May 9, 1999 - Christian Family Sunday
On Christian Family Sunday, it is particularly appropriate to read texts that remind us that we live within God, like a child in the womb, and that God lives in us, too. At its finest, a family is a place where new life and possibilities are brought to birth and where we can find comfort and assurance, as well as companionship. Although not all families are safe and happy, we can still affirm that God is with each of us as we struggle to become whole. Trusting in God’s continuing, loving presence can be a source of strength even when our situation is less than perfect. We can feel and respond to the winds of hope that blow through and around us.
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
A time of silent preparation—Lighting the Christ Candle
Call to Worship
One: Acclaim God, all the earth. Sing psalms to the glory of God’s name.
All: Glorify God with your praises. Say to God, “How awesome you are!”
One: Come and see the marvels of God, God’s awesome deeds for the children of Adam.
All: Let us rejoice in God who rules forever.
Conversation Time
The Sunday School & Youth leave for their classes.
Hymn #396 “Jesus, Stand Among Us”
We Remember Ourselves and Confess Our Sin
Prayer of Confession (Unison)
Eternal God, Your face is hidden from us by our sins. Your mercy we forget in the blindness of our hearts. Cleanse us from all our offenses and deliver us from proud thoughts and vain desires, give us reverent and humble hearts so that we may draw near to you. We come confessing our faults, confiding in your grace, and finding in you our refuge and strength; we pray in the name of Jesus, who is crucified and risen …(Silent Confession)
Assurance of Pardon (One)
God has brought us into union with Christ Jesus, and God has made Christ to be our wisdom. By him we are put right with God; we become God’s holy people and are set free.
#958 “Halle,Halle,Halle”
Biblical Notes
In Athens
1 Peter 3:13-22 Pg. 292
Suffering for Doing Right
The Promise of the Holy Spirit
One: This is the Gospel of Jesus Christ
We Respond In Giving And Gratitude
Lil Iwanicki, Board Member: With this liturgy of Transfer and Reaffirmation, we now welcome into this congregation the following persons who have chosen to identify with Westminster United Church as a congregation within the United Church of Canada:
Therefore I present to you:
Todd O'Reilly
Darlene O’Reilly
Katherine Konrad
Clint Houston
Gerald Weiss
so that they may be received into this congregation.
James: I ask you before God and these people. Do you profess anew your faith in God who has created you, in Jesus Christ the Word made flesh, and in the Holly Spirit, your Teacher and Guide?
Answer: I do.
Helen: Do you declare your intention to join with the people of Westminster United Church as we seek the presence of God among us through study and prayer and reflection; and do you now express your hope to enter into 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.
James: Let us rise to receive these new members.
Cong: In the name of Jesus Christ we welcome you to the privileges and responsibilities of membership in this congregation. Be among us as eager participants in worship, join with us as seekers after truth and walk with us as co-workers in the struggle for the kingdom of God.
All: As God has called us, we pledge to you our friendship, our help and our prayers.
Lil: Let us pray: God who makes all things new, affirming your promises and renewing our hopes, we give thanks for each person who has been moved this day to declare again the faith that stirs within them. Give us all a renewed vision of your purposes and use our strengths and our weakness as our gifts to you. For the promise of the gift of peace that we meet in your presence we give you thanks and praise through Christ who makes us one. Amen.
Certificates and gifts are distributed
In gratitude and humble trust we bring our best today
to serve your cause and share your love with all along life’s way.
O God, who gave yourself to us in Jesus Christ, your Son,
teach us to give ourselves each day until life’s work is done.
Prayer of Dedication (one)
Holy God, we make this sacrificial offering in the name and Spirit of Christ Jesus. Multiply and use these gifts to proclaim the mystery of hope for the faltering, faith for the doubting, provision for the hungry and homeless.
Hymn #556 “Would You Bless Our Homes and Families”
Commissioning (one)
Let us go out to live the mystery of faith; Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again! Glory be to God!
Choral: AMEN
For food in a world where many may walk in hunger,
For faith in a world where many walk in fear
For fellowship in a world where many walk alone,
We give thee thanks, O God.
Amen
Postlude
Thought For Today
“If there is to be any peace it will come through being, not having”
by Henry Miller