Westworth United Church
1750 Grosvenor Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba
on Treaty One Territory in the heart of the Métis Nation
4th Sunday after Epiphany
February 2, 2020
We Gather to Worship
Welcome and Announcements
Candle-Lighting & Prelude: “Légende” Alexandre Guilmant
Cherub Communion Anthem: “Long Ago and Far Away” Pat Mayberry
Opening Prayer:
God, keep up our courage
when the storms of life wash us up on an unexpected shore.
God, keep up our courage
to take barricades down; welcome the stranger; become the guest.
God, keep up our courage
to listen to the other; seek to understand; disagree agreeably.
God, keep up our courage
when the ship runs aground to prepare a new vessel;
chart another course.
God, keep up our courage
stowaways, castaways, whatever our crew
it’s all hands on deck, creation made new.
Hymn VU 625 “I Feel the Winds of God” KINGSFOLD
The Peace of Christ
One: May the peace of Christ be with you.
All: And also with you.
(Please extend to others a blessing of peace with words such as, “Peace be with you,” or “Peace,” with the response, “And also with you.” Following the Passing of the Peace, the children may go to Sunday School and return for Holy Communion.)
Prayer of Confession
Reconciling God, as we feel the pain of past mistakes,
We shy away and retreat to individual strongholds.
Help us surrender a false sense of who we are and all that tethers us.
Bind us to kindness, justice and humility as we learn from You and from one another.
Meditative Silence
Words of Assurance
We Hear the Word
First Scripture Reading: Micah 6:1-3, 6-8
This is testimony to the Word of God
Thanks be to God.
Responsive Reading: VU 832: Psalm 107:23-32, Part Three
Second Scripture Reading: Acts 27:18-20, 27-28:2, 7-10
Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.
Thanks be to God.
Sung Response: VU 895 “Gloria”
Anthem “Give Peace to Your People” L. Johnson and T. Fettke
Sermon “Unusual Kindness”
We Respond
Hymn VU 701 “What Does the Lord Require of You” MOON
Offering
Offertory: “Let Us Break Bread Together” arr. Gordon Young
Dedication Hymn VU 81, vs 3 “As With Gladness”
Offertory Prayer
The Sacrament of Holy Communion: World
May God be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to God.
Let us give thanks to God most holy.
It is right to give God thanks and praise.
Blessed are you, Creator God.
You formed the universe in all its wonder,
gave us all that we could need,
made us caregivers of all that you have made.
Praise be to you, Creator of this wondrous world.
We give you thanks for the amazing diversity of creation:
from the prairies and lakes to the dusty deserts,
from the majestic mountains to the vast seas.
Praise be to you, Creator of this wondrous world.
We give you thanks for the multiplicity of humanity
with our complexity of color and culture,
called into oneness-of-being through Christ.
With many tongues, yet with one voice, we worship you:
Praise be to you, Creator of this wondrous world.
We are grateful for your tender love
made known to us through Jesus,
who reassures and reconciles us
to you, to ourselves and to one another.
Even as we are enriched
by the diversity of your Church throughout the world,
grant us a common heart that seeks unity in love and purpose.
As Christ is our light to you, may we be lights to others,
illuminating the path toward communion with you.
So we, with all creation, with saints across the world from the past into the present join to sing your praise:
♪Holy, holy, holy, God of power and might;
heaven and earth are full, are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Bless’d is the One who comes, who comes in God’s name.
Hosanna in the highest.
Mighty and tender God, in Jesus of Nazareth
we recognize the fullness of your grace: light, life, and love, revealed in words that confront and comfort us,
in teachings that challenge and change us,
in compassion that heals and frees us.
And now we gather at this table to remember
and to be filled with such longing for your realm,
that we may rise together,
as one united yet diverse body of Christ in the world,
to turn our worship into witness
and to follow in your way.
We remember that when Jesus ate with his friends,
he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it,
he broke it and gave it to them, saying:
“Take, eat. This is my body, given for you.
Each time you do this, remember me.”
Then, he took a cup, and after giving thanks,
passed it to his friends, saying:
“Drink. This cup that is poured out for you
is the promise of God, made in my blood.
Whenever you drink it, remember me.”
At this time, we also remember
all with whom you would have us share your feast.
We pray for our Christian sisters and brothers throughout the world,
some of whom risk their lives to practice their faith…
We pray for nations as they strive for peace and justice…
We pray for our own United Church of Canada,
that we may seek your will for our future
as we worship you and minister to others…
We pray for the ministry of our Presbytery and Conference as we transition to Regions.
We pray for all who are in sorrow or in pain . . .
all who are ill or alone . . .
We offer these petitions through Christ Jesus,
who taught us to pray to God,
our Mother and our Father,
who art in heaven
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
for thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory,
forever and ever.
Amen.
Loving God, we rejoice in the gift of your grace,
remembering Christ’s life and death,
proclaiming his resurrection,
waiting in hope for his coming again.
Grant that, in praise and thanksgiving,
we may so offer ourselves to you
that our lives may proclaim the mystery of faith:
♪Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
Send, O God, your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts,
that all who share in this loaf and cup
may be the body of Christ:
light, life, and love in the world.
In this hope and as your people, we praise you.
Through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all glory is yours, God most holy,
now and forever.
♪Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen!
Sharing the Bread and the Cup
Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life
Jesus Christ, the Cup of New Life
The gifts of God for the people of God.
Everyone who follows Jesus Christ,
whether or not you belong to a particular church,
is welcome to come to this table.
Come, for all things are now ready.
Prayer after Communion
Life-giving God, we thank you
that you have called your people from east and west,
and north and south, to feast at the table of Jesus Christ.
May we, who share Christ’s body, live his risen life;
we, who drink his cup, bring new life to others;
we, whom the Spirit lights, give light to the world.
Hymn VU 563 “Jesus, You Have Come to the Lakeshore”
PESCADOR DE HOMBRES
Benediction
Sung Response: VU 87, refrain “I am the Light of the World”
Postlude: “We Are One in the Spirit” Peter Scholtes
Today’s liturgy is adapted from UK Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Minister: Loraine MacKenzie Shepherd
westworthminister@gmail.com 204 489-6974 Ext. 22
Director of Music: Debbie McLeod Cherub Choir Director: Jewel Casselman
Organist: Dorcas Windsor Westworth Winds Director: Ray McClelland
Minister Emerita: Eleanor Geib
Coordinator of Children, Youth & Family Ministries: Maggie Barnett
204 489-6974 Ext. 23 churchschool@westworth.ca
Office Administrator: Heather Lavery office@westworth.ca
Church Phone # 204 489-6974 Ext. 20 www.westworth.ca
Church Accountant: Jenny Jeffers churchaccountant@westworth.ca
Hosts: Sharon S. and Madeline P.
Ushers: Anne and Keith L.
Scripture Reader: Daryl B.
Communion Servers: Dorothy R., Heather R., Arlene H., Norm
and Jennifer S., Bruce T., Elaine P., Heain C. and Taekyu L.
announcements
SUNDAY SCHOOL The children will be learning about Jesus’s Story (Luke 2: 1-7)
TAX RECEIPTS Please pick up your tax receipts in the narthex. Thanks for helping us save postage.
ZEEBU News: Your Westworth planning team is delighted to let you know that all meals needed but one have been spoken for by other congregations. Our United Church region is working on a possibility for that last meal for the participants of ZEEBU on the Louis Riel Long Weekend. Thank you to Westworth for your encouragement and support for this event.
Calling all Westworth Youth: ZEEBU is for you! And this year it is at home! ZEEBU is a United Church, conference-wide youth retreat for grades 7 to 12, which will be held over the Louis Riel weekend, February 15-17, 2020 right here at Westworth. This is a great opportunity for young people to come together and have fun exploring a theme in both small and large groups, giving individuals the chance to discover and deepen their faith in God, in the comfort and safety of their peers, young adult leaders and chaplains. Further information, including sample retreat agendas, and registration forms can be found at http://www.mnwo.ca/youth-and-young-adults/ Sign up! Bring your friends. You’ll be glad you did!
SANCTUARY WINDOWS PROJECT
Progress on the Sanctuary Window Project continues with $ 32,544 in donations, pledges and confirmed grants to date. A Q & A Information sheet about the project is in the Narthex.
WANTED: WESTWORTH REGIONAL REPS FOR THE UNITED CHURCH’S PRAIRIE TO PINE REGION. This is the equivalent of our Conference reps, which Dorcas & Kirk have been for many years. After having served so well for so long, they have stepped down. Dan and Ruth Wiwchar served as our Regional Reps for last year. We are now looking for 1-4 regional reps for this year. The responsibilities include attending the annual meeting of the Region. This year, the region is meeting in Steinbach from Thursday afternoon May 28-Saturday afternoon May 30. Funding is available to assist with registration, hotel and food. This is a great opportunity to meet people from other United Churches across Manitoba and NW Ontario. Please let Loraine or Eunice know if you are interested or have questions.
2020 Lenten Challenge
Westworth is trying something new this year. We are giving up meetings for Lent in order to make a bit more space for us to indulge in spiritual reflection. We hope that everyone will consider spending 15 minutes/day reflecting on a biblical passage as it relates to our personal lives. We will be providing workbooks that will take us through the Gospel of Matthew. Each day will offer a biblical passage, some background to it, a question for us to reflect upon, and a prayer. Workbooks are available after the service today.
We are also offering small groups for people to join and meet once a week for 5 weeks during the month of March. These small groups will help people get to know each other as they share reflections with one another. Various times for small groups are listed in the narthex. Please choose one time that fits your schedule and sign up.
NAME TAGS If anyone is interested in obtaining a new or replacement name tag there is a sign up sheet on the sign up board. Name tags may be left on the new Name Tag Board by the coffee ledge in the narthex.
upcoming events
TAIZÉ PRAYER: a reflective time of chants in 4 parts with cantor and accompaniment, silent meditation and opportunity for anointing and lighting of prayer candles. Tonight, 7:30-8:30 pm. If you would like to play an instrument or learn vocal parts, please let Loraine know and come to the rehearsal at 6:00 pm, just before the service.
“A LEARNING AND SHARING OPPORTUNITY FOR PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA AND PARTNERS IN CARE.” Pat Stephenson will lead A five session opportunity to investigate the research in dementia and share personal stories with others. The goal of the sessions is to open up opportunities of strength and self preservation for the care giver. These sessions will allow participants to explore the possibilities and understand the need for an individual diagnosed with dementia to be part of decision making in their care. This program will give the care giver, family and the person diagnosed with this debilitating disease, the tools to maintain personhood and a loving relationship with family thru this very difficult journey. It would be most beneficial to you and to the group if you could attend all five sessions, but this is not necessary. Please join us Thursday afternoon 1:30pm -3:30 pm January 23-Feb 20.
AFFIRM LUNCH & LEARN – HOW TO BE AN ALLY TO PEOPLE IN TRANSITION The Affirm Committee is hosting a Brown Bag Lunch and Discussion after church on Sunday, February 2, in the parlour. We will be joined by Rhea Mossman Sims, a Nurse Practitioner from Klinic Community Health Centre, and Elliott Long, a Peer Supporter in the Trans Health Program at Klinic to explore how to be an ally to the transgender community, especially to people who are in the process of transitioning. The presentations will be fairly short and there will be time after for discussion. We will be offering coffee, tea, soup, veggies and cookies to everyone. You are welcome to supplement this lunch with your own Brown Bag lunch if you wish. Please join us and feel free to bring a friend.
THE WOMEN’S SPIRITUALITY GROUP will meet Saturday, February 8th, 9:00am in the upper classroom. All women are invited to join us for a light breakfast and discussion. Donna Fillingham, from Crescent Fort Rouge United Church, will be sharing ideas about how to turn that box of photos and memorabilia into a family keepsake. For more information please contact Kathy W. at 204 489-6617 or email wilsonka@mymts.net.
Please keep in mind the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING has been set for Feb. 23, 2020. Deadline for Annual Reports has passed. WORSHIP WILL BEGIN AT 10:30 AM ON THIS DAY.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Belated Valentine Evening Let your wonderful Sunday school staff child mind on Friday February 21st from 6.30pm-8.00pm while you enjoy an evening with that special someone!! There will be a movie, snacks and board games offered.
REUNION FOR THE RIVER HEIGHTS 1980’S Y-NEIGHBOUR GROUP February 27th (Thursday) Time: 2.00pm-4.00pm Westworth UC Please bring a dozen of your favourite dainties to share. Coffee and tea provided.
SAMEDI SWING Feb. 29 at 7:00pm. Join us for an evening of music and desserts with our Westworth Big Band and the Dixie Beats. Tickets available at the office and are available in the narthex after service.
ITEMS OF INTEREST FROM COUNCIL MEETING OF JAN. 28, 2020 for Sunday Bulletin
- Affirm Committee will be presenting an informational session on Feb.2, 2020
- C. Faithful Footprints Grant Approval for a total of $30,000 (Thirty Thousand dollars).
- List of Team Leaders and Team members will be available with AGM Annual Report. Volunteers for all Teams greatly appreciated.
- Proposed budget for 2020 approved for presentation at AGM. Budget will be in the Annual Report that will be out in February. If you have any questions about the budget once available, please email the Chair of Finance Committee.
- Alcohol Policy of Westworth amended to read “The sale and/or serving of wine or beer is allowed at events held at Westworth only with Council Approval.”
- 6 youth will be confirmed on Easter Sunday
- Westworth United Church is invited to attend worship at St Andrews River Heights on April 19, 2020 for their 5th Anniversary of becoming an Affirming Ministry. On May 31, 2020 Westworth will be hosting a joint Pentecost worship service with St Andrews River Heights.
- Position Regional Reps for Prairie to Pines Region vacant. Please contact Eunice P. or Loraine MacKenzie Shepherd.
- AGM: February 23, 2020. Worship to start at 10:30.
outreach
- OUR PEACE TREATY WITH THE EARTH:Gathering & writing Songs, Prayers, Stories, Blessings, Woes and Litanies – Saturday, Feb . 8 at Canadian Mennonite University Heritage Gallery 9:00 am -3:30 pm. Coffee House with singing and stories – Sunday February 9 2-4:30 pm. Cost for the event will be $ 20.00 for the day which include lunch and refreshments. See the Outreach Board for more information.
- TWO BIRDS, ONE STONE: February 8 – 16. Berney Theatre -A documentary-style investigation of a Jewish-Canadian/Muslim-Palestinian friendship between two women. “Two Birds One Stone was a powerful, quirky, and intimate show that shattered my expectations completely.” – Mooney On Theatre. If you would like to attend with others from Westworth, and hear a talkback with Karen Ridd, you may sign up on the board in the Narthex. You must purchase your own tickets. They are available online.
- West Broadway Community Ministry (WBCM) Pantry: Thanks to so many of you who, each Sunday, fill the buckets to overflowing with nutritious foods destined for West Broadway. Most needed is protein: tins of meat, chili, stews, fish, beans, and small jars of peanut butter. Also needed are feminine hygiene products and bath towels. Travelling soon? Please remember WBCM by collecting those small containers of soap, shampoo, and conditioner. They are used when guests take a shower at the facility.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- Join us for Westminster UC’s 2020 Lenten Study Wednesdays Mar. 4, 11 & 25, 7-8:30pm Questions of Faith, with a nod to Star Wars – led by Rev. Dr. Jim Christie. All are Welcome!
- Workshops on Living Well for 55+ Come and join us at Crescent Fort Rouge UC on Thursday mornings for the following free workshops.
-February 13th 10am-11am Exercise Control Over Arthritis Peter Manastrysky of the Arthritis Society will show you how carefully planned exercise can help you manage your arthritis. Learn valuable tips for arthritis – specific physical activity and exercise.
-February 27th 10am-11am Do I Still Need this Medication? Join pharmacist Allison Bell, member of Canadian De-prescribing Network and passionate advocate for safe medication use to learn about medication risks and essential questions to ask your health care provider to help prevent medication harm.
Registration helps us make sure there are enough refreshments and supplies. Please register at cfruc55plus@gmail.com or call 204-299-9919.
Minute for Mission
Celebrating Black History Month
Black History Month is a time to honour and celebrate the contributions of Black people in Canada and to look at the past while giving thanks as we look forward to the future. The history of Black people in Canada is part of the history of the United Church.
In 1907 Union Congregational Church formed in Montreal when Black railway porters and their wives came together to worship with dignity. This was something they were not able to do in other congregations because the church was created during a time of legal segregation: Black people could not worship as equal participants.
Nowadays, the United Church continues to work toward its commitment to be an intercultural church, although many in our congregations still encounter Black isolation and segregation.
Many congregations in diverse parts of Canada do not reflect their community. There is a clear lack of education around what it truly means to be intercultural, and there is a sense among some people of being singled out as different. Many Black people do not feel welcome at church, which should be a sanctuary from racism.
Thanks to your gifts for Mission & Service, a group called The Journeys of Black Peoples in The United Church of Canada was formed. The group strives for integration, offering help to those who come from outside the church to find a home within the church.
We have come a long way from the days of slavery and segregation, but we still have a long way to go. This Black History Month, let’s take the time to learn about the saints who have gone before us and their impact that is still felt today.
If Mission & Service giving is already a regular part of your life, thank you so much! If you have not given, please join me in making Mission & Service giving a regular part of your life of faith. Loving our neighbour is at the heart of our Mission & Service.
