Saturday 28 November 2015

Inverness County Singers at St. Mark's

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY NOVEMBER 29TH 2015

Ministering through leadership in worship this morning are:

Organist: Al Fougere

Lay Reader (St. M.): Malcolm Matheson

(St. D.): Margie Mac Intyre

(St. D,): Julia Mac Kinnon

Greeters & Collectors (St. M.): Earl West, Ingram Fowlie

Greeters (St. D.): The Timmons Family

Collectors (St. D.): Bob Downard, Alicia Vink

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 received on the last Sunday of the month. Donations will be received today.

Deadline for information for the bulletin is Thursday at noon.

Prayer Shawl Knitting Circle: Knitters and crocheters gather in the parlour of St. Mark’s on the 3rd Monday of each month. Next time of gathering is Monday December 14th at 1:00 p.m. for this month only.

Copies of the “UPPER ROOM’ for Nov.-Dec. are available

Reading and Reflecting through Advent & Christmas

A contemplative corner has again been set up in St. Mark’s sanctuary—a quiet space for the Advent and Christmas seasons. There you may light a candle, read and reflect. In the corner, you will find the book “Awaiting the Already: An Advent Journey Through the Gospels” by Magrey R. DeVega. Read a chapter each week you visit the corner. Spend some time with the reflections, activities and prayer that are provided at the end of each chapter. Let us prepare for Christ’s coming, one Gospel at a time.

Advent and Christmas Worship and Events

November 29th -- Advent 1 Communion

7:00 p.m. -- Pastoral Airs St. David's

December 4th -- Inverness County Singers

7:30 p.m. -- “Joyful & Triumphant”

Concert at St. Mark's

December 6th – Advent 2

December 13th – Advent 3 White Gift

December 20th – Advent 4

December 21st -- Longest Night

6:30 p.m. -- Service at St. David’s

December 24th – Christmas Eve Communion

6:30 p.m. – Service at St. Mark’s

8:00 p.m. – Service at St. David’s

December 27th – Christmas 1, 9:30 a.m. St. Mark’s

Reminder: You are welcome to place flowers “In Memory Of” or as “a gift” for the Christmas Season. Please call the office with the information so it can be acknowledged in the bulletin.

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:

December 6th – Bruce Corrigan

December 13th – Karen Mac Kinnon

December 20th – Rachael Robitaille

December 21st – Longest Night – Combined with St. David’s

December 24th – Multiple readers

December 27th – Combined Service at St. Mark’s

The Lay Scripture Readers Schedule for 2016 is being drawn up to be placed in the Annual Report Book. Signup sheet on the table in the church entry. Current readers, indicate by your name if you would like to continue to read. We are also in need of Minute for Mission Readers and another signup sheet is there for that. Thank you for considering your part in these important worship ministries.

FundScrip Financial Report and Order/Delivery Schedule

We are now in the fourth quarter for FundScrip 2015. Our earnings to date are approximately $975.00 which is $260.00 above the same date in 2014. This is an average of $56.48 per order. With just three more Order Sundays remaining this year, supporters of the program are urged to continue to place their regular orders and in addition it is hoped that they along with other members of the congregation use the program to purchase cards for Christmas gifts.

Order Sundays are November 29th and December 13th.

Delivery Sundays are December 6th and 20th.

Promotions for November are as follows:

Petro-Canada 3% ( Regular 2% )

Wayspa 12% ( Regular 10%)

Sears 5% ( Regular 3% )

Please contact Patsy Brander at 902-625-1062 or Bonnie Dawson at 902-625-3838 if you have any questions or if you wish to join this program.

50th Anniversary! In 2016, St. Mark’s will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary. 50thAnniversary weekend will be June 10th to 12th, 2016. Next meeting is November 30th at 1:30 p.m.

It’s Observer Time again! Please consider ordering a new subscription to this award winning United Church Magazine. To our present subscribers, please note there is a price increase (first time in 5 years) to $25.00 a year. If we could get 5 new subscribers, we could keep the cost to $20 for this year only. The list must be returned Dec 15th, so please act now if you are interested. Contact Lorna Harvey, lorna.harvey3@gmail.com or 902-625-0535. As in past years, please place your payment on the collection plate with your name and address, clearly marked “Observer”.

December 15th – St. Mark’s Board-Executive Only

December 20th – 8:00 a.m.; St. Mark’s Men’s Group Meeting.

Proceeds from the Christmas tea and sale are

Knit/Craft table.................$483.10.

New to you table...............$329.25

Door...................................$273.00

Bake Table.........................$1036.69

Profit....................................$2122.04

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:

December 6th – Mary Jesse Mac Donald

December 13th – Sunday School Readers

December 20th – Kenzie Mac Lean

December 27th – Kevin Pierce

Cleaners for December are Jean Hatcher and Marjorie Langford.

Pastoral Airs Concert, St, David's United Church, Sunday, November 29th, 7 p.m. Musicians to include: Kinnon and Betty Beaton, Stephanie MacDonald, Cape Breton Fiddler's Association, Rev. Alison Etter, Jessica MacLennan, Patrick Lamey and Heather Richards, Roy Mac Kinnon, John Donald Cameron, Gordon Mac Lean, Choirs of St. Mark's and St. David's and others. Lunch to follow. Free will offering in support of our local food bank.

The White Gift Service will be held on December 13th at 11:00 o’clock. The Sunday School students are asked to come to their first practice on Monday evening, November 30th, at 6 o’clock.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Evergreen Seniors Club Christmas Bazaar Sat Dec 5 from 1 till 4 (doors open at 12:30 to view items for auction) Auction Tea Bake Table Crafts Gramma's Attic

Community Kitchen & Music Therapy sponsored by Mental Health Services & Public Health December 8th, 2015 April 12th, May 10th, June 14th 2016. St. Mark's United Church, 504 Bernard St. Port Hawkesbury NS. Community Kitchen from 10:30 to 1:00 Music Therapy 1:00 to 2:00 PM Come help prepare and enjoy a healthy, well balanced, budget friendly meal then listen to music therapist Tom Curry. To help us plan lunch be sure to phone (902) 867-4500 ext. 4345 OR leave a message at (902) 625-7200 to let us know you will be attending

December 4th – “Joyful and Triumphant” 7:30 p.m. - Inverness County Singers at St. Mark’s.

Rotary Club “Carolling in our Community” Friday, December 18, 2015, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Mark’s United Church, Port Hawkesbury. Free-will offering to go to Seasonal Services in Port Hawkesbury. Followed by refreshments. Everyone of all ages welcome. For more information, please contact Rotary Club of Port Hawkesbury President, Chris Cook, via 902-631-2858

Longest Night/Blue Christmas Services

Christmas can be a painful time for some, it may be the first Christmas without a loved one; it may be a time which has always been difficult. The constant refrain on radio and television, in shopping malls and churches, about the happiness of the season, about getting together with family and friends, reminds many people of what they have lost or never had. The anguish of broken relationships, the insecurity of unemployment, the weariness of ill health, the pain of isolation – all these can make us feel very alone in the midst of the celebrating and spending. We need space and time to acknowledge our sadness and concern. We need to know we are not alone. Our Spirits sink, as days grow shorter, we feel the darkness growing deeper around us. We need courage to live the days ahead of us. For this reason, Trinity United Church, Mulgrave offers a special “Blue Christmas” service Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. and St. David’s United Church, Port Hastings, a “Longest Night” service Dec. 21st at 6:30 p.m. Come and join with us in sharing and hearing prayers, hymns, and scripture that acknowledge God’s presence for those who mourn, for those who struggle and that God’s Word comes to shine light in our darkness. Everyone, regardless of church background, is welcome!

“Merchandise and More Auction” Saturday, December 12th at 1:00 p.m. Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Reeves St. Port Hawkesbury. Come get some Christmas shopping done! Great gift certificates, new merchandise, and great baking to be auctioned off. Come early, bring a friend.

Princeville United Church will celebrate their annual Christmas service of readings and beloved Christmas music on Sunday, December 13th at 7PM. Refreshments will be served following the service.

Mabou Farmers Market Christmas Market Sunday, December 6, 11 to 3 Dalbrae Academy, Mabou All your Christmas gifts!
Croissants, cheese, Bavarian sausage Scarves, photos, fused glass jewelry Honey, basketry, leather Live music Join us for lunch!

Friday 27 November 2015

ABOUT ADVENT, CHRISTMAS, EPIPHANY

About Advent, Christmas, Epiphany 2015–16

Advent begins the Christian year. From the Latin word meaning “coming,” Advent blends the anticipation of God’s reign coming in fullness with the anticipation of the coming Messiah.

This Advent begins in words of hope, spoken by the prophet Jeremiah to a people who are feeling helpless and hopeless. As Advent unfolds, there is waiting, re-birthing fire, and letting go.

The 12-day Season of Christmas begins with the birth of Jesus and unbridled praise expressed by all creation. The season ends with the story of the magi, their pilgrimage to a foreign land, and a holy encounter that takes them in a new direction beyond that moment.

Our pilgrimage, continues in the Season after the Epiphany, where we are invited to open ourselves to new insights and new understandings. Jesus proclaims Jubilee – release, recovery, liberation – and is driven to the margins of the city.

These three seasons culminate in a holy encounter on a mountain where the veil that separates the ordinary world and the mystic world is lifted, and the glory of God transforms the moment. Fully alive, we are ready to begin the journey
into Lent.

Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2015 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFusion Advent • Christmas • Epiphany 2015–2016, p.1

ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY NOVEMBER 29TH 2015-ADVENT 1

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: stmarksuc@gmail.com

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

Presbytery Website: inverguyunited.ca

Ministers: Whole People of God

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

November 29th, 2015

1st Sunday of Advent-Hope

The Sacrament of Communion

Announcements The Work of Church and Community

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Welcome and greeting one another with the Peace of Christ.

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

* Introit Hope Is a Star, verse 1 VU7

Call to Worship

One: A branch begins to bud –

All: we wait with resilience and hope.

One: A new day begins to dawn –

All: we wait with patience.

One: A life begins to heal –

All: we wait with prayer.

One: A heart begins to open –

All: we wait for God.

One: Come, let us worship God.

Advent Candle-lighting Liturgy

Introduction

Voice 1: We know that God is always with us.

All: We are not alone; we live in God’s world.

Voice 2: This Advent we anticipate new understandings of the hope Emmanuel brings.

Voice 1: As we wait, may we remember to watch out and stay alert, for

All: nobody knows when that day or hour will come,
not even the angels in heaven.

Voice 1: We light this candle as a sign of God’s gift of hope,
and as a reminder that even as we wait for Emmanuel,
God is with us always.

All: We are not alone.

Voice 2: Thanks be to God!

*Candle-lighting Song

Place hope into our minds
as we sing songs of praise.
And let us search for all the signs
that lead to Christmas Day.

—Alydia Smith. Originally published in Mandate, November 2012.

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Jeremiah 33:14–16 A righteous branch from David’s line.

One: Herein is Wisdom. All: Thanks be to God.

Psalm 25:1–10 To you, O God, I lift my soul. Ref.2 VU 752

*Hymn Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus VU 2

Opening the Word/Time with Children

The Gospel Acclamation

Luke 21:25–36 Signs in heavens and Earth; parable of the fig tree

One: Herein is Good News. All: Praise be to God.

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

* Offering Prayer

* Communion Hymn We Gather Here VU469

Sacrament of Communion Communion Insert, cover of VU

Distribution Hymn Eat This Bread and Never Hunger VU471

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn Now Thank We All Our God VU236

* Commissioning and Benediction (together)

May we see the grace that surrounds us.

May we know the love that holds us close.

May we find the peace for which we yearn

May we live in God’s way of hope.

* Choral Amen

Saturday 21 November 2015

ANNOUNCEMENTS NOVEMBER 22ND 2015

Ministering through leadership in worship this morning are:

Organist: Al Fougere

Lay Reader (St. M.): Dave Chapman

(St. D.): Arnold Mac Lean

Greeters & Collectors (St. M.): Earl West, Ingram Fowlie

Greeters (St. D.): The Timmons Family

Collectors (St. D.): Bob Downard, Alicia Vink

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 received on the last Sunday of the month.

Deadline for information for the bulletin is Thursday at noon.

Prayer Shawl Knitting Circle: Knitters and crocheters gather to gether in the parlour of St. Mark’s on the 3^rd Monday of each month. Next time of gathering is Monday December 14^th at 1:00 p.m. for this month only.

Copies of the “UPPER ROOM’ for Nov.-Dec. are available

Wednesday, November 25^th – 10:30 a.m. – Service at the Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home. Everyone welcome.

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:

November 29^th – Malcolm Matheson

December 6^th – Bruce Corrigan

December 13^th – Karen Mac Kinnon

December 20^th – Rachael Robitaille

December 21^st – Longest Night – Combined with St. David’s

December 24^th – Multiple readers

December 27^th – Combined Service at St. Mark’s

The Lay Scripture Readers Schedule for 2016 is being drawn up to be placed in the Annual Report Book. Signup sheet on the table in the church entry. Current readers, indicate by your name if you would like to continue to read. We are also in need of Minute for Mission Readers and another signup sheet is there for that. Thank you for considering your part in these important worship ministries.

Christmas Tea and Sale Report:

The great support of St Mark's Church community resulted again in another successful Christmas tea and sale Appreciation to all who supported the sale by monetary donations, baking, crafts and new to you items Thanks to all ladies who worked and the men who did setting up and putting table away Approx $2016.00 was netted
Next week we will have break down of profit from each table

FundScrip Financial Report and Order/Delivery Schedule

Order Sundays are November 29^th and December 13^th.

Delivery Sundays are November 22^nd, December 6^th and 20^th.

Promotions for November are as follows:

Petro-Canada 3% ( Regular 2% )

Wayspa 12% ( Regular 10%)

Sears 5% ( Regular 3% )

Please contact Patsy Brander at 902-625-1062 or Bonnie Dawson at 902-625-3838 if you have any questions or if you wish to join this program.

50^th Anniversary! In 2016, St. Mark’s will be celebrating their 50^th Anniversary. 50^thAnniversary weekend will be June 10^th to 12^th, 2016. Next meeting is November 30^th at 1:30 p.m.

It’s Observer Time again! Please consider ordering a new subscription to this award winning United Church Magazine. To our present subscribers, please note there is a price increase (first time in 5 years) to $25.00 a year. If we could get 5 new subscribers, we could keep the cost to $20 for this year only. The list must be returned Dec 15th, so please act now if you are interested. Contact Lorna Harvey, lorna.harvey3@gmail.com or 902-625-0535. As in past years, please place your payment on the collection plate with your name and address, clearly marked “Observer”.

December 15^th – St. Mark’s Board Executive Meeting

December 20^th – 8:00 a.m.; St. Mark’s Men’s Group Meeting.

**********

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:

November 29^th – Margie Mac Intyre

December 6^th – Mary Jesse Mac Donald

December 13^th – Lisa Rhynold

December 20^th – Kenzie Mac Lean

December 27^th – Kevin Pierce

Cleaners for November are Claudette & Ashley Fox.

Pastoral Airs Concert, St, David's United Church, Sunday, November 29th, 7 p.m. Musicians to include: Kinnon and Betty Beaton, Stephanie MacDonald, Cape Breton Fiddler's Association, Rev. Alison Etter, Jessica MacLennan, Patrick Lamey and Heather Richards, Roy Mac Kinnon, John Donald Cameron, Gordon Mac Lean, Choirs of St. Mark's and St. David's and others. Lunch to follow. Free will offering in support of our local food bank.

***********

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Evergreen Seniors Club Christmas Bazaar Sat Dec 5 from 1 till 4 (doors open at 12:30 to view items for auction) Auction Tea Bake Table Crafts Gramma's Attic

Community Kitchen & Music Therapy sponsored by Mental Health Services & Public Health December 8th, 2015 April 12th, May 10th, June 14th 2016. St. Mark's United Church, 504 Bernard St. Port Hawkesbury NS Community Kitchen from 10:30 to 1:00 Music Therapy 1:00 to 2:00 PM Come help prepare and enjoy a healthy, well balanced, budget friendly meal then listen to music therapist Tom Curry. To help us plan lunch be sure to phone (902) 867-4500 ext. 4345 OR leave a message at (902) 625-7200 to let us know you will be attending

The Port Hastings Historical Society will sponsor a Bake Sale on November 26th at 2 pm at the Port Hawkesbury Shopping Centre. Lots of great local baking will be available.

Sunday, November 22nd, The Cape Breton Fiddlers Association is having their Christmas Gathering at the Gaelic College. Margie MacIntyre has room for 3 people to travel with her to this afternoon of fiddle music, fun, food and festivities. Contact Margie at 625-1361 for more information. She will be leaving St. David's at 12:15. Please let her know if you would like to come along.

December 4^th – 7:30 p.m. - Inverness County Singers Concert "Joyful and Triumphant" at St. Mark’s.

On Monday, November 23, 2pm, Karen Ross will present her Research Project: “Music Ministry with persons with Dementia”:“What role does music play in Pastoral Care of persons with Dementia?” at the Waterfront Centre in Whycocomagh. This is open to everyone and you are invited.

Longest Night/Blue Christmas Services

Christmas can be a painful time for some, it may be the first Christmas without a loved one; it may be a time which has always been difficult. The constant refrain on radio and television, in shopping malls and churches, about the happiness of the season, about getting together with family and friends, reminds many people of what they have lost or never had. The anguish of broken relationships, the insecurity of unemployment, the weariness of ill health, the pain of isolation – all these can make us feel very alone in the midst of the celebrating and spending. We need space and time to acknowledge our sadness and concern. We need to know we are not alone. Our Spirits sink, as days grow shorter, we feel the darkness growing deeper around us. We need courage to live the days ahead of us. For this reason, Trinity United Church, Mulgrave offers a special “Blue Christmas” service Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. and St. David’s United Church, Port Hastings, a “Longest Night” service Dec. 21^st at 6:30 p.m. Come and join with us in sharing and hearing prayers, hymns, and scripture that acknowledge God’s presence for those who mourn, for those who struggle and that God’s Word comes to shine light in our darkness. Everyone, regardless of church background, is welcome!

Advent and Christmas Worship and Events

November 29th -- Advent 1 Communion

7:00 p.m. -- Pastoral Airs St. David's

December 4th -- Inverness County Singers

7:30 p.m. -- Concert at St. Mark's

December 6th – Advent 2

December 13th – Advent 3 White Gift

December 20th – Advent 4

December 21st -- Longest Night

6:30 p.m. -- Service at St. David’s

December 24th – Christmas Eve Communion

6:30 p.m. – Service at St. Mark’s

8:00 p.m. – Service at St. David’s

December 27th – Christmas 1, 9:30 a.m. St. Mark’s

ORDER OF SERVICE NOVEMBER 22ND 2015-REIGN OF CHRIST 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: stmarksuc@gmail.com

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

Presbytery Website: inverguyunited.ca

Ministers: The Whole People of God

Minister: Nan Corrigan D. M.

Minister of Music: Al Fougere

November 22^nd, 2015—Reign of Christ Sunday

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 Come Build a Church

Come build a church with soul and spirit,

come build a church of flesh and bone.

We need no tower rising skyward;

no house of wood or glass or stone.

Come build a church with human frailty,

come build a church of flesh and blood.

Jesus shall be its sure foundation.

It shall be built by the hand of God.

Call to Worship Based on Revelation 1:4-8

One: Come to worship God,

All: Sovereign One,

One: Rock of Israel,

All: God of Jacob and Rachel,

One: the Beginning and the End,

All: who was, and is, and ever more shall be!

One: Come, let us worship God!

Opening Prayer

Wondrous God, you encircle all time with your presence;

you encircle creation with your love.

You brought all things into being

and receive all things back to you.

May we find our hope, and our life,

in your enfolding grace. Amen.

* Hymn Rejoice, the Lord is King VU213

Prayer for Wholeness & Assurance of Love

Loving God, forgive us when we misunderstand, when we try to do things our way, when we do not listen to your word and will for us. Forgive us when we try to live our lives without giving a thought or a care to what you want us to do. In this time of silence, hear our confession, and help us to envision your dream for our world. (silence)

One: We are forgiven;

All: Help us to forgive others.

One: We are loved;

All: Help us to love others.

One: We are blessed;

All: Help us to bless others. Amen.

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

2 Samuel 23:1–7 David’s last words glorify God.

One: Herein is Wisdom. All: Thanks be to God.

Psalm 132 God will bless with abundance. VU855

*Hymn Tell Me the Stories of Jesus VU357

Opening the Word & The Lord's Prayer

The Gospel Acclamation

John 18:33–37 My kingdom is not from here.

One: Herein is Good News. All: Praise be to God.

Opening the Word 2

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

*Hymn Crown Him with Many Crowns VU211

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

*Offering Prayer

Alive to the hope that is within us, and inspired by the vision of the reigning Christ, we bring these gifts and offer our lives. Use them, O God, as you continue to use us in the generous sharing of your mercy and love. Amen.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Concern

One: Hear us…All: hear us, O God, as we pray to you.

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn Jesus Shall Reign VU330

* Commissioning and Blessing

The church year ends – a new one begins.

Day turns into night, and night turns into day.

And yet through it all, our God is with us.

So, go out in peace, daring to proclaim allegiance to Jesus, who modelled new ways to live in God’s community, and know that God will always be with you.

*Choral Amen