Westminster United Church

“We are journeying together in God’s love . . .
to discover, nurture, and share our gifts.”

March 14, 2010Lent IV

God’s forgiving love embraces everyone. The youngest, the oldest, the wanderers, the dutiful, the sinful, the just: all are offered a welcome that can make everything new. Yet love that reconciles is not only a gift God extends to us. Love’s gift becomes ours to share. The most familiar of relationships hold the promise of embracing others in love.

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.

Prelude / Sharing Announcements / A Time of Greeting

A Time of Silent Preparation—Lighting the Christ Candle

Call to Worship (Responsive)

One:              We are on a journey of faith.

All:              We travel with the example of Jesus as our guide.

One:              May we have patience with ourselves on this journey.

All:              May we have the strength for our journey and uphold one another on this path.

Opening Prayer (Unison)

As we gather here may we find space enough to be gathered in love and to celebrate together. May we be aware of our inner Spirit in every act of love we welcome today. Amen.

Hymn #271 There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy (vv. 1, 2, 4, 5)

Conversation Time

The Sunday School & Youth leave for their classes.

Prayer for Transformation (Unison)

May our eyes be open so we will be able to see the gifts and talents in ourselves, which others can see. May we enable others to see the gifts and talents in themselves, which we can see. May we be able to see the powerless in our neighbourhoods and stand beside them. May we be able to see those struggling and fearful in our faith community, and give them compassionate support. May we be able to see those in our world denied basic necessities and freedom, and understand their suffering…(time for silent reflection)

Words of Assurance (One)

As we journey together in faith we will be able to support and love one another. Amen.

Biblical Notes / Prayer of Illumination 

Anthem In the Whisperings

Luke 15:11b-32 from the Christian Scriptures Pg. 100 (NRSV)

Other lessons for your personal consideration from today’s lections are:

Joshua 5:9-12; Psalm 32; and 2 Corinthians 5:16-21.

Lent IV Reflection

Hymn #641 Lord Jesus, You Shall Be My Song

Mission Moment – Sharon Clay 

Our Church Tithes and Offerings / Offertory

Dedication #219 When All Your Mercies, O My God (vs 2; tune #75)

Dedication (One)

We give so love may be shared with those who need it, remembering Jesus’ generous love in all that we give. Amen. 

Prayer of Thanksgiving, Intercession & Lord’s Prayer

Hymn #117 Jesus Christ Is Waiting”

Commissioning (One)

As we respond to the love of the indwelling God; let us trust unfailingly, learn carefully, listen deeply, share generously, celebrate joyfully. We will be strengthened to continue our journey.

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 (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

Sat.

FIRST DAY OF SPRING!!!

All Day

Everywhere

Next Week at Westminster (March 21st27th)

Sun.

Trustees

9:00 a.m. 

Lounge

 

Worship: Lent V

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

 

Lenten Study

7:00 p.m. 

Sanctuary

Thurs.

JNAC

7:00 p.m. 

Lounge

 

Senior Choir Practice

7:00 p.m. 

Sanctuary

Please sign the friendship rosters this morning.

UCW will be serving Hamburger Soup after the service today.

Commune-I-Care – Our last “call-out” was very successful with 212 families called of which 163 families were spoken to. There were 14 referrals, 29 messages left on machines, 17 families that we couldn’t contact and 7 incomplete calls. Thank you to everyone who was involved in this call-out. Your time and talents are very much appreciated.

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.

WATER AS A HUMAN RIGHT – Please join the outreach and gardening groups in the lounge after church on March 21st (11:45) to hear Sheila Muxlow’s presentation on “Water As a Human Right”. Sheila is a Water Campaigner for Sierra Club’s Prairie Chapter. She will also be speaking at the college on Monday, March 22nd at noon as a guest of the Medicine Hat College Social Justice Group. All are welcome.

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.

The UCW are hosting an Easter Social on Wednesday, March 31st at 2:00 p.m. Hot cross buns will be served. EVERYONE WELCOME.

Edythe Hewitt UCW Campus Care Project: The All Saints Anglican church is sponsoring a Campus Care Project that provides cash-strapped college students with a bag of non-perishable food items at exam time. This happens twice a year- in April & December. The UCW supports this project and would invite the congregation to participate. Items to be received at the church by March 28th. A list of suggested Items for the Campus Care Project is posted in the hallway going in for coffee and in the Narthex. The requested items should be for one person size. Even one item would be appreciated. A list of contributing churches will be included in each bag. Distribution date will be April 6th. Donations of money will also be accepted. Cheques should be made out to All Saints Anglican Church – Campus Care Project. Tax receipts will be provided for all monetary donations.

Garage Sale Reminder – Please remember to drop off your donations on May 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (No clothing, food or broken items, please.) They are also in need of volunteers. Please call Linda at 527-7005 if you can help out.

Celebrations This Week

Birthdays: Edwin Maier, Lachlan Hardiker, Amber Countryman, Trish Richard, Violet Park, and Jean Jans.

Flowers are placed in the Sanctuary this morning by Sharon Clay in loving memory of her mother, Edith Clay, born March 11, 1910.

South Alberta Presbytery: Our prayers this week are requested for Taber Pastoral Charge and Sandra Riddell.

Our Order of Ministry This Morning

Sunday School Co-ordinators

Jackie Schlenker, Kim Hanson

Nursery Attendant

Kara Anton

Greeters & Ushers

Elnora Heine, Irene Fekete,

Lorine Liebelt, Sandra Plank

Coffee Hosts

UCW

Elder-in-Charge

Darcy Fox

Next Week’s Readings from: Isaiah 43:16-21; Psalm 126; Philippians 3:4b-14; John 12:1-8

Stewardship Thought for Today

All that God has given, is ours to share with those who seek God’s help through us.

by Kathie Murphy