1. family and parenting
2. children

ST. PAUL’S UNITED CHURCH
St. Paul’s is a community minded Christian Congregation called to serve
God by serving others.
October 26th, 2014
147th Church Anniversary
GATHERING
PRELUDE
WELCOME AND GREETING:
ONE: The Lord be with you.
ALL: And also with you.
LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE
OPENING HYMN: MV#18 (on projection)
“Lord Prepare me to be a Sanctuary”
Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true;
With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for you.
INVITATION TO WORSHIP: (responsively, on projection)
Leader:
We gather together to seek the Lord's blessing.
Congregation: We come to this special place to honor those who have
worshipped here before us.
Leader:
We join our hearts in praise of God's steadfastness over 147
years here at St. Paul's, where many have been initiated into
true faith formation.
Congregation: In this Anniversary time we remember we are
surrounded by the love and compassion of God's living
spirit.
Leader
We are grateful for opportunities to make the world a better
place.
Congregation: Let us worship God with renewed courage and hope on
this important occasion and into all the future that God has
in store for this Community of Faith.
OPENING PRAYER
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* HYMN: VU#395 “Part of the Family” (4 vs.)
Come in, come in and sit down,
you are a part of the family.
We are lost and we are found,
and we are a part of the family.
1
You know the reason why you came,
yet no reason can explain;
so share in the laughter and cry in the pain,
for we are a part of the family. R
2
God is with us in this place,
like a mother's warm embrace.
We're all forgiven by God's grace,
for we are a part of the family. R
3
There's life to be shared in the bread and the wine;
we are the branches, Christ is the vine.
This is God's temple, it's not yours or mine,
but we are a part of the family. R
4
There's rest for the weary and health for us all;
there's a yoke that is easy, and a burden that's small.
So come in and worship and answer the call,
for we are a part of the family. R
LIFE & WORK OF OUR CONGREGATION: Brian Clark
TIME WITH OUR YOUNG PEOPLE
& THE LORD’S PRAYER (VU#921)
with Rob and Keiko
PRAYER OF CONFESSION: (together, on projection)
We look around us merciful God and see much darkness. EBola,
hunger, wandering refugees caused by ISIS, child traficking, and
violent conflict in so many places. Floods and drought, tsunamis and
earth quakes, the damaging effects of fossil fuels. global warming and
climate change, and we wonder, What has caused such darkness.
Forgive us loving God, for any part we have contributed to the
darkening of the universe. Grant us you pardon and help to see the
Light that shows the way to real health and wholeness for all Creation.
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A time of silence for our own confessions to be offered.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE: (responsively, on projection)
Leader: …
All:
Amen
SERVICE OF THE WORD
MINISTRY OF MUSIC:
“The Longer I serve Him”
By Wm. J. Gaither
SCRIPTURES TODAY ARE READ BY: Brian Clark
PSALM 84, VU#800 (responsively, with sung refrain)
Refrain: How lovely is your dwelling place, O God of hosts, to me!
How lovely is your dwelling place, God of hosts!
My soul longs, even faints for the courts of God;
my heart and my flesh cry for joy to the living God.
Even the sparrow finds a house,
and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young,
at your altars, God of hosts, my sovereign, my God.
Refrain: How lovely is your dwelling place, O God of hosts, to me!
Happy are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise.
Happy are those whose strength is in you,
who have set their heart on pilgrimage.
Going through the valley of Baca
they find a spring from which also to drink;
the early rain also covers it with pools of water.
They go from strength to strength,
to appear before God in Zion.
Refrain: How lovely is your dwelling place, O God of hosts, to me!
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O God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob.
Behold, O God, our shield,
look on the face of your anointed.
Truly a day in your courts
is better than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
For you, God, are a sun and shield,
you will give grace and honour.
No good thing will you withhold
from those who live the upright life.
O God of hosts,
happy are those who put their trust in you. R
Refrain: How lovely is your dwelling place, O God of hosts, to me!
EPISTLE: Hebrews 12:1-13 Pg. 226 N.T.
“We have this large crowd of witnesses around us…let us rid ourselves of
everything that gets in the way…let us run with determination the race that
lies before us [keeping] our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith
depends from beginning to end.”
* HYMN: MV#154 “Deep in Our Hearts” (4 vs.)
Verse 1
Deep in our hearts
there is a common vision;
deep in our heats
there is a common song;
deep in our hearts
there is a common story,
telling Creation that we are one.
Verse 2
Deep in our hearts
there is a common purpose;
deep in our hearts
there is a common goal;
deep in our hearts
there is a sacred message,
justice and peace in harmony.
Verse 3
Deep in our hearts there is a common longing;
deep in our hearts there is a common theme;
deep in our hearts there is a common current,
flowing to freedom like a stream.
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Verse 4
Deep in our hearts
there is a common vision;
deep in our hearts
there is a common song;
deep in our hearts
there is a common story,
telling Creation that we are one.
SERMON: “Surrounded” Preacher: Rob Witmer
* HYMN: VU#578 “As a Fire is Meant for Burning” (3 vs.)
As a fire is meant for burning
with a bright and warming flame,
so the church is meant for mission,
giving glory to God's name.
Not to preach our creeds or customs,
but to build a bridge of care,
we join hands across the nations,
finding neighbours everywhere.
We are learners; we are teachers;
we are pilgrims on the way.
We are seekers; we are givers;
we are vessels made of clay.
By our gentle, loving actions,
we would show that Christ is light.
In a humble, listening Spirit,
we would live to God's delight.
As a green bud in the springtime
so may we be signs of oneness
mid earth's peoples, many-hued.
As a rainbow lights the heavens
when a storm is past and gone,
may our lives reflect the radiance
of God's new and glorious dawn.
PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING AND INTERCESSION
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SERVICE OF THE TABLE
THE OFFERING
OFFERTORY: “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”
* OFFERING HYMN: VU#540 “Grant Us, God, the Grace”
Grant us, God, the grace of giving,
with a spirit large and free,
that ourselves and all our living
we may offer faithfully.
* PRAYER OF DEDICATION
BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH
* HYMN: VU#586 “We Shall Go Out with Hope of Resurrection” (2 vs.)
Verse 1
We shall go out with hope of resurrection;
we shall go out, from strength to strength go on;
we shall go out and tell our stories boldly;
tales of a love that will not let us go.
We'll sing our songs of wrongs that can be righted;
we'll dream our dreams of hurts that can be healed;
we'll weave a cloth of all the world united
within the vision of new life in Christ.
Verse 2
We'll give a voice to those who have not spoken;
we'll find the words for those whose lips are sealed;
we'll make the tunes for those who sing no longer,
expressive love alive in every heart.
We'll share our joy with those who still are weeping,
raise hymns of strength for hearts that break in grief,
we'll leap and dance the resurrection story,
including all in circles of our love.
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* BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH
* MUSICAL COMMISSION: MV#215 (on projection)
Words and Music by Alison L. Wesley, 2000
Peace be with you, peace forever,
Peace be with you, my friends.
Till we meet again, may God be with you. Peace, peace, peace.
* POSTLUDE: “Trumpet Tune” by Henry Purcell
TODAY
#1
Our greeter for today is
Gail Willson.
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#2
We welcome and thank Robert and Keiko Witmner for
sharing in our worship this morning. As newly retired
overseas personnel in Japan, Robert and Keiko’s main
involvement had been in the work of the Dohoku Centre, a
rural church centre established in 1960 with the financial
support of The United Church of Canada.
The Dohoku Centre carries out a wide range of activities and programs,
such as one related to issues of food, agriculture, and rural society called
“Three Love—love for God, love for humanity, and love for the soil.
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#3
The flowers this morning
are given by
Margaret Rose Blakley
in loving memory
of her father, mother & brother
Ralph and Lily Brydges and Tommy.
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#4 COFFEE TIME:
After worship,
everyone is invited downstairs
to the Banquet Hall for a luncheon
as part of our Anniversary Celebration.
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#5
The funds collected from the Special “Anniversary”
envelopes will be divided between the Canadian
Foodgrains Bank and St. Paul’s Community Kitchen.
Let us give with a joy filled heart as we remember the
needs of others.
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#6
Visitors, Members
and Friends!
We celebrate your presence and welcome you in friendship and in love.
Thank you for sharing in our worship today. After the service, and before
you leave this building, turn worship into ministry by greeting someone
you don’t know.
Church Office:
Office Hours:
Church Email:
Website:
Minister (F/T):
88 Bidwell Street, Tillsonburg N4G 3V2 519-688-0011
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
stpaulsunited@execulink.com
www.stpaulsunitedchurch.info
Rev. Mark Ferrier (519-544-2550)
revmark@execulink.com
Minister (P/T): Rev. Maurice Francis (519-688-7724)
Church Staff: Carol Wagner, Administrative Assistant
Floyd Marshall, Custodian
Shelley Vermeersch, Organist
Karen Hodges, Sunday School Coordinator
Elected Leaders:
Glenn Buchner, Council Chairperson
Karen Helsdon/Brenda Marshall
Christian Development Committee
Doreen Smith, Treasurer
John Somerville. Board of Trustees
Copyright Licences: LicenSing: #2401; CCLI: #2395724
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#7
I am going to challenge you today to take time to
come down and visit our kids on a Sunday morning.
Show them that you do care. Take an interest in
them by spending some time with them. Let them show you what they are
doing. Then I would like you to go and pray - really pray about whether you
should be helping in a Kid’s Town class.
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#8
Believe it or not – Kid’s Town is starting to grow –
this is great but WE NEED YOU.
If we can get enough helpers –
then no-one has to be there every week. You still get a chance to be part
of the congregation BUT more importantly you are helping to build
relationships with the little ones in this church.
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#9
Only one week left to purchase your
St. Paul’s T-shirt and/or golf shirt and support our Sunday School
and PA Day Activities!
Only available in navy blue! Price includes logo and tax!
Adults: T-shirts
Golf shirts
~ $12 regular size
~ $15 oversize
~ $29 regular size
~ $33 oversize
St. Paul’s
Children/Youth:
T-shirts only ~ $8
We must have a minimum order of 20 to ensure
the above prices. Deadline for ordering is October 30th.
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#10
Don’t forget to order your kids
2015 calendars - they have been busy working on them, they
will be ready for pick up November 15th. Each month features
the original art of one of our children. Only $5 each!
Sign up today in the Rotunda!
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#11
Our Sunday School Coordinator
and her team of volunteers need empty white and especially
black K-cups for a Christmas craft. You can drop these off in
the church office or give them to Karen Hodges,
Brenda Marshall or Karen Helsdon on Sundays. Thanks!
MEETING THIS WEEK
#12 Monday, October 27th.
 UCW Afternoon Tea 2-4:00 p.m. ~ Friendship Room
Tuesday, October 28th.
 Bazaar Committee Meeting – 10:30 a.m. Meeting Room
Wednesday, October 29th.
 Choir Practice at 6:45 p.m. ~ Cantata practice at 7:45
Thursday, October 30th:
 Sea Scouts at 7 p.m. in the Friendship Room
THIS WEEK
#13
The UCW are hosting
an afternoon tea on Monday, October 27th
from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Friendship Room.
All ladies of the church are welcome!
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#14
Bible Study with Ruth Francis
Friday, October 31st at 9:45 a.m. at 11 Peach Street,
Tillsonburg. All participants are welcome to explore the
book of Matthew. For more information, contact Ruth at
519-688-7724
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#15
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If you like to sing, why not come out
for the Christmas Cantata?
“The First Noel” by Russell Mauldin and Sue C. Smith uses new
music blended with familiar carols in a wide variety of styles
to celebrate the birthday of a King.
The First Noel will be presented on
December 14th. Rehearsals ~ Thursdays at 7:45 p.m.
The first practice will be Wednesday, October 29th at
7:45 p.m. then resumes to Thursdays the following week.
NEXT SUNDAY, November 2nd
#16
Read ahead …
Revelation 7:9-17 & Psalm 34:1-10, 22
1 John 3:1-3 & Matthew 5:1-12
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#17
Next Sunday, November 2nd is All Saints/All Souls Day. All
Saints Day is a “major feast day” historically in the life of the
church. It can be a significant time of remembering all those in
“the company of heaven” with whom we always worship,
especially around the Lord’s Table. During the morning
service, we will take time to remember those of our
congregation who have died in the last year with candle lighting and a
memorial time, to acknowledge those who have been part of us and also
affirm our faith that they in God’s peace and presence.
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#18
This Friday will mark Carol Wagner’s retirement and last
day as our Administrative Assistant. Carol has served us
faithfully and well for 17 years. During next Sunday
morning’s service on November 2nd there will be an
opportunity to say thank you and at coffee time, cake and refreshments and
time to express your own appreciation to Carol for all she has done for us.
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UPCOMING
#19
St. Paul’s United Card Parties
at 7:00 p.m. on Saturdays, November 1 & December 6!
$10.00 per person
(refreshments included)
To register, contact Cheryl Buchner 519-842-2277 or
gcbuchner@execulink.com
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#20
Our next Book Club offering is a light-hearted visit to
Butternut Creek, Texas. The Welcome Committee of
Butternut Creek, written by Jane Myers Perrine and
published in 2012. Perrine's small-town tale is a bigtime triumph of gentle humour, fast-paced plot, and
wonderfully engaging characters. The Book is available in paperback for $6
at Amazon and Chapters and through our local public library. Plan to join
us on Wednesday, November 5 @ 3 PM for coffee/tea and shared
goodies at the church. For more information, speak to Rev. Mark.
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#21
Mark it on your calendars!
Saturday, November 15th at 10:30 a.m.
The UCW FROSTY FAIR BAZAAR is just around the corner and will have
all your favourites -- Baking, Silent Auction, Knitting,
Books, Crafts, Jams and Jellies and Deli foods that make
your mouth water –
Chicken Pies, Cabbage Rolls and so much more.
Doors open at 10:30 a.m.
lunch between 11:00 and 1:00
Entrance to the bazaar is FREE!
Tickets for the luncheon are $9.00 for adults and
$4.50 for children 10 and under. Advance ticket sale only available
from UCW members or the church office by calling 519-688-0011.
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#22
The next PA day is Friday, November 21
and we are running on the theme of the Movie Frozen - the last
PA day we had a total of 15 kids!!! We did not have enough help.
We need a team of dedicated volunteers if we are going to
continue to offer this program. Each volunteer must go through a Police
Check as well as orientation – Please talk to Karen Hodges to find out what
is required.
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#23
Down Home Country Christmas Dinner
Saturday, November 29th
Adults: $15.00 ($17 at the door)
Children (6-12): $8.00
Free for children 5 & under
4:45 and 6:00 p.m. sittings
Free entertainment in the Sanctuary!
Tickets will soon be available from Church Council members,
the Station Arts Centre, Tillsonburg Museum, Cowards Pharmacy & the
church office. (Limited number of tickets available!). Volunteers needed!
Take-out available
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#24
St. Paul’s United Church
Financial Statement ending September 30, 2014
Total Income for the month of September
Total Expense for the month of September
Financial gain for the month for September
21,992.13
20,588.09
+ 1,404.04
Mission & Service Fund for September 2014
(this amount is not included in the income & expense )
M & S and World Development
4,166.00
January 1, 2014 beginning balance
Plus Y.T.D. Income
Minus Y.T.D. Expenses
Plus GIC cashed in August
September 30, 2014 bank balance
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–9,906.76
+220,339.62
+210,432.86
–224,571.61
+2,132.59
–12,006.16
In our thoughts and prayer
the Ebola Crisis and the work of the
Canadian Foodgrains Bank
PLEASE NOTE
Daylight Saving Time ends!
Next Sunday, November 2nd
change your clock (one hour back)
before Sunday’s worship service.
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Keeping the enclosed St. Paul’s
Calendar of Events
close at hand will help you to keep connected
to St. Paul’s family and the community!
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Take the time before or after worship
to re-visit St. Paul’s history – lovingly put together in the
Rotunda by our archivist, Marion Hevenor
COMMUNITY

Please join us for a special evening of music and celebration as
Danish-born soprano Victoria Gydov performs some of her most beloved
songs and arias in concert to benefit the ongoing ministry of Mt. Elgin
United Church on Saturday, November 1st at 7 p.m. at Mt. Elgin United
Church. Also making a special appearance are the Melody Makers from
Tillsonburg. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call
519-485-2929 or 519-485-1637.

Roast Beef Supper at Avondale United Church on Sunday, November
2nd from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at 60 Harvey Street, Tillsonburg. Adults: $16 ~
Children 5-10: $8 and free for children under 5. For tickets, call 519-8425532.
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Council Meeting Highlights
from September 16, 2014
 The Workplace Violence Policy, Workplace Harassment Policy and
Privacy Policy were adopted. There will be a recommendation brought to
the next Council meeting as to who will oversee that the Risk Assessment
Form is completed biannually and who the Privacy Officer should be.
The Vulnerable Policy was reworked and will be brought to Council for
approval at the next meeting.
 Council accepted and approved the Ministry and Personnel Committee’s
recommendation that Helen Loehndorf be hired, effective immediately, as
our new Administrative Assistant.
 Council approved a motion to increase the budget allowance for kitchen
supplies from $100.00 to $150.00.
 Carol Wagner’s retirement celebration is scheduled for November 2, 2013
during the worship service, with cake to follow the service during
refreshment time. Please plan to attend if you can!
 Council approved the use of the Friendship Room at no cost to the Heart
and Stoke Society for their Heart Rally Recruitment the evening of Jan
14, 2015.
 Down Home Country Christmas Dinner will be held Nov. 29, 2014. The
steering committee has met and plans are underway. Please help with
this phenomenal community outreach event.
 Council approved to support those who use the Community Kitchen by
charging the Community Kitchen only the cost of the food for those that
attend the Down Home Country Christmas Dinner.
 Camp Tanner has moved to an independent corporation and as such, St.
Paul’s has been asked to appoint two representatives to their Annual
Meeting as have all United Churches in Oxford County. Rev. Maurice
Francis and Ron Wycherley have been representing us in the past and
Council appointed them as our representatives to finish the current year.
These positions will now show on the annual nominating committee
report.
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 For the first time in a long time Finance Committee reported a positive
balance for the month of September 2014 of $1,404.04. Year-to-date we
are still showing a deficit of $4,231.99 which is much better than last
year’s year-to-date deficit of $33,272.27. Thank you everyone for your
continued support!
 The Trustees are continuing to work to obtain a Grant from the
Tillsonburg BIA to make exterior repairs and painting of the Manse. They
have run into some challenges getting quotes to be able to apply for this
grant.
 The Christian Development Committee reported that 15 kids attended the
last PA Day function and they are looking for volunteers for the upcoming
one. The application to Oxford Presbytery’s Possibility Fund is in the
hands of that committee. The Messy Church Program for St. Paul’s is
still under development with support from neighbouring churches gaining
momentum.
 AOTS Men’s Club church service is November 23rd. The breakfast at the
Leaping Deer Farm was cancelled due to poor participation.
 UCW served supper at a recent Oxford Presbytery meeting held in St.
Paul’s. Please support their upcoming Frosty Fair Bazar November 15.
 The Nominating Committee will be active very soon. Please consider
how you could help your congregation by volunteering. Rev. Mark, Peg
Hogarth, Glenn Buchner and Brian Clark look forward to you speaking to
any of us.
 Next full Council meeting to be held November 18, 2014 at 7 pm in the
Meeting Room. Anyone is welcome to attend.
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