St. Mark's Congregational Board Meeting Report, September 17, 2013

Committee Reports



WORSHIP and PASTORAL CARE

Last Communion we served 75. Our next Communion we be October 6th, which is also World Wide Communion Sunday.

There were two Baptisms during the summer. August 4th MacKenzie Nicole Marie Briggs daughter of Evan David Briggs  and Krista Danielle Oicle  was baptized. August 14th Paul Kenneth Jackson son of Jillian (Evans) Jackson and Ian Jackson was baptized. 

We are pleased to have been asked to have two more baptisms. Norah Irene Langdon daughter of Elizabeth (Langley) Langdon and Bob Langdon, and Jax Xavier Spencer son of Channelle Lillian MacInnis and Everett Mitchum Spencer.

September 29th will be the 5th Sunday and also the day we will join St. David's to celebrate their anniversary. Holy Trinity Anglican Church will be there to celebrate with us. There will be a potluck following the service.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

St. Mark’s Sunday School registration will be October 6th.  Natasha will place an announcement in the community bulletin in the papers and also in the church bulletin in hopes of generating some interest.

Heather and Nan are discussing a possible trial school class for Wednesday night for the months of October, November, December to be revisited after October to see how it is progressing. Heather will continue with classes on Sunday morning during this time.

We had a short discussion on a few ideas to bring children back to church, such as: sports day, music and social, movies, fashion event—these ideas were to bring them into the church, not to hold a religious meeting at that time.  We will have more discussion later.

Heather says the new Sunday School material has arrived and she and Natasha will alternate months for Sunday school.

There is need for small presentation banners as we have Baptisms coming up in the near future, one in November (Jackson Spencer-November 3rd) and the other to be decided at a later date.

Thanks Nan for the wonderful Graduation Service in June.

The Digital Directory is not yet completed, there are still a few photos to be added.When this is done, names may be added or deleted as the need arises. It will be a living record of our Church family.

Camille will be looking for reports from committees for the Blog after congregational meetings.

The next chair will be Barb LeLacheur.

MISSION and OUTREACH

Lana Maclean will again be in charge of the TenThousand Villages Sale which is scheduled to be held October 19th. She expressed an urgent need for volunteers to help set up, cashiers and a clean-up crew, as she is away attending AST in Halifax.

There is a need for someone to co-ordinate and schedule the Minutes for Mission readers.

TRUSTEES and FINANCE

Andy and Clark will get the furnace ready for winter. A new battery in the remote for the cross lights did not solve the problem. Andy will check with the supplier. The manse deck needs a new coat of stain, but we have to remove the mould first. We missed sending out an Anniversary letter, so a thanksgiving letter will be sent instead.

ST. MARK’S MEN’S GROUP

We met on September 15 with sixteen present. We were asked by the Ways and Means committee to hold another fundraiser this autumn. After consultation with Jim George, we decided to have a roast loin of pork dinner on October 4. Some felt that this would be less attractive than roast beef but the benefit of diversification and avoiding conflict with dinners scheduled already were thought to justify taking this risk.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Special Events invites those interested in planning and working on the annual Christmas Bazaar to meet over a light lunch at St. Mark’s Hall at noon on October 7th. Without support in the planning, this event may not be possible.

REPORT FROM THE GENERAL MEETING

A letter from Maritime Conference was discussed. It requested a commitment for financial support  to reduce the debt incurred in building the new Conference Centre and Archives building in Sackville. The suggested pledge, based on three different calculations was of the order of $10,000 to $12,000 from St. Mark’s. Clergy and Presbyters have already been canvassed to help deal with this debt and now the appeal has come down to the grassroots - the individual pastoral charges and congregations. The letter was tabled pending further discussion.

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 29TH 2013

Participating through leadership in worship this morning are:

Guest Speaker: Rev’d Evelyn R. Knorr

Organist: Al Fougere

Greeter: Bob Downard

Lay Readers: Sharon MacCuspic, Kenzie Mac Lean

Collectors: Malcolm Parsons, Heather Graham

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

Next opportunities for baptism, affirmation of faith or transfer of membership will be October 20^th and November 3. For further information please contact the Church Office at 625-2229.

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

Suggested Food Banks donations: Peanut butter or Cereal.

Upcoming Events to mark on your calendar:

October 6  World Communion Sunday.

Sunday School begins at St. Mark's

October 11  Fishcakes and Beans Celtic Colours Supper, Port Hastings Firehall

October 13 Thanksgiving Sunday

October 20 Sunday School begins at St. David’s. Call the church office to register.

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 21^st will be our next time of gathering at 1:00 p.m.

Renowned Celtic Theologian coming to Tatamagouche Centre
You are warmly invited to: 

John Philip Newell: 

Celtic Treasure & the Rebirthing of Christianity 

October 20-22, Sun 5:30 pm to Tues noon

As never before in the history of humanity, we are becoming aware of life's essential interrelatedness. This emerging consciousness can be described as a movement of the Spirit.  Drawing from ancient Celtic Christian wisdom and new science, this program will offer silence, chant and conversation, with a focus on new insights and transformation. 

Leadership: The Rev. Dr. John Philip Newell is a poet, peacemaker, scholar and former warden at Iona, Scotland.He is internationally acclaimed for his work in the field of Celtic Christian spirituality.
For information and to register, contact Tatamagouche Centre: www.tatacentre.ca or (902) 657-2231

AVAILABLE AT THE CHURCH OFFICE: 

Canadian Church Calendar 2014

Cost: $6.00 ($1.25 profit from each to go to the Mission and Service Fund, United Church of Canada)

Pictures this year depict banners, communion table frontals and other liturgical artwork from United Churches across Canada.

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ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

St. David’s Lay Readers:

October 6^th – Margaret Ashford

October 13th – Susan Langley

October 20^th – Karen Wagar

October 27^th – Bonnie Hatcher

October 6^th – Worldwide Communion Sunday.

Celtic Colours Fishcake and Bean Dinner - When: Friday, October 11, 2013  from 4 to 6 pm - Location: Port Hastings Fire Hall - Price: $10.00 Sponsored by St. David's UCW

October 20^th – Sunday School begins.

Church Hall Cleaners for October: Wanda Harb, Florence Timmons

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ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

FUNDSCRIP REPORT - October order Sundays are October 6^th and 20^th and delivery Sundays are October 13^th and 27^th.

Promotions for October

The Children’s Place 10% ( Reg. 8% )

Sears 10% ( Reg. 7%)

Le Vie en Rose 10% ( Reg. 8% )

HOW TO PLACE AN ORDER - Fill out the FundScrip order form found in the green folder in the narthex. Enclose the completed order form and payment either cash or cheque payable to St. Mark’s United Church ( no postdated cheques please) , put in FundScrip envelope and place on collection plate during Sunday offering. Alternately envelopes can be left at St. Mark’s office during secretary’s working hours. (Please do not leave them in the narthex). Contact Patsy brander at 625-1062 or Bonnie Dawson at 625-3838 if you have any questions.

St. Mark’s Men’s Group Roast Loin of Pork Dinner 

Friday October 4, 4:30-6:00 p.m. 

at St. Mark’s United Church hall in Port Hawkesbury.

Eat in or take-out. Adults $12.00, children (under 12) $6.00.

Oct. 5^th – 6 p.m. Girls Night Out St. Mark’s Church Hall

An evening of fashions, live music and refreshments. Shop at twelve different home vendors who represent ladies accessories (jewelry, purses) kitchen ware, home products, cosmetics and more. Browse a used book table.

Anyone who would like to donate good used books for the Book Sale on Ladies’ Nite Oct. 5^th, please contact Jean Mac Pherson 625-0509

Oct. 7^th – 12 noon – Special Events—Anyone interested in planning/working at the Christmas Bazaar is welcome to meet for a light lunch and discussion about the bazaar. Without support in planning this event may not be possible.

St. Mark’s Lay Readers:

October 6^th – David Chapman

October 13^th – Lana Mac Lean

October 20^th – Denis Benard

October 27^th – Brenda Mac Innis

Girls Night Out  October 5^th at 6 o’clock at  St Mark’s. A Fun Evening of fashion, live music, refreshments, and with your admission of $5 dollars a chance to win Cindy Day's book, Grandma Says  and a hand made Larch wood cutting board.  Tickets at the door or from Valli--625 0576, Annabel 625 0741, Jeanne 625 0609

October 15, 2013 – St. Mark’s Congregational Board Meeting.

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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

St. Joseph Parish Port Hawkesbury Fall Fair, 

Saturday, October 5^th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to be held on Parish Grounds: Multi-Family “New-to-You Items, Bake Table (Preserves, Jams & Jellies, Book Table, Handcrafted Items, Children’s Games including fish pond, cookie decorating, Putting Challenge, Chocolate wheel, 50/50 draw & Barbeque. Rain location – Basement of Church.

Indoor Flea Market, Havre Boucher Community Centre, October 12th, 10-1. For more info contact Denee Mattie at deneea@hotmail.com or 232-2274 or Denise Deon at 234-2633 Lots of new and used items, bake tables and more!

Gaelic Classes in Port Hawkesbury 

Will begin Gaelic night classes at the KOC bldg., on Monday, Oct. 7th from 7 to 9pm. Registration a half hour before class. Our class will be full immersion Gaelic and Beginner to Fluent are welcome. For more info call Kathleen at 625-3794 or Kevin at 625-0888

Celtic Colours Fishcake and Bean Dinner - When: Friday, October 11, 2013  from 4 to 6 pm - Location: Port Hastings Fire Hall - Price: $10.00 Sponsored by St. David's UCW

An eight week Basic Introduction to Computers, Internet and E-Mail will be held on Monday nights from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. ,  October 17 to December 5, 2013,  at the St. Peter’s Learning and Technology Centre. For more information or to register, call the Richmond County Literacy Network at 226-0383 or 535-3304. No Fee. Funded by the Department of Labour and Advanced Education. ( A similar program will be offered in Arichat in the new year.)

Blessing of Animals - Saturday, October 5^th, 2013 Ecumenical 10 a.m.

Parking lot of Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Reeves Street

Port Hawkesbury Reverend’s Evelyn R. Knorr and Nan Corrigan offer a blessing for your pets. Holy Trinity Anglican Church & St. Mark’s United Church

ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 29TH 2013-ST. DAVID'S ANNIVERSARY

 JOINT 5TH SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE--ST. DAVID'S, ST. MARK'S and HOLY TRINITY ANGLICAN

AT ST. DAVID'S UNITED CHURCH, PORT HASTINGS

11:00 a.m.

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: Nan Corrigan D. M., Reverend Evelyn Knorr

Music Director: Al Fougere

September 29^th, 2013-19^th Sunday after Pentecost

Creation Time

128^th Anniversary Sunday--St. David's

The story of Lazarus reminds us that faithful living requires noticing the needs of our neighbours and responding to those needs. Jeremiah’s prophetic act inspires us to invest financially in the world we want to see, to act with hope, especially when faced with uncertainty...God can be trusted and God will provide is the underlying theme of the readings for this week. 

Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2012 Seasons of the Spirit™

SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2013, p. 91

Announcements The Work of Church and Community

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Greeting

One: The peace of Christ be with you. All: And with your spirit.

* Introit           Called By Earth and Sky           Printed

*Call to Worship Back of bulletin

* Hymn          This Day God Gives Me          VU 410

Opening Prayer Back of bulletin

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Opening the Word          Hope in a Jar

Jeremiah 32:1–3a, 6–15 Houses, fields, vineyards will be purchased

This is the witness of the Hebrew people. All: Thanks be to God.

*Psalm 91 (sung) God will raise you up on eagle’s wings. VU 808-9

The Gospel Acclamation

Luke 16:19–31 The rich man and Lazarus.

This is the gospel of Jesus Christ. All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflection

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

* Hymn             Make Me a Channel of Your Peace           VU 684

Minute for Mission

Offering Our Gifts to God

* Offering Prayer (together)

With thanksgiving we place into your hands, loving God, a portion of what you have given us. May those who long to be fed like Lazarus be nurtured by what we give in both body and spirit. Amen

*Hymn           When a Poor One            VU 702

Prayers of Thanks and Concern Based on Psalm 91 (together)

God, our refuge and fortress, our shelter and strength, we dwell in your shadow and trust in your presence. We give you thanks for all the blessings of this day. Grant us safety under your wings, protect us from the terror of the night, and the dangers of the day. Teach us, God, to know you and love you, encourage us to call on you. Be with us in our times of trouble. Save us from all that would separate us from you. We pray in the name of the One who taught us to pray in this way, saying…

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come, thy will be done,

on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory

forever and ever. Amen.

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn           How Great Thou Art            Printed

* Commissioning and Benediction (responsively)

“This present moment and its possibilities

for change and renewal will be lost;

the future promise and its hope for what will yet be will not be lost:

for the word of God’s blessing will endure and come to fruition;

as will the ones whom God blesses. Now and for all time.”

(From Hope: Our Longing for Home by John Indermark,

copyright©2007 by John Indermark. Upper Room Books, Nashville, TN.)

* Choral Amen

 

 

 

 

CANADIAN CHURCH CALENDARS FOR SALE AT ST. MARK'S CHURCH OFFICE

AVAILABLE AT THE CHURCH OFFICE: 

Canadian Church Calendar 2014

Cost: $6.00 ($1.25 profit from each to go to the Mission and Service Fund, United Church of Canada)

Pictures this year depict banners, communion table frontals and other liturgical artwork from United Churches across Canada.

Roast Pork Dinner at St. Mark's, Friday, October 4th

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 15 2013

Participating through leadership in worship this morning are:

Organist: Al Fougere

Fiddler(St. D.): John Pellerin

Greeters (St. M.): Donnie & Jean Mac Pherson

(St. D.): Amanda Cass, Donald Mac Gregor

Lay Reader (St. M.): Joyce Oliver-Snair

Lay Reader (St. D.): Michael Hatt

Collectors (St. M.): Donnie & Jean Mac Pherson,

Brenda Smith, Linda Howlett

Collectors (St. D.):

Counters (St. D.): Malcolm Parsons, Heather Graham

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

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

Suggested Food Banks donations: Peanut butter or Cereal.

Copies of “The Upper Room” for Sept.-Oct. are available.

Upcoming Events to mark on your calendar:

September 22  Guest worship leader Sue Betuik

September 29  St. David's Anniversary Service and "5th Sunday" Worship-Guests St. Mark's and Holy Trinity Anglican congregations, 11:00 a.m. Potluck lunch to follow with cake, ice cream and beverages provided.

October 6  World Communion Sunday. Sunday School begins at St. Mark's

October 11  Fishcakes and Beans Celtic Colours Supper, Port Hastings Firehall

October 13 Thanksgiving Sunday

October 20 Sunday School begins at St. David’s. Call the church office to register.

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, September16^th will be our next time of gathering at 1:00 p.m.

Emergency Response  Syria Refugee Emergency Appeal

ACT Alliance is asking its members, including the United Church, for nearly $20 million to support its work with those affected by war in Syria. It has been working with Syrian refugees since the conflict began. The United Church has already distributed a total of $90,000 for the humanitarian relief work of our partners in the region, drawing either from the church’s Emergency Response Fund or our equity in the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.

Also, the Canadian government is seeking to resettle in Canada 1,000 Syrian nationals currently located in Lebanon and Jordan. It has invited the United Church to help find homes for some of the refugees.

More information on the United Church of Canada response to the situation in Syria and how to donate can be found online at this link:

http://www.united-hurch.ca/communications/news/response/130905

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ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

FUNDSCRIP UPDATE - FUNDSCRIP New Order date

The next FundScrip order will be placed Sunday, September 22, 2013 and the gift cards will be returned Sunday September 29^th.

Orders will be sent biweekly on Sundays and gift cards will be returned the Sundays following the orders. FundScrip order forms and envelopes are now available in the narthex and can be found in a green folder labelled FundScrip. Bonnie and Patsy will be available after church on the Sundays in September to answer any questions you have regarding FundScript.

HOW TO PLACE AN ORDER - Complete the information on the order form, choose the gift cards you wish to purchase and total the cost of the order. Put the order form and payment in a sealed FundScrip envelope and place on the plate during collection. Payment may be cash or cheque made out to St. Mark’s United Church with a notation FundScrip order. No post-dated cheques please. Your order must be paid before it can be sent.

If you are unable to attend church please deliver your orders, payment included, in sealed Fundscrip envelopes to Patsy or Bonnie in time to be sent with the orders on the designated Sundays. Orders with payment included, in sealed Fundscrip envelopes, may also be given to Jane during St. Mark’s weekly office hours. If you are unable to attend church on gift card delivery Sundays please make arrangements with Patsy to receive them.

If you have any questions or would like more information about this program you may call Patsy Brander at 625-1062 or Bonnie Dawson at 625-3838. You may also like to visit the website for FundScrip at www.fundscrip.com.

COURTESY CAR

If you need a ride to church during the month of September, call Dave Chapman at 787-2610

Please make your Courtesy Car request well in advance if possible. Sunday Worship requests should be made by the evening before

or by 8 a.m. Sunday morning at latest.

St. Mark’s Lay Readers:

September 22^nd – Larry Evans

September 29^th – Connie Fowlie

Tuesday, September 17^th – St. Mark’s Congregational Board Meeting – 6:30 p.m. Executive, 7:00 p.m. Committees, 8:00 p.m. Combined Board

Girls Night Out  

October 5^th at 6 o’clock at  St Mark’s. 

A Fun Evening of fashion, live music, refreshments, and with your admission of $5 dollars a chance to win Cindy Day's book, Grandma Says  and a hand made Larch wood cutting board. Tickets at the door or from Valli--625 0576, Annabel 625 0741, Jeanne 625 0609

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

St. David’s Lay Readers:

September 22^nd – Iaian Langley

September 29^th – Kenzie Mac Lean

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

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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Tatamagouche Centre Events: 

Sacred Space, Common Ground

September 19-23, Thur 7 pm to Mon 1 pm

Face to face and faith to faith, a gathering which draws upon the gifts of diverse faith traditions and focuses on places of commonality and potential collaboration.

Leadership: Amir Hussain, Tim Scorer, Martha Martin (PRG) and local inter-faith leaders.

Contact Tatamagouche Centre: www.tatacentre.ca or 1-800-218-2220

Labyrinth and Leadership

September 20-22, Fri 7pm to Sun 3pm

This workshop is an opportunity for leaders to come together and deeply reflect on their leadership and what leadership means to themselves and to others. The Labyrinth is an ancient tool used for meditative practice and through the use of the labyrinth, and through leadership sessions, the participants will have an opportunity to ignite the core of how and why they lead. Ideal for all walks of life and experience levels.

Leadership: Dr. Joan McArthur-Blair and Dr. Jeanie Cockell, Co-Presidents of Cockell McArthur-Blair Consulting.

Contact Tatamagouche Centre: www.tatacentre.ca or 1-800-218-2220

Terry Fox Run 2013 Today 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!  Register online at terryfoxrun.org or just show up at the Civic Centre. For more information to participate or to volunteer, call Sarah at 625-5405. No minimum entry fee. Raising pledges is optional. Donate what you can and join the fun!

Indoor Flea Market, Havre Boucher Community Centre, October 12th, 10-1. Over 50 tables booked! For more info contact Denee Mattie at deneea@hotmail.com or 232-2274 or Denise Deon at 234-2633 Lots of new and used items, bake tables and more!

Workshop:  Spirituality Made Easy. Wed. Sept 25th. Holy Trinity Anglican Church.  Twice that day: 1:30-3:00 pm and then in the evening 7:00-8:30

CREATION TIME REFLECTION--STORM SUNDAY

Storm Sunday

September 15

Psalm 29

“God sits enthroned over the flood; God sits enthroned

as ruler for ever. May God give strength to God’s people!

May God bless God’s people with peace!” (Psalm 29:10–11)

Creator God is not the only role that God plays in our

lives. As these verses explain, God is a God of storm and

God strengthens and calms us. While we might struggle

with the different roles God plays in our lives, we can be

assured that God is present in times of storm. We can tell

God we are afraid and God hears.

This week listen to or read the news, paying special attention

to stories that talk about how storms have affected

a community. Spend time praying for the survivors of

the storm, that they feel God’s strength and peace surrounding them. Give thanks for all first-responders and firefighters. 

COMMUNITY ART INSTALLATION--CREATION TIME STORM SUNDAY SEPT 15TH 2013

During worship in Creation Time, we will create a "community art installation." By creating this larger than life net of found objects and litter, we will observe how we can be both awed and shamed by the size, the wastefulness, and the beauty that our impact has on earth. We are invited to reflect on how the net represents the ways God gathers all things including our mistakes and transforms us into a new creation.

September 15th is Storm Sunday: Bring along to worship objects or pictures that represent the storms in our lives and in our environments, as well as the relief work we do to rebuild and heal. This is also Firefighters Memorial Sunday at St. David’s—you might want to think beyond “storm” to all the different emergencies to which volunteer firefighters respond.