Leap Day of Fun in support of Syrian Refugee Sponsorship

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28TH 2016

Ministering through leadership in worship this morning are:
Organist: Al Fougere
Lay Reader (St. M.): Sarah Chiasson
(St. D.): Malcolm Parsons
Lenten Triad (St. M.):
Mission Moment (St. M.): Jim Chiasson
Greeters & Collectors (St. M.) Larry & Sherille Mac Keigan
Greeter (St. D.): Maxine Smith
Collectors (St. D.): Marie Davis, Ashley Mac Leod


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


Prayer Shawl Knitting Circle: Knitters and crocheters gather in the parlour of St. Mark’s on the 3^rd Monday of each month. Next time of gathering is Monday, March 21st at 1:00 p.m.


Lenten Prayer, half hour Tuesday mornings during Lent starting at 10:00 am at St. Mark's
March 20^th – Palm/Passion Sunday
March 24^th – Maundy Thursday, Potluck & Table Communion at St. Mark’s 6:00 p.m.
March 25^th – Good Friday at St. David’s at 11:00 a.m.
March 27^th – Easter Sunday services with Communion
- 6:45 a.m. - Sunrise Service at St. David’s

The UPPER ROOM for March-April is available.


Intermediates at Conference (IAC) and Youth Forum (YF) are each a place of community and a place of faith where United Church youth, between the ages of Gr. 7 – Gr. 9 (IAC) and Grade 10 and age 19(YF), meet from across the Maritimes, The Gaspe, and Bermuda. It takes place during the Annual Meeting of Maritime Conference, which is a gathering of representatives who make decisions and set policies for the United Church of Canada.

IAC and YF meet as two separate groups. Each group creates an inclusive, diverse and safe community of over a hundred youth in the name of Christ. Each provides a place for youth to explore their faith and to learn more about the United Church of Canada while sharing in music, worship and fun in a spirit-filled community. For further information and an application form please contact Nan

Maritime Men’s Spring Rally 

Hosted by Maritime Conference United Church Men 

Saturday, April 23^rd, 2016 

at Trinity-St. Stephen’s United Church, Amherst, N.S. 

10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Heartprints 

Speaker: Major Charles Deogratias

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:
Mar. 6^th – Larry Evans
Mar. 13^th – Julia Mac Quarrie
Mar. 20^th – Bruce Corrigan
Mar. 27^th – Malcolm Matheson


FundScrip Order Sundays are March 6^th and 20^th and Delivery Sundays are March 13^th and 27^th, 2016.

The FundScrip March Promotions are:

M&M Meat Shops                  4% ( Regular 3% )

Stokes/ThinkKitchen             8% ( Regular 6% )

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


50^th Anniversary! In 2016, St. Mark’s will be celebrating their 50^th Anniversary. 50^thAnniversary weekend will be June 10^th to 12^th, 2016. The next meeting of the 50th Anniversary Planning Group is March 7th at 1:30 in the church parlour.


Mark these 50th Anniversary dates on your calendar (and share them widely with family and friends)
Feb. 29 LEAP DAY OF FUN – 2:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Church Hall. Board Games & Cards. See insert.
      50th Anniversary Jubilee Weekend   June 10th to 12th
      June 10   Evening of Music with Coro Cantabile
      June 11   Decoration Day Worship at Southbrook Cemetery
          Renewal of Marriage Vows for couples married at St. Mark's
      June 12   Service of Celebration of 50 Years with guest Preacher, Rev. Catherine Stuart      Banquet in St. Mark's Hall
Details of other planned events will be shared as they are finalized.

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:
Mar. 6^th – Maxine Smith
Mar. 13^th – Alicia Vink
Mar. 20^th – Amy McCormack
Mar. 27^th – Kevin Pierce


Hall Cleaners for March are Maxine Smith, Diane Mac Kinnon

WINTERLUDE 2016
Saturday, March 5th
Six teams will participate in our Indoor Floor Curling Tournament, at St. Mark's United Church,  9- 12 Noon. The quota has been reached. LUNCH PROVIDED AT 12 NOON IN CHURCH HALL Sunday, March 6^th All activities planned for Mac Intyre Mountain have been cancelled due to weather predictions. There will be a HOT SUPPER AT ST. DAVID'S CHURCH HALL at 5:00 o’clock.


On Saturday, March 12th the Whycocomagh East Lake Ainslie Pastoral Charge will host another session of "Wild WELA Worship".  This will be our winter snowshoeing edition as our contribution to the Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery's Winterlude program.  We will be snowshoeing on a groomed trail overlooking the beautiful village of Whycocomagh  joining together for a short devotional on the trail, then heading back to Cameron Hall for complimentary hot chocolate and cookies sponsored by the UCW.  Meet at the Cameron Hall in Whycocomagh at 1 p.m. in order to leave as a group on our snowshoe adventure. Back at Cameron Hall around 2:30 p.m. for hot chocolate and cookies. Also, we will be hosting a cake silent auction in the hall that day from 2:30 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. with all proceeds going to the WHY Group? Youth Group.  All are welcome.  For more information contact Rev. Rachel Campbell at 902-756-2762. 


February is time for the annual door to door residential canvass for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.  Every 7 minutes a Canadian dies from heart disease or stroke according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation literature. Please welcome those willing to take on the responsibility of canvassing to help raise funds for life saving research


Community Kitchen & Music Therapy sponsored by Mental Health Services & Public Health April 12th, May 10th, June 14th 2016. St. Mark's United Church, 504 Bernard St. Port Hawkesbury
Community Kitchen from 10:30 to 1:00 Music Therapy 1:00 to 2:00 PM Come help prepare and enjoy a healthy, well balanced, budget friendly meal then listen to music therapist Tom Curry To help us plan lunch be sure to phone (902) 867-4500 ext. 4345  OR leave a message at (902) 625-7200 to let us know you will be attending

ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28TH 2016-3RD SUNDAY OF LENT

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: stmarksuc@gmail.com

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

Presbytery Website: inverguyunited.ca

Ministers:The Whole People of God Minister: Nan Corrigan D.M.

Minister of Music: Al Fougere

February 28th, 2016-Lent 3

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      Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery vs. 3     VU 121

Call to Worship              Based on Psalm 63:1–8

One: Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!
All: God, our souls thirst for you, our flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land.
One: Why do you labour and spend your money on the things that don’t satisfy?
All: We look up and see God in the sanctuary.
One: Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good and delight yourselves in rich food.
All: Our souls are satisfied with a rich feast, and our mouths praise you with joyful lips.
One: Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you
may live.
All: We will bless you as long as we live! We will lift up our hands and call on your name!
One: Come, let us worship.

Opening Prayer            A Prayer with Actions

God, we look up and see you in the sanctuary.
We come to you hungry and thirsty,
ready to be filled with the bread of life,
ready to be refreshed by living water.
God, our lips praise your name,
singing songs and shouting to the heavens.
We cling to you, God, in times of trouble.
We cling to you, God, when we fall.
We lift up our hands and call on your name.
We come to this place to satisfy our souls,
to meditate on your love,
to remember the journeys of those who go before us.
God, in the shadow of your wings, we sing for joy! Amen.

*Hymn          Come, Let Us Sing of a Wonderful Love      VU 574

Lenten Triad Candle Extinguishing (Tenebrae)
(Three purple candles, pink candle and Christ candle are lit prior to worship.)
Let us pray:
One: Today is the third Sunday of Lent. Lent is a time to think about the things that block us from following God's way of loving and caring for this world and one another.
Two: Today we will put out our third Lenten candle. This candle represents fear.
One: As the candle is put out, let us pray in silence for God to remove fear within us and in our world that stops us from trusting God.
(Snuff out third Lenten candle and then pause with head bowed for silence.)
Knowing that God accepts us for who we are, but loves us into who we can be, let us join together in this song,

Sung Assurance: Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery vs. 3 VU 121

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Isaiah 55:1–9      Come, buy wine and milk without money!

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

Psalm 63     I long for you, O God.             Refrain 2 VU 781

Opening the Word & The Lord’s Prayer

*Hymn             Seek Ye First the Kingdom           VU 356

The Gospel Acclamation

Luke 13:1–9          The parable of the barren fig tree.

One: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church.
All: Thanks be to God.

Opening the Word 2

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

* Hymn        The Church’s One Foundation            VU 331

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

*Offering Prayer

Generous God, we dedicate these gifts and our whole lives to you. You provide for our needs and deepest longings. Take these gifts and help them be the water that quenches others’ thirst, and the food that makes a rich feast of justice and peace in today’s world. Amen.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn             Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah       VU 651

*Commissioning and Benediction

Go out now, fed by the rich feast that God has set before you.
Use your whole self to praise God and love others this week.
Listen for the promise of God this week;
seek to draw closer to God;
show others God’s love and compassion;
return to a gracious and forgiving God when you fall short;
and know that you are upheld by God’s right hand.

*Choral Amen

Request for Urgent Action

Call to TAKE ACTION in the name of justice and peace.

I am writing you with an urgent request that you support the Moderator’s letter to Prime Minister Trudeau by contacting your member of parliament as soon as possible. Ask them to protect the right to freedom of expression in Canada and non-violent global efforts to promote a just peace for just peace for Palestinians and Israelis.

The Moderator of The United Church of Canada has written to Prime Minister Trudeau asking him to uphold democratic rights and freedoms by defeating the following motion which has been tabled in the House of Commons:

 “That, given Canada and Israel share a long history of friendship as well as economic and diplomatic relations, the House reject the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which promotes the demonization and delegitimization of the State of Israel, and call upon the government to condemn any and all attempts by Canadian organizations, groups or individuals to promote the BDS movement, both here at home and abroad.”

Moreover, Moderator Cantwell calls on the Canadian government to “be part of global efforts to promote a non-violent, negotiated end to the occupation and a just peace for Palestinians and Israelis.”  To read the Moderator’s letter see: http://www.united-church.ca/news/moderator-upholding-democratic-rights

 The motion was tabled in the House of Commons on Thursday and is scheduled to be voted on Monday, February 22.

Take Action

 1.Write or speak with your Member of Parliament as soon as possible. Request that they vote against this motion The House of Commons website has a complete list of MPs' e-mail addresses and fax and phone number: http://www.lop.parl.gc.ca/ParlInfo/Compilations/HouseOfCommons/MemberByPostalCode.aspx?Menu=HOC

 2.Share this Take Action through social media: http://www.united-church.ca/social-action/act-now/defend-right-non-violent-actions-just-peace . Use hashtags #UCCan, #CDNpoli.

3.Connect with elected officials on social media. Urge them to protect the fundamental right to free speech enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and those who are part of non-violent efforts for a just peace for Palestinians and Israelis.

Background

The United Church of Canada has a long history of working with others to seek peace with justice in Israel and Palestine. This work is rooted in the gospel mandate to be peacemakers and in response to the calls of Palestinian and Israeli partners to join them in working toward a just peace for both peoples.  For more information about current activities, see http://www.united-church.ca/social-action/justice-initiatives/unsettling-goods-choose-peace-palestine-and-israel

 Send copies of your letters and e-mails to:
 Christie Neufeldt
 Program Coordinator, Public Witness
416-231-7680 ext. 4078
 1-800-268-3781 ext. 4078
cneufeldt@united-church.ca

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY FEBRUARY 21ST 2016

Ministering through leadership in worship this morning are:

Organist: Al Fougere

Lay Reader (St. M.): Denis Bernard

(St. D.): Maxine Smith

Lenten Triad (St. M.): Sarah & Jim Chiasson

Mission Moment (St. M.): Linda Howlett

Greeters & Collectors (St. M.) Larry & Sherille Mac Keigan

Greeter (St. D.): Maxine Smith

Collectors (St. D.): Marie Davis, Ashley Mac Leod

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

Prayer Shawl Knitting Circle: Knitters and crocheters gather in the parlour of St. Mark’s on the 3rd Monday of each month. Next time of gathering is Monday, March 21st at 1:00 p.m.

Lenten Prayer, half hour Tuesday mornings during Lent starting at 10:00 am at St. Mark's

February 24th – 10:30 a.m. Service at the Nursing Home

March 20th – Palm/Passion Sunday

March 24th – Maundy Thursday, Potluck & Table Communion at St. Mark’s 6:00 p.m.

March 25th – Good Friday at St. David’s at 11:00 a.m.

March 27th – Easter Sunday services with Communion

- 6:45 a.m. - Sunrise Service at St. David’s

The UPPER ROOM for March-April are available.

Intermediates at Conference (IAC) and Youth Forum (YF) are each a place of community and a place of faith where United Church youth, between the ages of Gr. 7 – Gr. 9 (IAC) and Grade 10 and age 19(YF), meet from across the Maritimes, The Gaspe, and Bermuda. It takes place during the Annual Meeting of Maritime Conference, which is a gathering of representatives who make decisions and set policies for the United Church of Canada.

IAC and YF meet as two separate groups. Each group creates an inclusive, diverse and safe community of over a hundred youth in the name of Christ. Each provides a place for youth to explore their faith and to learn more about the United Church of Canada while sharing in music, worship and fun in a spirit-filled community. For further information and an application form please contact Nan.

Maritime Men’s Spring Rally 

Hosted by Maritime Conference United Church Men 

Saturday, April 23rd, 2016 

at Trinity-St. Stephen’s United Church, Amherst, N.S. 

10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Heartprints 

Speaker: Major Charles Deogratias

*********

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:

Feb. 28th – Sarah Chiasson

Mar. 6th – Larry Evans

Mar. 13th – Julia Mac Quarrie

Mar. 20th – Bruce Corrigan

Mar. 27th – Malcolm Matheson

FundScrip Order Sunday is February 21st and Delivery Sunday is February 28th.  

February Promotions are:

 la Vie en Rose                                        11% ( Regular 8%)

(includes la Vie en Rose Aqua)

WaySpa                                                12% ( Regular 10%)

Payless Shoes                                        10% ( Regular 8%)

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

Tuesday, February 23rd at 7:00 p.m. – St. Mark’s Annual Congregational Meeting. No Congregational Board Meeting this month.

50th Anniversary! In 2016, St. Mark’s will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary. 50th Anniversary weekend will be June 10th to 12th, 2016. 

Mark these 50th Anniversary dates on your calendar (and share them widely with family and friends)

       Feb. 29 LEAP DAY OF FUN – 2:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Church Hall. Board Games & Cards. See insert.

      50th Anniversary Jubilee Weekend   June 10th to 12th

      June 10   Evening of Music with Coro Cantabile

      June 11   Decoration Day Worship at Southbrook Cemetery

          Renewal of Marriage Vows for couples married at St. Mark's

      June 12   Service of Celebration of 50 Years with Guest Preacher, Rev. Catherine Stuart       Banquet in St. Mark's Hall

Details of other planned events will be shared as they are finalized.

A donation to the General Fund has been received from The Quilters at St. Mark’s

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:

Feb. 28th – Malcolm Parsons

Mar. 6th – Maxine Smith

Mar. 13th – Alicia Vink

Mar. 20th – Amy McCormack

Mar. 27th – Kevin Pierce

Hall Cleaners for February are Margie MacIntyre, Beryl MacLeod

**********

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

WINTERLUDE 2016 

Saturday, March 5th
Ground Hockey in St. Mark's church, parking lot, 9-12 Noon. This activity is for all ages!  Sticks provided or bring your own. Prize draws and lots of fun and fellowship! 

LUNCH PROVIDED AT 12 NOON IN CHURCH HALL 

I will need to know numbers for both events by FEBRUARY 28th, so that planning can begin for the meal. Please contact, Margie MacIntyre 902. 625. 1361 or email mydogcaper@hotmail.com

Sunday, March 6th * Children accompanied by parent or guardian

A) Coasting on MacIntyre's hill, MacIntyre Mountain, 2 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. Helmets required.

B) Snowshoeing on the trails on the top of MacIntyre Mountain. Park your car at the top on MacIntyre Mountain and snowshoe along the trails.  Get the snowshoes there or bring your own.

C) X Country Skiing on the top of MacIntyre Mountain. Bring your own skis for this activity. Any cancellation will be on 101.5 CIGO-FM (The Hawk) 

HOT SUPPER TO FOLLOW AT ST. DAVID'S CHURCH HALL 

Again, we will need to know numbers in order to plan for the meal. Please contact, Margie MacIntyre 902. 625. 1361 or email mydogcaper@hotmail.com

On Saturday, March 12th the Whycocomagh East Lake Ainslie Pastoral Charge will host another session of "Wild WELA Worship".  This will be our winter snowshoeing edition as our contribution to the Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery's Winterlude program.  We will be snowshoeing on a groomed trail overlooking the beautiful village of Whycocomagh  joining together for a short devotional on the trail, then heading back to Cameron Hall for complimentary hot chocolate and cookies sponsored by the UCW.  Meet at the Cameron Hall in Whycocomagh at 1 p.m. in order to leave as a group on our snowshoe adventure. Back at Cameron Hall around 2:30 p.m. for hot chocolate and cookies. Also, we will be hosting a cake silent auction in the hall that day from 2:30 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. with all proceeds going to the WHY Group? Youth Group.  All are welcome.  For more information contact Rev. Rachel Campbell at 902-756-2762. 

February is time for the annual door to door residential canvass for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.  Every 7 minutes a Canadian dies from heart disease or stroke according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation literature. Please welcome those willing to take on the responsibility of canvassing to help raise funds for life saving research

I represent a newly formed organization in Port Hawkesbury called "Port of Welcome Settlement Association" formed to assist in placement of Syrian Refugee family to our area.   We are showing a film called "Salam Neighbour" on Sunday, Feb. 21st at Shannon Studio, Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre at 2:00 pm.  Admission is free, but free will offerings are accepted at the door. We have a Facebook page as well:  https://www.facebook.com/Port-of-Welcome-Settlement-Association-1503142883326027/?fref=ts Thanks very much, Pauline MacDonald on behalf of Port of Welcome Settlement Association

Strait Area Community Suicide Prevention Information Session. Please join us in a discussion to address the issues of mental health and suicide prevention in the Strait Area Community on Monday, February 22nd, 2016 from 6:30pm-8:00pm at NSCC Strait Area Campus, 226 Reeves St., Port Hawkesbury –Rm. 208. Hosted by the Strait Area CAST Coalition & Canadian Mental Health Association Nova Scotia Division’s Community Addressing Suicide Together Program

Breakfast at the Evergreen Club Sat  Feb 27  9-12

ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY FEBRUARY 21ST 2016-LENT 2

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: stmarksuc@gmail.com

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

Presbytery Website: inverguyunited.ca

Ministers:The Whole People of God Minister: Nan Corrigan D.M.

Minister of Music: Al Fougere

February 21st, 2016-Lent 2

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 Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery vs. 2     VU 121

Call to Worship      Based on Psalm 27

One: God is our light, our salvation.

All: Whom shall we fear?

One: God is our stronghold and shelter.

All: Of whom shall we be afraid?

One: When our adversaries and enemies confront us, when they surround us and we’re under attack –

All: our hearts will not fear. We will be confident.

One: We will follow God all the days of our lives!

All: We come to worship and behold the beauty of God.

One: We raise our heads and offer shouts of joy!

All: We will sing and make melody to God!

Opening Prayer

Loving God, we come together in your presence to worship. We come together to learn your ways and see your goodness. We take courage in your presence with us this day – and every day. We recall those times during the past week when we experienced your presence in the ordinary, everyday things of life.

(We pause as we share a word or short phrase that captures this encounter with God in the ordinary. For example: friends, snowshoeing, helping others, singing, sunsets.)

God, we come before you humbly.

We come before you ready to hear your word and your call. Prepare our hearts for worshipping and praising you. Amen.

*Hymn      Here, O My Lord, I See You Face to Face     VU 459

Lenten Triad Candle Extinguishing (Tenebrae)

(Four purple candles, pink candle and Christ candle are lit prior to worship.)

One: Today is the second Sunday of Lent. Lent is a time to think about the things that block us from following God's way of loving and caring for this world and one another.

Two: Today we will put out our second Lenten candle. This candle represents greed.

One: As the candle is put out, let us pray in silence for God to remove greed within us and in our world that stops us from being satisfied with what we have and from sharing with one another.

(Snuff out second Lenten candle and then pause with head bowed for silence.)

Knowing that God accepts us for who we are, but loves us into who we can be, let us join together in this song,

Sung Assurance: Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery vs. 2 VU 121

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Genesis 15:1–12, 17–18 Abram and Sarai trust in God.One: This is the witness of the Hebrew people. All: Thanks be to God.

Psalm 27     God is my light and my salvation.     VU 754

* Hymn           We Are Marching        VU 646

Opening the Word

The Gospel Acclamation

Luke 13:31–35 Jesus cries over Jerusalem as a hen over her chicks.One: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church.All: Thanks be to God.

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

* Offering PrayerGod of blessings and promises, you provide for what we
need. Help us to use these gifts to provide for the needs of others. May we be joyful in our giving and in our working
to bring justice, wholeness, and peace to the world. Amen.

* Communion Hymn Let us Talents and Tongues Employ VU 468

Sacrament of Communion Communion Insert, cover of VU

Distribution Hymn     Let Us Break Bread Together     VU 480

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn      We Shall Go Out with Hope of Resurrection     VU 586

* Commissioning and Benediction
May you go into the world with a renewed faith in God’s promises. Hold on to God’s covenant with Abram and the places where you see God’s presence in the world today as signs of hope. God says “do not be afraid,” “stand firm.” Continue the work of building your lives on God’s promises.

* Choral Amen

ANNOUNCEMENTS, SUNDAY FEBRUARY 14TH, 2016

Ministering through leadership in worship this morning are:

Organist: Al Fougere

Lay Reader (St. M.): Vida Hood

                    (St. D.): Margaret Ashford

Mission Moment (St. M.): Bruce Corrigan

Greeters & Collectors (St. M.) Larry and Sherille MacKeigan

Greeter (St. D.): Maxine Smith

Collectors (St. D.): Marie Davis, Ashley MacLeod

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

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

Lenten Prayer, half hour Tuesday mornings during Lent starting February 16th.10:00 am at St. Mark's

"This We Believe" study group, Wednesday evenings for 5 weeks, starting February 17th, 7:00 to 9:00 pm. St. David's . Refresher or Preparation for Adult Baptism/Confirmation. Everyone welcome. 

Prayer for Christian Unity: February 18, 2016 at 6:30 p.m.

Ecumenical Pilgrimage Prayer Service beginning at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, walking together to St. Mark's United Church and then St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church. Prayer, song and scripture. Prayers for our community and world at each intersection.  Strait Area Transit will provide transportation for those needing it. Hospitality and fellowship to follow at St. Joseph's. If weather inclement, will be held at St. Joseph's. All welcome. Dress warmly and bring a light to carry.

Rev. Conrad Edwards, Nan Corrigan D.M. and Freda Fifield

February 14^th --1^st Sunday in Lent, Mission and Service Sunday

February 21^st – Sacrament of Communion

March 20^th – Palm/Passion Sunday

March 24^th – Maundy Thursday, Potluck and Table Communion

March 25^th – Good Friday

March 27^th – Easter Sunday, Sacrament of Communion

The UPPER ROOM for March-April are available.

Intermediates at Conference (IAC) and Youth Forum (YF) are each a place of community and a place of faith where United Church youth, between the ages of Gr. 7 – Gr. 9 (IAC) and Grace 10 and age 19(YF), meet from across the Maritimes. The Gaspe, and Bermuda. It takes place during the Annual Meeting of Maritime Conference, which is a gathering of representatives who make decisions and set policies for the United Church of Canada.

IAC and YF meet as two separate groups. Each group creates an inclusive, diverse and safe community of over a hundred youth in the name of Christ. Each provides a place for youth to explore their faith and to learn more about the United Church of Canada while sharing in music, worship and fun in a spirit-filled community. For further information and an application form please contact Nan.

GENERAL FUND: In loving memory of KEITH EMBREE from Archie and Elaine Noseworthy

ST. MARK'S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:

Feb. 21^st – Denis Bernard

Feb. 28^th – Sarah Chiasson

FundScrip Order Sunday is February 21^st and Delivery Sundays are February 14^th and 28^th.    February Promotions are:

 la Vie en Rose                                        11% ( Regular 8%)

(includes la Vie en Rose Aqua)

WaySpa                                                12% ( Regular 10%)

Payless Shoes                                        10% ( Regular 8%)

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

February 21^st – 8:00 a.m.; Men’s Group Breakfast Meeting.

February 23^rd at 7:00 p.m. – St. Mark’s Annual Congregational Meeting. No Congregational Board Meeting this month. 

Mark these 50th Anniversary dates on your calendar (and share them widely with family and friends):

Feb. 29^th LEAP DAY OF FUN! – 2:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Church Hall. Bring your own Board Games and Cards and friends to form a table or team.

May 15   50th Anniversary Memorial Hymn Sing 

50th Anniversary Jubilee Weekend   June 10th to 12th

      June 10   Evening of Music with Coro Cantabile

      June 11   Decoration Day Worship at South Brook Cemetery

          Renewal of Marriage Vows for couples married at St. Mark's

      June 12   Service of Celebration of 50 Years with guest  Preacher, Rev. Catherine Stuart       Banquet in St. Mark's Hall

Details of other planned events will be shared as they are finalized.

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:

Feb. 21^st – Maxine Smith

Feb. 28^th – Malcolm Parsons

Hall Cleaners for February are Margie MacIntyre,  Beryl MacLeod

WINTERLUDE 2016      Saturday, March 5th

A) Looking for a team of 4 ONLY people, to participate in our Indoor Floor Curling Tournament, Saturday, March 5th, 2016, at St. Mark's United Church, Port Hawkesbury, 9- 12 Noon. Must have a team of at least one adult (can be all adults) and participants must be age 12 and up.  Prize draws and lots of fun and fellowship!  Teams can consist of members of the church family, and/or friends and neighbours. Anyone at all! Please bring indoor footwear.
B) Ground Hockey in St. Mark's church, parking lot, 9-12 Noon. This activity is for all ages!  Sticks provided or bring your own. Prize draws and lots of fun and fellowship! LUNCH PROVIDED AT 12 NOON IN CHURCH HALL I will need to know numbers for both events by FEBRUARY 28th, so that planning can begin for the meal. Please contact, Margie MacIntyre 902. 625. 1361 or email mydogcaper@hotmail.com

Sunday, March 6^th * Children accompanied by parent or guardian

A) Coasting on MacIntyre's hill, MacIntyre Mountain, 2 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. Helmets required.

B) Snowshoeing on the trails on the top of MacIntyre Mountain. Park your car at the top on MacIntyre Mountain and snowshoe along the trails.  Get the snowshoes there or bring your own.

C) X Country Skiing on the top of MacIntyre Mountain. Bring your own skis for this activity. Any cancellation will be on 101.5 CIGO-FM (The Hawk) HOT SUPPER TO FOLLOW AT ST. DAVID'S CHURCH HALL Again, we will need to know numbers in order to plan for the meal. Please contact, Margie MacIntyre 902. 625. 1361 or email mydogcaper@hotmail.com   

On Saturday, March 12th the Whycocomagh East Lake Ainslie Pastoral Charge will host another session of "Wild WELA Worship".  This will be our winter snowshoeing edition as our contribution to the Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery's Winterlude program.  We will be snowshoeing on a groomed trail overlooking the beautiful village of Whycocomagh  joining together for a short devotional on the trail, then heading back to Cameron Hall for complimentary hot chocolate and cookies sponsored by the UCW.  Meet at the Cameron Hall in Whycocomagh at 1 p.m. in order to leave as a group on our snowshoe adventure. Back at Cameron Hall around 2:30 p.m. for hot chocolate and cookies. Also, we will be hosting a cake silent auction in the hall that day from 2:30 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. with all proceeds going to the WHY Group? Youth Group.  All are welcome.  For more information contact Rev. Rachel Campbell at 902-756-2762. 

February is time for the annual door to door residential canvass for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.  Every 7 minutes a Canadian dies from heart disease or stroke according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation literature. Please welcome those willing to take on the responsibility of canvassing to help raise funds for life saving research.