Church Directories

Anyone from St. Mark's and St. David's churches who did not have their picture take, but would like to have a church directory, they are available for $15.00 + HST. Please call Gladys at 625-2707, Rilla at 625-2411 or Ian at 625-2303 before December 31 if you would like to order a directory. Those who had their photos taken by Universal Portrait Studios will receive a free directory. Those who submitted pictures will have to pay for a directory.

Readings for January 6, Second Sunday after Christmas

Isaiah 60: 1 - 6
Psalm 72: 1 - 7, 10 - 14, Voices United page 790, parts 1 & 2
Ephesians 3: 1 - 12
Matthew 2: 1 - 12

Rehersal for Christmas Eve at St. Mark's

Go Tell it on the Mountain
That Jesus Christ Was Born!

Sunday, December 30, Food Bank Sunday

Food Bank Sunday at both churches! Please share your bounty during this time of celebration.

Christmas Eve Services:

St. Mark's United Church, Port Hawkesbury - 6:30 PM

St. David's United Church, Port Hastings - 8:00 PM

Observer Renewal is Due

Anyone interested in subscribing to or renewing the Observer for 2008 please contact Bonnie Dawson by phone 625-3838 or e-mail b.dawson@ns.sympatico .ca by December 23, 2007. The annual cost is $15.00 (includes GST/HST). Please put payment in Observer envelope (available in the Narthex) or regular envelope marked "Observer" and place in collection plate with your offering. Cheque should be made payable to St. Mark's United Church.

Rev. LeGrow with children at St. David's

White Gift Service at St. David's

Hymns For Sunday, December 16

A Candle is Burning page 6, verse 3 (Voices United)
Hope is a Star page 7, verses 1, 2 & 3 (Voices United)
She Came Sailing on the Wind page 380 (Voices United)
O Come, O Come Emanuel page 1, verses 1, 6 & 7 (Voices United)
Psalm: The Magnificat page 898 Refrain 1 (Voices United)
Doxology page 544, Tune page 75 (Voices United)

St. Mark's Congregational Board Executive Meeting

St. Mark's Congregational Board (executive only) will be meeting Tuesday, December 18th at 6:30 p.m.

Readings for December 16, 3rd Sunday in Advent

Isaiah 35: 1 - 10
Psalm: 146: 5 - 10 (Voices United page 868) or Luke 1: 47 - 55 (Voices United page 898 - 899)
James 5: 7 - 10
Mathew 11: 2 - 11

St. Mark's Hanging of the Greens Service

On Sunday, December 2nd, St. Mark's youth and Sunday School participated in a Hanging of the Greens Service. What a wonderful service it was! Congratulations to all the children and teens for a great job. Thanks especially to the teachers and to Joyce Oliver-Snair who assisted them. Everything went flawlessly! Cameron MacEachern was tremendous as master of ceremonies, and one had to look twice to make sure it was not his father, Bob speaking at the microphone! Rev. LeGrow was very impressed with the evening as were all who attended!

WOW!

Where have you all been?

St. David's Decorates for Christmas 2007

Once again, members of St. David's got together on Saturday, December 1st at 9 am. to decorate for the Christmas season. Many years ago, we used to do it after the church service the Sunday before Advent which meant we were there very late that day and often had to finish up during the week.

For the second year, Lew and Maxine Smith had the tree up in advance with the lights on but we were still there till 2 o'clock.

An enjoyable time was had by all who came out. Lisa Rhynold, our Sunday School Superintendent, and Katie Downard organized Christmas crafts for the children and Alycia Vink organized the delicious lunch for everyone at noon.

Rev. LeGrow helped me with the picture taking this year which was a big help.

Hymns for First Sunday of Advent

Hymn for Advent - printed
Hope Is A Star #7 verse 1
A Candle is Burning # 6 verse 1
We Gather Here #469
People Look East #49
Psalm 122 #845
Doxology #540
During the distribution of Bread
- Let Us Break Bread Together #480
- Cup - I Come With Joy # 477

Vigil of Remembrance & Hope

You are invited to participate in a
Vigil of Remembrance & Hope

Thursday, December 6, 2007
7:00pm
Holy Trinity Anglican Church
Port Hawkesbury
A Reception Will Follow

For More Information Call:
Leeside Transition House
902-625-1990

In 1991, December 6th was declared Canada’s National Day of
Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
The Vigil is a time to remember all women and girls who live with
violence or who have died as a result of violence.
It is an opportunity to nurture our hope.
The violence can end.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

CONTACT November 2007

Following is the November, 2007 CONTACT,
online version:

Reverend Sheldon LeGrow's Covenanting Service
Music Director: Al Fougere, Christine & Sheldon LeGrow
and Guest Speaker Rev. Heather Manuel.

The Editor

We now have a new addition to the blog team: Jim McLean, who has a fabulous new camera and will be taking pictures at St. Mark’s. I’m very grateful to Yvonne Fox, Arnold MacLean and Ian MacKinnon for their visual recording of events at St. David’s. Thanks for keeping the blog up to date during my two-week absence.

It’s a bit chilling to see snowflakes falling after a week on a mission trip to sunny Mexico. However, we do have a lot to be very thankful for here in Cape Breton, even though our weather is cold and grey. We don’t have to live in a gated compound and we have fresh running water in abundance and electricity (most of the time).

On departure day, the plan was to attend our Service of Remembrance. Hurricane Noel had paid us a visit leaving many areas without power, so our trip into Port Hawkesbury to attend Church was in vain. The notice on the door of the darkened Church stated that the service was cancelled. This is such a rare occurance that it was hard to believe!

We expect everything will continue as usual. Sometimes we need to be shaken up by something out of the ordinary. Mexico was that! We stood outside our comfort zone and allowed God to reveal new things.

Feliz Navidad!
Camille Chapman

Minister’s Message

This is my first message for contact. What a wonderful way to keep in touch and to let folks know what’s happening in our spiritual community. Perhaps the most important aspect of any community is good communication. contact in newsletter and blog form does just that for us.

However, we mustn’t forget that we are a part of the greater United Church of Canada and it, too, has its media: The United Church Observer and wondercafe.ca. It’s important to keep up with what’s going on in our community and the world. It informs our faith and our spirituality. It helps us put things into context and challenges us to think about who we are and who God calls us to be. The world is changing. Ideas about religion and spirituality are changing. We can build on the past but we can’t cling to it. God isn’t there. God moves us ever forward and it’s in moving forward, into the unknown, that we exercise our faith.

Christine and I are really happy to be here at St. Mark’s and St. David’s. Everyone has been wonderful and we look forward to a fruitful ministry. Of course the term fruitful can be interpreted several ways but to let you know where I’m coming from, I have a definition of the role of an ordained minister.

Here it is:
The ordained minister has the theological education to appreciate many theological positions, recognizing that many people experience life differently and therefore experience God in different ways. The minister, therefore, encourages and invites education and spiritual development.

The minister encourages ownership by the congregation. It is their church community and they make the decisions, getting out of it what they seek in proportion to what they contribute.

The minister is seen as an enabler and facilitator; a non-biased, non-judgemental individual encouraging members of the congregation to come to their own decisions.

An ordained minister must help the congregation develop a vision as a community; to encourage them in seeing who and where they want to be in the future and helping them on their way.

An ordained minister must be a marketer. What we have is a product that can transform people’s lives and build community. That product must be attractive enough to invite people outside, inside.

The minister must inspire the congregation and provide an example for them to follow.

The minister should get to know the congregation. Pastoral care and visiting are important.

The minister is the bearer of God’s love and caring. This means offering oneself to be with those in distress, listening to them, comforting them, praying with and for them.

The minister provides a priestly role in the ritual of worship and sacrament; offering prayers on behalf of the congregation and individuals as well as presiding at worship services and offering inspirational messages.

The minister is the visible representative of the church to the congregation and the community.

As we enter into this new ministry I would ask you to ponder a few questions just for your own personal reflection.

1. Who or what is God, for me? In other words, what is your concept of God. Try to come up with a reasonable workable impression of how you think about God.

2. Who is Jesus, for me? Same idea as number 1.

3. What does the word faith mean to me and what does it mean to speak about my faith?

4. Do I want to grow, spiritually and experience God’s deeper presence in my life?

This should help in your self-reflection and as we meet and talk with one another, maybe we can share some of the insights we come up with.

In Christ,
Rev. Sheldon

Inverness County Welcomes Refugees Resettlement Project

We are very pleased to pass along the Kalley’s news. Donald was accepted into the post-graduate course in Marine Geomatics that began in September at the NSCC Campus in Lawrencetown. The family are renting a two-bedroom semi-detached house in Lawrencetown.

Michelle Campbell was buying a new vehicle so she very generously gave the Kalleys her 1998 Caravan - with all repairs up to date. Donald was thrilled to have the independence of a set of wheels!

Donald started a summer job at a new quarry on the Mulgrave side of the Strait on July 6th. Having the van was a real asset for this job and the company even paid for his mileage.

Now they are well settled in their home in Lawrencetown. Donalda celebrated her first birthday on October 14th and she has learned to walk!

Donald is doing very well with his studies. In fact he is tutoring some other students in math.
Chris started a course with Young Drivers of Canada on November 24th, so she should find getting around with two children much easier.

We wish them continued blessings in their second year living in Canada.

Camille Chapman

Port Hawkesbury Food Bank

Fall is upon us and so is the preparation for the Christmas season at the Food Bank. For several weeks we have been putting aside items which make good stocking stuffers or gifts such as hair products, soaps, candy, etc. The donations from the area Churches received on the last Sunday of each month are truly appreciated. Recently two of our volunteers gave a presentation to a community group in the West Bay area regarding the operation of the Food Bank. A week later a person who attended that session donated five hundred pounds of apples! Many groups during this season of the year are committing to donations to the Food Bank instead of having office parties or giving personal gifts.

Over the past year we have been encouraged to see some people who have had to use the Food Bank on occasion move into the work force. There are also those who are unable to do so and have to rely on social assistance for income which in most cases is inadequate to cover their expenses. Consider the case of a single person in a rural community who has just lost a job. We’ll call him Bob. Bob does not have enough hours to qualify for employment insurance and he only has a grade eleven education. If he qualified for social assistance and had no special circumstances he would receive $5,422.00 a year or $451.00 a month for rent, food and utilities, etc. The poverty line in 2005 was $17,895.00. To reach that he needs $12,473.00. So get a job Bob. If he got a job at minimum wage, the Department of Community Services would garnishee 70% of what he earns. If he worked thirty-five hours a week he would take home $4,000.00. All he has to do now is find another $8,000.00 to bring his income to the poverty line - he is caught in a poverty trap. The garnisheeing of income while on social assistance prevents many parents from entering the work force especially when child care is a factor to be considered.

From time to time we have people inquire about the operation of the Food Bank. We invite people who are interested to drop in on a Monday morning and see the crew hard at work and have a guided tour of the facility.

Thanks to all who help with this work and donate to the Food Bank.

Annabel Butts

Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery

Presbytery met at St. David's

We met at Greenwood United, Baddeck on September 11, 2007. Our guest at that meeting was Gary MacDonald, an Overseas Personnel member who has been serving in China for sixteen years. He lives in the north-west (Gobi desert area) of China and teaches English to students from remote areas. After their graduation these students will return to their homes to be English teachers. The average Sunday attendance at the church he attends is approximately 400.

Covenanting services were held for three new ministers to our Presbytery.
September 23, 2007 at St. Stephen’s United, Port Hood for the Rev. Roger Moore.
October 28, 2007 at St. Paul’s United, Canso for the Rev. Heather Manuel and November 21, 2007 at St. Mark’s United, Port Hawkesbury for the Rev. Sheldon LeGrow.

A JNA committee has been formed for the West Bay Pastoral Charge as Rev. Jim Bragan finishes his term as Interim minister at the end of December.

Presbytery received requests for discernment from Lana MacLean, Port Hawkesbury and Erin Hart, Margaree.

At the October meetings, held at St. Paul’s United, Canso a statement expressing Presbytery concerns of the recent actions of the Executive of the General Council in reducing the number of staff members at Head Office and cutting back on some programs was prepared and forwarded to the Executive of Maritime Conference for forwarding to General Council.
The November meeting was held at St. David’s United, Port Hastings.

The January meeting will be on January 22, 2008 at Stewart United, Whycocomagh and Barbara Rafuse, president of Maritime Conference will be our guest.

Maxine Smith,
Secretary

Choir Notes

On July 29 the choir conducted the service at St. Mark’s and on November 25 the combined choirs participated in the 122nd Anniversary service at St. David’s. Again this year the ecumenical choir sang for the Festival of Trees, a condensed version of the Frank Mills concert that we have performed several times before.

We were happy to welcome Patsy Brander and Emma Barss into the choir this autumn. There’s always room for more people who enjoy music.

Dave Chapman

Lest We Forget

The Remembrance service of St Mark’s was stormed off this year. It was intended to be 5th November, but overheated planetary conditions intervened.

The Port Hawkesbury Cenotaph columns (stylised cairns representing the three main conflicts of the last century) were rebuilt this year and walkways widened. The surrounding land is now dedicated Veterans Park. The Town Council and Federal Government supported this project and a great vote of thanks to all concerned is the order of the day.

The newly restored Memorial Park was officially unveiled during a ceremony held August 11. A delegation of Veterans and dignitaries gathered at the cenotaph for the ceremony and to pay their respects to all those who have served Canada.

“Our cenotaph was indeed in a very bad state, and increasingly becoming dangerous to the public,” said Arthur Riley, Chair Cenotaph Restoration Project. “It is really gratifying to know that all of us can come together on behalf of our Canadian Veterans, and especially those who made the supreme sacrifice and, in fact, are still making it.”

The Canadian Peacekeepers and the Afghanistan NATO efforts continue to give grave concern to all involved. Our continued prayers for success are needed more than ever. Material effort to support our troops is called for 100 percent.

Is there a peep of daylight on the horizon: The American troop surge in Iraq was effectively declared over yesterday, when officials announced that 5,000 soldiers will this week begin pulling out in response to declining violence.

AMEN, to that.
Lest we Forget

Bill Charlton
Chaplain
Branch 43
Royal Canadian Legion

Relay for Life

On June 1st and 2nd, 2007, Port Hawkesbury’s first Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life was held on the grounds of the Tamarac Elementary School. This was a celebration of survival, a tribute to the lives of loved ones and a night of fun, entertainment, friendship, great food and fund raising to beat cancer. This was a 12-hour overnight non-competitive relay. Participants took turns walking, running or strolling around a track. Cancer survivors were invited to walk the first lap, it was very emotional as we watched the survivor’s victory lap which acknowledges and celebrates their courage in their struggle with cancer. At dusk, luminaries were lit all around the track. These are purchased In memory of or In honour of loved ones. They stayed lit all night as a quiet remembrance. St. Mark’s team, “St. Mark’s Striders”

consisted of 15 members who raised funds and sold luminaries. The total raised by St. Mark’s team was $1,744.00 exceeding our goal of $1,500.00. The overall amount raised over the two days was approximately $98,000.00. A BIG THANK YOU, to everyone who participated and helped.

Elaine Noseworthy
Team Captain

Quilt Show and Sale at St. David’s

The Tea Thyme Quilters @ St. Mark’s had a very successful Quilt Show and Sale in August, at the beautiful St. David’s Church. The church was in full regalia with over 100 quilts on display. The show brought in visitors from far and wide: England, USA and Cape Breton. Those who came where both pleased and amazed at the different styles and works of the Cape Breton Quilters and particularly the beauty of the church. Ladies from St. David’s greeted the visitors and shared information on the history of the church with the many visitors. Donations were received and everyone signed the guest book.

Quilts were hung between the windows, over the balcony and placed on all the pews, for a spectacular view. Many also enjoyed viewing the Blankets of Love Quilts made by local quilters. These quilts are made for patients in Nova Scotia suffering from a mental illness.
After viewing the quilts the visitors came into the hall for tea and cookies and especially to buy the many smaller quilted items for sale.

The Quilters are looking forward to next year’s show and hope it will be bigger and better than last year’s. (Especially with the Candy Shop traffic!)

Barb MacIntyre

St. David’s 122nd Anniversary November 25th, 2007

For the one hundred and twenty second anniversary of the official opening of St. David’s Church, Lorna MacRury carried on a tradition that kept the church going through the years. Although the area was settled in the 1790’s and the first recorded Presbyterian service was held by missionary clergy in 1818 in a building on Lorna’s great, great grandfather, Adam MacPherson’s farm in Askilton, it wasn’t until 1832 that the first minister, Rev. Dougald McKichan arrived and settled in the River Inhabitants area.

In fact, when Rev. William Gordon Forbes retired in 1881 after 29 years of ministry in the Strait area, the congregation continued with plans to build a new church. St. David’s Presbyterian Church was officially opened on November 29th, 1885, but it would be two more years before they had a minister when Rev. Donald MacDonald arrived.

Lorna noted that St. David’s is well cared for and loved by those who worship here, leaving lasting legacies such as the the Rosetta window and the Christ the King stained glass window.
It was lay people like Lorna who provided continuity over the years as ordained ministers come and go.

Yvonne Fox