Tuesday 31 December 2013

CHRISTMAS REFLECTIONS ON SCRIPTURE

January 5

Matthew 2:1–12

This week we fully realize the gift of God among us.
God is revealed – a baby born in a stable. This child has
visitors from afar bearing gifts! Their gifts were a symbol
of adoration for the child and a symbol that continues
to be part of our Christmas traditions today. The wise
people in this scripture are seekers – looking far and wide
and following not only their own traditions and the stars,
but using the wisdom of Hebrew Scripture as their guide.
God’s son was the purpose for their search and Jesus is
at the heart of what many of us are still seeking – a love
that comforts and challenges us.

This week think about one way you are seeking or on a
journey to find deeper meaning or understanding about
your faith. Ask your questions of someone who might
answer them or search for the answers yourself, dedicate
extra time to seeking for deeper meaning about what you
believe or take on another spiritual practice that fulfills
your “seeker” urge.

SeasonsFUSION Advent • Christmas • Epiphany 2013–2014, P. 11

LIVING THE SEASON

Gifts of the Season

It’s Christmas – what we’ve spent all of Advent preparing and waiting for – and as we look around, much of the secular world has stopped celebrating. Gifts were given, exchanged, and returned. The world sighs after all the bustle and celebration. But what some celebrate in one day is so much more.The Christmas season is actually 12 days, not just one.

We are reminded of God’s gifts during this season. First – the gift of praise for all that God has created. The psalmist summons all creation to praise God in Psalm 148. Cries of “Hallelujah!” add to the joy of the season. This call to praise orients us toward God and the gift of God’s love to the world, God’s son.

And it’s that son, Jesus, who awed explorers and wise ones in a faraway land to the point that they journeyed to see him. Realizing like the psalmist the greatness of the one they seek, they bring gifts to the child.

While we need to guard against an emphasis on material gifts and commercialism at Christmas, we are at a disadvantage if we do not celebrate the gift from God that came and lived among us. God’s gift to all creation of God’s son is an example of selfless and sacrificial giving. God gifts us with God’s greatness. And in return, we can live out that same selflessness and sacrifice in our own lives. These are not only gifts for the Christmas season, but the whole year.

UPDATE ON SYRIA REFUGEE AND TYPHOON HAIYAN APPEALS

Link to the General Council Update is http://www.united-church.ca/communications/news/general/131220

Letter reflecting this information has been posted on the bulletin board in the church entry.

20 December 2013

As we draw closer to Christmas and the birth of the Christ child, let us be mindful of the people of Syria and the Philippines, especially children, who continue to endure the severest of hardships. More than two million Syrians have been displaced by a brutal civil war with no end in sight. Some 14 million Filipinos are still reeling from the devastation caused by the worst typhoon to have struck their country in recorded history. The United Church of Canada has issued church-wide appeals in response to both crises, and both appeals will remain active into the New Year. Following are brief updates on those appeals.

Syria

United Church members have generously donated $141,000 to the church’s Syria Refugee Appeal.
The funds have been used by United Church partner the Middle East Council of Churches and ACT Alliance in support of the 12 million Syrians affected by the war, including the 2.2 million who are refugees and currently experiencing harsh winter conditions with only tents for shelter. More than 1.1 million are children. The United Church also has sent a total of $60,000 to ACT from the Emergency Response Fund. The Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB) has provided another $5.8 million worth of food aid to which the United Church has contributed funds. Also, we are working with the federal government to help find homes in Canada for Syrian refugees.
Your donations to the Syria Refugee Appeal have purchased much needed food, clean water, medicine, clothes, blankets, education programs for child refugees, and psychosocial counselling for refugees in distress. But much more is needed. This week, for example, the United Nations World Food Programme appealed to the international community for $6.5 billion in aid for the war-affected Syrians!

The United Church’s Syria Refugee Appeal remains open into the New Year.

Philippines

More than $1.1 million has been donated to the United Church’s Typhoon Haiyan Appeal—a testament to the compassion of faithful United Church members.
To date, $585,000 has been sent to ACT for programming in the Philippines. United Church partners, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) and the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP), have each received $60,000. The funds have been used to purchase materials for temporary shelter, food, clean water, medicines, and psychosocial counseling. Additional funds will be sent to the NCCP, UCCP and ACT in the New Year for much needed rehabilitation and reconstruction work.
The United Church also has received a grant of $55,000 from the Manitoba Council for International Cooperation. Augmented by some $45,000 from the United Church and other Canadian churches, it will be given to the NCCP for the purchase of seeds to help restore household food and agricultural production which was destroyed by tidal surges caused by the typhoon.

The United Church’s Typhoon Haiyan Appeal remains open into the New Year.

Once again, thank you for your tremendous outpouring of generosity in support of the people of Syria and the Philippines as well the United Church partners that are working tirelessly, throughout the holiday season, to assist them. As we celebrate the birth of the infant Jesus this year, let us keep them in our heartfelt thoughts and prayers.

Yours in Christ,
Gary Kenny
Emergency Response Coordinator
The United Church of Canada

Monday 30 December 2013

5TH SUNDAY WORSHIP-ST. MARK'S, ST. DAVID'S & HOLY TRINITY ANGLICAN JANUARY 29 2013

20 member choir from 3 churches made beautiful music together

Rev. Evelyn Knorr, Holy Trinity and Nan Corrigan join in offering the blessing and saying grace before lunch.

Al Fougere and Jane Palmer share a laugh.

Al and Yvonne Fox--Yvonne is usually the one taking the picture.

Friday 27 December 2013

CHRISTMAS REFLECTIONS ON SCRIPTURE

December 29

Psalm 148

In the days after Christmas – when much of the commercial
hype related to the season has passed – we can
exhale a “We made it” sigh. What we’ve been waiting and
preparing for – both the spiritual and the practical – has
arrived. As we enjoy the respite from some of the hustle
and bustle of the past four weeks, the focus scripture
summons us to praise. We are reminded of the greatness
of God’s creation. And no matter how overwhelmed we
may have felt with Christmas details, God is bigger than
all of that. And now in the Season of Christmas we can
celebrate God’s great gift to the world – God’s son.

This week Christmas might be “over” in the secular sense,
but we’ve only just begun to celebrate! Do at least one
thing each day to continue to celebrate the coming of
Jesus into the world (e.g., share coffee/tea or a meal with
friends, host a Christmas party, give a Christmas gift to
someone who’s not expecting it each day).

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY DECEMBER 29TH 2013

Participating through leadership in worship this morning are:

Organist: Al Fougere

Greeter: Angus MacRae

Collectors: Angus MacRae, Valli Ross, Ingram Fowlie, Andy Palmer
St. David's Counters: Marie Davis, Ashley MacLeod

OFFICE HOURS:

Monday 9-12 noon, Nan at St. Mark’s

Tuesday 9-12 noon, Nan at St. Mark’s

Wednesday 9-12 noon Nan at St. David’s, Jane at St. Mark’s

Thursday 9 – 12 noon, Jane at St. Mark’s

Friday – Minister’s Day Off, Jane at St. Mark’s

Food Bank donations are received on the last Sunday of the month. Today, December 29th we will be collecting for Food Bank.

Children’s Christmas Ceilidh, Friday January 3^rd at 6:30 p.m. St. Mark’s Church Hall. Children and youth from St. Mark’s and St. David’s—do you play the piano or fiddle? Or other instrument? Dance? Sing? Tell stories? Please contact Nan by Thursday January 2nd if you would like to perform. Everyone welcome.

Prayer Shawl Knitting Circle Knitters and crocheters gather together in the parlour of St. Mark’s on the 3^rd Monday of each month. Next time of gathering January 20^th , 2014 at 1:00 p.m.

Copies of the “UPPER ROOM” for January-February are available.

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Jan. 21^st. – St. Mark’s Congregational Board Meeting.

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ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

A box will be placed in the Narthex of the church for mens socks, new or used in good shape. The UCW will forward these to Brunswick St. Mission later in the winter. Lets fill the box.

REMINDER: The Treasurer will close the Church Books on Dec. 31st. Donations received after that date will be credited to 2014.

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“In the Dark of Winter” J. Franklin Wright Fibre Exhibition Jan 27 2014 - Mar 14 2014 Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre Opportunities for both amateurs and professionals, with categories for quilting, weaving, felting, rug hooking, knitting, spinning, and needlework. The entries are not juried. All entries following the guidelines in the prospectus are exhibited; however, they will be judged to award the prizes. The show is sponsored by the J. Franklin Wright Gallery. As part of this show we will be offering educational events, demonstrations and sale of entries. www.phcivic.com Registrations are due on or before January 17, 2014. The exhibit will run from January 27 to March 14, 2014.

ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29TH 2013-CHRISTMAS 1

5th Sunday Combined Worship at St. Mark's United Church, Port Hawkesbury on Sunday, December 29th at 11:00 a.m. Service of Scripture, Prayer and Song. St. David's and Holy Trinity Anglican Church invited to join with St. Mark's for this service. Light lunch to follow. St. Mark's to provide beverages and desserts, Holy Trinity sandwiches, St. David's salads or vegetable and pickle plates.

The Congregations of St. Mark’s and St. David’s

United Church of Canada

Port Hawkesbury/Port Hastings, NS

Office: 625-2229, Fax 625-3597, e-mail: stmarks1@eastlink.ca

Blog: http://ourcontactonline.blogspot.com/

December 29^th, 2013

Ministers: Nan Corrigan D. M., Reverend Evelyn Knorr

Music Director: Al Fougere

1^st Sunday of Christmas-Let All Creation Praise

Service of Scripture, Prayer and Song

Announcements The Work of Church and Community

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Greeting

One: The peace of Christ be with you. All: And with your spirit.

* Introit Il est né (chorus only) VU 50

Il est né, le divin Enfant,

jouez, hautbois, résonnez, musettes;

il est né, le divin Enfant;

chantons tous son avènement.

He is born, little Child divine;

play on the reeds while the lutes are strumming.

He is born, little Child divine;

join the song to announce the day.

*Call to Worship (based on Isaiah 63:7–9)

One: Let us tell of God’s unfailing love for us.

All: We will sing praises for all that God has done.

One: With mercy and constant love.

All: God has richly blessed all people.

One: Let us worship God together

All: and sing praises for all that God has done.

Hymn What Child Is This VU 74

Opening Prayer

God of wonder, we gather in joy and thanksgiving to praise you for the gracious gift of Jesus, the Light of the World.

Yet, in our joy, help us to remember that the world into which Jesus was born was a world not unlike our own,

a world of danger and pain for many people.

Help us, in this season and throughout our lives,

to illumine our community with the presence of your love. Amen.

Hymn Angels We Have Heard on High VU 38

Prayer for Wholeness

All: Loving God, we thank you for the joy of Christmas

and the birth of your son, our Saviour, Jesus.

We thank you for the peace and hope he brings to the world,

to our community, to our church, and to our own lives.

We confess how easily we leave Jesus in his cradle,

forgetting that he and Mary and Joseph soon became refugees,

fleeing for their lives to Egypt.

We confess that we live our own comfortable lives,

forgetting the refugees of our time, forgetting those who live with violence everyday, and all those who suffer hunger, pain, and oppression.

Forgive us, God, and help us remember what we are celebrating:

your presence among us, your gifts of love to us, and your call to service. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Words of Assurance

Hymn O Little Town of Bethlehem VU64

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Isaiah 63:7–9 God’s presence has saved us.

This is the witness of the Hebrew people. All: Thanks be to God.

Psalm 148 Let all creation praise God VU 871

*Hymn The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy VU 73

Opening the Word and The Lord's Prayer

Gospel Acclamation

Matthew 2:13–23 The escape to Egypt.

This is the gospel of Jesus Christ. All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

* Hymn Infant Holy, Infant Lowly VU58

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

* Offering Prayer

All: God of hope and new life, receive what we place before you now: the treasures of our household, and the deepest hopes of our hearts. In giving to you, may we draw ever closer to you, and to an understanding of the amazing miracle of Emmanuel: You with us. We pray in the name of the Christmas Child. Amen.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

God of the universe and the earth, God of all times and places, God of all people,

We pray for your vision.

God of quiet hearts and tender moments and babies held in loving arms,

We pray for your love.

God of our homeless, of our hungry, of our poor, of our war-torn, of our children serving in armed conflicts, of our world’s 43 million refugees, and forcibly displaced people,

We pray for your compassion.

God of those with restless hearts, and aimless lives, and pains deep inside,

We pray for your comfort.

God of those who strive for justice, those who risk their very lives for the sake of democracy, those who work to end abuses of children and child poverty,

We pray for your courage.

O God, whose love is neverending, whose dreams for us are greater than we can ever imagine,

We pray for your hope.

O God, whose Spirit is in all things, and who inspires us to be instruments of your love,

We pray for your peace. Amen.

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn Joy to the World VU59

* Commissioning and Blessing

One: As Mary gave birth to Jesus, the Prince of Peace,

All: so let us give birth to peace in our lives.

One: As Mary and Joseph cared for the baby Jesus,

All: so let us care for each other.

One: As God strengthened Jesus and Mary and Joseph on their journey,

All: so let us strengthen each other and all those in need.

One: And may the blessings of this joyous season be with us all.

* Choral Amen

Friday 20 December 2013

CHRISTMAS EVE COMMUNION-6:30 ST. MARK'S, PORT HAWKESBURY; 8:00 ST. DAVID'S, PORT HASTINGS

Bulletin Cover Photo by Peter Oleskevich

The Congregations of St. Mark’s and St. David’s

United Church of Canada

Port Hawkesbury/Port Hastings, NS

Office: 625-2229, Fax 625-3597, e-mail: stmarks1@eastlink.ca

Blog: http://ourcontactonline.blogspot.com/

Ministers: Whole People of God

Minister: Nan Corrigan D. M. Music Director: Al Fougere

December 24^th, 2013

Christmas Eve-A Service of Light

Scripture, Carols, and Communion

* Processional Hymn Joy to the World VU 59

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

*Welcome and greeting one another with the Peace of Christ.

One: The Holy Child of Peace comes to dwell among us!

Let us now share the peace with one another.

The peace of Christ be with you. . All: And with your spirit.

The Call to Worship From Isaiah 9:2 (The Message)

One: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. For those who lived in a land of deep shadows – light! sunbursts of light! All: For a child has been born – for us! the gift of a son – for us! He’ll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counsellor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness.

Lighting of the Advent Candles

*Candlelighting Hymn Hope Is a Star VU 7

Gathering Prayer

All: Amazing God, with hearts and minds and the depth of our being, we praise you. We sing with joy and gratitude for gifts of peace, hope, joy, love, and for the Christ, light and life for all. Amen.

Hymn Go Tell It on the Mountain VU 43

A Prayer for Wholeness

O God, put a new song in our hearts, a song of justice and of mercy. Put a new vision in our sight, a vision of glory and of peace.

Put a new sound in our ears, the sound of creation’s majesty.

Put a new ground under our feet, the ground of a sustainable world.

Put a new heaven within our reach, a heaven both here and coming. Amen.

Words of Affirmation

Rejoice as the psalmist does, “Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice” for God is coming to restore righteousness and truth to this world.

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

The Preparations for the Birth of Jesus
Luke 2:1-5
O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by;
yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light;
the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

Jesus is Born
Luke 2:6-7
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

Placement of Baby in Nativity

Jesus' Birth is Announced to the Shepherds
Luke 2:8-14

*It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old,
from angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold,
“Peace on the earth, good will to all,

from heaven's all gracious King!”
The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing.

Light the Christ candle

The Shepherds Find the Baby Jesus
Luke 2:15-18

See how the shepherds summoned to his cradle,

leaving their flocks, draw nigh with lowly fear;

we too will thither bend our joyful footsteps;

O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him,

O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

Mary Treasured All These Words

Luke 2:19-20

*What child is this, who laid to rest,

on Mary's lap is sleeping?

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet

while shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Christ the King,

whom shepherds guard and angels sing;

haste, haste to bring him laud,

the Babe, the Son of Mary

Opening the Word

The children bring the nativity figures forward

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

Offering Our Gifts to God

* Offering Prayer

Affirmation of faith based on Titus 2:11–14

The grace of God appears today. It brings salvation to all. Grace trains us to live out justice and to live with compassion. To renounce what we don’t need and to reach to meet the needs of others. God’s grace sustains us today and always.

The grace of God appears today and brings with it a blessed hope. In Jesus Christ, grace, hope, and life are sustained. Because Christ hopes, we hope. Because Christ lives, we live.

Choir Offering: A Carol of Hope

Sacrament of Communion

Communion Gloria:

Gloria, gloria, in excelsis Deo! VU 37

Distribution Hymn O Holy Night Printed

(St. Mark's—congregation will come forward;

St. David's—served in pews.)

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

Litany of Light

Response after each prayer petition:

All: Light of Christ, love’s pure light.

(electric lights are dimmed for singing of final hymn)

* Hymn Silent Night VU 67

* Commissioning and Benediction

One: May you witness God’s glory to the highest height and may you know God’s peace to the ends of the earth. Our waiting is over.

All: Christ is born.

One: We sing a new song for Christ has made all things new.

All: Christ is born tonight.

* Choral Amen

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22ND, 2013

Maritime Conference announcements for this week can be found at:
http://marconf.ca/42774-weekly-announcements-december-18-2013/

Announcements for St. Mark's and St. David's:

Participating through leadership in worship this morning are:

Organist: Al Fougere

Greeters (St. M.): Angus Mac Rae

(St. D.): Heather Deschenes

Lay Reader (St. M.): Barbara Mac Intyre

Lay Reader (St. D.): Ian A. Mac Kinnon

Advent Wreath (St. M.): Heather Brander, Rebecca Roussy

(St. D.): Susan Fox

Collectors (St. M.): Angus Mac Rae, Vali Ross,

Ingram Fowlie, Andy Palmer

Collectors (St. D.): Marie Davis, Ashley Mac Leod

OFFICE HOURS:

Monday 9-12 noon, Nan at St. Mark’s

Tuesday 9-12 noon, Nan at St. Mark’s

Wednesday 9-12 noon Nan at St. David’s, Jane at St. Mark’s

Thursday 9 – 12 noon Jane at St. Mark’s

Friday – Minister’s Day Off, 9-12 noon Jane at St. Mark’s

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

Prayer Shawl Knitting Circle Knitters and crocheters gather together in the parlour of St. Mark’s on the 3^rd Monday of each month. Next time of gathering is January 20^th at 1:00 P.M.

AVAILABLE AT THE CHURCH OFFICE:

Canadian Church Calendar 2014

Cost: $6.00 ($1.25 profit from each to go to the Mission and Service Fund, United Church of Canada)

Advent and Christmas Worship and Events

December 24^th Christmas Eve 10:30 P. H. Nursing Home

December 24^th Christmas Eve Communion

6:30 p.m. St. Mark’s

8:00 p.m. St. David’s

December 29^th Christmas 1, 11:00 a.m.- St. Mark’s

Copies of the “UPPER ROOM” for January-February are available.

ST. MARK’S FLOWERS

- Poinsettia Wreaths on entry doors - In Memory of LOVED ONES from Irene Mac Isaac & family.

- Poinsettia - In Loving Memory of MOM & DAD from Dorothy Dingle.

- Poinsettia – In loving Memory of ANNIE & CHARLES BAILLIEUL, ROY & HILDA, JOHN & JEAN, MARGARET & GEORGE from Don & Dorothy McIntosh, Sarah Baillieul & Families.

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

St. Mark’s Lay Readers:

Dec. 24^th – Several readers and candlelighters

Dec. 29^th – Combined Service at St. Mark’s, 11:00 a.m.

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ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

A box will be placed in the Narthex of the church for men's socks, new or used in good shape. The UCW will forward these to Brunswick St. Mission later in the winter. Lets fill the box.

Hall Cleaners for December: Jean Hatcher, Marjorie Langford

REMINDER: The Treasurer will close the Church Books on December 31^st. Any donations received after that date will be credited to 2014.

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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22nd, 2013-ADVENT 4

The Congregations of St. Mark’s and St. David’s

United Church of Canada

Port Hawkesbury/Port Hastings, NS

Office: 625-2229, Fax 625-3597, e-mail: stmarks1@eastlink.ca

Blog: http://ourcontactonline.blogspot.com/

December 22^nd, 2013

Minister: Nan Corrigan D. M.

Minister of Music: Al Fougere

4^th Sunday of Advent-Love

Announcements The Work of Church and Community

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Greeting

One: The peace of Christ be with you. All: And with your spirit.

Call to Worship Adapted from Psalm 80

One: Hear the good news! God is with us!

All: Restore us, O God, let your face shine.

One: Far beyond us, yet nearer than body and bone; God is with us. All: Restore us, O God, let your face shine.

One: A wonder, a mystery, the news of greatest joy; God is with us. All: Restore us, O God, let your face shine.

Advent Candlelighting Liturgy

Voice 1: This Sunday, we light all four of our Advent candles, celebrating the brightness of God’s love. Now is the time when we begin to cross the threshold from Advent journeying into Christmas coming.

Child: Come, let us walk in the light!

All: Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord! (Isaiah 2:5)

Voice 2: In God’s promised new heaven and new earth: “the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the rulers of the earth will bring their glory into it.” (Rev. 21:23–24)

Child: Come, let us walk in the light!

All: Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord! (Isaiah 2:5)

* Candlelighting Hymn Hope Is a Star Verse 4 VU 7

Opening Prayer

Amazing, embodied God, whose spirit rested upon Joseph, we praise and adore you. Word in flesh, Emmanuel, always you are with us. We praise and adore you. Amen.

Hymn O Come, All Ye Faithful VU 60

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Isaiah 7:10-16 The sign of Emmanuel.

This is the witness of the Hebrew people. All: Thanks be to God.
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 Shine forth and save us. Pt. 1, VU 794

*Hymn I’ve Got Peace like a River VU 577

Opening the Word and The Lord's Prayer

Gospel Acclamation

Matthew 1:18-25 Joseph's dream.

This is the gospel of Jesus Christ. All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Active Waiting

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

* Hymn To a Maid Whose Name Was Mary VU 14

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

* Offering Prayer

Fearless and faithful God, in your yearning for a renewed world we recognize and celebrate our own calling and participation. In the receiving of these gifts, receive and honour that self-same desire to be a renewing and affirming presence; people alive to your gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love. Amen.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn Hark! The Herald Angels Sing VU 48

* Commissioning and Blessing

Friends, the best news, the greatest news,

the true longing of our hearts is happening.

Thank God! Thank God! To us is born

our Liberator, our Prince of Peace.

The blessing of the Creator, the Source of Love, of Christ, Love Incarnate, and of the Holy Spirit, Love’s power, be with you now and always.

* Choral Amen

LONGEST NIGHT WORSHIP DECEMBER 21ST, 2013--ST. DAVID'S AT 6:30

The Congregations of St. Mark’s and St. David’s

United Church of Canada

Port Hawkesbury/Port Hastings, NS

December 21^st, 2013 Longest Night

GATHER

Welcome

Call to Worship in Two Voices

Based on Jeremiah 31:9–14 (Common English Bible)

Song Holy Spirit, Hear Us VU 377

Opening Prayer

Holy Presence, we come to you as the centre of human stillness. Take away the busyness and the need for distraction in this season. Turn what lies behind it, our grieving and our uncertainty into peace for what has passed and love for what is to come. Amen.

Lament

Words of Affirmation

ENGAGE

Song O Little Town of Bethlehem, 1^st verse VU 64

Psalm 139:1–14

Song O Little Town of Bethlehem, 2^nd verse VU 64

Ephesians 3:16–21

Song O Little Town of Bethlehem, 3^rd verse VU 64

Luke 2:1–7 ell I

Song O Little Town of Bethlehem, 4^th verse VU 64

RESPOND the

Meditation

Advent Wreath Candlelighting A Litany of Remembering

We light this first candle to remember those whom

we have loved and lost. We pause to remember their

names, their faces, their voices, the memories that

bind them to us in this season. (Pause while the first

candle is lit.)

May God’s eternal love surround them.

We light this second candle to remember the pain of

loss: the loss of relationships, the loss of jobs, the loss

of health. We pause to gather up the pain of the past

and offer it to God, asking that from God’s hands

we receive the gift of peace. (Pause while the second

candle is lit.)

Refresh, restore, renew us, O God, and lead us into

your future.

We light this third candle to remember ourselves this

Christmastime. We pause and remember these past

weeks and months: the disbelief, the anger, the down

times, the joy and sorrow of memories, the hugs and

handshakes of family and friends who care for us.

We give thanks for all the support we have known.

(Pause while the third candle is lit.)

Help us to know Eternal Love, we pray.

We light this fourth candle to remember our faith and

the gift of hope that the Christmas story offers to us.

We remember that God, who shares our life, promises

us a place and time of no more pain and suffering.

(Pause while the fourth candle is lit.)

Let us remember the One who shows us the way,

who brings the truth, and who bears the light.

Advent Candle Song Hope is a Star verse 1 VU 7

Prayers of the People The lighting of candles

Sabbath Pause: Prayer with Shawls

A Time of Silence

The Singing Bowl is sounded and 5 minutes of silence are kept. The bowl is sounded again to end the silence.

Tuesday 31 December 2013

January 5

Matthew 2:1–12

Gifts of the Season

Syria

Philippines

Monday 30 December 2013

Friday 27 December 2013

December 29

Psalm 148

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Greeting

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

We pray for your peace. Amen.

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

Friday 20 December 2013

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

Communion Gloria:

Distribution Hymn O Holy Night Printed

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

Announcements for St. Mark's and St. David's:

ST. MARK’S FLOWERS

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

The Congregations of St. Mark’s and St. David’s

United Church of Canada

December 21st, 2013 Longest Night

GATHER

Welcome

Call to Worship in Two Voices

Based on Jeremiah 31:9–14 (Common English Bible)

Opening Prayer

Lament

Words of Affirmation

ENGAGE

RESPOND the

Meditation

Prayers of the People The lighting of candles

Sabbath Pause: Prayer with Shawls

A Time of Silence

BLESS

Sending Out & Blessing

Choral Amen

Personal Quiet Time

December 21^st, 2013 Longest Night