Chilliwack United Church Remembrance Sunday 10:30 a.m. Prelude We Gather as God's People Welcoming & Greeting Our Neighbours Gathering Song & Lighting the Christ Candle No. 1 MV (Verse 1) Let Us Build a House Let us build a house where love can dwell and all can safely live, a place where saints and children tell how hearts learn to forgive. Built of hopes and dreams and visions, rock of faith and vault of grace; here the love of Christ shall end divisions: All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place. Call to Worship Today we remember the tragedy of war. We light a candle to remember those who have died and those who have suffered in war. (Light the 1 st candle) We remember the rebuilding that comes after war. We light a candle for the hope that comes in the rebuilding. (Light the 2 nd candle) We remember God's presence with us in the sorrow and the hope. We light a candle to remember God's presence with us. (Light the 3 rd candle) - 1 -
We remember the peace that comes when we follow Jesus and live in God's way. We light a candle for peace. (Light the 4 th candle) Let us worship God as we remember, hope, and help build God's world of peace. Praise and thanks be to God! Hymn of Praise No. 40 MV Never Ending Joy Opening Prayer (In Unison) God of peace and love, we remember with sadness the pain and suffering of war. We remember those who are suffering this minute because of past wars or present wars. We also remember the smaller wars that happen within communities, among friends, within families, within ourselves. We pray for peace. We pray for courage to be peacemakers, no matter the cost. We pray for the day when your love is alive in every heart, in every corner of the world. Amen. Remembering God's Peace in Times of War Anthem In Flanders Fields A Pittance of Time By Terry Kelly, Dartmouth NS www.terry-kelly.com Act of Remembrance God is our refuge and strength, a well-proved help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1) Acknowledgment of Veterans, Legion & Auxiliary Members - 2 -
Placing Poppies on the Wreath Remembering They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them. We will remember them. The Last Post A Minute of Silence Reveille A Sacred Trust (Written by Brian Howell, Japanese United Church, Hamilton ON) Prayer Everliving God, we remember those whom you have gathered from the storm of war into the peace of your presence. May that same peace calm our fears, bring justice to all peoples and establish harmonies among the nations. We pray through Jesus the Christ. Amen. Hymn No. 526 VU Weep for the Dead - 3 -
Prayer of Confession Loving God, you ask us to remember, yet how easily we forget. When we fail to remember the sacrifices of others, forgive us, God. And help us remember. When we forget the emotional scars of war left upon children, and their children's children, forgive us, God. And help us remember. When we forget our own whispered innuendo, our own cutting words, our own snubs, our own finger pointing, our own eyes averted from injustice; forgetting that each person on earth is your beloved child and our sister and brother, forgive us, God. And help us remember. When we forget your love for us, and that you call us to be your instruments of peace, forgive us, God. And help us remember. Assurance of Pardon By the same power that was at work in raising Jesus Christ from death, God transforms our confession into a call to commitment. God's own love and compassion frees us to follow the way of Jesus, as we remember and commit our lives to building a world of peace and justice. This is God's forgiveness. This is God's Eternal Life. Thanks be to God. Amen. Hebrew Scripture Micah 4:1-4 In days to come the mountain of the Lord s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised up above the hills. Peoples shall stream to it, and many nations shall come and say: Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways - 4 -
and that we may walk in his paths. For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between many peoples, and shall arbitrate between strong nations far away; they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more; but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees, and no one shall make them afraid; for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken. Gospel Reading John 14:25-27 I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church. Thanks be to God! Reflection Hymn No. 492 VU God of the Living Responding to God's Word The Life & Work of the Church Presentation of Our Offering Musical Offering - 5 -
Sung Response No. 542 VU We give you but your own, whate'er the gift may be; all that we have is yours alone, we give it gratefully. Prayer of Dedication (In Unison) Holy God, you call us in response to the faith we proclaim in you. As we offer ourselves and these gifts to you now, we pray that our offerings may enable the life of this congregation, and may bless the lives of many in the world. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen. Prayers of Remembrance & Thanksgiving Hymn No. 684 VU Make Me a Channel of Your Peace Commissioning & Benediction Sung Blessing No. 215 MV Peace Be With You 3 (You are invited to join hands with those around you to form a blessings circle ) 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 Today wholeness has come to this house. - Luke 19:9 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 3 Words and music: Alison L. Wesley (Slaats), 2000. Used by permission - 6 -
Announcements Leading the Service Today: Clergy; Rev. Heather Anderson Musician; Lynda Mundstock Music Director; Marilyn Taves Scripture Reader; Jack Stanley Lectionary Readings for November 17, 2013 Isaiah 65:17-25 Isaiah 12 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 Luke 21:5-19 Sincerest sympathies and heartfelt prayers are extended to Jack Stanley and family. Jack's mother, Ethel White, passed away Tuesday, November 5 in Wingham, Ontario. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 14 in Wingham. Budget Summary Average Weekly Revenue Required to Service our 2013 Operating Budget $ 3,596.00 Average Weekly Revenue to October 31, 2013 3,280.00 Deficit as of October 31, 2013 (13,794.00) Deficit as of October 31, 2012 (12,761.00) Average Mission & Service Weekly Revenue Required to Service our 2013 Objective $ 259.00 Average Mission & Service Weekly Revenue Received to October 31, 2013 212.00 Mission & Service Funds Received to Date October 31, 2013 9,215.00 Mission & Service Funds Received to Date October 31, 2012 10,070.00 For your information, complete regular Monthly Financial Statements are posted in the Narthex on the bulletin board next to the ramp. - 7 -
Keep on top of the latest news! Be sure to contact the church office at 604-792-4634 or email chwkuc@shaw.ca, and add your name to our email list! Time to wrap up the Seed Money Project. The last day for the Seed Money Project is Saturday, November 16. If you have any proceeds from your fundraising project, we encourage you to turn them into the church office a soon as feasible following November 16. Sincerest thanks to everyone who participated in this fun event. Your hard work and creativity is very much appreciated. Orders for Purdy's Chocolates will be received November 3, 10 and 17. Catalogues and order forms are available this morning in the Narthex and church hall, or from the church office during the week. A taste of Egypt on Saturday, November 16! Clint & Laura Hames and Len & Linda Andrews are planning an Egyptian Night Fundraiser in our church hall. Tickets will be $15.00. There will be an Egyptian dinner and photo presentation. It should be great fun! Invite your friends and family to join us. There is also an opportunity for Seed Money participants to sell their wares. If you would like to sell your Seed Money items, contact Laura at 604-858-2498 or email laurahames60@gmail.com Our annual collection of mitts, toques, scarves, socks, underwear and toiletries for men and women is underway and will continue until December 1. Donations can be left in the Narthex on Sundays or at the church office during the week. Items will be distributed to folks attending the Saturday Manna Soup Kitchen on Saturday, December 7 here at Chilliwack United Church. Aprons and More Aprons! On sale today and November 17 in the hall. Julie has lots of Christmas aprons and a whole new selection of beautiful colours and prints for women and men. Get first chance at the new stock. After November 17, the aprons will hit the Christmas craft sale circuit! - 8 -
Christmas Cake & Cookie Sale and Tea Saturday, November 30 1:30 3:00 p.m. In Our Church Hall Tea Tickets: $5.00 Donations of home baked cookies most graciously received! Vibrant Congregations Have Effective Leaders A Workshop for Congregational Leaders Saturday, November 16-8:45 a.m. to Noon Trinity Memorial United Church 33737 George Ferguson Way, Abbotsford This FREE workshop is for Council members, paid staff, UCW members, Sunday School teachers, choir members and any other interested folks. RSVP and direct any questions to Lori Megley-Best, 604-802-5040, lori.megley-best@telus.net The 2013 catalogue Gifts With Vision is now available in the Narthex. Instead of purchasing gifts for friends and family, consider donating to a great cause on their behalf. If you have a heart for at risk, homeless and exploited youth in our community, support the first ever Cyrus Centre Chilliwack Dessert Fundraiser on Friday, November 15 7:00 9:00 p.m. to learn about how you can get involved. Find out more, or RSVP, by visiting http://cyruscentredessert.eventbrite.ca or by contacting Rebecca at 604-792-0694. Cyrus Centre Chilliwack is a resource centre and emergency shelter for at risk, homeless and exploited youth. - 9 -
Duke Ellington: It's back! The Sacred Music of Duke Ellington Concert is happening Thursday, November 14 at St. Andrew's Wesley United Church, 100 1022 Nelson St., Vancouver. Proceeds benefit First United, The Dugout & End Homelessness Now. Call 1-604-786-8715 for more information. Come and experience a Fashion Show with a difference at All Saints Anglican Church in Agassiz! Come to this great fundraiser in support of El Salvadoran Artisans on Friday, December 6 from 6:00 9:00 p.m. The evening will feature a fashion show with hand-made seasonal clothing, a dance troupe, guitar music of El Salvador, story telling, raffle and dinner (including wine and soft drinks). This event will give the artisans orders for their clothes, fair prices for their work, dignity and hope. Tickets are $25. each and are now on sale at Lolly's Fashion Lounge and Rainbow Country Travel & Tours. Profits will be sent back to the artisans in El Salvador. Did You Know? First United Mission houses 189 people in 3 social housing buildings. Newly-homed folks get a care package of bedding, etc. 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 www.wondercafe.ca Chilliwack United Church Monday, November 11 to Sunday, November 17 Monday, November 11 Remembrance Day Church Office Closed Tuesday, November 12 1:00 Thrift Shop Open 7:00 Support Ministry Unit Meeting 7:30 Choir Practice All are welcome. Come make a joyful noise! Wednesday, November 13 10:00 Thrift Shop Open 10:30 Drop In Bible Study 7:00 Council Meeting Thursday, November 14 10:00 Thrift Shop Open - 10 -
Friday, November 15 10:00 Thrift Shop Open 10:30 Mission Ministry Unit Meeting 5:00 Meeting of Fraser Presbytery at Trinity United Church, Abbotsford Saturday, November 16 10:00 Thrift Shop Open 6:00 Egyptian Night Fundraiser Sunday, November 17 10:30 All Ages Worship Service & Sunday School 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: Faith, Fitness, and Fundraising What do you get when you combine fitness and fundraising? The Maritime Conference Stewardship Committee decided to find out. Here s what happened. The Maritime Conference Stewardship Committee asked United Church people around the Maritimes to sign up for the Bluenose Marathon held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, every May. Participants could cover any distance from five kilometres to the full 42 kilometres. The fundraising happened because church participants also signed up as members of Runners United for Change, a Charity Challenge team. This allowed them to use the marathon to raise money for the Mission and Service Fund. The motto of Runners United: Stewardship of the body and stewardship of the world. As people trained for the race running and walking regularly, pushing their bodies, and taking time for themselves they discovered it led to surprising results. Many felt closer to God, finding that training time became prayer time. Some confronted grief and anger over past losses, while others felt their self-esteem grow along with their fitness. Through e-mail and Facebook, participants shared how training for the race had helped them grow in faith. All this even before the starting gun went off. When the final results were tallied, over 25 United Church people had participated in Runners United and over $13,000 was raised for the church s mission and service. So what do you get when you combine fitness and fundraising? Faith and a whole lot of fun. Every gift to the church s mission and service is used wisely and helps transform lives. Please continue to give generously. - 12 -