An Affirming Congregation of The United Church of Canada - Robertson-Wesley United Church

 
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An Affirming Congregation of The United Church of Canada - Robertson-Wesley United Church
An Affirming Congregation of The United Church of Canada
2021 April 4                                   Easter Sunday

                                             Welcome and
                                               Inclusion
                                                 We open our
                                                hearts and our
                                              church family to
                                              all people in our
                                                  community
                                                 regardless of
                                                      sexual
                                                  orientation,
                                                   economic
                                                circumstance,
                                                 age, gender
                                             identity, differing
                                                   abilities, or
                                                   economic
                                                circumstance.
                                               Many people’s
                                              lives continue to
                                                be devastated
                                                   by hatred,
                                                prejudice, and
                                                   inequality,
                                                 therefore we
                                             stand with those
                                                    who are
                                                    adversely
                                                  affected by
                                                    injustice,
                                                alienation and
                                                  oppression.
An Affirming Congregation of The United Church of Canada - Robertson-Wesley United Church
Welcome to Robertson-Wesley
 Please know that in the eyes of God you already belong here and you are
    welcome to participate in any of the activities of the congregation.
                                          .
                             COVID CHANGES
❖   Follow the directional signage (yellow arrows) around the building.
❖   Sanitize/wash your hands, social distance, and wear your mask.
❖   There will be no singing during Worship.
❖   Fellowship will remain online via zoom and not in Memorial Hall.
❖   We will not pass the offering plate, but you may place your donations in
    the offering plates or use the debit terminal at the exits.
❖   There are no kids or youth programs at this time.

ASSISTIVE LISTENING SERVICES
Hearing assistance devices are available from the ushers.
ELEVATOR & ACCESS RAMPS
R-W has an accessible elevator located in the lobby near the hall. Access ramps can
be found: inside leading from the lobby to the sanctuary and
outside at the rear of the building, leading from the parking lot.
LARGE PRINT AVAILABLE
Large print versions of the Worship bulletin are available from the ushers.
BREAST FEEDING
People can breastfeed anywhere in the building.
SERVICE ANIMALS
Service animals are welcome in the church, except where food is prepared.
ACCESSIBLE WASHROOMS & BABY CHANGING TABLES
R-W has accessible washrooms with changing tables located by the elevator.
COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
We commit to make R-W a comfortable space for people with cognitive impairment,
including people with Alzheimer’s disease, senility or dementia, intellectual/learning
disabilities, ADHD, and autism or autism-spectrum disorders.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS
Please do not leave valuables unattended anywhere in the church. We ask that you
please take your coats, jackets, hats etc with you to your seat in the pews.

         We acknowledge that the land on which we gather is Treaty 6 territory, a
     traditional meeting ground for Indigenous peoples. We acknowledge the Métis
    Nation of Alberta, Region 4, who are of mixed Indigenous and European heritage.
                     10209 123 St, Edmonton T5N 1N3 780-482-1587
                            mail@rwuc.org www.rwuc.org
An Affirming Congregation of The United Church of Canada - Robertson-Wesley United Church
Friends in Christ
Prelude: All Praise and Glory, Sondra K. Tucker                             R-W Ringers
Embracing Our Spirit
Opening Prayer:
   O Holy One - we come, puzzling at your mystery,
   yet in adoration and wonder.
   Creator God, we wonder at your mighty works.
   O Holy One - we come in quiet breathing.
   Spirit, we breathe in your gifts with gratitude.
   O Holy One- we come in silent movements.
   Beloved Christ, we follow you into the quiet
   space. Amen 1
Opening Hymn: Jesus Christ Is Risen Today                          Voices United 155
   Jesus Christ is risen today, hallelujah!
   our triumphant holy day, hallelujah!
   who did once, upon a cross, hallelujah!
   suffer to redeem our loss. Hallelujah!
       Hymns of praise then let us sing hallelujah!
       unto Christ, our heavenly King, hallelujah!
       who endured the cross and grave, hallelujah!
       sinners to redeem and save. Hallelujah!
       But the pains which he endured, hallelujah!
       our salvation have procured, hallelujah!
       now above the sky he’s king, hallelujah!
       where the angels ever sing. Hallelujah!
       Sing we to our God above, hallelujah!
       praise eternal as God’s love; hallelujah!
       praise our God, ye heavenly host, hallelujah!
       praise the Son and Holy Ghost. Hallelujah!
Coming into God’s Presence                                               Rev. Sally Boyle

Introit: Beyond the Horizon to Peace, Betty Radford                         R-W Ringers

                                  God’s Holy Word
Scripture:                                                     Donna Krucik
    Acts 10:34-43 • God shows no partiality.
    Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows
    no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears God and does what

1
    Written by Jani Francis. Gathering Lent/Easter 2021. Used with permission.
is right is acceptable to God. You know the message God sent to the
   people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ - he is Lord of all.
   That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the
   baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth
   with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good
   and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with
   him. We are witnesses to all that Jesus did both in Judea and in
   Jerusalem. They put Jesus to death by hanging him on a tree; but God
   raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the
   people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate
   and drank with him after he rose from the dead. Jesus commanded us
   who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with
   him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the
   people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the
   living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone
   who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.
   Mark 16:1-8 • The resurrected Jesus appears.
   When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother
   of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint
   him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had
   risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another,
   “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?
   When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large,
   had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a
   young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they
   were alarmed. But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are
   looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised;
   he is not here. Look there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his
   disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you
   will see him, just as he told you.” So they went out and fled from the
   tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing
   to anyone, for they were afraid.
       This is the Good News of Jesus Christ.
       Thanks be to God for Christ, the word made flesh.
Sermon: Empty is Actually Full                             Rev. Sally Boyle

Hymn: Joy Comes with the Dawn                          Voices United 166
   Joy comes with the dawn;
   joy comes with the morning sun;
   joy springs from the tomb
   and scatters the night with her song,
   joy comes with the dawn.
Weeping may come;
   weeping may come in the night,
   when dark shadows cloud our sight.
   Joy comes with the dawn;
   joy comes with the morning sun;
   joy springs from the tomb
   and scatters the night with her song,
   joy comes with the dawn.
   Sorrow will turn,
   sorrow will turn into song,
   and God’s laughter makes us strong.
   Joy comes with the dawn;
   joy comes with the morning sun;
   joy springs from the tomb
   and scatters the night with her song,
   joy comes with the dawn.
   We will rejoice,
   we will rejoice, and give praise,
   to the One who brings us grace.
   Joy comes with the dawn;
   joy comes with the morning sun;
   joy springs from the tomb
   and scatters the night with her song,
   joy comes with the dawn.
Pastoral Prayers                                      Rev. Karen Bridges
    Lord’s Prayer                                 Voices United p. 921
        Our Creator, who are 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.
Grateful Response
Anthem: Risen Lord, Joel Raney & Arnold Sherman                            R-W Ringers
Offering:
  We take time to offer to God our gratitude for the ways we have been
                 served and are able to serve in this time.
Your donations today support R-W Church programs and building
operations, as well as outreach projects and programs in the city and
around the world. You can donate by e-transfer to pay@rwuc.org cheque
(by mail), debit/credit at the terminal by the doors, pre-authorized
remittance, or PayPal on the website. Tax receipts are issued at the end of
the year for donations over $20 if your name and address are provided
Offertory Hymn: Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow
                                                  Voices United 541
    Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
    praise God, all creatures high and low;
    give thanks to God in love made known:
    Creator, Word and Spirit, One.
Prayer of Gratitude:
    God of resurrection and new beginnings, we bring
    our gifts to you, our hearts filled with the wonder of
    Easter miracles. We pray that by your grace, our gifts
    will be used to perform miracles for you. Amen2
Closing Hymn: Thine is the Glory                   Voices United 173
   Thine is the glory, resurrected One
   grace and peace surround us through the risen Son.
   Angels in bright raiment, rolled the stone away,
   kept the folded graveclothes where the body lay.
       Thine is the glory, resurrected One
       grace and peace surround us through the risen Son.
       Let the church with gladness hymns of triumph sing,
       for the Lord now liveth, death hath lost its sting.
       No more we doubt thee, glorious Prince of life,
       life is nought without thee, aid us in our strife;
       make us true companions, in your work of love,
       bring deep peace among us, gentle as a dove.
       Thine is the glory, resurrected One
       grace and peace surround us through the risen Son. 3

2
    Written by Fern Gibbard. Gathering, Lent/Easter 2021. Used with permission.
3   New words by Sally Boyle, March 2021.
Benediction:
   What is the world waiting for?
   Glimpses of heaven above?
   Or glimpses of the kingdom around us?
   Let our witness to the kingdom be a moment of
   revelation to its wonders amongst us. 4
Postlude: Toccata (from Organ Symphony #5), Charles-Marie Widor
                                                                    Elsie Hoover, organ
                                    R-W Report
                                Next Sunday
                    Sunday, April 11, 2021 Easter 2
Children & Youth: There are no children and youth programs at this
time. There are online opportunities before worship for children.
Scriptures:       1 John 1:1-2:2 • The word of life.
                  John 20:19-31 • Jesus appears to the disciples.
Sermon: Is it well with your soul?
Transformation is not an easy, nor a quick process. Discovering a new
normal, a new way of life in the wake of a death or a major loss leaves us
with an unsettling feeling. What are the gospel writers revealing to us in
the stories of Jesus appearing to the disciples in this season of Easter?
We remember that Jesus taught us to pray. Jesus mentored us to engage
in spiritual practices. Jesus provided us with the ritual of communion, all
in order to fill our souls. Do we need to see to believe and for things to
be well with our soul?
Music: Karen Epp
After Worship: A time of fellowship is held online via Zoom.

                          WEEK AT A GLANCE
Sun Apr 4            Easter Sunrise Service - Paul Kane Park                  7:30 am
                                              & Online
                     Kid’s Worship - Online                                  9:30 am
                     Easter Worship - Sanctuary & Online                    10:30 am
                     Sunday Fellowship - Zoom                               12:00 pm
Mon Apr 5            Easter Monday - Church is Closed
Tues Apr 6           Scripture Reflections - Online & Zoom                  12:00 pm
                     DEAP - Zoom                                             5:30 pm
Wed Apr 7            Virtual Tea Party - Zoom                                2:00 pm
Thur Apr 8           Affirming Coffee Hour - Online                         11:00 am

4   Written by Sandy Ferguson. Gathering, Lent/Easter 2021. Used with permission
ON THE HORIZON
Sun Apr 11      Kid’s Worship - Online                           9:30 am
                Sunday Worship - Sanctuary & Online             10:30 am
                Sunday Fellowship - Zoom                        12:00 pm
                Communion/Baptism                                1:00 pm
Mon Apr 12      Spirited Art Studio - Zoom                       7:00 pm
Tues Apr 13     Scripture Reflections - Online & Zoom           12:00 pm
                Property Committee Meeting                       1:00 pm
                UWC Meeting - Zoom                               1:30 pm
                Gratitude Team - Zoom                            2:00 pm
                Finance Committee Meeting - Zoom                 7:30 pm
Wed Apr 14      Adult Education - Zoom                          10:30 am
                Spirited Art Studio - Zoom                       1:30 pm
Thur Apr 15     Affirming Coffee Hour - Online                  11:00 am

                      Volunteer Opportunities

         SPIRITUAL FORMATION POD COORDINATOR
We are seeking a Spiritual Formation Pod Coordinator:
Role: The role of the SF Pod Coordinator is to gather and engage
interested members of the congregation in conversation about how our
faith is deepened, developed and expressed within the life of our Church.
In keeping with our Mission statement, the SF Pod Coordinator will
encourage others to nurture and care for people on their faith journey
through development of events, programs, projects, resources, and
practices that deepen, inform and express our faith.

Term: The SF Pod Coordinator will be a two year term. The Coordinator
in conjunction with and with the support of the assigned ministry
personnel will set up three to four Pod meetings per year.
Skills:
    ● Facilitation and diplomacy skills
    ● Good listener
    ● Ability to identify skills and resources in the congregation
    ● Communication skills and basic computer skills
    ● Basic budget understanding

                       R-W News & Notes
The church will be closed on Easter Monday April 5.
Rev. Sally Boyle is away on holidays April 5 - 12, returning April 13.
Erin Craig is away on holidays April 5 - April 25.
TEA PARTY
                           Hats?? Gloves??
That’s right. How about a walk down memory lane to an earlier era!
Robertson-Wesley announces a virtual Tea Party, to be held on
Wednesday April 7 at 2:00pm. Celebrate Spring with your church
friends. Come As You Are or Gussy Up in Your Finest! We just want to
enjoy your company. Please register with the church office no later than
April 6. A Zoom link will be emailed to you on April 6 along with more
information about the event. mail@rwuc.org

             WOMAN’S WEEKEND REIMAGINED
The next Woman’s Weekend Reimagined will be via Zoom on
Wednesday April 21, starting at 5:30 pm. This session the theme will be
JOY. What brings you joy? All R-W women are welcome to attend.
For a Zoom link to this event please RSVP to Trish-Lee at:
trish.wsmund@gmail.com

                           UCW & FRIENDS
Robertson-Wesley chapter of The United Church Women (UCW) &
Friends still meet on the second Tuesday every month. All are welcome
to join UCW on Zoom for a time of fellowship and connection. The next
UCW Zoom is Tuesday, April 13 at 1:30 pm. For the Zoom link please
email the office at mail@rwuc.org.

                   AFFIRMING COFFEE HOUR
Affirming Ministries invites you to bring your coffee and join Shylo for
his online Affirming Coffee Hour! On Zoom every Thursday from
11:00 am - Noon. This is a chance for connection of LGBTQIA2S+
folks and allies who want to learn more, ask questions, engage in
thoughtful discussions, and socialize!
Email: affirming.ministries@rwuc.org for the link!

                       SPIRITED ART STUDIO
The Spirited Art studio is a place for people to explore art and connect
with each other in an informal creative environment. Tune in any time
and try out different art-making processes, facilitated by Laura David
Foster. Visit rwuc.org/spirited-arts-movement to register for the Zoom.
Mondays from 7:00–8:30 pm and Wednesdays from 1:30-3:00 pm. The
Studio will be closed April 5 & 7 but will resume the following week.
HYMN SING
  Join Erin Craig at noon on the first and third Fridays of each month
  for Hymn Sing on rwuc.org/live or on Facebook. Hymn Sing will resume
  on Friday April 30, May 7 and May 21. Tune in to listen to your
  favorite hymns and sing along in the comfort of your own home!

                         ADULT STUDY GROUP
  You are invited to join Sally on Wednesdays from 10:30-12:00 in a
  discussion of a variety of biblical themes. To join us contact the office
  and we will add you to our Zoom connection. mail@rwuc.org We take
  a break during Holy Week and Easter week but will return on April
  14th with an exciting new study.

            NEW GROCERY CARD DELIVERY SERVICE!
  Wanting to support the RWUC Grocery Card program but unable to pick
  them up at the church on Thursdays at noon? Now you can order and
  have them delivered to your home or office. Just email or telephone Brad
  your order and a volunteer will deliver them on Thursday afternoon
  between 2 pm and 4 pm. Payment can still be made by cheque or cash
  (placed in a sealed envelope and given to the volunteer) or via e-transfer
  to the church. Please ensure that you give your address and contact
  phone number for the volunteer in your email to Brad. A great way to
  support the church; nice and convenient for you.
  Email: brad.campbell@rwuc.org Phone 780-482-1587

                                GREEN BITES
              Little Tidbits to Whet Your Appetite for Change
  In this season of Resurrection, let us think about the meaning of that
  loaded word. We Christians think of the resurrection of Jesus, but
  possibly it could mean other things too. Spring brings the resurrection of
  nature; baby birds appear, trees leaf out, and plants emerge from the soil.
  This year why not resurrect our respect, care, and appreciation for
  Mother Earth. After all, without the earth to sustain us, we would not be
  here. Let us express gratitude every day for the gifts we receive, be they
  food to eat, air to breathe, water to bathe, and ground on which to walk.
  Amen.
                           IN THE COMMUNITY
                           Bissell Centre Donations
RWUC is a drop off location for the Edmonton Bissell Centre. They are
ONLY accepting new, clean or gently used clothing items to supply the
daily needs of the 300 individuals who are presently staying at the
Convention Centre, the Youth Emergency Shelter and 2 Store Locations at
this time. Only the following items will be accepted at RWUC for donation
at this time; clothes, linens, purses and shoes. Bissell is not accepting
household items at this time. No household dishes, glasses etc., no pillows,
cushions, suitcases. Presently the greatest need is for Men’s clothing.
Thank you for your generous support and contributions.
“Everything Bissell Centre does is grounded in its’ vision of eliminating
poverty.”

                                 Worship Notes
Thank you to the R-W Ringers and their director Isabela Ramos, as well as
organist Elsie Hoover, for helping us to celebrate Easter with their musical gifts
today. As we begin to embrace the hope of the Resurrection and the new life
awaiting us, we continue to live in the moment. We continue to live experiencing
what newness the Spirit has in store for us. We continue to be aware of the signs of
new life around us. Easter blessings to all of you.

                                   Cover Image
Cover image was taken by Rev. Karen on Palm Sunday 2018.
Back page image is taken from Pixabay.
           Minister of Spiritual and Pastoral Care Development: Vacant
                       Bridging Minister: Rev. Sally Boyle
   Minister of Congregation and Community Development: Rev. Karen Bridges
                        Interim Music Director: Erin Craig
                        Office Administrator: Elyse Munro
                        Facilities Manager: Brad Campbell
                    Financial Manager: Garth van Herwaarden
Welcome to Robertson-Wesley
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in the offering plates at the exits. This form is also available to fill
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