Contact Online: January 2014

Friday 31 January 2014

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY FEBRUARY 2ND 2014

Participating through leadership in worship this morning are:

Organist: Al Fougere

Greeters (St. M.): Larry & Sherrille Mac Keigan

(St. D.): Maxine Smith

Lay Reader (St. M.): Jean Mac Pherson

Lay Reader (St. D.): Maxine Smith

Collectors (St. M.): Larry & Sherrille Mac Keigan,

Bruce Corrigan, Ruth Laskey

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

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

Deadline for information for the bulletin is Thursday at noon.

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 February 17th at 1:00 P.M. Please Note: February meeting will be held at Franklyn Wright Gallery at the same time as usual.

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

Interested in small group study during the season of Lent? Call the church office to sign up for

Lent Small Group Study: Gifts of Celtic Christianity, resources provided by Leaders: Ivan Gregan & Janice MacLean. Six one hour sessions:

Session 1: The Hearth:Gather Us In

Session 2: High Crosses: Touchstones for an Engaged Spirituality
Keys to Generosity and Fundraising

Session 3: The Salmon of the Three Wells: Encircling Presence

Session 4: A Infinite Weave: A Celtic Sense of Time

Session 5: The Place of Our Resurrection: Mission

Session 6: Celtic Worship

Stewarding Our Stewards: Keys for the Journey

Join David Armour (Director of Philanthropy, UCC) and national and local stewardship teams to ignite new passion for fundraising and generosity. David’s fresh ways of talking about church and money and mission were received with enthusiasm at the Annual Meeting of Maritime Conference. Many asked, “How can we get more of this?”

Here’s how:

Bring a team of 2 or more people from your local area for this event. Clergy and lay leaders alike will take home new ideas and approaches to financial stewardship.

Plan to take part in follow-up learning opportunities you will hear about at this event.

March 21 – March 22 Tatamagouche Centre Fri 10:00 AM – Sat 4:00 PM

Program Cost is $170 ($123 without accommodations) Pay what you can. Learn more about Grace Economy when you attend this event.

L’Arche Cape Breton is in need of warm comforters and sheets to fit single beds. Also bath towels, snow shovels, and craft supplies. If you have any of these items to donate, please contact the Church Office.

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

St. Mark's Annual Congregational Meeting TODAY February 2nd at 7:00 p.m.

St. Mark’s Men’s Group Roast Beef Dinner will be held at St. Mark’s Church Hall on FRIDAY, February 7^th, 2014 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. Eat in or Take out. Tickets at the door. Adults $12.00 Children $6.00

February 19^th – Congregational Board Meeting.

FUNDSCRIP REPORT February order Sundays will be February 2^nd and 16^th and delivery Sundays will be February 9^th and 23^rd. Promotions for February are:

Payless 11% ( Regular 8% )

Fruits & Passion 12% ( Regular 10% )

la Vie en Rose 11% ( Regular 8% )

Please contact Patsy Brander at 625- 1062 or Bonnie Dawson at 625-3838 if you have any questions about how to join this program

Lay Readers for February:

February 9^th – Clark Brander

February 16^th – Julia Mac Quarrie

February 23^rd – Archie Noseworthy

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ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Saint David's congregational meeting TODAY following Worship.

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.

St. David’s Lay Readers for February:

February 9 – Margie Mac Intyre

February 16 – Lisa Rhynold

February 23 – Maxine Smith

Church Hall Cleaners for February – Irene Wheaton,

Beryl Mac Donald

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ORDER OF SERVICE FEBRUARY 2ND 2014

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/

Minister: Nan Corrigan D. M.

Minister of Music: Al Fougere

February 2^nd 2014-4^th Sunday after Epiphany

* please stand as able

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 What Does the Lord Require of You VU 701

*Call to Worship An Echo Prayer

One: Dear God,

Shine your light (a candle is lit)

to guide our feet.

Pour out your love (water is poured in the bowl)

over all we meet. Amen.

* Hymn Be Thou My Vision VU 642

Opening Prayer (together)
O God of winter cold and delightful warm spells, we give you thanks for pure white snow and running water, for clear bright skies and glorious starlit nights, for the long cold sleep of winter and the promise of new life. May this house of worship be like a winter thaw in our busy, hectic, and worried lives. May we hear a new word for our ever-changing and uncertain lives. Amen.

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Micah 6:1–8 What does God require of us?

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

Psalm 15 Who may be a guest in God’s house? VU 736

*Hymn Jesus, Friend of Little Children VU 34

Opening the Word & Lord’s Prayer

Gospel Acclamation

Matthew 5:1–12 Choral Reading Blessed are the poor in spirit.

One: When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

Right Side: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, Left Side: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

RS: ‘Blessed are those who mourn, LS: for they will be comforted.

RS: ‘Blessed are the meek, LS: for they will inherit the earth.

RS: ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

LS: for they will be filled.

RS: ‘Blessed are the merciful, LS: for they will receive mercy.

RS: ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, LS: for they will see God.

RS: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, LS: for they will be called children of God.

RS: ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, LS: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

One: ‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

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

Reflection

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

* Hymn Matthew 5 (Blest Are They) VU 896

Minute for Mission

Offering Our Gifts to God

*Offering Prayer

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn The Old Rugged Cross Printed

* Commissioning

One: Friends, go into this week awakened to God’s reality and way of peace, joy, compassion, justice.

All: We will hold true to our call. We will continually seek the grace and wisdom of Jesus the Christ.

* Choral Amen

Saturday 25 January 2014

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY JANUARY 26TH 2014

Participating through leadership in worship this morning are:

Organist: Al Fougere

Greeters (St. M.): Darren & Anne Blundon

(St. D.): Ian Mac Kinnon

Lay Reader (St. M.): Connie Fowlie

Lay Reader (St. D.): Iaian Langley

Collectors (St. M.): Darren & Anne Blundon,

Denis Bernard, Malcolm Matheson

Collectors (St. D.): Heather Graham, Kim Cameron

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

Deadline for information for the bulletin is Thursday at noon.

Food Bank donations are received on the last Sunday of the month. We will be receiving donations today.

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 February 17th at 1:00 P.M.

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

Inverness Guysborough Presbytery meets at St. David's United Church, Port Hastings on Tuesday, January 29th. Meeting is open to anyone to attend--beginning with worship following presbytery supper at 5:00.

Worship at Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home on Wednesday, January 29th at 10:30 a.m. Everyone welcome.

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

FUNDSCRIP REPORT February order Sundays will be February 2^nd and 16^th and delivery Sundays will be February 9^th and 23^rd. Promotions for February are:

Payless 11% ( Regular 8% )

Fruits & Passion 12% ( Regular 10% )

la Vie en Rose 11% ( Regular 8% )

Please contact Patsy Brander at 625- 1062 or Bonnie Dawson at 625-3838 if you have any questions about how to join this program

The Nominating Committee is presently seeking people to fill several positions on St. Mark’s Board. It would be greatly appreciated if you would consider joining the Board to help participate in the life of the church. If you are interested in becoming a member please contact any member of the Nominating Committee: Anne Louise Blundon, Hayward Hollett or Bonnie Dawson.

Lay Readers for February:

February 2^nd – Jean Mac Pherson

February 9^th – Clark Brander

February 16^th – Julia Mac Quarrie

February 23^rd – Archie Noseworthy

St. Mark’s Men’s Group Roast Beef Dinner will be held at St. Mark’s Church Hall on February 7^th, 2014 from 4:30to 6:00 p.m. Eat in or Take out Tickets at the door. Adults $12.00 Children $6.00

St. Mark's Annual Congregational Meeting on February 2nd at 7:00 p.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.

St. David’s Lay Readers for February:

February 2 – Maxine Smith

February 9 – Iaian Langley

February 16 – Lisa Rhynold

February 23 – Maxine Smith

Saint David's congregational meeting will be held following Church on Sunday Feb.2, 2014

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Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2014 January 19^th to 26th

The roots of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity go back to the 1800s; it is one of the oldest, most widely observed ecumenical events in the world.

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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Wish to Learn More about Computers? Learn all about E-mail, the Internet, and Skye? Classes will be offered at the Isle Madame Learning and Technology Centre/C@P Site on Thursday mornings (9:30 – 12:30) or Tuesday evenings (6:00 – 9:00) from February 11^th – May 8^th (12 weeks). Similar classes will be offered at the St. Peter’s Learning and Technology Centre/C@P Site on Friday mornings (9:30 – 12:30) or Wednesday evenings (6:00 – 9:00) starting on February 12^th. For more information or to register, please call the Richmond County Literacy Network at 226 - 0383 or 535-3304. No Fee. Class times and locations will depend on number of people registered.

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Adult upgrading classes (including preparation for writing the G.E.D. exam)are being offered throughout Inverness County from Jan.-May, 2014. Classes are free. Basic computer skills instruction will be available in your community depending on interest. If you would like more information, please call Shirley Miller at 248-2960, Jesslyn Timmons at 258-3110, or toll free at 1-877-258-5550. Sponsored by Inverness County Literacy Council.

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Trivia Night sponsored by the Port Hastings Historical Society will be held at 7pm in the Port Hawkesbury Fire Hall on January 25th, February 22nd and March 29th. Team of 4 for $20.00...pre-register with Bob at 625-1220...Lots of fun and laughs.

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ORDER OF SERVICE JANUARY 26 2014

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/

Minister: Nan Corrigan D. M.

Minister of Music: Al Fougere

January 26^th, 2014-3^rd Sunday after Epiphany

A thought around which to gather as we worship:

The third Sunday after the Epiphany is about call and the decision points that follow, which challenge us and gift us with clarity. Jesus’ call to the disciples provokes us to see both this challenge and this gift. On the one hand, we worry: how can we take on one more “to do”? On the other hand, we rejoice feeling that God shines a light on the path ahead.

As we continue our Epiphany exploration, consider how you might reframe or re-imagine the way you hear Jesus’ call to follow. When you respond to Jesus’ call, are you reluctant or joyous? Do you feel as if you are going or coming? Do you see yourself being sidetracked from the future you planned or do you see yourself stepping into a great light?

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 Teach Me, God, to Wonder VU 299 v.1

Teach me, God, to wonder, teach me, God, to see;

let your world of beauty capture me.

Praise to you be given, love for you be lived,

life be celebrated, joy you give.

*Call to Worship Inspired by Isaiah 9:1-4

We are called together in a spirit of gladness

for the presence of God within and among us

lifts the shadows of gloom.

The light of Christ shines on.

The lights of Christmas flicker and fade

but the gift of God's love will never grow dim

for a Great Light has drawn near.

The light of Christ shines on.

The love of God grows every time we give it away

and our joy increases;

we are like happy people at a feast.

The light of Christ shines on.

Come let us draw near to the light and worship.

* Hymn I Am the Light of the World VU 87

Opening Prayer

Inviting God, you call us to follow in many ways.

You call some of us to witness with public deeds of justice,

and you call some of us to do the quiet work of companionship.

You call some of us to proclaim your truth in stirring speeches,

and some to sing your love in gentle lullabies.

Invite us to follow you by respecting

the many different ways of witness,

and rejoicing that we have

so many chances to answer your call. Amen.

* Hymn Jesus Calls Us VU 562

Prayer for Wholeness

One: Spirit of God, you wander along the shores of our life

All: and you see the many things we cling to…

(make tight fists with hands)

One: Release us, O Spirit, (release fists and lay hands on laps palms down.)

All: so we can follow Christ more faithfully.

Words of Affirmation

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Isaiah 9:1–4 The people have seen a great light.

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

Psalm 27:1, 4–9 God is my light and my salvation. VU 754

Opening the Word & Lord’s Prayer

Gospel Acclamation

Matthew 4:12–23 Jesus begins his ministry.

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

Reflection

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

* Hymn Jesus, You Have Come to the Lakeshore VU 563

Minute for Mission

Offering Our Gifts to God

*Offering Prayer

Radiant God, we present these gifts of light. May they pierce the world's darkness; may they help to increase joy; may they break oppression and bring release to those in captivity. Through them, may your light shine into the deep recesses of our lives and into every corner of the world. Amen.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn I Danced in the Morning (Lord of the Dance) VU 352

* Commissioning

One: We have received the light of God

All: in the words of scripture,

in the faithful witness of our sisters and brothers,

in the companionship of this shared time,

in the music of our voices.

One: Go now to share this light in words of peace

in a witness of love

in the sharing of wealth

in the joy of good news.

* Choral Amen

Friday 24 January 2014

TIME FOR ANNUAL MEETINGS!

FEBRUARY 2ND

St. David's Annual Congregational Meeting after worship

St. Mark's Annual Congregational Meeting at 7:00 p.m.

Thursday 23 January 2014

OPPORTUNITY TO VOLUNTEER TO BE ON ST. MARK'S BOARD!

VOLUNTEER!!

The Nominating Committee is presently seeking people to fill several positions on St. Mark’s Board. It would be greatly appreciated if you would consider joining the Board to help participate in the life of the church. If you are interested in becoming a member please contact any member of the Nominating Committee: Anne Louise Blundon, Hayward Hollett or Bonnie Dawson.

FUNDSCRIP UPDATE

FundScrip February order Sundays will be February 2^nd and 16^th

and delivery Sundays will be February 9^th and 23^rd.

Promotions for February are:

Payless 11% ( Regular 8% )

Fruits and Passion 12% ( Regular 10% )

La Vie en Rose 11% ( Regular 8% )

Wednesday 22 January 2014

POSTPONEMENT-WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY WORSHIP SERVICE

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Worship Service

Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Port Hawkesbury

is postponed to Thursday, January 23rd at 7:00 p.m.
This is a gathering of community churches, seeking to build up our mutual relationship in Christ through a celebration of song, word and gesture. Members of local church choirs are invited to join the Week of Prayer choir.

Everyone welcome-please bring finger foods to share following worship.

Friday 17 January 2014

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY JANUARY 19TH 2014

Participating through leadership in worship this morning are:

Leader (St. M.) Joyce Oliver-Snair

(St D.): Julia Mac Kinnon

Organist: Al Fougere

Greeters (St. M.): Darren & Anne Blundon

(St. D.): Ian Mac Kinnon

Lay Reader (St. M.): Vida Hood

Lay Reader (St. D.): Bruce Corrigan

Collectors (St. M.): Darren & Anne Blundon,

Denis Bernard, Malcolm Matheson

Collectors (St. D.): Heather Graham, Kim Cameron

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.

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

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Jan. 21^st. – St. Mark’s Congregational Board Meeting. (Annual Reports due at this meeting) 6:30 Executive, 7:00 Committees, 8:00 p.m. Combined Board.

FUNDSCRIP REPORT Order dates for January are Sunday January 5^th and 19^th and delivery dates are January 12^th and 26^th

Please contact Patsy Brander at 625- 1062 or Bonnie Dawson at 625-3838 if you have any questions about how to join this program

Promotions for January are:

Teriyaki Experience 12% ( Regular 10% )

Chapters Indigo 8% ( Regular 5% )

Pier 1 Imports 7% ( Regular 5% )

Lay Readers for January & February:

January 26^th – Connie Fowlie

February 2^nd – Jean Mac Pherson

February 9^th – Rebecca Roussy

February 16^th – Julia Mac Quarrie

February 23^rd – Archie Noseworthy

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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.

St. David’s Lay Readers for January & February:

January 26 – Margie Mac Intyre

February 2 – Maxine Smith

February 9 – Iaian Langley

February 16 – Lisa Rhynold

February 23 – Maxine Smith

Saint David's congregational meeting will be held following Church on Sunday Feb.2, 2014

All reports are to be into the Church secretary TODAY.

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Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2014 January 19^th to 26th

The roots of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity go back to the 1800s; it is one of the oldest, most widely observed ecumenical events in the world.

This is a very unique year!
For just the third time in 100 years the Week of Prayer materials focus on Canada! Our sisters and brothers in Christ all around the world will be praying together in words and through a context that originated here. The Canadian regional ecumenical centers, the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism and the Canadian Centre for Ecumenism have taken the lead in writing the materials which will be used in countries throughout the globe. The Canadian Council of Churches has been promoting these materials, is encouraging Canadian Christians to pray from sea to sea to sea.

The apostle Paul puts before us all this year the difficult question of I Corinthians 1:13, ‘Has Christ Been Divided?’ Paul is speaking rhetorically, challenging the early church in Corinth and very much challenging us about the divisions in the Body of Christ.Be a part of the praying, be open to the challenge, and be with your sisters and brothers of the whole Body of Christ.

Today we are providing you with “Eight Days of Prayer” as an insert in your bulletin. Please use this for your personal prayer and reflection times, beginning today and for this entire Week of Prayer.

Individual Reflection

- Prepare a place where you can be quiet and reflective for a period of time. You may wish to set up your space with symbolic items that help you to focus, such as candles, a Bible, a cross or an icon.
- Begin by praying for openness to God's word.
- Read the text aloud. Note a word, phrase or image that attracts your attention. Is this attraction positive or negative?
- Read the text again.
- Meditate on the word or phrase you have selected and listen for God's word to you.
- If you are using the Eight Days materials, read the reflection for the day. What questions arise from it? What do these questions evoke in you?
- Give thanks to God for the gifts of grace and insight you are finding.
- Reflect on the text again. Take time to write down any insights, or express them in an artistic way.
- From your reflection, choose an action you might take.
- Read aloud the prayer at the end of the reflection, or offer a prayer of your own.
- If possible, share your reflections with someone else.

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Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Worship Service, Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Port Hawkesbury, Wednesday, January 22nd at 7:00 p.m. This is a gathering of community churches, seeking to build up our mutual relationship in Christ through a celebration of song, word and gesture. Members of local church choirs are invited to join the Week of Prayer choir. Everyone welcome! Please bring 'finger food' to share at the reception.

Breakfast @ Evergreen Seniors Club - Sat . Jan. 25 from 9-12

ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY JANUARY 19TH 2014-2ND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

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/

Minister: Nan Corrigan D. M.

Minister of Music: Al Fougere

January 19^th, 2014-2^nd Sunday after Epiphany

Make a Joyful Noise

A thought around which to gather as we worship:

Best of any song

is bird song

in the quiet, but first

you must have the quiet.

Counterpoint Berkeley

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 Responsive reading from A Song of Faith

Sung Response: Teach Me, God, to Wonder VU 299 v.1

Teach me, God, to wonder, teach me, God, to see;

let your world of beauty capture me.

Praise to you be given, love for you be lived,

life be celebrated, joy you give.

God is Holy Mystery,

beyond complete knowledge,

above perfect description.

Yet,

in love,

the one eternal God seeks relationship.

So God creates the universe

and with it the possibility of being and relating.

God tends the universe,

mending the broken and reconciling the estranged.

God enlivens the universe,

guiding all things toward harmony with their Source.

Grateful for God’s loving action,

we cannot keep from singing.

Responsive Reading excerpted from A Song of Faith:

A Statement of Faith of the United Church of Canada

Sung Response:
Teach me, God, to wonder, teach me, God, to see;

let your world of beauty capture me.

Praise to you be given, love for you be lived,

life be celebrated, joy you give.

*Call to Worship

The winter scenes afford wonder and awe:

silence in falling snowflakes landing on our faces;

the glistening in the moonlight;

a gift of diamonds on the blanket of new-fallen snow;

the glitter of tree limbs in the snappy cold--

all from our Maker, Lord God,

giver of life and love.

What a beautiful creation!

Awe, praise, and worship,

awe, praise, and worship,

Father, Mother, Creator God.

Written by Brenda Duckworth, Wasuaksing & Shawanaga First Nations Churches, Parry Sound, Ont. Gathering, Advent/Christmas/Epiphany 2013-2014, page 41. Used with permission.

* Hymn This Day God Gives Me VU 410

Opening Prayer

The peace of morning's stillness

the peace of new beginnings

the peace of heaven's kiss

to welcome us to this day

to root us in this day

to free us in this day

that we may grow with the greening earth

that we may grow from the ground of glory

that we may grow in grateful wonder

of You

Gracious Giver of this day

Great Giver of this day. Amen.

Praying with the Earth: A Prayerbook for Peace

* Hymn Sing a New Song Printed

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

1 Chronicles 16:23-34 Sing to the Lord all the earth

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

Music Expresses Our Faith—a Reading from A Song of Faith

“We sing of God the Spirit..”

*Psalm 100 Make a Joyful Noise VU 820

Opening the Word & Lord’s Prayer

Gospel Acclamation

Matthew 4:1-10 Worship the Lord your God and serve God only

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

Music Expresses Our Faith—a Reading from A Song of Faith

“We sing of a church seeking to continue the story of Jesus...”

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

* Hymn Many Are the Lightbeams VU 588

Minute for Mission

Offering Our Gifts to God

*Offering Prayer (together)

Ever-present God, with this offering we present ourselves:

all that we have been, all that we are, all that we may become

and with it our commitment to follow your way. Amen.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

One: God, listen to your children praying...

Sung response: “Lord, listen to your children praying” VU 400

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn How Great Thou Art VU 238

* Commissioning and Benediction (together)

Let us go from this place to continue our worship in the world.

Let us go out with a Joyful Noise in our hearts and on our lips.

Let us go out blessed and to be a blessing to all whom we meet.

May the love of God, the grace of Jesus, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with each of us, now and always.

* Choral Amen