January 12, 2003 - Baptism & Confirmation Sunday
Though our bodies are mostly made of water, and though we and all living things must have water in order to live, human beings cannot live in it: water is not our natural element. We drown in too much water. The same cannot be said of God’s blessings, which also give life and growth. We are challenged to immerse ourselves – to drown in – the blessings God continually pours over us.
Prelude “Sinfonia” by J.S. Bach
Sharing Announcements
A time of silent preparation—Lighting the Christ Candle
Call to Worship (One)
All who thirst, come to the water and drink deeply of these living streams. Come, all who are weary; come all who yearn for forgiveness. As the waters of the Jordan washed over Jesus, so the Holy Spirit washed over you and me. Our gracious God beckons and blesses us. Let us give praise for new life in Christ.
One: Let us continue to unite our hearts in prayer.
All: Creating Spirit, moving over the waters, you renew our baptism. God of the flood, you save us from destruction. Holy Spirit, Jordan dove, you came upon Jesus, descend now upon us. Voice from heaven, call us by name. We are your beloved. Amen.
Hymn #644 “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry”
(During the singing of this hymn – those sharing in the service of Baptism please join on the Chancel. Children, please come forward and sit at the front, on the steps so you can share in the baptismal service.)
Jane Clarke: On behalf of the Board of Westminster United Church, I present the following children for initiation into the body of Christ through Baptism:
|
Evan Nelson Gunn son of Clayton & Vicki Gunn |
Heberney Contreras son of Carlos Contreras & Elena Esteban |
Kadin Kent Ritchie son of Adam Ritchie & Amanda Anhorn |
“Do you desire to have your child baptised and do you accept the responsibility of acting and speaking on your child’s behalf?”
…I do, by the Grace of God.
“Do you believe in the love of God?
…Yes, I do.
Do you believe that God is made known to us in Jesus of Nazareth, who lived and died and lives again?
…Yes, I do.
Do you believe that the Spirit of God is active in the world to direct and
strengthen you?
…Yes, I do.
Will you endeavour to explore the Christian life with your child and to journey along side your child in search of ever deepening spiritual realities?
…I will, God being my helper.
Baptismal Promises of the Congregation (Please stand)
Do you receive these children with love and concern?
…Yes, we do
As a baptised and baptising church, do you commit yourselves to support and nurture these persons within a community which worships God, resists evil and seeks justice?
…I do, God being my helper
Do you promise to assist in the Christian education of the children who seek the spiritual guidance and nurture of this church by providing the learning, resources, leadership and opportunities that will be required?
…Yes, I do so promise, God being my helper. (Please be seated)
Let us Pray
Benevolent and Holy God, we bless you for the gift of life, and, within it, the gift of water. Over its unshaped promise your Spirit hovered at creation; by water comes the growth of the earth. Through water you led the children of Israel to freedom; in the waters of the Jordan your Child, Jesus, was baptised. Now may your Spirit be upon us and what we do, that this water may be a sign for all of new life in Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Jane pours the water.
The Baptism (All relatives and friends of the children who are being baptised are asked to stand where they are seated in the pew).
_____________________, “I baptise you in the name of the Father, the Son & the Holy Spirit, the God who has created and is creating; Jesus Christ, the word made flesh; and the Holy Spirit who works in us and others. With the sign of the Cross, you are marked as Christ's forever.”
Laying on of Hands
(The family and ministers place their hands on the person baptised to indicate the action of the Holy Spirit.)
__________________, “the power of the Holy Spirit work within you, that being born of water and the Spirit, you may be a faithful witness of Jesus Christ.”
People Respond: “Amen.”
In the name of Jesus Christ, who was baptised as you are now, I affirm that you are baptised into the struggle for the shalom of God.
Solo “Masterpiece” June Reid
The Sunday School & Youth leave for their classes.
We Remain in God’s Presence Through Confession
One: We gather to welcome the beginning of Jesus’ ministry.
All: Like the crowds on Jordan’s bank, we come humbly, for we have much to confess.
One: We gather expectantly, for we are ready to hear the prophetic Word.
All: God calls us to listen carefully, plan enthusiastically, and to respond practically.
One: We gather to make the new start that baptism symbolizes.
All: With that Jordan crowd, we confess our fear of change, but affirm our willingness to turn our lifestyle around.
One: We gather to witness the awesome power of the Holy Spirit.
All: We will be inspired to renew our relationships and to work in community to enliven our neighborhood…(time of reflection)
Assurance of Pardon (One)
Hear the Good News of the Gospel. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. You are forgiven! Thanks be to God.
Baptism & Temptation of Jesus (Read from the New Revised Standard Version)
One: This is the Good News of Jesus Christ
Hymn #509 “I, the Lord of Sea and Sky”
(During the singing of this hymn – those sharing in the service of Confirmation and Reaffirmation please join on the Chancel.)
Confirmand: Kelvin Blatz, Leanne Blatz, Darcy Fox, Clayton Gunn, Vicki Gunn, Gail Thompson, Gina Ziegler
Reaffirmation: Trish Richards
The Promises: James
One: Kelvin, Leanne, Darcy, Clayton, Vicki, Trish, Gail, Gina desiring the freedom of new life in Christ, I ask you before God and this congregation: Do you profess your faith in God your Creator, in Jesus Christ the Word made flesh, and in the Holy Spirit, God with us?
Answer: I do
One: Do you declare your intention to join with the people of Westminster United Church as we seek the presence of God among us through worship, study and prayer?
Answer: I do, God being my helper.
One: Do you now express your hope to continue in the life and work of this church as you support it with your gifts and share in its mission to all people?
Answer: I do, God being my helper.
One: Will you endeavour daily to respond to God’s love, to seek God’s will, and to fulfill your Christian calling and ministry in the world?
Answer: I will, God being my helper.
Confirmation: (Laying on of hands)
Kelvin, Leanne, Darcy, Clayton, Vicki, Trish, Gail, Gina the power of the Holy Spirit work within you, that being born of water and the Spirit, you may continue to be a faithful witness of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Commissioning:
Go into the world in the power of the Holy Spirit to fulfill your high calling as a servant and minister of Jesus Christ.
Welcoming:
In the name of Jesus Christ, we welcome you to the privileges and responsibilities of membership in Westminster Congregation.
Congregation: As God has called us, we pledge to you our friendship, our help, and our prayers.
When all have been Confirmed or received.
One: Let us pray:
All: Teach us, God to serve You as You deserve;
to give and not to count the cost,
to be spiritually vulnerable for you,
to be willing to “be” as well as willing to “do”,
to give gifts of our being without seeking a reward,
save that of knowing that we walk in your presence,
through Jesus Christ, the Word made Flesh. Amen
The Distribution of Gifts and Bibles
We Respond In Giving And Gratitude
Offertory “Jesus Loves Me” arr. Paxton
God, may the commitment we know, as members of the company of the baptized, be reflected in our offerings to you. Bless all our gifts and put them to work in the Way of Jesus Christ, within this faith community and within communities far from this city. Amen
Hymn #229 “God of the Sparrow”
Commissioning (responsive)
One: Go from this church with joy!
All: We have the gift of forgiveness; we have the Word of encouragement; we have the promise of God’s presence; we have the support of the faith community; we have the example of Jesus in front of us.
One: Go with joy, know the peace of God in every day and in every situation.
Choral Amen
#884 “You Shall Go Out With Joy”
You shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace;
the mountains and the hills will break forth before you;
there'll be shouts of joy, and all the trees of the field
will clap, will clap their hands!
And all the trees of the field will clap their hands, (clap, clap)
the trees of the field will clap their hands, (clap, clap)
the trees of the field will clap their hands (clap, clap)
while you go out with joy.
Postlude “Lord, Dismiss Us with Thy Blessing”
The Life And Work Of The Congregation
Flowers are placed in the Sanctuary this morning
in loving memory of
father, Yvo
&
sister, Leslie
by
Yvonne Hole & family
Thought For Today
Friendship with oneself is all important,
Because without it one cannot be friends
with anyone else in the world.
by Eleanor Roosevelt
Faith Statements
Those who participated in the fall Confirmation program were given the opportunity to share their personal thoughts on their faith journey. What appears below are their gifts to the congregation.
Leanne & Kelvin Blatz: Over the years we have always fallen back on our faith in God, but could never explain why. Confirmation classes were a new beginning in our journey of understanding our faith. Also by joining the United Church, we hope to give our children a start in their journey.
Darcy Fox: Having wandered aimlessly for a number of years, I finally realized the importance of faith and spirituality in my life. I have come to rely heavily on these two elements to assist in the balance of my life. My family and I have enjoyed our experience at the Westminster Church and look forward to the years to come of being part of the Westminster community.
Vicki & Clayton Gunn: We are pleased and excited to be sharing this special day with our son. Our children have brought us back to the United Church, and together, we look forward to continuing our faith journey.
Trish Richard: Initially the desire for my kids to grow up within the church community brought me to join the confirmation classes at this church. Throughout the classes I have become more in touch with my own faith and have established a new commitment to God.
Gail Thompson: It’s been a long journey for me to take this step today. I’ve come from a place of non-belief, full of questions, to a new beginning. I hope I will continue to question on a never-ending quest of spirituality. I want to thank the congregation, choir, and ministry of Westminster United Church as well as all my friends for supporting me through my years of searching. I hope I can share a renewed Christian faith with others like me who seek a higher truth.
Gina Ziegler: Coming into this class, I didn't know what to expect, as I have been away from the church for a long time, and have been searching for the right place to call my "home". During my previous research into other religions and churches, I was not happy with any of the results, but as I worked through the guidebook with the class, I became more and more convinced that the United Church was the only place for me. It's teachings and beliefs are mirrored by my own personal views, and Westminster United Church has been very welcoming of me and my family. We were happy to have had our daughter baptised here last year, and I look forward to becoming more at home in my new spiritual house.