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, November 9, 2014 Welcome/Celebrations THE COMMUNITY GATHERS Candle Lighting: We light this candle to remind us that Jesus’ light is within us. We give thanks for the light of Christ. Introit Call to Worship: God of justice, awaken us, enliven us Keep us ready, aware and present Come let us worship God. Hymn #79 MV “Spirit, Open My Heart” Opening Prayer: We are your people, O God Called to do your work on earth May your Spirit inspire, fill and encourage us To do your work on earth We are your people, O God May we do your work on earth Filled with courage, faith, hope and love. -2Theme Conversation - Charlie Jensen Hymn “This Little Light of Mine” (Hide it under a bushel “No”; . . . let it shine in my neighbourhood) 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 Scripture Readings : Matthew 25: 1-13 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18 These are the words of life which in faith become the living word. Thanks be to God. Anthem Reflection - Carol Mathews WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD Hymn “Give Me Oil in my Lamp . . . Keep me Burning” (Give me joy / keep me praising; Give me love / keep me serving.) Prayers of the People Sung Lord’s Prayer #959 VU Announcements Presentation of our Gifts and Offerings Offering Hymn #135 MV “Called by Earth and Sky” (We will stay seated and sing as the offering is received.) Prayer of Dedication: Loving God, by your generosity we have received all that we have and all that we are. We offer these gifts in gratitude, trusting that your love will be shared and multiplied through them. Amen. -3WE DEPART TO SERVE Sending Forth Song of Dismissal #214 MV “May God’s Sheltering Wings” Thank you to the people whose last names start with the letters C, R, S and Y for cleaning up after coffee today! Please note that portions of the worship service are recorded and can be found on our website www.stjohns-united.org. WORSHIP & CHURCH PARTICIPANTS TODAY Worship Leaders: Joan Hibbard, Charlie Jensen & Carol Matthews Lector Reader: Carol Mathews Attendant: Charlie Jensen Greeters: Joan Baker & Beverly Shimazaki Coffee Person: Isobel Gibson Church School Coordinator: Shirley Jackson Pianist: Ken Dalgleish Choir Director: Janice Brunson Office Administrator: Nancy Smith Monday, November 10th, 2014: Qigong cancelled this week. Tuesday, November 11th, 2014: Remembrance Day Church office closed. Wednesday, November 12th, 2014: Membership Group - 7:00 p.m. - 6181 Baillie Rd. Thursday, November 13th, 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. -4Thursday, November 13th, 2014: Choir practice - 7:00 p.m. If you like to sing, come out and join us. Sunday, November 16, 2014 Worship with us at 10:00 am. Lectionary Readings for next Sunday: Judges 4:1-7; Psalm 123, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 and Matthew 25: 14-30. Messy Church is happening at St. Bartholomew’s Church in Gibsons from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. This is a program for families and individuals to get together to learn more about God. The format includes crafts and other activities, a short spiritual celebration and a meal. You are welcome to join us and share in the evening. Please see the poster in the narthex for more information. Friday, November 21, 2014: Mark your calendars for our upcoming Marvelous Mexican Dinner happening here at St. John’s on at 6:00 p.m. Come enjoy an authentic Mexican dinner and dessert. There will be entertainment as well as a unique “Fun & Food” Silent Auction! Tickets $65.00 - include a tax receipt and are available from Nancy in the office or at The Blackberry Shop and the Sechelt Visitor’s Centre as well as online at www.latimerandcompany.com. Only 80 tickets will be sold so be sure to get yours early! Concerned about the food being too spicy? Speak to Cheryl Palm or Sherryl Latimer about their tasting experience. The food is not too spicy but hot sauce will be available if so desired! We are looking for silent auction items for the Marvelous Mexican Dinner. We would like items that are related to food and fun, for example, home made preserves, yoga lessons, art lessons, golf lessons, a floral bouquet, . . . Please contact Sherryl Latimer with your contribution ideas. Decorations are also needed - sombreros, blankets, . . . Please drop off silent auction items and decorations at the church office by Friday, November 14th. -5Sunday, November 23, 2014: Please plan to stay after church on November 23rd for an extended coffee hour and special farewell tribute to Don and Patti Gunning. Everything Belongs: Interested to see how, when and why "Everything Belongs"? A one night discussion on this short book by Richard Rohr may shed some light. For more details, speak with Lynda Kearns. Gifts with Vision: The Gifts with Vision catalogue turns gift-giving into an opportunity to do something extra for our United Church partners through Mission and Service. Your copy is available on the table in the hallway beside the library. News from First United: AVIVA! We finished in 13th place for the 2nd round! We will know soon whether or not we made it through to round 3! Thanks for oting. We encourage you to hold the following people in the light & 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); -6Jill 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); 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); Kathleen O’Hara (battling cancer) and her kids, Nico, Hanna & Gabriel; 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 Gabon, Republic of Congo. Sao Tome and Principe. St. John's United Church 5855 Davis Bay Road Sechelt, BC V0N 3A2 Phone: 604-885-9822 Email: [email protected] Website: http://stjohns-united.org