ANNOUNCEMENTS, SUNDAY JANUARY 22ND, 2012

41^st General Council Youth Forum General Council 2012 Youth Forum will be held in Ottawa, ON August 11-18, 2012, with the theme Seeking Justice, Loving Kindness, and Walking Humbly. The Youth Forum program will gather over 90 youth from each Presbytery/District in the United Church of Canada. Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery is now seeking interested youth who will be 15 to 20 years of age as of August 11, 2012 . The deadline for application is February 1, 2012. One Youth Forum delegate and one alternate will be selected from applicants. Please let young people know of this opportunity. Application forms are available in the pastoral charge office—speak to Nan for information and forms.

Our Contemplative Corner continues--and has moved! Seasons of the Spirit continues to encourage congregations to set up and use a Contemplative Corner throughout the Season after Epiphany and Lent. So that our small space for prayer might be accessible to everyone, Nan has moved the space to the front left corner of the sanctuary at St. Mark's. The space is available for prayer at any time. You are also invited to a time of guided prayer with Nan on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. Would you like your congregation to pray for you or a member of your family? Contact the church office to let us know of your request for prayer. With your permission, your prayer request will be brought to the Prayer Circle.

A SONG OF FAITH
Throughout the Season after Epiphany and Lent we will be using the 2006 A Song of Faith each Sunday as a way of beginning worship. There is a Lenten Daily Devotion book "Singing a Song of Faith" that was developed by the United Church in 2007 available. Would you like a copy for use during Lent? Contact the church office by February 10th if you would like to order one. Cost is $10.95 plus tax and shipping.

YOUTH MISSION OPPORTUNITY!

Youth Grade 9 to age 19 and their leaders have 4 opportunities to serve in communities in Toronto, Ontario, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Vancouver, British Columbia and St. John's, Newfoundland. While practicing the gift of discernment, youth listen to the needs of their own community while serving in another. Participate in a community focused children's program. Reach out to youth through community programming, shelters and street cafes. Support seniors and newcomers through community clean up and home projects. Practice pastoral skills through visiting. Serve the basic needs of community members through the food bank and clothing share programs. The 11-day program, food, lodging, city travel and experiences, projects and programming are all included in the cost of $550.00. Register and pay your desposit before February 1, 2012, and pay the early bird fare of $495.00. Speak to Nan for financial support of your participation. A 20% deposit ($100.00) per participant is required upon registration for the GO Project. Check out the Go Project information on the Youth bulletin board in the St. Mark's Hall...or ask Nan...or find more information about www.thegoproject.ca

and IAC 2012 Intermediates at Conference (IAC) and Youth Forum (YF) are each a place of community and a place of faith where United Church youth, between the ages of Gr. 7 – Gr. 9 (IAC) and Grade 10 and age 19 (YF), meet from across the Maritimes, the Gaspé, and Bermuda. It takes place during the Annual Meeting of Maritime Conference, which is a gathering of representatives who make decisions and set policies for the United Church of Canada. Registration forms are now available in the church office—please speak to Nan for information or to register.

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Friday, February 3^rd 

St. Mark’s Men’s Group Buffet Supper 

  4:30-6:00p.m.

Eat in or Take out Adults $10.00/children $5.00

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Feb. 5^th – 6:30 p.m.: St. Mark’s Annual Congregational Meeting and there will be a congregational vote at this meeting on the 3 General Council remits concerning doctrine.

Youth Group meeting for youth 10 and up on the first Sunday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Church Hall.

Members of St. Mark’s Congregation have formed a committee to compile a cookbook and we want your “tried and true” favorite recipes. If you want to share your recipes, please type them up and forward to Ruth MacRae at angus.macrae@sympatico.ca or write them up and put on the collection plate and I will type them up. We’re looking for recipes in all categories. This cookbook will be an excellent fundraiser for our church, so pass on your recipes. Any anecdotes re the origin of your recipe(s) or any other comments are most welcome.”

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Feb. 12^th – Annual Congregational Meeting following Worship Service. Lunch will be available. Everyone from the congregation is invited to attend.