Church Report
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Sunday, January 5, 2014
Avondale United Church
The congregation at Avondale met for worship on Jan. 5 at 10:30 a.m. The Christ candle was lit by Jaslyn Chevers. Everyone was welcomed by Rev. Fred Hagle who also gave the announcements. During the Kid's Connection Time, Rev. Fred reminded the children that practice makes perfect. Whether it be playing guitar or piano or singing, practice does improve the result. We all need to practice the way of Jesus so we can be more like Him.
Lay Reader Jean Currier read the scripture verses from John 1 The Word Became Flesh. The message for adults was "The Word That Changed the World." John puts the emphasis on the future. We should be more than we are at present. God loves us so much He became what we are and we became children of God. Jesus came that we might have life more abundantly. God will use us to care for His world.
Look in a mirror and say "I am God's child deserving of love and respect and God will use me to change the world." He has a plan for each of us and Jesus is one word we can build our lives on.
The choir's anthem was Listen, Listen, Do You Hear God Calling You?
Accompanying our music was Bruce Fleming and some of the songs sung were O Come All Ye Faithful, I'm So Glad Jesus Lifted Me, I Am the Light of the World and I Can Feel You Near Me God.
You are welcome to join Sunday at 10:30 a.m. for worship when the message will be Singing a New Song. Read Acts 10:34-43 if you want to be in the know! Come a half hour early and enjoy a coffee and fellowship. Check out are new website at avondaleuc@gmail.com for more details.
On Saturday, Jan. 11, a Jamboree will take place in Cuthbertson Hall. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the Jam starts at 6:30 p.m.
Langton Baptist Church
Rev. Keith Sutherland opened the ‘First Sunday of the New Year’ church service at 11 a.m.
His message was on ‘All that glitters. If the hymns, the sermon and the scriptures are not dazzling enough, it’s because Jesus Christ is the true light and is a need for a light to shine within us. God is the lifegiver. John the Baptist was powerful and witnessed the truth of Christ. During the new year, we have the year of the Lord and we come that we recognize the message to hear God’s word and give glory and honour to God.’ Prayer followed.
The children’s story was on ‘This new year is blank, there’s nothing in it yet. What can we do for the Lord this year that we can give glory to God?’
Hymns sung, were: This Is My Father’s World, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Fairest Lord Jesus, Lord Be Glorified, and All The Ways My Saviour Leads Me.
Scripture readings, were: Psalm 147, Jeremiah 31:7-34, Ephesians 1:3-13; and John 1:1-18.
Prayers of supplication and praise were given by Rev. Sutherland.
Offering was received by Marilyn Hammond and Kim Fasseel.
Communion service was observed with Deacons Marie Dickens and Kim Fasseel serving.
December 29, 2013
Rev. Keith Sutherland opened the ‘First Sunday after Christmas’ church service at 11 a.m.
His message was on ‘Repeating the story. God gets His hands dirty with our lives. Jesus faces all temptations that we face as He is heading into an unknown territory. The purpose of Jesus coming as a child is He is our pioneer, so put your trust in God, God’s way of dying brought life into our world to receive God’s mercy and hope. The Christ candle was lit focusing on the Christ child who came as a little baby in the flesh. What does Christ mean to us?’ Prayer followed.
The children’s story was on ‘God works in mysterious ways. The new star represented a new King. We need to recognize there’s a new moon in New Year’s Day which is a very rare occasion. How many see it? Let us pay attention to what God is giving us. What is God calling us to do this year, in 2014?’
Hymns sung, were: Praise To The Lord The Almighty, We Three Kings, and The First Noel.
Scripture readings, were: Psalm 148, Matthew 2, Isaiah 63:7-9 and Hebrews 2.
Prayers of supplication and praise were given by Rev. Sutherland.
Offering was received by Carol Knack and Marilyn Hammond.