ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS May 1st

The ROSE WINDOW at the entrance to the Church needs to be repaired. The Building Fund has been depleted with other repairs. Anyone wishing to make donations to the Fund for repairs, it would be greatly appreciated.

Following Church service Mother's Day, May 8, 2011 a pot luck dinner. We are asked to bring salads or casseroles; as desert will be supplied. This will be Rev. Lockhart's last Sunday with us.

Saint David's Board of Stewards yard and bake sale Saturday May 28.2011. If you have items for the yard sale please contact any steward. We also need baking for the sale if you can help please let us know.

Our next Official Board meeting Sunday June 5, 2011 following Church Service.

June 12th – No Service at St. David’s. The congregation is invited to St. Mark’s Anniversary Service at 11:00 a.m. Lunch provided

Hall Cleaners for May: Heather Deschenes, Hazel Mac Lean

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS May 1st

Sock It To M & S total at St. Mark’s was $553.85. Thank you to all who so generously supported this fundraiser for the Mission & Service Fund.

Youth Group the first Sunday of every month from 7-8 pm in the St. Mark’s Church Hall. Please Contact Heather Hart at 625-0031 for more information.

An non-supervised Nursery/Play Area is available located at the top of the stairs by the office at the back door entrance.

June 12th St. Mark's 45th Anniversary 

St. Mark's Anniversary Service with Communion will be held on Sunday, June 12th at 11 a.m. Lunch will be served. There will be no service at St. David's. St. David's congregation is invited to celebrate this event with St. Mark's. All are welcome to attend. 

Easter Sunday at St. Mark's

Good Friday at St. Mark's

 

The Good Friday service 

was a very moving experience thanks to the efforts (beyond the call of duty) by Joyce Oliver-Snair and her willing cast of youth and adults.

St. David's Easter Sunday

Easter Morning Sunrise Service at St. David's

 















The breakfast was enjoyed by everyone.

Palm Sunday

Hymns for Sunday, May 1st

Hallelujah, Hallelujah Give Thanks  - 179

I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry  - 644  (St. Mark's)

Jesus Loves Me  -  365 (St. David's)

Open My Eyes That I May See  - 371 

Thine Is The Glory  - 173

Psalm 16,  # 738
Doxology  541

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS April 24th

April 26th – 7:00 p.m. – Congregational Meeting at St. Mark’s to receive the report from the Joint Search Committee

The ROSE WINDOW at the entrance to the Church needs to be repaired. The Building Fund has been depleted with other repairs. Anyone wishing to make donations to the Fund for repairs, it would be greatly appreciated.

Following Church service Mother's Day, May 8, 2011 a Pot Luck Dinner. We are asked to bring salads or casseroles; as desert will be supplied. This will be Rev. Lockhart's last Sunday with us.

Saint David's Board of Stewards yard and bake sale Saturday May 28, 2011. If you have items for the yard sale please contact any steward. We also need baking for the sale if you can help please let us know.

Our next Official Board meeting was scheduled for June 12.2011, however this is the date for St. Marks Anniversary and we are always invited. We will change the meeting to Sunday June 5, 2011 following Church. June 19 Fathers Day the 5 June would be better. If you have concerns please advise.

Hall Cleaners for May: Heather Deschenes, Hazel Mac Lean

Important Meeting at St. Mark's

Joint Search Committee Report
April 26th – 7:00 p.m. – Congregational Meeting at St. Mark’s to receive the report from the Joint Search Committee.
 

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS April 24th

Youth Group the first Sunday of every month from 7-8 pm in the St. Mark’s Church Hall. Please Contact Heather Hart at 625-0031 for more information.

Information on the United Church for Families who come for Baptism

The following overview provides very basic information about the United Church. 


Part I is about how we view the Bible, The sacraments - Baptism and Communion, who is welcome in the United Church - a place for people of all ages, our relationship with people of other faiths and our concern for the world.

Part II is a very brief history of how the United Church came into being in Canada.

Part III is a description of the United Church Crest.

Part IV is a brief description of the Structure of the United Church of Canada


Part I  What we teach about the Bible

The Bible is central to The United Church of Canada. As a source of wisdom, personal prayer, and devotion, we believe the Bible can bring us closer to God. It remains one of our best ways of experiencing God's continuing work of creation and liberation in the world, while offering us forgiveness, healing, and new life in Jesus.

We often refer to a passage as "the Word of God." By this we mean the writer was inspired by God.
Yet we also know the various books that make up the Bible are the stories of two ancient communities trying to be faithful to God under difficult circumstances - ancient Israel and the early Christian movement. Some of what was experienced and written then doesn't fit with today's world. We don't condone slavery, for example, or stone those who commit adultery. Nevertheless, in it's stories and teachings, the Bible has a mysterious power to inform our lives.


Sacraments

A sacrament is a symbolic action, or ritual, by which people of faith encounter the presence and goodness of God. In a sacrament, ordinary things like water, bread, and wine are used to point us to God and God’s love, reminding us of the sacred in life. In the United Church, we celebrate two sacraments: Baptism, the ritual that formally recognizes that we belong to the Christian community, and Communion, a symbolic meal initiated by Jesus. These are of central importance to our faith.


Baptism

Baptism is a symbolic action that signifies the new life God gives us as we join the Church Community.

Baptism uses water as a symbolic cleansing that signifies the acceptance of new life within the Church family. The sacrament of Baptism is the single rite of initiation into the Christian community, the Church.

The United Church offers Baptism to all ages. We believe the gift of God's love doesn't depend on our ability to understand it, so we Baptize people as infants right up through adulthood. With children, instruction is given to parents or sponsors to equip them for the child's Christian nurture. During the ceremony, everyone in the congregation pledges support for the child and his or her parents.

Baptism is not a requirement for God's love. We believe people who die without Baptism are in no way condemned, lost, or damned.

Baptism in the United Church is recognized by all denominations of the Christian Church that practise infant Baptism. Similarly, if people have already been Baptized in another church, the United Church recognizes their Baptism and welcomes them as Christians.


Communion

The Lord’s Supper, Eucharist, Holy Communion - these different terms refer to the same sacrament shared by most Christian denominations, a symbolic meal.

Communion is celebrated at a table that suggests the dining table in our homes. At the communion table, we acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the host and all are guests. The meal uses the symbols of small pieces of bread and a taste of wine or juice to remind us of Jesus’Last Supper with his followers and of God’s enduring love.

The United Church invites all who seek to love Jesus to share in this family meal.


Inclusiveness

Jesus welcomed everyone, whether they were poor, rich, or just getting by; ill or healthy; self-made or educated; popular or a loner; secure or full of doubts.

The United Church of Canada prides itself on welcoming everyone the way Jesus did, regardless of age, race, class, gender, orientation, or physical ability.


Children

The church works hard to appreciate people of all ages, from grandparents to newborns. Children aren't viewed as adults-in-waiting, nor are they on display for the amusement of the adults. They're full and welcome participants at the heart of each congregation, bringing ideas and unique talents that can inspire the entire church.


Marriage

We see people as unique, loved creations of God and welcome all people to the full life of Christian community, including marriage. We believe God intends loving relationships to be faithful, responsible, just, healing, and sustaining of the couple and those around them, and that such relationships require preparation and nurture. 
The United Church celebrates the marriage of:

• same-sex couples
• previously divorced people
• couples of different religions
• all people who believe in Jesus Christ and want to live faithful to his way

General Council

The governing council of The United Church of Canada - makes some decisions about marriage, and local United Church congregations make other decisions. This reflects the wisdom that some decisions are best made as a denomination and others are best made locally. Our denomination has followed this wisdom since our founding in 1925.


Marriages (in fact, all worship services) are performed with the permission of and under the responsibility of the local congregation’s church council. This means that while General Council welcomes same-sex marriage, it does not make same-sex marriage the norm in congregations. Congregations develop their own marriage policy and practices.


Multi-faith Relations

The United Church of Canada views the religious practice of all people of goodwill with respect and gratitude. We believe the Spirit of God is at work in many different faith communities.
For Christians, Jesus is the way we know God. Our understanding is nonetheless limited by human imagination. God is greater still and works in our world by a mysterious Spirit that knows no distinction at the doorway of a Christian chapel; Buddhist, Hindu, or Sikh temple; Aboriginal sweat lodge, Muslim mosque, or Jewish synagogue. We work together with other Christian churches whenever possible, and among people of other religions in Canada and throughout the world on matters of justice, peace, and human dignity.

Today, difference is everywhere around us and, we believe, a great cause for celebration.


Social Justice

Caring for one another was central to Jesus' teachings: Feed the hungry, satisfy the thirsty, shelter the homeless, clothe the naked, care for the sick, visit those in prison.

We believe we strengthen one another to work, through God's grace, for a better world. To this end, we cooperate with other churches, faith traditions, and people of goodwill to eliminate poverty and protect those who are most vulnerable.

Throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean, the United Church works with 143 churches and organizations we call partners by supporting work they see as vital to their well-being. This enables us to feed the hungry, care for the sick, and shelter the homeless far beyond our normal reach.


Part II:  A Brief History of the United Church of Canada

Introduction

The United Church of Canada is the largest Protestant denomination in Canada. We minister to close to 3 million people in over 3500 congregations across the country. Ours is a rich history closely entwined with the development of Canada itself.

The United Church was inaugurated on June 10, 1925 in Toronto, Ontario, when the Methodist Church, Canada, the Congregational Union of Canada, and 70 per cent of the Presbyterian Church in Canada entered into an organic union. Joining as well was the small General Council of Union Churches, centred largely in Western Canada. It was the first union of churches in the world to cross historical denominational lines and hence received international acclaim. Impetus for the union arose out of the concerns for serving the vast Canadian northwest and in the desire for better overseas mission. Each of the uniting churches, however, had a long history prior to 1925.


The Presbyterian Stream

French Huguenots, escaping persecution following the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, brought the Reformed Faith to Canada. But even in the New World their growth and development were restricted. After the ceding of Nova Scotia to England in 1713, subsequent immigration of Presbyterians from Scotland and Ireland completely overwhelmed the small French contingent. The first ministers from Scotland were Daniel Cook, David Smith, and Hugh Graham who organized the Presbytery of Truro in 1786. In 1795 this presbytery was joined by a second, the Presbytery of Pictou, which represented another faction of Scottish Presbyterianism. In 1817 these two groups, joined by a few ministers from the Established Church of Scotland were able to come together and form the Synod of the Presbyterian Church of Nova Scotia.

Concurrent with the events that led to the formation of the Synod of Nova Scotia, Presbyterians were moving into central and western Canada. As in eastern Canada, they brought the many divisions of the Scottish church with them and established several presbyteries and then synods, the first being the Presbytery of the Canadas in 1818. The establishment of new synodical structures continued through the first half of the nineteenth century, in part due to the importing of schisms within the church in Scotland, the arrival of non-English-speaking (Dutch Reformed) immigrants, and the opening of new territories in the West. By mid-century the trend began to reverse, and in 1875 a series of mergers led to the union of most Presbyterians into the Presbyterian Church of Canada.


The Methodist Stream

Methodism in Canada is traced to Lawrence Coughlan, an Irish Methodist preacher who came to Newfoundland in 1765. Upon his return to England, many of the people he organized openly declared themselves Methodists.

Meanwhile, Methodists were migrating from England to Nova Scotia; among them was William Black, Sr. In 1779 a revival among them led to the conversion of William Black, Jr., then but nineteen years old. He began to preach, visiting several nearby settlements, and in 1781 traveled the whole of Nova Scotia to organize Methodist classes. His work expanded greatly two years later as immigrants loyal to Great Britain flowed into Nova Scotia after the American Revolution. In 1784 Black journeyed to Baltimore, Maryland, for the meeting that organized the new Methodist Episcopal Church. The Canadian work which Black had developed was taken under their care. The Canadian work grew and developed as an integral part of the Methodist Episcopal Church until 1828 when it became separate and independent.

Meanwhile, Methodists from Great Britain migrated into Canada, and like the Presbyterians from Scotland, brought with them the several divisions of British Methodism. Mergers in 1874 and 1884 resulted in the Methodist Church, Canada being formed.


The Congregational Stream

Congregationalism in Canada originated with the acceptance of the offer made by the British government which promised free land to New Englanders who would relocate in Nova Scotia. In 1759 several hundred immigrants founded new towns and gathered in churches; the first was at Chester, and 1761 the church at Liverpool was formed. In 1760 a colony began at Maugerville, New Brunswick; the first church was organized six years later. The first church in Newfoundland was organized in 1846. In 1801 the British Congregationalists sent a missionary to organize a church in Quebec. That beginning led to the formation of the Congregational Union of Ontario and Quebec, which merged with the older group in 1906. The newly formed Congregational Union of Canada received the Ontario Conference of American-based United Brethren in Christ in 1907.


The General Council of Union Churches Stream

The final partner in the 1925 merger, the General Council of Union Churches of Western Canada, was the child of the early proposed Plan of Union that led to the founding of The United Church of Canada. A draft proposal of a plan of union was issued in 1908. In November of that year, a new congregation appeared in Saskatchewan which accepted the proposed plan as the basis of its local organization. Others soon followed. In 1912 the several local congregations formed the General Council to handle practical matters (some of them legal) and press forward in implementing the Plan of Union.

The merger in 1925 had one major dissenting voice. Approximately thirty percent of the Presbyterians refused to enter the merger and continued as the Presbyterian Church of Canada.

In fulfillment of its mandate to be a "uniting" Church, the United Church has been enriched by several unions since 1925. The Fourth General Council of The United Church of Canada (1930) approved the union of the Synod of The Wesleyan Methodist Church of Bermuda with The United Church of Canada on the condition that the Synod shall function as a Presbytery of the Maritime Conference without interference with the rights and powers conferred by the Legislature of Bermuda in the Wesleyan Methodist Church Act, 1930. The Twenty-second General Council of The United Church of Canada (1966) approved the Plan of Union whereby the Canada Conference of The Evangelical United Brethren Church became part of The United Church of Canada, effective January 1st, 1968.

In addition, over the years various individual congregations from other Christian communions have joined the United Church. In 1943 a two-decade process of negotiation with the Anglican Church of Canada was initiated. Later the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) joined the negotiations. The general commission representing the three churches adopted the Plan of Union in 1972, but three years later was rejected by the Anglican Church of Canada. Discussions with the Christian Church ended in 1985.

Recently, the Anglican Church of Canada and The United Church of Canada have begun an ongoing dialogue. These are the first formal conversations between the two denominations since the end of the Plan of Union talks in the 1970s.


Part III: United Church Crest

The crest is the official signature of The United Church of Canada, placed on legal documents, ordination and commissioning certificates, and licences to perform the sacraments. Designed by the Rev. Dr. Victor T. Mooney (a treasurer of the United Church), it was officially adopted in 1944 by the 11th General Council.

For our church members, this insignia is a spiritual and historic reminder. Its oval shape is derived from the outline of a fish, a symbol of identity by early Christians. The initials of the words "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour" spell the Greek word for fish.

The crest is designed in the form of a St. Andrew's Cross with an insignia in each of the four corners. The "X" at the centre, the first letter of the Greek word for Christ, is a traditional symbol for Christ. In the four corners of the crest are symbols, three of which are particularly associated with the three communions—Congregational, Methodist, and Presbyterian—that united to form The United Church of Canada in 1925.

The open Bible represents the Congregational Churches with their emphasis upon God's truth that makes people free. From this communion we have a heritage of liberty in prophesying, love of spiritual freedom, awareness of the creative power of the Holy Spirit, and clear witness for civic justice.
The dove is emblematic of the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:10) whose transforming power has been a distinctive mark of Methodism. Here our heritage is one of evangelical zeal, concern for human redemption, warmth of Christian fellowship, the testimony of spiritual experience, and the ministry of sacred song.

The burning bush is the symbol of Presbyterianism. It refers to the bush that burned and was not consumed (Exodus 3:2), and symbolizes the indestructibility of the church. From Presbyterianism we have received a heritage of high regard for the dignity in worship, the education of all people, the authority of scripture, and the church as the Body of Christ.

The symbols alpha and omega in the lower quarter are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. They symbolize the eternal living God, in the fullness of creation (Revelation 1:8).

The Latin words ut omnes unum sint that surround the symbols on the crest mean That all may be one and are taken from John 17:21. They are a reminder that we are both a "united" and "uniting" church.

In 1980, a French translation of The United Church of Canada—L'Église Unie du Canada—was authorized by General Council to be added to the crest.



Part IV Governance: 
The Structure of the United Church


Congregations and Preaching Places

Close to 3 million members and adherents worshipping in 3,362 congregations or preaching places across the country.

Pastoral care is provided to some 443,000 known households.


Pastoral Charge

Pastoral charges may include one or more congregations under the spiritual leadership of a minister. There are approximately 2,250 pastoral charges, governed by a session, church board, or church council. St Mark’s and St David’s are two separate and independent Pastoral Charges which work together to pay for a minister.

A Congregation or Pastoral Charge is responsible for: determining the shape of weekly worship, when and how the sacraments will be administered, who will be admitted into membership, the use of the church property, the programs that are to be offered by the congregation and who they wish to call as a minister and who they wish to recommend be trained as a minister.  The work of the congregation is supported through weekly offering.


Presbytery

Presbytery is an administrative grouping of Pastoral Charges in a local area. Lay and ministerial delegates from each Pastoral Charges meet regularly to oversee the work of the United Church within a particular area. There are 90 presbyteries within the church. St. Mark’s and St. David’s are part of the Inverness Guysborough Presbytery which in turn is part of Maritime Conference. The Presbyteries meet as required. Some meet monthly while others may only meet a couple of times a year and do all their work by Committee.

The Presbytery is responsible for overseeing the Pastoral Charges, ie.: ensure congregations operate within the rules (polity) of the United Church; they work with congregations when they are choosing a minister and must approve the terms of the invitation (call) to a minister; provide supervision and discipline if required by all ministers who are working within congregations. They also recommend who is to be admitted to the “Order of Ministry”.


Conference

Conference is an administrative grouping of Presbyteries in a regional area. Lay and ministerial delegates from the Presbyteries meet annually. Full-time staff in Conference offices work with Presbyteries and local Pastoral Charges. There are 13 Conferences within the church. The Conference met once a year or at least every two years. The work of the Conference and Presbytery is supported by an assessment that is made upon each congregation based on size of membership and financial resources.


General Council

General Council is the church's highest legislative court. Ordained, commissioned, and lay commissioners are elected by the Conferences and meet every three years to set church policy. An Executive and Sub-Executive govern between meetings of the council. The General Council meets every three years.

Policy is implemented through working committees of the General Council.

The work of the General Council is supported by the Mission Service (M & S) Fund of the United Church toward which every members is encouraged to support.

Many thanks to Rev. Bob Lockhart for providing this information.

A Visioning Morning for St. Mark’s United Church

A Visioning Morning 

for St. Mark’s United Church

April 16, 2011, 9:30 -11:45 am

On Saturday morning, April 16th,  20 people from St Mark’s came together to dream about the future. Bob Lockhart lead those present through a “visioning exercise”.  What follows below is how we went about the task and what we wrote down on “post-it notes” and on newsprint. All of the post-it notes and newsprint has been saved. Bob was asked to transcribe the thinking of the group but not to edit the material.

Assumptions about the task before us:
Proverbs 29:6   "where there is no vision, the people perish”  KJV
“If you do not work to shape your future, someone else will do it for you.”
In the scriptures through visions and dreams God speaks and guides God’s people. Eg. Abraham, Jeremiah, Mary, Joseph, & Paul.

Assumptions about a vision.
It should be:

• Desirable: appeals to and inspires members of a congregation, broad enough to allow others to fill in blanks. 
• Feasible:  comprises realistic and attainable goals.
• Focused:   is clear enough to provide guidance in decision making.
• Flexible:   is general enough to allow individual initiative and alternate responses in light of changing conditions.
• Imaginable: conveys a picture of what the future might look like.
• Communicable: is easy to understand and communicate.

1st Question:
Before thinking about the future, what is that you like about St. Mark’s and hope will continue on into the future?

 Responses:

• Al’s Music + (8)
• Choir  + (2)
• Sermons  + (2)
• Quilting – the social
• Support from others
• Sunday Worship - participation
• Community + (3)
• The interior of the church - the wood
• Men’s Group
• Coffee and social after church
• Greetings in worship - the passing of the peace
• Events St Mark’s hold - like the men’s dinner.
• Feeling of  being at home.
• Catering for dinners - working together as a family.
• God’s presence in worship
• Groups in the community being able to use the church
• Sense of security
• Family Community

Identifying our vision for the future - within the next five years.

Step I:  Silent Brainstorming:
    5-8 min: Work alone to answer this question:
“You have been away from this congregation for 5 years. You return and are floating over St Mark’s in a hot air balloon. What do you see? or hope to see happening?”

Write each thought down on an individual “post it” note - one thought per note. The thought contains enough information that someone else will understand your thought without you having to explain it.

Once you have completed your list of  thoughts, place your post it notes on the wall.

Step II   Reading and Sorting  (8- 10 min) (in silence)
    a. Once all the post it notes are on the wall, read all of them silently to yourself.
    b. Begin to group them into themes/common dreams.
    c. Feel free to move a post it note to a different group if you think it belongs.

Step III  Naming the Clusters   5-10 min
The Facilitator works through each cluster and verifies that the post it notes are in the right group.
     b. The group gives a name to each cluster.
     c. We will not belabour this part. We will work quickly through the post it notes..

Step IV  Sub-divide  interest/task groups to work on each cluster.  (3-5 min.)

Step V   In Small Interest/ Task Groups  (20-30 min)
 a. How might we move forward to have this vision become real?

In five years, I would like to see:

Post it Notes grouped and called: Property:

• Solar panels on the roof generating all our electricity for the church and manse and feeding the excess back to the grid.
• Paved parking lot.
• All bills paid and we are operating in the black.
• Church more accessible - eg. office

Property:  Specific Action steps suggested by task group:

• Properly placed hand rails on the steps to the alter area
• Energy audit of the church
• Research energy possibilities
• Maintain the parking lot with long term goal of complete repaving in the future.
• Bills - continue with fund raising efforts.
• Need willing helpers.
• New ideas always welcome.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Post it Notes grouped and called:
Ecumenical Activities, Community Development and Church Growth

• Church attendance will be as good as it is now.
• Full dynamic celebrating worship
• Programs for all ages
• St. Mark’s is glowing. Many families are arriving to attend the service, many young families are excited to be included in this church community.
• Open to everyone - lots of people
• Pews full
• Saturday evening worship service
• More people in church  
• Inter-faith centre
• Community use of the building
• Building being used multi-purpose
• Outreach in the community
• Talent show for fun - ceilidhs - fun activities square dancing
• Welcoming committee for new people to the church/town
• New families join the church
• Shared use of sanctuary
• One church for all religions
• Group of 10 Ecumenical Quilters has grown to over 50 Quilters from all churches in the area.
• Parking lot and street is full on Sunday AM
• Interdenominational event for youth and adults
• Coffee House for adults
• Ecumenical Activities, Community Development and Church Growth:
• Specific Action Steps suggested by task group
• Invitation to other Faith Groups to meet together for: Bible study or Book Study
• Inter-Faith Panel Discussion on challenges facing the Church.
• Renew the Coffee Drop-In for young mothers, fathers, seniors.
• Ecumenically organized lunches for community.
• Success marked by higher profile and appreciation of the church.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Post it Notes grouped and call:
Welcoming Community/ Seniors and Adult Ministry:

• One church used by all at different times.
• Adult study group exploring the scriptures - what it says to us?
• The church hall used each day by Seniors who enjoy playing
• The printed Contact is eliminated and replaced by the blog
• People in the congregation that are not in the group after church are then feeling welcome and are enjoying themselves in the group.
• We have a minister who participates with the congregation
• Programs for Seniors
• People of different Protestant denominations are meeting together and discussing their faith ideas with one another.

A. Welcoming Community/ Seniors and Adult Ministry
Action steps suggested by task group.

• Communication
• Welcome all for coffee after church
• Events for publicity to one person
• A visible minister
• Co-ordinator of Community Events
• An energetic minister
• PR person: pictures, articles, interviews to reach out to the community, newspapers local media, bulletins, posters, BLOG-no printed contact.
• Social media used to promote church

B. Seniors and Adult Ministry
Action Steps suggested by task group

• Drop-in centre for Seniors (Day time and Evening)
• Exercise Class
• Card Play
• Scottish Square Dancing
• Morning Coffee
• Info Session Workshops
• Quilting, Knitting, Wood Working
• Computers and Photography
• Access Grants available for Seniors programs
• Health Issues Workshops
• Interdenominational Faith Discussion Groups led by Ecumenical Leaders.   

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Post it Notes grouped and called Music

• Al is still playing.
• Music guest as part of the service (ie. guitar, flute solos).
• If Al retires we find a musician that can raise our spirits as he does.
• In five years we will probably have a change in Organist/choir director. How do we continue the music ministry that we appreciate so greatly?

Action Steps suggested by Music task group

• Our congregation values the music ministry as it exists. We want to keep as much as we can.
• Encourage young pianists/organists
• Keep track of other pianists/organists
• CD of Al playing
• Accompaniment CD’s
• Tie the service together
• Other musical guests: Students from band program
• Other genres of music; guitar, rock

Chimes:

• Get the outdoor speakers working again
• CD of Al playing the chimes
• “Expert” in our sound system to replace Jim McLean.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Post-it notes grouped and called Ministry with Children:

• We hear babies talking
• After baptism reach out to families on a more frequent basis - to come to special events.
• Many children in the Sunday School
• A space for parents and children to watch the service
• A children’s choir
• Many children streaming out the door after church
• Sunday morning families of all ages coming to church
• There are many young families coming to church
• Young families in church

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Post it notes grouped and called Ministry with Youth

• An active youth group hosting events for youth in the community/area
• There are computers in the Sunday School and for adults to learn about their faith
• Lots of kids learning about our faith
• Youth meet before and after church at least once a month-themes
• Young peoples musical groups to do a service monthly
• Young people come to church with their families.
• The more young people are participating in worship and activities during the week.

Action Steps suggested by the Children and Youth Task Group

• Welcoming Committee to reach out to new families (work with Real Estates Companies)
• After baptism-actively invite and nurture relationships.
• Make Church comfortable for young families:
• use the balcony as a space for families (by) sliding glass (barrier), play space, rocking chair.
• Approach families who had children baptized: What are their needs? What would bring them here?
• Do needs assessment Community/Ecumenical Youth Group
• Initial event: Sept/Oct
• Build youth group
• Leadership training

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Step VI.  Each task group shared their ideas
                Time allowed for questions of clarification

Step VII  Sharing the ideas with congregation
               We were not authorized to make decision.

How then might these ideas be shared?

• leave the newsprint on the wall for those who attend on Sunday.
• type up posted noted and newsprint (Bob)
• share ideas with the Official Board.
• post ideas on the Blog
• Bob to use material in a couple of sermons
• share with new minister.

 Step  VIII   Follow up required.

Hymns for Easter Sunday April 24th

Easter Sunday Hymns

Processional  - Jesus Christ Is Risen Today  - 155
This Is the Day  - 412
Psalm 118,  # 837
Jesus Rose Again  - choir   -  St Mark's
In the Bulb  - 703  (St.David's)
Doxology  - 540
Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ  - 468
Holy , Holy
Memorial Acclamation
Great Amen
Our Father  - 960
Because He Lives  - Printed

Hymns for Good Friday, April 22

Good Friday Hymns

(choir already in place)
Processional  - Jesus Remember Me  - 148
Bitter Was the Night  - 132
Stay Here  -  Choir
They Crucified My Lord  - 141
Were You There  - 144
He Came Singing Love  - 359

Choir Practise

Choir practise has be changed from Tuesday, April 19th to Wednesday April 20th at 5:45 p.m.

Good Friday

The GOOD FRIDAY service will be held at St. Mark's at 11:00 a.m.

One Nation Run need accommodation

We have received a request from One Nation Run for billets for six people (3 males and 3 females) for the night of May 7th. This team is running across Canada to raise funds to combat third world poverty in Canada. If you are willing to host some of the runner team for the night (supper and breakfast included) please call Dave Chapman (787-2610) or email dltchapman@ns.sympatico.ca.
See their website at www.onenationrun.ca

St. Mark's Congregational Board Meeting

St. Mark's Congregational Board
will meet Tuesday, April 19th

Executive: 6:30 p.m.
Committees: 7:00 p.m.
Combined Board: 8:00 p.m.

Palm Sunday - Sock it to M & S Party

Sock it to M & S Party at St. Mark's after the morning service.

Bring your sock full of coins to contribute to the M&S Fund.

April 16th Dreams & Visions for St.Mark's

April 16th Dreams & Visions for St. Mark's 9:30 a.m.

Hymns for Palm Sunday, April 17

Processional - Hosanna, Loud Hosanna - 123
Hymn Response - They Crucified My Lord - 141, V 1
He Came Riding On A Donkey - 124
Psalm 31, # 758 , part 2
"Fling Wide the Gates" -choir - St.Mark's
Tell Me the Stories of Jesus - 357 - St.David's
Doxology - 538
All Glory, Laud and Honour - 122

Choir Practise Wednesday, April 13th

The choir will have a practise Wednesday, April 13 at 5:45.
We will be going over the following:

• Fling Wide the Gates
• Gather Us Together
• Jesus Rose Again
• Take Now My Hand
• Let Heaven Rejoice

Casting our nets on the right side of the boat.

Casting our nets on the right side of the boat. Earlier this week I had a conversation with a friend who was lamenting that the church no longer provides a focal point in the life of our communities. She is very concerned that if present trends continue, the church in her community will close and be no more. Many share her concerns. I do not. To be sure, the church "building” in her community may close it doors. This does not mean, in my mind, God’s mission work in the world will come to and end.

Like Abraham and the disciples of Jesus, we are a pilgrim people. I believe that God is at work leading us and the church into a place. We cannot live in the past. The past is over. There are only two things we can do about the past. First, we need to give thanks to God for what has been accomplished and achieved. Second, we need to ask God’s forgiveness for the sins of omission (that which we have neglected to do) and commission (those which we have done) as followers of Jesus.

We cannot change what has been. We can however do something about the present and the future. I believe we need to understand the context in which we find ourselves. While it is true there is a declining participation in church, we live in a time when there is great interest in “spirituality”.

What has changed is that there was a time when social conformity delivered people to church. In the past when you wanted to get a good reference you needed to be on good terms with the minister or priest in the community. When you missed church on a Sunday morning, you had to have a good reason, be seriously ill or dead. In some communities the pressure was so intense you either attended church or left the community. People no longer experience such pressure to conform and attend church. In fact, there is a new form of social conformity at work that excludes going to church. It is not considered to be “hip” to be involved in church. In order to remain on good terms with some friends, you have to justify why you attend church. At one time it was called “bearing witness to ones faith.”

We live in a time of increase in freedom of choice. Once there was not much else to do on a Sunday morning or evening but go to church. Now all of us have many more options to choose from. Church is no longer the only activity. The variety of choices is phenomenal.

I believe we are dealing with is a decline in “church participation”, not a decline in “faith”, “spirituality” or “religion”. In my experience people have a profound interest in spirituality, in matters of faith and in religion. The problem is that that this interest in spirituality is not connecting with the institutional church or is it delivering people to the doors of the church. I have a hunch that many lingering customs, habits and traditions of a “churched culture” no longer work in the “mission place” we now find ourselves.

I believe that we need to confess to God that we have counted on social conformity to deliver people to the church. We need to give thanks that people now come out of choice and not out of pressure. We need to ask God to help us see how God is at work in our world and how we can share our understanding of the Christian faith with family and friends. We need to learn to truly partner with each other, people of all ages, to the worship God who is at work striving to breathe new life into the “dry bones of the church.”

Social conformity has not gone away. While it may no longer include the church in the way it once did, we might question and challenge the new forms of social conformity and ask, "Do the new forms lead to health and well being of people? Are the new forms of social conformity just, kind and life giving, or are they unjust and life consuming?"

We are a people who believe in freedom of choices. The fewer the choices, the easier it is for the church to settle for mediocrity. Maybe that is one of the real issues we are facing. Has the church over the years settled for mediocrity in how we have carried out our ministry and mission in the community?

In one of the post resurrections stories in John’s gospel (21:1-8) Jesus stands as a Stranger on the shore. The disciples do not recognize Jesus. The disciples have been out fishing all night. The old ways are not working anymore. They used be pretty good fishers. The Stranger asks invites them to cast their nets on the right side of the boat. And they did. The first miracle is that they trust the Stranger-Jesus. They could have turned away and gone on with what they were doing. The second miracle is that the nets were loaded with fish. New ways do work. The third miracle is that they recognize Jesus. It is in casting our nets that we discover Christ. In this strange world in which we find ourselves, God is with us. We are not alone.

Hymns for Sunday, April 10th

Response - # 117, V.1 - 5

This Day God Gives Me - 410
Halle, Halle, Halle - 958
Lord of the Dance - 352
Just A Closer Walk - printed

Psalm - 130, # 853, Ref.2
Doxology - 544