Friday 28 February 2014

Scripture Reflection-Stewardship Week 4 "Found Faithful with All"

Found Faithful with All (Week 4)

“He said to him, ‘Well done, good slave, because you have been trustworthy in a very small thing, take charge of ten cities.’” (Luke 19:17 NRSV)

In the congregation where I worship, it is not unusual for a six-year-old to read Scripture or receive the offering. It is not unusual for a layperson in the congregation to bring the message of the morning. We have high expectations of one another.

We often think we are capable of less than we are. We often think that others are capable of less than they are. We usually think of this parable of the talents as about money. But it is really about much more. It is about the varied gifts God has given to all of us and how they can multiply when we put them to work.

So much of Jesus’ words and his life with his closest followers is about reminding them of how much they can do, how much they can be used by God in continuing the work of Jesus in bringing God’s healing and reconciling touch, when they are faithful stewards of what God has given them.

As we read the Gospels today, they remind us of how much we can do when we are faithful stewards of what God has given us.

For reflection
• What challenging task have we attempted for our own benefit?
• What challenging task have we undertaken for God?
• What challenging task have we encouraged someone else to undertake?

Hermann Weinlick, writer of the Scripture Meditations/Sermon Starters, is a retired
Moravian pastor. He serves as the ecumenical officer for the Moravian Church in North
America. His work as a free-lance editor includes copyediting the Feasting on the Word
lectionary commentary

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY MARCH 2ND 2014

Participating through leadership in worship this morning are:

Organist: Al Fougere

Greeter (St. M.): Carol Ann Williams

(St. D.): Arnold Mac Lean

Lay Reader (St. M.): Heather Brander

Lay Reader (St. D.): Malcolm Parsons

Collectors (St. M.): Carol Ann Williams, Hazel Fry,

Loretta Piercey, Linda Howlett

Collectors (St. D.): Sally Fox, Heather Deschenes

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

Ash Wednesday Morning Prayer—St. David’s Hall, Wednesday March 5^th, 11:00 a.m.

1^st Sunday of Lent, March 9^th—Sacrament of Communion

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 March 17^th at 1:00 p.m.

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

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

LENT PERSONAL EMAIL RETREAT: Soul Songs: Praying the Psalms Facilitator: Janice MacLean

You will receive six email retreats offering a variety of reflections, prayers, poetry, art, photographs and spiritual practices.

Your email retreat arrives early Saturday morning in your inbox, beginning Saturday, March 8. You attend to it when you have time.

The eRetreat is flexible. You might use it in one sitting or as part of a daily quiet time. Cost: $15 (If circumstances require you to choose $0 please do so.) To learn more about this retreat please visit the Email Retreat Page: http://marconf.ca/42906-lent-email-retreat/

Copies of “THE UPPER ROOM” for March-April are available.

PATHWAYS TO PRAYER—A PILGRIM’S JOURNEY

Do you pray? How do you pray? To whom? Why? When? What about? St. Ann’s Bay United Church is presenting a week-end ecumenical conference May 16-18, 2014 to discuss this topic. We hope to boost your prayer routine, give you some ideas to enhance your spiritual growth and give you a respect for the variety of forms prayer can take. There will be speakers, social activities, worship, food and great Cape Breton hospitality.

Our keynote speakers are Stephen Augustine and Rev. Ivan Gregan. Professor Stephen Augustine, BA, MA, hereditary Chief on the Mi’Kmaq Grand Council and trained by elders since an early age, has a thorough command of traditional practices. He will address prayer in respect to his native spirituality. He is Principal of Unama’ki College of Cape Breton University. Rev. Ivan Gregan, BA, MDiv, has been the minister at Port Wallis United Church in Dartmouth, NS since 1988. For information and registration forms, speak to Nan or contact the church office.

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ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

FUNDSCRIP REPORT March order Sundays will be March 2^nd, 16^th and 30^th and delivery Sundays will be March 9^th and 23^rd.

Promotions for March are:

M & M Meat Shops 4% (Regular 3%)

PetSmart 4% (Regular 2%)

Gap (Includes Banana Republic & Old Navy) 7% (Regular 5%)

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

Lay Readers:

March 9^th – First Sunday in Lent – Irene Mac Isaac

March 16 – Second Sunday in Lent – Malcolm Matheson

March 23^rd – Third Sunday in Lent – Barbara Mac Intyre

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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:

March 9 – Margaret Ashford

March 16 – Kenzie Mac Lean

March 23 – Ian Mac Kinnon

March 30 – Kevin Pierce

Hall Cleaners for March are Maxine Smith & Diane Mac Kinnon

Tuesday, March 4^th: 4:30 to 6 pm. St. David’s UCW’s Annual Pancake Supper. Free will donation for our Mission and Service fund

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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

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FIBRE EXHIBITION DEMONSTRATIONS & CLASSES

WEAVING DEMONSTRATIONS

Rachael Robitaille will be working on her table loom in the gallery. She will be available to talk about her process as a weaver, fibre artist and teacher and also to provide insight. Rachael works with inspiration sources from the beauty and abundance of the natural world around her. She uses natural fibres hand dyed and hand painted yearns mostly from local artisans and farms. You can pass the shuttle if desired and look forward to weaving a small mat during our March Break demonstration on Mar. 9.

QUILTING SAMPLER

Join Barb MacIntyre has on display the Diamond Daze Quilt. Classes for the Diamond Daze Quilt will be on Feb. 26, Mar. 5 & Mar. 12.Barb will also have on display the quilt that will be made during the upcoming Spring session.

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Port Hawkesbury Food Bank is in need of clean plastic grocery bags. They can be dropped of at the Food Bank on Monday am between 8-11 am or on Tuesday pm 12-3.30 pm or given to one of the volunteers

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Strait Area Women's Place presents our 1st Women's Cloth Swap Event We will start out with a Sweater Exchange - So Bring your clean, good-used Sweater item and swap them with an old or new friend. Friday March 7th, 2014, 2PM - 4PM Strait Area Women's Place - Suit 104 - 609 Church Street - Port Hawkesbury

Open Monday-Friday 9AM-4:30PM - 902-625-1614

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English Book Fair - There will be a Book Fair at Tamarac Education Center starting Monday, March 3rd to Thursday, the 6th. The hours are from 8am to 3pm. Family Event night is on Thursday, March 6^th from 5pm to 7pm. We will have a door prize consisting of 25 dollars worth of books for your child and 25 dollars for your child’s classroom. Everyone is welcome! We accept debit, Visa and MC! All proceeds go back to the library! Great Reading during March Break

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The Big Spring Market, Sunday May 4th, 10am to 1pm, Port Hawkesbury Fire Hall. Table rentals are $10. All vendors welcome. Reserve at 631-0959 or sampson.denise@gmail.com. Free admission for shoppers. Sponsored by Ryan Highland Dancers.

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Welcome spring with a delicious Spaghetti Dinner at St. Joseph’s parish hall, Port Hawkesbury on Friday, March 20th, 4-6 pm. Adults $8.50 , children under10 -$6.00, family $20.00. Takeout is available. For advance tickets call the parish office 625-1045,Patsy 625-0833 or Joan 625-2397. Tickets available at the door. Come and enjoy a taste of Italy. Sponsored by St. Joseph’s Parish Council.

Thursday 27 February 2014

SWITCHING WORSHIP TIMES THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 2ND!

Found Faithful Stewardship Event:

Sunday, March 2nd, is our Celebration Sunday, when congregation members/adherents present our personal giving commitments for the ministry and mission we share as St. Mark's United Church congregation.

On this day, St. Mark's and St. David's switch worship times so that St. Mark's can have a Found Faithful Celebration Light Lunch.

March 2nd worship times--St. David's 9:30 a.m. and St. Mark's 11:00 a.m. followed by light lunch. Choir members are asked to bring a dessert to share, all others sandwiches or a salad to share.

ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY MARCH 2ND 2014-TRANSFIGURATION SUNDAY, CELEBRATION SUNDAY

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

March 2^nd, 2014--Transfiguration Sunday

Stewardship Celebration Sunday--“Found Faithful with All”

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 (congregation sings v1 3 times) 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.

Opening Prayer

We may not be able to climb a hill for you, O God,

but we gather to worship you in this place.

We may never see you transfigured in glory in our presence,

but we witness your transforming power in our living.

We may not have the words to explain all that you are,

but we have hearts that want to worship all that you are.

Enable us to meet you in your glory around us,

that we may worship you in truth and love. Amen.

* Hymn We Have Come at Christ’s Own Bidding VU 104

Prayer for Wholeness together

Ever-present, dynamic Love, we confess we are resistant to change. There are times when we are quick to label you, to confine you in places deemed sacred and resist you in places mundane. Help us open up to the mystery that transfigures that which we think we know and that which we hope to worship. May we grow in accepting that transformation is possible, through the Beloved. Amen.

Words of Affirmation

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Exodus 24:12–18 God calls Moses up the mountain.

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

Psalm 99 God delights in justice. VU 819

*Hymn Here I Am Lord (I, the Lord of Sea and Sky) VU 509

Opening the Word A story based on Matthew 17:1–9

The Lord’s Prayer

The Gospel Acclamation

Luke 19:11-17 Parable of the Ten Minas (Pounds)

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

Reflection

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

* Hymn Holy Ground Printed

Minute for Mission

Offering Our Gifts to God

*Offering Prayer

O God, you call us to love you with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. We seek to focus on you as our highest priority. Help us to make lifestyle decisions based on your commandments. We, your kingdom-seekers, offer you this money as a means of placing you first in our lives. May these gifts provide ministries of love and compassion to our neighbours. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn Lead On, O Cloud of Presence VU 421

* Commissioning and Benediction

Let us go forth without fear, found faithful in all we do,

Immersed in the love that overflows from God’s heart.

Let us embrace the path that Christ walked,

And radiate the joy of life poured out for others.

Let us be transformed by the Spirit’s presence,

Embracing the purposes of God’s resurrection world.

* Choral Amen

Monday 24 February 2014

FUNDSCRIP MARCH ORDER DATES

FundScrip March order Sundays will be March 2^nd, 16^th and 30^th and Delivery Sundays will be March 9^th and 23^rd.

Promotions for March are:

M & M Meat Shops 4% (Regular 3%)

PetSmart 4% (Regular 2%)

Gap ( Includes Banana Republic & Old Navy) 7% (Regular 5%)

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

PAR--are you on it?

A great way to make your "Found Faithful" Stewardship Commitment--join up to donate to the church through Pre-Authorized Remittance (PAR). This table display is in the lobby of the St. Mark's--pick up your PAR brochure and form there. These brochures were included as inserts in Sunday's bulletin. Elaine and Archie Noseworthy offered a Minute for Mission, in which they spoke of their own experience of using PAR. Great ambassadors for the programme!

Friday 21 February 2014

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY FEBRUARY 23RD 2014

Participating through leadership in worship this morning are:

Organist: Margie Mac Intyre

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

(St. D.): Maxine Smith

Lay Reader (St. M.): Archie Noseworthy

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

Food Bank donations are received on the last Sunday of the month. Food Bank donations will be received 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 March 17^th at 1:00 p.m.

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

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

LENT PERSONAL EMAIL RETREAT: Soul Songs: Praying the Psalms Facilitator: Janice MacLean

You will receive six email retreats offering a variety of reflections, prayers, poetry, art, photographs and spiritual practices.

Your email retreat arrives early Saturday morning in your inbox, beginning Saturday, March 8. You attend to it when you have time.

Copies of “THE UPPER ROOM” for March-April are available.

PLEASE NOTE: Found Faithful Stewardship Event: Mark this date on your calendar! Sunday, March 2nd, is our Celebration Sunday, when congregation members/adherents present our personal giving commitments for the ministry and mission we share as St. Mark's United Church congregation. On this day, St. Mark's and St. David's switch worship times so that St. Mark's can have a Found Faithful Celebration Lunch. March 2nd worship times--St. David's 9:30 a.m. and St. Mark's 11:00 a.m. followed by a light lunch. Sandwiches, salads and the choir is asked to bring dessert (cookies, etc.)

February 26^th – 10:30 a.m. Service at the Nursing Home.

PATHWAYS TO PRAYER—A PILGRIM’S JOURNEY

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ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

FUNDSCRIP REPORT Delivery Sunday February 23^rd.

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:

March 2^nd – Heather Brander

March 9^th – First Sunday in Lent – Irene Mac Isaac

March 16 – Second Sunday in Lent – Malcolm Matheson

March 23^rd – Third Sunday in Lent – Barbara Mac Intyre

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ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

PLEASE NOTE: March 2nd worship times--St. David's 9:30 a.m. and St. Mark's 11:00 a.m.

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:

March 2 – Malcolm Parsons

March 9 – Margaret Ashford

March 16 – Kenzie Mac Lean

March 23 – Ian Mac Kinnon

March 30 – Kevin Pierce

Hall Cleaners for February – Irene Wheaton, Beryl Mac Donald

Tuesday, March 4^th: 4:30 to 6 pm. St. David’s UCW’s annual Pancake Supper. Free will donation for our Mission and Service fund

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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Maritime Conference Lenten Resources

Retreat info and resources for Lent from Maritime Conference can be found at:

http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=e2021d1ad768ec5177f0f050a&id=4058efd125&e=dcd5af777d

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FIBRE EXHIBITION DEMONSTRATIONS & CLASSES

WEAVING DEMONSTRATIONS

QUILTING SAMPLER

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Port Hawkesbury Food Bank is in need of clean plastic grocery bags. They can be dropped of at the Food Bank on Monday am between 8-11 am or on Tuesday pm 12-3.30 pm or given to one of the volunteers

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Open Monday-Friday 9AM-4:30PM - 902-625-1614

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Thursday 20 February 2014

Scripture Reflection-Stewardship Week 3 "Found Faithful with Much"

Found Faithful with Much (Week 3)

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” (Matthew 13:44 NRSV)

I have two friends who, in different cities, lead intentional communities: persons who live under one roof, share space, share income, and try to minister in their neighborhood. They do this because they understand all things as a gift from God. They do this because they are trying to live in solidarity with their neighbors who are poor or homeless.

The early chapters of the New Testament book of Acts tell us of a similar community, with some episodes (Ananias and Sapphira, Acts 4–5) that seem pretty harsh to us. However, we do not find this pattern of Christian life in the rest of the New Testament. But such communities, both in the first century and now, remind us that we are responsible, as stewards, to be faithful, to use well all that we have, including money.

The life of the small congregation my wife and I are part of has some examples of this. Families share childcare. Someone has a pickup that is always available for moves and errands. Some people get rides to medical appointments. Persons can get financial help for emergencies. An immigrant family is helped to settle.

For reflection
• How do I live out faithfulness in all things?
• How does my congregation live out faithfulness in all things?
• How do I live out faithfulness with the money of which I am steward?
Hermann Weinlick, writer of the Scripture Meditations/Sermon Starters, is a retired
Moravian pastor. He serves as the ecumenical officer for the Moravian Church in North
America. His work as a free-lance editor includes copy editing the Feasting on the Word
lectionary commentary.

ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23RD 2014-7TH 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

February 23^rd 2014-7^th Sunday after Epiphany

“Found Faithful with Much”

* 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 (congregation sings v1 3 times) 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 Let There Be Light VU 679

Opening Prayer

God of our deepest yearnings, give us devoted hearts

that seek to listen, think, and feel anew.

Find us faithful in all that we are and have.

Open in us the wisdom of Jesus,

with the courage needed

to travel his life-giving path. Amen

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Leviticus 19:1–2, 9–18 Living the holy life

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

Psalm 119 Teach me, O God, your ways. VU 839, Pt. 3, Ref.3

2 Corinthians 8:1-7 They voluntarily gave according to their means

*Hymn Jesus Loves Me VU 365

Opening the Word & The Lord’s Prayer

Matthew 13:44-47 The kingdom of heaven is like…

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

Reflection

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

* Hymn Make Me a Channel of Your Peace VU 684

Minute for Mission-About PAR

Offering Our Gifts to God

*Offering Prayer

Gracious God, people give for so many reasons – guilt, joy, obligation, gratitude, obedience, hope, control, thankfulness.

All: Remind us of your call to examine everything that we have; after all, our money and possessions are really gifts from you.

You call us to use them wisely—to share them openly—to give them generously.

All: So thank you for this celebration of giving. Receive this offering and release us from the foolish temptation to believe that it is best spent on ourselves. Amen.

Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org.

Prayers of the People

One: Teach us, O God, your ways.

Response: May we have the heart of Wisdom,

be filled with the gift of mercy

and be set free to love anew.

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn The Church's One Foundation VU 332

* Commissioning and Benediction

All: Let us go into the world,

knowing we are touched by the God who is faithful and true.

One: May your life shine with the holiness of the Almighty One,

May your heart be transformed by the peace of the Redeeming One,

May your ways be filled with the joy of the Indwelling One.

* Choral Amen

Christine Sine is the author of the Opening Prayer and the benediction. She is executive director, liturgist and chief gardener with the Mustard Seed Associates in Seattle, Washington, and the author of To Garden with God (2010) and many other books.