ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY MARCH 26TH 2017

Ministering through leadership in worship this morning are:
Organist: Al Fougere
Lay Reader (St. M.): Wayne Simpson
                    (St. D.): Kevin Pierce
Lenten Candles (St. M.): Dave & Camille Chapman
                   (St. D.):       Wanda Radford & Rosemary Morell
Mission Moment (St. M.): Barb Mac Intyre
Greeters & Collectors (St. M.):  Bruce Corrigan, Malcolm Matheson 
Greeters (St. D.): Arnold Mac Lean
Collectors (St. D.): Ashley Mac Leod, Marie Davis

OFFICE HOURS:
Monday & 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

Readers Needed for Palm/Passion Sunday (April 9th) and Good Friday (April 14th)
Signup sheets in church entry. Pick up your reading and indicate on the sheet which reading you have selected. Needed are 9 Readers for Palm/Passion Sunday and 6 to do short monologues on Good Friday: Joseph of Arimathea, Mary the wife of Clopas, Mary the mother of Jesus, Pilate, Nicodemus, and Mary Magdalene.

Prayer Shawl Knitting Circle: Knitters and crocheters gather in the parlour of St. Mark’s on the 3rd Monday of each month. The next time of gathering is April 17th at 1:00 p.m.

Copies of the “UPPER ROOM” for March/April are available.

Deadline for information for the bulletin is Thursday at noon.

Maritime Conference: May 25-28, 2017  
Youth Forum & Intermediates 
Registration for Youth Forum and Intermediates is online this year. Deadline is March 31
http://marconf.ca/47674-yf-invernessguysborough/
http://marconf.ca/47692-iac-invernessguysborough-presbytery/

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

Open House – On Saturday, April 8th there will be an Open House at the Cameron Hall in Whycocomagh from 2 p.m. till 4 p.m. celebrating the marriage of Rev. Rachel Campbell and Jeremy MacWilliams (Friday, March 17th).  All are welcome to attend this Pastoral Charge Celebration.

March 29th – 10:30 a.m.; Service at the Nursing Home. Everyone welcome to attend.

**********

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers 
April 2nd – Joyce Oliver-Snair
April 9th – Palm Sunday -Multiple Readers
April 14th – Good Friday – Combined Service
April 16th – Easter Sunday – Multiple Readers
April 23rd – Clark Brander
April 30th – Judy Castle

Coffee time: Continuing the first Sunday in April, May and June there will be coffee time after Worship Service. Please join us for this social time.

The March FundScrip Order Date is Sunday March 26th and the Delivery Date is April 2nd .
The March Promotions are as follows:
Shell                                    3% ( Regular 2% )
PetSmart                             4% ( Regular 2% )
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 the program.

Hymn Books entitled "More Voices" have been purchased by St. Mark's, you may help offset the cost by making a donation of $15. A  hymn book will be labelled  if you wish to make your donation in honour or in memory of a loved one.  Place your donation on the collection plate in an envelope marked "More Voices", please include your information. 

PLEASE NOTE: There is an urgent need to fill the position of Chairperson on our Congregational Board. Without a Chairperson, the Board cannot hold meetings. Please consider putting your name forward to fill this vital role. Contact persons are Hayward Hollett, Annabel Butts, Coleen MacKichan or Linda Howlett.

Please Note: Tuesday, March 28th – Congregational Board Meeting: 6:30 p.m. – Executive; 7:00 p.m. – Committees, 8:00 p.m. – Combined Board

**********

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers 
April 2nd – Julia Mac Kinnon
April 9th – Margie Mac Intyre
April 16th – Susan Langley
April 23 – Rose Mary Morell
April 30th – Marie Mac Kinnon

Please note: St. David’s Session Meeting today following Worship.

St. David’s Official Board Meeting on April 2nd following Worship.

If you would like to help St. David’s offset the cost of our new “More Voices” hymn books, please consider making a donation in honour or in memory of a loved one. Place your donation ($15.00 per book) and dedication information on the collection plate in an envelope marked "More Voices”. 

 Over the next few months St. David's UCW will be collecting mittens, socks, scarves, hats, etc. to be delivered to Brunswick St. Mission in the fall.   There is a box in the church entry if anyone wishes to make a donation.

Hall Cleaners for March are Maxine Smith & Dianne Mac Kinnon

**********

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Cribbage Tournament on Wednesday, March 29th at 7 o’clock at the Port Hastings Fire Hall. $5.00 per person. Tea provided. This is part of the Inverness County Tournament. Sponsored by the Port Hastings Community Club.

Anyone wishing a drive to New Glasgow or Truro,  please contact Margie Mac Intyre at 902-625-1361 for dates and times she will be going.

Donate your gently used clothing to Port of Welcome Settlement  Association. Drop off clothing at Cathy's Consignment shop and ask that proceeds of sales go to the POWSA account (act#4488). Once our family arrives they will be able to use the credit in that account to purchase clothing items.

Ashley MacIsaac And Friends In Concert, Saturday, May 27th, 7 P.M., First United Church, Truro, N.S.  Musicians to include Ashley MacIsaac, John Pellerin...fiddle and stepdance; Jackie Dunn MacIsaac...Piano; Cheryl Reid O'Hagan....Harpist; The MacKinnon Sisters....Vocals. Tickets are on sale now,  $40.00 Adult; $20.00 Students. Proceeds for First United Church Restoration Fund and the Alumni Association Of The Nova Scotia Teachers College. Tickets are available from Margie MacIntyre 902.890.1538

ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY MARCH 26TH 2017-4TH SUNDAY OF LENT

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

March 26th, 2017-4th Sunday of Lent

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 Love Us Into Fullness       v 1, twice MV 81

Call to Worship   Based on Psalm 23

One: God, our shepherd, calls us to this place. 
All: God leads us beside quiet streams, and into lush meadows. 
One: Even in dark and difficult places, God never abandons us. 
All: God pursues us to the ends of Earth, upholding us in love. 
One: Come, let us worship God.

Opening Prayer

Loving God, we have come here today 
to hear your word and let it change us. 
We have come to be refreshed by your presence 
and reminded that we are never far from you. 
Open our hearts to receive you, 
and to reach out to others in love. 
We pray in Christ’s name. Amen.

*Hymn Open My Eyes, That I May See VU 371

Lenten Triad Candle Lighting     Prayer of Confession 

In place of a Lenten Tenebrae or extinguishing of candles, this year our ritual is one of gathering light to remember how people were drawn to Jesus during his ministry. This is symbolized by a central Christ candle from which a new candle is lit on each Sunday of Lent.
One: We often do not notice things around us.
(light the first candle from the Christ candle)
All: Situations right in front of our eyes demand our attention, 
but we don’t know what to do, so we look away.
(light the second candle)
One: Sometimes we see, but we don’t understand. 
We need help; sometimes we are too stubborn or shy to ask for it.
(light the third candle)
Often we fail to notice – with our eyes, our ears, our hearts 
– the wonderful value of the people around us. 
(light the fourth pink candle)
One: Forgive us, loving God.
All: Forgive us, loving God, and open us to new visions. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

One: Hear these words from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians: 
You groped your way through the murk once, but no longer. 
You’re out in the open now. 
The bright light of Christ makes your way plain. 
(Ephesians 5.8, from The Message)

Sung Assurance: Love Us Into Fullness v 1, twice MV 81

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

1 Samuel 16:1–13  Samuel chooses one of Jesse’s sons as king.

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

Looking back on a full life 

During a memorial service, John Smith suggested that Psalm 23 could have been written by an older person, reflecting on a long and full life. The first line of verse 6 is adapted from “A New Creed” of the United Church of Canada. 

God has walked with me; I could ask nothing more. 

God has given me green meadows to laugh in, 

clear streams to think beside, untrodden paths to explore. 

When I thought the world rested on my shoulders, 

God put things into perspective. 

When I lashed out at an unfair world, God calmed me down. 

When I drifted into harmful ways, God straightened me out. 

God was with me all the way. 

I do not know what lies ahead, but I am not afraid. 

I know you will be with me. 

Even in death, I will not despair. 

You will comfort and support me. 

Though my eye dims and my mind dulls, 

you will continue to care about me. 

Your touch will soothe the tension in my temples; 

my fears will fade away. 

I am content. 

In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with me. 

All through life, I have found goodness in people. 

When life ends, I expect to be gathered 

into the ultimate goodness of God. 

From Everyday Psalms by James Taylor © 1994. 

Published by Wood Lake Books. Used by permission.

*Psalm 23 The Lord’s My Shepherd (sung) VU 747

Opening the Word & The Lord’s Prayer

The Gospel Acclamation

John 9:1–41 Jesus heals the man born blind. A Choral Reading

One: Herein is Good News.   All: Praise be to God. 

Opening the Word 2

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

* Hymn     On Eagle’s Wings VU 808

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

*Offering Prayer

Good Shepherd, you seek us and all your lost sheep. Use these gifts, and those already given through PAR, as your rod and staff to comfort and guide the weary to your pastures, to bind up those who are broken hearted, and strengthen those who are weak, to feed those who hunger and bring sight to the blind. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn     Precious Lord, Take My Hand VU  670

*Commissioning and Blessing

Go out into the world in peace and joy, 
knowing that in all your turnings 
God will restore your soul, 
and follow you with goodness and mercy 
each and every step of the way.

*Choral Amen

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY MARCH 19TH 2017

Ministering through leadership in worship this morning are:
Organist: Al Fougere
Lay Reader (St. M.): Malcolm Matheson
                    (St. D.): Gillian Vink
Lenten Candles (St. M.):
                   (St. D.):  Cathy Mac Lean, Roy Mac Kinnon
Mission Moment (St. M.): Linda Howlett
Greeters & Collectors (St. M.):  Bruce Corrigan, Malcolm Matheson 
Greeters (St. D.): Arnold Mac Lean
Collectors (St. D.): Ashley Mac Leod, Marie Davis

OFFICE HOURS:
Monday & 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. The next time of gathering is March 20th at 1:00 p.m.

Copies of the “UPPER ROOM” for March/April are available.

Deadline for information for the bulletin is Thursday at noon.

Maritime Conference: May 25-28, 2017  
Youth Forum & Intermediates Registration for Youth Forum and Intermediates is online this year. 
Deadline is March 31
http://marconf.ca/47674-yf-invernessguysborough/
http://marconf.ca/47692-iac-invernessguysborough-presbytery/

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

Open House – On Saturday, April 8th there will be an Open House at the Cameron Hall in Whycocomagh from 2 p.m. till 4 p.m. celebrating the upcoming marriage of Rev. Rachel Campbell and Jeremy MacWilliams (Friday, March 17th).  All are welcome to attend this Pastoral Charge Celebration.

March 22nd - 2:00 p.m. Service at Strait Richmond Hospital
March 29th – 10:30 a.m.; Service at the Nursing Home. Everyone welcome to attend.

**********

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers 
March 26th – Wayne Simpson
April 2nd – Joyce Oliver-Snair
April 9th – Palm Sunday -Multiple Readers
April 14th – Good Friday – Combined Service
April 16th – Easter Sunday – Multiple Readers
April 23rd – Clark Brander
April 30th – Judy Castle

Coffee time: Continuing the first Sunday in April, May and June there will be coffee time after Worship Service. Please join us for this social time.

The March FundScrip Order Dates are Sunday March 12th and 26th and the Delivery Dates are Sunday March 19th & April 2nd .
The March Promotions are as follows:
Shell                                    3% ( Regular 2% )
PetSmart                             4% ( Regular 2% )
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 the program.

Hymn Books entitled "More Voices" have been purchased by St. Mark's, you may help offset the cost by making a donation of $15. A  hymn book will be labelled  if you wish to make your donation in honour or in memory of a loved one.  Place your donation on the collection plate in an envelope marked "More Voices", please include your information. 

PLEASE NOTE: There is an urgent need to fill the position of Chairperson on our Congregational Board. Without a Chairperson, the Board cannot hold meetings. Please consider putting your name forward to fill this vital role. Contact persons are Hayward Hollett, Annabel Butts, Coleen MacKichan or Linda Howlett.

Tuesday, March 21st – Congregational Board Meeting: 6:30 p.m. – Executive; 7:00 p.m. – Committees, 8:00 p.m. – Combined Board

**********

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers 
March 26th – Kevin Pierce
April 2nd – Julia Mac Kinnon
April 9th – Margie Mac Intyre
April 16th – Susan Langley
April 23 – Rose Mary Morell
April 30th – Marie Mac Kinnon

St. David’s Official Board Meeting on April 2nd following Worship.

If you would like to help St. David’s offset the cost of our new “More Voices” hymn books, please consider making a donation in honour or in memory of a loved one. Place your donation ($15.00 per book) and dedication information on the collection plate in an envelope marked "More Voices”. 

There will be no Sunday School Classes on March 12th & 19th. Students are reminded to save for the Lenten Box collection.

Over the next few months St. David's UCW will be collecting mittens, socks, scarves, hats, etc. to be delivered to Brunswick St. Mission in the fall.   There is a box in the church entry if anyone wishes to make a donation.

Hall Cleaners for March are Maxine Smith & Dianne Mac Kinnon

**********

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Cribbage Tournament on Wednesday, March 29th at 7 o’clock at the Port Hastings Fire Hall. $5.00 per person. Tea provided. This is part of the Inverness County Tournament. Sponsored by the Port Hastings Community Club.

Anyone wishing a drive to New Glasgow or Truro,  please contact Margie Mac Intyre at 902-625-1361 for dates and times she will be going.

Donate your gently used clothing to Port of Welcome Settlement  Association. Drop off clothing at Cathy's Consignment shop and ask that proceeds of sales go to the POWSA account (act#4488). Once our family arrives they will be able to use the credit in that account to purchase clothing items.

Ashley MacIsaac And Friends In Concert, Saturday, May 27th, 7 P.M., First United Church, Truro, N.S.  Musicians to include Ashley MacIsaac, John Pellerin...fiddle and stepdance; Jackie Dunn MacIsaac...Piano; Cheryl Reid O'Hagan....Harpist; The MacKinnon Sisters....Vocals. Tickets are on sale now,  $40.00 Adult; $20.00 Students. Proceeds for First United Church Restoration Fund and the Alumni Association Of The Nova Scotia Teachers College. Tickets are available from Margie MacIntyre 902.890.1538

The Trivia Night on Sat., March 25th at the Port Hawkesbury Fire Hall at 7 pm. sponsored by the Port Hastings Historical Society. Teams of 4 at $5.00 for each person.

ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY MARCH 19TH 2017-3RD 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

March 19th, 2017-3rd Sunday of Lent

A thought around which to gather as we worship— Life is full of reversals: the Israelites complain that there is no water, and God provides it to them, in abundance. The woman at the well comes simply to fetch a bucket of water for her household, and yet Jesus offers her new life…When have you been surprised by the reversals of life? When have you found reversals happening to widen the circle and include others?

Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFusion Lent • Easter 2017 

Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2016, p. 50

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 Love Us Into Fullness         v 1, twice MV 81

Call to Worship   Based on Psalm 95

One: Come, let us sing a song to our God! 
All: Let us raise a joyful shout to the rock of our salvation! 
One: Let us come before God with thanks; 
All: let us shout songs of joy to our Creator. 
One: For God is great, ruler over all Creation. 
All: Mountains and oceans are in God’s hands. 
One: Come, let us worship God!

Opening Prayer

One: In the driest desert, O God, you provided a rock 
that held a fountain for those who thirst. 
All: Come, gracious God, and fill us with your love. 
One: In a helpless world, at the right time, 
you sent Jesus to die for the ungodly. 
All: Come, gracious God, and fill us with your love. 
One: In a place of quarrelling, you provide an answer 
that holds life for those who hope. 
All: Come, gracious God, and fill us with your love. 
One: In a place of wonder, you provided living water, 
for those who met there. 
All: Come, gracious God, and fill us with your love. Amen.

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

Lenten Triad Candle Lighting     Prayer of Confession & Pardon

In place of a Lenten Tenebrae or extinguishing of candles, this year our ritual is one of gathering light to remember how people were drawn to Jesus during his ministry. This is symbolized by a central Christ candle from which a new candle is lit on each Sunday of Lent.

Light the first two candles from the Christ candle.

One: Loving God, there are times we are impatient.
Two: We don’t want to wait.
One: We don’t want to trust.
Two: We are stubborn. 
Both: We are hard as rock.
All: Forgive us, God.
       Light the third candle.
One: Yet, often just below the surface there is goodness, waiting to be tapped.
Two: We are scared to share our gifts.
One: Tap into us, God.
Both: Help us to find our hidden talents.
All: Use our gifts for your glory, O God.
One: God knows us, and God loves us.
Two: God reaches out to us through Jesus, and refreshes us.
All: Thanks be to God. Amen.

Water is poured from a pitcher into the font. 

Sung Assurance: Love Us Into Fullness         v 1, twice MV 81

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Exodus 17:1–7 Water from the rock.

One: This is the witness of the Hebrew people. All: Thanks be to God.
Water is poured from a pitcher into the font. 

Psalm 95 Let us shout to the rock of our salvation. VU 814

*Hymn Come, Children, Join to Sing VU 345

Opening the Word & The Lord’s Prayer

The Gospel Acclamation

John 4:5–42 Jesus and the Samaritan woman.

One: Herein is Good News.   All: Praise be to God. 

Water is poured from a pitcher into the font. 

Opening the Word 2

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

* Hymn     In Christ There Is No East or West VU 606

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

*Offering Prayer

Your love for us, gracious God, is overwhelming: in the midst of our complaining, you pour out abundant water for us. Now we respond in kind, giving you what we can for the work of your people. Take our gifts, and take us, and use us to share living water with others. Amen.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

Water is poured from a pitcher into the font during the silence. 
Response: One: We are listening, 
All: we are listening. Journey with us into love
compassion
peace
righteousness
justice
faith

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

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

*Commissioning and Blessing

Reconciled and restored to God, 
go out into the world in peace, 
to share the living water that God gives to us so freely, 
and in so doing, to restore others to hope and life.

*Choral Amen

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY MARCH 12TH 2017

Ministering through leadership in worship this morning are:
Organist: Al Fougere
Lay Reader (St. M.): Barb Mac Intyre
                    (St. D.): Alicia Vink
Lenten Candles (St. M.): Vida Hood
                   (St. D.):      Marie Mac Kinnon, & Malcolm Parsons
Mission Moment (St. M.): Bruce Corrigan
Greeters & Collectors (St. M.):  Bruce Corrigan, Malcolm Matheson 
Greeters (St. D.): Arnold Mac Lean
Collectors (St. D.): Ashley Mac Leod, Marie Davis

OFFICE HOURS:
Monday & 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. The next time of gathering is March 20th at 1:00 p.m.

Copies of the “UPPER ROOM” for March/April are available.

Deadline for information for the bulletin is Thursday at noon.

Maritime Conference: May 25-28, 2017  
Youth Forum & Intermediates 
Registration for Youth Forum and Intermediates is online this year. Deadline is March 31
http://marconf.ca/47674-yf-invernessguysborough/
http://marconf.ca/47692-iac-invernessguysborough-presbytery/

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

**********

 ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers 
March 19th – Malcolm Matheson      
March 26th – Wayne Simpson

Coffee time: Continuing the first Sunday in April, May and June there will be coffee time after Worship Service. If you enjoy this fellowship and would be available to prepare coffee on one of these Sundays, please leave your name on the sheet.

The March FundScrip Order Dates are Sunday March 12th and 26th and the Delivery Dates are Sunday March 19th & April 2nd .
The March Promotions are as follows:
Shell                                    3% ( Regular 2% )
PetSmart                             4% ( Regular 2% )
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 the program

Hymn Books entitled "More Voices" have been purchased by St. Mark's, you may help offset the cost by making a donation of $15. A  hymn book will be labelled  if you wish to make your donation in honour or in memory of a loved one.  Place your donation on the collection plate in an envelope marked "More Voices", please include your information. 

PLEASE NOTE: There is an urgent need to fill the position of Chairperson on our Congregational Board. Without a Chairperson, the Board cannot hold meetings. Please consider putting your name forward to fill this vital role. Contact persons are Hayward Hollett, Annabel Butts, Coleen MacKichan or Linda Howlett.

Sunday, March 19th – 8:00 a.m. – St. Mark’s Men’s Group Breakfast

Tuesday, March 21st – Congregational Board Meeting: 6:30 p.m. – Executive; 7:00 p.m. – Committees, 8:00 p.m. – Combined Board

**********

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers 
March 19th – Gillian Vink
March 26th – Kevin Pierce

If you would like to help St. David’s offset the cost of our new “More Voices” hymn books, please consider making a donation in honour or in memory of a loved one. Place your donation ($15.00 per book) and dedication information on the collection plate in an envelope marked "More Voices”. 

There will be no Sunday School Classes on March 12th & 19th. Students are reminded to save for the Lenten Box collection.

Over the next few months St. David's UCW will be collecting mittens, socks, scarves, hats, etc. to be delivered to Brunswick St. Mission in the fall.   There is a box in the church entry if anyone wishes to make a donation.

Hall Cleaners for March area Maxine Smith & Dianne Mac Kinnon

**********

Prayer for Christian Unity Walk: *** Wednesday, March 15th at 6:30 p.m. Please note change of date  Ecumenical Pilgrimage Prayer Service beginning at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Port Hawkesbury, walking together to Holy Trinity Anglican Church and then to St. Mark’s United 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. Mark's. If weather inclement, will be held at St. Mark’s. All welcome. Dress warmly and bring a light to carry.

Tuesday, March 14th – Games Night at St. David’s at 7 p.m. You are invited to bring a game or join in a game of cards. Open to everyone. Lunch to follow.

Cribbage Tournament on Wednesday, March 29th at 7 o’clock at the Port Hastings Fire Hall. $5.00 per person. Tea provided. This is part of the Inverness County Tournament. Sponsored by the Port Hastings Community Club.

Anyone wishing a drive to New Glasgow or Truro,  please contact Margie Mac Intyre at 902-625-1361 for dates and times she will be going.

Donate your gently used clothing to Port of Welcome Settlement  Association. Drop off clothing at Cathy's Consignment shop and ask that proceeds of sales go to the POWSA account (act#4488). Once our family arrives they will be able to use the credit in that account to purchase clothing items.

March Break Events at the Port Hawkesbury Branch Library.
Wednesday March 15 from 1-2pm - We are having a puppet show. Come join us as Puppeteer Kate Silver brings her puppets to life. Open to all ages and admission is free.
Thursday March 16th from 1-3pm - Drop In to the library for games, lego and coloring. Open to children ages 5 -9. Admission is Free.

ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY MARCH 12TH 2017-2ND 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

March 12th, 2017-2nd Sunday of Lent

A thought around which to gather as we worship— Sometimes it is in those moments when we are most timid that God reveals new insights to us. It is when we dare to open ourselves to uncertainty that God provides answers. What does it feel like to admit that you do not have all the answers? What does it feel like to step out into the dark, wondering what God might have in store for you?

Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFusion Lent • Easter 2017 Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2016, p. 38

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 Love Us Into Fullness v 1, MV 81

Call to Worship   Based on Psalm 121

One: I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where will my help come? 
All: Our help comes from God, maker of heaven and earth. 
One: God will not let us slip or fall. Our protector will not fall asleep on the job. 
All: Indeed, our protector never sleeps or rests. 
One: God is our protector, as close as our very shadow. 
All: Let us worship our Creator!

Opening Prayer

God of darkness and of light, 
we dare to venture out into the unknown – 
to come to you in this time of worship 
even though we know that the future is always uncertain. 
We come to this place knowing full well 
there are a thousand other things we could be doing. 
But we have gathered here out of love for you, 
because you first loved us, 
and because we know that, when we spend time with you, 
life can make sense in new and exciting ways. 
Inspire us in this time, we pray in Christ’s name. Amen.

*Hymn Let All Things Now Living VU 242

Lenten Triad Candle Lighting     Prayer of Confession

In place of a Lenten Tenebrae or extinguishing of candles, this year our ritual is one of gathering light to remember how people were drawn to Jesus during his ministry. This is symbolized by a central Christ candle from which a new candle is lit on each Sunday of Lent.

Light the first candle from the Christ candle.
Leader 1: Loving God, we are sometimes scared and timid. 
You call us to move on to new places, and we hesitate.
Leader 2: Shine your light on our path, O God,
All:  and show us your way.
Leader 1: We want to learn new things, but we worry about what others might think of us. So we hide.
Leader 2: Shine your light on our path, O God,
All:  and show us your way.
Leader 1: When we hear things we don’t understand, we shrug our shoulders and walk away. 
Or we laugh and say, “that doesn’t make sense.”
Leader 2: Shine your light on our path, O God,
All:  and show us your way.
Leader 1:  (lighting the 2nd candle)
When we honestly and openly invite God into our lives, we are changed.
Leader 2: We need not be afraid, for God sent Jesus into the world not to condemn us, but to save us.
All:  Thanks be to God! Amen.

Sung Assurance: Love Us Into Fullness v 1, MV 81

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Genesis 12:1–4a God calls Abram to be a blessing.

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

Psalm 121 I lift my eyes to the hills. VU 844

*Hymn In the Bulb There Is a Flower VU 703

Opening the Word & The Lord’s Prayer

The Gospel Acclamation

John 3:1–17 Nicodemus learns that “God so loved the world.”

One: Herein is Good News.   All: Praise be to God.

Opening the Word 2

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

* Hymn     My Faith Looks Up to Thee VU 663

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

*Offering Prayer

We bring you gifts, O God, knowing that they are but a small offering. Yet we know you can take what we offer, and use it in amazing ways to do amazing work. Amen.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn Will You Come and Follow Me VU 567 

*Commissioning and Blessing

Go out onto your journey. 
Know that the sun will not hurt you by day, 
nor the moon by night, 
for God will protect you and watch over you, 
this day and always. 

*Choral Amen

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY MARCH 5TH 2017

Ministering through leadership in worship this morning are:
Organist: Al Fougere
Lay Reader (St. M.): Bruce Corrigan
                    (St. D.): Amy Mac Killop
Lenten Candles (St. M.): Wayne Simpson
                   (St. D.): Arnold Mac Lean & Julia Mac Kinnon
Mission Moment (St. M.): Lorna Harvey
Greeters & Collectors (St. M.):  Bruce Corrigan, Malcolm Matheson 
Greeters (St. D.): Arnold Mac Lean
Collectors (St. D.): Ashley Mac Leod, Marie Davis

OFFICE HOURS:

Monday & 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. The next time of gathering is March 20th at 1:00 p.m.

Copies of the “UPPER ROOM” for March/April are available.

Deadline for information for the bulletin is Thursday at noon.

Maritime Conference: May 25-28, 2017  Youth Forum & Intermediates 

Registration for Youth Forum and Intermediates is online this year. Deadline is March 31

http://marconf.ca/47674-yf-invernessguysborough/
http://marconf.ca/47692-iac-invernessguysborough-presbytery/

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

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ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers 
March 12th – Malcolm Matheson
March 19th – Barb Mac Intyre      
March 26th – Wayne Simpson

Coffee time: Beginning March 5 and continuing the first Sunday in April, May and June there will be coffee time after Worship Service. If you enjoy this fellowship and would be available to prepare coffee on one of these Sundays, please leave your name on the sign up sheet on March 5.

The March FundScrip Order Dates are Sunday March 12th and 26th and the Delivery Dates are Sunday March 5th, 19th & April 2nd .
The March Promotions are as follows:
Shell                                    3% ( Regular 2% )
PetSmart                             4% ( Regular 2% )
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 the program

Hymn Books entitled "More Voices" have been purchased by St. Mark's, you may help offset the cost by making a donation of $15. A  hymn book will be labelled  if you wish to make your donation in honour or in memory of a loved one.  Place your donation on the collection plate in an envelope marked "More Voices", please include your information. 

PLEASE NOTE: There is an urgent need to fill the position of Chairperson on our Congregational Board. Without a Chairperson, the Board cannot hold meetings. Please consider putting your name forward to fill this vital role. Contact persons are Hayward Hollett, Annabel Butts, Coleen MacKichan or Linda Howlett.

Sunday, March 19th – 8:00 a.m. – St. Mark’s Men’s Group Breakfast

Tuesday, March 21st – Congregational Board Meeting: 6:30 p.m. – Executive; 7:00 p.m. – Committees, 8:00 p.m. – Combined Board

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ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers 
March 12th – Alicia Vink
March 19th – Gillian Vink
March 26th – Kevin Pierce

If you would like to help St. David’s offset the cost of our new “More Voices” hymn books, please consider making a donation in honour or in memory of a loved one. Place your donation ($15.00 per book) and dedication information on the collection plate in an envelope marked "More Voices”. 

St. David's UCW will meet on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at the home of Yvonne Fox at 1:30 pm.

There will be no Sunday School Classes on March 12th & 19th. Students are reminded to save for the Lenten Box collection.

 Over the next few months St. David's UCW will be collecting mittens, socks, scarves, hats, etc. to be delivered to Brunswick St. Mission in the fall.   There is a box in the church entry if anyone wishes to make a donation.

Hall Cleaners for March area Maxine Smith & Dianne Mac Kinnon

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Prayer for Christian Unity Walk: Wed, March 8th at 6:30 p.m.
Ecumenical Pilgrimage Prayer Service beginning at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Port Hawkesbury, walking together to Holy Trinity Anglican Church and then to St. Mark’s United 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. Mark's. If weather inclement, will be held at St. Mark’s. All welcome. Dress warmly and bring a light to carry.

Tuesday, March 14th – Games Night at St. David’s at 7 p.m. You are invited to bring a game or join in a game of cards. Open to everyone. Lunch to follow.

Cribbage Tournament on Wednesday, March 29th at 7 o’clock at the Port Hastings Fire Hall. $5.00 per person. Tea provided. This is part of the Inverness County Tournament. Sponsored by the Port Hastings Community Club.

Anyone wishing a drive to New Glasgow or Truro, please contact Margie Mac Intyre at 902-625-1361 for dates and times she will be going.

Donate your gently used clothing to Port of Welcome Settlement  Association. Drop off clothing at Cathy's Consignment shop and ask that proceeds of sales go to the POWSA account (act#4488). Once our family arrives they will be able to use the credit in that account to purchase clothing items.