SHERWOOD PARK UNITED CHURCH November 16, 2014 9:45AM Stand in body or in spirit Music Gathers Us: MV 28 “God of the Bible” MV 12 “Come Touch Our Hearts” (vs. 1 & 5) (vs. 1, 2 & 4) Passing the Peace of Christ: The peace of Christ be with you, And also with you. Hymn: VU 835 “Praise to the Lord” (vs. 1) Announcements, Celebrations & Concerns: Please write your concerns on the clipboards provided by the ushers at both doors. If you have an announcement, please let a minister know before the service. Moment of Quiet: “Lead Me God” (VU 662) *Call to Worship: One: God welcome you here, Many: whether we come from around the corner or miles away. One: God rejoices that you are here, Many: just like a loving parent embracing a long-lost child. One: God celebrates that you are here. Many: that we have come to be together again. One: Let us lift our hearts and voices to God whose love knows no bounds. All: Let us worship God! *Hymn: MV 37 “Each Blade of Grass.” 1 Prayer: God of comfort, there are many times when we have been lost: lost to you and lost in the very heart of our being. We have stumbled and fallen, giving way to hurt, frustration, and despair, and have so often lost the will to journey with you. Seek us out, God; find us and help us to be open to your guiding presence in our lives. God, there are times when we have turned away from our brothers and sisters in need-just this time-or because we feel we can’t-or because we have not had the courage to face the struggle before us. Open our hearts to your powerful presence, God, that we may reach out to others with our compassion, in your name. Amen. Assurance of Love: One: God is always calling us, seeking us. God is always ready to receive us. Many: Our true home is in God. Thanks be to God! Choir Anthem: “We’re Gonna Shine Our Light” (Parker/Austin/Courtney) *Hymn: VU 444 “Child of Blessing” Sacrament of Baptism Presented for Baptism this morning is Jane Anne Bauman Daughter of Garrett & Lesley Bauman Questions and Promises: To the parents… To the family and Church… One: We have heard the will of these parents. We 2 receive this child in Christ’s name, as we ourselves have been received. We all belong to the household of faith in Jesus Christ. To the congregation we ask: Will you support this family with constant love, wholesome example, Christian teaching, and faithful prayer? Many: We will, God being our helper. Prayer: Spirit of the Living God, once again you have taken the substance of earth in your gentle hands, fashioned it in your likeness, and given it the breath of life. We give you thanks for the life of this child, whom you now entrust to the world’s care. Send your blessing and your peace upon this family, that their love for one another, and for you may grow. Help us to see your image in this little one that we may also learn from her what life is about. We pray as your children who have Christ as a brother. Amen. Pouring of the Baptismal Water: One: In the beginning, the Spirit of God moved upon the waters and brought forth life. Many: Bring forth life, O God, from this life-giving water. One: In the desert, God gave thirsty people water from the rock. Many: Bring forth life, O God, from this life-giving water. One: When Jesus was hot and tired, he asked for water from a Samaritan woman. Many: Like her we ask, “Give us your living water?” One: When Jesus was baptized by John, the water John poured was a sign that Jesus belonged to God. 3 Many: Send, O God, your Holy Spirit upon us, and upon this water, that all who are gathered under this sign may be one in Christ. The Baptism Presentation of Certificate Welcome from the Congregation: One: Into the household of faith, we welcome you with joy and thanksgiving. Many: We are members of the body of Christ. We are inheritors of God’s promise. In the name of Christ, we welcome you. **Children & youth leave for their classes** Scripture Readings: Psalm 99; VU 819 1 Thessalonians 1: 1-10 Sermon: “What is Our Godly Reputation?” *Hymn: VU 642 “Be Thou My Vision” (vs. 1, 2, & 4) Minute for Mission: “Kids in the Kitchen” Presentation of Offering: “Near the Cross”(arr. by Lani Smith) *Offertory: VU 218 “We Praise You, O God” (vs. 1) *Offertory Prayer: Precious God, lay your blessing, we pray, upon each soul present and all those who will be touched by what is given. Bless us so we may be a blessing in your name. Amen. 4 Preparation for Prayer: VU 378 “Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart” (vs. 1) Prayers of the People & The Lord’s Prayer *Closing Hymn: VU 331 “The Church’s One Foundation” (vs. 1, 2, & 5) *Commissioning and Benediction: One: We go from this place with daring insight. Many: We go to reach out to others heart to heart. One: We go from this place with courageous trust. Many: We go to build relationships one by one. One: We go from this place with growing faith. Many: We go to live that faith in love. *Closing: VU 242 “Let All Things Now Living” Postlude: “How Majestic Is Your Name” (vs. 1) (Michael W. Smith) Stewardship Seconds “Stewards see others as they see themselves. We are all broken and in need. What can we do to help each other?” Song of Faith “Scripture is the living word, our guide and inspiration.” 5 Sympathy & Prayer Concerns: Our Prayers are with Bud Cuthbert & Jack Styles. On the Ecumenical Prayer Calendar: We pray for Knox-Metropolitan United Church and the people of Cameroon, Central African Republic & Equatorial Guinea. Ministers: Pastor Anne Telford, Rev. Dr. Bruce Miller Minister Emeritus: The Rev. Dr. George H. Rodgers Senior Choir & Music Director: Heather Rodgers Handbell Choir Director: Anne McMeekin Organist: Don Cochrane Pianist: Glenda Murphy Scripture Reader: Bryce Horn A-V Team Leader: Rob Ewasiuk Greeters: The Duxbury Family Worship Attendants: Bill & Dianne Graham, Jan Hall, Laurel & Gordon Rees Council Chair: Barry McMeekin YAC (Youth Sunday School): Z’Anne Harvey-Jansen 6