Westminster United Church
“We are a faith community building relationships with God, all people, and our world.”
June 5, 2011 - Sunday Worship Service
Sunday School Wind-up & Congregational Picnic
At the time of Jesus’ ascension, Jesus promises that the Spirit will continue to shape the disciples as the Body of Christ. This community is commissioned to do the work of Christ “to the ends of the earth.” A time of prayer prepares disciples for their lives as witnesses to the saving love of God.
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: In this safe place let us be together.
All: For here together we will weave the threads of our lives into a wondrous vision;
One: a bright new tapestry of dreams of times to come.
All: Let us join together in prayer and in song.Opening Prayer (Unison)
Spinner, weaver of our lives, your loom is love. May we who are gathered here be empowered by that love to weave new patterns of truth and justice into a web of life that is strong, beautiful, and everlasting. Amen.
Jr. Choir Anthem “Sing”
Sunday School Recognition
The Sunday School leaves for activities.
Prayer for Transformation (Unison)
If we put our trust in money, popularity, or influence, may we have fresh insight. If we fail to take the example of Jesus seriously, may we be inspired. If our faith is solitary, if our friendships is half-hearted, may we be brought to community. If we fear the trials of life, or the fact of death, may we receive a new vision…(time for silent reflection)
Words of Assurance (One)
When the light of love is brought into our dark areas of life it will make a difference. Peace will be ours. Amen.Biblical Notes / Prayer of Illumination
Acts 1:6-14 from the Epistles Pg. 149
Other lessons for your personal consideration from today’s lections are: Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 and 1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11.
Hymn #395 “Come In, Come In and sit Down”
John 17:1-11 from the Christian Scriptures Pg. 140 (NRSV)
Reflection
Hymn #402 “We Are One”
Our Church Tithes and Offerings / Offertory
Dedication #537 “Your Work, O God, Needs Many Hands” (vv. 1 & 2)
Prayer of Dedication (One)
These gifts are a symbol of our faithfulness; may they be blessed and used, and may our talents be used with them. Amen.Prayer of Thanksgiving, Intercession & Lord’s Prayer
Hymn #595 “We Are Pilgrims”
Commissioning (One)
May we be wholly present in your own lives to be surprised by the wonder of each ordinary moment. Let us go in peace. May the earth be warm under our feet, the rain bring the gentle flowers of the bush bright around us, and the winds blow as the breath of the Spirit before us.Choral Amen
Hymn #509 “I, the Lord of Sea and Sky” (chorus only)
Postlude
Welcome to Westminster this morning.Please gather for coffee in Memorial Hall, following worship.
This Week at Westminster (June 5th – 11th)
Sun.
Music & Worship
9:00 a.m.
Lounge
Local Food Needs
10:00 a.m.
Narthex
Worship – S.S. Recognition
10:25 a.m.
Sanctuary
Jr. Choir Sings
Congregational Picnic
11:30 a.m.
Memorial Hall
Mon.
Property
7:00 p.m.
Westminster Room
Tue.
Prayer Shawl
1:30 p.m.
Lounge
Wed.
Mission & Outreach
1:30 p.m.
Unisphere
Thu.
Senior Choir Practice
7:00 p.m.
Sanctuary
Next Week at Westminster (June 12th – 18th)
Sun.
Local Food Needs
10:00 a.m.
Narthex
Worship – Pentecost Communion
10:25 a.m.
Sanctuary
U.C.W.
Noon
Sanctuary
Tue.
Prayer Shawl
1:30 p.m.
Lounge
Board of Elders
7:00 p.m.
Lounge
Thu.
Senior Choir Practice
7:00 p.m.
Sanctuary
Friendship Rosters: Please sign the Friendship Roster this morning. It is a helpful record of your worship presence and a way to share special concerns.
The Classical Concert Series at Fifth Avenue Memorial United Church continues: Admission is by donation to the Stained Glass Restoration Fund. June 11th at 7:30 p.m. Come and hear opera that you can really understand! The Voice Academy at MHC Conservatory of Music and Dance presents Mozart's La clemenza di Tito with spoken English libretto. This is a tale of personal drama, murderous jealousy, and the triumph of love and honour. Jacqueline Arthur, Edmund Camphor and Hannah Myers are joined by guest singers including Sarah Udal Heckbert. The opera has been crafted to present the full story in one hour, and is very appropriate for a general audience.
The Willing Gardeners would like you to join them for coffee in the Narthex next Sunday at 10:00 a.m. Mugs will be provided if you don’t have a travel mug that you can bring. They look forward to talking with you.
Don’t miss “Catch the Celtic Vision” – a day with John Bell & Nancy Cocks exploring the wisdom of Celtic Christians, June 12-13th at St. John’s Presbyterian Church. For more info and to register, please check www.stjohnsmedicinehat.ca.
“My Favourite Things” – a musical concert will be held on June 19th at 7:00 p.m. in the Westminster Sanctuary, featuring Tylor Van Riper and our own Sr. Choir. Tickets ($20 each) are available through the church office.
Celebrations This Week
Birthdays: Carol Henderson, Tara Johnson, Amber Henderson, Emma Nelson Yanke, Lois Chambers, Kim Sherring, and Dorothy Smith.
Anniversaries: Lois Chambers & Les Ruggles, Gordon & Bruins, and Doug & Velma Pearson.
Flowers are placed in the Sanctuary this morning in loving memory of, Dale, brother; Evelyn, mom; and Phil, dad; by Kim & Ted Sherring.
South Alberta Presbytery: Our prayers this week are requested for Vauxhall Pastoral Charge & Alana Johnson.
Our Order of Ministry This Morning
Sunday School Co-ordinator
Jackie Carlson
Greeters & Ushers
Norm & Albina Jackson, Pat Connell, Elnora Heine
Coffee Hosts
Christian Development
Scripture Reader
Janice Croissant
Elder-in-Charge
Pat Connell
Next Week’s Readings: Acts 2:1-21 or Numbers 11:24-30; Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; John 20:19-23 or John 7:37-39; 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13
Stewardship Thought for Today
Stewarding relationships, we walk on holy ground.
by Barbara Fullerton
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