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: Mens' Choir
Fraser Road United Church
Sunday Worship - February 4, 2007
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.
*Call To Worship (Isaiah 40:28-31 Altered)
God cares beyond our imagining; God has staying power that never fades; God gives power to the weak and strengthens the powerless.
Nothing is beyond those who trust God. Weakness and exhaustion are facts of life; the young and fit eventually tire.
But those who trust in God will renew their strength.
Like an eagle rising in the sky, like a marathon runner at peak performance, nothing will stand in their way. Tiredness and weakness are not an option!
*Opening Prayer
*Opening Hymn: "God Is Here" 389
Prayer of Hope
When we experience fear, when we are downhearted and anxious,
can it be that a friend, with the spirit of Jesus, will take us by the hand and put us back on our feet?
When the world that we know comes apart, when the loss
of a loved one, the loss of a cherished dream, comes home to us,
can it be that a caregiver, with the spirit of Jesus, will take us by the hand and put us back on our feet?
When our faith community lacks direction, when the call to active discipleship goes unheard,
can it be that a saint of today, with the spirit of Jesus, will take us by the hand and put us back on our feet?
When our faith is tested, when doubts overwhelm, when your purposes seem obscure and remote O God,
can it be that a gentle teacher, with the spirit of Jesus, will take us by the hand, and pout us back on our feet?
Time of Reflection…..
Words of Assurance
In the midst of our trouble, we find ourselves spoken to by God.
We will search out persons with the spirit of Jesus, who are willing to help us.
When we find ourselves in a position to give confidence and support to those who are down hearted and distressed,
we will not hesitate to offer them a word of encouragement and a helping hand.
In receiving, you know the touch of Christ; in giving, you offer the hand of Christ. The peace of Christ will be yours.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
*Children's Hymn:
"Jesus, Friend of Little Children" 340
Children's Time
We Listen for God's Word
Hebrew Scripture: Isaiah 40:21-31
Ministry of Music Love Lifted Me
Gospel Reading: Mark 1:29-39
Reflection
*Hymn: "Lord Speak to Me" 589
We Respond to God's Word
Invitation to Offering
Offertory Music Hear The Voice Of Jesus Calling
Presentation of Offering
*Doxology: "Grant Us, God the Grace" 540
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
May these gifts be the means by which many persons come a live.
The sick receive wholeness; the bereaved receive comfort; the downtrodden find a common purpose; the refugee finds a home.
Your gifts will be truly blessed, as you go with them to bring life.
God be praised! Amen.Sacrament of Holy Communion
*Communion Hymn: "One Bread, One Body" 467
Thanksgiving
Holy God of light and love, by the light of your promise,
you guide your people across the desert and through the night.
In the light of your presence,
we behold your glory and offer you our gifts.
Through the light of your peace, you claim us as your beloved and joy is ours.
We give thanks that you make known yourglory, lighting the way for each one of us.
Song of Creation (sung):
O, Holy, holy, holy Lord,
O God of power and might,
all earth and sea and sky above
sing "Glory be to God!"
Hosanna in the highest Heav'n!
Creation sing your praise!
Blessed is the One who comes from God!
Hosanna and amen!
Remembering Jesus at Table
Let us remember together the vision of God's reign shown to us in Jesus at the table:
he shared food with followers and friends,
with saints and sinners,
with crowds of thousands on the hillside,
and a few friends in an upper room.
On the night before he died, he had supper with his companions.
He took a loaf of bread and after giving thanks, he broke it and gave it to them saying:
"Take, eat. Do this in remembrance of me."
Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he passed it among them saying:
"Drink this. Do this in remembrance of me."
Through this loaf and cup, Jesus lives within us.
In word and deed, Jesus lives among us.
Prayer of Self-Giving (Unison)
Eternal God, we unite in this covenant of faith, as we break bread and share the cup, giving thanks for your love in Jesus the Christ. We spread your table with these gifts of the earth and of our labor. We present to you our very lives, committed to your service on behalf of all people.
Memorial Acclamation (sung):
O, Christ has died!
And Christ is ris~en!
Christ will come again!
Prayer for Transformation
Prayers of the People
The Lord's Prayer
Breaking the Bread and Filling the Cup
The bread which we break
is our communion in the body of Christ.
The cup of blessing which we bless
is our communion in the blood of Christ.
Sharing the Bread and Cup
Prayer after Communion
*Closing Hymn: "Go Forth for God" 418
*Commissioning
Go from here as committed disciples of Jesus Christ.
We are ready to learn and to grow in the faith; we are ready to serve in the Church; we are ready to proclaim the Good News in word and deed; we are ready to live out our Christian values and to see Christ in those we meet.
*Benediction
*Choral Amen
*Organ Postlude
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 today - February 4, 2007
Gander 11 a.m. Communion
Golden Legion Manor 7 p.m.
Glenwood 7 p.m. Communion
Next worship - February 11
Gander 11 a.m. (followed by Annual Congregational Meeting)
Benton 2 p.m. Communion
Glenwood 7 p.m.
EVENTS OF THE WEEK
Sun. 4th., A.A., 8-10 p.m., Church Basement (Choir Room)
Mon. 5th., 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.
Al-anon, 8:30 - 9:30 p.m., C. Bsmt.
Tues., 6th, 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
Handbell Choir practice, 6:30 p.m., C. Sanct.
UCW Genesis, 8:30 p.m., C.H. parlour
A.A., 8-10 p.m., Church basement (choir room)
Wed. 7th, 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.
SOCIAL CLUB ANNUAL BEAN SUPPER, Takeout at 4:30 p.m. Eat in 5:00 p.m. Tea or coffee and dessert included. Adults $6 Children $3
Thurs., 8th 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 . 9th, A.A., 8-10 p.m., Church Basement
Sat. 10th. Saturday's for the Soul, 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. What better time to give yourself the gift of sacred time, inner peace?
SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
FRASER ROAD UNITED CHURCH WOMEN will be having an Afternoon Tea, Bake Sale and Brown Bag Sale, on Tuesday, February 27 at 2:30 P.M. at the Fraser Road United Church Hall. Tickets may be purchased at the door or by phoning Jean Brown at 256-2632. Any donations my be dropped off at the church hall between 8 and 9 p.m., Monday February 26, 2007.
OUR CHURCH NEEDS YOU !! -
Three vacancies exist on Church Council :-
- Chair, Finance Committee
- Chair, Stewardship Committee
- One Youth Representative
In addition, we need two delegates to attend West District Meeting (Spring & Fall). If you would like to consider these positions, or if you can suggest someone for us to contact, please call the Church Office (256-3000) or John (256-3579).
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. 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.
OLD FASHIONED HYMN SING, February 18th, 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.
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. Bring your questions. Please see sign-up sheet in the Narthax.
PLEASE NOTE No property is to be borrowed/removed from the church without first obtaining permission. Thank you, Caretaker.
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 March 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.
REQUEST FROM OUTREACH COMMITTEE - we are collecting used eyeglasses, postage stamps and, of course, pop tabs for agencies of justice and peace. Boxes are at the back of the church for your convenience. Thank you
FOR YOUR INFO A breakfast program is being started at Gander Collegiate. There will be a community info meeting on Feb. 7, at 7:30 p.m. at the school.
ALLERGY ALERT - We are aiming to make our Church Buildings more friendly for those with severe allergies. Please consider the danger you create when you wear any scented products or when you bring food items containing nuts or nut products. WE ARE SCENT-FREE AND NUT-FREE. Thank you for your attention to this very serious matter.
WE APPRECIATE YOUR LETTING US KNOW
WHEN A MEMBER OF YOUR FAMILY OR A FRIEND
IS ILL AT HOME OR IN THE HOSPITAL