Our Sunday School continued to use the One Room Sunday School curriculum throughout the winter and spring. It suits our needs well becauses it includes activities for a variety of age groups, and is user-friendly for the teachers.
Our Sunday School children and Youth Group held the second annual Hanging of the Greens Service on December 2nd. This service is a beautiful way to involve the children and youth in decorating the church for Christmas, while reminding us all about the meaning behind each of the decorations. It was an absolutely beautiful service and the children and youth did an incredible job. Many thanks to Joyce Oliver-Snair, as well as Al Fougere and the Choir for their help with the service. Thank you as well to the Sunday School teachers and CE Committee members who assisted with the service, and to Andy Palmer who helped with the tree and other decorations.
Many of the Sunday School children and youth took part in the Christmas Eve pageant. We were very pleased to have Lydia Hart as Mary, Heather Hart as Joseph and Kale Hart as Baby Jesus. The children and youth in the congregation joined Rev. Le Grow in singing Go Tell It On The Mountain, and did a fantastic job. Thanks to all who participated.
During the season of Lent, the CE Committee asked several families in the congregation to assist with the readings. Thank you to all who participated. The Palm Parade on Palm Sunday was wonderful as Joyce and several Sunday School children led the way, followed by the choir, all waving the palms.
Easter Sunday was extra special this year as Confirmation took place on this day. Congratulations to Andrew Ferguson, Cassie Ferguson, Anna Hart, Lydia Hart, Holly Barss and Allanna Connors who were all confirmed. A cake was provided by the CE Committee following the service.
A number of Baptisms took place at St. Mark’s over the past several months. The Sunday School continues to present each child and their parents with a banner that they keep, and a lamb to place on the ‘Cradle Roll’ banner in the church.
Earth Day was celebrated this year with the participation of the Youth Group. It was exciting to have experienced the energy and creativity of the youth, and we look forward to future services. Many thanks to Rev. LeGrow, Joyce Oliver-Snair and Jo Anne Connors for their work with the Youth Group.
As the year draws to a close, we prepare for the Sunday School closing on May 25th. At this time the Sunday School children and teachers will be presented with their certificates. The CE Committee will provide cake for the children following the service.
A heartfelt thanks goes out to all of the Sunday School teachers. The Sunday School would not exist without your commitment to the children. Thank you as well to Al Fougere for his musical guidance and to Jane for her support throughout the year. Thank you to the CE Committee for their ongoing commitment to the Sunday School. Also, thanks to Rev. and Mrs. LeGrow for their support and guidance with the Sunday School and Youth Group throughout the year.
We hope that anyone interested in teaching Sunday School will consider it for the fall. The Sunday School will continue under the direction of the CE Committee in the absence of a Superintendent. Registration will take place in September 14th.
Heather Brander
Contact Online is a Blog for St. Mark's United Church Community of Faith, Region 15 of the United Church of Canada. 504 Bernard Street, Port Hawkesbury, N.S. B9A 1L2, E-mail: stmarksuc@gmail.com St. Mark's United Church accepts and welcomes all people as we share and grow in acceptance, learn, love and share our Christian faith in God's love. Phone: (902) 625-2229, Church Services are held every Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
