Grace Presbyterian Church Sunday, November 19, 2017 Vincent van Gogh. Wheatfield with a Reaper. 1889, oil on canvas. Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (Vincent van Gogh Foundation). So You Knew Vision Transforming lives through God s grace Mission Inspired by the Holy Spirit, we grow disciples of Jesus Christ to love our neighbours and effect social change. Minister The Rev. Dr. M. Jean Morris Associate Minister, Pastoral Care Presbytery Representative The Rev. Mark Tremblay minister@knoxcalgary.ca Musicians Susan Woodward, Music Director Donna Holoboff, Organist
Today two bouquets are placed in the sanctuary to the glory of God. One is in loving memory of Kendrith Bentley by David Lachapelle and family. Another bouquet is placed in loving memory of Marjorie Leeson by John Leeson and family. Order of Worship * Please stand as you are able. (There is information in the bulletin about Sunday School and Nursery for newcomers) Prelude Announcements Saviour, Like a Shepherd Lead Us J.S. Bach, W.B. Bradbury; arr. A.B. Sherman Come, Christians, Join to Sing Trad. Spanish Melody; arr. L. Larson Tinnitus Handbells Shirley Philips *Entry of the Bible *Lighting of the Christ Candle *Choral Introit Holy, Holy, Holy *Call to Worship Janet Hyde David Telfer R. Heber/J. M. Martin Roberto DeSandoli *HYMN 61 Oh Come and Sing Unto the Lord Prayer of Adoration and Confession and The Lord s Prayer Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever. Amen. Assurance of Pardon
*HYMN 645 Follow Me, the Master Said Conversation with Young Christians Prayer for Illumination Murdo Marple Eternal God, in the reading of scripture, let us hear your voice; in the living or our lives, let us see your love; in the reflections of our minds, let us know your will; in the name of Jesus we pray, Amen. Scripture Judges 4:1-7 (page 204, Old Testament) Responsive Psalm 123 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 (page 181, New Testament) Matthew 25:14-30 (page 24, New Testament) Sermon SO YOU KNEW Rev. Mark Buchanan Anthem You Are the Light T. Fettke *HYMN 663 God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending Prayers of the People Offering (envelope in box on pew in front) A Song of Love Len Wolstenholme arr. J. Turner *OFFERTORY RESPONSE: HYMN 830 - Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow *Offertory Prayer Durk DeJong *HYMN 267 Rejoice, the Lord is King *Benediction and Choral Amen Postlude Celebrate and Ring D.R. Edwards
Welcome to Grace Church Today we are pleased to welcome the Rev. Mark Buchanan as guest preacher. Mark and his wife, Cheryl, live in Calgary where Mark is associate professor of Pastoral Theology at Ambrose Seminary. They have three adult children. Mark is a pastor, teacher, speaker, and the author of seven books as well as a forthcoming novel on the life of King David. He enjoys scuba diving, fishing, and motorcycles. Thank you to the Tinnitus Handbells for their musical contribution this morning. THE REV. DR. JEAN MORRIS IS AWAY ON VACATION She will return to the church on Sunday, December 10. In Jean s absence, please contact Greta Bylsma, Pastoral Assistant, or the Rev. Murdo Marple, Interim Pastoral Care Leader, with any pastoral concerns. WELCOME TO MURDO MARPLE We are pleased to welcome the Rev. Murdo Marple as Interim Pastoral Care Leader. His role will be to support the Pastoral Care ministry of Grace for a three month period. Murdo, a native of Lake Ainslie, Cape Breton, studied at St Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS (B.Sc) and Knox College/Toronto School of Theology (B.D.). He served in the ministry of the Presbyterian Church in Canada for 39 years (18 years in the Synod of the Atlantic Provinces and 21 years at Knox, Calgary). Murdo has enjoyed all aspects of ministry, particularly the areas of pastoral care, as well as mission and justice. In 2010 he retired and he and Marie continue to live in Calgary. He is presently Minister in Association at Knox Church. Marie and Murdo have three children who all live in the Greater Vancouver area. He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8
CONGRATULATIONS TO SHIRLEY SNELL who is celebrating her 100 th birthday today. THE REV. HARRY CURRIE WILL PREACH FOR THE CALL LEAD MINISTER, VISION AND WORSHIP - Rev. Harry Currie will Preach for the Call at morning worship on Sunday, November 26. The congregation is invited to meet Rev. Currie and his wife, Fiona, on Saturday, November 25 between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. At 2:00 pm, Rev. Currie will describe his faith journey and vision for ministry and respond to questions. A CONGREGATIONAL MEETING WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, FOLLOWING WORSHIP TO CONSIDER THE CALL - In order to provide time for discernment regarding the call for the Lead Minister for Grace, Session has decided that the congregational meeting will be held on December 3 following morning worship. Advent-ure 2017 is cancelled. A CONGREGATIONAL LETTER was sent via email on Thursday, November 16. The letter includes important information about Rev. Currie preaching for the call and the congregational meeting and vote. If you didn t receive this letter, please check the website at gracechurchcalgary.com. Copies are also available at the entrances to the Sanctuary.
SESSION HIGHLIGHTS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14 At its regular meeting on November 14, the Session: Affirmed the agenda for Saturday, November 25 meetings with the Rev. Harry Currie Decided that the Congregational Meeting to consider the call will be held after morning worship service December 3 Confirmed the process for voting and signing call sheets Approved a three month contract with the Rev. Murdo Marple (brief biography in this bulletin) to support pastoral care ministry for approximately 20 hours/week, starting immediately Approved extending the contracts with Roberto DeSandoli, Young Adult Ministry Coordinator, to May 31, 2018 and with Joanne Kellough, Interim Sunday school Coordinator, to June 30, 2018 Celebrated the progress made by the new Committees in their first six weeks and the leadership of their members In the continued discussion regarding sexuality within The Presbyterian Church in Canada, the congregation is encouraged to be aware of the survey at https://form/jotform.com/72747538873977 Supported providing an opportunity for worshippers at December 17 morning and evening services to give grocery gift cards as White Gifts Confirmed the schedule of worship services for Christmas Eve Approved the offering of a Lectionary-based Group Bible Study Wednesday evenings starting January 10 Created a small mentoring team of elders as Justin Thurn pursues becoming a candidate for ministry Approved a request for the Sacrament of Baptism of 11 children in January
TO ALL QUILTERS Anyone interested is welcome to participate in sewing, fellowship, sharing and fun on the fourth Saturday of each month. We share love and compassion by creating beautiful quilts that are given to families and individuals when facing times of struggle and loss and when celebrating joyful events. The next quilting bee is Saturday, November 25 from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm or anytime in between. Lunch will be provided as this is the final quilting day for this year. YOUTH GROUP EVENT, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25 - The Youth Group will be meeting next Saturday for a full, fun day of events. We will begin by gathering at Grace at 3:45 pm to meet Rev. Harry Currie before departing for our evening of rollerskating and pizza. Parents and Youth: please check your email or reach out to and contact Roberto (robertod@gracecalgary.org) to RSVP and for the Informed Consent form that is required for all rollerskating participants. ADVENT DEVOTIONALS, PEACE HOPE LIGHT, REFLECTIONS ON THE WRITINGS OF C.S. LEWIS Daily readings for Advent are available for pick up in the Library. GIFT CARDS DONATIONS ON DECEMBER 17 On Sunday, December 17, gift cards for food (for example: Safeway, Sobey s Calgary Co-op, Walmart) may be donated. These cards will be provided to the pastoral staff to distribute throughout the year. Thank you for your generosity as we live our vision of transforming lives through God s grace. Please place gift cards on the offering plates on December 17 at both morning and evening services. CHRISTMAS GIFT GIVING Joni Ermter is asking for support for an Adopt a Family initiative which involves 12 young women (some with young families, some without children). If you would like to learn more about this project, please see Joni Ermter after church or phone at 403.255.8726. Deadline is Sunday, December 3.
CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS Order forms are available at the entrances to the Sanctuary for those who wish to order Christmas poinsettias for Grace s home-bound. Poinsettias will be delivered following morning worship on December 17. GLAD TIDINGS 2018 It s time to subscribe for the Glad Tidings magazine of the Women s Missionary Society of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. The price for six issues is $15.75. Sample issues are available in the Library. The magazine challenges Christian men and women with articles related to mission and social justice issues, locally, nationally, and internationally. The magazine presents program ideas and a broad spectrum of opinion and information. Past articles have highlighted our own Zoe Say and Jean Clelland! To order, contact Fran Cormack, 403.245.2998 or franhvc@shaw.ca. The deadline is December 1. ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS (ELL) PROGRAM VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES - Our ELL program has been so popular that we are in need of additional volunteers to help newcomers to Canada improve their spoken English language skills. The program runs Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 9:30 am to noon. If you can help, please contact Cindy Stephenson, Coordinator of Volunteers, cindys@gracecalgary.org. CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 10:30 am Fourth Sunday of Advent (Sacrament of Holy Communion) 4:30 pm A Service for Families with Young Children 8:00 pm Carols and Choir
To Visitors with Children We are thankful for the presence of infants and children in our sanctuary, though if you wish, we do offer programming for kids during the service. Nursery - Care is available for children age 3 and younger; an usher can lead you to the Nursery at any time. Sunday School and Christmas Pageants - After "Conversation With Young Christians," children ages 4 through 12 are welcome to go downstairs to the Dining Hall where we will learn some songs together before heading to Sunday School classes. Thank you to Elizabeth Young, Fran Cormack, Tara Grant, and Irene Robinson for their gift of carols for the children! This morning, the Grades 3-4 and Grades 5-6 will be in the Dining Hall; Ages 4-5 and Grades 1-2 will meet in their regular classrooms. Today s classroom activities will focus on the parable of the Talents and the God-given gifts which are meant to be shared with others. This year s pageants were chosen because they are designed to include even occasional attending participants. All are invited to be a part of our community and join in the fun! Christmas Pageant Information: December 3: The Party December 10: Twas the Night Before Christmas December 17: The Good News Flash Interested in learning more about our children's programs or teaching teams? Contact Joanne Kellough at joannek@gracecalgary.org. Youth Group - All youth in Grades 7 to 12 are invited to join us for fellowship and conversation. We sit in the Sanctuary near the piano and will depart for the downstairs Youth Group room following the Conversation with Young Christians. Please see an usher if you are uncertain about finding this room. For more information, please contact Roberto DeSandoli, Young Adult Ministry Coordinator at robertod@gracecalgary.org or 403.244.5861.
Following Worship Please speak to the minister after worship if you wish to have private prayer. Today s parish nurse, Liz Sarginson, is available at the front of the sanctuary to discuss any minor medical concerns. Refreshments will be served in the Family Room following worship. All are welcome to be part of this time of fellowship. CAKE BAKE SALES For anyone who has not yet purchased their Grace Fruit Cakes, there are a few remaining. They will be available for purchase in the Family Room following today s service. SELF SERVICE COFFEE VOLUNTEER REQUEST - Over the past few months, we have transitioned to self-service coffee stations for the fellowship time following Sunday morning worship. Anyone in the congregation is invited to assist with setup of the self-service coffee stations. We are looking for two or three people to help each Sunday. If you can help, please sign the list posted in the Family Room. Thank you! Complete instructions for setting up the coffee stations can be found in the kitchen. FROM PRESBYTERIAN WORLD SERVICE AND DEVELOPMENT (PWS&D) - Until November 28, 2017, every dollar donated by Canadians in response to the Rohingya refugee crisis will be matched by the Government of Canada through its Myanmar Crisis Relief Fund. You can make a donation to PWS&D by mailing a cheque to the office, donating online or calling 1-800-619-7301 x291. Please mark all donations as Rohingya Crisis.
THE DUKE ELLINGTON NUTCRACKER SUITE - Join the Calgary Creative Arts Ensemble as they present Ellingtons' beloved classic 'The Nutcracker' and more! Fun for the whole family! Special guests include Jonathan Love (Narrator); Cedric Blary (Clarinet soloist); and featuring Tap dancer, Kelly Steele. Saturday, November 25, 2:00 pm at Grace Presbyterian Church Tickets at eventbrite.ca or 403.466.9642 (text for tix) Prices: $25/$10; kids 12 & under, free For more information, contact Mark DeJong, 403 466-9642; jujubarians@yahoo.com. VOLUNTEER USHERS FOR A TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS Volunteer ushers are needed at the upcoming CPO concerts. Ushers provide warm greetings and welcome and friendly assurance to each person who enters the sanctuary of Grace Church. If you are interested in ushering at one of the concerts, please see the sheet on the bulletin board near the Family Room to sign up. The concert is presented by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and will be held at Grace on: Thursday, November 30, 7:00 pm Friday, December 1, 7:00 pm Saturday, December 2, 2:00 pm Saturday, December 2, 7:00 pm Celebrate the spirit of the season and hear a selection of sacred and secular holiday favourites. To purchase tickets, please see: www.calgaryphil.com.
Upcoming Worship Services SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19 Evening Grace, 7:00 pm to 7:50 pm in the Chapel Preacher: Roberto DeSandoli Young Adult Ministry Coordinator SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26 Morning Worship, 10:30 am The Rev. Harry Currie will Preach for the Call for Lead Minister, Vision and Worship