New member of St. Mark's, Beverly McInnis of Havre Boucher is presented with a copy of the church directory and the fall issue of the Contact by Rev. Sheldon. Beverly, we wish a warm welcome to you and your family from St. Mark's!
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.
Tuesday, 25 November 2008
New Member at St. Mark's
New member of St. Mark's, Beverly McInnis of Havre Boucher is presented with a copy of the church directory and the fall issue of the Contact by Rev. Sheldon. Beverly, we wish a warm welcome to you and your family from St. Mark's!
St. David's Goods & Services Auction
On Saturday, November 29th, St. David's Board of Stewards held a very successful Goods & Services Auction. Memebers of the congregation want to express their appreciation to Bob MacEachern who did a superb job auctioning off the items.
St. Mark's Observer Subscriptions
If you wish to subscribe or to renew a subscription to the Observer for 2009, please contact Bonnie Dawson by December 21st by phone at 625-3838 or by e-mail at b.dawson@ns,sympatico.ca. The annual cost is $15.00, including GST/HST. Please put the payment in an Observer envelope (available in the Narthex) or in a regular envelope and place it on the collection plate with your offering by December 21st. Cheques should be made payable to St. Mark's United Church.
St. Mark's Christmas Bazaar, Friday, November 28, 7 PM
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St. Mark's Christmas Bazaar
Friday, November 28th, 7 PM - 9 PM
Baking, Sewing, Craft & New-to-You Tables
Admission: $2.00
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Sponsored by St. Mark's Special Events Group
Donations may be dropped off Thursday evening between 6 and 7 PM, or Friday after 1 PM.
Hanging of the Greens Service, November 30th at 7 PM
St. Mark's Sunday School and Youth will be holding the Hanging of the Greens Service on Sunday, November 30th at 7:00 p.m. If any members of the congregation are placing a pointsettia in the Church this Christmas season, we would like you to help us with the Hanging of the Greens by placing the poinsettia with a child during the service. If you do not wish to do so, or are unable to attend the service, a child will place the pointsettia on your behalf. If you have any questions, please contact a Christian Education Committee member.
Food Bank Sunday November 30th for Both Churches
A Reminder:
Please bring donations for the Food Bank on Sunday, November 30th. The Food Bank is in need of plastic grocery bags and glass bottles, preferably 1-1/2 cup sizes.
Lectionary Readings for Sunday, November 30th, the First Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 64:1-9
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 (Voices United Page 794, Part 1)
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Mark 13:24-37
Hymns for Sunday, November 30th
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus 2
Jesus Loves Me #365
Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ #468
Sent Forth by God's Blessing #481
Psalm 80 #794, Part 1
Doxology #544
Hope Is A Star #7, Verse 1
Jesus Loves Me #365
Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ #468
Sent Forth by God's Blessing #481
Psalm 80 #794, Part 1
Doxology #544
Hope Is A Star #7, Verse 1
Friday, 21 November 2008
St. Mark's Roast Beef Dinner Was a Resounding Success!
On Friday evening, November 21st, St. Mark' s Roast Beef Dinner organized by the Ways & Means Committee, was enjoyed by all who attended or had a take-out meal. The kitchen worked like a well-oiled machine with dinners being served hot and instantly. The main course was absolutely delicious and the desserts were delectable. The dinner was so successful that those who came after 5:30 p.m. were disappointed. Workers had to go home and search their fridges to find a meal. Thanks to all who cleaned up the kitchen and prepared the hall for the quilters' event to be held on Saturday.
Ruth MacRae deserves kudos for her wonderful organizational skills to manage to put this event together with no apparent effort! The event managed to garner $2,389.40 including $665.00 in donations. More may still come in. Great work everyone who was involved. Thank you! St. Mark's Finance Committee will be pleased.
Thursday, 20 November 2008
Hymns for Sunday November 23rd
MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE 820
JESUS BIDS US SHINE 585
WHEN A POOR ONE 702
THE LORD'S MY SHEPHERD 747
PSALM 100 #824 REFRAIN 2
DOXOLOGY 540
JESUS BIDS US SHINE 585
WHEN A POOR ONE 702
THE LORD'S MY SHEPHERD 747
PSALM 100 #824 REFRAIN 2
DOXOLOGY 540
Tuesday, 18 November 2008
St. Mark's Congregational Board Bids Ann Mary Butcher a Fond Farewell.
Ann Mary Butcher, the Chairperson of St. Mark's Congregational Board was presented with a Cape Breton marble plaque as a farewell gift of appreciation for her years of service on the board. She and her husband Frank are now retiring to Dartmouth. She will be greatly missed by many people in Port Hawkesbury. Her dedication to the Girl Guides will always be remembered. We wish her well in her new home.
Sunday, November 16th Service
Behind the scenes before the service! The choir gets caught up on the week's news.
Great Team Work!
Lana conducted the service and Lorna gave the children's story and the sermon during Rev. Sheldon's absence on study leave.
Monday, 17 November 2008
St. David's Official Board Meeting
St. David's Official Board will meet November 23rd following the Worship service.
Book Study
The next Book Study is tentatively scheduled for February on Monday evenings. The book is titled "How Good Do I Have To Be?" by Harold Kushner and is available through Volume One book store at a cost of $14.95. Because the book has to be ordered there will be a three week delivery period.
St. Mark's Way's and Means Committee
Roast Beef Dinner
Friday, November 21
4:30 until 6 p.m.
Adults $10.00/Children under 10 $5.00
Take-out available
It would be greatly appreciated if members of the congregation would contribute towards the cost of the groceries. You may do so by placing your donation in a separate envelope with your name and envelope number and put it in the collection plate or give it to any member of the Ways and Means Committee. This donation will be receipted for tax purposes.
Sunday, 16 November 2008
Contact Cover, November, 2008
Front Cover Photo: Front Row, left to right:
Katharine Williams, Andrea Derbecker, Kristen Carlson, Kristian Garneau, Josué Goguen.
Back Row, left to right:
Kim Dinh (with helmet on) Paul Baines, Jenna Kessler, Lukas Vos, Meaghan Gruber, Justin black, Miriam Stein and Jessica Howison.
The Otesha Project
On September 19th to 21st a cycling group, part of an organization called the Otesha Project camped out in St. David’s Hall.
The group of 13 were cycling from Halifax to St. John’s Newfoundland. The Otesha Project consists of young adults who being a message of sustainability, social justice, environmental awareness and spirituality to people through dramatic or comedic presentations to schools, service clubs, church groups or anyone else who is interested.
The group put on a half hour presentation at St. David’s on Sunday, September 21st which was well received by the congregation.
After three nights in sleeping bags on the floor of the hall and making their own meals, they departed on Monday morning, leaving the hall spic and span (even washing the floor) and left notes of thanks for the hospitality.
On each note was written, along with their words of thanks, this message; We are the change we want to see in the world. Cycling from Halifax to St. John’s, we inspire a positive message about sustainability. We can live in harmony with the earth and with each other.
The Otesha Project is a registered charity and to learn more, we can go to www.otesha.ca.
Rev. Sheldon
Contact Page 1
This newsmagazine is published for distribution in December and June for the congregations of St. Mark’s United Church, Port Hawkesbury and St. David’s United Church, Port Hastings.
St. Mark’s Telephone (Minister’s Office): 625-2229
Fax: 625-3597
St. Mark’s E-mail: stmarks1@eastlink.ca
St. David’s Telephone: 625-2178
Camille Chapman, Editor: Telephone: 787-2610
E-mail for Contact: crchapman@ns.sympatico.ca
Blog Address: http://ourcontactonline.blogspot.com
Look at our Blog for a better picture of events at St. Mark’s & St. David’s.
St. Mark’s Telephone (Minister’s Office): 625-2229
Fax: 625-3597
St. Mark’s E-mail: stmarks1@eastlink.ca
St. David’s Telephone: 625-2178
Camille Chapman, Editor: Telephone: 787-2610
E-mail for Contact: crchapman@ns.sympatico.ca
Blog Address: http://ourcontactonline.blogspot.com
Look at our Blog for a better picture of events at St. Mark’s & St. David’s.
Index
Page 1 Index, Editorial
Page 2 Minister’s Message
Page 3 ICW Refugee Resettlement Project Port Hawkesbury Food Bank
Page 4 Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery
Right Rev. David Giuliano Visits Whycocomagh
Page 5 Choir Notes
Summer Services
Page 6 Iceland Meets Cape Breton
St. Mark’s 44th Anniversary
Page 7 A Quilting Legacy
Page 8 St. David’s 123rd Anniversary
Page 9 In Memoriam and Baptisms
Page 10 Marriages
Page 11 & 12 Our High School and Post Secondary Graduates
Page 13 We Will Remember Them
Page 14 St. Mark’s Congregational Board
St. David’s Official Board
St. Mark’s Mission & Outreach Committee
Page 15 St. Mark’s Worship & Pastoral Care
St. Mark’s Trustees & Finance
St. Mark’s Men’s Group
Page 16 Ten Thousand Villages Sale
Page 17 St. David’s Board of Stewards
St. Mark’s Helping Hands
St. David’s U.C.W.
St. Mark’s Ways & Means
Page 18 St. Mark’s Sunday School & Christian Education
St. David’s Sunday School
Page 19 St. David’s U.C.W. President
Page 1 Index, Editorial
Page 2 Minister’s Message
Page 3 ICW Refugee Resettlement Project Port Hawkesbury Food Bank
Page 4 Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery
Right Rev. David Giuliano Visits Whycocomagh
Page 5 Choir Notes
Summer Services
Page 6 Iceland Meets Cape Breton
St. Mark’s 44th Anniversary
Page 7 A Quilting Legacy
Page 8 St. David’s 123rd Anniversary
Page 9 In Memoriam and Baptisms
Page 10 Marriages
Page 11 & 12 Our High School and Post Secondary Graduates
Page 13 We Will Remember Them
Page 14 St. Mark’s Congregational Board
St. David’s Official Board
St. Mark’s Mission & Outreach Committee
Page 15 St. Mark’s Worship & Pastoral Care
St. Mark’s Trustees & Finance
St. Mark’s Men’s Group
Page 16 Ten Thousand Villages Sale
Page 17 St. David’s Board of Stewards
St. Mark’s Helping Hands
St. David’s U.C.W.
St. Mark’s Ways & Means
Page 18 St. Mark’s Sunday School & Christian Education
St. David’s Sunday School
Page 19 St. David’s U.C.W. President
The Editor
You should be receiving this issue of the Contact on the first Sunday of Advent. Tonight at 7 p.m., St. Mark’s children and youth with the help of Al and the choir will again be having a Hanging of the Greens service. This is a wonderful way to start the Christmas season. Hope to see many of you there.
Between publication of this issue and distribution, St. Mark’s will have held a Roast Beef Dinner and the annual Bazaar and Bake Sale. All these events help to keep the church in good financial shape, but more importantly, it brings the congregation together to work for a common cause creating a feeling of comradeship.
The photos in this issue seem to be fewer, but if you go to our Blog, you will see everything that has happened in both churches with many photos in living colour. Thanks to everyone who has made a contribution to the Contact and our online church family album - especially Yvonne Fox, Jim McLean, Arnie MacLean and Ian MacKinnon.
Our national church is now on youtube. Check it out at: http://ca.youtube.com/unitedchurchofcanada
Camille Chapman
Contact Page 2
Minister's MessageChristine and I have been here a little more than a year now and things seem to be going really well in both pastoral charges. You’ve heard me say it before but I’ll say it again; I’m really impressed at how smoothly things work and how people accept their responsibilities within the churches.
Advent will soon be upon us and the Christmas season. It’s a time to reflect on the meaning of Christ in our lives. What meaning do we see in the birth of a baby? Who will he or she be? What gifts and talents will they develop? How will they affect others around them and within their community? Will they realize their potential? Mary and Joseph may have asked themselves these questions as they tickled Jesus’ toes or changed his diapers.
What about the story of the Magi? Who were they? They weren’t Jewish. They were gentiles. Is their visit to the holy family an indication that non-Jewish people would be drawn to Jesus’ message and that tribal barriers would be crossed as God seeks to bring understanding to the world?
What about the shepherds and the kings and the angels? Surely the gift of Christ is for everyone, rich, poor or even other worldly. Because the spiritual gifts he taught are just that - spiritual gifts, and we are all joined by one spirit.
I know the coming season will be hectic, but when the gifts are bought and wrapped, the trees are trimmed and the lights put up, take time to reflect on the enlightenment that Jesus teaches us. The metaphor of the star shining over the manger is to indicate the heightened understanding we gain when we accept God’s guidance in our lives.
The first book study has been completed. It was four weeks rather than five due to my need to have some more tests in the big city.
There were about a dozen in the group as we looked at “Jesus For The Non-Religious” by Episcopalian Bishop John Shelby Spong.
I am, once again, impressed by the level of conversation that took place and the openness that people expressed within the group.
The book provided an avenue whereby we could express our ideas and opinions and provided an opportunity to get to know one another better. It was thought-provoking and the whole idea behind book discussions is to encourage those taking part to think about their faith.
In January or February we will be looking at Harold Kushner’s book, How Good Do I Have to Be. This book is not as large as Spong’s but contains much wisdom. Kushner is a rabbi who draws on his thirty years of experience with congregations and he’s the same gentleman who wrote When Bad Things Happen To Good People. I checked with Volume One book store in the mall and it is available at $14.95 per copy and will take about three weeks for delivery so for those members of the group and those interested, here’s a heads up. Maybe you could drop a hint for a possible stocking stuffer.
Christine and I look forward to celebrating our second Christmas with you, though we are saddened that there are some that we won’t be seeing again. Ministry is perplexing at times. On any given day I can be with someone who is dying while an hour later I can be with a couple who are celebrating their relationship and between the sorrow and the joy there is always the work that needs to be done. Life goes on.
Thank you for the cards expressing your concern for me as I went to Halifax for my tests. And Christine thanks you for the expressions of concern for her brother, Grayson who recently suffered a stroke.
We’ll soon be entering a new year. Let’s remember to awaken every morning of that year and speak or write down at least five blessings. And always remember to TELL the one you love that you love them.
To you, with Christ’s joy and peace;
Advent will soon be upon us and the Christmas season. It’s a time to reflect on the meaning of Christ in our lives. What meaning do we see in the birth of a baby? Who will he or she be? What gifts and talents will they develop? How will they affect others around them and within their community? Will they realize their potential? Mary and Joseph may have asked themselves these questions as they tickled Jesus’ toes or changed his diapers.
What about the story of the Magi? Who were they? They weren’t Jewish. They were gentiles. Is their visit to the holy family an indication that non-Jewish people would be drawn to Jesus’ message and that tribal barriers would be crossed as God seeks to bring understanding to the world?
What about the shepherds and the kings and the angels? Surely the gift of Christ is for everyone, rich, poor or even other worldly. Because the spiritual gifts he taught are just that - spiritual gifts, and we are all joined by one spirit.
I know the coming season will be hectic, but when the gifts are bought and wrapped, the trees are trimmed and the lights put up, take time to reflect on the enlightenment that Jesus teaches us. The metaphor of the star shining over the manger is to indicate the heightened understanding we gain when we accept God’s guidance in our lives.
The first book study has been completed. It was four weeks rather than five due to my need to have some more tests in the big city.
There were about a dozen in the group as we looked at “Jesus For The Non-Religious” by Episcopalian Bishop John Shelby Spong.
I am, once again, impressed by the level of conversation that took place and the openness that people expressed within the group.
The book provided an avenue whereby we could express our ideas and opinions and provided an opportunity to get to know one another better. It was thought-provoking and the whole idea behind book discussions is to encourage those taking part to think about their faith.
In January or February we will be looking at Harold Kushner’s book, How Good Do I Have to Be. This book is not as large as Spong’s but contains much wisdom. Kushner is a rabbi who draws on his thirty years of experience with congregations and he’s the same gentleman who wrote When Bad Things Happen To Good People. I checked with Volume One book store in the mall and it is available at $14.95 per copy and will take about three weeks for delivery so for those members of the group and those interested, here’s a heads up. Maybe you could drop a hint for a possible stocking stuffer.
Christine and I look forward to celebrating our second Christmas with you, though we are saddened that there are some that we won’t be seeing again. Ministry is perplexing at times. On any given day I can be with someone who is dying while an hour later I can be with a couple who are celebrating their relationship and between the sorrow and the joy there is always the work that needs to be done. Life goes on.
Thank you for the cards expressing your concern for me as I went to Halifax for my tests. And Christine thanks you for the expressions of concern for her brother, Grayson who recently suffered a stroke.
We’ll soon be entering a new year. Let’s remember to awaken every morning of that year and speak or write down at least five blessings. And always remember to TELL the one you love that you love them.
To you, with Christ’s joy and peace;
Rev. Sheldon
Contact Page 3
Inverness County Welcomes Refugees Resettlement Project
Donald finished his Marine Geomatics course at the Lawrencetown Campus of the NSCC and graduated in June. He accepted employment with the Canadian Hydrographic Service, Central Arctic Region and moved to Burlington, Ontario. We are able to keep in touch with him through Alexander Chapman, (my son) who lives in Burlington. Through his connection, people from Wellington Square United Church in Burlington helped Donald and Christiana to furnish their apartment and greeted them when they arrived.
Donald received news of his brother’s death in England shortly after he arrived in Burlington. A few days after this, he started his first visit to the Arctic, which lasted six weeks. Things are getting back to normal now, and they appear to be settling in well.
While Donald was up North, Christiana took the GO train to Toronto to see a fellow employee of Alexander’s who is originally from Ghana. He gave her the grand tour of shops where she can purchase foods from home that she and Donald have been missing since their arrival in Canada. This visit also gave her the occasion to appreciate the support their family received in Port Hood, and even in Lawrencetown for their first 20 months in Canada. Now, Wellington Square United Church in Burlington has taken up the baton from us.
The committee is considering the sponsorship of another refugee family in the future, but want to be certain that the Kalleys are truly “flying on their own”. We still have some money in the bank, which will give us a start toward supporting a new family.
Donald finished his Marine Geomatics course at the Lawrencetown Campus of the NSCC and graduated in June. He accepted employment with the Canadian Hydrographic Service, Central Arctic Region and moved to Burlington, Ontario. We are able to keep in touch with him through Alexander Chapman, (my son) who lives in Burlington. Through his connection, people from Wellington Square United Church in Burlington helped Donald and Christiana to furnish their apartment and greeted them when they arrived.
Donald received news of his brother’s death in England shortly after he arrived in Burlington. A few days after this, he started his first visit to the Arctic, which lasted six weeks. Things are getting back to normal now, and they appear to be settling in well.
While Donald was up North, Christiana took the GO train to Toronto to see a fellow employee of Alexander’s who is originally from Ghana. He gave her the grand tour of shops where she can purchase foods from home that she and Donald have been missing since their arrival in Canada. This visit also gave her the occasion to appreciate the support their family received in Port Hood, and even in Lawrencetown for their first 20 months in Canada. Now, Wellington Square United Church in Burlington has taken up the baton from us.
The committee is considering the sponsorship of another refugee family in the future, but want to be certain that the Kalleys are truly “flying on their own”. We still have some money in the bank, which will give us a start toward supporting a new family.
Dave Chapman
Port Hawkesbury Food Bank
With some Food Banks in the province struggling to obtain enough food supply to meet their needs the Port Hawkesbury Food Bank is most fortunate to be able meet our needs this fall. This is made possible by the great support that comes from people who contribute so generously at St. Mark’s and St.David’s Churches as well as other churches in the area. Support also comes from many other sources throughout the surrounding communities. Recently the Food Bank began to get donations of bread and sweets from Sobey’s store every week. The Atlantic Superstore also continues their weekly donation of bread and sweets. These donations reduce the need to purchase as much bread as before.
The number of households served remains at approximately thirty per week which is a few less than this time last year.
Over the past few months several new volunteers have joined the group at the Food Bank. We welcome them, their input, their energy and dedication.
At the last Board of Directors meeting, the need to fill vacancies on the Board was noted. These vacancies occurred due to a resignation and to the death of Jean MacKeigan. Jean was a Board Member for almost fifteen years and she was a very valuable and dedicated volunteer for as many years. A Memorial plaque will be placed in the Food Bank office in Jean’s memory.
Planning is now underway for the Christmas Season. As has been the practice in the past, the Food Bank will open for extra hours duriing the week of Christmas. This year the Food Bank will open Monday, December 22nd from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., but will not open again until the first Tuesday after the New Year.
There is still a need for plastic grocery bags and glass bottles (1-1/2 cup size, no larger) These are sterilized and used for cooking oil etc.
Sincere thanks to all who volunteer and help in any way to keep things in order, running smoothly and especially to all who donate to the Food Bank.
With some Food Banks in the province struggling to obtain enough food supply to meet their needs the Port Hawkesbury Food Bank is most fortunate to be able meet our needs this fall. This is made possible by the great support that comes from people who contribute so generously at St. Mark’s and St.David’s Churches as well as other churches in the area. Support also comes from many other sources throughout the surrounding communities. Recently the Food Bank began to get donations of bread and sweets from Sobey’s store every week. The Atlantic Superstore also continues their weekly donation of bread and sweets. These donations reduce the need to purchase as much bread as before.
The number of households served remains at approximately thirty per week which is a few less than this time last year.
Over the past few months several new volunteers have joined the group at the Food Bank. We welcome them, their input, their energy and dedication.
At the last Board of Directors meeting, the need to fill vacancies on the Board was noted. These vacancies occurred due to a resignation and to the death of Jean MacKeigan. Jean was a Board Member for almost fifteen years and she was a very valuable and dedicated volunteer for as many years. A Memorial plaque will be placed in the Food Bank office in Jean’s memory.
Planning is now underway for the Christmas Season. As has been the practice in the past, the Food Bank will open for extra hours duriing the week of Christmas. This year the Food Bank will open Monday, December 22nd from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., but will not open again until the first Tuesday after the New Year.
There is still a need for plastic grocery bags and glass bottles (1-1/2 cup size, no larger) These are sterilized and used for cooking oil etc.
Sincere thanks to all who volunteer and help in any way to keep things in order, running smoothly and especially to all who donate to the Food Bank.
Annabel Butts
Right Rev. David Giuliano Visited Whycocomagh
David initiated a fun-filled but chaotic opening exercise to loosen people up by having the group form a circle (as best we could) and toss soft hackey-sac balls back and forth. The players were numbered and a player with one number had to toss the ball across the circle to a player of another number. We had to remember our numbers. It may seem easy except as we were doing it, more and more balls were added to the circle and people’s aims weren’t always accurate. It was great fun and good exercise.
Following that, we actually got down to some serious work -with play-dough. Five groups were formed at five tables and each table had a large ball of play-dough. Our challenge was to take a portion of play-dough and illustrate by sculpting or modeling what “church” meant to us personally.
Some of us chose to act as individuals and express our own concepts of “church”. Some made interesting doves of peace while others made crosses or models of human brains (without the skulls) to indicate open minds. Others acted as groups and constructed church buildings with people and open doors indicating a welcome to all who choose to enter. Others formed the Eucharist with baskets of bread and a cup to symbolize the wine. One table sculpted the “tree of life”. The idea, of course was to get people thinking about the meaning of “church” by not only coming up with their own ideas but by looking at other people’s ideas.
It’s always more enjoyable to share ideas when we can have fun doing it.
For the third exercise, David asked us about such things as “spirituality” “cooperation” “room for improvement,” “outreach” and all of the components that make up “church”. As he named each characteristic, each of us was encouraged to take a place in an imaginary line stretching from one end of the auditorium to the other to represent our congregation. One end represented how lacking we were while the other end represented how well we felt we were doing.
Finally we were asked to think about where we felt the church was headed and how it would get there and we were to illustrate our plan by drawing it. Needless to say there were many and varied displays of artwork.
The workshop ended with a round of singing from “More Voices.”
The United Church moderator, David Giuliano conducted a workshop at Cameron Hall in Whycocomagh on September 15th. About 25 people attended ranging from young teens to seniors.
David initiated a fun-filled but chaotic opening exercise to loosen people up by having the group form a circle (as best we could) and toss soft hackey-sac balls back and forth. The players were numbered and a player with one number had to toss the ball across the circle to a player of another number. We had to remember our numbers. It may seem easy except as we were doing it, more and more balls were added to the circle and people’s aims weren’t always accurate. It was great fun and good exercise.
Following that, we actually got down to some serious work -with play-dough. Five groups were formed at five tables and each table had a large ball of play-dough. Our challenge was to take a portion of play-dough and illustrate by sculpting or modeling what “church” meant to us personally.
Some of us chose to act as individuals and express our own concepts of “church”. Some made interesting doves of peace while others made crosses or models of human brains (without the skulls) to indicate open minds. Others acted as groups and constructed church buildings with people and open doors indicating a welcome to all who choose to enter. Others formed the Eucharist with baskets of bread and a cup to symbolize the wine. One table sculpted the “tree of life”. The idea, of course was to get people thinking about the meaning of “church” by not only coming up with their own ideas but by looking at other people’s ideas.
It’s always more enjoyable to share ideas when we can have fun doing it.
For the third exercise, David asked us about such things as “spirituality” “cooperation” “room for improvement,” “outreach” and all of the components that make up “church”. As he named each characteristic, each of us was encouraged to take a place in an imaginary line stretching from one end of the auditorium to the other to represent our congregation. One end represented how lacking we were while the other end represented how well we felt we were doing.
Finally we were asked to think about where we felt the church was headed and how it would get there and we were to illustrate our plan by drawing it. Needless to say there were many and varied displays of artwork.
The workshop ended with a round of singing from “More Voices.”
Rev. Sheldon & Christine LeGrow
Contact Page 4
Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery
The September meeting was held at Alexander Grant United Church, East Lake Ainslie. An interesting report of the activities of the pastoral charge was given by Cathy MacLean. The treasurer, Dave Chapman, reported that $1,000.00 had been sent to Tatatmagouche Centre. This completes our commitment of $500.00 per year for three years to assist with renovations at the Centre.
The Moderator, Rev. David Giuliano, visited our Presbytery on September 15th. There were two sessions (afternoon and evening) held at Cameron Hall, Whycocomagh and both were well attended.
On October 19th, a covenanting service was held at West Bay United for E. Wayne Yorke, DLM. There was a good representation of Presbytery members and members of West Bay Pastoral Charge.
The October meeting was at Wesley United, Guysborough. The Rev. Heather Manuel requested that anyone interested in, or knowing of anyone interested in assisting with Intermediates at Conference at the Annual Meeting in May 2009 to please contact her. Heather can be reached at 902-533-3711 (office), 902-533-3737 (manse) or by e-mail at hdmanuel@hotmail.com.
The November meeting will be at St. Stephen’s United, Port Hood on the 18th, a week later than usual due to Remembrance Day.
Meetings for the next few months are: January 27th at West Bay; March 10th at Baddeck (these are day meetings beginning at 10 a.m.) April 14th - Mulgrave; June 2 nd- Margaree Centre (these are evening meetings beginning with dinner at 5 p.m.). Anyone is welcome to attend these meetings.
The September meeting was held at Alexander Grant United Church, East Lake Ainslie. An interesting report of the activities of the pastoral charge was given by Cathy MacLean. The treasurer, Dave Chapman, reported that $1,000.00 had been sent to Tatatmagouche Centre. This completes our commitment of $500.00 per year for three years to assist with renovations at the Centre.
The Moderator, Rev. David Giuliano, visited our Presbytery on September 15th. There were two sessions (afternoon and evening) held at Cameron Hall, Whycocomagh and both were well attended.
On October 19th, a covenanting service was held at West Bay United for E. Wayne Yorke, DLM. There was a good representation of Presbytery members and members of West Bay Pastoral Charge.
The October meeting was at Wesley United, Guysborough. The Rev. Heather Manuel requested that anyone interested in, or knowing of anyone interested in assisting with Intermediates at Conference at the Annual Meeting in May 2009 to please contact her. Heather can be reached at 902-533-3711 (office), 902-533-3737 (manse) or by e-mail at hdmanuel@hotmail.com.
The November meeting will be at St. Stephen’s United, Port Hood on the 18th, a week later than usual due to Remembrance Day.
Meetings for the next few months are: January 27th at West Bay; March 10th at Baddeck (these are day meetings beginning at 10 a.m.) April 14th - Mulgrave; June 2 nd- Margaree Centre (these are evening meetings beginning with dinner at 5 p.m.). Anyone is welcome to attend these meetings.
Maxine Smith
Contact Page 5
Choir Notes
For St. Mark’s Anniversary in June and St. David’s Anniversary in October we sang an arrangement of ‘Bless this House’. When it came together, it sounded so good that we did it a cappella.
On July 13th, we conducted the service at St. David’s. Even though it was in the middle of summer, most of the choir members participated and the service was appreciated.
Emma Barss has graduated and gone to university, leaving a gap in our numbers. We miss Emma’s contribution and wish her well.
For the Remembrance Day service on November 9th, we sang ‘In Flanders Fields’. Al could not find suitable music, so he wrote a magnificent version himself! We tried hard to do it justice!
Thanks to Barb MacIntyre for researching the purchase of new choir gowns. The congregation approved the purchase from the Memorial Fund on November 9th, so we may have the new burgundy gowns in time for Christmas. St. David’s is considering ordering new gowns at the same time. If they do so, a choir director’s gown will be included at no extra charge. The total cost for St. Mark’s gowns will be in the range of $2600-$3000. The Iceland Meets Cape Breton Concert in June raised about $1,600 for this purpose, but was deposited in the General Fund, so the net cost to St. Mark’s will be around $1,000-$1,400.
On July 13th, we conducted the service at St. David’s. Even though it was in the middle of summer, most of the choir members participated and the service was appreciated.
Emma Barss has graduated and gone to university, leaving a gap in our numbers. We miss Emma’s contribution and wish her well.
For the Remembrance Day service on November 9th, we sang ‘In Flanders Fields’. Al could not find suitable music, so he wrote a magnificent version himself! We tried hard to do it justice!
Dave Chapman
Contact Page 6
Iceland Meets Cape Breton
There was no hesitation on the part of all choir members to work on the committee to host a concert with Al and Thor Kristinsson. Barb MacIntyre and Lorna MacRury acted as co-chairpersons and plans began enthusiastically. The choir sold tickets and provided the cheesecakes. St. Mark’s and West Bay Pastoral Charge churches shared the responsibilities and funds. Money raised was for the purchase of choir gowns for St. Mark’s.
Tickets were sold out before they were printed. Everyone knew this was going to be a spectacular evening of music and indeed it was! Thor’s career as a performer and songwriter was very much appreciated. (He has since released his first original solo album.) Thor was accompanied by Al Fougere, whose many musical talents are known and appreciated in our community.
The community sponsors: Ivan Mackenzie, The Law Firm of Evans, Mac Isaac, Mac Millan and Tri-Mac Toyota provided the start-up funds for this spectacular evening and friends gathered from around Cape Breton and Iceland. The great coverage for this event by 101.5 the Hawk gave all in the area a preview of the evening’s music.
The church and hall were beautifully decorated for the occasion and the evening ended with luscious sweets served to over 350 persons. The concert raised $3,200.00. This amount was divided between St.Mark’s and the West Bay Pastoral Charge. Our $1,600.00 for new gowns was put into the General Fund to help defray the summer debt. On November 9th, the congregation approved the withdrawal of the money from the Memorial Fund to purchase the gowns.
Special thanks to Al and Thor for giving our community their time and talents so generously for this delightful evening.
There was no hesitation on the part of all choir members to work on the committee to host a concert with Al and Thor Kristinsson. Barb MacIntyre and Lorna MacRury acted as co-chairpersons and plans began enthusiastically. The choir sold tickets and provided the cheesecakes. St. Mark’s and West Bay Pastoral Charge churches shared the responsibilities and funds. Money raised was for the purchase of choir gowns for St. Mark’s.
Tickets were sold out before they were printed. Everyone knew this was going to be a spectacular evening of music and indeed it was! Thor’s career as a performer and songwriter was very much appreciated. (He has since released his first original solo album.) Thor was accompanied by Al Fougere, whose many musical talents are known and appreciated in our community.
The community sponsors: Ivan Mackenzie, The Law Firm of Evans, Mac Isaac, Mac Millan and Tri-Mac Toyota provided the start-up funds for this spectacular evening and friends gathered from around Cape Breton and Iceland. The great coverage for this event by 101.5 the Hawk gave all in the area a preview of the evening’s music.
The church and hall were beautifully decorated for the occasion and the evening ended with luscious sweets served to over 350 persons. The concert raised $3,200.00. This amount was divided between St.Mark’s and the West Bay Pastoral Charge. Our $1,600.00 for new gowns was put into the General Fund to help defray the summer debt. On November 9th, the congregation approved the withdrawal of the money from the Memorial Fund to purchase the gowns.
Special thanks to Al and Thor for giving our community their time and talents so generously for this delightful evening.
Barb MacIntyre
To see photos of this event go to the Blog posting June 22, 2008.
Contact Page 7
A Quilting Legacy
Once again, the quilters in Inverness County, gathered at the Causeway to celebrate the legacy of quilting on Cape Breton Island. This was the 3rd celebration in St. David’s church and one of our most successful. With Love and extraordinary beautiful quilts filling the church the tourists arrived to see the hundreds of quilts and enjoy the history of the church. The Tea Thyme Quilters of the Strait area hosted the show and provided biscuits and tea during the week. Quilts were quilted in the hall and all were invited to join in being part of the Blankets of Love. All quilters are members of the Ocean Waves Quilting Society of Cape Breton and quilts made by the quilters are Gifts of Love to the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.
The ladies of the church met the visitors at the door to pass out information about their church and the men held a barbecue each day at noon. The very beautiful United Church Heritage quilt and the Cape Breton Heritage quilt were one of the highlights of the show. The quilters also had a sale of quilted items in the hall. The funds raised by the quilters are used to conduct workshops with internationally know quilters from across North America.
We continue to celebrate “the legacy of quilting”, started during the Celebration of the Canso Causeway’s 50th Anniversary, with great enthusiasm and joy. We are delighted to be able to promote our Society of Quilters during this one week in August and we thank the congregation of St. David’s church for helping us to celebrate.
May we enjoy each year as we celebrate our heritage.
Once again, the quilters in Inverness County, gathered at the Causeway to celebrate the legacy of quilting on Cape Breton Island. This was the 3rd celebration in St. David’s church and one of our most successful. With Love and extraordinary beautiful quilts filling the church the tourists arrived to see the hundreds of quilts and enjoy the history of the church. The Tea Thyme Quilters of the Strait area hosted the show and provided biscuits and tea during the week. Quilts were quilted in the hall and all were invited to join in being part of the Blankets of Love. All quilters are members of the Ocean Waves Quilting Society of Cape Breton and quilts made by the quilters are Gifts of Love to the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.
The ladies of the church met the visitors at the door to pass out information about their church and the men held a barbecue each day at noon. The very beautiful United Church Heritage quilt and the Cape Breton Heritage quilt were one of the highlights of the show. The quilters also had a sale of quilted items in the hall. The funds raised by the quilters are used to conduct workshops with internationally know quilters from across North America.
We continue to celebrate “the legacy of quilting”, started during the Celebration of the Canso Causeway’s 50th Anniversary, with great enthusiasm and joy. We are delighted to be able to promote our Society of Quilters during this one week in August and we thank the congregation of St. David’s church for helping us to celebrate.
May we enjoy each year as we celebrate our heritage.
Barb MacIntyre
See August 13th Blog posting for photos of this event.
Contact Page 8
St. David‘s 123rd Anniversary
The guest speaker this year was Tina Bernard from Waycobagh. Tina has a BA in Sociology/Anthropology and also has conflict transformation and program development training. She coordinates the Peace and Friendship Project which is a partnership project of Tatamagouche Centre and Mennonite Central Committee in association with Aboriginal Rights Coalition - Atlantic and the Task Group on Aboriginal Relationships and Concerns of Maritime Conference, United Church of Canada.
Tina has an eclectic approach to spiritual matters and is deeply committed to the realization of healing for her Mi’maq people. Having trained and worked in the field of healing family violence from an Aboriginal perspective, she carries a deep belief in “walking one’s talk” and living in balance: spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically.
She told us how impressed she had been to learn that the United Church of Canada had issued an apology about the issue of the Indian Residential Schools almost twenty years ago.
Special thanks to our choir director and organist, Al Fougere and the contribution of the combined choirs. A lovely potluck dinner followed the service.
Rev. Sheldon LeGrow conducted the service on October 19th for the 123rd anniversary of the official opening of St. David’s Church. Although this was the fourth one built by the Presbyterians in the Strait of Canso area, the first recorded Presbyterian church service was held in 1818 in Askilton at Adam MacPherson’s in an out building. Nine years later, two ministers visiting from Belfast, PEI and from Pictou County arranged for the establishment of a pastoral charge made up of Port Hastings and River Inhabitants consisting of ninety Presbyterian families.
The guest speaker this year was Tina Bernard from Waycobagh. Tina has a BA in Sociology/Anthropology and also has conflict transformation and program development training. She coordinates the Peace and Friendship Project which is a partnership project of Tatamagouche Centre and Mennonite Central Committee in association with Aboriginal Rights Coalition - Atlantic and the Task Group on Aboriginal Relationships and Concerns of Maritime Conference, United Church of Canada.
Tina has an eclectic approach to spiritual matters and is deeply committed to the realization of healing for her Mi’maq people. Having trained and worked in the field of healing family violence from an Aboriginal perspective, she carries a deep belief in “walking one’s talk” and living in balance: spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically.
She told us how impressed she had been to learn that the United Church of Canada had issued an apology about the issue of the Indian Residential Schools almost twenty years ago.
Special thanks to our choir director and organist, Al Fougere and the contribution of the combined choirs. A lovely potluck dinner followed the service.
Yvonne Fox
Photos of this event were posted on October 19, 2008.
David Berkley Lamey
February 23, 1948 - May 28, 2005
Daisy Violet Lamey
December 23, 2007
Reeta Lilliam (Langley) Praamsma
March 7, 2008 (Burial Only)
Kimberly Lynn Embreee
March 12, 1976 - June 22, 2008
Jean Bennett MacGregor MacKeigan
December 9, 1928 - July 19, 2008
Amelia Jane (Millie) Barrie
October 4, 1922 - July 22, 2008
John Edward Johnston Sr.
June 6, 1952 - September 29, 2008
Contact Pages 11 & 12
Celebrating Our High School Graduates
See Blog posting "St. Mark's Service June 22nd Honouring Our Graduates" for more grad photos.
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