest in signing up to ensure Sunday worship is welcoming and runs smoothly.
Ø All of these – tend to turn the shakers and doers away – either because of burnout or disappointment in lack of commitment.
Ø With a declining active congregation and the large, somewhat aging building we worship in – it not only takes heaps of resourcefulness by many – it takes heaps of shared responsibility by many – to organize, operate, and maintain both the structure and the many groups & programs that are the life of our congregation. When available resources (both volunteers & paid staff) feel overwhelmed – it seems appropriate to take the easy way out by following habit and repeating past practices.
Changes I would like to see explored at WUC:
Ø To move away from habit – away from repetitiveness – away from monotony – all of which I feel – gets in the way of being alive, authentic, creative, vital – and serving to the needs of a greater cause. Change does not need to be fearful or intimidating – if thought of – as an infusion of enthusiasm into the life of Westminster.
Ø I would like to see each one of us – step up to the plate and challenge our self – into truthfully sharing in the countless responsibilities of serving.
Ø Our focus and attention should NOT be – “What is the church doing for me?”
Ø Our INTENTION should be – “What can I do to make an impact, a difference?”
Ø Our FOCUS should be twofold – “Serving for a deeper purpose – AND creating a sustainable energy within our church that goes beyond our existence – for future generations.”
“We are journeying together in God’s love ... To discover, nurture, and share our gifts.”
Ø An excellent mission & vision statement – very open to diversity, inclusiveness, and unlimited potential. However, without “clear” objectives and “clear” boundaries – I believe this fuels indifference and complacency.
Ø Frequently defining goals – while balancing tradition with innovation – within achievable means of our resources – fires us up – shifts us back into being disciples & stewards – not just pew sitters – or feeling deflated before...even getting started.
Ø This is indicative of the energy blessed among us – while rallying to raise renovation funds, improving the aesthetics of Luyten Hall, or having to collaborate and share in Sunday worship – to mention a few. We had an objective – diligently joined forces – threw out friendly challenges – rallied together – until the task was complete and our objective achieved. Energy! Life! Enthusiasm! – Like last year’s Camp Sunday when ‘Gas Town Riot’ shared their rousing talents with us.
Ø In addition, when we’re at the top of our game, our senses heighten – and we are more apt to notice other forgotten or neglected areas.
Ø In closing, it is not my intent to knowingly judge or be negative – but rather to identify our weaknesses. Until we name our weaknesses – it is impossible to evolve, transcend, and co-create a sustainable future.
Ø Thus, I leave you with the following questions to ponder:
1. What is our purpose?
2. What is our function?
3. Within the walls of this building, the wider community, the world?
4. Both collectively and individually?
Ted Sherring:
I pondered over the question, “What does Westminster mean to me?” For a long time, as to what does it mean to me.
Whether in life or our faith journey, it takes on a different view, depending on where we are along that journey and what is going on in our lives at the time. When I started to come to this church after moving from Drum, I was looking for the spiritual church that I had just left that had helped turn my life to a journey of faith. The longer I stayed, the more welcome I felt; from my first conversations with James at the back doors as I left after Sunday services to the Staples asking us to join them for coffee in the hall. Because Harvey & Mickey reached out to complete strangers as well as my own openness to meeting people, Westminster started to feel like a good place to continue walking my journey.
Adult Confirmation classes introduced another group whom we had not known and as we talked more and more about our life and faith journeys, we became more comfortable with each other. As we openly exposed ourselves, there was a possibility we could have been judged, but it was never in the thoughts of any one. As we continued attending and made more connections, every one we met was genuine and made me feel like I was part of a larger family that I wanted to become more involved with.
Our daughter’s accident in 2006 proved what we had decided earlier. This family at Westminster cared at a time when we needed the faith support more than any time in our lives. Church family were there to offer support and prayers to carry us all into recovery of our daughter.
When asked to join the choir, I gained and saw more support of a genuine group of people who care about each other, while sharing in their talents for Sunday service or at another church.
From the Spring Mother’s Day Pancake Sundays, board suppers, and dinner theatre, I have journeyed with many and been blessed with those who have shared their gifts, faith, and life stories over the years.
So Westminster to me has become a family of our faith for myself and as I walk this faith journey of life I truly feel blessed to be a part of someone else’s faith walk, besides my own.
People will always come into our lives and we will always have others leaving us, so we need to reach out to all and make them feel as welcomed as I felt, when I came. I do feel my personality has helped me to achieve this but we must never forget that a stranger is just a friend we haven’t yet met.
We need to retain and grow our younger and midlife aged attendees as they are our future of this church and who will carry on from us. For that I don’t have any easy answer to how we can do this but I think the more we expose and sell ourselves as to who we are and how great we care, people are always looking to feel welcome and not judged on who they are or how they look.
Change is always constant and it’s something that we all need to be open to. We would never have a screen to view our Sunday service on or to view the life of a person who has gone before us without change. We would not be sitting on padded pews or be singing from Voices United without change, we would not have an orchestra during a Sunday service or Don Cherry and Ron McLean pitching for people to go on PAR without change. We would not be able to meditate on where we are in our faith as we take the time to walk up the church isle to accept Communion without change.
Change may not always be what we want but we have to be open to accept change. I know that Westminster is willing to be the best that it can and do what is right for all of its Christian family. We only have to read the annual report to see what a great Christian family we are a part of and all the people who make this a great place to call “their church”. Many hands do many things that can make a difference to someone’s life from knitting a prayer shawl to talking and praying with someone in hospital to cleaning the church property because you care. Everyone here could make a difference and contribute in some way, by reaching out.
So all I can say to sum up is get involved, help when help is needed. Support the church financially and share your gifts that God has given you, so that your Westminster family and people you have never met can see that God has chosen you to be one of his disciples in life’s journey of faith.
Hymn #684 “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace”
Prayer of Dedication (One)
By our smallest actions, we become part of a bigger world. The smallest giving can be an expression of the good spirit of generosity and caring. May we be helped to carry through the doorway of each new day this good spirit of generosity and caring. Amen.
Hymn #510 “We Have This Ministry”
Commissioning (One)
We will be transformed. Transformed by our response to the example of Jesus, transformed by the love of what has created us, transformed by the indwelling Spirit of the Creator.
Choral Amen
Hymn #884 “You Shall Go Out with Joy”(x2)
Postlude
Welcome to Westminster this morning. Please gather for coffee in Memorial Hall, following worship.
This Week at Westminster (February 14th – 20th)
Sun. |
Worship: Transfiguration |
10:30 a.m. |
Sanctuary |
No Sunday School |
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Mon. |
Family Day Holiday |
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Tues. |
Shrove Tuesday Pancakes- free |
5:30 p.m. |
Fifth Ave Mem |
Prayer Shawl |
1:30 p.m. |
Lounge |
|
The Willing Gardener’s Series |
7:00 p.m. |
Memorial Hall |
|
Wed. |
Bible Study |
9:30 a.m. |
Nursery |
Wii Fun |
2:00 p.m. |
Memorial Hall |
|
Lenten Study |
7:00 p.m. |
Sanctuary |
|
Thurs. |
Senior Choir Practice |
7:00 p.m. |
Sanctuary |
Next Week at Westminster (February 21st – 27th)
Sun. |
Trustees |
9:00 a.m. |
Shalom |
Worship: Lent I Communion |
10:30 a.m. |
Sanctuary |
|
No Sunday School |
|||
Tues. |
Prayer Shawl |
1:30 p.m. |
Lounge |
Wed. |
Bible Study |
9:30 a.m. |
Nursery |
Wii Fun |
2:00 p.m. |
Memorial Hall |
|
Lenten Study |
7:00 p.m. |
Sanctuary |
|
Thurs. |
Senior Choir Practice |
7:00 p.m. |
Sanctuary |
Please sign the Friendship Roster this morning.
Our 2010 Lenten Study begins Wednesday, February 17th at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary covering the second six of 12 DVD sessions of First Light: Jesus and the Kingdom; a study of the historical Jesus and the Kingdom of God; featuring John Dominic Crossan and Marcus Borg on location throughout the Galilee and Jerusalem. If you wish to participate, please contact the church office or speak to James to ensure you receive the pre-study reading materials.
Unisphere is having a guest speaker Tuesday, Feb. 16th at 6:30 p.m. in the Unisphere Room. Don Reid will be speaking about his trip to China. Everyone is welcome. No charge.
Garage Sale! Spring is just around the corner! Do you have items you will never use? Did you get duplicate items for Christmas? Maybe you can’t run your own garage sale. Please consider donating to Westminster’s sale. All items (no clothing, food or broken items) can be brought to the church on Friday, May 7th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sorry, there is no storage beforehand. Questions? Call Linda at 403-527-7005.
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.
Birthdays: Jacquie Heard, Jacob Minor, Pat Bohnet, Erma Adams, Albert Park, Zachary Miller, and Marvin Schlinker.
Anniversaries: Ray Yanke & Emma Nelson-Yanke
South Alberta Presbytery:Our prayers this week are requested for Ecumenical Campus Ministries, Erin Phillips and her student chaplains.
Sunday School Co-ordinators |
Jackie Schlenker, Kim Hanson |
Nursery Convenor |
Jackie Carlson |
Greeters & Ushers |
Mary Skjenna, Kim Sherring, Clare & Everett White |
Coffee Hosts |
Maureen Oster, Jennifer Oster, Al & Marg Mattson, Corianne & Melanie Rattai |
Scripture Reader |
Rae Wahl |
Elder-in-Charge |
Jackie Carlson |
Next Week’s Readings from: Deuteronomy 26:1-11; Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16; Luke 4:1-13; Romans 10:8b—13.
Stewardship Thought for Today
Our generosity can transform us into people who reflect the glory of God. By Kathie Murphy
Board Report: Board Report: We are still trying to fill the position of board secretary. The motion for Child Protection and Duty of Care policy that was tabled last month was lifted. Amendments were made and the board approved the adoption of the policy. Spring Brunch will be held May 9, with no tickets pre-sold but a free will offering collected. A bell will be installed at the bottom of the chair lift to alert the need for assistance. The Board approved buying a new office printer to replace the broken one. The projector and screen have been cleaned and repositioned, courtesy of Phil Stark. - submitted by Dawn Skogen