“We are journeying together in God’s love . . .
to discover, nurture, and share our gifts.”
February 28, 2010
Lent II
There is both promise and challenge in following God’s ways. There may be temptation to give up the journey in despair. At such times, there is another option. We can cry out to God with our concerns, and trust in God’s strong and tender care 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: In hope and in longing
All: We are happy to be journeying together on this Lenten journey.
One: It is a journey which will be taken reflectively.
All: Our spirits long for the refreshment this journey will provide.
One: It is a journey which we take as Christians together.
All: We have so much encouragement to give each other.
One: In this act of joining together in this place we are equipped for the journey.
Opening Prayer (Unison)
The work of Jesus began with his baptism. His work continued with teaching which touched people’s hearts. We hear the stories of Jesus and we are moved to action. The healing and challenging work went on, despite opposition whether open or more subtle. Jesus give us hope and a promise that in our work, we will have a faith companion. Amen.
Hymn #333 “Love Devine, All Loves Excelling”
Conversation Time
The Sunday School & Youth leave for their classes.
Prayer for Transformation (Unison)
In the midst of our everyday we often miss the signs of the sacred—the smile we didn’t expect, the outreached hand that checked our fall. We look back on our days eager to find the presence of a Holiness that guides us. Can we see it, or is it simply our need to not be alone that folds it into the events of our days and gives them some semblance of meaning? The more we seek to understand, the more we seem to stand on shifting ground. We need courage to walk a ground that demands we examine our lives, our relationships, our faith, even to the point that we be but left with grains of sand, slipping through our fingers. May we know such courage, find celebration in the simple truth that we are, and live in thanksgiving…(time for silent reflection)
Words of Assurance (One)
We will be strengthened by the peace that hope can bring. Amen.
Biblical Notes / Prayer of Illumination
Other lessons for your personal consideration from today’s lections are:
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18; Luke 9:28-36; and Philippians 3:7—4:1;
Hymn #268 “Bring Many Names”
Mission Moment
Dedication (One)
Joyfully, thankfully, we return a small portion for faithful service. If these gifts bring comfort, if they bring friendship, if they bring hope, then the example of Jesus has been followed. Amen.
Hymn #269 “The Care the Eagle Gives Her Young” (Tune 326)
Commissioning (One)
Go in courage and celebration! And may all the faces of the Holy be turned towards you in love, the earth itself speak to you of its creativity, and who we are, each and all, be honoured in our authentic journeys.
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 (February 28th – March 6th)
Sun. |
Christian Development |
9:00 a.m. |
Nursery |
Worship: Lent II |
10:30 a.m. |
Sanctuary |
|
Jr. Choir Practice |
11:45 a.m. |
Lounge |
|
Ministry & Personnel |
12:00 p.m. |
Shalom |
|
Mon. |
Property |
7:00 p.m. |
Westminster |
Tues. |
Prayer Shawl |
1:30 p.m. |
Lounge |
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 (March 7th – 13th)
Sun. |
Music & Worship |
9:00 a.m. |
Lounge |
Hymn Sing |
10:15 a.m. |
Sanctuary |
|
Local Food Needs |
10:30 a.m. |
Narthex |
|
Worship: Lent III and Installations of Board & UCW |
10:30 a.m. |
Sanctuary |
|
Jr. Choir Practice |
11:45 a.m. |
Lounge |
|
UCW Executive |
12:00 P.M. |
Nursery |
|
Tues. |
Prayer Shawl |
1:30 p.m. |
Lounge |
Board of Elders |
7:00 p.m. |
Lounge |
|
Wed. |
Bible Study |
9:30 a.m. |
Nursery |
Mission & Outreach |
1:30 p.m. |
Unisphere |
|
Wii Fun |
2:00 p.m. |
Memorial Hall |
|
Lenten Study |
7:00 p.m. |
Sanctuary |
|
Square Circle UCW |
7:30 p.m. |
Lounge |
|
Thurs. |
Electra UCW |
1:30 p.m. |
Lounge |
Senior Choir Practice |
7:00 p.m. |
Sanctuary |
Prayer Shawl Ministry has given out 331 shawls or lap robes to grieving, sick or needy persons. If you know of anyone who is in need of a prayer shawl or lap robe, please contact the office or any of our group. Any donations of wool, gift bags or cash would be very much appreciated.
The World Day of Prayer service will be held at St. Barnabas Anglican Church at 2:00 p.m. this Friday [March 5].
Observer deadline is March 15th. The cost this year is $20. Please have your requests to the office by March 7th.
Please speak to James before Noon this Tuesday if you are wishing to participate in Baptism, Transfer of Membership or Reaffirmation of Faith, on March 21st.
Funeral: The ministry of Westminster United Church was extended into the community as James conducted the funeral service for Betty Arndt on February 10th and for Albert Fried on February 15th.
Birthdays: Joan Anderson, Paul Mehrer, Carter Richard, Lisa Jo Dykema, Anne Bruins, and Taylor Hanson.
Anniversaries: Norm & Albina Jackson and Murray & Carol Bell.
South Alberta Presbytery: Our prayers this week are requested for Northminster Pastoral Charge and Glenda Wert, LPM.
Sunday School Co-ordinators |
Jackie Schlenker, Kim Hanson |
A/Nursery Convenor |
Jackie Carlson |
Greeters & Ushers |
Electra UCW |
Coffee Hosts |
Electra UCW |
Scripture Reader |
Grace Lemon |
Elder-in-Charge |
Pat Evans |
Next Week’s Readings from: Isaiah 55:1-9; Psalm 63:1-8; Luke 13:1-9; and 1 Corinthians 10:1-13.
Stewardship Thought for Today
Focusing on the needs of others reduces our own fearfulness.
by Kathie Murphy