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: Mixed Choir
Fifth Sunday in Lent
Sunday Worship - March 25, 2007
Sacrament of Baptism
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
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
* PASSING OF THE PEACE OF CHRIST
The peace of Christ be with you . .
AND ALSO WITH YOU.
CONGREGATIONAL LIFE AND WORK
INTROIT: O God, Our Help In Ages Past
O God, our help in ages past,
our hope for years to come,
our shelter from the stormy blast,
and our eternal home:
OPENING PRAYER (in 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. Amen.
OPENING HYMN: As The Deer Pants For The Water
As the deer pants for the water,
so my soul longs after you;
you alone are my heart's desire
and I long to worship you.
You alone are my strength, my shield
to you alone may my spirit yield;
you alone are my heart's desire,
and I long to worship you.
I want you more than gold or silver,
only you can satisfy;
you alone are the real joy-giver
and the apple of my eye. R
You're my friend and you are my brother,
even though you are a king;
I love you more than any other,
so much more than anything! R
*CALL TO WORSHIP (responsively):
God has called us to live within the privilege of family life.
He has gifted us with mothers, father, sisters, brothers, aunts and uncles, and grandparents, and beyond this with friends who become equally precious to us.
Praise God for the gift of family life!
Lord, we thank you for older folk who link us with the past and who enrich us with their experience.
We thank you for the newborn so rich in potential greatness and goodness.
We thank you for the gifts we see emerging in our children.
We thank you for the excitement of living with those who are on the brink of adulthood, even though this is sometimes a time of struggle for all of us.
Praise God for the gift of family life!
Eternal Father of us all,
Enter our homes,
not as the occupant of a guest room,
but as the senior member of each household,
that we may live out your love in the most ordinary parts of life.
Keep us human as you make us holy. Amen.
Praise God the gift of family life!
It is all your doing, Lord, it is wonderful in our eyes.
- Bryan Jeffery Leech
THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
* BAPTISMAL HYMN: Come In, Come In And Sit Down VU 395
DIALOGUE (responsive):
The sacrament . . . 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
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (#918 VU): A New Creed
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.
* PROMISES OF THE GATHERED PEOPLE
Minister: Let us stand together in God's presence as we share promises of faith and love.
Congregation: Nicholas, Lily, Dawn as members of God's church, we promise to spiritually uphold you, encourage your belief in God, and instill Christian values in you through God's love and ours.
Parents: Nicholas, Lily, Dawn you were given to us by God through love, and we promise to teach you through God's Word, guide you through faith, and fill your life with God's love and ours.
Minister: Together, let us pledge to these persons - parents, family and these children - our continued support and care.
All: 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
BLESSING OF THE WATER
God be with you!
And also with you!
Lift up your hearts!
We lift them to God!
Let us give thanks to God . . . growth of the earth! . . . (water is poured) . . .
Through water you led the children of Israel to freedom; in the waters of the Jordan your child Jesus was baptized . . . (water is poured). . .
Now may your Spirit . . . whose name we pray. Amen.
THE BAPTISM
Minister: . . . I baptize you . . . and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Minister: . . . with the sign of . . . as Christ's forever.
Amen
LAYING ON OF HANDS
. . . may the Holy Spirit . . . days of your life.
Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL WELCOME
. . . into the household . . . 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 you are. You are a part of our family and will always find a welcome place here.
WELCOME BY THE SUNDAY SCHOOL
INTRODUCING OUR NEWEST MEMBERS
RESPONSE: Halle, Halle, Halle
Halle, halle, hallelujah! (x2)
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
PRESENTATION OF THE LIGHT
BLESSING
PRAYER
Remember your . . . and be thankful!
We remember, and we are thankful,
by the grace of God! Amen.
(Children leave for Sunday School)
*HYMN: Holy Spirit, Hear Us VU377
SERVICE OF THE WORD
HEBREW SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 43:16-21 Look, I am doing something new.
MINISTRY OF MUSIC Victory In Jesus
GOSPEL READING: John 12:1-8
Mary anoints Jesus with costly ointment.
REFLECTION
RESPONSE TO THE WORD
PRESENTATION OF OFFERING
OFFERTORY MINISTRY OF MUSIC Walk With The Lord
*DOXOLOGY #541 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):
Lord, help me to see that what I have has been given by you and this makes a claim on me to be generous and not to hold things simply to myself. Accept these gifts as our offering of love and mercy. Amen. -- Charles Ringma, Seize the Day with Dietrich Bonhoeffer
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
THE LORD'S PRAYER (sung)
WE GO FORTH IN JOY
*HYMN: The Wonder Of It All (Hymns for the Family of God)
There's the wonder of sunset at evening,
The wonder as sunrise I see;
But the wonder of wonders that thrills my soul
Is the wonder that God loves me.
O, the wonder of it all!
The wonder of it all!
Just to think that God loves me.
O the wonder of ti all!
The wonder of it all!
Just to think that God loves me.
There's the wonder of spring-time and harvest,
The sky, the stars, the sun;
But the wonder of wonders that thrills my soul
Is a wonder that's only begun.
* COMMISSIONING & BENEDICTION
* CHORAL AMEN
* MUSICAL 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 - March 25 - Lent 5
Gander 11 a.m. Sacrament of Baptism
Gander 1 p.m. Fraser Road Kiwanis Stars of the Festival
Benton 3 p.m. Worship/Annual Congregational Meeting
Glenwood 7 p.m. Hymn Sing/Bible Study
Next worship - April 1 - Palm Sunday - All Ages
Gander 11 a.m.
Glenwood 7 p.m.
Golden Legion Manor 7 p.m.
ECUMENICAL HOLY WEEK SERVICE -- April 2, 2007 7:30pm - at Evangel Pentecostal Church. There will be a special free will offering lifted for Gander and Area Food Bank.
April 5 - Maundy Thursday
Gander 8 p.m. Communion
Glenwood 8 p.m. Communion
April 6 - Good Friday
Gander 11 a.m. (combined Gander/Glenwood)
April 7 - Saturday - Easter Vigil
Gander 11:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
April 8 - Easter Sunday
Gander 8 a.m. Communion (followed by breakfast)
Gander 11 a.m.
Glenwood 11 a.m.
Benton 2 p.m. Communion
EVENTS OF THE WEEK
Sun. 25th., COFFEE HOUR, in the church hall following worship.
ALL ARE WELCOME!
Social Club, 8:00 p.m., C.H. Parlour
A.A., 8-10 p.m., Church Basement (Choir Room)
Mon. 26th., 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., 27th, 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.
U.C.W. Genesis Chili Dinner, 5:00 p.m.
Outreach & Social Action, NOT MEETING
Christian Development Committee, 7:30 p.m., Par.
A.A., 8-10 p.m., Church basement (choir room)
Wed. 28th, 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.,29th 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 . 30th, A.A., 8-10 p.m., Church Basement
Sat. 31st. Saturday's for the Soul, Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
WE GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGE a donation to the Hall Fund in loving memory of Allan Goulding by wife Maude, and family; and a donation of bulletins in loving memory of Pearl & Harley Healey, also two Brothers & five Sisters, by Bob & Betty.
TODAY WE RECEIVE through the Sacrament of Baptism into the Church of Christ, and into Fraser Road United Church Family: Nicholas David BOUZANE, child of David & Debbie BOUZANE, and brother for Kaitlyn; Lily Rhian MALCOLM, child of Rick & Lana MALCOLM; Dawn Anna Alicia HORWOOD, child of Grant & Lesley HORWOOD. Congratulations and best wishes to these parents. All are invited to the church hall following worship for a time of fellowship, and the cutting of the baptism cake.
A CHILI SUPPER hosted by U.C.W. Genesis Unit will be held on Tuesday, March 27th beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the Church Hall. Tickets at $7.00 per person can be obtained from Marilyn (256-2110), Dianne (256-2982), or any U.C.W. Genesis member.
"Any used CELL PHONES lying around?" 1st United Scouts are collecting used and unwanted cell phones as a fundraiser for CJ'07. If you wish to donate please contact Lola Gushue 256-2798 or Patsy Tremblett 256-5057. Not only will you be helping Scouts you'll be helping the environment. Thank you for your support!
FRASER ROAD UC ANNUAL FLEA MARKET will be held on Saturday, May 12th from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The congregation is reminded that donations of USEABLE goods are needed. They may be either dropped off at the church or call Jim 256-7449 or Geof 256-8120 to arrange pickup. Thank you.
EASTER MEMORIALS are now being accepted at the church office. If you would like to remember a loved one at Easter, please let the secretary know by April 4th.
"ATTENTION all of you "Bible In A Year Participants" A Bible Talk Session is planned for April 1st following worship at Fraser Road (please note change of date). We will meet for about an hour or so depending on the discussion and questions. Everyone participating in the conversation is asked to bring a bag lunch. Coffee and tea will be provided.
ACCORDION GROUP "Anyone interested in being part of or helping to form an Accordion Group please leave your name with the secretary - 256-3000. The idea is to try to have a group to participate in our 50th celebration in 2008. If you can't play but would like to - come along - we have someone who is willing to help teach beginners."
A BREAKFAST PROGRAM is being set up at Gander Collegiate which will require volunteers to help out. If you can spare an hour (7:30 - 8:30 a.m.) occasionally, please call Lorraine Elliott, Chair of our Outreach Committee, (256-3579) to have your name placed on the schedule. Thank you.
The Guatemala Mission Team 2008 is eager to have more enthusiastic team members join us for the two week mission in April 2008. We have each committed to paying $3000 for the cost of the trip. Some of us will be fund-raising to get that amount and others prefer to "pay and go" without the hassle of fund-raising. With those two options, we figure we can accommodate everyone's preferences. Many want to go, but felt overwhelmed, discouraged or distracted by the fund-raising, and would rather pay the money themselves. If the fund-raising has been the deciding factor for you, please reconsider with these new guidelines in place and contact Rev. Steph (424-6681) to join the team. We'd love to have you with us, but you must respond by March 30th. Thanks.
CONFIRMATION will take place on APRIL 29th, 7:00 p.m. Please contact Rev. Steph (424-6681) if you are interested in being confirmed. If you would like to have your church membership transferred from another congregation please contact the office.
FAMILY CONCERT We are holding a Family Concert organized by the youth group and it will be happening on April 25th from 7-9 p.m.. If you would like to participate with a skit, song, joke or instrumental piece, please contact Evan Foote, 256-8417.
EASTER BANNERS You are reminded that banners for need to be completed by April 1st for hanging during Holy Week.
FIRST UNITED SCOUTS FUND-RAISING - All Proceeds are in aid of Canadian Jamboree 2007
WE APPRECIATE YOUR LETTING US KNOW
WHEN A MEMBER OF YOUR FAMILY OR A FRIEND
IS ILL AT HOME OR IN THE HOSPITAL