ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY DECEMBER 24TH 2017

Ministering through leadership in worship this morning are:
Organist: Al Fougere
Lay Reader: Wayne Simpson
Mission Moment: Larry Evans 
Greeters & Collectors (St. M.):  Larry & Lucille Evans Counters (St. D.): James Mac Fadyen, Alicia Vink

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, January 15th at 1:00 p.m.

Christmas Eve Services with Communion:
4:00 p.m. – St. David’s 6:00 p.m. – St. Mark’s

December 27th - Christmas Carol singing at Port Hawkesbury Nursing home. Everyone welcome. 10:30 a.m.

December 31st –Christmas 1-Combined service at St. David’s at 9:30 a.m.  No morning service at St. Mark’s

January 6th—Epiphany Mexican Fiesta, 6:00 p.m. St. Mark’s Hall. Hosted by Nan and Bruce. Potluck Mexican food (try out a new recipe or bring your favourite). Beverages provided. Dancing optional.  

The Treasurers of St. Mark’s and St. David’s will be closing their books on December 31st. Any donation received after that date will be credited  to 2018.

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:
January 7th – Archie Noseworthy
January 14th – David Chapman
January 21st – Jean Mac Pherson
January 28th – Vida Hood

Annual Reports are due for the Official Board Meeting on January 23rd. The Annual Congregational Meeting is scheduled for February 11, 2018

FundScrip  
The first FundScrip order for 2018 will be Sunday,  January 7th and the Delivery will be Sunday January 14th. Please note that in 2018 only one order will be placed each month and it will be on the first Sunday. This is to reduce the Shipping and Handling charges. If you have any questions or wish to join the program please contact Patsy Brander at 902-625-1062 or Bonnie Dawson at 902-625-3838.

CHURCH TREASURER
Gladys Knight will be leaving her position as church treasurer at the end of Jan, 2018 after many years of service, for which we thank her. If you or someone you know in our congregation may be interested in taking on this important job please contact me at your early convenience at 902 625 1062 or 902 631 0934       
Thank you,   Clark Brander, Chairman, Trustees & Finance Committee

**********

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:

December 31st – Bruce Corrigan
January 7th – Wanda Radford
January 14th – Malcolm Parsons
January 21st – Bruce Corrigan
January 28th – Amy MacKillop

St. David’s Annual Meeting is on February 25th. Annual Reports are due on February 4, 2018. 

ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY DECEMBER 24TH 2017-ADVENT 4

PLEASE NOTE: MORNING WORSHIP AT ST. MARK'S FOR ADVENT 4  AT 9:30, NO SERVICE THIS MORNING AT ST. DAVID'S

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.        Minister of Music: Al Fougere

December 24th, 2017

4th Sunday of Advent—Love

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 Procession & Hanging of “Love” Banner

*Call to Worship  Inspired by Psalm 89 

One: What shall we sing? 
All: That God’s love is loyal and never-ending! 
One: What shall we shout? 
All: God’s faithfulness is for all generations! 
One: What shall we proclaim? 
All: God’s covenant is our firm foundation! 
One: Let us worship and praise our Creator, shouting praise to the rock of our salvation.

*Hymn Hark the Glad Sound VU 29 

Advent Candle-lighting Liturgy 

Leader: Advent is a season of waiting: waiting for hope, peace, joy, and love of God to break into our lives anew 
All: through the story of the birth of Jesus, and through acts of hope, peace, joy, and love. 
Leader: Today we light the third candle, the candle of love. 

 (A time of reflection & candle-lighting by congregation members)

*Sung Response: O Little Town of Bethlehem  verse 4 VU 64

Opening Prayer

Ever-loving God, we are here this day, but we are 
unsure if our voices will ring pleasantly enough to delight your ear; 
unsure if our hearts will find the rhythm of yours; 
unsure if we have enough courage to place our trust in you. 
Remind us that even the most insecure find strength in the good
news because you have prepared their hearts for service and praise. 
Prepare us for worship. 
We are ready, and like Mary, 
we wish to be your servants. Amen.

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

2 Samuel 7:1–11, 16 Who will build God’s house?

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

Luke 1:47–55 Song of Mary…the Magnificat. VU 898 

*Hymn To a Maid Whose Name Was Mary VU  14 

Opening the Word and the Lord’s Prayer

Gospel Acclamation

Luke 1:26–38 The angel Gabriel visits Mary.

One: This is Good News. All: Thanks be to God.

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

* Hymn Herald! Sound the Note of Gladness VU  28 

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

* Offering Song What can I give him? Verse 4 VU 55

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession 

This prayer intersperses paraphrased verses of the Magnificat to
drive the petitions and thanksgivings.

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn Joy to the World VU  59 

* Sending Out

Enter this Advent week with love. 
Enter this Advent with patience. 
May your waiting be rich 
and the presence of our God full and near to you.  
Bear God’s peace to this world, 
like one candle overcoming the shadows.        

Written by Robin Wardlaw, Glen Rhodes U.C., Toronto, Ont. 

Gathering, Advent/Christmas 2017-2018, p. 31. Used with permission. 

*Choral Amen

CHRISTMAS BOXES AND DONATED KNITTING AT ST. DAVID'S

 Noreen MacIver who is a member of St. David's United Church in Port

Hastings is living with her husband Richard in MacLeod House in Baddeck now.

She knew that our UCW (United Church Women) group was collecting for our

Christmas dinners and gifts for 27 families in the Port Hastings area which

we've been doing for many years. She called to ask us if we could make use

of knitted mitts, slippers and toques as there was a very talented lady

living now in MacLeod House as well who knits. We were so surprised and

pleased when she and Peggy Chiasson MacNeil arrived yesterday with 44 items

which we will be able to add to our boxes and have lots left over to share

with the Port Hawkesbury Food Bank as well.

Peggy grew up in Margaree Forks, the daughter of the late Phillip and

Gertrude Chiasson. She learned to knit when she was young but it wasn't

something she did after she left home, married and lived in different

places. It's a hobby she took up again in later years at a time when reading

or watching TV was a problem till cataracts were removed. Now that she's

back in Cape Breton, she's a going concern with the needles in her hands and

we were so impressed with her talent and generosity. Thanks, Peggy!!!!!

--submitted by Yvonne Fox

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY DECEMBER 17TH 2017

Ministering through leadership in worship this morning are:
Organist:         Al Fougere
Lay Reader (St. M.): Barbara Mac Intyre
Lay Reader (St. D.): Margie Mac Intyre
Advent Candle (St. M. ): John and Brien Langley 
Advent Candle (St. D.): Amy & Arnold
Mission Moment (St. M.): Linda Howlett 
Greeters & Collectors (St. M.):  Larry & Lucille Evans

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, January 15th at 1:00 p.m.

Upcoming Advent and Christmas Events

December 21st – Longest Night Service at St. David’s 7:00 p.m.

December 24th - Advent 4—Combined service at St. Mark’s at 9:30 a.m. No morning service at St. David’s

Christmas Eve Services with Communion:

4:00 p.m. – St. David’s 6:00 p.m. – St. Mark’s

December 27th - Christmas Carol singing at Port Hawkesbury Nursing home. Everyone welcome. 10:30 a.m.

December 31st –Christmas 1-Combined service at St. David’s at 9:30 a.m. No morning service at St. Mark’s

United Church Calendars are available at the Office for $6.00 each.

Gifts with Vision Catalogues have arrived! You can find a few copies of the catalogues on the table in the church entry. This Christmas give a gift that will make a real difference. 



The Treasurers of St. Mark’s and St. David’s will be closing their books on December 31st. Any donation received after that date will be credited  to 2018.

**********

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

THANK YOU!  This year's beautiful Balsam Fir Christmas tree has been donated by Elaine & Archie Noseworthy from their Lower River Rd property & is very much appreciated. Our thanks to them, those who placed it in the church and decorated the tree and sanctuary. 

Lay Readers:
Dec. 24th – Wayne Simpson
Dec. 24th – Christmas Eve – Multiple Readers

The December meeting of St. Mark's Executive has been cancelled. The Board will meet again in January. 

Annual Reports are due by the Official Board Meeting on January 23rd. The Annual Congregational Meeting is scheduled for February 11, 2018

FundScrip  

The first FundScrip order for 2018 will be Sunday January 7th and the Delivery will be Sunday January 14th. Please note that in 2018 only one order will be placed each month and it will be on the first Sunday. This is to reduce the Shipping and Handling charges. If you have any questions or wish to join the program please contact Patsy Brander at 902-625-1062 or Bonnie Dawson at 902-625-3838.

CHURCH TREASURER
Gladys Knight will be leaving her position as church treasurer at the end of Jan, 2018 after many years of service, for which we thank her. If you or someone you know in our congregation may be interested in taking on this important job please contact me at your early convenience at 902 625 1062 or 902 631 0934       
Thank you,   Clark Brander, Chairman, Trustees & Finance Committee

It’s Observer Time again! Price is $25.00 a year. Deadline is Dec. 22nd  so please contact Lorna Harvey at 902-625-0535 or lorna.harvey3@gmail.com   If you wish to renew, please let me know.  Observer envelopes can be found in the Narthax and can be placed on the collection plate.  If you can’t get out to church you could e-transfer the money to me or mail a cheque (8 Langley Court, B9A 2L2) and I will ensure it is submitted.  Cheques should be made out to St. Mark’s.

**********

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:
Dec. 24th – Kevin Pierce
Dec. 31st – Bruce Corrigan

Hall Cleaners for December are Jean Hatcher & Margorie Langford

St. David’s Annual Meeting is on February 25, 2018. Annual Reports are due by the Board meeting on February 4, 2018. 

**********

Anyone wishing a drive to New Glasgow or Truro, please contact Margie Mac Intyre at 902-625-1361 for dates and times.

Donate your gently used clothing to Port of Welcome Settlement Association. Drop off clothing at Cathy's Consignment shop and ask that proceeds of sales go to the POWSA account (act#4488). Once our family arrives they will be able to use the credit in that account.

Once again we are preparing to provide Christmas dinner boxes for those in need in the Town. Anyone wishing to donate financially  may do so by contacting Jo-Anne MacDonald @ 625-3003. 

Oh What Fun   
Join us Wednesday December 20th and see Kate Silver bring her puppets to life! All ages welcome. Admission is free. The Show will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the The Port Hawkesbury Branch Library, SAERC. Let the magic of Christmas start here!

ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY DECEMBER 17TH 2017-ADVENT 3

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.        Minister of Music: Al Fougere

December 17th, 2017

3rd Sunday of Advent—Joy

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 Procession & Hanging of “Joy” Banner

*Call to Worship  From Isaiah 61:1, 10 The Message 

One: The spirit of God is on me because God anointed me; 
All: sent me to bring good news to the poor, 
One: heal the heartbroken, 
All: announce freedom to all captives, 
One: I will sing for joy in God, 
All: explode in praise from deep in my soul. 
One: Come, let us worship.

*Hymn  People Look East VU  9 

Advent Candle-lighting Liturgy 

Leader: Advent is a season of waiting: waiting for hope, peace, joy, and love of God to break into our lives anew 
All: through the story of the birth of Jesus, and through acts of hope, peace, joy, and love. 
Leader: Today we light the third candle, the candle of joy. 
 (A time of reflection & candle-lighting by congregation members)

*Sung Response: O Little Town of Bethlehem  verse 3 VU 64

Opening Prayer

Giver of joy,
fill our hearts with praise as we gather to worship you.
As your light fills the room, pushing out the darkness,
so, too, let your light shine within us that there is no shadow
of fear left within us in this hour.
Remind us of your presence and your faithfulness in all
times and all places.
Let your light shine through us,
illuminating your way in this not-yet-perfected world. Amen. 

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Isaiah 61:1–4, 8–11 The spirit of the Lord is upon me.

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

Psalm  126 Sow in tears; reap in joy. Refrain 2 VU 850

*Hymn I Am the Light of the World VU   87

Opening the Word and the Lord’s Prayer

Gospel Acclamation

John 1:6–8, 19–28  John testified to the Light.

One: This is Good News. All: Thanks be to God.

Opening the Word 2

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

*Affirmation of Faith    A New Creed VU 918

* Hymn Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness VU 375

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

* Offering Prayer

The prayers we offer, the gifts we give, are like seeds sown in trust that God’s love will water these seeds and bring new life, hope, and joy to those who weep. Amen. 

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession 

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn Hark! the Herald Angels Sing VU  48 

* Sending Out

Enter this Advent week with joy. 
Enter this Advent with patience. 
May your waiting be rich and the presence of our God 
full and near to you. 
Bear God’s peace to this world, 
like one candle overcoming the shadows.           

Written by Robin Wardlaw, Glen Rhodes U.C., Toronto, Ont. 

Gathering, Advent/Christmas 2017-2018, p. 31. Used with permission.

* Choral Amen

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY DECEMBER 10TH 2017

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, December 11th at 1:00 p.m.

Upcoming Advent and Christmas Events

December 17th Advent 3

December 21st – Longest Night Service at St. David’s 7:00 p.m.

December 24th - Advent 4—Combined service at St. Mark’s at 9:30 a.m. No morning service at St. David’s

Christmas Eve Services with Communion:
4:00 p.m. – St. David’s 6:00 p.m. – St. Mark’s

December 27th - Christmas Carol singing at Port Hawkesbury Nursing home. Everyone welcome. 10:30 a.m.

December 31st –Christmas 1-Combined service at St. David’s at 9:30 a.m. No morning service at St. Mark’s

United Church Calendars are available at the Office for $6.00 each.

Gifts with Vision Catalogues have arrived! You can find a few copies of the catalogues on the table in the church entry. This Christmas give a gift that will make a real difference. 

**********

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:
Dec. 17th – Margie Mac Intyre
Dec. 24th – Kevin Pierce
Dec. 31st – Bruce Corrigan

St. David’s UCW will meet on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at the home of Maxine Smith at 1:30 pm.

The Angel Tree  If you picked an angel (S) with perishable items, please bring them on December 17th. 

Hall Cleaners for December are Jean Hatcher & Margorie Langford

The Treasurer will be closing the books on December 31st. Any donation received after that date will be credited  to 2018.

Annual Reports are due on February 4, 2018. 

**********

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:
Dec. 17Th – Barb Mac Intyre
Dec. 24Th – Wayne Simpson
Dec. 24Th – Christmas Eve – Multiple Readers

The FundScrip The Delivery date is December 10th. Please note December 3rd was the last Order date before Christmas break and FundScrip will resume in January date not yet determined. If you have any questions or wish to join the program please contact Patsy Brander at 902-625-1062 or Bonnie Dawson at 902-625-3838.

CHURCH TREASURER
Gladys Knight will be leaving her position as church treasurer at the end of Jan, 2018 after many years of service, for which we thank her. If you or someone you know in our congregation may be interested in taking on this important job please contact me at your early convenience at 902 625 1062 or 902 631 0934     
  
Thank you,   Clark Brander, Chairman, Trustees & Finance Committee

 It’s Observer Time again! Please consider ordering a new subscription to this award winning United Church Magazine. Price is $25.00 a year. This list must be returned Dec. 22nd so please contact Lorna Harvey at lorna.harvey3@gmail.com or 902-625-0535.  For those subscribers who wish to renew for 2018, please let me know.  
Observer envelopes can be found in the Narthax and can be placed on the collection plate.  If you can’t get out to church you could e-transfer the money to me or mail a cheque (8 Langley Court, B9A 2L2) and I will ensure it is submitted.  Cheques should be made out to St. Mark’s.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Anyone wishing a drive to New Glasgow or Truro, please contact Margie Mac Intyre at 902-625-1361 for dates and times.

Donate your gently used clothing to Port of Welcome Settlement Association. Drop off clothing at Cathy's Consignment shop and ask that proceeds of sales go to the POWSA account (act#4488). Once our family arrives they will be able to use the credit in that account.

A Rotary Christmas Ceilidh on Sunday, December 10, 2017 at 2 p.m. at SAERC Auditorium. Admission by donation. Supporting Rotary Club Port Hawkesbury.

Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo Trip
There is just one seat left for this day trip to Halifax to attend the Tattoo, a matinee performance at 2:30 p.m. on June 30th, 2018.If you would like to participate in this outing, please phone Margie MacIntyre at 902.625.1361.

The Princeville United Church Annual Christmas Service will be held Sunday December 10th at 7 PM.    Come and join in a wonderful evening of beloved Christmas music and readings in our beautiful old church decorated in Christmas finery.  A fellowship will follow.  Everyone is welcome.

Blue Christmas Service  Trinity United Church in Mulgrave offers a special  “Blue Christmas” service Dec. 14 at 7 pm Come and join with us in sharing and hearing prayers, hymns, and scripture. 

Oh What Fun   Join us Wednesday December 20th and see Kate Silver bring her puppets to life! All ages welcome. Admission is free. The Show will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the The Port Hawkesbury Branch Library, SAERC. Let the magic of Christmas start here!

DECEMBER 10TH 2017-ADVENT 2-WHITE GIFT ST. MARK'S

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.        Minister of Music: Al Fougere

December 10th, 2017

2nd Sunday of Advent—Peace

White Gift Sunday

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 Procession & Hanging of “Peace” Banner

*Call to Worship 

One: You come to us, alive and present 
in that Word clothed in human flesh, 
All: so we might hear those songs 
about forgiveness, echoing with joy. 
One: You come to us, Shepherd of God’s people, 
feeding us with your peace, 
All: so we might go out and offer 
the bread of hope to all the lost. 
One: You come to us, Spirit of comfort, 
welcoming us into the reign, 
All: where righteousness is our best friend, 
where justice lives right next door. 
One: Come, let us worship God.

*Hymn  All Earth Is Waiting VU 5

Advent Candle-lighting Liturgy 

Leader: Advent is a season of waiting: waiting for hope, peace, joy, and love of God to break into our lives anew 
All: through the story of the birth of Jesus, and through acts of hope, peace, joy, and love. 
Leader: Today we light the second candle, the candle of peace. 
 (A time of reflection & candle-lighting by congregation members)

*Sung Response: O Little Town of Bethlehem  verse 2 VU 64

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Isaiah 40:1–11 Comfort, O comfort, my people.

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

Psalm 85:1–2, 8–13 Will you be angry with us forever?  VU 802

*Hymn Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus  VU 2

Opening the Word and the Lord’s Prayer

Gospel Acclamation

Mark 1:1–8 The preaching of John the Baptizer.  

Dramatic reading adapted from The Message. 
One: This is Good News. All: Thanks be to God.

Opening the Word 2

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

* Hymn There’s a Voice in the Wilderness VU 18

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

* Offering Prayer

May the gifts we offer smooth the way for those who struggle, rebuild the lives of those who have fallen, and bring grace and comfort to all your people, loving God, we pray. Amen.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession 

One: A voice cries in the wilderness: 
All: prepare the way of the Lord!

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn Hark the Glad Sound VU 29

* Sending Out

Enter this Advent week with peace. 
Enter this Advent with patience. 
May your waiting be rich 
and the presence of our God full and near to you. 
Bear God’s peace to this world,
like one candle overcoming the shadows.           

Written by Robin Wardlaw, Glen Rhodes U.C., Toronto, Ont. Gathering, Advent/Christmas 2017-2018, p. 31. Used with permission. 

* Choral Amen

DECEMBER 10TH 2017-ADVENT 2-WHITE GIFT AT ST. DAVID'S

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

Worship Leaders: The Sunday School

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

December 10th, 2017

2nd Sunday of Advent—Peace

White Gift Sunday-St. David’s

Announcements The Work of Church and Community

Greeting one another with the Peace of Christ.

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

* Introit Procession & Hanging of “Peace” Banner

Advent Candle-lighting Liturgy 

Leader: Advent is a season of waiting: waiting for hope, peace, joy, and love of God to break into our lives anew 
All: through the story of the birth of Jesus, and through acts of hope, peace, joy, and love. 
Leader: Today we light the second candle, the candle of peace. 
 (A time of reflection & candle-lighting by congregation members)

Sung Response: O Little Town of Bethlehem  verse 2VU 64

Welcome and Introduction

M & M Christmas Poem: Alan, Nolan, Sadie

Angels: Emma, Ava

Distribution of M & Ms

The True Meaning of Christmas: Sophie & Alistair

Collection of Offering and White Gifts

The Legend of the Candy Cane: Olivia, Jillian, Logan

Distribution of Candy Canes

Closing and Invitation to Lunch

Pastoral Airs at St. David's December 3rd 2017

ADVENT REFLECTIONS

Julia MacKinnon and grandson Nolan light the Advent 1 candle in 2014. 

God’s Activity
In anticipation of Advent, we might resolve to create an
atmosphere of hope, peace, joy, and love in our hearts, our
homes, and our relationships. We might resolve to disengage
from the commercial hype and reconnect to the “true meaning
of Christmas.” Yet, somewhere around mid-December,
we might find ourselves doing exactly the sort of thing we
resolved not to do: buying a frivolous gift for someone who
already has everything; agreeing to attend another party
when we’d rather stay home listening to quiet music; rushing
out for more decorations or delicacies with no thought
for the impact on the planet.

We are living embodiments of the Advent theme of
“now and not yet.” We intend to proclaim our faith in the
restorative power of God’s ways, and we are encouraged
by a vision of what life – our own and others – might be
like if God’s love was the grounding for all our words and
actions. In spite of our highest hopes, we find ourselves in
circumstances that challenge and contradict this vision.

The Advent readings from Isaiah are spoken to a
community who were also longing for their lives to reflect
God’s ways of peace and justice. The psalmist recalls God’s
commanding presence with the people in the past, and
by doing so invokes hope for the future. With the angel’s
announcement to Mary in the gospel of Luke, we catch
a vision of how completely lives can be changed by “the
power of the Most High.” Each focus passage reflects the
tension between where the people are now, and what the
future might hold. Each catches a flavour of the unsettled
nature of “now and not yet.”

The first hearers of these stories might have understood
our Advent anxieties pretty well. May the gift of these texts
help us to take the long view of God’s ways unfolding in
the world. The very fact that we recognize a gap between
our intentions and our actions is affirmation that the Spirit
is with us. Presents or gifts of presence, crowds or solitude,
feasting or simplicity; God is here. Hallelujah.

Advent draws us into serious preparation for a sacred
Christmas celebration, and the Season of Christmas invites
us to express ourselves and our new understanding and
appreciation of what God has done in entering the worldly
sphere, “in the fullness of time.” We pause – between
greeting the arrival and moving out into new action – to
ponder more deeply the meaning of God’s decisive action
to restore and reform our relationships with one another,
creation, and God. The outcome of God’s taking action
is our seeing greater justice among us, stronger bonds of
community between us, and a glorious sense of peace and
well-being – true shalom.

■■ What are your anxieties during this Advent season?
What are your hopes?
■■ Where might you experience God’s loving ways during
Advent – in what places, relationships, events?
■■ What message of hope and encouragement can you
bring to another this Advent?
■■ What hope/peace/joy/love have you discovered
because of celebrating a truly sacred Christmas?
■■ What actions come to mind that expresses your hope.
Peace, joy, and love?

Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFusion Advent • Christmas • Epiphany 2017–2018 

Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017 pp. 8-9

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY DECEMBER 3RD 2017

Ministering through leadership in worship this morning are:
Organist: Al Fougere
Lay Reader (St. M.): Bruce Corrigan
                    (St. D.): Mary Jess Mac Donald
Advent Candle (St. M.): Sally Oh (Kyounghee Oh) and Alan
                    (St. D.): 
Mission Moment (St. M.): Sarah Chiasson
Greeters & Collectors (St. M.): Larry & Lucille Evans
Greeter (St. D.): Robert Mac Kinnon
Collectors (St. D.): James Mac Fadyen, Alicia Vink

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 Nov.-Dec. 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, December 11th   at 1:00 p.m.

Upcoming Advent and Christmas Events

December 3rd  Advent 1 
Pastoral Airs, St. David’s 7:00 p.m.
December 9th Inverness County Singers, St. Mark’s 7:30 p.m.
December 10th Advent 2 White Gift 
December 17th Advent 3
December 21st Longest Night Service at St. David’s 7:00 p.m.
December 24th Advent 4—Combined service at St. Mark’s at 9:30 a.m. No morning service at St. David’s

Christmas Eve Services with Communion:
4:00 p.m. – St. David’s 6:00 p.m. – St. Mark’s

United Church Calendars are available at the Office for $6.00 each.

Gifts with Vision Catalogues have arrived! You can find a few copies of the catalogues on the table in the church entry. This Christmas give a gift that will make a real difference. 

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Coffee time following Church today. There is a sign  up sheet in the hall for anyone who would be able to prepare coffee on the first Sunday of each month.

Lay Readers:
Dec. 10th – Malcolm Matheson
Dec. 17th – Barb Mac Intyre
Dec. 24th – Wayne Simpson
Dec. 24th – Christmas Eve – Multiple Readers
Dec. 31st – Combined Service – St. Mark’s – Joyce Oliver-Snair

FundScrip 
The December Promotions are as follows: 


Esso                                                     3% ( Regular 2% )
Canadian Tire                                        5% ( Regular 4% )
Winners/Home Sense                             8% ( Regular 6% )
American Eagle Outfitters                       8% ( Regular 6% )
La Vie en Rose/ Bikini Village                  11% ( Regular 8% )
Hudson’s Bay/ Home Outfitters                5% ( Regular 3% )
Way Spa                                               13% ( Regular 10%)
Pet Smart                                             6% ( Regular 2% )
Gap-Baby/ Banana Republic/Old Navy     10% ( Regular 5%)  

FundScrip Order date is December 3rd. The Delivery date is December 10th. Please note December 3rd is the last Order date before Christmas break and FundScrip will resume in January date not yet determined. If you have any questions or wish to join the program please contact Patsy Brander at 902-625-1062 or Bonnie Dawson at 902-625-3838.

CHURCH TREASURER
Gladys Knight will be leaving her position as church treasurer at the end of Jan, 2018 after many years of service, for which we thank her.
If you or someone you know in our congregation may be interested in taking on this important job please contact me at your early convenience at 902 625 1062 or 902 631 0934
Thank you,
Clark Brander, Chairman, Trustees & Finance Committee

White Gift Offering
Envelopes for White Gift offering will be available on December 3rd for donation on the offering plate on White Gift Sunday, December 10th. St. Mark’s White Gift offering is divided between Port Hawkesbury Food Bank and Seasonal Services.

It’s Observer Time again! Please consider ordering a new subscription to this award winning United Church Magazine. Price is $25.00 a year. This list must be returned Dec. 22nd  so please contact Lorna Harvey at lorna.harvey3@gmail.com or 902-625-0535.  For those subscribers who wish to renew for 2018, please let me know.  Observer envelopes can be found in the Narthex and can be placed on the collection plate.  If you can’t get out to church you could e-transfer the money to me or mail a cheque (8 Langley Court, B9A 2L2) and I will ensure it is submitted.  Cheques should be made out to St. Mark’s.

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ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:
Dec. 10th – Erin Hart-Breen
Dec. 17th – Margie Mac Intyre
Dec. 24th – Kevin Pierce
Dec. 31st – Bruce Corrigan

The White Gift Service will be held during regular Service on December 10th  The congregation is reminded to pick up angels from the angel tree. This will enable them to have gifts to present during the Service. A lunch of sandwiches and sweets will follow the White Gift Service.

The Angel Tree in the front entry was set up to facilitate the collection of food and Christmas gifts to go in the Christmas Dinner Boxes. You are invited to choose an angel(s) and bring the item to the White Gift Service on December 10th. Please wrap the gift for the children and attach the angel(s) that you chose. If you picked an angel(s) with perishable items, please bring them on December 17th. 

Hall Cleaners for December are Jean Hatcher & Margorie Langford 

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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Anyone wishing a drive to New Glasgow or Truro, please contact Margie Mac Intyre at 902-625-1361 for dates and times.

Donate your gently used clothing to Port of Welcome Settlement Association. Drop off clothing at Cathy's Consignment shop and ask that proceeds of sales go to the POWSA account (act#4488). Once our family arrives they will be able to use the credit in that account.

Pastoral Airs Concert,  will be held at St. David's United Church, Port Hastings, Sunday, Dec. 3rd, 7 p.m. Local Talent. Free Will Offering in support of the Strait Area Food Bank.

Once again we are preparing to provide Christmas dinner boxes for those in need in the Town. Anyone wishing to donate financially  may do so by contacting Jo-Anne MacDonald @ 625-3003. 

A Rotary Christmas Ceilidh on Sunday, December 10, 2017 at 2 p.m. at SAERC Auditorium. Admission by donation. Supporting Rotary Club Port Hawkesbury.

L’Arche Cape Breton Christmas Tea
Mark your calendar for Sunday, December 3rd when we will hold the annual L’Arche Cape Breton Christmas Tea. Once again the tea will be held at the Whycocomagh Waterfront Centre at 2 p.m. Join us as we retell the Christmas story, sing beautiful Christmas music, and of course, there will be lots of delicious tea and shortbread. We look forward to seeing you!

Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo Trip
There is just one seat left for this day trip to Halifax to attend the Tattoo, a matinee performance at 2:30 p.m. on June 30th, 2018.If you would like to participate in this outing, please phone Margie MacIntyre at 902.625.1361.

The Princeville United Church Annual Christmas Service will be held Sunday December 10th at 7PM.    Come and join in a wonderful evening of beloved Christmas music and readings in our beautiful old church decorated in Christmas finery.  A fellowship will follow.  Everyone is welcome.

Blue Christmas Service  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. We need space and time to acknowledge our sadness and concern and to know we are not alone.  For this reason, Trinity United Church in Mulgrave offers a special  “Blue Christmas” service Dec. 14 at 7 pm Come and join with us in sharing and hearing prayers, hymns, and scripture. 

Port Hawkesbury Destination Reeves Street Open House Everyone is invited to the Destination Reeves Street Project Open House on Monday, December 4, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00- 8:00 p.m. at the Strait of Canso Yacht Club. Town officials, engineers/designers and Steering Committee Members will be in attendance to discuss the project and to receive feedback on this exciting project.