“We are journeying together in God’s love . . .
to discover, nurture, and share our gifts.”
March 7, 2010 – Lent III
Installation of Board Members & UCW Executive
The goodness of God invites all to the feast. Do we hear the priceless grace? The goodness of God bids all to receive love, gift-wrapped in relationship. Do we see loves community? The goodness of God opens hearts to reconciliation. Do we seek healing? The goodness of God brings second chances. Do we turn to the One in whom we find our deep belonging?
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 will be surprised with Holy kindness.
All: Our lives will be carried beyond the horizons of human mercy and enriched with overflowing love.
One: Pause, turn around on the Lenten road and see a new reality.
All: On this road we find in faith gifts offered. Then, in celebration, we will refresh the world with generosity beyond the commonplace.
Opening Prayer (Responsive)
One: A baby stirs in her sleep; a youngster calls out for his mother.
All: And we recall the creative and caring presence of the Holy.
One: A family party rocks with laughter, and a bereaved family comes together in grief.
All: And we remember the joyful and compassionate presence of the Holy.
One: A protestor shouts of injustice and the plight of a political prisoner is made public.
All: And we are aware of mercy and encouragement.
One: The struggle of Jesus is recounted, and his death looms closer.
All: And we know that Divine love goes beyond our imagining.
Hymn #376 “Spirit of the Living God”
Conversation Time
The Sunday School & Youth leave for their classes.
Prayer for Transformation (Unison)
A time of decision making for Jesus; to keep to the country byways or take the Jerusalem highway. A time of discouragement for the disciples; Jesus choosing to confront the powerful ones. A time when the rulers, religious and political, feel threatened by the good and generous Way of Jesus. When we are tempted to compromise with truth or compassion, may we listen to the Divine within…(time for silent reflection)
Words of Assurance (One)
Our deepest concerns are heard. May peace enfold us and love surround us. Amen.
Installation & Celebration of Board Members for 2010
(The Board of Elders is invited to gather on the chancel.)
James: We are gathered here to celebrate the selection of board members by covenanting together for the service of God in this place for this year.
Ray: I present our serving Elders: myself, Ray Yanke, Gordon Bruins, Jackie Carlson Pat Connell, Pat Evans, Darcy Fox, Al Olson, Jennifer Oster, Doug Pearson, Gordon Schneider, and Dawn Skogen who have all been elected by the congregation of Westminster United Church and called to be members of the Board of Elders.
James: From ancient times God’s people have been partners in covenants with God and with one another. By these covenants the responsibilities of each party were openly declared and commitments were made for mutual help and support. It is our purpose to covenant together as congregation and elders for the work of God’s ministry in this church. You have been called to share in ministry as elders of Westminster United Church. You, the members of this congregation, are called to support your elders through advice and prayer and constructive ideas. The Board is responsible for encouraging and sharing freely with the congregation through their role as elders. Let us seek grace as we covenant together today. Let us pray:
All: By baptism we have been called to Christ’s ministry; awaken the Spirit within us as we commit ourselves to work together in Christ’s name. Amen.
(The congregation is asked to stand.)
Promises of the Congregation
James: Having elected these people as your elders, will you join with them in ministry within this congregation and beyond and will you support and pray for them as they serve among us? If so, please respond:
Congregation: Yes, I will by God’s grace.
(The congregation may be seated.)
Promises of the Board of Elders
James: As you continue as a single body of elders in our midst, will you offer your wisdom, understanding, and prayerful encouragement in the spirit of Christ’s love and uphold the ministry of the Board of Elders within this congregation?
The whole Board of Elders: We will, by the grace of God.
James: The Board of Elders is responsible for the spiritual welfare of the congregation with specific responsibility for worship, sacraments, and care for the people of the congregation. These promises and the ministry here, are a sign and seal that we have covenanted together as elders and congregation for this year, by the grace of God. Let us pray.
All: We have made covenants and commitments to the ministries we share as elders and people. May we be guided wisely as we seek together to be aware of the Spirit, that we may grow in love and understanding through Jesus Christ. Amen.
(The Elders are seated.)
Certificates of Appreciation to those who have served.
Installation of the UCW Executive
(The elected UCW Executive is invited to join James in front of the Chancel.)
James: The Church which is the Body of Christ is composed of many members with many different gifts. You are blessed with varied talents and abilities. The members of “The United Church Women” or “Women of the United Church of Canada” are called to fulfil the purpose for which the organization exists: 1) to unite the women of the Church for the total mission of the Church and 2) to express your loyalty and devotion to Jesus Christ through Christian witness, study, expressions of community and service. You have been chosen by the members of the UCW to take office and responsibility among them. Yours is to be a service of leadership under the grace and guidance of God. As Jesus Christ came as a servant of all so following his example, you will serve this community of women.
Members of the Executive:
Yvonne Hole, Barb Grozell, Velma Pearson, Grace Roth, Sharon Clay, Maureen Oster, Betty Sidlick, Doreen Lyon, Linda Kinvig, Bev Empey, Helen Lamb, Vera Henderson, Juanita Porter, Frieda Hiller, Doris Kornelson, Alice Felesky, Florence Leech, Grace Lemon, Mary Robertson, May Cooper, and Lil Iwanicki.
James: Do you promise by God’s grace to give leadership in the UCW using your talents and abilities to fulfill the purpose of the UCW and to encourage and assist its other members in doing the same? If so answer, “I do so promise.”
The whole UCW Executive: “I do so promise.”
James: Because you have so promised, I now install you to office and appoint you to your several duties.
James: Will all UCW members please stand.
James: To all the UCW members of this congregation I uphold that Executive members, however sincere and consecrated, may never carry the responsibilities of an organization alone. They need the loyal and dedicated support of the whole membership. In token of your willingness to accept this executive and in pledge of your support with your efforts and your prayers I invite all the members of UCW to unite your hearts with mine as I now offer this prayer.
James: May these women be received and blessed for the commitment and talents they each bring, that they may be faithful in the responsibilities they have undertaken. May they know they are empowered by the Holy within each of them, and may their work done in the name of Jesus Christ, bless the whole church. Amen. (The UCW are seated.)
Biblical Notes / Prayer of Illumination
Other lessons for your personal consideration from today’s lections are:
Isaiah 55:1-9; and 1 Corinthians 10:1-13.
Hymn #240 “Praise, My Soul, the God of Heaven”
Mission Moment – Leslie Berg
May our eyes, our ears, our mouths be opened. Let us be doers of the word and not hearers only, taking on those tasks set before us with uncommon vision and wholehearted expectation. Amen.
Hymn #600 “When I Needed a Neighbour”
Commissioning (One)
May the love that gives to life its beauty, the reverence that gives to life its sacredness, and the purposes that give to life its deep significance, be strong within each of us, and lead us into ever deepening relationships with all of life.
Choral Amen
Hymn #649 “Walk With Me” (Chorus)
Postlude
Welcome to Westminster this morning. Please gather for coffee in Memorial Hall, following worship.
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 Installations of Board & UCW |
10:30 a.m. |
Sanctuary |
|
Jr. Choir Practice |
11:45 a.m. |
Lounge |
|
UCW Executive |
12:00 p.m. |
Nursery |
|
Mon. |
Property |
7:00 p.m. |
Westminster |
Tues. |
Prayer Shawl |
1:30 p.m. |
Lounge |
Board of Elders |
7:00 p.m. |
Lounge |
|
JNAC |
7:00 p.m. |
Nursery |
|
Wed. |
Bible Study |
9:30 a.m. |
Nursery |
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 |
This Week at Westminster (March 14th – 20th)
Sun. |
Worship: Lent IV |
10:30 a.m. |
Sanctuary |
Jr. Choir Practice |
11:45 a.m. |
Lounge |
|
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 |
Riverside Presbyterian is hosting a concert today at 2:00 p.m. “Down by the Riverside” with guest musician Corbie Dormer, Jazz Piano & Vocals. Free will offering. Everyone is welcome.
The Edythe Hewitt UCW Unit will meet Wednesday, March 10th at 2:00 p.m. at the home of Phyllis Schorr (1675 - 28 St. SE).
Westminster UCW is hosting guest speaker, Jill, from the Alzheimer’s Society on Thursday, March 11th at 1:30 p.m. in the Lounge. All are welcome to attend.
Water, March 11th, South East Alberta Watershed Alliance AGM and Conference on Groundwater at the Medicine Hat Lodge. www.seawa.ca
Clocks go ahead one hour next Sunday, to reflect Daylight Savings Time. Please remember to “spring ahead” on Saturday night so we can gather together Sunday.
Gordon Memorial is hosting a Roast Beef Supper this Saturday with two sittings at 4:30 and 6:00 p.m. Tickets are: Adult $12; 6-12 yrs $6; 5 and under free; Immediate family $40.00. For tickets, phone 403-548-3517.
2010 South Alberta United Church Youth Rally is March 19-21st at Knox United in Taber, for youth from grades 6-12. This year’s theme is “Living the Mystery.” See pamphlet on the hallway bulletin board for further information and registration forms.
Canadian Foodgrains Bank is hosting their “Fund Raising Banquet” on Friday, March 26th at 6:00 p.m. at Chinook Village. Tickets are available in the church office for $20 each or $160 to reserve a table for 8 people.
Observer deadline is March 15th. The cost this year is $20. Please have your requests to the office TODAY [March 7th ].
Birthdays: Janice Croissant, Norm Jackson, Dorlisa Prior, Dillon Adams, Adilynn Prior, Marg McCulley, Ian Taylor, and Betty Sidlick.
Flowers are placed in the Sanctuary this morning in loving memory of their father and grandfather, David Wartman, by Grace & Boyd Alcock and family.
South Alberta Presbytery: Our prayers this week are requested for Westminster Pastoral Charge and the Rev. James Farrell.
Sunday School Co-ordinators |
Jackie Schlenker, Kim Hanson |
Nursery Attendant |
Charlene Andreas |
Greeters & Ushers |
Boyd Alcock, Pat Marshall, Emma & Ray Yanke |
Coffee Hosts |
Doug & Velma Pearson and John & Betty Sidlick |
Scripture Reader |
Wally Bergstreser |
Elder-in-Charge |
Doug Pearson |
Next Week’s Readings from: Joshua 5:9-12;Psalm 32; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 and Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32.
Stewardship Thought for Today
Do you always do just what you’ve always done?
Find ways to become a positive change in the world.
by Kathie Murphy