First United Church, Wetaskiwin
5115 - 51 Avenue T9A 0V3 Wetaskiwin, AB, Canada

Most of the cases of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit people happen in urban areas. This does not mean that these case don't happen in rural communities or on the reserve. They do.

Sometimes people ask what's really inside a parable. This is a parable about that! I wonder what you've discovered when you've opened a parable? I wonder how a parable has opened you? This is a Godly Play story and is copyright and used with permission. Thanks for sharing some of your parables Sherry!

Almost 50% of the cases of Murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two Spirit people are not solved. This is disproportionately high when compared to the % of the unsolved cases for non-Indigenous women.

We are called to grow a community with grace sufficient for healing; rooted in a power loving enough to change lives. Which is not easy to do, and impossible to do on our own. In worship and at the table, we reconnect with one another and with the Holy. From this time of worship, God sends us out to love what God loves. Today's service has time for silent prayer and to share in communion, so you may want to have your elements ready before we begin!

You're invited to participate in an interactive presentation honouring Red Dress Week, May 1st to May 8th. Red dresses will be hung in both Diamond Jubilee Park and By the Lake Park and around the community to remember and honour the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women & Girls (MMIWG). Sponsored by the Reconciliation Team of Immanuel Anglican Church. As part of the Calls to the Church from both the Truth & Reconciliation Commission report and the MMIWG2S report; as part of being a good neighbour; as part of the body of Christ who has given us a ministry of reconciliation, we commit ourselves to ongoing actions of reconciliation. I wonder how you will honour the National Day of Awareness for MMIWWG2S (May 5) and beyond? For more information https://www.merrittherald.com/red-dress-day-in-effect-for-/

In this time of the colour blue, the season of Advent, we stop and pay atttention to the prophets. Prophets are people who help show us the best ways to live and die. This week's story is the first two parts of the Isaiah story, which is copyright by Godly Play. We'll finish the story next week, just in time to enter the mystery of Christmas. I wonder what kind of message God might have for you?

Welcome to worship. We hope you find time and space to come close to God!

"How Then Shall I live?" by Linnea Good Wholeheartedly.. Verse 3 :Took a step outside of my walking, Found within a beat that we share... Walked with you the length of a lifetime, And made of life a living prayer Chorus How then Shall I live? (Repeat) How then shall I live, O God? How then shall I live? The prophets message of hope reminds us to pay attention. Mary and Joseph birthed God’s expectations for justice and peace. This week we add our voices to those who give themselves to God wholeheartedly. We remember God hears our prayers, sends angels with good news, calms our fears, offers shelter for weary souls. We are called to rejoice, to go and tell all that we have seen and heard. Prayer: God of true joy, make us daring. Heal our broken hearts; free us from our prisons; teach us to rejoice in Your love. In our living, in our being may Christ dwell within us and reach out through us. Amen. Scripture Readings Isaiah 61:1- 4, 8 -9 Luke 1:26 - 38

Advent begins this Sunday. Advent means coming. We are getting ready for the one who is coming, and has already come. And that’s a bit of a mystery. The prophets remind us to pay attention. Prophets are people who come so close to God, and God comes so close to them, They know what God wants. Like the prophet Isaiah, like the people of Mark’s gospel, we know what it is to be lost, to cry out from a broken and hurting world. We long for God to surprise us and renew us. We... lean into God’s presence, attentively. We listen. We wait in hope. Prayer ... Break into our hearts and lives O God! We are easily distracted by the noise and expectations of what was and what is at this time of year.. You choose to come amongst us as child. Surprise us again with Your advent, Holy One. Expand our wisdom, that we might prepare a way for You. Amen. Scripture Readings: Isaiah 64:1 - 4 Mark 13:32 - 37

https://youtu.be/xx86PJ56dic The Holy Family is on their way to Bethlehem and we are going with them. We invite you to journey with us as we come closer to the Mystery of Christmas with the Holy Family. May you find a time for pause, reflection, and creativity in these words from the Advent II story (from The Complete Guide to Godly Play Volume 3). Join us in reflecting on the great journeys in our own lives. I wonder if there is anyone in this family who ever went on a ...great journey? I wonder if you or your family ever went on a trip together? I wonder if anyone helped you while you traveled? See more

In his Advent message this year, Moderator Richard Bott reminds us that for everything there is a season. Advent and Christmas will be different this year; we will need to keep our physical distance and cover our faces. Perhaps the distance this pandemic brings can allow us to prepare our spiritual life for the coming of the Christ child. One step at a time. Each in its own order. There is a time for everything.

Now is the time of the colour blue. Blue reminds us of the mother Mary, who said "yes" to God, and without whom the baby might not have been born. I wonder how you say "yes" to God?

The people of God thought they could only pray to God in the temple. They also believed the walls of the city would protect them from everything. Find out what they learned in this story the Exile and Return. I wonder where you have discovered God's presence recently? This story is copyright by Godly Play and used with permission.

In life, in death, in life beyond death ... are familiar words from "A New Creed" that remind us of God's steadfast presence. Today's texts share stories of joy and sorrow interwoven; of fear's named and love lived. I wonder who or what helps you live your faith in the midst of fear?

Family violence incidents are increasing in Alberta amid COVID-19. Those experiencing the violence often need help and support from family and friends to get out of a dangerous situation. This event is an opportunity to learn how to help yourself or a loved one. Legal Aid is offering a free online information session on November 25th for Albertans to learn how an emergency protection order can keep someone safe from an abuser. Hear from an expert panel of lawyers and ask questions. Register online at https://www.legalaid.ab.ca//virtual-event-how-to-help-som/ Wednesday, Nov. 25, noon to 1 pm