Welcome to Westminster United Church 101 6 th Street SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1G7 T: 403-526-5247 / F: 403-526-5983 E: reception@westminsteruc.com W: westminsteruc.com May 31, 2015 Prelude (When you see this symbol, please rise in body or spirit, as you are able) Sunday Worship Service Life and Work Celebrations: We celebrate with you, We celebrate with you, May God richly bless you, We celebrate with you! Sharing the Peace: One: The Spirit in me greets the Spirit in you. All: Peace be with you. One: And also with you. Let us share a sign of peace with each other! Procession of Christ Candle: The Servant Song Verses 1, 2, and 3 What do you want from me, Lord? Where do you want me to serve you? Where can I sing your praises? I am your song Jesus, Jesus, you are the Lord. Jesus, Jesus, you are the way I hear you call my name, Lord, And I am moved with-in me. Your spirit stirs my deepest self Sing your songs in me Jesus, Jesus, you are my Lord. Jesus, Jesus, you are the way Above, below, and around me, Before, behind, and all through me Your spirit burns with-in me. Fire my life with your love. Jesus, Jesus, be the warmth of my heart. Jesus, Jesus, you are the way. Call to Worship:
One: We light our Christ candle and gather in the name of the Light of the World: Jesus said: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life." All: Let us follow Jesus, let us worship God! HYMN: I Am The Light of the World VU 87 1 When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone, when the kings and the shepherds have found their way home, the work of Christmas is begun: 2 To find the lost and lonely one, to heal the broken soul with love, to feed the hungry children with warmth and good food, to feel the earth below, the sky above! 3 To free the prisoner from all chains, to make the powerful care, to rebuild the nations with strength of good will, to see God's children everywhere 4 To bring hope to every task you do, to dance at a baby's new birth, to make music in an old person's heart, and sing to the colours of the earth! Opening Prayer All: Celebrating, surprising, dancing God, Who infuses creation with joy, Who reveals in new ways of being, Who twirls and soars in the rhythm of all our relations.
Your abundant treasures are everywhere in wind, water, fire and earth; in all that grows and breathes. You treasure and love us as the Christ who walked the human way, and is always with us. You call us to seek and live out the treasures you place within us, and within our communities. Dancing, surprising, celebrating God, fill us now with joy, delight and gratitude. Amen Prayer of Confession: Jesus, who sat at the table with outcasts and sinners, We confess that too often our words and actions Are not consistent with our beliefs. Often we ignore the needy, And reject those who seem different from us. Forgive us, we pray. Empower us to reach out in love and acceptance. Amen. Words of Affirmation: This is the Good News in Jesus Christ: God loves us more than we love ourselves. God set us free to love others. Thanks be to God. Children s Time: The Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children. Matthew 19: 14 Choral Lord s Prayer: VU 959 Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil: for the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and forever. Choir Choral Blessing: Open My Eyes Prayer of Illumination(Unison): Open our hearts to the blessing of the children in our midst, O God. Make our hearts like those of children as we listen to your Word. And may your Spirit burn within us. ~ Amen. Biblical Notes Scripture: Proverbs 2:1-5 2 My child, if you accept my words and treasure up my commandments within you, 2 making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; 3 if you indeed cry out for insight,
and raise your voice for understanding; 4 if you seek it like silver, and search for it as for hidden treasures 5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. Anthem: No Man is an Island Gospel: Luke 12:22-34 22 He said to his disciples, Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! 25 And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? 26 If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. 28 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you you of little faith! 29 And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. 30 For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. 32 Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Response to Word: I Know Your Word MV 108 I know your Word, your Word is a lamp to my feet, O God. I know your Word, your Word is a lamp to my feet, O God. I know your Word is a lamp, O God, to light my path for ever. I know your Word is a lamp, O God, to light my path for ever. Sermon by Guest Minister Eva Biedinger, St. Andrews College HYMN: I, the Lord of Sea and Sky VU 509 1 I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry. All who dwell in deepest sin my hand will save. I who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright. Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send? Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night. I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart. 2 I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have borne my people's pain, I have wept for love of them; they turn away. I will break their hearts of stone, give them hearts for love alone. I will speak my word to them. Whom shall I send? Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart. 3 I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame, I will set a feast for them; my hand will save. Finest bread I will provide till their hearts be satisfied. I will give my life to them. Whom shall I send? Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart. Minute for Mission: Fort McMurray On the first Wednesday night of the month about 20 people, mostly young families, crowd into Fort McMurray First United Church in Alberta. The Rev. Donalee Williams welcomes everyone to Messy Church: crafts, a Bible story, singing, praying, and supper. It s an opportunity for families to worship and connect with one another, an important touchstone in a town where most people work shifts and getting to regular Sunday services can be difficult. In Fort McMurray, people come and go often, so making long-lasting friendships isn t always easy. We say goodbye a lot and that s hard, but we feel our mission is to plant seeds, says Donalee. Like many ministers in isolated communities, she conducts a lot of baptisms. Most of the people have United Church roots, but not all. I have a class for the parents to talk about what baptism means, and I also see this as one of our missions it s about acceptance, she adds. In her four years at Fort McMurray First United, she has conducted 64 baptisms. Mission and Service funding helps the church to stay open. It s an important community space used by two other congregations, an Apostolic and a Filipino community. The Muslim community has used the church building for prayer during Ramadan, and the Hindu community has also held events there. Other churches in Fort McMurray do not always welcome non-christian groups, so they come to the United Church. It s a very different type of church from the ones in southern Canada, but people here are very committed, and we re grateful every Sunday for Mission and Service. And we also contribute to it, Donalee concludes. Thanks to our gifts for Mission and Service, we help to keep Fort McMurray First United and other churches welcoming the communities around them.
Offering/Doxology Gracious Spirit VU 193, vs 1 1 Gracious Spirit, Holy Ghost, taught by you, we covet most of your gifts at Pentecost, holy, heavenly love. Dedication: Gracious God, bless these gifts, those given through PAR, and those we give at other times. Use them as you will, for your work. Amen. Invitation to Prayer Venis, Sanctus, Spiritus Venis, Sanctus, Spiritus VU 208 (first line only) Prayers of God s People: (Worshippers are invited to light a candle and share a prayer concern with the congregation.) One: God of Love. All: Hear our Prayer. HYMN: Sent Out in Jesus Name MV 212 1 Sent out in Jesus name, our hands are ready now to make the world the place in which the kingdom comes. Sent out in Jesus name, our hands are ready now to make the world the place in which the kingdom comes. 2 The angels cannot change a world of hurt and pain Into a world of love, of justice and of peace. The task is ours to do, to set it really free. O help us to obey, and carry out your will. 3 The angels cannot change a world of hurt and pain Into a world of love, of justice and of peace. The task is ours to do, to set it really free. O help us to obey, and carry out your will. Commissioning/Benediction: One: "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to the GREAT I AM. (Matt 5:14-16) All: We are God s treasure sent into the world to share our very selves. We are full of the treasures of faith and sent into the world to share them. May we serve God! Choral Amen: VU 974 Amen! Amen! Hallelujah, amen! Sending Forth: O Let the Power Fall on Me MV 13 1 O let the power fall on me, my Lord, let the power fall on me; O let the power from heaven fall on me,
let the power fall on me. 2 For we want justice and truth and love, my Lord, we want justice and truth and love; for we want justice and truth and love, my Lord, we want justice and truth and love. Postlude Please join us for refreshments and fellowship in Memorial Hall directly following the Worship service! The Peace Candle is lit as a reminder for Christians to pray for and work for world peace. South Alberta Presbytery: Our prayers this week are requested for Pastoral Care Workers in Hospitals and Nursing Homes. Assisting with the Service This Morning Elder-in-Charge: Dawn Knowles Scripture Reader Wally Bergstreser Greeters & Ushers: Jean Riggins, Al Cruickshank, Albina & Norm Jackson Coffee Hosts & Stair Glide Operators: Barb Grozell, Linda Kissel, Clare Crews, Shirley Allibone Sunday School Leaders Angie Irvine, Brandon Nielsen Sound System Operator Pat Evans Counters Karen Knibbs, Al Piotrowski STAFF Ministers: All the People Clergy: Rev Jan Stevenson and Rev. Chelsea Masterman Book Keeper: Sara Stickel Jr. Choir Leader: Anna Marie Hancock Nursery: Vacant Director of Music: Chris White Secretary: Cheryl Finnie Custodian: Betty Ann Smith Security: Kelly Grozell Announcements/Upcoming Events The May/June issue of the Upper Room is available for purchase on the ramp, or during church office hours. Cost is $2.00. Please feel free to sign the register in the Narthex as either a member or a guest. If you have any changes in your contact information, please contact the office at 403-526-5247 or reception@westminsteruc.com. Who Likes to SURF???!!! We're Re-Designing Our Website - and We Need YOU!!! If you are a frequent visitor to various Websites and have an idea of what OUR WUC website should say to the world, we need YOU on our planning team. TIME commitment: Three to four one hour planning sessions. See Pat Marshall or contact the office if this sounds like fun! Unity Lutheran Church will be holding a Taize style healing service on Sunday, May 31 at 7:00 pm. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) is holding its Closing Event in Ottawa from May 31 to June 3, 2015. Watch live streaming of the closing events at www.trc.ca. Friday, June 5, 2015 418 Dundee St. SE 6:30 pm: If you are a youth grade 5 and up, you are invited to a youth group event for all United Church youth in the region. Please join us for tacos and outside games like kick-the-can. We are looking forward to getting to know each other!
Sunday, June 7, 2015 10:25 am: Church service will be held in Central Park (11th Street and 3rd Avenue SE), followed by a picnic in the park. Pastoral Care will be providing the hot dogs and buns, but we invite you to sign up for providing fruit or veggie trays, chips, water/juice/iced tea. The list is located on the easel in Memorial Hall. We are trying to make this a green event, so ask that everyone bring their own plate, cutlery and glass, as well as a lawn chair or blanket. The Sunday School team is looking at a new curriculum for the fall. The model they are considering is Rotation Sunday School, where one Bible story is taught for 4 to 5 weeks in a row to all our kids, --rotating them into different exciting, media-based "workshops" each week,...while the teachers stay-put in the workshop of their strength, -repeating, adapting, and improving their lesson each week during the "rotation".the Workshop Rotation Model slows down the rate of story change, which benefits both students and teachers. Bible literacy improves when the same story is taught through different workshops over 4 to 5 weeks. Each workshop focuses on a different creative learning style or "intelligence," which broadens memory. Teacher preparation time is reduced from every week to every 4 or 5 weeks. This also allows the teacher to improve their lesson and consider more creative approaches because they aren't having to come up with something new each week. Teachers are recruited for the workshop of their strength and choice in four to five week commitments. Traditional boring classrooms become transformed into fun, inventive workshops. Students anticipate something new each week, and teaching supplies and equipment are organized by workshop instead of being scattered across classrooms and closets. Creative Workshop environments signal quality to parents, and are attractive to visitors and our kids! Flexible scheduling depending on the size of your church, chosen story, creative inspiration, or calendar need. Summary of May 19, 2015 Board of Elders Meeting The Board of Elders met on May 19th and it is apparent that the life and work of Westminster has been busy, busy, busy. Clergy: Jan & Chelsea have not had many idle moments and will be away May 29-31st for the Alberta Northwest Conference in Slave Lake, AB. Special Projects: Sound System an adhoc committee is being formed to review what s working, what s not, and discerning the changes that are needed to the existing system. Website an adhoc committee is also being formed to re-design the current Website and receive Web Management proposals for initial changes and maintenance of our Website. Visioning Committee Westminster s representatives last met on May 12th with Fifth Avenue Memorial, Gordon Memorial, and Peace United. Building relations and discussions on present and future needs are ongoing. Committees: Christian Development has been very busy with Camp Sunday, Picnic Sunday, planning a joint Youth Event in June and Vacationing Bible School during the summer, while wrapping up the Sunday School year. Finance & Stewardship report that we are behind in meeting our expenses.
Ministry & Personnel continue to seek a Nursery Attendant and are currently writing Job Descriptions for a Team Ministry. Music & Worship report that May 31st is College Sunday with Worship Leaders coming from St. Andrew s to fill in, while Jan & Chelsea are at ANWT Conference. Weather permitting, June 7th Worship will be held at Central Park with a picnic to follow. Summer services will again be shared with Fifth Avenue Memorial. We worship together at WUC in July and at FAM in August. Pastoral Care organized the successful Pancake Brunch last Sunday and is assisting with the Picnic, next Sunday. Visitations at the hospital and senior s care facilities are ongoing. Property have been busy with maintenance, yard work, inspections, and projects to keep our Church and grounds welcoming South Alberta Presbytery reports the biggest item affecting Presbytery at this time is the Comprehensive Review. At their last meeting, they discussed some of the major changes being proposed. In April, Presbytery Executive met to compile concerns that will be brought forth at the Alberta Northwest Conference, on May 31st. UCW reported that the spring Blossomtime Tea has been cancelled. Goals 2014/2015: The majority of the goals have been accomplished. See the June Newsletter for a more detailed report on the Board s achievements. Goals 2015/2016: Further to discussions at our last meeting, the Board welcomes input from the Congregation on setting Goals for 2015/2016. Submissions need to be received no later than June 28th. You can give submissions to any Elder, Clergy, or the office. Please submit them in writing, with your name and contact information if clarification is required. The Board meets August 28-29th to finalize our Goals for 2015/2016. Respectfully submitted by Kim Sherring, Board Secretary