THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA
GANDER PASTORAL CHARGE
Benton Gander Glenwood-Appleton
Ministers: The People of the Congregation
The Rev. Marion Davis
The Rev. Stephanie McClellan
Organist and Choir Director: Karen Nevin
Choir: Senior Choir
Sunday Worship - February 27, 2005
At the call of Jesus Christ, we, the people
of Fraser Road United Church, seek to:
Welcome all;
Strengthen one another;
Nurture each other in faith;
Prepare and direct our people
into God's world for service.
* Please stand as you are able.
WE GATHER AS GOD'S PEOPLE
MUSICAL PRELUDE
*THE PROCESSION OF LIGHT AND WORD
*GREETING
*PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST
The peace of Christ be with you......
.AND ALSO WITH YOU.
LIFE AND WORK OF THE CONGREGATION
*INTROIT: Giver of the Perfect Gift ( vs. 1 & 4)
Giver of the perfect gift,
only hope of human race,
hear the prayer our hearts uplift,
gathered at thy throne of grace.
Oh, may these our Lenten days,
blest by thee, with thee be passed,
that with purer, nobler praise
we may keep thy feast at last.
*CALL TO WORSHIP
We come to give thanks to God,
Who remains in our midst on our journey of faith.
We come to give praise to God,
Who nourishes us with living water.
We come to give witness to God,
Who leads us to our final destiny.
*PRAYER OF APPROACH
Most Holy God,
we rejoice in our awareness of your presence.
As you enter our lives,
refresh and renew us;
grant that we may live with love
in the example of Jesus the Christ
and in the power of the Holy Spirit,
through whom we pray. Amen
*HYMN: I've Got Peace Like a River #577
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
DIALOGUE
Brothers and sisters, let us celebrate the gift of grace given to us in the sacrament of baptism.
There is one Body and one Spirit;
we have one hope in Christ.
There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
one God, Creator of us all.
Out of the water of baptism we rise
with new life, forgiven, renewed, and one
with Christ, members of Christ's body.
We gather at this font to claim for these persons
the gift of God's grace and call in Jesus Christ,
and to celebrate his welcome into the family of faith.
SCRIPTURE
PRESENTATION
PROFESSION OF FAITH
* CONGREGATIONAL PLEDGE
As a baptized and baptizing church,
we commit ourselves
to support and uphold you
within the community of faith.
May God grant us all
the grace to live out our baptism.
* AFFIRMATION OF FAITH: A New Creed #918 VU
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING AND
THE POURING OF THE WATER
God be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give our thanks to God.
It is good to give God thanks and praise.
Blessed are you, O God, . . .the rock in the wilderness.
Blessed are you, O God.
In the fullness of time,. . . , wellspring of eternal life.
Blessed are you, O God.
Therefore, . . . and source of grace.
Blessed are you, O God.
All glory, praise and honour be to you,
now and forever. Amen
THE ACT OF BAPTISM
I baptize you . . of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
With the sign. . .claimed as Christ's forever.
Amen
LAYING ON OF HANDS
The power . . .witness of Jesus Christ.
Amen
WELCOME
Into the household of faith,
we welcome you with joy and thanksgiving.
We are members of the body of Christ.
We are inheritors of God's promise.
In the name of Christ, we welcome you.
PRESENTATION OF THE LIGHT
BLESSING
The grace of Christ attend you,
the love of God surround you,
the Holy Spirit keep you. Amen.
PRAYER
Remember your baptism, all of you,
and be thankful!
We remember, and we are thankful,
by the grace of God! Amen
SERVICE OF THE WORD
FIRST READING: Exodus 17:1-7
After receiving manna from heaven, the Israelites complain to Moses that they have no water. God directs Moses to strike the rock at Horeb with the same staff that struck the waters of the Nile and when he does, water flows forth.
* RESPONSIVE READING: Psalm 95 VU p. 814)
Let us shout with joy to the rock of our salvation.
MINISTRY OF MUSIC Faith To Face The Future
GOSPEL READING: John 4:5-42
Jesus asks a Samaritan woman for a drink of water. Thus begins a discussion with her that includes the waters of eternal life, worship in Spirit and truth, and the hoped-for coming of the Messiah fulfilled in Jesus.
SERMON
*HYMN: Love Divine All Loves Excelling #333
RESPONSE TO THE WORD
INVITATION
PRESENTATION OF OFFERING
OFFERTORY MINISTRY OF MUSIC Old Time Religion Medley
* DOXOLOGY
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.
* PRAYER OF DEDICATION OF GIFTS AND SELF
Strike the rock, O God, and let your living water flow from the hard cash we offer. Let these gifts become your living word, food, and drink, in ministries in this community and around the world through the Mission and Service Fund. In the name of Jesus, whose living water brings us life. Amen
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD'S PRAYER
THE SENDING FORTH
*HYMN: Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah #651
*COMMISSIONING AND BENEDICTION
MUSICAL POSTLUDE
RESOURCES USED IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS WORSHIP SERVICE: Gathering L/E/P 2005; The Minister's Annual Manual 2004-05; Celebrate God's Presence
CONGREGATIONAL LIFE AND WORK
Welcome to all of you, members and visitors, who have gathered to worship this day. May this holy time bring you fellowship with God and neighbour, and many blessings. We invite visitors to sign our guest register, and please, do come and worship with us again when you are in our area.
WORSHIP TODAY - FEBRUARY 27, 2005 - LENT 3
Gander 11:00 a.m. Sacrament of Baptism
Benton 2:00 p.m.
Glenwood 11:00 a.m.
WORSHIP NEXT SUNDAY - MARCH 6, 2005 - LENT 4
Gander 11:00 a.m. Sacrament of Communion
Glenwood 7:00 p.m.
SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
•Today - regular classes and nursery facilities (located in the church basement)
EVENTS OF THE WEEK
Sun. 27th., Handbell Choir Practice, 7:00 p.m. C. Sanctuary
Prayer Workshop, 3:30-4:30 p.m. C. Hall Parlour
Coffee Hour, in the church hall following worship. ALL ARE WELCOME!
Mon., 28th., Parents 'n Tots, 10 - 11:45 a.m., C.H. Aud.
Women's Time Out, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m., C.H. Par.
Beavers, 6-7:15 p.m., C.H. Aud.
Cubs, 7:15 - 8:30 p.m., C.H. Aud.
Al-anon, 8:30 - 9:30 p.m., C. Bsmt.
Tues., 1st., Lectionary Study, 10:30 a.m., C.H. Parlour
UCW Genesis Unit, 8:30 p.m., C.H. Par.
Kid's Sign Choir, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m., C.H. Parlour
Adult Sign Choir, 6:30-7:30 p.m., C.H. Parlour
A.A., 8-10 p.m., Church basement (choir room)
Wed. 2nd., Men's Fellowship, noon to 12:30 p.m. Parlour
Youth Group, 7:30- 9 p.m., C.H. Aud.
Mens' Choir Practice, 7:00 p.m.
Senior Choir Practice, 8:00 p.m.
Church Sanctuary
Thurs., 3rd Death & Grief Workshop, 6:30 p.m., 3 Brochen St.
Scouts, 7-9 p.m., C.H. Aud.
Guitar Group, 7:30 p.m., Church Basement
TOPS, 7-9 p.m., C.H. Parlour
Fri . 4th., A.A., 8-10 p.m., Church Basement (Choir Room)
TODAY WE RECEIVE through the Sacrament of Baptism into the Church of Christ, and into Fraser Road United Church family: Megan Abigail JONES, infant daughter of Craig & Heather JONES, and Ethan Raymond ROBBINS, infant son of Todd & Lisa ROBBINS. Congratulations to these new parents, and their families. All are invited to join us in the church hall following worship for the cutting of the baptism cake, and a time of fellowship.
WE GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGE a donation to the Sunday School in loving memory of DAVID WINSOR, on the occasion of the Baptism of his granddaughter, Megan - by wife, Jane, daughter, Heather (Craig), Matthew and Megan.
ENQUIRING MINDS beginning SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26th. from 3-4:30 p.m. at the church hall parlour.
UCW FUND RAISER LOONEY PLATES have been placed at the back of the church. If you would like to participate by filling one of these, please take one with you. Last years plates can be returned to Ruth Tremblett (651-2044) or to any UCW member. By putting your envelope number on the plate you will receive credit to your church givings for the year.
THANK YOU to Chester Dawe for donating supplies for our Sunday School to make bird feeders two Sundays ago. Thanks as well to Dave Hanrahan and Gerry Newhook for the time they put into this. The children throughly enjoyed working on the project.
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER Let Our Light Shine St. Martin's Anglican Church, Friday, March 4th at 8 p.m. All are welcome!
SCOUT/GUIDE WEEK February 20th to 26th. Week ends today with an Ecumenical Service at St. Joseph's at 2:00 p.m. Uniforms required. COME AND CELEBRATE!
VOLUNTEER COUNTERS Due to transfers and illnesses, volunteers are urgently needed to count and deposit Sunday collections. Your turn will occur only about every two and a half months. Initially, volunteers will be assigned with an experienced counter, and subsequently with a partner of their choice. Please volunteer, we really need you!
ADVANCE NOTICE
POP CAN TABS The pop can collection is an ongoing project throughout the year. Please do save them!
RELAY FOR LIFE The Canadian Cancer Society will be holding a Public Information Session, March 10th. at the Gander Community Centre Sports Archives Room @ 7:00 p.m. We invite you to become a part of Relay For Life by entering a team or volunteering some of your time. You are encouraged you to bring a friend, family member, or work associate.
WATCH SPIRIT CONNECTION every week -
Sunday nights on VISION TV - 10:00 p.m. Nfld.
Tonight:.Glimpses of the Spirit - Lenten Series Part One - Reconciliation www.united-church.ca/spirit
WE APPRECIATE YOUR LETTING US KNOW
WHEN A MEMBER OF YOUR FAMILY OR A FRIEND
IS ILL AT HOME OR IN THE HOSPITAL
Next Week's Readings
1 Samuel 16:1-13
Psalm 23 (VU - pg. 747-749)
Epistle: Ephesians 5:8-14
Gospel: John 9:1-41
email: fraseruc@nfld.net
website: www.unitedchurchgander.ca
Marion Duffitt - Newsletter Reporter 651-3189