THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA
GANDER PASTORAL CHARGE
Benton Gander Glenwood-Appleton
Ministers: The People of the Congregation
The Rev. Stephanie McClellan
The Rev. Steve Atkinson
Organist: Karen Nevin
Choir: Handbell Choir, directed by Doug Nevin
Sunday Worship - October 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.
We Gather To Praise God
Musical Prelude
Greeting
Congregational Life and Work
*Passing the Peace of Christ
The Peace of Christ be with you...
And also with you.
*Introit: We Are One - #402
We are one as we come,
as we come, joyful to be here,
in the praise on our lips
there's a sense that God is near.
We are one as we sing,
as we seek, we are found;
and we come needful of God's grace
as we meet, together in this place.
*Call To Worship
Hold us in your prayerful gaze, O God, as we come to worship;
we are your committed people, but we need your inspiration.
Remind us of your shadow over us, O God, as we come to worship;
you have gone with us in times past, but we need your reassuring presence.
Enable us to sense your love around us, O God, as we come to worship. Let the smile on a baby's face remind us of your renewing miracle in humankind.
We are filled with thanksgiving, but there are testing times ahead.
Enliven us through your Holy Spirit, O God, as we come to worship;
we are ready for action, but we need you to work within our faith community.
*Opening Prayer
We glory in your creative miracle, O God.
Your world is so wonderful: the sunrise, the vast seas, the mountain ranges, and the gift of life to each one of us.
We glory in your sustaining miracle, O God:
the certainty of the changing seasons, the growing awareness of young children.
We glory in your miraculous Word, O God,
which reveals your loving presence and which challenges us to bring hope.
We glory in Jesus, the miracle of New Life,
who enabled the blind to see, the disciples to have insight, and the despised to know power. God of miracles, we joyfully adore you! Amen.
*Opening Hymn: "God Is Here" VU389
Service of Dedication
Dedication Prayer
Presentation and Acknowledgment of the Gifts
Receiving of Memorial Gifts
Words of Dedication
Ministry of Music Medley for Jim
Prayer of Thanksgiving (Responsive)
Loving and gracious God, source of all inspiration and beauty, we thank you for these gifts presented and dedicated this morning, all to the glory of your name.
May your Holy Spirit guide us in reverent and loving uses of these gifts, remembering always your great gift to us, Jesus Christ, your Son, our Savior. Amen.
Celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism
*Baptismal Hymn:
"I Was There To Hear Your Borning Cry" VU644
Statement of Purpose
Sisters and brothers, let us celebrate God's gift of grace, given to us in the sacrament of baptism.
There is one body and one Spirit;
We have 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, member's of Christ's body.
A Reading from John 3:1-6
Presentation of the Candidates Jean Brown, Session
Questions of Faith and Promises
Affirmation of Faith (in unison):
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 Commitment
(The congregation is asked to stand)
Minister: Let us pledge to these families our support and care.
Congregation: As a baptized and baptizing people, we commit ourselves to support and uphold you within this community of faith.
Prayer of Thanksgiving and the Pouring of the Water
The Act of Baptism
Laying On of Hands
Welcome by the Sunday School Cassie Kinden
Blessing
Congregational Welcome
Lauren and Laura, into the household of faith we welcome you with joy and thanksgiving. We welcome you as members of God's family.
We welcome you with joy that you may learn of Christ's joy. We welcome you by name that you may know whose who are. You are a part of our family and will always find a welcome place here.
Presentation of the Light & Baptismal Certificate
*Children's Hymn: "It Only Takes A Spark" VU289
Children's Time
We Listen for God's Word
Responsive Psalm: Psalm 29, VU756
Mark 5: 21-43
Reflection: "A Loving Caress"
*Hymn: "Child of Blessing, Child of Promise" VU444
We Respond to God's Word
Invitation to Offering
Offertory Ministry of Music Farandole from "L' Arlesienne"
Presentation of Offering
*Doxology "Grant Us, God The Grace" VU540
Grant us, God, the grace of giving,
with a spirit large and free,
that ourselves and all our living
we may offer faithfully.
*Offertory Prayer
Rejoice and be thankful!
Rejoice and give generously!
Rejoice and share wholeheartedly!
Rejoice and praise God continually!
This faith community will rejoice with us,
faith communities in this country will rejoice with us,
faith communities in every part of the world will rejoice with us,
for this offering will be a blessing, and we will receive a blessing. Amen.
Prayers of The People
The Lord's Prayer
*Hymn: "God Be With You Until We Meet Again" VU422
*Commissioning
Open your eyes . . . with you and who will sustain you!
We are wide eyed, waiting in joy and in hope!
*Benediction
*Musical Postlude
Today in Prayer
We pray for our Lay Visitation Team, as they visit the sick at the JPMH, the elderly at Golden Legion Manor and Nightingale Manor. Be with them Lord, as they go out in your name.
Stewardship Seconds
You must be the change you want to see in the world. ~Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948), Indian civil rights and spiritual leader
On Your Behalf
UNITED CHURCH SAYS NO TO REOPENING DEBATE OVER SAME-SEX MARRIAGE IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS
Toronto: During a week when religious leaders opposed to same-sex
marriage are gathering on Parliament Hill to advocate for the reopening
of the debate on Bill C-38, The United Church of Canada is again
speaking out in defense of the existing legislation.
In a letter to all Members of Parliament, and during a visit today to
Parliament Hill, the United Church's Moderator, the Right Rev. David
Giuliano, is delivering the message that parliamentarians should vote against reopening the debate on same-sex marriage.
Giuliano says that the current Civil Marriage Act strikes a good balance
by protecting the rights of gay and lesbian persons, while not interfering with the rights of religious groups to practice their faith
as they choose. See UC website: www.united-church.ca
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 - October 29th
Gander 11:00 a.m. Sacrament of Baptism
Benton 3:00 p.m. Service, followed by Potluck
Glenwood 5 p.m. Family Potluck, 6 p.m. SS., 7 p.m. Worship
Worship next Sunday - November 5th
Gander 11:00 a.m. Communion
Nightingale Manor 7:00 p.m. U.C.W.
Glenwood 7:00 p.m. Communion
EVENTS OF THE WEEK
Sun. 29th., COFFEE HOUR, in the church hall following
worship. All ARE WELCOME!
A.A., 8-10 p.m., Church Basement (Choir Room)
Mon. 30th., Parent's 'n Tots, 10-11:30 a.m., C. H. Aud.
Women's Time Out, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m., C.H. Aud.
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., 31st, Handbell Choir Practice, 6:30 p.m., C. Sanctuary
Kid's Sign Language, 3:30-4:30 p.m., C. H. Parlour
Adult Sign Language, 6:30-7:30 p.m., C. H. Parlour
A.A., 8-10 p.m., Church basement (choir room)
Wed. 1st, Mens' Choir Practice, 7:00 p.m.
Senior Choir Practice, 8:00 p.m.
Church Sanctuary
Men's Fellowship Group, Noon-2 p.m., C.H. Parlour
Youth Group, 7:30-9 p.m., C. Hall & Parlour
Labyrinth available, 10:00 - 7:00 p.m., C.H. Aud.
Thurs., 2nd Scouts, 7-9 p.m., C.H. Aud.
Guitar Group, 7:00 p.m., Church basement
M&P Committee, 7:00 p.m., SS Rm. #2, C. Hall
TOPS, 7-9 p.m., C.H. Parlour
Fri . 3rd, A.A., 8-10 p.m., Church Basement
SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Today: Regular classes
TODAY WE RECEIVE through the Sacrament of Baptism into the Church of Christ, and into Fraser Road United Church Family: Laura Maude GOULDING, child of Andrew and Melissa GOULDING, sister to Jordan & Carly; Lauren Leslie Grace BABSTOCK, child of Michael & Catherine BABSTOCK. Congratulations to these parents, and their families. All are invited to the church hall following worship for the cutting of the baptism cake, and a time of fellowship.
WE GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGE the donation of two handbell tables, two sponges, 12 music stands, and 6 polishing cloths, donated in loving memory of W.J.G. Strong (1912-2004), by Family & Friends, along with a Memorial Bell Plaque; and the donation of Handbell mallets, by Mrs. Bernadette Shea.
THANKSGIVING TURKEY DINNER Fraser Road United Church will hold it's annual, and popular "Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner" on Thursday, 23 November at the Church Hall. The dinner includes dessert, tea or coffee. The general public is welcome. Takeouts will be available. For tickets, call Don at 256-2809, Jim at 256-7449 or Geoff at 424-6730.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION Rev. Stephanie will be on one week study leave and one week holiday starting Tuesday, October 24th to Tuesday, November 7th inclusive.
LOST & FOUND We have a collection of clothing, sneakers, etc. that have been left behind over the past few months. They can be found in the main foyer area. Any items not claimed in the next couple of weeks will be given to the Scouts for their Flea Market.
UCW FALL BAZAAR takes place on Saturday, November 4th at 10:00 a.m. with Morning Coffee, etc. Sale of 1) Christmas Stockings 2) Baked items 3) Crafts, and 4) preserves will be available. Anyone wishing to donate to any of the above may do so by bringing it to the hall Friday evening, Nov. 3rd from 7:30 to 9:30, or by calling Jean 651-2632 for pickup. Tickets available at the door.
BEREAVEMENT GROUPS The Gander Ministerial and the YMCA are partnering to offer bereavement groups for persons who have lost spouses, in Gander and the surrounding areas. Persons who have experienced the loss of a spouse may find that this group provides a safe, supportive, and empathetic environment to promote healing throughout the grieving process. The meetings will be held at the Golden Legion Manor in the second floor meeting room. To register for either Tuesday's or Friday's group, contact Tracey Hillyard @ 651-5953 or leave a message at 651-5927. Please register as soon as possible as space is limited.
GUATEMALA MISSION TEAM 2008 - If you are at all interested in being a part of the team that will travel to the Orphanage in Parramos and the school in Guatemala City from March 23rd to April 6th, 2008, you must declare your intention to Rev. Stephanie and attend an Informational Meeting that will be held on Thursday, November 9th, 2006 at 8 PM. If you cannot attend this meeting, let Rev. Steph know you are interested. Anyone who will be grade ten or older at the time of the trip is welcome. If your youth wants to attend, it is imperative that at least one parent attend all the meetings as the team is formed and prepares for the journey. Call the office at 256-3000 or Rev. Steph's cell 424-6681.
RECEIPTS The third quarter receipts are currently being distributed by our zone reps. Donations up to October 4th. are included.
ALLERGY ALERT - WE AIM TO BE SCENT-FREE AND NUT-FREE. Thank you for your attention to this very serious matter.
ENGLISH TEACHER NEEDED A family from Venezuela needs help learning English. If you are able to help or know of someone who may be willing to teach please contact the church office.
WE APPRECIATE YOUR LETTING US KNOW
WHEN A MEMBER OF YOUR FAMILY OR A FRIEND
IS ILL AT HOME OR IN THE HOSPITAL
Minutes for Mission
Homelessness
The chaplain is in a hurry. He is taking Marion Pardy, then the moderator of The United Church of Canada, for another outreach visit and they are late. Suddenly there is a knock on the car window, and a young man looks in at them. He blurts out in excitement, "Pray for me, Reverend, I may get a place to live this afternoon." "Indeed I will, Ron," the chaplain replies. "God bless you." The young man, encouraged and strengthened, waves as the moderator and the chaplain drive off.
This encounter took place at Wesley Urban Ministries in Hamilton, Ontario, which receives funding from the Mission and Service Fund. Every night at Wesley Urban Ministries one large room is full of mattresses on the floor that provide the homeless with a place to sleep out of the cold.
The United Church has been a strong advocate for safe, affordable housing for years. At General Council in 2000, a Housing Charter was endorsed, stating that every Canadian resident has the right to safe, affordable housing. It is a national tragedy when three quarters of a million Canadian households spend more than 50 percent of their income to keep a roof over their heads. Money needed for food and heat is frequently used for rent instead. Rental vacancy rates in many parts of the country have dropped.
In St. John's, Newfoundland, Stella Burry Community Services, another M&S-funded project, advocates for safe, affordable housing. With assistance from the provincial and federal government, they provide housing at Carew Lodge for singles and rent out a number of homes to people in need.
When you give to the Mission and Service Fund you help programs such as Wesley Urban Ministries and Stella Burry Community Services. Think of what it means to people like Ron. Please give all you can to M&S.