December 31, 2006 St. Mark's Baptisms

Jaiden Addley Julia Cameron
Born October 5, 2006

Sherrie Lynn Cameron
(Adult Baptism)







Logan Simon Cooke Born May 10, 2006

Photos

Who received a digital camera for Christmas? We need more shutterbugs at St. Mark's to help to photographically illustrate the events at the church. Please call the Church office or Camille if you are willing to help.

Blog Address Error

Those of you who have found your way to this site obviously are aware that our Blog address is:
http://ourcontactonline.blogspot.com/
and not http://newcontactonline.blogspot.com/
as was published in the bulletin of Sunday December 17. Please pass the message on to your family and friends, so they can visit our new site.

If you wish to review our archives from April 2006 until the creation of this new site, go to:
http://stmarksstdavidscontact.blogspot.com/

Choir Practice December 19

A choir practice is scheduled for Tuesday, December 19th at 5:45. Please attend as this is the last chance we will have to get our Christmas music into shape.

Carol Singing at Sunset Manor

The Youth Group will be at Sunset Manor at 7 p.m. Sunday, December 17th for Carol Singing and sharing goodies with the residents.

Everyone who loves to sing or play an instrument is welcome to attend and join in the festivities.

St. Mark's Men's Group

St. Mark's Men's Group will meet for breakfast at 8 a.m. tomorrow, Sunday, December 17th.

St. Mark's Nativity

One of St. Mark's Christmas traditions for almost two decades has been the Nativity Scene in the sanctuary. We asked Audrey MacLaughlin to tell us the story.


St. Mark's Nativity

Approximately 18 years ago, as the season of Advent with the usual consumerism approached, I felt that it would be more meaningful if our congregation, and particularly the children, had a nativity scene to remind us of the real meaning of Christmas. After doing a little research, it was determined that a set of the size and quality desired could be purchased from a ceramic shop in Truro. We proceeded to raise the money required by way of donations and "In Memoriams" and the order was placed. Lucille Evans & I chose the colours of the figurines with great care, and exercised patience until finally it was the exciting day when we went to Truro to pick up our treasure. During the time of waiting for the figurines to be completed, my husband Allan built a stable out of old barn boards. We were very proud the first time the scene was displayed. Folks in the congregation seemed pleased and interested, and the children would look at it and name out the figurines each Sunday. I am a member now of St. Matthew's United in Halifax but every December I still remember the very special events of Advent, and the Christmas Eve service at St. Mark's. "Our" nativity scene portraying the birth of Jesus, and the fact that it is still being used, is a very special part of those memories.

Audrey MacLaughlin

Keeping in Touch

I just wanted to let you know that I have enjoyed looking at the Blog from the Church. I have been living in Houston Texas for 2 years. My mom sent me the link for the blog and I have been able to see all the postings. It is really great to be able to keep up with some of the news from home, and to see all the pictures. Keep up the great work.

Natalie MacKeigan

Inverness County Welcomes Refugee Resettlement Committee Update

As you are aware, Don, Christiana and Israel arrived on October 2, 2006. Just 2 weeks later, little Donalda was born at St. Martha's in Antigonish, and has been growing quickly. Both she and Israel are the talk of the Port Hood, prompting smiles wherever they go.

The generosity shown to the Kalleys has been amazing. Folks have given food, clothing, diapers, monetary donations, and visits, and the ever present friendliness of the people in all of our communities has been truly a gift from God for the newcomers.

In late October, the CBC sent a camera crew to Port Hood for an interview with the Kalleys and committee members. This was a great experience, and when the segment aired later that week it was well received.

In early November the Cape Breton Sheep producers Association graciously donated $2,700 to our project and another $2,700 to L'Arche Cape Breton. Our thanks for this boost, and for all the donations which, when tallied, come close to the $15,000 mark.

On most Sundays the Kalleys have been guests at various local church communities, and we express gratitude to those who have kindly assisted with transportation and arrangements.

Don has enrolled in Young Drivers driver training, has passed his 'beginners', and will have his first driving lesson on December 14 with instructor Rodger Hart.

Hermina VanZutphen arranged for Bishop Lahey to meet the Kalleys on December 13th.

Also that week Margie Beaton's Global Geography Class from Dalbrae Academy came to the Kalley apartment and set up a Christmas Tree then hosted a party for them. The students have raised $500.00 and had gifts to present to Don and Christiana. CBC Radio was there for a taping to air near Christmas.

Our Year End Committee Meeting was held Wednesday December 13 at 7:00 pm St. Peter's Hall, Port Hood. Rev. Paul MacGillvray, Social Action Co-ordinator, Diocese of Antigonish, was our guest an expert in the Refugee Resettlement process of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). After the meeting at the Hall, a few members accompanied Father Paul to the Kalleys for tea so that he can meet the family the Diocese sponsored through their Sponsorship Agreement with CIC.

Decorating St. David's for Christmas

Saturday, December 2nd at 10 a.m. St. David's had a get-together to decorate the Church and hall for Advent and Christmas. Pointsettias and other flowers were welcome donations. Robert Fox drove to Port Hood and collected the Kalley family to join in the festivities at St. David's on their first Christmas in their new home of Canada. They joined right in and helped with the decorating. A delicious lunch was served after all the work was completed.

Hanging of the Greens Service December 3

The Youth Service "Hanging of the Greens" was held on December 3rd at 7:00 p.m. at St. Mark's. It was a combined Sunday School and Youth Service to mark the First Sunday of Advent. Attending families donated an ornament and placed it on the tree during the Service.

The Youth under the leadership of Lana MacLean did a wonderful job of decorating the sanctuary to make it welcoming for all who attend the Advent and Christmas services.






After the "Hanging of the Greens" Service people retired to the hall for delicious hot cider and Christmas goodies.

The Kalleys Visit St. David's

Sunday, November 25, the Kalleys were invited to attend church at St. David's and to stay for a delicious lunch after the service. They were a big hit with everyone. Donalda did not enjoy the service, but was quite content when many women took turns holding her. Israel made a new friend, Olivier Langley. Donald gave the piano a workout to the delight of everyone and Christiana gave the ladies some African hair dressing tips. This may not be the last visit of the Kalleys to St. David's!