Camping Sunday April 29th 2012

Bruce and Nan with the symbols placed during the Call to Worship at St. David's

Nan at the "campfire" 

Symbols of camping ministry--paddle, white flag, firelog, candles, Bible, plant

Dedication of Prayer Shawls and Prayer Shawl Ministry

PRESBYTERY'S ANNUAL REPORT TO MARITIME CONFERENCE

Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery

Annual Report - 2012 

for Maritime Conference United Church of Canada

Change,,,new people at Presbytery meetings; new people in manses; farewells to long-time faithful participants; new challenges for congregations and communities.

And yet amidst the many changes, the meetings of the members of Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery have continued with regularity and orderliness and fellowship and moments of inspiration and times of good humour.

The annual reports of the twenty congregations within eleven pastoral charges reveal that the people are continuing to hear and respond to the words of the hymn “will you come and follow me, if I but call your name?” and to the challenging words “yes, here I am; send me.”

As well, the annual reports confirm that sacraments are regularly performed; committees meet; services are held on schedule; financial statements are in order and generally properly audited; special events bring people together for learning and inspiration and fellowship; contributions to the Mission and Service Fund are generous and continuing as part of several outreach ministries.

New ministers are now resident in the Port Hawkesbury/Port Hastings, Baddeck/Middle River/Baddeck Bridge, and Margaree Pastoral Charges. Joint Search Committees have been thanked for their diligent and successful work.

The West Bay Pastoral Charge expects to welcome its new minister after ordination ceremonies at the Annual Meeting of Maritime Conference. Thus, another Joint Search Committee has fulfilled its mandate and will shortly be relieved of further responsibilities.

The people of River and Lakeside Pastoral Charge continue to work with and benefit from the developing ministry of a half-time student intern in the Summer Distance Program for Ordination. It is a learning site with many opportunities for training.

With the other pastoral charges of the Inverness-Guyborough Presbytery under the care of their continuing ministers, three full-time and one half-time clergy, it is a time of deep appreciation in the Presbytery for the continuing presence of the Holy Spirit in its undertakings.

The assistance of retired clergy, Rev. Boyce Elliott and Rev. Robert Lockhart, and Rev. David MacLean and his wife Catherine, is noted in the minutes of pastoral charges and of the Presbytery. Lay people of the area as well have often been service leaders.

New challenges and an awareness of coming changes are evident in many conversations and noted in many annual reports. The continuing out-migration of young people to economic opportunities in other parts of Nova Scotia and in Ontario and Alberta means fewer people to undertake tasks, contribute time and money, and participate in church activities.

The closing of the pulp mill at Port Hawkesbury and the lay-offs at the gypsum mine and marble quarry in Inverness County has increased the already high unemployment rate and has created challenges for social agencies as many people feel much stress.

For members of the West Bay Pastoral Charge and for the members of Presbytery, the death of Wayne Yorke, D. L. M. (2011) occasioned the need for changes in responsibilities as well as the undertaking of the work of the Pastoral Charge by lay people – all with good success and willingness. An unanticipated change was calmly and effectively met by all concerned.

For several congregations in the district, expenses for the continuation of the services and the maintaining of buildings are met only by the cashing in of savings account and investments. These congregations are aware that some new approaches to their financial needs must be considered. In anticipation of some type of reorganization in the near future, Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery has initiated special conversations for visioning in each of the pastoral charges. The intent has been to build closer relationships between the people of the congregations and Presbytery, and to start serious discussions about new approaches to rural ministry.

Twenty-two churches are still being used on a regular basis and three for just seasonal and special services. During the past year, two churches in one area (Port Hood's St. Stephen's and Port Hood Island's Jubilee) have amalgamated their resources and governance. The respect and affection for all of these structures continue to be high in the pastoral charges. But the costs of maintaining and heating are coming to be increasingly challenging.

The image of Abram and Sarai being called to new lands and new ways of living is one that may identify the sense of coming change in this Presbytery with its aging and diminishing population in a rural area with a declining economy.

As part of its awareness of the wider world, Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery has had special sessions concerning the proposed drilling for oil in the area; the significance of the Truth and Reconciliation Meetings; and the importance of the UNESCO Biosphere designation for the Bras d'Or Lake.

The Presbytery continues to be grateful to the staff of Maritime Conference for helpful and prompt responses to queries and requests for advice.

Change... visioning... new voices...willingness to look at the future of rural ministry . . . still willing to “come and follow me”...the faithful people of Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery of the United Church of Canada.

Dr. James St.Clair

for Pastoral Oversight Committee

March, 2012

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY, APRIL 29TH, 2012

MINISTER’S OFFICE HOURS:         Monday   9-12 noon   

Tuesday 9-12 noon                  Wednesday 9-12 noon at St. David’s 

Thursday 9 – 12 noon                 Friday – Minister’s Day Off           

The Manse telephone number is 625-0407

Nan is at St. David’s Wednesday mornings from 9:00 to 12:00. Drop by for a coffee.

Food Bank donations are received on the last Sunday of each month. This Sunday is Food Bank Sunday.

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.

Lenten Study--in the Easter Season??

Are you reading the study book “Singing a Song of Faith”? Gathering for group discussion at St. David’s on Sunday evenings during the Easter Season. Join us again on Sunday April 29^th at 7:00 p.m.

**********

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

	COURTESY CAR If you need a ride to church during the month of May call Don MacPherson at 625-0609 Please make your Courtesy Car request well in advance if possible. Sunday Worship requests should be made by the evening before or by 8 a.m. Sunday morning at latest.

 

May 15^th – St. Mark’s Congregational Board Meeting: 6:30 p.m.-Executive, 7:00 p.m.-Committees, 8:00 p.m.-Combined Board

"St. Mark's Cookbook Committee is happy to inform you that our Tasty Treasures cookbook should be here within the next three weeks.  If any of you from the congregation would like to order a cookbook(s) and pay for it or them in advance, please contact Ruth at 625-2424 or e-mail her at angus.maccrae@ns.sympatico.ca.  When the cookbooks arrive, they will be for sale for a couple of weeks in the hall after Sunday service.  The price of the cookbook is $15.00 each (no tax)."

Prayer Shawl Knitting Circle Knitters and crocheters—gather together in the parlour of St. Mark’s on the 3rd Monday of each month. Monday, May 21^st will be our next time of gathering at 1:00 p.m

Next date for baptism and affirmation of faith/transfer to St. Mark’s is Sunday, May 13^th. If interested, speak to Nan or a member of the Worship and Pastoral Care Committee.

Copies of the “Upper Room” for May-June are available

++++++++++

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Church Hall Cleaners for May are Heather Deschenes & Hazel Mac Lean

Yard/bake sale….May/26^th/2012..830am to 1200noon (Saturday) at St. David’s hall.  If anyone would like anything picked up call….Bob Downard 625-1620…///..Ashley Macleod 625-1691… if no answer leave message if you wish leave your own # also…

**********

ST. DAVID'S UCW BIRTHDAY PARTY AT NURSING HOME APRIL 24TH

HYMNS FOR SUNDAY, APRIL 29TH

Introit - We Are Marching - 646

Come and Find the Quiet Centre - 374

Psalm 23 - VU 747, refrain 1

Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying - 400

Walk With Me - 649

Offering Song Tune  - VU173
Come and be thankful for what God has done.
Give from life’s abundance share with everyone.
In this world of chaos God’s light still shines bright
when we seek together Christ’s abiding light.
Come and be thankful for what God can do
through these tithes and offerings from both me and you!

Will You Come and Follow Me - 567

EARTH DAY APRIL 22, 2012

Earth Day at St. Mark's

Symbols of Earth Day

Larry and Lucille did a wonderful job leading the service!

ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR APRIL 22ND

MINISTER'S OFFICE HOURS:    
Monday   9-12 noon
Tuesday 9-12 noon            
Wednesday 9-12 noon at St. David's
Thursday 9 - 12 noon            
Friday - Minister's Day Off

The Manse telephone number is 625-0407

Nan is at St. David's Wednesday mornings from 9:00 to 12:00. Drop by for a coffee.

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Food Bank donations are received on the last Sunday of each month.

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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.

************************************************************************************************************

Lenten Study--in the Easter Season??

Are you reading the study book "Singing a Song of Faith"? Gathering for group discussion at St. David's on Sunday evenings during the Easter Season-except for Sunday April 22nd as Nan is away on vacation. Join us again on Sunday April 29th at 7:00 p.m.

****************************************************************

ST. MARK'S ANNOUNCEMENTS

 COURTESY CAR

If you need a ride to church during the month of April, call Larry Evans at 625-0305

Please make your Courtesy Car request well in advance if possible. Sunday Worship requests should be made by the evening before or by 8 a.m. Sunday morning at latest.

***************************************************************************************************************

 2012 World Vision 30 Hour Famine

2012 World Vision 30 Hour Famine is taking place at St. Marks on April 27th and 28th.  Youth between the ages of 12 and 18 are encouraged to participate in this annual fundraising event. Please spread the word and have those who would like to participate contact Kathy Barss @ 234-2707 to make arrangements to get your participation package.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

PRAYER SHAWL

Prayer Shawl Knitting Circle Knitters and crocheters-gather together in the parlour of St. Mark's on the 3rd Monday of each month. Monday, May 21st will be our next time of gathering at 1:00 p.m

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Next date for Baptism and Affirmation of Faith/transfer to St. Mark's is Sunday, May 13th. If interested, speak to Nan or a member of the Worship and Pastoral Care Committee.

*******************************************************************************************************************

Copies of the "Upper Room" for May-June are available

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

ST. DAVID'S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Church Hall Cleaners for April are Heather Graham & Helen Ryan

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YARD/BAKE SALE

Yard/bake sale..May/26th/2012..830am to 1200noon (Saturday) St. David's hall if anyone would like anything picked up call..Bob Downard 625-1620.///..Ashley MacLeod 625-1691. if no answer leave message if you wish leave your own # also.

HYMNS FOR SUNDAY APRIL 22ND

INTROIT  - SPIRIT OF LIFE  - 381
THINE IS THE GLORY  - 173
JESUS' HANDS WERE KIND HANDS  - 570
PSALM 4  - 727
HE TOUCHED ME  -  PRINTED
JESUS CHRIST IS WAITING  -  117
DOXOLOGY  (same as last week)  PRINTED
WE SHALL GO OUT  - 586
CHORAL AMEN

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY, APRIL 15TH, 2012

ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE ALL AS FOR EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 8TH

(scroll to below) with the addition of the following: 

Sunday Evening Study "Singing a Song of Faith", 7:00 p.m. St. David's church hall. Study books still available--speak to Nan if you want to purchase one. 

Nan will be on vacation from Tuesday, April 17th to Monday, April 23rd; then at Tatamagouche Centre for Maritime Conference Leadership Consultation "In Courage" Tuesday, April 24th and Wednesday, April 25th. 

Next Sunday, April 22nd is Earth Sunday and worship leader will be Lana MacLean. Providing pastoral care coverage during Nan's absence is the Rev. Heather Manuel, Guysborough. 

Prayer Shawl Knitting Circle--Monday, April 16th at 1:00 p.m. Parlour, St. Mark's.

ST. MARK'S ANNOUNCEMENT

 Change of Date- April 16^th – St. Mark’s Congregational Board Meeting; 6;30 p.m. – Executive, 7:00 p.m. – Committees, 8:00 p.m. – Combined Board. 

ST. DAVID'S ANNOUNCEMENT

YARD/BAKE SALE

MAY 26TH, 2012  8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon (Saturday)

ST. DAVID'S HALL

 if anyone would like anything picked up call….

Bob Downard 625-1620…or..Ashley MacLeod 625-1691… 

if no answer leave message...

if you wish leave your own # also…

HYMNS SUNDAY, APRIL 15TH--2ND OF EASTER

2^nd of Easter—Sing a Song of Easter Joy

Introit 

Halle, halle, hallelujah! Halle, halle, hallelujah! 

Halle, halle, hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! VU958

 

I am the Light of the World VU87

 

Jesus, You Have Come to the Lakeshore VU563

 

Psalm 133 Behold how pleasant, how good it is. VU856

 

Santo, Santo, Santo VU951

 

The Lord’s Prayer (sung) VU960

The Gospel Acclamation Celtic Alleluia 
 

Because He Lives (printed) 

Offering Song Tune VU173

Come and be thankful for what God has done.

Give from life’s abundance share with everyone.

In this world of chaos God’s light still shines bright

when we seek together Christ’s abiding light.

Come and be thankful for what God can do

through these tithes and offerings from both me and you!

You Shall Go Out With Joy VU884  

Commissioning and Benediction Go Now in Peace (printed)

 

ST. DAVID'S EASTER SUNRISE, BREAKFAST AND SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION

EASTER AT ST. MARK'S--SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION

Alleluia, Christ is risen! 

Christ is risen indeed, Alleluia!

We remember the story of the gathered disciples,

and the broken bread;

the facing of the cross, and the way through to resurrection;

the empty tomb, and the dawn of alleluias

where the angels sing.

Elizabeth and Colin Langley light the Christ candle.  

"Today we celebrate: new life, new joy, new possibilities, and new light."

 The choir sings "Jesus Rose Again".

Children's Prayer: Loving God, our Creator,

Thank you for flowers that bloom,

and eggs that hatch.

Thank you for all the new life

that Easter brings. Amen.

MAUNDAY THURSDAY SERVICE AND POT LUCK AT ST. MARK'S

PALM/PASSION SUNDAY AT ST. DAVID'S

 The Holy Week Tree--symbols and colours of the Palm and Passion stories.

Symbols and colours of Holy Week, placed by the children and youth: palm branches, oil of anointing, coins, plate and cup, 3 candles, chain, crown of thorns, hammer and nails.






The hammer and nails. 
The crucifixion.

ANNOUNCEMENTS, EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 8TH, 2012

MINISTER’S OFFICE HOURS:
Monday 9-12 noon
Tuesday 9-12 noon
Wednesday 9-12 noon at St. David’s
Thursday 9 – 12 noon
Friday – Minister’s Day Off
The Manse telephone number is 625-0407
Nan is at St. David’s Wednesday mornings from 9:00 to 12:00. Drop by for a coffee.

Food Bank donations are received on the last Sunday of each month.

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

50th Anniversary of The United Church Women
Come join the celebration
Come weave your story into Our Tapestry of Love
We invite all women of the United Church of Canada to gather April 14, 2012 to celebrate our past, share the present and anticipate the future at Warden United Church, Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. Registration forms available at the office.

More Voices for Camp Project

Called by earth and sky,
Promise of hope held high.
This is a sacred, living trust,
Treasure of life sanctified.    More Voices, #135

The Outdoor Recreational Ministry of the Maritime Conference Christian Life & Growth Committee invite your congregation to help with our “More Voices for Camp” Project.

We are inviting every pastoral charge to donate one copy of More Voices, either new or used, or the purchase price ($18) to our camps.

If this was done then it would allow for 30 or more copies in each camp. At Camp STUFF (a staff training weekend) in June we will be offering a workshop on music leadership and learning the songs.  We will also dedicate the books and distribute them to the camps.

Feel free to write a greeting inside the cover and imagine the children and youth of our camps singing praise at Vespers!

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Carolyn Francis, 902 836 3296
Chair of Outdoor Recreational Ministry

Janice Maclean, 506 536 1334
Maritime Conference Staff

Bring your donated copy to this year’s annual meeting--or send it 

with your presbytery delegate or minister!

Lenten Study--in the Easter Season??
Remember the Lenten Study book some of us ordered back in early February? Our Lenten Study books have finally arrived! Too late for Lent--but what about studying A Song of Faith together during the season of Easter? My proposal is to pick up our books and begin reading on the Wednesday following Easter (normally we would have begun reading on Ash Wednesday) and gather together for group study on Sunday evenings throughout the Season of Easter, finishing our reading and study on Sunday, May 27th.
We have 2 extra copies of "Singing a Song of Faith" in the church office--speak to Nan if you would like a copy (cost $12.00) so you can join us for this Lenten Study--in the Easter Season!

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

COURTESY CARIf you need a ride to church during the month of April,

call Larry Evans at 625-0305
Please make your Courtesy Car request well in advance if possible.

Sunday Worship requests should be made by the evening before

or by 8 a.m. Sunday morning at latest. 

2012 World Vision 30 Hour Famine is taking place at St. Marks on April 27th and 28th. Youth between the ages of 12 and 18 are encouraged to participate in this annual fundraising event. Please spread the word and have those who would like to participate contact Kathy Barss @ 234-2707 to make arrangements to get your participation package.

Prayer Shawl Knitting Circle Knitters and crocheters—gather together in the parlour of St. Mark’s on the 3rd Monday of each month. Monday, April 16th will be our next time of gathering... at 1:00 for conversation, prayer…and knitting. Can't come to our circle but are knitting at home? If you have a shawl ready, we will receive them on the 3rd Monday of each month--or anytime during that week. A Blessing of the Prayer Shawls will be part of Sunday morning worship the following Sunday.

Thank You to everyone!  Sock it to M& S raised $423.05 for our Mission and Outreach Program. The Palm Sunday party was a fun time and all enjoyed their prizes. Thank you!

The Mission and Outreach Committee has beautiful M&S pins for sale  $5.00 All money going to M&S.

Change of Date- April 16^th – St. Mark’s Congregational Board Meeting; 6;30 p.m. – Executive, 7:00 p.m. – Committees, 8:00 p.m. – Combined Board. 

Copies of the “Upper Room” for May-June are available

ST. DAVID’S
ANNOUNCEMENTS

St. David's UCW will meet on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 

at 2 pm at the home of Grace Pilgrim. 

Hall Cleaners for April-- Heather Graham & Helen Ryan

++++++++++

The Food Bank would like small glass bottles with good covers holding approx. 1-1/2 cups They may be left at Church or Food Bank Monday morning.

HYMNS FOR HOLY WEEK

MAUNDY THURSDAY  APRIL 5TH 6:30 

POTLUCK SUPPER AND WORSHIP ST. MARK'S HALL

Let Us Break Bread Together   VU480

Stay here and keep watch with me.

The hour has come. Stay here and keep watch with me.

Watch and pray. 

GOOD FRIDAY APRIL 6TH 11:00 A.M. ST. DAVID'S

Jesus, Remember Me  VU148


Were You There?   VU144   (additional verses throughout reading of scripture)


Sung Response to the Solemn Reproaches

            Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy,

                Lord have mercy on us.             VU946

EASTER SUNRISE APRIL 8TH 6:00 A.M. ST. DAVID'S

Morning Has Broken     VU409

Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You   VU232 

Followed by breakfast in Port Hastings Fire Hall

EASTER SUNDAY-SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION

     ST. MARK'S  9:30 A.M.

     ST. DAVID'S 11:00 A.M. 

Easter Processional Hymn  Christ the Lord Is Risen Today  VU157

Jesus Rose Again (St. Mark’s Choir)

(St. David’s)            Morning Has Broken   VU409                   

Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 Response: V412, vs. 1 This Is the Day

This Is the Day                         VU412

Offering Prayer/Song   Joy Comes with the Dawn, v. 3      VU166

Here is the Table (printed)

Distribution Hymn            Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Give Thanks            VU179

Thine Is the Glory                            VU173
 

Responsive Reading from A Song of Faith

Sung Response: (stand)                                                          VU958

Halle, halle, hallelujah! Halle, halle, hallelujah!

Halle, halle, hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

We place our hope in God.

We sing of a life beyond life

            and a future good beyond imagining:

            a new heaven and a new earth,

            the end of sorrow, pain, and tears,

            Christ’s return and life with God,

            the making new of all things.

We yearn for the coming of that future,

even while participating in eternal life now.

Divine creation does not cease 

until all things have found wholeness, union, and integration

            with the common ground of all being.

As children of the Timeless One,

            our time-bound lives will find completion

            in the all-embracing Creator.

In the meantime, we embrace the present,

            embodying hope, loving our enemies,

            caring for the earth,

choosing life.

Grateful for God’s loving action,

            we cannot keep from singing.

Creating and seeking relationship,

            in awe and trust,

we witness to Holy Mystery who is Wholly Love.

Responsive Reading excerpted from A Song of Faith:

A Statement of Faith of the United Church of Canada

Sung Response:                                                                      VU958

Halle, halle, hallelujah! Halle, halle, hallelujah!

                     Halle, halle, hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

PALM SUNDAY AT ST. MARK'S

Thanks to Kevin Fowlie for taking photos during the service.