Fourth after Epiphany January 31, 2016 *Please stand as you are able. Congregational responses in bold. Prelude ANNUAL MEETING The Life and Work of the Community Greeting: One: Arise, shine, a new day has come. All: The glory of God is all around us. (Isaiah 60:1) Introit: Jesus, stand among us VU#396 v.1 in your risen power; let this time of worship be a hallowed hour. The work and worship of the church are intertwined. When we work for God it is a form of worship. Our Council meetings are a form of worship dedicated to God and the work of the church. Today, in this service we will visibly combine the work and worship of this Church. Call to Order of Annual Meeting Nomination of Chairperson & Secretary for Meeting *Hymn: I m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me VU#575 Call to Worship: We know that Jesus stands among us here, for the gospel declares where two or three are
-2- gathered, Jesus is present. We know that Jesus blesses our time together. He blesses the work we do as a congregation. Yesterday, today and tomorrow. Jesus leads us. Let us follow him. Let us lift up our voices in thanks and praise. Let us worship God! Written by Frances Flook, Emo/Devlin PC, Emo, ON. Gathering, A/C/E 2015-16, page 45. Used with permission. Opening Prayer (in unison): Ever faithful God, we gather to worship and share in the work of this congregation. We celebrate the wonder of your goodness and the miracle of your call to faith-filled service. Empower us to commit ourselves to the way of love, justice, and mercy. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen. Written by Laura Turnbull, Penticton UC, Penticton, BC. Gathering, A/C/E 2015-16, page 45. Used with permission. *Hymn Jesus Bids Us Shine VU#585 Theme Time Prayer: For All Your Goodness, God VU#549 Motion to extend vote to adherents (Section B.3.7.2, page 56, United Church Manual) Minutes from last meeting Motion to approve minutes Business arising from the Minutes (items to be named - any long discussions to be tabled until later in the service) Correspondence Prayer for Understanding Question(s) Reader: Rev. Jane Aikman Jeremiah 1:4-10 Before you were formed in the womb, I set you apart. One: This is the witness of Israel. All: Thanks be to God.
-3- Psalm Response: Psalm 71 (Part One) VU#789 God is our fortress and sheltering rock. *Hymn: Lord, Speak to Me VU#589 Luke 4: (14-21), 21-30 Jesus is driven out of Nazareth. One: This is the Good News of Jesus Christ. All: Praise to Christ the Word. Reflection Affirmation of Faith A New Creed VU#918 Anthem Offering Invitation Offertory Dedication of Committee Reports Each Committee Chairperson shall say, I dedicate this (name of Committee) report to the Glory of God. *Offertory Prayer: Tune: VU#44 In gratitude and humble trust we bring our best today to serve your cause and share your love with all along life's way. O God, who gave yourself to us in Jesus Christ, your Son, teach us to give ourselves each day until life's work is done. Prayers of the Congregation May we find the strength to work together in this pastoral charge. We pray for the will and the faith to be creative and kind in our relationships with one another. In conflict and violence, when dreams are destroyed and justice is ignored, help us to not give up, O God. In sickness and as we age, when the vulnerability of our bodies is evident, help us to honour the gifts we are and have. God calls and equips us to care for one another; may we step forward in faith: faith in God, faith in our community, faith in
-4- ourselves, to do the right thing. (a time of offering personal prayers) Let us gather our prayers together as we say the prayer that Jesus left us: The Lord s Prayer Written by Suzanne Edgar, St. Andrew s UC, Indian Head, SK. Gathering, A/C/E 2015-16, page 45. Used with permission. VU#910 *Hymn: Spirit God, Be Our Breath MV#150 Sharing God s Gifts of Food (Grace) Discussion of Reports New Business Move downstairs to share lunch. Presentation of Proposed Budget for 2016 Discussion Other New Business Commissioning: Beloved of God, Christ follower, go into this world in which Jesus lived and heed his call to follow your heart, not your fears. We will bless the world with our imagination, transform it with our courage and enliven it with our compassion. Amen. Written by Suzanne Edgar, St. Andrew s UC, Indian Head, SK. Gathering, A/C/E 2015-16, page 45. Used with permission. The Annual Congregational Meeting will be held today as part of the service of worship. The UCW will be providing a soup luncheon with a gluten-free and vegetarian alternative (free will offering). Copies of the 2015 Annual Report are available at the back of the sanctuary. Resources used in the writing of this service: Seasons of the Spirit, Advent/Christmas/Epiphany 2015-2016; Minister s Annual Manual 2015-2016; Gathering, Advent/Christmas/Epiphany 2015-2016 ~Words to music reprinted with permission LicenSing #621976
Welcome to Mount Royal United Church! A Christian Family encouraging spiritual growth through Worship, Friendship, Learning and Action. Your presence enriches our worship. Newcomers and visitors are welcome, and invited to sign our guest book at the back (name and address, if possible). If you are able, please join us for coffee and conversation. Choose a green mug so that we may introduce ourselves to you. If you are new to Mount Royal and would like any information on giving, or how we make a difference in the world through the money we collect, please contact the church office. There are many options including envelopes and PAR (Pre Authorized Remittance) which make it easier to give, and also tax deductible as charitable giving! Help support the vital ministry of Mount Royal! Minister: the Rev Dr Beverly Daley Minister Emeritus: the Rev Ron Maund Music Director: France Henriques Office Administrator: Tracy Parrott Custodian: Wayne Surrette Welcomer: Sandra Foreman-Webb Ushers: Esther Mah, Joyce & (Norman Bremner), Colin Montgomery Church Office: 855-5771 Kitchen Phone & Fax: 855-7180 Office e-mail: office@mountroyaluc.ca Mount Royal website: www.mountroyaluc.ca Office Hours: Monday Thursday, 9am-3pm Screen Operators for the next 4 weeks: Jan 31 Stephen, Feb 7 Erik, Feb 14 Jim, Feb 21 Mike/Penny Ushers for the next 4 weeks: (chairlift operator in brackets) Feb 7 Eleanor & (Ensor Nicholson) Feb 14 Mike Matheson, (Ron Roper), Baxter & Pat Sweet Feb 21 Mildred Underhill, Thelma Barclay, Ellen Close, Barb Campbell Feb 28 Erik & Caroline Gingles, Robert & Debbie McKillop (Ray Gingles) This Week s Events Today 10:30am Annual Meeting Sanc./Ch. Hall Monday 9:30am Tai Chi Church Hall
10:00am Writer s Circle Boardroom 12:00pm Pastoral Care Boardroom 6:30pm Cubs Church Hall 7:00pm Worship Committee Boardroom Tuesday 9:00am Craft Group Boardroom 1:00pm Art Club Church Hall Wednesday 9:30am Tai Chi Church Hall 9:30-3pm PR/PO Meeting Boardroom 7:00pm Choir Practice Sanctuary Friday 9:30am Tai Chi Church Hall Saturday 10:00am Tai Chi Church Hall Special Notices: The United church is asking for congregations help in deciding what the new structure of the church should be. If you would like to view the options please go to www.united-church.ca/files/generalcouncil/gce/2015/gce_1511_workbook-rev1.pdf UCW the UCW is appealing for help with Sunday morning coffee and treats after the service during the coming months. This gathering is a valuable fellowship time here at Mount Royal and we need help! A signup sheet will be at the Coffee window, any help will be appreciated be it supplying food or helping with set up, serving or clean up. We will be only too glad to show you around the kitchen! Need more info? Call Ellen Close 854-8620 or Joyce Bremner 854-1738. If you are aware of a member of the church who is in hospital and would like a clergy visit, please contact the office at 855-5771. If you have e-mail and would like to receive notices regarding cancellations and other items of interest please put your name and e-mail address on a piece of paper in the collection plate. Thank you. We now have a transport wheelchair, rollator and walker in the church. These will be stored at the back of the sanctuary and are there should the need arise for anyone experiencing mobility issues during services or activities at the church.
The UCW continues to collect: Postage stamps for Oxfam Canada. The border of the stamps should be trimmed to ¼. eye glasses for distribution to Third world countries. Milk bags for sleeping mats for Haiti (Hillcrest School). Plastic bread bag closure tabs Aluminum pop can closure tabs You may drop any of these items in the wooden box at the entrance of the Bessborough door. Thank you for helping with these endeavours. Community Notices: St. Paul s UC welcomes The Message in concert Saturday, Feb 6 th at 7:30pm. THE MESSAGE is a versatile, powerful group of entertainers and prolific songwriters from NB and NS dedicated to music ministry and Christian music education. Along with a highly charged, spirit filled stage show, THE MESSAGE brings an intensity to worship, to sharing music, and to following the Spirit. THE MESSAGE currently has three CDs (Most recent is Stones from the Water s Edge) and are constantly writing new music for their fourth. Cost: Adults $10 (Children under 12 free) Tickets are available from the church office and at the door. Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, Feb 6 th, 8-10:30am at Trinity UC, 9 Church St, Port Elgin, NB. Includes: Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs, Sausage, Baked Beans, Tea & Coffee. Cost: Freewill Offering. Pancake Supper, Mountain View UC, 85 MacBeath Ave, on Feb. 16 th 4:30-6:30pm. Pancakes, maple syrup, sausages, baked beans, coleslaw, dessert, tea/coffee. Adults: $7.00; Children ages 6-12: $3.50; Children under 6: Free. St. Paul s UCW will be holding their annual New to you Sale on Saturday, Feb 20 th from 9am noon. Clothing, footwear and accessories for all ages. Find out what can be New to You! 404 Cleveland Ave, Riverview. The NBYO are presenting a special concert on Saturday, March 19 th at 7:00pm at the Wesleyan Celebration Centre in Moncton, with special guest artist Measha Brueggergosman. Measha will perform eight pieces from her recent Songs of Freedom recording, accompanied by the full NBYO. The music by Measha has amazing spiritual content, drawn from her ancestral heritage and faith foundation. The tickets are adults-28.50 and students - $20. Call 1-877-700-3130 or visit: www.ticketwindow.ca
Mount Royal Cubs are now collecting recyclables. Please place your recyclables near the stage. Your empty bottles will get turned into adventures for our youth. Thank-you! Please pick up your empty containers that may have been left in the kitchen over the past few months. Thank you. If anyone has a portable DVD player that could be used by the Pastoral Care Committee to take copies of the services to shut-ins, please contact Susan Fowler at 855-7008.