THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA

GANDER PASTORAL CHARGE

Benton Gander Glenwood-Appleton

Ministers: The People of the Congregation

The Rev. Stephanie McClellan

Ms. Sharon Earle-Marshall

Organist: Ms. Karen Nevin

Sunday Worship - January 1, 2006





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 IN CELEBRATION

Musical Prelude

*The Procession of Light and Word

*Greeting

. . . and love be with you.

And also with you.

*Passing of the Peace of Christ

The peace of Christ be with you all ...

And also with you.

Life and Work of the Congregation

*Introit: #48 VU: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing





*Call to Worship {Responsively}

People of God, come.

Come to follow the way prepared for you.

Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth.

Once again the earth is surprised at a manger, as the glory of

God transform the commonplace.

Let us go to Bethlehem to see what God has made

known to us.

Experience the wonder of God's ways.

Let us bring glory and praise to God!

*Prayer of Approach

*Hymn: #36 VU: Angels, from the Realms of Glory

Theme Conversation

Prayer of Confession (in unison)

Holy God, you offer us new life

in the baby at Bethlehem,

but we confess that we have made something trivial, something sentimental, out of Christmas.

Your light comes into the world,

and often we see only the pretty lights on trees.

You shine in the darkness,

but frequently we turn away from the darkness of our world, and miss you.

Your Word is made flesh,

but we would like something nicer, something more spiritual, than God with us in the flesh.

Words of Assurance

*Hymn: #314 VU: Come Now, Almighty King

SERVICE OF THE WORD

Prayer for Illumination

Hebrew Scriptures: Isaiah 61:10- 62:3

God Clothes me with salvation and righteousness.

* Responsive Reading: Psalm 148 (VU pg. 871)

Let all creation praise God.

Epistle Reading: Galatians 4:4-7

No longer a slave but a child of God and an heir.

Gospel: Luke 2:22-40

Jesus is presented in the Temple.

Sermon: 'Behold our Salvation'

*Hymn: #45 VU: Joy Is Now in Every Place

RESPONSE TO THE WORD

Offertory Invitation

Presentation of Offering

Offertory

* Doxology

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

* Prayer of Dedication of Gifts and Self

Prayers Of The People

The Lord's Prayer

EMBRACING THE NEW YEAR

*Hymn: #528 VU: God of Life

*Commissioning & Benediction: {Responsively}

Follow the light of hope's guiding star.

Seek the child.

Listen to the words of a heavenly host.

Find the child.

Offer as gifts the best that you have.

Serve the child.

Peace be among us.

God be with us. Amen.

Musical Postlude

Happy New Year!

Resources used in this Service:

Voices United; Celebrate God's Presence; NL United Church Website

 

This Week In Prayer

Please remember those who face yet another year without the hope of Christ in thier life

Thank you, God, for the treasure of THIS day and THIS year.

May we live gratefully in each moment and not pass them in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow.

 

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 NEXT WEEK - January 8, 2006

Gander 11:00 a.m. All ages

Benton 2:00 p.m.

Glenwood 7:00 p.m. Hymn Sing/Bible Study

SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

Mon. 2nd., Al-anon, 8:30 - 9:30 p.m., C. Bsmt.

Tues., 3rd, UCW Genesis Unit, 8:30 p.m., C.H. Parlour

Handbell practice, 6:30 p.m., Church Sanctuary

A.A., 8-10 p.m., Church basement (choir room)

Wed. 4th., Men's Fellowship, Noon to 1:30 p.m., C.H. Parlour

Labyrinth available, 10:00 - 7:00 p.m., C.H. Aud.

Choir practice - Church Sanctuary

Men's Choir, 7:00 p.m. & Senior Choir, 8:00 p.m.

Thurs., 5th TOPS, 7-9 p.m., C.H. Parlour

Fri . 6th., A.A., 8-10 p.m., Church Basement (Choir Room)

Sun. 8th. Scout Group Committee, 7:00 p.m., C.H. Parlour

NEW YEAR'S DAY MEMORIALS

to the Sunday School:

towards Choir Music:

STARTING IN THE NEW YEAR January 2006 - An Emerging Spirit - The second Saturday of every month 7-9:30 PM - College and Career Crowd. Join for fun and fellowship. If child care is necessary, let us know!! Call Rev. Steph for more information 256-3000! Invite Friends!

VOTING PRIVILEGES AND CONFRIMATION - the congregation of Fraser Road United will be voting on two important issues before Spring 2006 - the issues are Same-Sex Marriages and the calling of a new Minister. Our National Church requires that only confirmed members can vote on either of these matters. At a meeting on Oct. 17, our Church Council agreed that we would proceed on that basis. It was decided we would make it possible for adherents (non-members) to participate in these votes by presenting the opportunity for them to become members of or have their membership transferred to Fraser Road United Church. Beginning on Sunday, January 8, 2006, and for the following three Sundays, Confirmation Classes will be held in the Church Sanctuary from 2 - 4 p.m. with Confirmation taking place at 7 p.m. on Sunday, January 29, 2006.

This will be the only set of Confirmation classes offered for the Pastoral Charge this year. Confirmation age begins with Grade 8 students.

These important votes will take place sometime after Jan. 29, 2006 with only confirmed members of the congregation being permitted to vote.

COMMENTARY ON TODAY'S BIBLE READINGS are printed and available at the back of the Church. Be sure to pick up your copy each week.

JUST A REMINDER The Board of Fraser Road United Church endeavours to make the building a scent-free environment. Please respect the health of those who are adversely affected by scents of any kind.

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

Genesis 1:1-5

Psalm 29 (VU pg. 756)

Acts 19:1-7

Gospel: Mark 1:4-11