REFLECTIONS ON SCRIPTURE

ADVENT REFLECTIONS ON SCRIPTURE

December 22

Matthew 1:18–25

As Advent draws to a close, we focus on the birth of

Jesus. Joseph’s role in the birth and life of Jesus is often

speculated, but one thing is sure – he trusted God’s will

and stood by Mary during a difficult time in her life.

Joseph provides a home and family for Jesus, an example

that all of us can learn from today. And Joseph’s trust in

God’s message from a dream shows us how God can communicate with us and give us direction and guidance.

As we welcome our Saviour into the world, may we also

welcome God’s guidance in our lives.

This week as your to-do list grows longer in the lead-up

to Christmas, pause for 10 minutes each day to read the

focus scripture and think of the ways God is present in

your life and even in your dreams.

Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Advent • Christmas • Epiphany 2013–2014 Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2013, P. 8

WHITE GIFT SERVICE ST. DAVID'S DECEMBER 15 2013

Despite the stormy weather, the St. David's Sunday School under the leadership of Lisa Rhynold, Alicia Vink and Kenzie MacLean, provided a beautiful White Gift worship service for the congregation. A big thank you and prayers for a Blessed and Merry Christmas to this terrific group of young people!

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY DECEMBER 15TH 2013-ADVENT 3

At Christmas Dinner at St. Mark's December 12th-wonderful to see everyone.

We had a great meal--and terrific time together. A Merry Christmas indeed!

Participating through leadership in worship this morning are:

Organist: Al Fougere

Greeters: Angus Mac Rae

Lay Reader: Archie Noseworthy

Advent Wreath: Natasha & Irelyn Gautier

Collectors (St. M.): Angus Mac Rae, Vali Ross,

Ingram Fowlie, Andy Palmer

MINISTER’S OFFICE HOURS:

Monday 9-12 noon

Tuesday 9-12 noon

Wednesday 9-12 noon at St. David’s 

You may drop by for a coffee.

Thursday 9 – 12 noon

Friday – Minister’s Day Off

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

Prayer Shawl Knitting Circle Knitters and crocheters gather together in the parlour of St. Mark’s on the 3^rd Monday of each month. Next meeting will be Monday, December 16, 2013.

AVAILABLE AT THE CHURCH OFFICE:  

Canadian Church Calendar 2014 

Cost: $6.00 ($1.25 profit from each to go to the Mission and Service Fund, United Church of Canada)

Advent and Christmas Worship and Events

December 21^st Longest Night Service, St. David’s, 6:30

December 22^nd Advent 4

December 24^th Christmas Eve 10:30 P. H. Nursing Home

December 24^th Christmas Eve Communion

6:30 p.m. St. Mark’s

8:00 p.m. St. David’s

December 29^th Christmas 1, 11:00 a.m.- St. Mark’s

Advent Small Group: Spiritual Practices in the Isaiah Readings

Wednesday December 18 10:00 a.m. St. David’s

The Canadian Government has extended the deadline for the dollar for dollar matching of donations made by individuals to registered Canadian charities - including the United Church - for Typhoon Haiyan relief.  December 23, 2013 is now the date by which donations need to be received, either by the General Council Office or by congregations.
January 8, 2014 is the deadline for congregations to ensure that all eligible donations, collected between November 9 and December 23,  are received by the General Council Office. Donations received after December 23, 2013 are still welcome, but they will not be eligible for matching by the Canadian government.
To donate now: https://www.gifttool.com/donations/Donate?ID=1955&AID=3036
For more information about The United Church of Canada's emergency appeal, please go to: http://www.united-church.ca/haiyan
Cheques can be sent to:
The United Church of Canada
Philanthropy-Emergency Response
3250 Bloor St. West, Suite 300
Toronto, ON M8X 2Y4
Tel 416-231-5931 or 1-800-268-3781
E-mail listings can be sent to: finserv@united-church.ca

Dec. 21^st—Longest Night Candlelight Worship St. David’s 6:30 p.m.

Prayers, scripture and music that acknowledge that God’s presence is for those who mourn and for those who struggle—and that God’s Word comes to shine light into our darkness.

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

ST. MARK’S FLOWERS

- Wreath in the Church entry In Loving Memory of CHRISTINE LANGLEY from her family.

- In Loving Memory of OUR PARENTS, HARRY & HAZEL SMITH and BROTHER, SONNY from Sharon, Roy & Families.

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

PLEASE NOTE: Tuesday, December 17^th at 7:00 p.m. – St. Mark’s Congregational Board Meeting. Executive only.

FUNDSCRIP REPORT December FundScrip Order Sunday will be December 15^th and December Delivery Sunday will be December 22^nd. December Promotions are:

Roots/Roots Home/Roots Kids 13% ( Regular 7%)

Pizza Pizza 13% ( Regular 10%)

Kernels Popcorn 10% ( Regular 5%)

FundScrip was initiated at St. Mark’s United Church in September 2013 with our first order sent September 8^th. We are participating in the program with Holy Trinity Anglican Church and by doing so our combined orders are large enough that we have eliminated shipping and handling charges. To date the program has raised $327.00 which is an average of $109.00 per month and if this continues for the year $1300.00 would be earned for our church. Fourteen supporters (families) from our church are using the program on a regular basis for groceries, gas, pharmacy items, restaurants and home supply retailers. Over the holiday season we hope these supporters and hopefully some new supporters will purchase additional cards to use as gifts for their families and friends. Please contact Patsy Brander at 625- 1062 or Bonnie Dawson at 625-3838 if you have any questions about how to join this program.

St. Mark’s Lay Readers:

Dec. 21^st –Longest Night Service at St. David’s

Dec. 22^nd – Barbara MacIntyre

Dec. 24^th –tba

Dec. 29^th – Combined Service at St. Mark’s

Observer:  We were not able to get enough new subscriptions for 2014 so the price remains at $20.00/year.  This is still a great deal, less than $2.00 a month!  For all subscribers, please put your payment in a plain envelope with your name and mark it “Observer” and place it on the collection plate.  For new subscribers, please contact me with your full mailing address either by phone, 625-0535, or by e-mail lorna.harvey3@gmail.com  The list will be forwarded Dec. 18^th.

**********

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Princeville United Church Annual Christmas Service will be held Sunday December 15th at 7PM.  Come and join in a wonderful evening of beloved Christmas music and readings in our beautiful old church decorated in Christmas finery.  Lunch will be served.  Everyone welcome.

“In the Dark of Winter” J. Franklin Wright Fibre Exhibition Jan 27 2014 - Mar 14 2014 Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre Opportunities for both amateurs and professionals, with categories for quilting, weaving, felting, rug hooking, knitting, spinning, and needlework. The entries are not juried. All entries following the guidelines in the prospectus are exhibited; however, they will be judged to award the prizes. The show is sponsored by the J. Franklin Wright Gallery. As part of this show we will be offering educational events, demonstrations and sale of entries. www.phcivic.com Registrations are due on or before January 17, 2014. The exhibit will run from January 27 to March 14, 2014.

The Port Hawkesbury Seasonal Services is once again preparing to provide Christmas dinner boxes for those in need in the Town. Anyone wishing to donate financially to this project may do so by contacting Jo-Anne MacDonald at 625-3003. Donations may also be left at the Pitt Street Post Office with Rosanne, Stan or Roberta or donations may be left in your name at the Royal Bank of Canada. 

ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY DECEMBER 15TH 2013 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: stmarks1@eastlink.ca

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

Minister: Nan Corrigan D. M.

Minister of Music: Al Fougere

December 15^th, 2013

3^rd Sunday of Advent-Joy-Gaudete Sunday

White Gift Sunday

Gaudete in Domino semper “Rejoice in the Lord always”

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.

Call to Worship           Adapted from Luke 1:47–55

One: Our souls magnify the Most High,

All: and our spirits rejoice in God our Saviour!

One: God’s mercy is for those who love and revere God, from generation to generation.

All: God has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly;

One: God has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.

All: Blessed be God’s name. Let us worship God!

Advent Candlelighting Liturgy

Voice 1: On this third Sunday of Advent, we light three can­dles, illuminating God’s truth. Our first candle was for peace, and the second was for hope. Today, our third candle is for joy. From prophets like Isaiah and Mary, we hear God’s promises: the blind shall see, the deaf shall hear, the lame shall leap, the desert shall be watery.

Child: Come, let us walk in the light!

All: We say to those with fearful hearts, “Do not fear! Here is your God!” (Isaiah 35:4)

Voice 2: God’s promises sometimes seem impossible, and because we are human, we doubt; but the promises burn with everlasting light. Today, even in an unsteady world, may we find new ways to look into the light of Advent and rejoice that God’s promises are true for each of us and all of us. (the pink candle is lit)

Child: Come, let us walk in the light!

All: Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord! (Isaiah 2:5)

* Candlelighting Hymn           Hope Is a Star Verse 3            VU 7

Opening Prayer

Holy God, in a topsy-turvy world, you both steady us and you rock-and-roll us into new life, new challenges, new ways of seeing our lives. As we enter into worship together with you today, may we play and pray in ways that help us better love and live. You are always opening up new world orders among us. Transform us for your new world! In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Hymn           All Earth Is Waiting           VU 5

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Isaiah 35:1–10            The desert blooms and rejoices.

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

Luke 1:47–55           Mary’s song of justice.           Ref 1, VU 898

*Hymn           I’ve Got Peace like a River           VU 577

Opening the Word and The Lord's Prayer

Gospel Acclamation

Matthew 11:2–11 Is Jesus to fulfill the promise?

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

Active Waiting

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

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

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

* Offering Prayer

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn            Take Time to Be Holy            VU 672

* Commissioning and Blessing

* Choral Amen

REFLECTIONS ON SCRIPTURE

ADVENT REFLECTIONS ON SCRIPTURE

December 15

Luke 1:47–55

Mary proclaims her devotion to God and God’s liberation
in her Magnificat. She’s carrying the very one who will
continue the work of liberation in the lives of the poor
and marginalized. Mary herself becomes a prophet, declaring God’s vision of a world where God has “brought
down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the
lowly…filled the hungry with good things, and sent the
rich away empty.” Mary turns toward God in faith and follows the path before her. She takes on the role of bringing
liberation to the world. Will we follow her example?

This week what role does God want you to play in the
liberation of the poor and marginalized in your local or
even global community? What steps might you take this
week to step out as a prophet for justice and liberation?

Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Advent • Christmas • Epiphany 2013–2014 Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2013, P. 8

ST MARK'S SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS CONCERT DEC 8TH 2013

The stable and manger await

Handpainted mural to welcome

Rebecca Roussy our narrator

The angel and Mary and Joseph

Joseph wrangles the donkey/horse on the road to Bethlehem

The cookies and rice krispie squares were delicious!

Choir Practice

There will be Choir practice on Tuesday, December 10th at 5:45 p.m. to go over our music for Christmas.

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY DECEMBER 8TH 2013

Participating through leadership in worship this morning are:

Organist: Al Fougere

Greeters (St. M.): Angus Mac Rae

(St. D.): Heather Deschenes

Lay Reader (St. M.): Julia Mac Quarrie

Lay Reader (St. D.): Yvonne Fox

Advent Wreath (St. M.): The Hart’s

(St. D.): Julia Mac Kinnon

Collectors (St. M.): Angus Mac Rae, Vali Ross,

Ingram Fowlie, Andy Palmer

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

MINISTER’S OFFICE HOURS:

Monday 9-12 noon

Tuesday 9-12 noon

Wednesday 9-12 noon at St. David’s You may drop by for a coffee.

Thursday 9 – 12 noon

Friday – Minister’s Day Off

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

Prayer Shawl Knitting Circle Knitters and crocheters gather together in the parlour of St. Mark’s on the 3^rd Monday of each month. Next meeting will be Monday, December 16, 2013.

AVAILABLE AT THE CHURCH OFFICE:  

Canadian Church Calendar 2014 

Cost: $6.00 ($1.25 profit from each to go to the Mission and Service Fund, United Church of Canada)

Advent and Christmas Worship and Events

December 15^th Advent 3

Rotary Carol Sing

December 21^st Longest Night Service, St. David’s, 6:30

December 22^nd Advent 4

December 24^th Christmas Eve 10:30 P. H. Nursing Home

December 24^th Christmas Eve Communion

6:30 p.m. St. Mark’s

8:00 p.m. St. David’s

December 29^th Christmas 1, 11:00 a.m.- St. Mark’s

Advent Small Group: Spiritual Practices in the Isaiah Readings

Wednesday December 11 10:00 a.m. St. David’s

Wednesday December 18 10:00 a.m. St. David’s

The Canadian Government has extended the deadline for the dollar for dollar matching of donations made by individuals to registered Canadian charities - including the United Church - for Typhoon Haiyan relief.  December 23, 2013 is now the date by which donations need to be received, either by the General Council Office or by congregations.

January 8, 2014 is the deadline for congregations to ensure that all eligible donations, collected between November 9 and December 23,  are received by the General Council Office. Donations received after December 23, 2013 are still welcome, but they will not be eligible for matching by the Canadian government.
To donate now: https://www.gifttool.com/donations/Donate?ID=1955&AID=3036
For more information about The United Church of Canada's emergency appeal, please go to: http://www.united-church.ca/haiyan
Cheques can be sent to:
The United Church of Canada
Philanthropy-Emergency Response
3250 Bloor St. West, Suite 300
Toronto, ON M8X 2Y4
Tel 416-231-5931 or 1-800-268-3781
E-mail listings can be sent to:
finserv@united-church.ca

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

FUNDSCRIP REPORT December FundScrip Order Sunday will be December 15^th and December Delivery Sundays will be December 8^th and 22^nd. December Promotions are:

Roots/Roots Home/Roots Kids 13% ( Regular 7%)

Pizza Pizza 13% ( Regular 10%)

Kernels Popcorn 10% ( Regular 5%)

Fund Scrip was initiated at St. Mark’s United Church in September 2013 with our first order sent September 8^th. We are participating in the program with Holy Trinity Anglican Church and by doing so our combined orders are large enough that we have eliminated shipping and handling charges. To date the program has raised $327.00 which is an average of $109.00 per month and if this continues for the year $1300.00 would be earned for our church. Fourteen supporters (families) from our church are using the program on a regular basis for groceries, gas, pharmacy items, restaurants and home supply retailers. Over the holiday season we hope these supporters and hopefully some new supporters will purchase additional cards to use as gifts for their families and friends. Please contact Patsy Brander at 625- 1062 or Bonnie Dawson at 625-3838 if you have any questions about how to join this program.

St. Mark’s Sunday School is having a Christmas Concert TONIGHT in the Church Hall at 6:00 p.m. Admission is Silver Collection

St. Mark's Christmas Dinner Thursday December 12th at noon. Please call the church office if you would like to come or speak to Nan for a ticket. Call if you need a ride. Roast pork and all the fixin's.

White Gift envelopes are inserted in your bulletins this week. Next Sunday, December 15th we will be receiving White Gift donations with the offering. 

St. Mark’s Lay Readers:

Dec. 15^th - Archie Noseworthy

Dec. 21^st –Longest Night Service at St. David’s

Dec. 22^nd – Barbara MacIntyre

Dec. 24^th –tba

Dec. 29^th – Combined Service at St. Mark’s

Observer:  We were not able to get enough new subscriptions for 2014 so the price remains at $20.00/year.  This is still a great deal, less than $2.00 a month!  For all subscribers, please put your payment in a plain envelope with your name and mark it “Observer” and place it on the collection plate.  For new subscribers, please contact me with your full mailing address either by phone, 625-0535, or by e-mail lorna.harvey3@gmail.com  The list will be forwarded Dec. 18^th.

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

TODAY - Congregation meeting following Church on Sunday December 8, 2013. One to deal with a request from Port Hastings Fire Dept., and 2,  elect two elders.

St. David’s Lay Readers:

Dec. 15^th – Lisa Rhynold

Dec. 22^nd – Ian MacKinnon

Dec. 15^th – If you have chosen an angel(s) from the Angel Tree in the church entry, we ask that you bring in those items on Dec. 15^th, (wrapped in white paper if possible or white kitchen catchers). They will be presented at the White Gift Service that day. The gifts & groceries will be used for the Christmas Dinner Boxes to be distributed to families in our area. Questions may be directed to a member of the U.C.W.

A box will be placed in the Narthex of the church for mens socks, new or used in good shape.  The UCW will forward these to Brunswick St. Mission later in the winter.  Lets fill the box. 

Hall Cleaners for December: Jean Hatcher, Marjorie Langford

**********

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lights of Love Christmas Campaign – join the R. K. MacDonald Nursing Home light up their tree with bulbs dedicated to love. You can dedicate a bulb. Monies raised will be used to purchase a new Self Cooking Centre. Please join us on Sunday, December 8^th at 7 p.m. in the R. K. MacDonald Chapel for the dedication ceremony.

Step back in time for an Olde Tyme Christmas at the Port Hastings Museum (Rotary); Dec. 6 to 8...daily 2 - 7pm.  A unique Inuit Art Collection and  Anna Guzdziol’s Doll Collection will be featured. Bake Sales on Saturdays @ 2pm. Children's activities are planned. Quality hand-crafted gift items for Christmas from local artisans and products from the Galloping Cows.  Free tea, cider and cookies.

Leeside Christmas Program – Every Christmas Leeside assist families who use our services with Christmas gifts and food. Our Christmas program is dependent on donations from the community. You can help by: telling others about the program, making a cash donation, donating gift cards expecially for food, adopting a child or family. We ask that all donations be in by December 11. For more information, please call Leeside at 625-1990.

“In the Dark of Winter” J. Franklin Wright Fibre Exhibition

Jan 27 2014 - Mar 14 2014 Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre

Opportunities for both amateurs and professionals, with categories for quilting, weaving, felting, rug hooking, knitting, spinning, and needlework. The entries are not juried. All entries following the guidelines in the prospectus are exhibited; however, they will be judged to award the prizes. The show is sponsored by the J. Franklin Wright Gallery. As part of this show we will be offering educational events, demonstrations and sale of entries. www.phcivic.com Registrations are due on or before January 17, 2014. The exhibit will run from January 27 to March 14, 2014.

L’Arche Cape Breton presents “The Three Kings”. Please join us for L’Arche Cape Breton’s Annual Christmas Pageant on Sunday, December 8^th at 2pm at SAERC Auditorium, Port Hawkesbury. L’Arche Crafts and Artwork for sale, Apple Cider and Shortbread Served, Freewill offering gratefully accepted. Please join us as we re-enact the Christmas Story as only L’Arche can!

The Inverness County Singers and the Young County Singers invite you to "Gifts of the Heart", a concert to be held at St. Mary's Church in Mabou on Sunday, December 8th at 4:00 p.m. and at St. Margaret's Church of Scotland in Broadcove on Friday, December 13th at 7:30 p.m. The Director of the choir is Laurel Browne and the accompanist is Marianne Jewell. Donations taken at the door will be distributed to local charities.

The Port Hawkesbury Seasonal Services is once again preparing to provide Christmas dinner boxes for those in need in the Town. Anyone wishing to donate financially to this project may do so by contacting Jo-Anne MacDonald at 625-3003. Donations may also be left at the Pitt Street Post Office with Rosanne, Stan or Roberta or donations may be left in your name at the Royal Bank of Canada.

ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY DECEMBER 8TH 2013 ADVENT 2

The Congregations of St. Mark’s and St. David’s

United Church of Canada

Port Hawkesbury/Port Hastings, NS

Office: 625-2229, Fax 625-3597, e-mail: stmarks1@eastlink.ca

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

Minister: Nan Corrigan D. M.

Minister of Music: Al Fougere

December 8^th 2013

2^nd Sunday of Advent-Hope

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.

Call to Worship

One: Come together, cow and bear, lion and ox, come together;

All: come together, every one and every thing, give glory to God. One: Come together, nations and peoples, come together;

All: come together, leaders and followers, give glory to God.

One: Let us prepare to be led by the liberator of all the world.

All: Let us worship God.

Advent Candlelighting Liturgy

Voice 1: On this second Sunday of Advent, we light two can­dles, illuminating God’s truth. Our first candle was for peace. Today, our second light is for hope. God prom­ised God’s people that a leader would rise up among us – but that it would be a different kind of leader, and a different kind of power. Even with growling beasts all around, a child leads the way.

Child: Come, let us walk in the light!

All: Just as the sun endures, may God’s light burn without end!

Voice 2: (read while candles are lit): God tells us of a coming power that will be a paradox, not always easy for us to understand, but we are assured that the hope of Advent lies in trusting a truth that will set all of us free, preda­tors and prey alike.

Child: Come, let us walk in the light!

All: Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord! (Isaiah 2:5)

* Candlelighting Hymn            Hope Is a Star Verse 1            VU 7

Opening Prayer

Hymn            O Come, O Come Emmanuel             VU 1

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Isaiah 11:1-10 The peaceable reign of God.

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

Psalm 72             A just ruler              VU 790 parts 1 & 3

*Hymn            I’ve Got Peace like a River             VU 577

Opening the Word and The Lord's Prayer

Gospel Acclamation

Matthew 3:1-12 John the Baptist preaches.

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

Active Waiting

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

* Hymn            Make Me a Channel of Your Peace            VU 684

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

* Offering Prayer

Blessing of Handmade Offerings

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn             Jesus Shall Reign                VU330

* Commissioning and Blessing

In the wolf and lamb living together,

we will dare to hope.

In the desire for every nation to share peacefully,

we will dare to hope.

In the advent of God and the incarnation of Jesus,

we will dare to hope.

In God’s promise of Good News for this world,

we will dare to hope.

Let us go out in daring hope

and in the peace of Christ.

* Choral Amen

REFLECTIONS ON SCRIPTURE

ADVENT REFLECTIONS ON SCRIPTURE

December 8

Isaiah 11:1–10

The prophet shares a hope-filled vision with us – a vision
of harmony and understanding – and presents an unlikely
subject for leading us toward this vision – “a little child.”

Even more unlikely, Isaiah explains that animals who are
enemies will lie down together. They will reconcile and be
adversaries no more. These verses seem unbelievable, but
longing for their fulfillment is the stuff of hope. Isaiah’s
vision pushes us to re-think the way we understand power
dynamics today and show us that no matter what, peace
inside ourselves and in the world is possible.

This week reach out with a note or phone call to someone
with whom you often clash.

Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Advent • Christmas • Epiphany 2013–2014 Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2013, p. 8

CHRISTMAS PARADE FLOAT NOV 30 2013