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/
Presbytery Website: inverguyunited.ca
Presbytery Website: inverguyunited.ca
Ministers: The Whole People of God
Guest Minister: Rev. Adelina Pecchia, BA MTS
Guest Minister: Rev. Adelina Pecchia, BA MTS
Minister: Nan Corrigan D. M.
Minister of Music: Al Fougere
September 29th, 2014—Creation Time 3
* please stand as able
* please stand as able
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 (Refrain)
Called by earth and sky, promise of hope held high.
This is our sacred living trust, treasure of life sanctified,
Called by earth and sky.
*Call to Worship Back of Bulletin
Prayer of Approach: Back of Bulletin
*Hymn Make a Joyful Noise VU 820
Prayer for Wholeness and Declaration of Grace/Absolution
One: God, you are our Creator and Redeemer and like your children everywhere most of us are caught up in the pursuit of happiness.
All: There are voices who urge us to find this in seeking wealth.
One: Others claim it can be found by being ambitious and seeking self-glorification. We come this morning because we believe true happiness can only be found in following your commands and serving you in humble spirit.
All: Help us when we are discouraged like those who wandered in the desert. You helped the people in the wilderness and we know you want to help us. Give us the wisdom to understand that when all hope is dried up you can provide streams in the desert from even the places we wouldn't even consider. Bless this time of worship we have set aside this morning, we pray, in Jesus name. Amen.
*Hymn Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love VU 593
Call to Confession and Assurance
One: Lord, we want to serve you in a manner that is best and we realize that we sometimes fall short. We often fear the future. We do not always speak with a gentle wisdom and in many other ways we really need to improve. Strengthen us in our resolve to be better servants to one another. Help us to be the best witnesses we can be in this community for our Lord.
All: We say that God is our rock and redeemer, and our provider. Yet there are times we often don't act like we believe it. Instead we blame each other when there are short falls and short comings. We don't realize we hurt each other and when we do we are slow to forgive. Forgive us God when we don't act on what we know.
One: Let us come before God for the next few moments and think about the way we have complained this last week. Where do you put your trust? Who is it that you really trust? Is it God? If not, why not?
( moment of silence)
One: God meets us face to face and listens to our every longing. In Christ we are given a refuge and hope and are saved from our complaining and deceits. We are freed to give up our old ways even when we are tempted to go back to them. We can walk in newness of life. Let us live then as people who are dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
All: Yes, we are promised that God makes all things new and we will walk in newness of life. Amen.
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD
Exodus 17: 1-7 - "The people quarreled with Moses, and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?” 3 But the people thirsted there for water.."
Psalm 78 (Part 2) VU 792
Philippians 2: 1-13: "...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure."
Sermon: "We Are a Thirsty People"
WE RESPOND IN FAITH
* Hymn O God, Our Help in Ages Past VU 806
Minute for Mission & Offering our Gifts to God
All: We give thanks for all the people whose courage has passed life and faith to us. We lift up all who trust you, O God, in spite of ruthless opposition and oppression. We offer ourselves with our gifts, that Christ's love may prevail throughout the whole world. Amen.
Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession
WE GO TO SERVE GOD
* Hymn We Shall Go Our with Hope of Resurrection VU 586
* Commissioning and Blessing
One: Greet the world with refreshed spirits; go lift burdens even as God has lifted yours.
All: God has quenched the strife within us; God unites us with one another in service.
One: God dwells with you and strengthens you; God multiplies your energy and influence. God has filled you with water that springs up into a stream of eternal refreshment.
All: God has delivered us and continues to lead us. We are given safe passage.
One: Go out to listen and to testify of the goodness of God. Listen to the wisdom that surrounds you in quiet nature every day.
All: God indeed is revealed in all we meet. We will not complain. We will praise God in all we say and do. Amen.
Participating through leadership in worship this morning are:
Worship Leader: Rev. Adelina Pecchia
Organist: Al Fougere
Lay Reader (St. M.): Joyce Oliver-Snair
(St. D.): Margie MacIntre
Mission Moment (St. M.): Barb Mac Intyre
Greeters & Collectors (St. M.): Valli Ross, Ingram Fowlie
Greeter (St. D.): Bob Downard
Collectors (St. D.): Iaian Langley, Heather Graham
OFFICE HOURS:
Monday 9-12 noon, Nan at St. Mark’s
Tuesday 9-12 noon, Nan at St. Mark’s
Wednesday 9-12 noon Nan at St. David’s, Jane at St. Mark’s
Thursday 9 – 12 noon Jane at St. Mark’s
Friday – Minister’s Day Off, 9-12 noon Jane at St. Mark’s
Food Bank donations are received on the last Sunday of the month.
They are also saving plastic grocery bags which can be dropped off at the Food Bank or given to one of the volunteers.
Sunday School at St. David’s and St. Mark’s will begin on Sunday, October 5th.
Nan and Bruce are enjoying 2 weeks of vacation. Worship leader on September 28th will be the Rev. Adelina Pecchia. The Rev. Heather Manuel, Eastern Guysborough and Mulgrave Pastoral Charges will be covering pastoral care from Sept 18th to Oct 1st.
Prayer Shawl Knitting Circle Knitters and crocheters gather together in the parlour of St. Mark’s on the 3rd Monday of each month. Next time of gathering is October 20th at 1:00 p.m.
