Thursday 26 May 2016

50TH ANNIVERSARY RENEWAL OF MARRIAGE VOWS--JOIN US


Recognize this handsome, happy couple? Pictured following their wedding at St. Mark's United Church, Port Hawkesbury 46 years ago, they will be taking part in the Renewal of Marriage Vows as part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations at St. Mark's on June 11th at 2:00 p.mThe congregation is delighted to report that another couple who are still St. Mark’s members were the first pair to be wed here. Anne Joyce MacArthur and Charles Richard MacKinnon, now of Dundee, were married in the new St. Mark’s United Church on October 1st, 1966 in a ceremony presided over by the Rev. R. W. Dempsey.

Were you also married at St. Mark's? The congregation is seeking other couples, married at the church, to join in this joyous occasion. Not able to make it to the Renewal of Vows but would like to have your special day remembered during the 50th Anniversary? St. Mark's is pleased to receive photos of your wedding day for display during the Anniversary Weekend and on the church blog. Call the church office at 902-625-2229 to register to participate in the Renewal of Vows or send jpg format files of your photo by emailing  stmarksuc@gmail.com.  

Wednesday 25 May 2016

50TH ANNIVERSARY DECORATION DAY WORSHIP AT SOUTHBROOK CEMETERY

St. Mark's United Church, Port Hawkesbury celebrates their 50th Anniversary with a number of events the weekend of June 10th to 12th. A “Decoration Day” service will be held on Saturday, June 11th at Southbrook Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. If the weather is inclement, the service will be held at St. Mark's and families encouraged to visit and walk the cemetery at another time during the Anniversary Jubilee Weekend.

Decoration Day is a day set aside for families and individuals to honour the memories of their loved ones. Southbrook Cemetery is the final resting place for many people who were faithful and hardworking members of St Mark's United Church and prior to that, Zion-Robertson United Church. Leading up to Decoration Day, the cemetery takes on a new look as people go to clean, repair, weed and spruce up their family plots. Graves are also decorated with plants and flowers. Families are being encouraged as far as possible to use recyclable or returnable cans and plastic containers if they are placing cut flowers or arrangements on family plots so that staff can later dispose of them in a respectful and earth-friendly way. Southbrook Cemetery Board also cautions that saddle floral arrangements placed on headstones may over time cause the deterioration of headstones. To facilitate grasscutting and care for plots and stones, plantings are not encouraged.

Observance of Decoration Day in the community or church cemetery has a long history in the North American Christian church. In some places, family plots have been tended to and “decorated” with fresh cut flowers from family gardens for generations. St. Mark's United Church is grateful to Southbrook Cemetery Board for facilitating this special 50th Anniversary worship service on cemetery grounds. A limited number of chairs will be set up on the centre laneway of the cemetery, with organized parking of cars around the perimeter lane, along the street and around the cemetery vault. Those who are able are asked to bring along a lawn chair. St. Mark's Men's Group will be providing a light barbecue lunch (hotdogs and hamburgs) back at the church from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Saturday 21 May 2016

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY MAY 22ND 2016

Ministering through leadership in worship this morning are:
Organist: Al Fougere
Lay Reader (St. M.): Joyce Oliver-Snair
(St. D.): Mary Jesse Mac Donald
Mission Moment (St. M.): Linda Howlett
Greeters & Collectors (St. M.) John & Anna Langley
Greeter (St. D.): Catherine Mac Lean
Collectors (St. D.): Alicia Vink, James Mac Fadyen

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.

WEDNESDAY May 25th – 10:30 a.m. – Service at the Nursing Home.
********

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:
May 29th – Combined Service at St. David’s
June 5th – Jim Chiasson
June 12 – Brenda Mac Innis
June 19th – Jean Mac Pherson
June 26th – Vida Hood

FundScrip Promotions for May are:
Hudson’s Bay                       5% ( Regular 3% )
Winners                               8% ( Regular 6% )
Home Outfitters                    5% ( Regular 3 %)
Promotions for June are as follows:
Gap ( Includes Baby )                                     7% ( Regular 5% )
Old Navy ( Includes Banana Republic )             7% ( Regular 5% )
 Please note there are only 2 more orders remaining before we break for the summer. Order Sundays are May 29th and the FINAL ORDER is JUNE 12th. Delivery Sundays are June 5th and the FINAL DELIVERY is JUNE 19th.
FundScrip will resume in September. 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 the program.

50th Anniversary Jubilee Weekend   June 10th to 12th
      June 10   Reception and Tea 1:00 to 4:00 pm
        Evening of Music with Coro Cantabile 7:30 pm
        June 11   Decoration Day Worship, Southbrook Cemetery 10:00 a.m.
        Men’s Group Barbeque 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
           Renewal of Marriage Vows 2:00 pm
        60’s Coffee House 7:00 to 9:00 pm
June 12   Service of Celebration of 50 Years
with Guest Preacher, Rev. Catherine Stuart, President Maritime Conference 10:30 am    
Banquet in St. Mark's Hall 12:00 p.m.

Banquet Tickets available in St. Mark’s entry after worship today.
St. Mark’s United Church
Port Hawkesbury, N.S.
50th Anniversary Banquet
Sunday, June 12th, 2016
12:00 noon $15.00
Wooden 50th Anniversary souvenir crosses for sale today $20.00

Next meeting of the Anniversary Committee May 24th at 1:30 p.m.

May 29th – 9:30 a.m. - Maritime Conference Sunday. Combined Service at St. David’s. No Service at St. Mark’s. Service led by Al Fougere and the Choir. Guest Speaker will be Ian Langley.

Decoration Day at Southbrook Cemetery
St. Mark's United Church, Port Hawkesbury celebrates their 50th Anniversary with a number of events the weekend of June 10th to 12th. A “Decoration Day” service will be held on Saturday, June 11th at Southbrook Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. If the weather is inclement, the service will be held at St. Mark's and families encouraged to visit and walk the cemetery at another time during the Anniversary Jubilee Weekend.

Decoration Day is a day set aside for families and individuals to honour the memories of their loved ones. Southbrook Cemetery is the final resting place for many people who were faithful and hardworking members of St Mark's United Church and prior to that, Zion-Robertson United Church. Leading up to Decoration Day, the cemetery takes on a new look as people go to clean, repair, weed and spruce up their family plots. Graves are also decorated with plants and flowers. Families are being encouraged as far as possible to use recyclable or returnable cans and plastic containers if they are placing cut flowers or arrangements on family plots so that staff can later dispose of them in a respectful and earth-friendly way. Southbrook Cemetery Board also cautions that saddle floral arrangements placed on headstones may over time cause the deterioration of headstones. To facilitate grasscutting and care for plots and stones, plantings are not encouraged.

Observance of Decoration Day in the community or church cemetery has a long history in the North American Christian church. In some places, family plots have been tended to and “decorated” with fresh cut flowers from family gardens for generations. St. Mark's United Church is grateful to Southbrook Cemetery Board for facilitating this special 50th Anniversary worship service on cemetery grounds. A limited number of chairs will be set up on the centre laneway of the cemetery, with organized parking of cars around the perimeter lane, along the street and around the cemetery vault. Those who are able are asked to bring along a lawn chair. St. Mark's Men's Group will be providing a light barbecue lunch (hotdogs and hamburgs) back at the church from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
**********

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:
May 29th – Malcolm Parsons
June 5th – Wanda Radford
June 12 – St. Mark’s Anniversary
June 19th – Haley Mac Fadyen
June 26th – Kevin Pierce
Hall Cleaners for May are Heather Deschenes & Hazel Mac Lean.

On Maritime Conference Sunday, May 29, 2016 there will be a combined service of St. Mark’s and St. David’s held at St. David’s United Church at 9:30 a.m. The service will be led by Al Fougere and the Choir. Guest Speaker for the service will be Iaian Langley who will give a talk on the progress of the Port Of Welcome program set up to bring refugees into the area.

May 29th – 9:30 a.m. – Sunday School Closing. Coffee/Tea and snacks following the Service.

Yard & Bake Sale at St. David’s Church Hall from 8:30 a.m. – 12 noon on Saturday, June 4th. Sponsored by St. David’s Board of Stewards. For further information contact Ashley Mac Leod at 227-7798.

The U.C.W. trip to Sherbrooke on June 15, 2016, leaving the Church Parking Lot at 9:00 a.m. Please note this trip is now full. Should there be a rainstorm on June 15th, the trip take place on June 22nd, same time, same place.
**********

May 27th, 4:30 to 6 pm. – Roast Beef Dinner prepared by chef Jim George at St. Mark’s Church hall in Port Hawkesbury on behalf of Celtic Star Chapter #19,  Order of the Eastern Star.   Eat in or Take out. Adults $15.00 Children $7.00.

June 3rd – Cold Plate Dinner from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Church Hall. Eat in or take out $10.00. Sponsored by Girl Guides of Canada Camp Committee. Contact Marie at 902-625-1969.

Anyone wanting to go to Halifax on June 6th for a day trip, at no charge, is asked to contact Margie Mac Intyre (902-625-1361 or 902-890-1538) Departing from St. David’s at 8 a.m. You are able to take the mini tour, visiting the Titanic Cemetery, drive around Halifax and out to Peggy's Cove, supper on the way back, in Truro.
No Charge, just pay for your supper. Able to take 3 people.

Job Opportunity: Church Outreach and Children's Worker

The United Church of Canada Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery is seeking a Grade 12 or post-secondary student to coordinate our Vacation Bible School and work with people of all ages.
You will coordinate day camps for children in different locations in our area (Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery). You will develop and deliver an outreach program for seniors. This position is flexible and will be developed according to your interests and abilities.
This is an eight week, full time position (35 hours per week). The job may include evenings or weekends.

Your skills:
Ability to work and communicate with people of all ages
Ability to organize and meet deadlines
Group facilitation skills
Leadership ability, ability to work with volunteers
Creativity and flexibility
First aid training

Assets:
Driver’s license
Background in music, crafts, or sports
Ability to develop websites and use social media
Some knowledge of the United Church traditions and beliefs

Hourly rate: $13 per hour
Start date: June 27, 2016

Apply to: Christian Life and Growth Committee
c/o Alison Etter
PO Box 156
Baddeck NS B0E 1B0
email: alison.etter@bellaliant.net
Please include contact information for three references with your application. If you are selected for this position, you will require a completed Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector check. Applicant must be a student (aged 15 to 30) returning to school in the fall.
Deadline for Applications is June 6, 2016
Job Opportunity: Vacation Bible School Coordinator

You Are a Part of the Family


Community Kitchen & Music Therapy sponsored by Mental Health Services & Public Health June 14th 2016. St. Mark's United Church, 504 Bernard St. Port Hawkesbury. 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.


ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY MAY 22ND 2016-TRINITY 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
May 22nd, 2016-Trinity 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   

I bind unto myself today the strong name of the Trinity, 
by invocation of the same, the three in one and one in three. 
Attributed to St. Patrick 13th century   VU 317

Lighting of Three Candles

*Call to Worship     

One: We lift our voices in praise-with the voice of light: 
shimmering in starry skies and moonrise, flooding bright with sun. 
All: We give thanks to God: Mystery, Teacher, and Revealer. 
One: We lift our voices in praise-with the voice of waters: 
tumbling free, running deep, bringing life; moving on. 
All: We give thanks to God: Source, Life, and Power.
One: We lift our voices in praise-with the voice of living things: 
bird and whale song, cricket lullabies, salmon returning. 
All: We give thanks to God: Creator, Love, and Breath. 
One: We lift our voices in praise.

*Hymn     Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty VU  315

Opening Prayer   

Creator of all life, 
Wisdom from before the beginning of the world, 
Spirit that delights in truth be present with us today. 
Deepen our capacity to listen for the voice 
that invites us into greater understanding of who we are 
and guides us into life in all its fullness, 
with peace that disturbs our complacency, 
hope that opens creativity, 
and love that delights in the whole world. 
Amen.      

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Proverbs 8:1–4, 22–31 Wisdom’s part in creation.

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

Psalm 8 How glorious is God’s name. VU 732 

*Hymn Kum ba yah Printed

Opening the Word & The Lord’s Prayer

The Gospel Acclamation

John 16:12–15 The Spirit of truth.

One: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church.
All: Thanks be to God.

Opening the Word 2     St. Mark’s Minute for “Memories” 

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

* Hymn For the Fruit of All Creation VU 227

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

*Offering Prayer

One: The gifts that we share are expressions of our partici­pation in the creativity, wisdom, and delight that is at the core of the world. 
All: May all that we are and all that we offer lead to the peace, hope, and love of truth and reconciliation that bring fullness of life for all. Amen.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn O Worship the King VU 235

*Commissioning & Blessing

We will listen for the voice of Wisdom. 
We will join in the creativity that brings life. 
We will heed the deeper understanding of truth. 
The One: Creator, Wisdom, Spirit 
guides us into fullness of life for the world.         

*Choral Amen

Wednesday 18 May 2016

FINAL FUNDSCRIP ORDER BEFORE SUMMER BREAK


Promotions for June are as follows:

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

Please note there are only 2 more orders remaining before we break for the summer.
Order Sundays are May 29th and the FINAL ORDER is JUNE 12th. Delivery Sundays are June 5th and the FINAL DELIVERY is JUNE 19th.
FundScrip will resume in September. 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 the program.

St. Mark's Men's Group 50th Anniversary Photo May 15th 2016

Back l to r: Angus MacRae, Larry Evans, Terry Morrison, Darren Blundon, Clark Brander, Wayne Simpson
Centre: Carl MacKichan, Don MacPherson, Bruce Corrigan, Earl West, John MacLeod Langley
Front: Ingram Fowlie, Hayward Hollett, Dave Chapman, Andy Palmer

Monday 16 May 2016

50TH ANNIVERSARY BANQUET TICKETS NOW FOR SALE



TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE FROM 50TH ANNIVERSARY PLANNING GROUP MEMBERS AND FROM CHURCH OFFICE
PRE-PURCHASE BY JUNE 1ST NECESSARY
St. Mark’s United Church
Port Hawkesbury, N.S.
50th Anniversary Banquet
Sunday, June 12th, 2016
12:00 noon       $15.00 adults, $7.50 children 
                         (family rate available)


The Congregations of St. Mark’s United Church
United Church of Canada
Port Hawkesbury NS B9A 2V1
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

Saturday 14 May 2016

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY MAY 15TH 2016

Ministering through leadership in worship this morning are:
Organist: Al Fougere
Lay Reader (St. M.): Judy Castle
(St. D.): Erin Hart-Breen
Mission Moment (St. M.): Barbara Mac Intyre
Greeters & Collectors (St. M.) John & Anna Langley
Greeter (St. D.): Catherine Mac Lean
Collectors (St. D.): Alicia Vink, James Mac Fadyen

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

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 May 16th at 1:00 p.m. This is the last gathering until the fall.

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

Deadline for bulletin information is Thursday at noon.

Copies of the “UPPER ROOM” for May-June are available.

May 25th – 10:30 a.m. – Service at the Nursing Home.

********

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:
May 22nd – Joyce Oliver-Snair
May 29th – David Chapman
June 5th – Jim Chiasson
June 12 – Brenda Mac Innis
June 19th – Jean Mac Pherson
June 26th – Vida Hood

FundScrip Order Sunday are May 15th and 29th and Delivery Sundays are May 8th and 22nd.

Promotions for May are:
Hudson’s Bay                       5% ( Regular 3% )
Winners                               8% ( Regular 6% )
Home Outfitters                    5% ( Regular 3 %)

Please note The FINAL FUNDSCRIP ORDER before the summer break will be Sunday June 12th and the FINAL DELIVERY will be Sunday June 19th. FundScrip will resume in September, date to be announced later. 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

50th Anniversary Jubilee Weekend   June 10th to 12th

      June 10   Reception and Tea 1:00 to 4:00 pm
Evening of Music with Coro Cantabile 7:30 pm
      June 11   Decoration Day Worship, Southbrook Cemetery 10:00
Men’s Group Barbeque 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
           Renewal of Marriage Vows 2:00 pm
        60’s Coffee House 7:00 to 9:00 pm
June 12   Service of Celebration of 50 Years
with Guest Preacher, Rev. Catherine Stuart, President Maritime Conference 10:30 am    
Banquet in St. Mark's Hall 12:00 p.m.

Banquet Tickets available in St. Mark’s entry after worship today.


St. Mark’s United Church
Port Hawkesbury, N.S.
50th Anniversary Banquet
Sunday, June 12th, 2016
12:00 noon $15.00

Wooden 50th Anniversary souvenir crosses for sale today $20.00


Next meeting of the Anniversary Committee May 24th at 1:30 p.m.


Special Events

Ladies of the congregation who have been supportive of the Special Events Group by helping with receptions, Bazaar, etc. are invited to meet for a few minutes after worship at the front of the church.

May 17th – St. Mark’s Congregational Board Meeting: 6:30 p.m. Executive, 7:00 p.m. Committees, 8:00 p.m. Combined Board

May 29th – 9:30 a.m. - Maritime Conference Sunday. Combined Service at St. David’s. No Service at St. Mark’s. Service led by Al Fougere and the Choir. Guest Speaker will be Iaian Langley.


**********

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:

May 22nd – Mary Jesse Mac Donald
May 29th – Malcolm Parsons
June 5th – Wanda Radford
June 12 – St. Mark’s Anniversary
June 19th – Haley Mac Fadyen
June 26th – Kevin Pierce

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

On Maritime Conference Sunday, May 29, 2016 there will be a combined service of St. Mark’s and St. David’s held at St. David’s United Church at 9:30 a.m. The service will be led by Al Fougere and the Choir. Guest Speaker for the service will be Iaian Langley who will give a talk on the progress of the Port Of Welcome program set up to bring refugees into the area.

May 29th – 9:30 a.m. – Sunday School Closing. Coffee/Tea and snacks following the Service.


Yard & Bake Sale at St. David’s Church Hall from 8:30 a.m. – 12 noon on Saturday, June 4th. Sponsored by St. David’s Board of Stewards. For further information contact Ashley Mac Leod at 227-7798.


The U.C.W. trip to Sherbrooke will take place on June 15, 2016, leaving the Church Parking Lot at 9:00 a.m.
We do have room for five more people on a first come first served basis. Contact Margie Mac Intyre at 902-625-1361. Remember, your tour will cost about $10.00 and your lunch will also cost about $10.00, depending on what you order. Should there be a rainstorm on June 15th, the trip take place on June 22nd, same time, same place.
**********

Anyone wanting to go to Halifax on June 6th for a day trip, at no charge, is asked to contact Margie Mac Intyre (902-625-1361 or 902-890-1538) Departing from St. David’s at 8 a.m.

An Evening of Spiritual Music:  Sunday, May 15th:  7:00 p.m.  Trinity United Church, Mulgrave.  Featuring:  Adam Cooke, Clara Jordan, Lisa Hallet and Terri MacDonald and many more. Admission by free-will offering. 

Roast Beef Supper, Saturday, May 21st:  4:30 – 6:00 p.m.  Trinity United Church, Mulgrave. Eat-in, Take-Out, or local delivery.  $12.00 adults, $6.00 children under 12. 

May 27th, 4:30 to 6 pm. – Roast Beef Dinner prepared by chef Jim George at St. Mark’s Church hall in Port Hawkesbury on behalf of Celtic Star Chapter #19,  Order of the Eastern Star.   Eat in or Take out. Adults $15.00 Children $7.00.

Community Kitchen & Music Therapy sponsored by Mental Health Services & Public Health June 14th 2016. St. Mark's United Church, 504 Bernard St. Port Hawkesbury. 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.