Choir Members Celebrated

Faye Newhook

June Oliver

Today, Sunday September 23, after the service at St. Mark's, the Choir celebrated the contribution of two choir members. Remarkably, June Oliver has been singing in the Choir for 54 years! Faye Newhook has been a Choir member for 20+ years. Faye and her husband Bert have sold their Prince Street home and are moving to Halifax on September 28th. Dave Chapman presented both ladies with copies of Voices United. A delicious lunch was served and many memories were shared.

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 23RD 2012

MINISTER’S OFFICE HOURS:

Monday 9-12 noon

Tuesday 9-12 noon

Wednesday 9-12 noon at St. David’s You may drop by for a coffee.

Thursday 9 – 12 noon

Friday – Minister’s Day Off

The Manse telephone number is 625-0407

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

Needed for World Communion Sunday/Thanksgiving worship, October 7^th: loaves of freshly baked bread of different kinds and from different countries and cultures. Speak to Nan if you can provide a loaf of bread.

9 Week Book Study: A chapter a week of Darwin, Divinity and the Dance of the Cosmos by Bruce Sanguin. Thursday evenings at St. Mark’s, 7:00 p.m. beginning October 11^th. Order your book by calling the church office or eBook can be purchased online at http://www.woodlakebooks.com/books/ Speak to Nan to sign up for the book study or for more info.

Prayer Shawl Knitting Circle Knitters and crocheters - gather together in the parlour of St. Mark’s on the 3^rd Monday of each month. Monday, October 15th will be our next time of gathering at 1:00 p.m.

Sept. 22^nd – Sept. 28^th – Nan away. Worship Leader: Jim St. Clair

Sept. 26^th – Service at the Nursing Home

October 7^th – World Wide Communion Sunday/Thanksgiving Sunday.

October 21^st – 11:00 a.m. - St. David’s Anniversary Service. Rev. Bob Lockhart will be worship leader.

 

Heartbeat of God: “We hear and see God everywhere”  

Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery Youth Camp:  Celtic Christianity Event for Teens in Grades 7 to 9 & their Adult Leaders at St. Mark's United Church, 514 Bernard Street, Port Hawkesbury Friday,  October 12^th 7:00 p.m. to Saturday October 13^th  at 8:30 p.m. Evening Worship open to everyone on Saturday, October 13^th at  7:00 p.m. Pre-register at nancy.corrigan@gmail.com Registration/Permission forms available from presbyters and clergy Call Nan at 625-0407 or 625-2229 (church) for information.

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ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Mission and Outreach Committee have Pins for sale at $5.00. See any member of the Committee.

Registration of St. Mark’s Sunday School starting on Sunday, September 16^th.

Special Events Group will meet on October 2/12 at 7 pm in the church parlor for a regular meeting, discussion and planning of fall bazaar. All ladies welcome

The Ways and Means Committee of St. Mark's as well as the Cookbook Committee would like to keep you all informed as to how our fund-raising is going. The new re-ordered Cookbooks have arrived.  

Ruth - Chair of the Ways & Means Committee.

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ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

We are looking for Sunday School Teachers to share the duties of leading the children. Please contact George Fox, 625-0527, Catherine Mac Lean 625-0891 or Heather Deschenes 625-0618.

A memorial service for the late Stewart Kennedy of Port Hastings will be held at Orangedale United Church on Saturday, October 6 at 4 p.m. The family invites those able to stay to join them for light refreshments in Whycocomagh immediately after the service.

St. David’s Anniversary Service will be on October 21^st at 11:00 a.m. Worship Leader is Rev. Bob Lockhart. This is a combined Service with St. Mark’s. Lunch to follow. Everyone is welcome to come.

Church Hall Cleaners for Sept. are Catherine Mac Lean & Lynn King

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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

A community fund raising event in the form of a spaghetti supper will be held at St. Mark’s United Church Hall, Port Hawkesbury on Sept. 28.2012 from 4:30 to 6:30 by “Friends of Darryl MacQuarrie”.  Darryl has been ill and unable to work since May, spending most of the time since then  in hospital and recently undergoing major surgery. Admission to the supper is by donation.  A Trust Fund has been set up for the convenience of those wishing to support the MacQuarrie Family. Donations may be made at any branch of the Toronto Dominion Bank in Atlantic Canada.

Glendale Kitchen Ceilidhs: starting at 7:00 p.m. October 3rd, 17^th Traditional Cape Breton music. Admission is free, donations appreciated, Proceeds to the Fr. John Angus Rankin Cultural Centre. Lunch to follow.

Adult Upgrading/GED Classes Available: Register now to improve your reading, writing, math and/or computer skills; prepare to write the GED; upgrade your skills for employment; or work towards your own personal goals. Both day and evening classes available in both Arichat and St. Peter’s from October 1/12 - June 7/13. There is no fee for these classes, learners can start at anytime, and everyone works at their own pace with the help of a qualified and supportive instructor. Assistance with childcare and transportation may be available. For more information, please call the Richmond County Literacy Network at 226 – 0383 or 535-3304.

Strait Area Community Grief Support Group. A six week grief support program is being offered to help people walk through the grief process as they encounter a more difficult & painful yet normal experience. Thursday, Oct. 4^th to Thurs. Nov. 8, 2012 from 2:00-4:00 pm at St. Joseph’s Parish Hall, 138 Granville Street, Port Hawkesbury, There is no fee for this program. Sponsored in part by the Strait Area Palliative Care Society. To register contact: Gladys MacDougall 863-1375 macdougallgladys@gmail.com or Barbara De Marsh 863-7179 Barbara.deMarsh@gasha.nshealth.ca

Adult Upgrading Classes (including preparation for writing the G.ED. exam) are being offered throughout Inverness County for the year 2012-2013. Classes are free. Basic computer skills instruction will be available in your community depending on interest. If you would like more information, please call Shirley Miller at 248-2960, Jesslyn Timmons at 258-2752 or toll free at 877-258-5550. Sponsored by Inverness County Literacy Council.

Les Friends of Notre Dame de l’Assomption Cathedral Association would like to invite parishioners from near and far to participate and celebrate with us the very special occasion of the 175^th anniversary of the first Mass having been celebrated in Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral back in 1837. Various activities will take place during the weekend of October 13, 14 & 15, the three days following Celtic Colors. Flyers describing the activities are now being distributed. The highlight of this occasion will take place on Monday, October 15, at 4:00 pm with the celebration of the Eucharist. Celebrants will be Fr. Angus MacDougall & Fr. Hughie D. MacDonald. Music will be a variety of choirs and cultures. All organizations such as Legion Members, RCMP, Knights of Columbus, Members of Parliament, Municipal Councils, CWL, Fire Fighters, Girl Guides, Scouts, Brownies etc. from near and far, are invited to join us in uniform to commemorate this special celebration. We also invite our funding partners ECBC and Canadian Heritage. The Priests and Filles de Jesus who has served in our parish have also been invited. An Anniversary Dinner will take place following the celebration from 6:00-8:00 pm at le Centre la Picasse, 3435 Hwy 206 in Petit de Grat. Advance tickets only at $25.00. Contact: Anita Marchand 226-9515 or Brenda Boudreau 226-3595. Several souvenirs are on sale to commemorate this event. For further information or to receive an events flyer in PDF format by email: brenda_boudreau@ns.sympatico.ca

Creation Time: Living the Season

Mountain Sunday – September 23

REFLECTION AND MEDITATION FOR MOUNTAIN SUNDAY 

Isaiah 65:17a

“Look! I’m creating a new heaven and a new earth…”

God is always creating things anew. Even as one thing
dies, another comes to life. As plant and animals return
to the earth, they nurture the growth of new beings. In
this kind of world, how can we do anything but rejoice?
Indeed, the prophet Isaiah declares how wonderful life
can be in God’s new world. When we remember our place
in Creation, and how we can support one another, life on
God’s “holy mountain” – this planet – becomes wonderful
beyond our imagination. Even the wolf and lion will
lie down together!

■■What are the dreams you have for Creation?

Spiritual Practices for Mountain Sunday

Connect with the rhythm of Earth by doing some drumming.
Any kinds of drums can work; if you don’t have
any, find other surfaces that you can use: your legs, a
book, a table, pots and pans from the kitchen, and so
on. Use your imagination! Join with others to create
rhythms, and imagine yourselves connected with Earth.
If possible, do this outdoors, with your shoes off, and feel
your connection to the Earth.

In the context of Mountain Sunday, go out and find
a mountain. This need not be a huge snow-covered
peak, but can be any kind of hill. If there is absolutely
no hill available, what else can you climb up on? Find
somewhere that is higher than other places, and look
around. What do you see? Especially, what can you
see that you wouldn’t be able to see from down below?
What kind of new perspective does this give you on the
world? Say a word of thanks and praise to God before
you climb down.

"My Device" by Michael Leurig

We talked about this on Sky Sunday last week!

 El Teide Video

On a computer with Internet access go to http://vimeo.
com/22439234 to see Terje Sorgjerd’s time lapse movie
of El Teide, Spain’s highest mountain.

A Prayer for Mountain Sunday

Where we see limits and impossibility, O God, you
see a future with promise. You invite us to dream of
a time where there is justice and harmony for all the
earth. Guide us to know, deeply, your imagination
for us and our potential. Help us to gain wisdom
from the past and yet to move into the future free
from past ways of harm and destruction. Amen.

Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2011 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2012

ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23RD 2012

The Congregations of St. Mark’s and St. David’s

United Church of Canada

Port Hawkesbury/Port Hastings, NS

Office: 625-2229, Fax 625-3597, e-mail: stmarks1@eastlink.ca

Blog: http://ourcontactonline.blogspot.com/

Ministers: Whole People of God

Minister: Nan Corrigan D. M. Music Director: Al Fougere

Worship Leader: James St. Clair

September 23^rd, 2012

Creation Time: Mountain Sunday

* please stand as able

Thoughts around which to gather as we worship: Woven throughout both the Psalm and the Isaiah reading is a sense of strength. On God’s holy mountain God delights in transforming creation into something that will continually bless humanity and others in the created order.

How might you, individually and as a faith community be a part of God’s new vision of possibility?

Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2011 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION p. 75

Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2012

Announcements The Work of Church and Community

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Welcome and greeting one another with the Peace of Christ.

One: The peace of Christ be with you.

Response: And with your spirit.

* Introit O Great Earth

O Great Earth so green and so blue, This is the promise that I’ll make to you: To care for your mountains, for mountains can hear the rhythm of your heartbeat.

Words unknown, tune Linnea Good. Copyright © 1995 Borealis Music. Used by permission.

* Call to Worship

One: “I am strong,” says God’s holy mountain.

All: We lift our eyes to you and learn strength.

One: “I shelter others,” says God’s holy mountain.

All: We lift our eyes to you and learn compassion.

One: “I wait with patience,” says God’s holy mountain.

All: We lift our eyes to you and learn patience.

One: “I am a living prayer,” says God’s holy mountain.

All: We lift our eyes to you and are ready to pray.

* Hymn Sing To the Mountains Printed

Opening Prayer

 

Sung Response O Great Earth 

 

Prayer of Confession

One: In our day, the earth cries out: “Can no one see this destruction?” In our day, the poor cry out: “Can no one see this hunger?” In our day, the victims of war cry out: “Can no one see this violence?” In our day, those most vulnerable cry out: “Can no one see this fear?”

All: We acknowledge our choice to turn away.

Silence for reflection.

Words of Affirmation

God’s love for us is without limit. God’s call to us is unending. Surrounded by God’s grace, we hear the call to help create a new day: a day where no one shall hurt or destroy in all this holy creation. All: We will open our eyes to see, our hearts to care, and our lives to shape this vision. Amen.

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Isaiah 65:17–25 About to create new heavens and a new earth

One: This is the witness of the Hebrew people.  

All: Thanks be to God.

Psalm 48:1-11 Great is God, and greatly to be praised. VU 772

Hymn Morning Has Broken VU 409

Opening the Word/Time with Children & The Lord’s Prayer

The Gospel Acclamation

Mark 16:14–15 Proclaim good news to the whole creation

One: This is the gospel of Jesus Christ.

All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflection on the Word “On the Edge”

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

* Hymn I Feel the Winds of God      VU 625

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

* Offering Song/Doxology              VU 542

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn You Shall Go Out with Joy VU 884

*Commissioning and Benediction

* Choral Amen

CREATION TIME: SKY SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16TH AT ST. DAVID'S

The children help Nan with the Opening Prayer and placement of the coloured cloths on the table.

Holy One, you cradle each of us with remarkable hope.  

You wrap each of us in a deep, mysterious love.

Catherine shows us how to "celebrate"!

You wipe each tear away with infinite gentleness.

You celebrate each of us for the one-of-a-kind beauty we each possess.

Placing each of the four coloured cloths on the table--for use later in the Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession.

May we now celebrate these blessings

with open spirits and grateful hearts. Amen.  

Three generations of the Wagar family take part in worship.

ST. DAVID'S UCW MEETING SEPTEMBER 12TH

Our outdoor meeting room for the UCW gathering at Catherine MacLean's--what a great spot to meet!

Chef Cathy prepared a delicious barbecue and salad lunch--thank you so much for your great hospitality.

It was a gorgeous, sunny September day to meet--and we enjoyed one another's company and good conversation. Seen here are Grace Pilgrim, Dianne MacKinnon, Maxine Smith, Margaret Ashford, Sally Fox and Catherine MacLean. Also in attendance were Yvonne Fox, Julia MacKinnon and Nan Corrigan.

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16TH 2012

MINISTER’S OFFICE HOURS:

Monday 9-12 noon 

Tuesday 9-12 noon

Wednesday 9-12 noon at St. David’s You may drop by for a coffee.

Thursday 9 – 12 noon 

Friday – Minister’s Day Off

The Manse telephone number is 625-0407

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

Prayer Shawl Knitting Circle Knitters and crocheters - gather together in the parlour of St. Mark’s on the 3^rd Monday of each month. Monday September 17^th will be our next time of gathering at 1:00 p.m.

Sept. 22^nd – Sept. 28^th – Nan away. Worship Leader: Jim St. Clair

Sept. 26^th – Service at the Nursing Home

October 7^th – World Wide Communion Sunday/Thanksgiving Sunday.

October 21^st – 11:00 a.m. - St. David’s Anniversary Service.

Sympathy is extended to June Stirling & family on the death of her son, Scott Marshall Stirling.

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Registration of St. Mark’s Sunday School starting on Sunday, September 16^th.

September 18^th – Congregational Board Meeting- 6:30 p.m. Executive, 7:00 p.m. Committees, 8:00 p.m. Combined Board

The Ways and Means Committee of St. Mark's as well as the Cookbook Committee would like to keep you all informed as to how our fund-raising is going. The new re-ordered Cookbooks have arrived. Ruth - Chair of the Ways & Means Committee.

The Being-Doing-Becoming Clinic GASHA recently sent a donation and card of thanks to St. Mark's for the use of the facilities throughout the year. "Being able to use the facilities at St. Mark's provided us a safe and warm place to help the members of our group in their recovery. Part of this recovery is becoming part of the community. The church has become our safe haven. Anita Gerroir, CMHN on behalf of all our group."

Donations and thank you cards were also received from Family Place Resource Centre and Early Childhood Intervention groups for the use of the hall and facilities during the summer months.

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ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

TODAY – Official Board Meeting following worship.

St. David’s Anniversary Service will be on October 21^st at 11:00 a.m. This is a combined Service with St. Mark’s. NO Service at St. Mark’s. Lunch to follow. Everyone is welcome to come.

Church Hall Cleaners for Sept. are Catherine Mac Lean & Lynn King

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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

A community fund raising event in the form of a spaghetti supper will be held at St. Mark’s Church Hall, Port Hawkesbury on Sept. 28.2012 from 4:30 to 6:30 by “Friends of Darryl MacQuarrie” Darryl has been ill and unable to work since May, spending most of the time since that in hospital and recently under going major surgery. Admission to the supper is by donation.

Glendale Kitchen Ceilidhs: starting at 7:00 p.m. September 19^th, October 3rd, 17^th Traditional Cape Breton music. Admission is free, donations appreciated, Proceeds to the Fr. John Angus Rankin Cultural Centre. Lunch to follow.

Terry Fox Run 2012 TODAY starting at 1:00 pm at Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre Come join us to walk, run or bike 1 km, 5 km or 10 km and help support the Terry Fox Foundation for Cancer Research!  For more information call Sarah at 625-5405. No minimum entry fee. Raising pledges is optional.

Community Memorial Service for late Edna Harding of Mulgrave, Sunday Sept 16th at 1:30 P.M. at Trinity United, Mulgrave.

Holy Trinity Auction, Sat. Sept. 22nd at St. Mark's United Church, Port Hawkesbury. View auction items at 10 am.  Auction begins at 11 am. Bake Sale Table, Canteen Facilities. Proceeds support Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Port Hawkesbury

Adult Upgrading/GED Classes Available: Register now to improve your reading, writing, math and/or computer skills; prepare to write the GED; upgrade your skills for employment; or work towards your own personal goals. Both day and evening classes available in both Arichat and St. Peter’s from October 1/12 - June 7/13. There is no fee for these classes, learners can start at anytime, and everyone works at their own pace with the help of a qualified and supportive instructor. Assistance with childcare and transportation may be available. For more information, please call the Richmond County Literacy Network at 226 – 0383 or 535-3304.

Strait Area Community Grief Support Group. A six week grief support program is being offered to help people walk through the grief process as they encounter a more difficult & painful yet normal experience. Thursday, Oct. 4^th to Thurs. Nov. 8, 2012 from 2:00-4:00 pm at St. Joseph’s Parish Hall, 138 Granville Street, Port Hawkesbury, There is no fee for this program. Sponsored in part by the Strait Area Palliative Care Society. To register contact: Gladys MacDougall 863-1375 macdougallgladys@gmail.com or Barbara De Marsh 863-7179 Barbara.deMarsh@gasha.nshealth.ca

Creation Time: Living the Season

Sky Sunday – September 16

REFLECTION AND MEDITATION FOR SKY SUNDAY

Psalm 19:1a
“Heaven is declaring God’s glory…”

The unbridled praise of God’s creative power in Psalm 19 helps to counter the negative imagery of Jeremiah 4:23–28. Yet, while this latter passage speaks of Earth having no hope, still God proclaims, “I will not destroy it completely.”
Even in the midst of God’s anger and despair at humankind – often for ways we have abused Creation – still God does not abandon us, or the Earth which is our home. Indeed, we can look to the heavens and feel the power and presence of God.
■■
How do you feel God present in the sky?
Take a breath, and feel the wondrous presence of God in that air, offering you the gift of a moment of being.

 

Sky Sunday: Connecting with our heartbeat

We are called to listen to the heartbeat of Earth. Try to locate your heartbeat and listen to it. The easiest way to do this is with a stethoscope. However, they are often not readily available. Luckily, there are a few other ways that usually work – although you have to be kind of still and patient to listen. Place a hand over your heart – a few inches below your chin, and just to the left. Optionally, try placing two fingers on the inside of your wrist, or place two fingers along the side of your neck. 

As you quietly notice your heartbeat, imagine the heartbeat of the earth. How do you think you are connected? Jump up and down in place, or run a short distance and back. Try to hear your heartbeat and notice what has happened. What kinds of things might change the rhythm and heartbeat of Earth?

 The Spiritual Practice of Creative Expression

 

 Directions
1.Sit comfortably outside or in a place where you can see through a window to whatever is outside.
2.Take time to notice everything that is there whether of nature or of human creation.
Notice the places where the two meet.
3.Think about the ways that nature and human creation interface for good or for ill.
4.Turn to the Bible and read Jeremiah 4:23–28.
5.Notice how this passage begins with this line: “After this, I looked around.” (Contemporary English Version)
6.Take paper and pen and begin writing with the same line, “After this, I looked around,” giving expression to what you actually see in the same way that Jeremiah
did. Remember that Jeremiah was a poet as well as a prophet. He chose to express the vision he saw in poetic terms. You can, too.
7.When you are finished writing, think about Jeremiah as a God-inspired writer and prophetic voice. Think of yourself as one who also has something of God to say.
8. Share what you have written in any way that seems right to you.

A Prayer for Sky Sunday

Creator God, you desire to be in relationship with us, and for us to be awestruck by your beauty. May our attention move upward and outward to notice you and your handiwork in the sky, in the stars and in the warmth of the sun. May we be reminded that you delight in all of creation and speak beyond words. Guide us to respond and to be claimed by wonder, connection, to you and each other. Amen.

Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2011 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2012