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: Karen Nevin
Choir: Men's Choir
Sunday Worship - January 8, 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.
MUSICAL PRELUDE
* PROCESSION OF THE LIGHT AND WORD
* GREETING
I greet you in the name of the triune God: the Creator, the Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
* PASSING OF THE PEACE OF CHRIST
Blessed are those who make peace:
they shall be called sons and daughters of God.
We meet in the name of Christ and share his peace.
The peace of Christ be with you . .
AND ALSO WITH YOU.
CONGREGATIONAL LIFE AND WORK
* HYMN: #391 VU 'God, Reveal Your presence'
1 God, reveal your presence: as we now adore you
and with awe appear before you.
Here in this your temple: all within keep silence,
gather now with deepest reverence.
You alone God we own,
you, our God and Saviour: praise your name for ever.
2 God, reveal your presence: hear the harps resounding;
see the crowds the throne surrounding.
'Holy, holy, holy!' Hear the hymn ascending,
angels, saints, their voices blending.
Bow your ear to us here;
hearken, O Lord Jesus, to our humble praises.
3 O great Fount of blessing, purify my spirit,
trusting only in your merit;
like the holy angels gathered all before you,
may I ceaselessly adore you.
Let your will ever still
rule your church terrestrial, as the hosts celestial.
* CALL TO WORSHIP (responsive): [based on Psalm 29]
L: The Lord be with you.
P: And also with you.
L: Ascribe to the Lord, O mighty ones, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
P: Ascribe to the Lord the glory due to his name; worship the Lord in the splendour of his holiness.
L: The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever.
P: The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.
* OPENING PRAYER (in unison):
Eternal God - when we truly pause and consider the universe in which we dwell - when we calm our hearts and our minds and gaze about us - we are filled with awe and wonder, and we feel the force, the Spirit, gathering about us, brooding over us, reaching out to us. In the silence, O Lord, your voice becomes clear to us. We remember, indeed we sense, how it brings to life all that is - and how it is good. Today, most Gracious God, in this day you have made, we pray that we might truly sense the wonder of who you are and what you have done and are still doing - and we pray that in this and in all that we do we may bless your holy name and be united with you and our brothers and sisters in a holy love. We ask it in the name of Christ Jesus. Amen.
THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
* BAPTISMAL HYMN: #450 VU 'Here at This Font'
1 Here at this font, Source of all life,
we bring a child for you to bless.
Met in our worship, may we know
the gospel's way of happiness.
2 Pour out this water, fresh and clear.
Make it a sign of life and love.
Now, as at Jordan long ago,
show your approval, Holy Dove.
3 Embrace this child with gentle arms,
as on that day in Galilee
you called the young, and showed to all
the power of humility.
4 Guide church and parents in our task
to teach each child to walk your way.
May Christ's commandments be obeyed
in all we think or do or say.
DIALOGUE
The sacrament of baptism
proclaims and celebrates the grace of God.
By water and the Spirit,
we are called, claimed, and commissioned:
we are called God's own,
welcomed as children of God;
we are claimed by Christ,
united with Christ,
united with one another and the Christian community
of every time and place;
we are commissioned to Christ's ministry
of love, peace, and justice,
and strengthened by the Holy Spirit
for the work of the church in the world.
PRESENTATION OF CHILDREN
Elder: On behalf of the congregation of Fraser Road United Church, I present, for initiation into the body of Christ through baptism: Sarah Lillie ROBBINS, child of Gary & Jolene ROBBINS.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH: A New Creed #918
We are not alone, we live in God's world.
We believe in God:
who has created and is creating,
who has come in Jesus,
the Word made flesh,
to reconcile and make new,
who works in us and others by the Spirit.
We trust in God.
We are called to be the church:
to celebrate God's presence,
to live with respect in creation,
to love and serve others,
to seek justice and resist evil,
to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen,
our judge and our hope.
In life, in death,
in life beyond death,
God is with us.
We are not alone.
Thanks be to God.
* CONGREGATIONAL PLEDGE
Minister: Let us pledge to Sarah, Gary & Jolene, our support and care.
Congregation:
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.
PROFESSION OF FAITH
Minister: Desiring the freedom of new life in Christ, do you promise to resist evil and to live in love and justice?
Parents: I do, by the grace of God.
Minister: Do you believe in God, Source of love, in Jesus Christ, Love incarnate,
and in the Holy Spirit, love's power?
Parents: I do, by the grace of God.
Minister: Will you join with your brothers and sisters in the mission and ministry of Christ's church?
Parents: I will, God being my helper.
Minister: Will you share with your child the Christian life, and seek to grow with her in faith, hope and love?
Parents: I will, God being my helper.
BLESSING OF THE WATER
We are a people of the water!
We worship a God whose love flows through water.
In Noah's time, God, Our Creator, flooded the earth with cleansing water.
We worship a God whose love flows through water.
Our ancestors in faith were led from slavery in Egypt through the waters of the Red Sea to new lives of freedom.
We worship a God whose love flows through water.
Jesus Christ came offering living water to refresh and renew people's dry and parched spirits.
We worship a God whose love flows through water.
God's love and grace was shown in Jesus' own baptism. As he rose for the water, God's own voice was heard to proclaim, "This is my beloved child
with whom I am well-pleased." Through the waters of baptism, God says the same to us. (pour water)
We worship a God whose love flows through water.
Love, like a rain shower,
awakens the sleeping seed within the soul
and lures it to blossom.
We worship a God whose love flows through water.
Love, like a wading pool, inspires the delight of children, jumping, splashing, spraying each other, shivering with wet joy.
We worship a God whose love flows through water.
Love, like a hot shower after a long day's work, cleanses us, reawakens us.
We worship a God whose love flows through water.
Love, like little drops, drips from fingertips to forehead.
Through baptism, the incredible family of faith makes room for one more.
THE BAPTISM
Minister: Sarah Lillie ROBBINS, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All: Amen.
Minister: Sarah, with the sign of the cross, you are claimed as Christ's forever.
All: Amen
LAYING ON OF HANDS
Sarah, may the Holy Spirit, Love's power,
guide you, inspire you, and work within you,
all the days of your life.
Amen.
WALK THE WALK
WELCOME BY THE SUNDAY SCHOOL (Riley & Rebecca King)
Welcome to our church!
We hope you will soon feel part of our church family.
We have gifts, friendship and love to share with you.
Please share with us and be our brother/sister in God's family.
We know you will make new friends here -
we know because we have all made new friends here
and we try to love and care for each other as Jesus asked us to.
So, come, play, have fun, learn and let us all grow together
And may you always know God's love.
RESPONSE:
Halle, Halle, Halle
Halle, halle, hallelujah! (x2)
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
PRESENTATION OF THE LIGHT:
Elder: We, your brothers and sisters in Christ, present you with this candle. Light it to remind Sarah of her baptism, done this day, that she may know that she is a member of the body of Christ.
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: Genesis 1:1-5
The first days of creation.
MINISTRY OF MUSIC Teach Me Your Way, O Lord
GOSPEL READING: Mark 1:4-11
Jesus is baptized by John.
* HYMN: #229 VU 'God of the Sparrow'
1 God of the sparrow God of the whale
God of the swirling stars
How does the creature say Awe
How does the creature say Praise
2 God of the earthquake God of the storm
God of the trumpet blast
How does the creature cry Woe
How does the creature cry Save
3 God of the rainbow God of the cross
God of the empty grave
How does the creature say Grace
How does the creature say Thanks
4 God of the hungry God of the sick
God of the prodigal
How does the creature say Care
How does the creature say Life
5 God of the neighbour God of the foe
God of the pruning hook
How does the creature say Love
How does the creature say Peace
6 God of the ages God near at hand
God of the loving heart
How do your children say Joy
How do your children say Home
REFLECTION
*HYMN: #238 VU 'O Lord My God'
1 O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
consider all the works thy hand hath made,
I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,
thy power throughout the universe displayed.
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee,
How great thou art! How great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee,
How great thou art! How great thou art!
2 When through the woods and forest glades I wander,
I hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
when I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
and hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze. R
3 But when I think that God, his Son not sparing,
sent him to die, I scarce can take it in,
that on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
he bled and died to take away my sin. R
4 When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration
and there proclaim, 'My God, how great thou art!' R
OFFERTORY INVITATION
OFFERTORY MINISTRY OF MUSIC Victory In Jesus
PRESENTATION OF OFFERING
*DOXOLOGY #540 VU
Grant us, God, the grace of giving,
with a spirit large and free,
that ourselves and all our living
we may offer faithfully.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION OF GIFTS AND SELF (in unison):
O God, from you comes all the good things we enjoy - we give in response to your giving, we identify with your compassion for those in need, your pity for those who suffer and cry out. May our gifts and the daily offerings we make with our thoughts and actions touch the lives of others and bring eternal praise unto you - Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
THE LORD'S PRAYER
WE GO FORTH IN PRAISE
*HYMN: #296 VU 'This Is God's Wondrous World'
1 This is God's wondrous world,
and to my listening ears
all nature sings, and round me rings
the music of the spheres.
This is God's wondrous world;
I rest me in the thought
of rocks and trees, of skies and seas,
God's hand the wonders wrought.
2 This is God's wondrous world:
the birds their carols raise;
the morning light, the lily white,
declare their Maker's praise.
This is God's wondrous world:
God shines in all that's fair;
in the rustling grass or mountain pass,
God's voice speaks everywhere.
3 This is God's wondrous world:
O let me ne'er forget
that though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.
This is God's wondrous world:
why should my heart be sad?
Let voices sing, let the heavens ring:
God reigns, let earth be glad!
COMMISSIONING & BENEDICTION
Go in peace - and may the Spirit of God which filled John and Jesus, fill your hearts, souls and minds; - may the power of God which upheld them, strengthen you for each day; - and may the love of God which directed their every action be your guiding light and your shining star, both now and forevermore. Amen
MUSICAL POSTLUDE
RESOURCES USED IN THIS SERVICE:
Voices United; Celebrate God's Presence; & the United Church Website
THIS WEEK IN PRAYER
This week in prayer we lift up those families who are in turmoil due to illness in the family and those who begin the New Year separated from loves ones.
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 - January 8, 2006
Gander 11:00 a.m.
Benton 2:00 p.m.
Glenwood 7:00 p.m. Hymn Sing/Bible Study
Worship next Sunday - January 15, 2006
Gander 11:00 a.m. Sunday School reopens
Lakeside 4:00 p.m. Chapel
Glenwood 7:00 p.m. Hymn Sing/Bible Study
SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
EVENTS OF THE WEEK
Sun. 8th Scout Group Commitee, 7:00 p.m., C.H. Parlour
Mon. 9th., Parents 'n Tots, 10:00 - 11:45 a.m., C.Hall Aud.
Women's Time Out, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m., C.H. Parlour
Beavers, 6-7:15 p.m., C.H. Aud.
Cubs, 7:15 - 8:30 p.m., C.H. Aud.
Guatemala Mission Team 2006, 8:00 p.m., C.H. Palour
Al-anon, 8:30 - 9:30 p.m., C. Bsmt.
Tues., 10th, Kid's Sign Language Choir, 3:30-4:30 p.m., C.H. Parlour
Adult Sign Language Choir, 6:30-7:30 p.m., C.H. Parlour
Lectionary Study, 10-11 a.m., C.H. Parlour
Session, 7:30 p.m., Parlour
Coffee With The Minister, 4:30 p.m., C.H. Parlour
Handbell practice, 6:30 p.m., Church Sanctuary
A.A., 8-10 p.m., Church basement (choir room)
Wed. 11th., Men's Fellowship, noon to 1:30 p.m., C.H. Parlour.
Choir practice - Church Sanctuary
Men's Choir, 7:00 p.m. & Senior Choir, 8:00 p.m.
Youth Group, 7-9 p.m., C.Hall Aud.
Labyrinth available, 10:00 - 7:00 p.m., C.H. Aud.
Scouts, 7-9 p.m., C.H. Aud.
Thurs., 12th TOPS, 7-9 p.m., C.H. Parlour
Scouts, 7-9 p.m., C.H. Aud.
Fri . 13th., A.A., 8-10 p.m., Church Basement (Choir Room)
Sat. 14th., Emerging Spirit, 7-9:30 p.m., C.H. Aud.
TODAY WE RECEIVE through the Sacrament of Baptism into the Church of Christ, and into Fraser Road United Church Family: Sarah Lillie ROBBINS, infant daughter of Gary & Jolene ROBBINS. Congratulations to these parents and their families. Please join us in the church hall following worship for the cutting of the baptism cake, a time of celebration and fellowship.
WE GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGE a donation to the Sunday School in memory of my great-grandmothers Sarah Hill and Lillie Woolfrey from ... Sarah Lillie Robbins.
ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING - FEBRUARY 5, 2006. All members of the congregation are encouraged to attend. COMMITTEE CHAIRS and OTHERS responsible for reports/budgets (please list committee members) are reminded to have information in by January 20th.
THANK YOU to the congregation for all your generous and loving gifts, cards, meals and encouragements given to me this Christmas Season. Your kindnesses are overwhelming and I am so very appreciative of all the ways that you express your love in abundance. May your New Year be richly blessed in the same way that you have blessed me with caring and support and joy. May the hope, peace, joy and love of the Christ in our midst be yours every day of 2006. Blessings - Rev. Steph.
LABYRINTH LESSONS - Need guidance on this ancient prayer and meditation tool? A leader will be available on Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30 PM at the Gander Church Hall. Come and find your quiet centre!
COFFEE AND CONVERSATION WITH THE MINISTER - In the Gander Church Parlour Tuesdays from 4:30-5:30 PM. Have cares and concerns about the direction of the church that need to be heard? Wondering how to get a hold of a minister just for a chat? Want to celebrate the joys and excitement of the faith? Join us Tuesdays.
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 CONFIRMATION - 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. These important votes will take place sometime after Jan. 29, 2006 with only confirmed members of the congregation being permitted to vote.
Beginning TODAY Sunday, January 8, 2006 and for the following three Sundays, Confirmation Classes will be held at 2:00 p.m. in the parlour, 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. All are invited into this conversation. Whether you'd like to become members of the church, reaffirm your faith, have meaningful and lively conversation about the Purpose of Life, Faith, God, The Bible, Spirituality and the United Church or if you just want to enter into a reflective process to restore and renew your faith commitments. All are welcome! Call Rev. Stephanie for more information.
GUATEMALA MISSION TEAM 2006 General donations in support of the Guatemala Mission Team 2006 will be gratefully accepted. Income tax receipts will be issued. Thank you to those who have already contributed.
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.
ALLERGIES Some members of our congregation suffer from allergies, especially scent allergies. We ask that you be aware of this, and that you reduce or eliminate scent-perfumes, after shave, etc. in church. Also, be aware of more prevalent allergy food problems, e.g. nuts (especially peanuts), fish, shellfish, eggs & kiwi. Some of these food allergies are life threatening.
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 3:1-10, (11-20)
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 (VU pg. 861)
1 Corinthians 6:12-20
Gospel: John 1:43-51