Sunday, 30 November 2014

ADVENT ALL AGES EVENT-ADVENT 1 NOVEMBER 30TH 2014

Inverness County Singers Concert St. Mark's November 29th 2014

Friday, 28 November 2014

CHRISTMAS TEA & BAKE SALE ST. MARK'S NOVEMBER 29 2014

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY NOVEMBER 30TH 2014

Participating through leadership in worship this morning are:

Organist: Al Fougere

Lay Reader (St. M.): Barbara Mac Intyre

Lay Reader (St. D.): Arnold Mac Lean

Advent Wreath (St. M.): The Langdon Family

Advent Wreath (St. D.): Julia Mac Kinnon

Greeters & Collectors (St. M.): Darren & Anne Louise Blundon

Greeters (St. D.): The Timmons Family

Collectors (St. D.): Bob Downard, Alicia Vink

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.

Prayer Shawl Knitting Circle Knitters and crocheters gather together in the parlour of St. Mark’s on the 3^rd Monday of each month. Next time of gathering is December 15^th at 1:00 p.m.

AVAILABLE AT THE CHURCH OFFICE:

Canadian Church Calendar 2015 Cost: $6.00 (profit to go to the Mission and Service Fund, United Church of Canada)

A beautiful calendar showcasing our own traditions with inspired photographs of Anglican and United churches from across Canada. Significant church dates and spiritually uplifting verses make it the perfect calendar to give or keep.

About Gifts with Vision

The United Church of Canada developed the giving catalogue Gifts with Vision in response to member requests to be able to give gifts to relatives, friends, and loved ones that are in direct support of the church’s Mission and Service partners across Canada and around the world. If you are seeking inspiring new gift ideas, Gifts with Vision presents a new way to celebrate special occasions. Give a gift that can help change people’s lives! Print catalogues are now available in the entry to the church and gifts can also be purchased online at www.giftswithvision.ca

Anyone interested in Confirmation is asked to please contact the Church Office at 625-2229.

Christmas Parade Float from St. David's and St. Mark's--want to help us put together a living nativity float for Port Hawkesbury's Christmas Parade? Speak to Nan or Bruce--needed are people to help put the float together and people to take part.

Advent Small Group: Working Graces This study for small groups is based on the The Letters used in the Lectionary readings for Advent. The President of Maritime Conference, Gloria Churchill and Janice MacLean reflect on Faith, Hope, and Love. These “Working Graces” inform our mission and identity in congregations. Parlour of St. Mark's, Monday mornings at 10:00 throughout December.

December 7^th – Advent 2

December 14^th – Advent 3

December 21^st – Advent 4

December 24^th – Christmas Eve Service with Communion

6:30 p.m. – Service at St. Mark’s

8:00 p.m. – Service at St. David’s

Marking the Days: Calendars for Inmates at Springhill Institution Again this year the Chaplains are seeking calendars for the inmates at Springhill Institution. These calendars are an important point of contact with inmates especially those who are arriving in the reception area. You could drop them off in the box provided at Church entrance.

Christmas Hope: Christmas Cards for Inmates in Segregated Populations There is prison and then there is the hole – segregation: 23 hours a day in a 6’X9′ cell. Isolated, bombarded by the noise of an institutional machine, alone with your thoughts and feelings at Christmas time. It is into this place that the Divine longs to be born. If you would like to share the message of hope with an individual in prison, write a Christmas message on a Christmas Card, sign it with your first name only, place it in an unsealed envelope and either mail the envelope to Springhill Institution Chaplaincy Department, PO Box 2140 Springhill, NS B0M 1X0. The Chaplains will put the names of individuals on the Christmas cards and hand them out to the men in Segregation over the Christmas season.

November 30th, Advent 1: 4:30 p.m. - All Ages Advent Event "Preparing the Way" Activity centres including making your own family/household Nativity Scene or Creche; informal worship. Concluding with soup and hotdog supper (provided). Everyone welcome. This will be held at St. Mark’s

CHRISTMAS OLD & NEW --- is a gift of music from the Inverness County Singers and the Young County Singers, directed by Laurel Browne with piano accompaniment by Lawrence Cameron. If you missed the performance at St. Mark’s on Saturday, there is another one on Monday, December 1 at 7:30 at St. Mary’s Church in Mabou. Donations go to local charities

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ST. MARK’S FLOWERS

In Loving Memory of:

- JIM NOSEWORTHY and ALPHONSE & DOROTHY ROACH from Archie & Elaine Noseworthy & family.

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

St. Mark’s Welcomes You! Refreshments in the church hall following worship—please join us! There is a quiet nursery space above the stage in the hall—reached via the stairs by the church office door. There you will find toys, change table, crib, rocking chair for your use. We’re so glad you came today.

St. Mark’s Courtesy Car: Contact person for the Courtesy Car is Andy Palmer. His telephone number is 625-2748.

FundScrip Order Sunday will be December 7^th and Delivery Sunday will be December 14^th. FundScrip will resume with an order Sunday January 11, 2015.

Promotions for December are as follows:

Fairmont Hotels 10% ( Regular 8% )

Kernels Popcorn 10% ( Regular 5%)

Cara Restaurants ( Includes Hudson’s Bay 5% ( Regular 3% )

& Home Outfitters)

FundScrip will resume in 2015 with an order Sunday on January 11^th, 2015. Please contact Patsy Brander at 902-625-1062 or Bonnie Dawson at 902-625-3838 if you have any questions about the program or if you wish to join the program.

Lay Readers:

December 7^th – Jean Mac Pherson

December 14^th – Clark Brander

December 21^st – Julia Mac Quarrie

December 24^th – Archie Noseworthy

Observer Subscriptions: Please use one of the envelopes in the narthex to subscribe or renew and place on the collection plate by December 14, 2014. Cost is just $20/yr. For more info, please contact Lorna Harvey at 902-625-0535 or lorna.harvey3@gmail.com.

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ST. DAVID’S FLOWERS

In Loving Memory of:

- IAN A. MACKINNON & daughter SUSAN MAC KINNON from Jane & Family

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:

December 7^th – Mary Jess Mac Donald

December 14^th – Lisa Rhynold

December 21^st – Kenzie Mac Lean

December 28^th -

Hall Cleaners for December are Jean Hatcher & Marjorie Langford.

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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Leeside Christmas Program Leeside Transition House provides Christmas gifts and food to families in need who use our sevices. Many families receive assistance only from Leeside. Donations from the community make the Christmas program possible. You can help in one of the following ways: -Make a cash donation -Donate a gift card from a grocery store -"Adopt" a child or family to buy gifts for -Tell others about the Leeside Christmas program For more info. call Leeside at 902-625-1990.

An Olde Tyme Christmas at the Port Hastings Museum and Artisans Collective on Friday to Sunday, Nov. 28th to Nov. 30^th and Friday, Dec. 5^th to Sunday, Dec. 7th - daily 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. Special Christmas Displays throughout the Museum, quality hand crafted woven, quilted, knitted and carved gift items for Christmas from local artisans, children’s activities. Bake sale on both Saturdays beginning at 2:00 pm.

Christmas House Tour – Strait Area Curling Club will sponsor a Christmas House Tour on Saturday December 6th. St Marks Church will be featured with mangers from around the world, along with 6 houses in the community. A tea will follow at the Curling Club on Macquarrie Drive. Tickets are available from Valli Ross and Jean Macpherson and various locations in Port Hawkesbury and the surrounding area

December 6^th Evergreen Seniors Club Christmas Bazaar & Tea from 1:00 – 4:00pm Doors open at 12:30 to view items for auction. Auction 1 pm sharp Bake table, crafts, Gramma’s attic, sale of tickets on handmade quilt, & Christmas Basket. $2.00 admission.

Lights of Love Christmas Campaign- join the celebration this year by helping the R.K. Mac Donald Nursing Home light up their tree with bulbs dedicated to love. You can dedicate a bulb in memory of a deceased loved one or honour someone presently in your life. Monies raised will be used toward the construction of a Four Seasons Solarium/Sunroom, adjacent to the dining room at the nursing home. Solariums provide year-round natural light which will enhance psychological and physical well-being for all residents of the R.K. If you would like to make a donation in memory of a loved one, and are not already on our mailing list, please call the RK Foundation office and leave us your mailing address- 902-863-2578 Ext. 223. Please join us on Sunday, December 7, at 7 pm in the R.K.MacDonald Chapel for the dedication ceremony.

Strait Area Women’s Place and Public Heath are hosting a Flu Clinic. Open to the public on Tuesday, December 2^nd, 2014 from 1pm-6pm at 609 Church Street Suite 104. Bring your health card.

Canada’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. You are invited to participate in a vigil of Remembrance and Hope on December 5, 2014 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at Strait Area Women’s Place Suite 104-609 Church Street, Port Hawkesbury. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information please call Strait Area Women’s Place at 902-625-1614. In 1991 December 6^th was declared Canada’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. The vigil is a time to remember all women and girls who live with violence or who have died as a result of violence. It is an opportunity to nurture our hope. The violence can end. You can make a difference.

Port Hawkesbury Seasonal Services is once again preparing to provide Christmas Dinner Boxes for those in need in the Town. Anyone wishing to donate financially to this project may do so by contacting Jo-Anne MacDonald at 625-3003. Donations may also be left at the Pitt Street Post Office with Rosanne or Roberta. Donations may be left in your name, at the Royal Bank of Canada

ORDER OF SERVICE NOVEMBER 30TH 2014-ADVENT 1-SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION

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

Ministers: The Whole People of God

Ministers: Nan Corrigan D. M.

Minister of Music: Al Fougere

November 30^th, 2014-Advent 1-Sacrament of Communion

Julia MacKinnon and grandson Nolan light the Hope candle in the Advent Wreath

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 Procession & Hanging of “Hope” Banner

*Call to Worship

One: People of God, come, for the light of hope beckons us together.

All: From our solitude, we are called into community; from our brokenness, we are called into wholeness; from our fading, we are called into fullness; and from our wind-swept wandering, we are called to the path of new life.

One: People of God, come, for the light of hope beckons us together.

All: Let us take the hand of God and carry this light together. Come, let us worship.

Advent Candlelighting Liturgy

Child: With the lighting of this candle, we celebrate the hope of Israel, and the hope that we have in Jesus Christ.

Congregation: We continue to hope in God’s promise that Christ will come again to fill our lives and the life of the world with love and joy and peace. Let us pray:

Prayer: O God, help us to be open to your shaping of our lives, that we may be channels of hope, love, peace, and joy to our hurting world. Amen.

*Candlelighting Hymn Hope Is a Star verse 1 VU 7

Opening Prayer

*Hymn My Lord, What a Morning VU 708

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Isaiah 64:1-9 Tear open the heavens and come down.

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

Psalm 80 Shine upon us, shepherd of Israel VU794, Pt. 1

*Hymn All Earth Is Waiting VU 5

Opening the Word

The Gospel Acclamation

Mark 13:24-37 You will see 'the Son of Man coming in clouds'.

One: The gospel of Jesus Christ. All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

Minute for Mission A Story from the Peace Box
Offering Our Gifts to God

*Offering Prayer

One: Holy Creator, today we dedicate ourselves anew. Even in our doubt, we promise our faith. Even in our fear, we promise our courage. Even in our comfort, we promise our eternal commitment to seeking justice and peace on earth.

All: Bless this worship, and this offering, that they may be a reflection of our striving to live in the tension and the promise that are ours as your people. Amen.

*Hymn As We Gather at Your Table VU 457

Sacrament of Communion Insert, cover of Voices United

Distribution Hymn God Is So Good

God is so good;

Oh! So good to us!

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

*Hymn May the God of Hope Go with Us VU 424

* Commissioning and Benediction

All: Let us step into the world of this season, and take God’s hand, trusting in God’s wisdom even when our own cannot be found.

One: Go in the hope of new life that is held in the promise of this light, and go in peace.

*Choral Amen

Saturday, 22 November 2014

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY NOVEMBER 23RD 2014

Participating through leadership in worship this morning are:

Organist: Al Fougere

Lay Reader (St. M.): Karen Mac Kinnon

Lay Reader (St. D.): Margie Mac Intyre

Greeters & Collectors (St. M.): Darren & Anne Louise Blundon

Greeters (St. D.): The Timmons Family

Collectors (St. D.): Bob Downard, Alicia Vink

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.

Prayer Shawl Knitting Circle Knitters and crocheters gather together in the parlour of St. Mark’s on the 3^rd Monday of each month. Next time of gathering is December 15^th at 1:00 p.m.

AVAILABLE AT THE CHURCH OFFICE:

Canadian Church Calendar 2015 Cost: $6.00 (profit to go to the Mission and Service Fund, United Church of Canada)

About Gifts with Vision

Anyone interested in Confirmation is asked to please contact the Church Office at 625-2229.

CHRISTMAS OLD & NEW --- a gift of music from the Inverness County Singers and the Young County Singers, directed by Laurel Browne with piano accompaniment by Lawrence Cameron. Please join us at St. Mark’s United Church, Port Hawkesbury on Saturday, November 29 at 7:30. Other performances are on Friday, November 28 at 7:30 at St. Joseph’s Church in Southwest Margaree; or Monday, December 1 at 7:30 at St. Mary’s Church in Mabou. Donations go to local charities.

November 26^th – 10:30 a.m. - Service at Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home.

November 30^th – Advent 1 Sacrament of Communion

December 7^th – Advent 2

December 14^th – Advent 3

December 21^st – Advent 4

December 24^th – Christmas Eve Service with Communion

6:30 p.m. – Service at St. Mark’s

8:00 p.m. – Service at St. David’s

Meeting of Inverness Guysborough Presbytery at St. Mark's United Church, Tuesday, November 25th from 10:00 to 2:00. Everyone welcome.

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

St. Mark’s Courtesy Car: Contact person for the Courtesy Car is Andy Palmer. His telephone number is 625-2748.

FundScrip Order Sunday will be November 23^rd and Delivery Sunday will be November 30^th. Promotions for November are as follows:

Petro-Canada 2.5% (Regular 2%)

WaySpa 13% (Regular 10%)

Sears 5% (Regular 3%)

( Includes Home Outfitters & Hudson’s Bay)

Please contact Patsy Brander at 902-625-1062 or Bonnie Dawson at 902-625-3838 if you have any questions about the program or if you wish to join the program.

Lay Readers:

Nov. 30^th – Barbara Mac Intyre

December 7^th – Jean Mac Pherson

December 14^th – Rebecca Roussey

December 21^st – Julia Mac Quarrie

December 24^th – Archie Noseworthy

November 28^th 7-9 pm. St. Mark’s Christmas Tea & Sale- Bake Table, Crafts & Knitting and New-To-You-Table. The church will be open 6-8 pm Thursday evening to receive donations and again 1 pm. on Friday. If you have items for the New-To-You-Table please drop off on Thursday evening or early Friday afternoon.

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ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

TODAY – St. David’s Official Board Meeting following Worship Service.

Lay Readers:

Nov. 30th – Arnold Mac Lean

December 7^th – Mary Jess Mac Donald

December 14^th – Lisa Rhynold

December 21^st – Kenzie Mac Lean

December 28^th -

Hall Cleaners for November are Claudette Fox & Ashley Fox.

The Board of Stewards would like to thank everyone who helped out in any way to make the Roast Beef supper the great success it was. Profit from the supper was $2620.00. Submitted by Ashley.

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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

There will be an evening of prayer, music and scripture for families and friends of those who have died while in the care of St. Martha’s Regional Hospital from February 1^st, 2014 to July 31^st, 2014. This service will be held in the Clare Marie Auditorium (former St. Martha’s Chapel) on Monday, November 24^th, 2014 at 7:15 pm. Refreshments will follow.

Holiday Bazaar – Strait Area Women’s Place invites you to share some Holiday Spirit from 10am-12 noon on Wednesday, November 26^th. Door Decorating, Treats, Crafting, Games, Cookie Decorating, Cheerful Conversation.

Strait Area Women’s Place and Public Heath are hosting a Flu Clinic. Open to the public on Tuesday, December 2^nd, 2014 from 1pm-6pm at 609 Church Street Suite 104. Bring your health card.

ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY NOVEMBER 23RD 2014-REIGN OF CHRIST SUNDAY

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

Ministers: The Whole People of God

Ministers: Nan Corrigan D. M.

Minister of Music: Al Fougere

November 23^rd, 2014—Reign of Christ Sunday

This week we reflect on how we understand the judgment of God, how we embrace the most vulnerable, and the intent of our actions. How might Christ’s reign of justice, peace, and love be made more visible through you, individually and as the church?

™ SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2014 p. 167

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.

*Call to Worship Make a joyful noise all the earth! VU 820

*Prayer of Approach Back of bulletin

*Hymn All Who Hunger VU 460

Prayer for Forgiveness

One: We are sorry,

All: we are sorry for those moments we put our own needs

first, especially at the cost of hurting your children.

God, forgive.

Words of Affirmation

One: Friends, we are loved with a love that knows no bounds. God is good; God’s steadfast love endures forever. May we be this love in the world. All: Thanks be to God. Amen.

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Ezekiel 34:11–16, 20–24 God searches for the sheep

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

Ephesians 1:15–23 A spirit of wisdom, revelation, and hope.

Hymn What a Friend We Have in Jesus VU 664
Opening the Word & The Lord’s Prayer

The Gospel Acclamation

Matthew 25:31–46 When you helped the least of these, you helped me

One: The gospel of Jesus Christ. All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Opening the Word 2

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

*Hymn Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ VU 468
Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

*Offering Prayer

One: May we respond to basic needs of life: food, water, shelter, love;

All: and offer nourishment, warmth, shelter, protection.

One: May we recognize the stranger,

All: and offer friendship, kindness, and welcome.

One: May we recognize the sick,

All: and offer comfort, peace, and patience.

One: May we recognize the imprisoned,

All: and offer time, graciously, out of concern and love. May our gifts meet the longings of your people. Amen.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

*Hymn Holy God, We Praise Your Name Verse 1 VU 894

*Sending Out

One: Go from this place, encouraged to act graciously and love abundantly.

All: We go ready to act lovingly, openly, honestly, and humbly, in the way of Christ.

*Choral Amen