St. John’s United Church An Affirming, Fully Inclusive Ministry St. John's United Church, an Affirming Ministry of the United Church, is an inclusive community of faith. In celebrating God's presence by following Jesus' example of unconditional love, we strive to accept and nurture each other as we are. We welcome the ministry and participation of all persons of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds, differing abilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, age, and economic circumstance. Sunday, October 26, 2014 “Preach the gospel at all times, if necessary use words” St. Francis of Assisi THE COMMUNITY GATHERS Welcome/Announcements/Celebrations Candle Lighting: We light this candle to remind us that Jesus’ light is within us. We give thanks for the light of Christ. Introit #493 VU vs. 1, 4 “Today I live, but once shall come my death” Call to Worship: “Love” is a verb. A moving word; a dancing word; a transforming word. “Love” is a verb. A singing word; a sharing word; a living word. “Love” is a verb. “Love” is God’s word. Love is God’s word alive in our lives. “Love” is a verb. We come to receive God’s love so that we may share it. Let us love God. Let us love our neighbour as ourself. Let us worship God who is Love. -2*Hymn #333 VU “Love Divine” Opening Prayer *Hymn #98 MV “Like a River of Tears” Theme Conversation Love the Lord your God with all your heart/soul/mind Love the Lord your God with all that you are. We light this candle to remind us that wherever we go, the light of Jesus is within us. The light of Christ shines on. (The children and youth may leave for Sunday School) WE HEAR GOD’S WORD Hebrew Scripture: Deuteronomy 34: 1-12 Psalm 90 (adapted from Psalms for Praying, by Nan C. Merrill): Eternal and Immortal One, you have been our refuge in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, Before you had formed the earth and the world, From everlasting to everlasting, you are God. When our days on Earth are ended, You welcome us home to your Heart, where time is eternal and days are not numbered. You gather those who love You as friends returning from a long journey, giving rest to their souls. You anoint them with the balm of understanding, healing wounds of the past. For our days on Earth are a mystery, a searching for You, a yearning for the great Mystery to make itself known. The years pass and soon the Harvest is at hand, a time to reap the fruit of one’s life. Teach us, O Beloved, to honour each day that we may have a heart of wisdom. Have compassion on your servants. Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. -3Gospel: Matthew 22: 34-40 These are the words of life which in faith become the living word. Thanks be to God. Anthem “Stand By Me” Charles A. Tindlay Reflection: A Good Death WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD *Hymn #493 VU “Today I Live” Minute for Mission Presentation of our Gifts and Offerings Offering Hymn #581 VU “When We Are Living” (We will stay seated and sing as the offering is received.) Prayer of Dedication: Gracious God, we offer these gifts in gratitude. May they be used to proclaim your love and our love for our neighbours near and far. Amen. Prayers of the People Sung Lord’s Prayer #959 VU WE DEPART TO SERVE *Hymn #703 VU “In the Bulb There is a Flower” *Sending Forth *Song of Dismissal #214 MV “May God’s Sheltering Wings” Please note that portions of the worship service are recorded and can be found on our website www.stjohns-united.org -4WORSHIP & CHURCH PARTICIPANTS TODAY Worship Leader: Janice Young Lector Reader: Jim Chisholm Attendant: Don Currie Greeters: Bill & Nancy Climie Coffee Person: Joan Hibbard Church School Coordinator: Shirley Jackson Pianist: Ken Dalgleish Choir Director: Janice Brunson Office Administrator: Nancy Smith *Please Note… The chairs do need to be put away today. *Thank you to the people whose last names start with the letters A, J, L and M for cleaning up after coffee today! Sunday, November 2, 2014 Lectionary Readings for Next Sunday: Revelation 7: 9-17 Psalm 34 1 John 3:1-3 Matthew 5: 1-12. Reflecting On Assisted Living Next Sunday’s worship service will also be exploring End of Life issues. Gerry Latham will offer a reflection on lessons learned while supporting a friend dying of ALS. A Question & Answer with Gerry will follow the service. Please see our website for links to some helpful resources. -5Monday, October 27th, 2014: Qigong from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. For more information, contact Cathy Poole. Study Group at 7:00 pm Thursday, October 30th, 2014: Centering Prayer in the sanctuary from 8:30 - 9:00 a.m. Come join us for a time of silent prayer when we open ourselves to the transforming power of God’s love. The best way to learn from Centering Prayer is to practise it. *Choir practice - 7:00 p.m. If you like to sing, come out and join us. There will be a Celebration of Life for Bob Darney on Sat., Nov. 1st from noon - 4 p.m. at the Senior’s Activity Centre in Sechelt. All are welcome. Membership Group - Please speak to Janice Young or Joan Hibbard if you are interested in discovering what it means to be a member of the United Church of Canada and may be considering joining St. John’s United Church. There will be 3 sessions of exploration Wednesdays Nov. 12, 19, 26 at 7:00 p.m. at 6181 Baillie Rd. The U.C.W. have 2015 Canadian Church Calendars for sale for $7. The U.C.W. is also asking for donations of medium-sized clear water glasses. Any extras in your cupboards? Please consider donating them to our kitchen. Message from First United: Right now our most urgent needs are for towels, mugs and bike locks! Don’t forget to keep those votes coming in! Saturday, December 13th, 2014 - Last year’s cookies were fantastic and the desire from the community is very clear. We sold out again! Please start thinking about what you would like to bake . . . . More details to come in early November! – 6 - We encourage you to hold the following people in the light and love of God for healing of mind, body and spirit: Pam Baird; Kathy Bolton (living with cancer); Richard Buller (Eric Tiessen’s cousin); Jill Conway and family (grieving the loss of Jill’s dad); Family & friends of Jessie Curwen (grieving her death); Family & friends of Bob Darney (grieving his death); Leo Davidson (living with cancer); Jill English (Donna Currie’s daughter); Family & friends of John Ford (grieving his death); Ryann Ford (Fern and Jim Breadner’s granddaughter); Leslie French (Jean Beadle’s niece dealing with cancer); Patrick Godwin (recovering from knee replacement surgery): Sandra Johnson (receiving cancer treatment); Denise Johnston (Joyce Rathwell’s daughter with health issues); George Henderson (Jessie Oliver’s son-in-law, undergoing medical tests); Jacquie Kernick (Ann’s friend with health issues); Dayna Kingston (Lymphoma); Doug Martens (Sherryl Latimer’s brother with cancer); Frances Morrison (Sheila Pope’s mom); Bonnie Parker (Colleen’s friend fighting breast cancer); Susan Pogson; Cheryl Porayko (Donna’s sister); Donna Porayko (prayers for calmness); Christina (Donna Porayko’s daughter recovering from a car accident); Gerry Porayko (Donna’s brother); Marion Proulx; Caitlin Samson & Keith (grieving the death of Keith’s brother) Rev. Ed Searcy (chemotherapy for multiple myeloma); Eileen Shatford (undergoing cancer treatment); Andree Steele (Val Marus’ sister-in-law dealing with cancer); Rolf Stucky (recovering from a second stroke). For those who are no longer able to attend and are still a part of our church family: Marjorie Bazen; Marla Chatham; Carol Betts; Margaret Gemmell; Celia Muncaster; Hazel Seeton; Betty-Mae Smith. We pray for our ecumenical sisters and brothers in Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles and Maldives. St. John's United Church 5085 Davis Bay Road Sechelt, BC V0N 3A2 Email; [email protected] Web: http://www.stjohns-united.org