Sunday, September 9^th, 2001

To enter into something with heart and soul is to enter it completely.  Whether it is a relationship, a project, or a new adventure, if one’s heart and soul are engaged in an enterprise, one is committed indeed.  In the readings this week we see signs of such commitment – from  God and from God’s people.

If you would like to stay seated for any or all of the “standing” parts of the service, please feel free to do so.

Prelude  “Pageant”  by Ahrens

Sharing Announcements

A Time of Greeting

A time of silent preparation—Lighting the Christ Candle

Call to Worship (Responsive) From the back of the bulletin

Prayer of Approach (Unison) From the back of the Bulletin

Hymn #245  “Praise the Lord with the Sound of Trumpet”

         God, you know our innermost thoughts, there are times we may not have loved as you call us to love.  Sometimes we have done what is best for us while ignoring what is best for others.  What is easy rather than what we know is right.  Hear us now and in your mercy forgive us.  Help us to follow Jesus with all our heart and soul…(Silent Confession)

Assurance of Pardon (One)

God promises forgiveness to all those who ask.  As a potter reshapes a clay vessel, God promises to remould and remake us anew.  Thanks be to God!

Biblical Notes

Prayer of Illumination

Philemon 1-21 From the Epistle Pg. 270

Philemon’s Love and Faith

Choir Anthem  “Here I Am, Lord” by Schutte

Luke 14:25-33 From the Christian Scriptures Pg.100

The Cost of Being a Disciple (Read from the New Revised Standard Version)

One: This is the Good News of Jesus Christ

All: Thanks be to God

A Multimedia Westminster Summer

 Murray Bell & Al Piotrowski working on refinishing Memorial Hall table.

Not included in the photo are Jean Riggins and Marilynn Piotrowski.

Hymn #340 “Jesus, Friend of Little Children”

Mission Moment Sharon Clay

Our Church Tithes and Offerings

Offertory  “O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee” by Smith

Dedication #537 “Your Work, O God, Needs Many Hands”

Your work, O God, needs many hands to help you every where, and some there are who cannot serve unless our gifts we share.  Because we love you and your work, our offering now we make: be pleased to use it as your own, we ask for Jesus’ sake.

Prayer of Dedication (One)

Jesus, to follow you is to submit to stewardship of our gifts.  As you walk among the suffering to rescue and relieve, so we walk there with you.  Receive and bless this offering as we share with you the ministry of caring.  Amen

Prayer of Thanksgiving, Intercession & Lord’s Prayer

Hymn #424  “May the God of Hope Go with Us”

Commissioning (One)

The blessing of God, who ordains the journey of discipleship that Jesus calls us  to, and the Holy Spirit who enables our faithfulness,  rests upon us.

Choral Amen

#298 “When You Walk From Here”

When you walk from here, when you walk from here. Walk with justice, walk with mercy, and with God’s humble care.

Postlude “Finale in D” by Koch

 Congratulations to Jack Gold  & Bobbi Jo Olsen who will be married on Saturday, September 15^th at 3:00 p.m. here at Westminster.

The ministry of Westminster United Church was extended into the community as James conducted the funeral service for 4 year old Paityn Serfas.  Our condolences to the family and friends of Paityn.

”When the best things are not possible,

 the best may be made of those that are.”