WILMOT UNITED CHURCH NOVEMBER 23, 2014 ANNIVERSARY SUNDAY

Transcription

1 WILMOT UNITED CHURCH NOVEMBER 23, 2014 ANNIVERSARY SUNDAY Portions of the service printed in bold are spoken by the whole congregation. points marked * those who are able are invited to stand. Presider: The Reverend Rose Hannah Gaskin Guest Speaker: The Very Reverend Dr. Peter Short THE GATHERING At the Organ Prelude: The King of Love (Mead) Handbell Choir: For All the Saints/Shout to the Lord/Jesu, Joy of Man s Desiring The Frank T. Pridham Mem Greeting: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you. Welcome to the Church Call to Worship: Young and old and middle aged, individuals and families, oft spoken and outspoken, we hear our names being called to join in worship. This house of worship is a place to pursue God s vision for all people: unity and joy and faith expressed through different gifts. Let us worship together! We Light the Christ Candle 1

2 Opening Prayer: Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires, known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen. * Opening Hymn: Let Us Build a House MV #1 Time for the Young and Young at Heart * Hymn: Make a Joyful Noise VU #820 Connecting to Our Hearts Longing: Merciful God, you made us in your image, with a mind to know you, a heart to love you, and a will to serve you. But our knowledge is imperfect, our love inconstant, our obedience incomplete. Day by day, we fail to grow into your likeness. In your tender love, forgive. Silent Prayer Assurance of God s Love Flute and Guitar Duet: Adagio (Loeillet) Sally Wright and Steven Peacock 2

3 LISTENING FOR TRUTH Prayer of Preparation: God of startling revelation, open us to your message this day. Get our attention; show us the way to abundant life for all of creation. Amen. Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1: Congregational Response: One: This is the witness of God s people. All: Thanks be to God! Guy Vezina Anthem: My Soul Doth Magnify (Purifoy) Sermon: Live, Sing, Pray, Laugh, Spy The Very Reverend Dr. Peter Short * Hymn: When We Are Living VU #581 Announcements Invitation to The Offering RESPONDING TO GOD S WORD Offertory Music: Sleepers Awake (Bach) * Doxology: VU #541 Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures high and low; give thanks to God in love made known: Creator, Word and Spirit, One. 3

4 * Prayer of Dedication: You have given to us so much, God this world and everything in it. We respond to your generosity when we share your creation with others. You have given to us so much, God opportunities for service and examples of caring. We respond to your generosity when we share your goodness with others. You have given to us so much, God support for each new day and guidance for our entire lives. We respond to your generosity when we share our lives with others. Prayers of the People The Lord s Prayer * Closing Hymn: O God Beyond All Praising VU #256 * Commissioning: Let us go out to fulfill our high calling as disciples of Christ. Let us love boldly, forgive endlessly, welcome the outcast, and thank God joyfully, all the days of our lives. Amen. * Benediction * Choral Amen VU #971 Postlude: Festal Finale (Coleman) *************************************************************************** If you wish, you are invited to remain for the Postlude as it is part of our Worship Service. ************************************************************************** **** 4

5 WELCOME to our service of worship and thank you for being with us this morning. We're glad you're here! You are invited to a SOUP LUNCHEON, sponsored by the Outreach Committee, in the Dr. G. M. Young Memorial Hall following the worship service. Thank you to members of the Outreach Committee for hosting this time of refreshments and fellowship. Money raised will be going towards the Christmas Hampers and Outreach projects. SYMPATHY: Our love and condolences are extended to Bill and Susan MacLeod on the recent death of Bill s brother, Arnold MacLeod of St. Stephen. Arnold passed away on Nov. 19 th and funeral service was held on Sat., Nov. 22 nd. The Advent/Christmas issue of Words from Wilmot has arrived! Pick up your copy from the Greeters at the doors this morning. Large print copies are available as well, so please ask if you wish one of these. They will also be available at Coffee and Conversation after worship, and you can access an e copy (in colour) through the Wilmot website wilmotuc.nb.ca. Please take a copy for neighbours, friends or relatives who are unable to get out to church, or would enjoy having a copy, and web share with friends who have moved away. BOOK FOR SALE: Elizabeth Savoie, of the Wilmot Writers' Group, has recently published an historic novel Ship's Boy in the Arctic, Survivor which tells the story of a cabin boy aboard Franklin's ship HMS Erebus in search of the Northwest Passage. This book is filled with adventure, danger, grief and death but also with generosity, kindness and love, as it explores the question of what it means to be a survivor. Available at coffee and conversation today and $2.00 from the sale of each copy will be donated to The Benevolent Fund. MEMORIAL FLOWERS: The Sanctuary Committee invites members of the congregation interested in placing flowers at the front of the church, in memory of loved ones on December 7, to have them to the church by 11 a.m. on December 6. Please advise Marlene, no later than Wednesday, December 3 of whom your donation is in memory so that it can be noted in the bulletin. 5

6 CONGRATULATIONS: One of our youth and Handbell Ringers, Nathan Gorey, has received the Chief Scout's Award which is the highest award which can be achieved at the Scout level in Scouts Canada. In order to earn the award a Scout must develop citizenship, leadership, personal development and outdoor skills, as well as earn ten Challenge Badges. What an accomplishment! Nathan was presented his award at the Legislature on November 1. CONGRATULATIONS, NATHAN. GRANDMOTHERS HELPING GRANDMOTHERS WREATH SALE Today is our final day for taking orders for Christmas wreaths. If you would still like to order one, we will have a table at Coffee and Conversation after church today. The wreaths will be here and available for pick up before and after church next Sunday. Thanks for all your support, it s been wonderful! WILMOT BOOK CLUB meets on Tuesday evening, November 25, at 7:00 pm in the parlour to discuss the book The Deception of Livvy Higgs by Donna Morrissey. For those who enjoy Atlantic Canada literature this book is an excellent one to discuss, and everyone is welcome to join us for a cup of tea and lively conversation. NOV. 29: Sounds of the Season, a Celtic Christmas Show will be presented here at Wilmot United Church on Saturday, November 29 at 7:30 pm. Tickets will be available after church and from the church office. Part of the proceeds will be donated to Wilmot United Church. LOOKING AHEAD WILMOT SENIORS Dec. 2 nd we will be celebrating the Christmas season with our annual Buffet Lunch at Aggies Restaurant. We will meet there at 12 noon and the cost for the all inclusive buffet will be $16 again this year. It s always lots of fun with a delicious meal, prizes and carol singing. As in the past, we will be collecting wrapped gifts to be donated to the Men s Shelter. You don t need a car...we can easily arrange a drive for you. If you would like to celebrate the season with us, please speak to Brenda Cameron ( )or Susan Breen ( ). All Seniors and retirees are very welcome to join in the festivities. 6

7 PLEASE NOTE: Since many members were absent from last Sunday's service, Jo Ann Fellows has been invited back to a book signing of her book "385 Northumberland Street" on Sunday, Nov. 30th. As previously, the profits will be given to Wilmot. WHITE GIFT SUNDAY November 30 Next Sunday, we will be celebrating White Gift Sunday so we invite you to bring along a gift wrapped in white paper (or not), to be gathered together during the Storytime for the Young and the Young at Heart. These items can be such things as shampoos, slippers, socks, mitts, books for children, small toys or food items. Our gifts this year will be used in the Christmas Hampers program or for our Wednesday at Wilmot ministry. Thank you. SMALL GROUP STUDY AT ADVENT Renew your faith, share with others in a small group for 3 Saturdays, December 6, 13, 20. The book: The Rebirthing of God by Philip Newell. This can be ordered through Westminster Books this week. We ll meet over lunch from noon till 2pm. There will also be an e mail version if you prefer or if you cannot come each week. Please consider joining us. COME AND FIND THE QUIET CENTRE Wednesdays during Advent at 12:15 in the sanctuary December 3, 10, 17th. Each of the 3 weeks we will experience a different practice of prayer. DEC. 21: Blue Christmas Service at St. Paul s United Church 7 p.m. ANNUAL PROGRESSIVE DINNER: Be certain to mark Friday, December 12th on your calendars for Wilmot's Annual Pot Luck Progressive Dinner. We will begin at 6:00 with appetizers at the home of Lorie and Flemming Nielsen located at 366 Aberdeen Street between York and Westmorland. We will then travel to Kirby & Gill Keyser's, 337 University Ave, where we will have the main course. Dessert will be hosted by George and Barbara Cross who live at 126 Waterloo Row. This is a planned pot luck, so if you would like to take part, please call Susan Breen ( ) or Brenda Cameron ( ) to let them know what course you wish to bring. This is always a wonderful evening of fun, food and fellowship so be sure to give Susan or Brenda a call. YOU ARE INVITED: Join us in celebrating Marie Young's 90th Birthday on Dec. 6 at 7

8 York Manor, 100 Sunset Drive in the Friendship Room. Two Birthdays will be celebrated: Marie Young and Dorothy McNeil. These women have been friends for most of their lives (more than 85 years!). Refreshments will be served! Everyone is welcome! Best Wishes only, but donations to the Food Bank would be appreciated! For more information, contact Karen at or by at NOV. 29: ADVENT RETREAT: Advent is a rich and powerful season of the year. We often miss Advent's power because December weeks are full of secular Christmas parties and preparations for Christmas. Each year, the busyness of this season serves to distract us from having an Advent season that truly prepares us for the celebration of Christmas, with all its meaning. The intent of this retreat is to help us experience the fullness the Advent season has to offer. RESERVE SATURDAY NOVEMBER 29 as your retreat day. This retreat will be held at St. Andrews United Church in Harvey. You are cordially invited to attend. Our theme this year is Embracing Advent. Theme Presenter: Susan Short. For more information on how to register, you may pick up a brochure from the bulletin board downstairs. DEC. 3: The 25th Annual Advent Carol Festival held each year at St. Paul s United Church will be held on Wed., Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m. Twelve local church and community choirs with 300 singers will present a program of familiar, as well as new, Christmas music. This is a fundraiser for the Fredericton Food Bank; a freewill offering will be received. The event has raised more than $100,000 for area food banks over the past 24 years. DEC. 6 th : The Bel Canto Singers of Fredericton will present a concert of moving and beautiful Christmas music in Fredericton on Saturday, December 6th at 7:30 at Christ Church Cathedral. There will be music for everyone; including works by Brukner, Rutter, Willan, Victoria, Pärt, Hassler, Palestrina and others. As is Bel Canto s tradition, there will also be a seasonal sing a long. Tickets are available at Westminster Books, from choir members and at the door. DEC. 7: CHRISTMAS CONCERT: The Fredericton Choral Society and the Fredericton 8

9 Chamber Orchestra, with conductor Heather Dunham, will present Seasonal Favourites, featuring highlights from Handel s Messiah, Winter from Vivaldi s Four Seasons, and selections from Tchaikovsky s Nutcracker Suite, with guest artists Signa Love (soprano) and Nadia Francavilla (violin). Sunday, Dec. 7 th, 7.00 p.m. at Wilmot United Church. Tickets: Adults $20, Seniors $15, students $10. Tickets are available in advance from performers, and Read s Newsstand & Café on King Street or at the door on the evening of the performance. DEC. 12: The UCW of the Marysville United Church (351 Canada Street) are pleased to invite you to an evening of hospitality, December 12, From Victorian charm to modern, we have 4 homes that will enchant and inspire you. Tour the homes and learn the history of each house, feel the magic as you enter, then join us back at the church for refreshments. Two tours are available starting at 6:30 p.m. with the other tour at 7:30pm. Cost is only $10 per person. Tickets are available at Reads Newsstand, Northside Pharmasave and the church office by calling Ministers: Rev. Rose Hannah Gaskin Rev. Ellen Beairsto Ministers Emeriti: Rev. Vic Moriarty, Rev. Cliff Moase, Rev. Bob Jones Organist: Virginia Leiter Music Director: Steven Peacock Office Administrator: Marlene Phillips Sexton: Randy Randall Church Office:

10 THIS WEEK AT WILMOT Nov. 23 rd 30 th Today: ANNIVERSARY SUNDAY 9:30 a.m. ADULT BIBLE CONVERSATION Board room 11:00 a.m. WORSHIP and SUNDAY SCHOOL 12:00 p.m. SOUP LUNCHEON Monday, Nov 24: 6:30 p.m. AA Group Fireside Room 6:45 p.m. TOASTMASTERS CLUB Board Room Tuesday, Nov. 25: 7:00 p.m. BOOK CLUB Parlour 7:00 p.m. TRUSTEES Board Room 7:00 p.m. OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS Fireside Room 7:00 p.m. MARTIAL ARTS Gym Wednesday, Nov. 26: 9:00 a.m. MORNING OUT/QUILTERS GROUP Parlour 9:15 a.m. WEDNESDAY AT WILMOT Gym 10:00 a.m. TOY LIBRARY 7:00 p.m. COUNCIL Board Room 7:00 p.m. NA GROUP Fireside Room Thursday, Nov 27: 9 a.m. 9 p.m. DROP OFF FOOD/ NEW TO YOU items for sale 1:00 p.m. WRITERS GROUP Parlour 6:30 p.m. HANDBELL CHOIR PRACTICE 7:00 p.m. SPANISH CLASS Parlour 7:30 p.m SENIOR CHOIR PRACTICE Friday, Nov. 28: 9:00 a.m. BAKE SALE Saturday, Nov. 29: 10:00 a.m. TOY LIBRARY 6:30 p.m. DROP IN CENTRE 7:30 p.m. CELTIC CHRISTMAS Sanctuary Sunday, Nov. 30: ADVENT ONE 9:30 a.m. ADULT BIBLE CONVERSATION Board Room 11:00 a.m. WORSHIP and SUNDAY 12:00 p.m. COFFEE and CONVERSATION 10

11 Super Heroes or Super Friends? Carolyn Ruda, Mission and Service Support staff in Montreal & Ottawa Conference, reflects on the Mission and Service graphic novels: Do you think that any of you are super heroes? Do you think I m a super hero? Look around you. Do you think anyone in church here this morning is a super hero? Nobody here is a super hero, but do you know that we can be Super Friends? They are even better than super heroes, who are only in movies, books, and pictures. Super Friends are people who are real and compassionate and respond generously when there are natural disasters and other emergencies in the world. The children who accompanied their parents to the last two Montreal & Ottawa Conference annual meetings had fun learning about being Super Friends, complete with capes. The United Church s children s resource, Super Friends *, teaches that when there is a disaster in the world, the United Church is able to quickly contact our partners, such as ACT Alliance, to learn the specific needs of the community and to respond. Super Friends 2 * teaches children and their parents that the United Church works with Mission and Service partners in other countries, such as Christian Care Zimbabwe, whose priorities are community access to food and the ability to grow food locally. In Canada, partners such as the food bank at the House of Lazarus in Mountain, Ontario address poverty in rural areas. When we make supporting our Mission and Service a regular part of giving, we are Super Friends to people we will never meet. We are changing people s lives. Please give generously. * Both resources are available from ucrdstore.ca Mighty and tender God, our gifts to M&S help your church to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with you. Christmas Hampers For new arrivals in Fredericton THE MITTEN TREE will be up each Sunday in the gym from November 22 to December 7. Each paper mitten on the tree identifies a gift item these items will be included in the Christmas Hampers for families that have moved to Fredericton, many as refugees from Bhutan, Ethiopia, Iraq, Burundi, Congo DR, Cote d Ivoire, Myanmar, Jordon, and the Ukraine. The families that receive the hampers, with gifts and grocery gift certificates, have left their extended families behind, along with the support network that extended families represent. So aside from the fact that they need the warm items that we provide for them, the warmth that they receive along with our gifts is very much needed and appreciated. HERE S HOW YOU CAN HELP 1. Take a mitten from the tree. Return the mitten with a gift, unwrapped, to the church no later than Dec.10. Including wrapping paper or gift bag would be very helpful. We ask that gifts be new. 2. If you prefer, you may make a cash donation any Sunday writing on the envelope that the money is for the Christmas Hamper Program. 3. You can help with wrapping gifts. The gift wrapping will take place on Thursday, December 18 beginning at 6pm in the Wilmot Hall. 4. Delivery will be on Friday, December 19. Gift suggestions: Adults and children warm indoor winter tops. Children toys/games/ craft kits, age appropriate Volunteers are needed for gift wrapping, and for delivery of the hampers. There will be sign up sheets for volunteers to help with this project at the Mitten Tree or contact Elaine Kenyon at or Rita Roach at