Chilliwack United Church First Sunday of Lent 10:30 a.m.

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1 Chilliwack United Church First Sunday of Lent 10:30 a.m. Prelude We Gather as God's People Welcoming & Greeting Our Neighbours Gathering Song & Lighting the Christ Candle No. 222 VU Come, let us sing to the Lord our song, we have stood silently too long; surely the Lord deserves our praise, so joyfully thank God for our days. O thirsty soul, come drink at the well; God's living waters will never fail. Surely the Lord will help you to stand, strengthened and comforted by God's hand. Come, Let Us Sing Call to Worship Lent calls us to a time of reflection and growth. We come thirsting to deepen our relationship with God. Lent blesses us with time to nurture our faith in the Garden of God s love. We come ready and open to the refreshing rain of God s love. Let us worship God

2 Lenten Candles Today is the first Sunday of Lent. Lent is a time to think about the things that block us from following God's way of loving and caring for this world and one another. Today we will extinguish our first Lenten candle. This candle represents ANGER. As the candle is blown out, let us pray in silence for God to remove anger within us and anger in our world that leads to hatred and violence. (A Moment of Silence) Knowing that God accepts us for who we are, but loves us into who we can be, let us join together in this song. Hymn No. 85 MV Take, O Take Me As I Am Opening Prayer & Confession (In Unison) Beneath the winter snow many things lie concealed: bits of trash casually discarded, the debris of last year's garden, the deposits of the neighbours' pets, the rusting tools we forgot to put away. When the warm days come and the snow melts, all will be revealed. Sometimes our lives are like that, God. We don't want you to see them; we try to cover up the mess. But in the light of your presence nothing can be hidden. Have mercy on us. (A Moment of Silence) Have mercy on us and send the gentle rain of your love to wash us and reclothe us in the greening promise of spring. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen. Anthem Old Time Religion - 2 -

3 Epistle Reading Hearing God's Word Romans 10:8b-13 The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, No one who believes in him will be put to shame. For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Gospel Reading Luke 4:1-13 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread. Jesus answered him, It is written, One does not live by bread alone. Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours. Jesus answered him, It is written, Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him. Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you, and On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone

4 Jesus answered him, It is said, Do not put the Lord your God to the test. When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time. Responsive Psalm No. 91:1-2,9-16 Pages VU Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church. Thanks be to God! Reflection Hymn of the Month No. 78 MV We Cannot Wear Sunday Shoes (Wendy MacLean) God Weeps Responding to God's Word The Life & Work of the Church Invitation to the Offering (Choir) Presentation of Our Offering Sung Response We give you but your own, whate'er the gift may be; all that we have is yours alone, we give it gratefully. No. 537 VU No. 542 VU Prayer of Dedication (In Unison) Generous God, with thanks we give you back a portion of what you have given us, and dedicate it all to your purposes. In our daily lives, help us to savour our - 4 -

5 gratitude. As we embark on our Lenten journey, guide and strengthen us with the Holy Spirit to follow Jesus wherever he leads us. This we pray in Jesus' name. Amen. Lenten Prayers Hymn No. 108 VU (Verses 1,2,5,6) Throughout These Lenten Days and Nights Commissioning & Blessing Sung Blessing No. 215 MV Peace Be With You 3 Peace be with you, peace forever, peace be with you, my friends. Till we meet again, may God be with you. Peace, peace, peace. Postlude The church has a supply of hearing units for improved sound in the sanctuary. If you wish to use a set for the Sunday service, please pick one up from the sound booth at the back of the sanctuary Announcements Leading the Service Today: Clergy; Rev. Heather Anderson Musicians; Rod Swanson, Julie Muirhead Music Director; Marilyn Taves Scripture Reader; Iva Hancock 3 Words and music: Alison L. Wesley (Slaats), Used by permission - 5 -

6 Lectionary Readings for February 24, 2013 Lent II Genesis 15:1-12,17-18 Psalm 27 Philippians 3:17-4:1 Luke 13:31-35 Budget Summary Average Weekly Revenue Required to Service our 2013 Operating Budget $ 3, Average Weekly Revenue to January 31, , Deficit as of January 31, 2013 ( ) Deficit as of January 31,2012 (3,898.00) Average Mission & Service Weekly Revenue Required to Service our 2013 Objective $ Average Mission & Service Weekly Revenue Received to January 31, Mission & Service Funds Received to Date January 31, Mission & Service Funds Received to Date January 31, Prayers and heartfelt condolences are extended to the friends and family of Dr. Drew Young, who passed away on Wednesday, February 13. A memorial service and tea will be held on Saturday, February 23. May God's grace and blessing be with you during this difficult time. A very hearty THANK YOU to everyone who helped with the planning and preparation of the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper! Everyone in attendance left appreciated your hours of volunteer work. In order to help keep our heating costs under control, the Support Ministry Unit kindly asks that all doors to the sanctuary be kept closed Income Tax Receipts are in the Narthex ready to be picked up. If you held offering envelopes in 2012 or were on the Pre-Authorized Remittance (PAR) Program, a tax receipt has been prepared for you

7 The Seed Money Challenge is Back!! The Fundraising Committee is organizing another Seed Money Challenge. How does it work? The church will give you some start up money and you take that to do something to generate more money. You donate the start up money and proceeds back to the church. A tax receipt will be issued for the proceed portion of your donation. In years past, there have been sales of baked goods, arts and crafts, as well as car washes, lawn mowing, dinner and lunch parties. Use your imagination! To get registered and receive your $10.00 start up money, please see Laura Hames after church during the month of February. The challenge will wrap up in the late fall, so you have plenty of time to make your seed money grow for the church! Annual Congregational Meeting Sunday, February 24 In the Church Hall Following Morning Worship The purpose of this meeting is to review the 2012 Annual Report and approve the 2013 Budget. Copies of the 2012 Annual Report are available this morning in the Narthex. Pick up your copy and take a look at where we've been in 2012 and the proposed budget for Be sure to bring your copy back for the Congregational Meeting next Sunday, February 24. Women's Annual Dinner All women of the church welcome! Monday, February 18 at 5:30 p.m. In our Church Hall Door Prizes, Good Food and Lots of Fun Tickets: $17.00 per person (purchase at the Church Office or in the Narthex this morning.) Please have exact change when you purchase your ticket

8 Finding Our Way Again: The Return of the Ancient Practices (Author Brian McLaren) - Six week Lenten Study on Wednesdays; February 20 March 27 at 7:00 p.m. This is a joint venture between our church and Carman United Church. The first evening will be hosted at Carman United Church. Please see the poster for dates and locations. University Hill United Church's 12 th annual Lenten Devotional is now online. Each year they invite members of their community to host one of forty seven scripture passages, listening for a word from God to our life together and then offering a response expressed in words, art, or music. They publish this collection of responses online and invite one another to the discipline of reading, hosting, and praying these texts through the Season of Lent. The 2013 edition is online at Wisdom Circle...The Journey from Age-ing to Sage-ing is coming to Sunnyside United Church, th Ave., Surrey. A Wisdom Circle, especially for seniors (and boomers), is a discussion that focuses on issues that concern maturing, aging, and the changing role of elders in our society. The Sunnyside Wisdom Circle is a public event open to all, and is respectful of all spiritual traditions. Topics with descriptions are posted in the Narthex. Sessions are $5.00 each and are stand alone. Please notify Charles James if you plan to attend any of the topic sessions. Charles can be reached at or charles@sagewise.net Support the Mission & Service Fund by purchasing mailing labels. For a donation to the Mission & Service Fund, you will receive 120 address labels. Cathy Guo at the National Office cguo@united-church.ca or contact Iva at IMAGINE! A Retreat for Children Ages 8 11: Friday, February 22, 2013 to Sunday, February 24, 2013 at Stillwood Retreat Centre. This retreat will be a fun, spirit filled opportunity to meet other United Church children from other congregations. To register your child, pick up a registration form at the church office ( ) or register online at Join us for THE GOAT RODEO! with Rev. Deb Bowman on Sunday, February 24, 6:00 9:00 p.m. at Northwood United Church. We might say that life in the church these days is one big, sacred, goat rodeo. In her usual entertaining and serious manner, Deb will share insights about being church in our rapidly changing society. We will have a chance to speak together and with - 8 -

9 Debra about our particular situations. The purpose is to help us navigate the world we worship in, and to narrow the gap between where we are as a church and where we believe God is calling us to be. This invitation is brought to you bu the fine people of Fraser Presbytery Executive. All of you are welcome to be there. On Friday, March 1, 2013 at 1:00 P.M., The World Day of Prayer will be held at St. Mary's Church, 8909 Mary St. This is an Ecumenical Service composed by the women of France, as this year France is the country we will be focused on. The theme is "I was a stranger and you welcomed me". The church service will be followed by a reception in our hall. If you have any questions do not hesitate to call Helen Murray at The web site for The World Day of Prayer is Information regarding two job postings can be found in the Narthex; May Retreat Director 2013 (Fraser Presbytery) and Assistant to the Executive Secretary (BC Conference). Information regarding responsibilities and qualifications for each job is included in the postings. Food Safe Course at Carman United Church, 7258 Vedder Rd., Chilliwack on Saturday, April 6-9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Those that register with us will get our rate which is reduced by the number of registrants. Please contact Wanda at for more information. We hope you had an opportunity to enjoy a cup of coffee in the Narthex before worship this morning. To learn more about Fair Trade, check out WonderCafe online at Chilliwack United Church Monday, February 18 to Sunday, February 24 Monday, February 18 5:30 Annual Women's Dinner Tuesday, February 19 1:00 Thrift Shop Open 7:30 Choir Practice All interested singers welcome! - 9 -

10 Wednesday, February 20 10:00 Thrift Shop Open 10:30 Drop In Bible Study 7:00 Lenten Study at Carman United Church Thursday, February 21 10:00 Thrift Shop Open Friday, February 22 10:00 Thrift Shop Open Saturday, February 23 10:00 Thrift Shop Open Sunday, February 24 9:15 Senior Sunday School Class 10:30 Nursery & Jr. Sunday School and All Ages Worship Service 12:00 Annual Congregational Meeting Ongoing Announcements Salvation Army Food Bank Collection of non-perishable food items for the local food bank is ongoing. Bring your donations year round and leave them in the barrel in the Narthex. Boston Pizza fundraiser! BP will donate 5% of your bill (before tax and gratuity) back to our church. Write Chilliwack United Church on the back of your bill and leave it with your server. Anyone can do it! Invite friends and family to participate. Donate your pennies before they are gone! Bring them to church on Sundays or to the church office during the week. All pennies received will be donated to the United Church of Canada's Mission & Service Fund

11 Minute for Mission: Farming Can Become a Miracle When people are committed and inspired, they can accomplish just about anything. Listen to this story from MaryBeth Nicks Barbour about how farming in Canada made differences locally and globally. In 2008, it became clear that new shingles were needed on the roof of the Brora United Church, a small church in Brora, Saskatchewan, north of Regina. The estimated cost was $15,000, but how to raise the money? The Brora church members decided they would grow canola and durum wheat for three years. By the time the planning was done, the project expanded to include raising money for the Mission and Service Fund and the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB), as well as for the shingles. Congregational members donated funds to get the project running. Land was rented. Local agricultural businesses donated most of the inputs, such as seed and fertilizer. Area farmers assumed all the costs associated with farming the land. The weather didn t always cooperate. The first year too much rain made both seeding and harvest times challenging. Three years on, however, the Brora farm project was a success, raising $27,550 for mission and service, $58,000 for the CFGB (eligible to be matched by the Government of Canada), and $15,000 for the roof. The farm project of Brora United Church began as a dream by a small group of farm families. Hard work, determination, and generosity of time, goods, and money made a miracle come true. Whenever they look at their new church roof, church members are reminded that their gifts are also bearing fruit around the world. Every gift to the church's mission and service is used wisely and helps transform lives. Please continue to give generously