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 & Choir Director: Karen Nevin
Choir: Senior Choir
Sunday Worship - January 21, 2007 - 11:00 a.m.
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
*Procession of Word and Light
*Greeting
*Passing the Peace of Christ
May the Peace of Christ be with you….
And also with you.
Congregational Life and Work
* Introit: We Are One, VU402, verse 1
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
When we are happy, when we are full of fun and laughter
God welcomes us.
When we are angry, when people let us down
God welcomes us.
When we are tired, when we need to stop and curl up and
rest
God welcomes us.
When we are sad, when we are grieving the loss of a
loved one or feeling alone in the world
God welcomes us.
God of welcome your door is always open
We are glad to meet you here.
-- adapted from Ruth Burgess, Growing Hope
* Opening Prayer (unison):
We feel your welcome, gracious God, in this time of worship. You welcome young and old, all seeking peace, and all brimming over with energy.
You welcome newcomers and long-time members; all seeking a familiar expression of praise and prayer, and all seeking a startlingly new
celebration of faith. You welcome us all, welcoming God. Thank you. Amen.
* Opening Hymn: Come in, Come in and Sit Down 395
Prayer of Confession and Reflection (responsive):
God,
thanks for welcoming me again.
I look into my heart,
and I am not proud of what I see there. I look into my mind, and it is cluttered with worries and concerns and important business. I look at
my hands, and they are full of things I think I need for my comfort and security.
God,
you welcome me before I am ready, while I am still in a
mess. But you don't care about the mess.
You can see deeper into my heart,
to the beauty and potential you have made there. You
know what my mind will be like when I have learned how to
stop being so serious and worried about life and work. You
know what my hands will hold when I have learned how to
empty them for you to fill.
God,
You love me and you love each one of us with the same
enthusiasm and hope. You know what we can be. Help us to
empty our hearts and minds and hands of all that is
unnecessary and teach us how to care for and welcome one
another every day, with the same affection and generosity
with which you welcome us. Amen.
-- Iona Worship Book, Growing Hope
Words of Assurance
We are welcomed into life and relationship with God.
We are a blessed people!
Sing - Halle, Halle, Halle
Theme Conversation - My Hero, by Ben Cheeks
A Reading - All Are Welcome (responsive, but may stay seated)
Let us build a . . . Christ shall end divisions:
All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in
this place.
Let us build a . . . we claim the faith of Jesus:
All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in
this place.
Let us build a house . . . end to fear and danger:
All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in
this place.
Let us build a house . . . proclaim from roof to rafter:
All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in
this place. -- Marty Haugen, Growing Hope
* Hymn: - (as children leave for Sunday School) - X3
Jesus loves the little children
All the children of the world
Black and yellow, red and white
They're all precious in His sight
Jesus loves the little children of the world.
We Listen for God's Word
Hebrew Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 2: 11-18
Responsive Reading: Psalm 19, (VU p.740)
Ministry of Music God Comes Along
Gospel Reading: Luke 4: 14-21
Reflection
*Hymn: All the Way my Saviour Leads Me 635
We Respond to God's Word
Invitation to Offering
Presentation of Offering
Offertory Ministry of Music Whisper To My Heart
*Doxology: "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow" 541
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):
Today, O God, I shall dream - of people together, loving, sharing, eating, dancing. And at the end of the day, when things are much the same,
I shall continue to hope. I shall remember that the personal is always political; that inner peace cannot be separated from wholeness and health
in community; that small acts of beauty by small groups of people still carry the potential to change the world. In this belief, I offer my gifts.
Please use them as you will. Amen.
-- adapted from Joy Mead, Growing Hope
Prayers of the People
The Lord's Prayer
* Hymn: I Need Thee Every Hour 671
*Commissioning and Benediction (responsive):
Go out into the . . . rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.
We go to the world in peace, courage and power in the
name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
*Choral Amen
*Organ Postlude
This Week In Prayer - The Prayer Stool
I leave aside my shoes - my ambitions, undo my watch - my timetable,
take off my glasses - my views, unclip my pen - my work, put down my keys - my security, to be alone with you, the only true God.
After being with you, I take up my shoes to walk in your ways,
strap on my watch to live in your time, put on my glasses to look at your world, clip on my pen to write up your thoughts, pick up my keys to open your
doors. -- Graham Kings, Growing Hope
Stewardship Second -
One body, many parts - God's economy celebrates the gifts of the whole church, the "Body of Christ," which is greater than the sum of its parts and diminished when parts are missing.
CONGREGATIONAL LIFE AND WORK
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.
If you are curious and have come to see ...
If you are weary and have come to rest ...
If you are grateful and have come to give thanks ...
If you are hurting and have come for solace ...
If you are listening and have come to pray ...
If you are seeking and have come for answers ...
WELCOME
Worship today - January 21, 2007
Gander 11 a.m.
Lakeside Homes 4 p.m. Chapel
Glenwood 11 a.m. Sacrament of Baptism
Next worship - January 28, 2007
Gander 11 a.m. Sacrament of Baptism
Benton 2 p.m.
Glenwood 7 p.m.
EVENTS OF THE WEEK
Sun. 21st., A.A., 8-10 p.m., Church Basement (Choir Room)
Old Fashioned Hymn Sing, 7:00 p.m.
Mon. 22nd., 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.
Handbell Choir practice, 6:30 p.m., C. Sanct.
Church Council Executive, 4:30 p.m., Church
Bsmt.,Pre-K & K Rm.
Al-anon, 8:30 - 9:30 p.m., C. Bsmt.
Tues., 23rd, 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
Outreach Committee, 7:30 p.m., C.H. Parlour
Handbell Choir Practice, 6:30 p.m., C. Sanct.
A.A., 8-10 p.m., Church basement (choir room)
Wed. 24th, Men's Fellowship Group, Noon-2 p.m., C.H. Parlour
Youth Group, 7:30-9 p.m., C. Hall & Parlour
Mens' Choir, 7:00 p.m./Senior Choir, 8:00 p.m.
Church Sanctuary
Labyrinth available, 10:00 - 4:00 p.m., C.H. Aud.
Thurs., 25th Scouts, 7-9 p.m., C.H. Aud.
Guitar Group, 7:00 p.m., C. Bsmt
TOPS, 7-9 p.m., C.H. Parlour
Fri . 26th, A.A., 8-10 p.m., Church Basement
Sat. 27th. Social Club, 8:00 p.m., C.H. Parlour.
NEW MEMBERS WELCOME!
Saturday's For The Soul, 10 a.m. to noon, C. Hall
SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
SOCIAL CLUB ANNUAL BEAN SUPPER will be held on February 7, 2007. Adults $6 Children $3 Takeout at 4:30 p.m. Eat in 5:00 p.m. Tea or coffee and dessert included.
UCW LOONIE PLATE FUNDRAISER Those who have Loonie Plates from last year are asked to return them in the offering plate, or to the church office. Loonie Plates for 2007 have been placed at the back of the church for anyone wanting to contribute for this year. Thank you to all who have supported the UCW in this ongoing fundraiser.
DON''T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE YOUR SAY AND EXPRESS YOUR OPINION. Our Annual Congregational Meeting will take the form of a luncheon meeting (supplied by members of Council) and will begin at 12:30 p.m on Sunday, Feb. 11/07. Everyone is welcome. Young children will be entertained in the Parlour during the meeting. You are reminded that Group and Committee reports for the Annual Report must be at the office on or before Jan. 26. Thank you for your interest and cooperation.
VOLUNTEER POSITION A vacancy exists on the All Saints Cemetery Committee. This Committee normally meets 4 times per year and manages the affairs of the cemetery. Fraser Road United Church is responsible for appointing two representatives to this Committee. If you are willing to serve, please contact the Church office (256-3000) or the Chair of Council, John, (256-3579).
EASTER BANNERS Easter is fast approaching and we would like more Banners to decorate and brighten our Sanctuary as we celebrate on Easter Sunday morning. Any family or any person who would like to make a banner for this purpose is invited to do so.
THANK YOU "Thank you all so much for your loving gifts, cards, prayers, meals and good wishes this Christmas. Your generosity and graciousness has inspired love, not just at this time of year, but always. Thank you for thinking of me and making me feel so special. May the spirit of Christmas continue to bless you and yours throughout the coming year." Rev. Steph
"As the holiday season comes to a close, Rev. Steve and Arlene would like to extend our appreciation for the cards, gifts and best wishes we received. Our prayer for each one of you is that this year be filled with good health, happiness and many blessings."
Thanks, Steve and Arlene
WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY Mark your calendars for an Ecumenical Prayer Breakfast: Wednesday, January 24th 7:30 -- 9:00am at Saint Martin's Parish Centre. There will be a meal of pancakes and sausages served up by the members of the Gander Ministerial Association. Special guest speaker, Mayor Claude Elliott will be with us. The meal is free, but donations to the work of the Gander Ministerial Association are welcomed. Please sign the sign-up sheet found at the back of the church.
SATURDAY'S FOR THE SOUL - BECAUSE LIFE IS JUST TOO BUSY! What better time to give yourself the gift of sacred time, inner peace? Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Feel free to drop in any time throughout and leave at your own pace. The sanctuary will be open for quiet meditation and there will be prayer resources on hand. The labyrinth will be available and someone there to get you started if you need it. AND a spirituality discussion group will be included from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
THE GUATEMALA MISSION TEAM 2008 will meet the first Thursday of each month (February 1th) at 8:30 p.m. in the church sanctuary.
OLD FASHIONED HYMN SING TONIGHT, January 21st, 7:00 p.m. You are invited to join in this time of singing, followed by refreshments in the church hall.
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 or for further info, for Tuesday's group call Rev. Steve Atkinson, 256-3000, for Friday's group, contact Rev. Stephanie McClellan,424-6681. Please register as soon as possible as space is limited.
Take the Bible In A Year Challenge!!!!!
Approximately 15 minutes a day or 2 hours on the weekend will get you through the Bible in a year. On January 1, 2007, participants in our church family will start on a journey to read the Bible in a year. Those who finish will be presented with a certificate celebrating your accomplishment in January 2008.
Possible Questions:
- Do you have to join a class? No
- Will I have to go to special meetings? No
- Will I have opportunities to talk about what I am reading? Yes, if you would find that helpful but is certainly not mandatory.
- What is the goal? Just to read the Bible from cover to cover.
BIBLE TALK!!!!
This will be a time to talk about your reading is going. January 28 - during Coffee Hour. Bring your questions, comments, excitement, and amazement. Please see sign-up sheet in the Narthax.
CAN YOU HELP? The Board of Directors of the Gander and Area Food Bank has three empty seats. If you are interested in what goes on at the Board level or think that you would like to sit on The Board, please feel free to attend the regular monthly meetings in Jan. (9th ) and Feb (6th ). These meetings will be held in the board room at the Lancaster Building (corner of Memorial and Edinburgh) and will commence at 8 pm. Attendance at those meetings would not obligate you to sit on The Board. We hope to fill those empty seats at the annual March meeting. The time and place for the Annual meeting will be announced at a later time.
PLEASE NOTE No property is to be borrowed/removed from the church without first obtaining permission. Thank you, Caretaker.
THANK YOU Fraser Road U.C.W. would like to thank all those who supported their projects during 2006. By doing so we were able to donate $8,500.00 to the church operational fund, $2,000.00 to M & S, and $300.00 to World Development & Relief. As well, , we donated to our own Scouting movement, Vacation Bible School, Loon Bay Camp and many other local and provincial organizations. Again, sincere thanks for your continued support.
ARE YOU ON PAR? The Pre-Authorized Remittance Program is now in place here at Fraser Road. To take advantage of the next automatic account debit date of February 20th, additional par registrations need to be received by the end of the month, when they will be forwarded for processing. You'll find info brochures on bulletin boards.
CALLING and CARING MINISTRIES: LAB I A 38 hour course to be held at St. Catherine's Renewal Center, Grand-Falls-Windsor, February 19th- February 23rd , 2007. What you learn in Lab I will be useful in all areas of your life: family, church, work, school, etc. Application forms, with details at back of church. February 5th is deadline for applying.
WE APPRECIATE YOUR LETTING US KNOW
WHEN A MEMBER OF YOUR FAMILY OR A FRIEND
IS ILL AT HOME OR IN THE HOSPITAL