ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY FEBRUARY 25TH 2018

Ministering through leadership in worship this morning are:
Organist: Al Fougere
Lay Reader (St. M.): Malcolm Matheson
Lay Reader (St. D.): Maxine Smith
Mission Moment (St. M.): Larry Evans
Greeters & Collectors (St. M.): Larry & Sherrille Mac Keigan
Greeter (St. D.): Maxine Smith
Collectors (St. D.): Ashley Mac Leod, Marie Davis

OFFICE HOURS: 
Monday & Tuesday  9-12 noon, Nan at St. Mark’s
Wednesday  9-12 noon, Jane at St. Mark’s
Thursday  9-12 noon, Nan & Jane at St. Mark’s
Friday  Minister’s Day Off, 9-12 noon, Jane at St. Mark’s

Please note: No Office Hours at St. David's during the winter months. Please call 902-625-2229 if you wish to meet with Nan. 

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

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 in the parlour of St. Mark’s on the 3rd Monday of each month. The next time of gathering is Monday, Monday March 19h at 1:00 p.m.

The Go Project Youth Program is offering new exciting Youth opportunities. There are programs being held in Halifax, July 15th- July 20th,2018. Register before March 1st,2018 to receive $50.00 off. As well, there are 24 Children's Adventure Camps in the Maritimes and Ontario. Check out the Go Project, www.thegoproject.ca,to find a peace and justice focused camp near you!  Email thegoproject@islingtonunited.org or phone 416. 231.1131 extension 231, to find out how you can be a part of this life giving ministry. If you are looking for job opportunities, check out the many exciting opportunities on the website. 

Nursing Home Service on Wednesday, February 28th at 10:30 a.m. Everyone welcome.

**********

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:

March 4th – Barb MacIntyre
March 11th – Wayne Simpson
March 18th – Joyce Oliver-Snair
March 25th – Palm Sunday – Readers to be determined
March 29th – Maundy Thursday, Potluck & table communion
March 30th – Good Friday, Combined Service at St. David’s
April 1st – Easter Sunday -Multiple Readers

FundScrip
The March FundScrip Order Date is March 4th and the Delivery Date is March 11th, 2018. Please note that in order to reduce Shipping and Handling charges only one Order per month will be sent on the first Sunday of the month and the Delivery will be on the second Sunday of the month. 

The FundScrip Promotions for March are as follows:
Amazon                                                2.5% ( Regular 2% )
Build-A-Bear Workshop                          9%    ( Regular 7% )
Although St. Mark’s has been participating in the FundScrip program since 2013 we are always looking for new members.  Questions and comments about the program are always welcome so please do not hesitate to contact Patsy Brander at 902-625-1062 or Bonnie Dawson at 902-625-3838 and we will be happy to provide you with the answers.   

Sunday. March 4, 2018 – Refreshments & Fellowship following the Service at St. Mark’s.

Sunday, March 18, 2018 – 8:30 a.m. - Men’s Group Breakfast

Tuesday, March 20, 2018 – St. Mark’s Congregational Board Meeting: Executive 6:30pm., Committees 7:00pm., Combined Board 8:00pm.
 
"Collection Counters/Recorders Needed
Many thanks to those folks who have signed up for counting /recording collection over the next few weeks. However, that time will pass by quickly & I am hopeful that we can soon have the "counters sheet" filled in at least to the end of June. A copy of the guidelines for counters has been left near the sign up sheet to give those considering signing up an over view of what is involved.
It is a straight forward process & a calculator is provided for those who, like myself, may be mathematically challenged. Please sign up. The load gets lighter when many helping hands participate.
Thank you,
 Clark Brander, Chair, Trustees & Finance."

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:

Mar. 4th – Marie Mac Kinnon
Mar. 11th – Amy McKillop
Marc. 18th – Alicia Vink
Mar. 25th – Gillian Vink

TODAY - St. David's Annual Congregational Meeting, following worship.  A potluck meal will precede the meeting. 

There will be no Sunday School classes run at St. David’s during the month of March. We look forward to seeing the boys and girls again for class at the Easter Sunday Service. Classes will resume then and run from April into the end of May. Enjoy a March Break.

**********

Floor Curling Wednesdays at 2 p.m., at St. Mark's hall. No fee, just bring indoor footwear. The program will continue each Wednesday.

Merchandise & Talent Auction on Saturday, May 12th at the Port Hawkebury Fire Hall. Viewing at 6pm & Auction at 7pm Live & silent Auction, cash door prizes and Raffle Tickets. Auctioneer Bob Mac Eachern, 1015 The Hawk. Proceeds to Strait Chedabucto Anglican Churches of Holy Trinity, St. James, St. Andrews.

ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY FEBRUARY 25TH 2018-2ND SUNDAY OF LENT

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

February 25th, 2018-2nd Sunday of Lent

(4 purple, 1 pink and 1 white candle are lit on Lenten triad)

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 Love Us Into Fullness v 1, MV 81

Call to Worship  

One: Come, friends, and hear once again what God has done for us.
All: God has been faithful through our days.
One: We come at different ages and stages, different generations,
All: and we serve and worship together.
One: God remembers all of us, from the baby entering the world to the people living in their twilight years.
All: God keeps God’s promises, no matter how young, no matter how old we may be.
One: Come and open your hearts to the God who will love and care for you through your entire life.
All: We come to worship God.

Opening Prayer

God, as we worship you today, open our hearts to those around us. May we see your faithfulness in each age and stage of our
neighbours. In this Season of Lent, may we remember the promises you made to all generations – past, present, and future.
Amen.

*Hymn  I, the Lord of Sea and Sky VU 509

Call to Confession

Lenten Tenebrae: Praying Our Confession with the Psalms

Lent 2—Psalm 22
One: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1a). There are many times in our lives…and so it is with confidence that we are able to lift our prayers of confession this morning. 
Let us pray: 
All: God of the Lenten Wilderness, you have been with us from the moment our hearts started beating. You have offered wisdom and guidance from the moment of our birth. You are with us now as we confess the ways we have failed to put our trust in you. When we are burdened with trouble, when our hearts ache and our minds reel, we so quickly doubt your presence. Forgive us. Help us remember that you are always there, like the stars over our heads, bright and constant. Help us embrace the healing power of your mercy for the things we have done wrong. Help us live merciful lives even when we have been wronged. Help us trust in you, as Sarah did, even when times are hard. 

Silent confession as second candle is extinguished. 

With every breath, we will praise your name. 
All: With every beat of our hearts, we will rejoice in your love. As we walk this Lenten road, we will celebrate the path you place before us. Amen. 

Written by Nora Vedress, Calvary U.C., Prince Albert, Sask. 

Gathering, Lent/Easter 2018, p.64. Used with permission. 

Sung Assurance: May God’s Sheltering Wings   (her, his) MV 214

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Genesis 17:1–7, 15–16 Covenant between Abram, Sarai, and God.

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

Psalm 22  You have not hidden your face, O God. Pts 3 & 4 VU 746

*Hymn I Have Called You by Your Name MV 161

Opening the Word & the Lord’s Prayer

The Gospel Acclamation

Mark 8:31–38 Losing your life for the gospel will save it.

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

Opening the Word 2

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

* Hymn      I Danced in the Morning VU 352

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

*Offering Prayer

God, you are the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the
end, and all that comes in between. Today, we give thanks for
those who came before and gave their gifts so that we could
have mission, ministry, and a physical place to worship today.
Bless the gifts that we offer to you so we will continue to build on the foundation laid by previous generations, and enable those who follow. Amen.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn Jesus Came, a Child like Me VU 583

*Commissioning

As we go, may we go wrapped in the knowledge that you promised
Abraham and Sarah a new future, and we are part of that future. 
You keep your promises throughout time. May we share those promises with the world.

*Choral Amen

REFLECTION ON THE SEASON OF LENT

Lent

A journey of love

Lent is an opportunity for spiritual and personal examination,
a time to study our relationship with God and others,
a time to improve those relationships and make them more
meaningful. But our desire for a deeper connection to God,
one another, and all of God’s creation has to compete with
the rest of life. Our spiritual practices go up against our
everyday lives, busy schedules, work and family demands,
emotional trials and more.

We might feel our wheels spinning, that we we are in
the same place we were last year, as if our lives were one
ongoing circle. If we pay attention, it is something else.
We are never in the same place as we were last year or any
other year. We have, perhaps, moved a little further into the
mystery of our existence and, at the same time, perhaps a
little further out into the mystery of the world.

This season, as we explore the lectionary texts that
are our focus, we move into the mysterious heart of our
individual and communal relationship with God. Many
of our texts begin with huge promises. The promise made
to Noah and the promise to Abraham and Sarah are big
for them and their families but they are also promises for
the whole world. But neither of these stories simply ends
with the giving of the universal promise. Each of the
promise hearers must become, on the journey into their
own lives, promise receivers. And each of them struggled
to understand, as we do in this season, what it means to
inhabit and live out of these world-changing promises.

■■ Lent is traditionally a time of giving something up as
an act of reflection and devotion. What unhelpful attitude
or way of thinking would you like to give up during this
season?
■■ In this season of rainbow promises, be on the lookout
for signs of God in the midst.
■■ How would you like to feel and think differently about
yourself and the world by Easter?

 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFusion Lent • Easter 2018 

Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017, p.8

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY FEBRUARY 18TH 2018

Ministering through leadership in worship this morning are:

Organist:                                 Al Fougere

Lay Reader (St. M.):               Bruce Corrigan

Lay Reader (St. D.):               Margie Mac Intyre

Mission Moment (St. M.):       Linda Howlett

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

Greeter (St. D.):                      Maxine Smith

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

OFFICE HOURS:

Monday & Tuesday  9-12 noon, Nan at St. Mark’s

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

Thursday  9-12 noon, Nan & Jane at St. Mark’s

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

Please note: No Office Hours at St. David's during the winter months. Please call 902-625-2229 if you wish to meet with Nan.

Nan Corrigan D.M. will be taking part in a Continuing Education event at Atlantic School of Theology from February 19^th to February 23^rd. During that time, pastoral care will be covered by Rev. Heather Manuel, Guysborough.

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

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 in the parlour of St. Mark’s on the 3^rd Monday of each month. The next time of gathering is Monday, February 19^th at 1:00 p.m.

**********

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:

Feb. 25^th – Malcolm Matheson

March 4^th – Barb MacIntyre

March 11^th – Wayne Simpson

March 18^th – Joyce Oliver-Snair

March 25^th – Palm Sunday – Readers to be determined

March 29^th – Maundy Thursday, Potluck & table communion

March 30^th – Good Friday, Combined Service at St. David’s

April 1^st – Easter Sunday -Multiple Readers

FundScrip     

 Please note that in 2018 in order to reduce Shipping and Handling charges only one order per month will be sent on the first Sunday of the month and the Delivery will be the second Sunday of the month. If you have any questions or if you wish to join the program please contact  Patsy Brander at 902-625-1062 or Bonnie Dawson at 902-625-3838.

"Collection Counters/Recorders Needed

Many thanks to those folks who have signed up for counting /recording collection over the next few weeks. However, that time will pass by quickly & I am hopeful that we can soon have the "counters sheet" filled in at least to the end of June. A copy of the guidelines for counters has been left near the sign up sheet to give those considering signing up an over view of what is involved.

It is a straight forward process & a calculator is provided for those who, like myself, may be mathematically challenged. Please sign up. The load gets lighter when many helping hands participate.

Thank you,

Clark Brander, Chair, Trustees & Finance."

**********

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:            

Feb. 25^th – Maxine Smith

Mar. 4^Th – Marie Mac Kinnon

Mar. 11^Th – Amy McKillop

Marc. 18^Th – Alicia Vink

Mar. 25^Th – Gillian Vink

'St. David's Annual Congregational Meeting, following worship, Sunday, February 25th. Congregants are reminded that a potluck meal will precede the meeting. Please bring hot and cold dishes and desserts. Tea and coffee will be available.'

There will be no Sunday School classes run at St. David’s during the month of March. We look forward to seeing the boys and girls again for class at the Easter Sunday Service. Classes will resume then and run from April into the end of May. Enjoy a March Break.

**********

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Floor Curling Wednesdays at 2 p.m., at St. Mark's hall. No fee, just bring indoor footwear. The program will continue each Wednesday.

Breakfast will be Feb 24 at the Evergreen Club    8:30-11:30

 PORT HAWKESBURY LIBRARY

Join us for the launch of our new Research Centre and a session with Jane Arnold, Archivist, Beaton Institute, CBU.
On Wednesday, February  21st, at 1:00 pm we will launch our new Research Centre at the branch with the unveiling of a new computer and a state of the art Microfilm Reader. Thanks to the efforts of our Friends of the Library Group,  they purchased a new computer for our Research Centre and  ECRL has replaced our old microfilm reader with a brand new state of the art reader. 

Following the launch we will have a presentation from Jane Arnold, Archivist, Beaton Institute, Cape Breton University. Jane will bring her knowledge of doing genealogy and where information can be accessed. Sure to be a great value to those doing genealogy.  Everyone is welcome.

Merchandise & Talent Auction on Saturday, May 12^th at the Port Hawkebury Fire Hall. Viewing at 6pm & Auction at 7pm Live & silent Auction, cash door prizes and Raffle Tickets. Auctioneer Bob Mac Eachern, 1015 The Hawk. Proceeds to Strait Chedabucto Anglican Churches of Holy Trinity, St. James, St. Andrews.

ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY FEBRUARY 19TH 2018-1ST OF LENT

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

February 18^th, 2018-1^st Sunday of Lent

Sacrament of Communion

(5 purple, 1 pink and 1 white candle are lit on Lenten triad)

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           Love Us Into Fullness                         v 1, MV 81

Call to Worship 

One: When life is wonderful, you are there, O God.

All: When life is unpredictable, you are there, O God.

One: When our hearts are full of joy, you are there, O God.

All: When our hearts are heavy from the cares of the world,

you are there, O God.

One: You are here with us, O God,

All: in our time of worship.

Opening Prayer

Holy One, as we begin our Lenten journey, you remind us of

why we are on this path. Help us to be like Noah, trusting

you even when we cannot see, knowing you to be faithful,

and following you where you lead. Amen.

*Hymn            Throughout These Lenten Days and Nights VU 108

Call to Confession

Lenten Tenebrae: Praying Our Confession with the Psalms

Lent 1—Psalm 25

One: “To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust (Psalm 25:1). Today we stand on the edge of the wilderness…

Let us pray to our God:

All: God of the Journey, we do not know where this wilderness travel will lead, but we do know we must face whatever it holds for us. As we extinguish this light today, we remember the ways we have listened to the world’s voice instead of yours. Fill us with the courage we need to rise above the secular norm so that we may walk in your path.

Silent confession as first candle is extinguished.

Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord,

All: and of your steadfast love. Relieve the troubles of our hearts and lead us through the desert that we may bask in the light of your rainbow. Amen.

Written by Nora Vedress, Calvary U.C., Prince Albert, Sask.

Gathering, Lent/Easter 2018, p.63. Used with permission.

Sung Assurance: May God’s Sheltering Wings    (her, his) MV 214

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Genesis 9:8–17           The covenant between God and Noah.          

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

Psalm 25:1–10 Lead me in your truth, O God.     Refrain 2 VU 752

*Hymn            Seek Ye First the Kingdom                             VU 356

Opening the Word

The Gospel Acclamation

Mark 1:9–15  The baptism, temptation, and mission of Jesus.

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

A Rainbow Reminds

A rainbow reminds us of God’s promise –

a blessing poured down

through rain and tears

a blessing mixed in rays and drops

of joy and sadness.

A rainbow reminds us of God’s sadness –

disappointment in creation

humanity turning away

caring more for self

than God or others.

A rainbow reminds us of storms past –

weathering cloudy darkness

life’s hardships and trials

feet shuffling forward

love a weight and relief.

A rainbow reminds us of future blessings –

promises carved of sky

visible but not always realized

grace given to all

blessing us in its abundance.

Thanks be.

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

*Offering Prayer

We thank you, God, for the abundant blessings you have

entrusted to us. Enable us to be good stewards of all you

have given. Grant us hearts of generosity to give back – to

say thank you, to further your work, and to proclaim your

reign until it fully comes. Amen.

* Communion Hymn We Will Take What You Offer MV 196

Sacrament of Communion  Communion Insert, cover of VU

Distribution Hymn    Eat This Bread                                  Printed

Eat this bread, drink this cup, come to me and never be hungry,

Eat this bread, drink this cup, trust in me and you will not thirst.

1. I am the bread of life,

    the true bread sent from the Father.

2. Your ancestors ate manna in the dessert,

    but this is the bread come down from heaven

3. Eat my flesh and drink my blood,

    and I will raise you up on the last day.

4. Any one who eats this bread,

   will live for ever.

Affirmation of Faith            A New Creed            Back of Bulletin

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn         We Shall Go Out with Hope of Resurrection   VU 586

*Commissioning and Blessing

Go, knowing the promises of God have been given to you.

These promises are beautiful, they are trustworthy,

they are given generously to all.

May they sink deep in you that you may be bearers

 of this promise to a world in need of hope.

*Choral Amen