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 & Choir Director: Karen Nevin
Choir: Mens' Choir
Sunday Worship - January 29, 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
* PASSING OF THE PEACE OF CHRIST {Responsively}
Blessed be Christ the Prince of Peace
who breaks down the walls that divide.
The peace of God be always with you.
Praise to Christ who unities us in peace.
The peace of Christ be with you . .
AND ALSO WITH YOU.
CONGREGATIONAL LIFE AND WORK
* WORDS OF WELCOME AND CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive)
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you.
God comes into a world filled with uncertainties and darkness.
God seeks out the voids of belief and conviction.
God embraces the wounded and broken.
God knocks down the walls of division and strife.
God is the candle shining in the darkness of our days.
God is the light of our lives.
God is the one who makes all things new.
Praise be to God, now and forevermore!
* INTROIT: #376 VU: 'Spirit of the Living God' [vs.1]
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mould me, fill me, use me.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
* OPENING PRAYER (in unison):
Loving God, whose touch can heal the broken places of life, touch us today... God of peace, whose spirit of peace can quiet our spirits of confusion and despair, reassure us today... Forgiving God, whose call to repentance promises grace upon grace, place your mercy in our souls today... You who heal the sick and liberate the imprisoned, who bring justice in the midst of oppression and strength in the midst of weakness, pour out your spirit of power upon us today. Open our hearts to new faithfulness, redirect our waywardness, and hold us gently in your goodness. We confess our need to you, and we turn to you with hearts filled with hope, remembering the promises you have made to us. May your name be glorified in us and through us. We ask it through Christ Jesus, your only begotten son, he who is our Lord and our Saviour, our brother and our friend. Amen
* HYMN: 'I am the Light of the World' #87
THEME CONVERSATION: 'Who Made Up These Rules Anyway?'
PRAYER OF CONFESSION: {Responsive}
You asked for . . . work was hard.
You asked for my mouth,
to speak out against injustice.
I gave you a whisper, that I might not be accused.
You asked for . . . want to see.
You asked for my life,
that you might work through me.
I have a small part, that I might not get too involved.
All:
God, forgive me for my calculated efforts to serve you
only when it is convenient for me to do so,
only in those places where it is safe to do so,
and only with those who make it easy to do so.
O God forgive me,
renew me,
send me out as a usable instrument,
that I might take seriously the meaning of your cross.
SOUTH AFRICA
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
SERVICE OF THE WORD
FIRST READING: Deuteronomy 18:15-20
God will raise up a prophet after Moses.
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Concerning food offered to idols.
MINISTRY OF MUSIC Security
RESPONSIVE READING: Psalm 111 (VU p. 833)
The fear of (God) is the beginning of wisdom.
GOSPEL READING: Mark 1:21-28
A man with an unclean spirit is healed in Capernaum.
* HYMN: #686 VU: 'God of Grace and God of Glory'
SERMON: 'Casting Out Unclean Spirits'
*HYMN: 'Make Me a Channel of Your Peace' #684
OFFERTORY INVITATION
OFFERTORY MINISTRY OF MUSIC Shall We Gather At The River
PRESENTATION OF OFFERING
*DOXOLOGY #541 VU
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 (in unison):
Loving God - you are never far from us, you are as close as our breathing. We recognize you as the one who heals the wounded spirit and gives new life to the broken hearted. We offer these gifts to You, O God, as a sign of our commitment to Your grace and authority. Take us and use us and all that we have, so that the Kingdom of Heaven will be realized on earth; through Christ our Lord. Amen
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD'S PRAYER
We bless you . . . rather than hate
.... Lord hear our prayer.....
Lord, keep our . . . the presence of your Spirit.
... Lord hear our prayer...
We pray . . . the will to do good
... Lord hear our prayer...
Father - you sent . . . and financial oppression.
.... Lord hear our prayers.....
Bless us, O . . . taught us, saying OUR FATHER . . .
WE GO FORTH IN PRAISE
*HYMN: #703 VU: 'In the Bulb There Is a Flower'
* COMMISSIONING (In unison):
In the power of the Holy Spirit we now go forth into the world, to fulfil our calling as the people of God, the body of Christ.
* BENEDICTION
* CHORAL BLESSING: #964 VU: 'Go Now In Peace'
MUSICAL POSTLUDE
RESOURCES USED IN THIS SERVICE:
Voices United; Celebrate God's Presence; and The United Church Website
THIS WEEK IN PRAYER
Remember all those who are held captive by unclean spirits, those who tremble in fear, and those who live in denial.
Stewardship Second 2006
Lifting up another person is good exercise for a healthy heart.
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 Sunday - February 5, 2006
Gander 11:00 a.m. Communion
Golden Legion Manor 7:00 p.m. Communion
Glenwood/Appleton 7:00 p.m.
SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
EVENTS OF THE WEEK
Sun. 29th. COFFEE HOUR, in the church hall following worship.
ALL ARE WELCOME!
Mon. 30th., 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.
Property Committee, 7:30 p.m., C.H. Parlour
Al-anon, 8:30 - 9:30 p.m., C. Bsmt.
Tues., 31st, 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
Coffee With The Minister, 4:30 p.m., C.H. Parlour
Handbell practice, 6:30 p.m., Church Sanctuary
Christian Development, 7:30 p.m., C.H. Parlour
A.A., 8-10 p.m., Church basement (choir room)
Wed. 1st., 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.
Thurs., 2nd TOPS, 7-9 p.m., C.H. Parlour
Scouts, 7-9 p.m., C.H. Aud.
Guitar Group, 7:30 p.m., C. Bsmt.
Fri . 3rd., A.A., 8-10 p.m., Church Basement (Choir Room)
THE CONFIRMATION COMMUNION CELEBRATION that was to be held on January 29th has been postponed until February 19th. It will still be an evening service
with a celebration lunch following. Please join us for this exciting moment in our church life together. We have 12 confirmands this year!
Living Waters by Ian Macdonald - a Lenten Daily Reflections for Lent Resource - will be ordered on February 1. If anyone is interested in ordering please call the church office. This Lent, explore the "river of Christ" flowing through us and for us.
PRE-AUTHORIZED REMITTANCE (P.A.R.) Remember the question raised in our last fall's bulletins that asked: "Are you on PAR?" Well now is the time to get on "PAR"!
" PAR" is an acronym for Pre-Authorized Remittance, a program offered through our National Church office that allows people to support their church through an automatic monthly withdrawal from their bank account or through credit card. Funds collected are forwarded to the local church on the 20th of each month for credit to your record of contributions at the church.
You do not pay any administration costs, but the congregation pays 50 cents per person per month for bank withdrawals and $2.65 for VISA and $2.80 for Master Card.
How do you get involved? Simply by following these simple instructions:
. Decide how much per month you wish to give to local, M&S and other.
. Fill out the Authorization Card (copies are in the pews) and attach a sample cheque marked "Sample" or "Void".
. Return the completed cards through the collection plate or drop them off at the church office.
PAR offers several advantages to contributors:
. You assure regular support to the church in the amount you chose.
. Continued support to the church and the M& S fund even when you are away.
. You avoid "catch up" periods in your givings.
PAR offers advantages to Fraser Road:
. The church receives regular, dependable flow of contributions.
. A reduction in paperwork and bookkeeping.
. Lessens the use of overdraft protection at the bank.
The Finance Committee has decided to implement PAR effective March 1, 2006 if there is interest shown by the congregation. Authorization Cards will be placed in the pews for the whole of February. We would like at least 90 persons to sign up to cover the registration cost of $45.00. Please give this program your prayerful consideration!
SEEDS OF CHANGE WORKSHOP at Gambo UC to explore the national Faith Formation Resource -- Seeds of Change. For anyone on our Pastoral Charge who is interested in attending the date is Monday, February 20th at 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Please call the church office and advise if you are attending so we can know numbers.
ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING - FEBRUARY 5, 2006. All members of the congregation are encouraged to attend. Since the Joint Search Committee has, so far, been unsuccessful in finding a new minister you will also be asked, at this meeting to vote on a Pastoral Relations matter.
UCW AFTERNOON TEA, BAKE & BROWN BAG SALE Tuesday, Feb. 14th at 2:30 p.m. Any donations to bake sale or brown bag sale may be brought to the hall, Monday evening from 8-9:30 p.m. For more details or tickets you may contact Jean (651-2632).
GUATEMALA MISSION TEAM FUND-RAISERS
SOCIAL CLUB BEAN SUPPER will take place on Wednesday, February 8th. Take out beginning at 4:30 p.m. Sit down 5-6 p.m. Tickets $3. Children (hotdogs available) Adults $6. contact Cator Brown 651-2632.
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.
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
Isaiah 40:21-31
Psalm 147 (VU pg. 868-869 Part One)
1 Corinthians 9:16-23
Gospel: Mark 1:29-39