NEW YEAR'S DAY HYMNS

2nd Sunday of Christmas
New Year's Day
January 1st, 2012

St. David's United Church

11:00 p.m.

Candlelighting Hymn May You Find Peace (printed)
O Come, All Ye Faithful VU60
Psalm 8 (a paraphrase)
Refrain from the hymn “Many and Great, O God Are Your Works” VU308 which is a musical paraphrase of Psalm 8.
All: (sung) Many and great, O God, are your works,
Maker of earth and sky.
All Beautiful the March of Days VU530

I See a New Heaven VU713
Offering Song verse 4, VU55
What can I give him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
if I were a wise man, I would do my part;
yet what I can I give him - give my heart.
Once in Royal David’s City VU62

YOUTH STUDY TOUR-Canadian Foodgrains Bank

Canadian Foodgrains Bank-

Youth Study Tour

(This is also posted on the Notice Board at http://www.marconf.ca/notices.php)

Here's a great opportunity for

United Church youth and young adults.

Partial funding support is available, coordinated by the Partners In Mission Unit in the General Council office.

Amy Crawford,

Program Minister Children and Youth

The United Church of Canada

3250 Bloor Street West, Ste. 300

Toronto, ON M8X 2Y4

There is an upcoming Youth Study Tour to Nicaragua in May for young adults (ages 18-25). The tour is open to any young adult who wishes to participate.

While in Nicaragua we will visit some projects and also learn about the larger context in which the projects operate. We will explore various issues dealing with food, farming and agricultural production in Nicaragua. There will also be a homestay (2-3 nights) and a chance to meet with Nicaraguan youth. Ultimately, I hope that the participants will come back inspired to start/continue working for a more just world through Foodgrains Bank and its members. The website states that the cost is $3,000 but there are a few possibilities to help lower the cost per participant.

All pertinent information can be found on our CFGB website:

http://www.foodgrainsbank.ca/upcoming_food_study_tours.aspx.

If interested, speak to Nan about information and financial support.

CHRISTMAS MORNING HYMNS

CHRISTMAS MORNING WORSHIP
9:30 a.m. ST. MARK'S
Service of carols and readings followed by potluck breakfast
Bring along your favourite breakfast food to share;
beverages and toast provided.

Candlelighting Hymn May You Find Peace (printed)
Angels From the Realms of Glory VU36
Good Christian Friends Rejoice VU35
Away in a Manger VU69
While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks VU75
What Child is This? VU74
Offering Song/Prayer (tune Old 100th)
Praise God with songs that never cease
Praise God who fills the earth with peace
Praise God for love and joy within
the Holy Child is born again.
Go Tell It on the Mountain VU43

HYMNS CHRISTMAS EVE 2011

CHRISTMAS EVE--ALL AGES WORSHIP
"The Gifts of Christmas"--Scripture, Symbol and Song
The Sacrament of Communion
6:30 p.m. ST. MARK'S, PORT HAWKESBURY
8:00 p.m. ST. DAVID'S, PORT HASTINGS

Introit Joy to the World (verse 1) VU59
O Little Town of Bethlehem VU64
Away in a Manger VU69
Choir A Carol of Hope
Silent Night VU67
Offering Song VU544
Communion Gloria VU37
Distribution Hymn O Holy Night (printed)
Joy to the World VU59

ST. DAVID'S DECEMBER 18TH

On December 18th, Jean Pierce was happy to greet Ruth Carruthers of New Brunswick, pictured here with daughter Helen Ryan.

ANNOUNCEMENTS DECEMBER 18TH, 2011 ADVENT 4

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

Copies of the “UPPER ROOM” for Nov.-Dec. are available.

Looking for a “symbol” for Christmas Eve worship: Do you have a world “globe” that Nan could borrow? Also in search of floor shuffleboard cues and disks that we might use during the winter months in St. Mark’s hall. Please speak to Nan if you can help.

Seasons of the Spirit encourages setting up a Contemplative Corner for prayer during Advent and Christmas. There is a space at the back of the balcony at St. Mark’s to gather for quiet prayer on Tuesday December 20th at 9:30 a.m. Everyone welcome. Nan is at St. David’s Wednesday mornings from 9:00 to 12:00. Drop by for a coffee.

41st General Council Youth Forum

General Council 2012 Youth Forum will be held in Ottawa, ON August 11-18, 2012, with the theme Seeking Justice, Loving Kindness, and Walking Humbly. The Youth Forum program will gather over 90 youth from each Presbytery/District in the United Church of Canada. Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery is now seeking interested youth who will be 15 to 20 years of age as of August 11, 2012 . The deadline for application is February 1, 2012. One Youth Forum delegate and one alternate will be selected from applicants. Please let young people know of this opportunity. Application forms are available in the pastoral charge office—speak to Nan for information and forms.

Introducing Gifts with Vision: A United Church Christmas Giving Catalogue

Now available online http://www.giftswithvision.ca/ Here's your chance to browse, consider, and choose gifts that are helping to create a better world. The gifts that you will find in the catalogue are visionary: they don't just sit on a shelf-they improve people's lives! Give one of these gifts and you provide food and shelter, improve health, promote peace and justice, and empower communities. The Gifts with Vision catalogue supports the work of Mission and Service partners in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and right here in Canada. Contributions create healthy places to live, promote justice, provide social services, and enliven worship. Through the Gifts with Vision catalogue, you can do something extra for Mission and Service national and global partners and support their work by making a gift in honour of friends or family to specific partner activities.

Interested in being baptized or affirming your faith as you join the congregation of St. Mark’s or St. David’s. Speak to Nan. Next opportunity for Baptism, transfer of membership and adult affirmation of faith will be Baptism of Jesus Sunday, January 8th.

Advent & Christmas Worship Services:

Dec. 21st – Longest Night Candlelight Service 6:30 p.m. at St. Mark’s

Dec. 24th Christmas Eve Service

6:30 p.m. – Service at St. Mark’s with Communion

8:00 p.m. – Service at St. David’s with Communion

Dec. 25th – Christmas Day Service; 9:30 am.. Combined Worship at St. Mark’s with Potluck Breakfast

Jan. 1st – New Year’s Day 11:00 a.m. Combined Worship Service at St. David’s

ST. MARK’S SUNDAY SCHOOL

Youth Group – December 18th at 7:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Dec. 20th – Congregational Board Meeting.- 6:30 p.m. * Executive only

Members of St. Mark’s Congregation have formed a committee to compile a cookbook and we want your “tried and true” favorite recipes. If you want to share your recipes, please type them up and forward to Ruth MacRae at angus.macrae@sympatico.ca or write them up and put on the collection plate and I will type them up. We’re looking for recipes in all categories. This cookbook will be an excellent fundraiser for our church, so pass on your recipes. Any anecdotes re the origin of your recipe(s) or any other comments are most welcome.”

St. Mark's Worship and Pastoral Care Committee is establishing aPastoral Care Visitation Team, an informal group of laypeople who will extend pastoral care and a compassionate presence to members of our congregation. Interested in helping us provide this ministry, supported by our minister, Nan? Please call the Church Office or speak to any member of the Worship and Pastoral Care Committee.

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

St. David’s Hall Cleaners for December are Jean Hatcher and Marjorie Langford.

REMINDER: The Treasurer will close her books on December 31, 2011. Any donations received after date will be credited to 2012.

CONTEMPLATIVE CORNER

Seasons of the Spirit encourages establishing a Contemplative Corner for prayer during Advent and Christmas. A space at the back of the balcony at St. Mark’s to gather for quiet prayer has been set up. An art poster and guide for contemplation are provided each week as well as a daily scripture passage and short reflection. Nan has led a half hour time of prayer and silence on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. through Advent. (November 29th, December 6th, 13th and 20th 9:30 in the morning). Everyone welcome. Please go up to the balcony and have a look and spend some quiet time there. Nan is also at St. David’s Wednesday mornings from 9:00 to 12:00. Drop by for a coffee and conversation or to ask for Nan to join you in prayer.

APPRECIATION FOR NEW M & S STOLE HANGERS

Last week new Mission and Service Fund stole hangers were installed in both St. Mark's and St. David's sanctuaries. The appreciation of both pastoral charges goes out to Carl MacKichan who designed and crafted the hangers from wood recycled from a part wall removed from the choir area of St. Mark's. The hangers are "fish-shaped" (the fish a traditional Christian symbol) and hang on the railings near the pulpit or lay reader's lectern. The M & S stoles are intended to be worn by Minute for Mission readers each Sunday. The addition of these stole hangers allows the reader to pick up the stole on their way up to read. They also provide a space for the stoles to be visible to the congregations at all times; a reminder of our commitment to support the Mission and Service Fund and the important missions and ministries the M & S Fund enables in Canada and around the world.

Hanging of the Greens Service

Pictures are now posted on the blog of the Hanging of the Greens Service at St. Mark's. Please scroll down to November 24th.

HYMNS DECEMBER 18TH 2011 Advent 4

Introit Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus vs.4 VU 2

Candlelighting Hymn May You Find Peace (printed)

O Come, All Ye Faithful VU 60

Jesus Christ is Waiting VU117

To a Maid Whose Name Was Mary VU14

Angels We Have Heard on High VU 38

Offering In Gratitude and Humble Trust VU544

Responsive Luke 1:47-55 refrain 1 VU898

WHITE GIFT SUNDAY AT ST. DAVID'S DECEMBER 11, 2011

Maggie Reports about Camp-Children's Sunday November 20th, 2011

ANNOUNCEMENTS DECEMBER 11TH 2011

Please scroll down to Announcements of December 4th--many of these remain unchanged. Advent and Christmas worship services are listed there as well.

Sunday December 11th is "White Gift Sunday" at both St. Mark's and St. David's

Community Event--Christmas Carolling Sunday Dec. 11

"Come join the Community Christmas Carolling party on Sunday, December 11th.  Funds raised will be donated to Seasonal Services and other local needs.  Carollers gather at St. Mark's Church Hall at 4pm to warm up.  Door-to-door carolling occurs between 5-7pm.  Everyone is  welcome to gather at St. Marks at 7pm to have some refreshments, make a purchase at the bake sale and enjoy some more Christmas carolling. A Rotary Club of Port Hawkesbury community event."

HYMNS ADVENT 3 DECEMBER 11TH, 2011-St. David's

White Gift Worship Sunday School
Introit: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus vs. 3 VU 2
People Look East VU 9
Away in a Manger VU 69
The Virgin Mary had a Baby Boy VU 73
Go Tell it on the Mountain VU 43
Joy to the World VU 59

HYMNS ADVENT 3 DECEMBER 11TH, 2011-St. Mark's

Introit Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus - VU2 vs. 3
Candlelighting Hymn May You Find Peace (printed)
I Am the Light of the World - VU87
Psalm 126 Sow in tears; reap with joy - VU850
A Candle is Burning (vs. 1, 2, 3) - VU 6
She Comes Sailing on the Wind - VU380
Doxology - In Gratitude and Humble Trust - VU544
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You - VU232

HYMNS ADVENT 2 DECEMBER 4TH, 2011

Introit Joy Comes With the Dawn (unison-refrain only) - VU166
Candlelighting Hymn May You Find Peace (printed)
Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus - VU2 vs. 2
Psalm 85 (a paraphrase) Sung response
Love and faithfulness will (clap) come together;
justice and peace will be as one. (clap) (sung x3)
Words and music: Donald Schmidt. Copyright 1997 Woodlake Books
Go Tell It on the Mountain - VU43
All Earth is Waiting - VU5
Doxology - VU544
Let There Be Peace on Earth (printed)

ANNOUNCEMENTS, SUNDAY DECEMBER 4TH, 2011

ST. MARK'S & ST. DAVID'S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Seasons of the Spirit encourages setting up a Contemplative Corner for prayer during Advent and Christmas. There will be a space at the back of the balcony at St. Mark’s to gather for quiet prayer on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. through Advent. (November 29th, December 6th, 13th and 20th 9:30 in the morning) Everyone welcome. Nan is at St. David’s Wednesday mornings from 9:00 to 12:00. Drop by for a coffee.

41st General Council Youth Forum
General Council 2012 Youth Forum will be held in Ottawa, ON August 11-18, 2012, with the theme Seeking Justice, Loving Kindness, and Walking Humbly. The Youth Forum program will gather over 90 youth from each Presbytery/District in the United Church of Canada. Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery is now seeking interested youth who will be 15 to 20 years of age as of August 11, 2012 . The deadline for application is February 1, 2012. One Youth Forum delegate and one alternate will be selected from applicants. Please let young people know of this opportunity. Application forms are available in the pastoral charge office—speak to Nan for information and forms.

Introducing Gifts with Vision: A United Church Christmas Giving Catalogue
Now available online http://www.giftswithvision.ca/
Here's your chance to browse, consider, and choose gifts that are helping to create a better world. The gifts that you will find in the catalogue are visionary: they don't just sit on a shelf-they improve people's lives! Give one of these gifts and you provide food and shelter, improve health, promote peace and justice, and empower communities. The Gifts with Vision catalogue supports the work of Mission and Service partners in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and right here in Canada. Contributions create healthy places to live, promote justice, provide social services, and enliven worship. Through the Gifts with Vision catalogue, you can do something extra for Mission and Service national and global partners and support their work by making a gift in honour of friends or family to specific partner activities.

Worship Services:
December 11th – White Gift Services at St. Mark’s & St. David’s
Dec. 18th – Advent 4
Dec. 21st – Longest Night Candlelight Service 6:30 p.m. at St. Mark’s
Dec. 24th --Christmas Eve Service
6:30 p.m. – Service at St. Mark’s with Communion
8:00 p.m. – Service at St. David’s with Communion
Dec. 25th – Christmas Day Service: 9:30 am.. Combined Worship at St. Mark’s with Potluck Breakfast
Jan. 1st – New Year’s Day 11:00 a.m. Combined Worship Service at St. David’s

ST. MARK’S SUNDAY SCHOOL

Youth Group – For youth 10 and up on the first Sunday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Church Hall.

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

White Gift Service—Sunday December 11th The white offering envelopes in the bulletins this morning are to facilitate White Gift donations next Sunday, December 11th. Please make cheques payable to St. Mark’s United Church and place in the White Gift offering envelope. This year St. Mark’s will divide the White Gift offering between the Port Hawkesbury Food Bank and Port Hawkesbury Seasonal Services. Alternatively, you may wish to bring an offering of non-perishable food items for the Food Bank. Another option is support of the Mission and Service fund with an additional gift at Christmas. This year you can support Mission and Service national and global partners by making a gift in honour of friends or family to specific partner activities. (see other announcement re “Gifts with Vision”)

Dec. 20th – Congregational Board Meeting.- 6:30 p.m. * Executive only

Members of St. Mark’s Congregation have formed a committee to compile a cookbook and we want your “tried and true” favorite recipes. If you want to share your recipes, please type them up and forward to Ruth MacRae at angus.macrae@sympatico.ca or write them up and put on the collection plate and I will type them up. We’re looking for recipes in all categories. This cookbook will be an excellent fundraiser for our church, so pass on your recipes. Any anecdotes re the origin of your recipe(s) or any other comments are most welcome.”

St. Mark's Worship and Pastoral Care Committee is establishing a Pastoral Care Visitation Team, an informal group of laypeople who will extend pastoral care and a compassionate presence to members of our congregation. Interested in helping us provide this ministry, supported by our minister, Nan? Please call the Church Office or speak to any member of the Worship and Pastoral Care Committee.

The UC Observer reports on national and international issues of faith, justice, ethics, daily living and popular culture. Cost is $20/yr.Please use one of the envelopes in the narthex to subscribe or renew and place on the collection plate by Dec. 11. For more info contact Lorna Harvey.

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

St. David’s Hall Cleaners for December are Jean Hatcher and Marjorie Langford

41ST GENERAL COUNCIL YOUTH FORUM

General Council 2012 Youth Forum will be held in Ottawa, ON August 11-18, 2012,

with the theme Seeking Justice, Loving Kindness, and Walking Humbly.

The Youth Forum program will gather over 90 youth from each Presbytery/District in the United Church of Canada.Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery is now seeking interested youth who will be 15 to 20 years of age as of August 11, 2012 . The deadline for application is February 1, 2012. One Youth Forum delegate and one alternate will be selected from applicants. Please let young people know of this opportunity.

Application forms are available in the pastoral charge office—please speak to Nan for information and forms.

GIFTS WITH VISION

Introducing Gifts with Vision: A United Church Christmas Giving Catalogue

Now available online www.giftswithvision.ca

Here's your chance to browse, consider, and choose gifts that are helping to create a better world. The gifts that you will find here are visionary: they don't just sit on a shelf-they improve people's lives! Give one of these gifts and you provide food and shelter, improve health, promote peace and justice, and empower communities.

The projects have been chosen by our long-term partners in mission in Canada and around the world. Choose a Gift with Vision and join the United Church of Canada and its partners working near and far to make life better. Let your Christmas gift-giving improve someone's life by giving a Gift with Vision.

Make your gifts meaningful!

This year, purchase gifts that show your family and friends how much you care, gifts that make them feel great, gifts that help change the world.

In a world where many don’t have access to the basic elements of life, imagine the benefits possible from a gift of medicine and health care, a gift of clean water, a gift of schooling for children, a gift of seeds and tools to grow next year’s food, or a gift that provides programming and support.

The United Church of Canada launched the Extra Measures program in summer 2011 as an opportunity for congregations, groups, and committees to connect with and support the work of Mission and Service global partners. This program is possible because Mission and Service partners receive ongoing core funding from donations to the Mission and Service Fund.

Through the Gifts with Vision catalogue, you can do something extra for Mission and Service national and global partners and support their work by making a gift in honour of friends or family to specific partner activities.

How It Works

When you make a Gift with Vision, you give a gift in the name of a friend or family member that helps others. Both you and your loved one join The United Church of Canada’s Mission and Service partners working near and far to create a better world.

The Gifts with Vision catalogue supports the work of Mission and Service partners in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and right here in Canada. Contributions create healthy places to live, promote justice, provide social services, and enliven worship.

If by chance a gift idea is so popular that it becomes oversubscribed, additional gifts will be forwarded to the partner to be used for the next greatest need.

Ready to select Gifts with Vision?

CHOOSE

1. Browse through the Gifts with Vision catalogue online.
2. Choose gifts that will be perfect for loved ones on your list. You will find a choice of dollar amounts, as well as gifts appealing to varied interests.

DONATE

3. Once you select your gifts and add them to your order cart, proceed to the Checkout page with your credit card information handy and follow the easy instructions.
4. If you would prefer to make your gift by telephone, call 416-231-7680 ext. 2026 or toll free 1-800-268-3781 ext. 2026. Have your credit card information and gift code(s) ready.

NOTIFY

5. You will want to give your loved one a gift card. You may choose to send cards electronically, or print a customized card as part of the checkout process.

November 26th, 2011 St. David's Advent & Christmas Decorating