Saturday, 29 July 2017

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY JULY 30TH 2017

Ministering through leadership in worship this morning are:
Organist: Al Fougere
Lay Reader: Gillian Vink
Greeter: Malcolm Parsons
Collectors: Sally Fox, Spare

OFFICE HOURS: 
Monday & Tuesday  9-12 noon, Nan at St. Mark’s
Wednesday 9-12 noon, Nan at St. David’s, 
Thursday 9-12 noon, Jane at St. Mark’s
Friday Minister’s Day Off, 9-12 noon, Jane at St. Mark’s

Copies of the “UPPER ROOM” for July-August are available.

Deadline for information for the bulletin is Thursday at noon.

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

Services in August will be held at 9:30 a.m.  Services during August and on September 3rd will be at St. Mark’s.   During August Jane will be in the Church office on Thursday & Friday Mornings. 

**********

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS


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 of 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. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers: Aug.  6th - Clark Brander


Aug. 13th – Malcolm Matheson Aug.  20th – Barb MacIntyre
Aug.  27th – Archie Noseworthy Sept. 3rd – Bruce Corrigan

August Greeters & Collectors – Earl West, Judy Castle

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 labeled if you wish to make your donation in honour of or in memory of a loved one.  Place your donation on the collection plate in an envelope marked "More Voices", please include your information. 
**********
Anyone wishing a drive to New Glasgow or Truro, please contact Margie Mac Intyre at 902-625-1361 for dates and times.

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. 

Mabou Farmers' Market  Sundays, 11 to 2  Mabou Arena; Fresh Produce, Artisans, Live Music, Honey, Preserves, Baked Goods and More...  Join us as we celebrate our 10th anniversay season! www.maboufarmersmarket.ca

Terry Fox Run 2017 Date: Sunday, Sept. 17th Time:  1:00 pm



Location: Port Hawkesbury Community Park ***NEW LOCATION***
This year celebrates the 37TH Anniversary of the Terry Fox Run! Come join us Sunday, Sept. 17th to walk, run or bike 1 km, 5 km or 10 km Road Route OR new this year, walk the newly upgraded Port Hawkesbury Community Trail from the Playground to TEC and back. A great walk for the whole family! Come out and help support the Terry Fox Foundation for Cancer Research! Bring a friend and have a great time keeping Terry’s Dream alive! Register online at terryfox.org or just show up at the Port Hawkesbury Community Park on the day of the event. For more information to participate or to volunteer, call Sarah at 902-625-5405 or find us on Facebook: The Terry Fox Run ? Port Hawkesbury. No minimum entry fee. Raising pledges is optional. Donate what you can and join the fun!

On August 5, 2017 from 2- 4 pm., former MT & T operators from the Port Hawkesbury office will be holding a gathering at the Port Hastings Museum. If you were an employee with MT&T switchboard at Port Hawkesbury, would you contact 902-625-1723 or 902-625-1295, if you are interested in attending or require further information.

Port Hawkesbury Ceilidh   
Tuesdays @ 7:30 - 9pm   
Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre   www.capebretonceilidh.com
Admission: $10.00  
Students (under 16) $4.00 / Children (under 5) free
Free Tea & Oatcakes...while they last

Aug 1                Howie MacDonald | Shelly Campbell | Barbara MacDonald Magone | Allan Dewar | Chase Ellis | Harvey Beaton 
Aug 8                Dawn and Margie Beaton | Kevin Dugas | Tracey MacNeil & family | Brogue Dancers
Aug 15         Cassie and Maggie MacDonald | Dara MacDonald | Adam Young 
Aug 22                Glenn Graham| Kinnon and Betty Beaton | Amy Graham  | Harvey MacKinnon 
Aug 29                Wendy MacIsaac | Mac Morin | Dave MacIsaac |
Rita Rankin 
Sept 5                MaryJane Lamond | The Broussards | Rankin MacInnis | John Pellerin | Bill Pellerin 
Sept 12        All Fired Up | Sabra MacGillivray and the Celtic Touch Dancers 
Sept 19         Kenneth MacKenzie | Mac Morin | Daibhidh MacFhraing | Krista & Jay Luddington 
Sept 26         Melody Cameron | Derrick Cameron | Joel Chiasson | Stephen MacLennan | Lewis MacLennan | Pat Lamey | Heather Richards 
Oct 3                 Pre Celtic Colours Show: Shelly Campbell | Allan Dewar | Joe MacMaster | Cheryl MacQuarrie Dancers | Joanne MacIntyre & Family

Point Tupper Heritage Association invites you to celebrate Canada 150 at our Causeway Tea. August 13th from 2-4 p.m. at the Museum. All welcome.

Point Tupper Heritage Association will hold our closing social for the students Aug. 18th at 2 PM. Come over and wish them Good Luck – Everyone welcome.

Wednesday, August 2nd  at 7 pm, the Port Hastings Historical Society will meet at the Port Hastings Museum and Archives.  
New members are needed now, summertime or not,  if we are to continue preserving and  having available for residents and visitors the history we’ve compiled since 1978 in the Strait area from:  Mulgrave/Point Tupper, Port Hawkesbury through to Long Point along the coast, out to Creignish Rear, Rhodena, Queensville and the communities across to MacIntyres Lake.  Thanks in advance Yvonne Fox for the Port Hastings Historical Society  902 625 2556

Monday to Friday, 9:30 to 5, Saturday and Sunday, 12 to 4 pm.,the Port Hastings Museum and Archives and the Artisans Collective is opened in the Port Hastings Rotary area. The Ice Cream stand is also opened.

Wednesday, 26 July 2017

SURELY GOD IS IN THIS PLACE

Marking sacred space--on the road to the Cove Motel & Restaurant, Aulds Cove, N.S.

Friday, 21 July 2017

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY JULY 23 2017

Ministering through leadership in worship this morning are:
Organist: Al Fougere
Lay Reader: Haley Mac Fadgen
Greeter: Malcolm Parsons
Collectors: Sally Fox, Spare

OFFICE HOURS: 
Monday & Tuesday  9-12 noon, Nan at St. Mark’s
Wednesday 9-12 noon, Nan at St. David’s, 
Thursday         9-12 noon, Jane & Nan at St. Mark's
Friday Minister’s Day Off, 9-12 noon, Jane at St. Mark’s

Copies of the “UPPER ROOM” for July-August are available.

Deadline for information for the bulletin is Thursday at noon.

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

Services during July & August will be held at 9:30 a.m.  July Services will be held at St. David’s. During August and on September 3rd Services will be at St. Mark’s.   During July & August Jane will be in the Church office on Thursday & Friday Mornings. 

Nursing Home Service on Wednesday, July 26th  at 10:30 a.m.

**********

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:
July 30th – Gillian Vink

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 of 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 is 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.
**********

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS


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 labeled if you wish to make your donation in honour of or in memory of a loved one.  Place your donation on the collection plate in an envelope marked "More Voices", please include your information. 
**********

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

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.

Mabou Farmers' Market  Sundays, 11 to 2  Mabou Arena; Fresh Produce, Artisans, Live Music, Honey, Preserves, Baked Goods and More...  Join us as we celebrate our 10th anniversay season! www.maboufarmersmarket.ca

Port Hawkesbury Ceilidh   
Tuesdays @ 7:30 - 9pm   
Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre   
606 Reeves Street Port Hawkesbury, NS 
www.capebretonceilidh.com
Admission: $10.00 Students (under 16) $4.00 / Children (under 5) free Season Pass $80 (6 free Ceilidhs)
Free Tea & Oatcakes...while they last 
July 25                Kenneth-Jenny-Calum & Alexis MacKenzie | Ronald MacKenzie 
Aug 1                Howie MacDonald | Shelly Campbell | Barbara MacDonald Magone | Allan Dewar | Chase Ellis | Harvey Beaton 
Aug 8                Dawn and Margie Beaton | Kevin Dugas | Tracey MacNeil & family | Brogue Dancers
Aug 15         Cassie and Maggie MacDonald | Dara MacDonald | Adam Young 
Aug 22                Glenn Graham| Kinnon and Betty Beaton | Amy Graham  | Harvey MacKinnon 
Aug 29                Wendy MacIsaac | Mac Morin | Dave MacIsaac | Rita Rankin 
Sept 5                MaryJane Lamond | The Broussards | Rankin MacInnis | John Pellerin | Bill Pellerin 
Sept 12        All Fired Up | Sabra MacGillivray and the Celtic Touch Dancers 
Sept 19         Kenneth MacKenzie | Mac Morin | Daibhidh MacFhraing | Krista & Jay Luddington 
Sept 26         Melody Cameron | Derrick Cameron | Joel Chiasson | Stephen MacLennan | Lewis MacLennan | Pat Lamey | Heather Richards 
Oct 3                 Pre Celtic Colours Show: Shelly Campbell | Allan Dewar | Joe MacMaster | Cheryl MacQuarrie Dancers | Joanne MacIntyre & Family

Terry Fox Run 2017
Date: Sunday, Sept. 17th Time:  1:00 pm

Location: Port Hawkesbury Community Park ***NEW LOCATION***
This year celebrates the 37TH Anniversary of the Terry Fox Run! Come join us Sunday, Sept. 17th to walk, run or bike 1 km, 5 km or 10 km Road Route OR new this year, walk the newly upgraded Port Hawkesbury Community Trail from the Playground to TEC and back. A great walk for the whole family! Come out and help support the Terry Fox Foundation for Cancer Research! Bring a friend and have a great time keeping Terry’s Dream alive! Register online at terryfox.org or just show up at the Port Hawkesbury Community Park on the day of the event. For more information to participate or to volunteer, call Sarah at 902-625-5405 or find us on Facebook: The Terry Fox Run Port Hawkesbury. No minimum entry fee. Raising pledges is optional. Donate what you can and join the fun!

On August 5, 2017 from 2- 4 pm., former MT & T operators from the Port Hawkesbury office will be holding a gathering at the Port Hastings Museum. If you were an employee with MT&T switchboard at Port Hawkesbury, would you contact 902-625-1723 or 902-625-1295, if you are interested in attending or require further information.

NOT TO BE OUTDONE BY ST. DAVID'S ROOFING--NOW AT THE MANSE




Friday, 14 July 2017

NEW SHINGLES ON ROOF AT ST. DAVID'S



QUILT SHOW & SALE


ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY JULY 16TH 2017

Ministering through leadership in worship this morning are:
Organist: Al Fougere
Lay Reader: Amy MacKillop
Greeter: Malcolm Parsons
Collectors: Sally Fox, Spare

OFFICE HOURS: 
Monday & Tuesday  9-12 noon, Nan at St. Mark’s
Wednesday 9-12 noon, Nan at St. David’s, 
Thursday 9-12 noon, Jane at St. Mark’s
Friday Minister’s Day Off, 9-12 noon, Jane at St. Mark’s

Copies of the “UPPER ROOM” for July-August are available.

Deadline for information for the bulletin is Thursday at noon.

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

Services during July & August Services will be held at 9:30 a.m. During July Services will be held at St. David’s. During the month of August and on September 3rd Services will be at St. Mark’s with no Services at St. David’s.  During July & August Jane will be in the Church office on Thursday & Friday Mornings only.

Nursing Home Service on Wednesday, July 26th  at 10:30 a.m.
**********

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers: 
July 23rd – Haley Mac Fadgen
July 30th – Gillian Vink

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 of 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.
**********

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS


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 labeled if you wish to make your donation in honour of or in memory of a loved one.  Place your donation on the collection plate in an envelope marked "More Voices", please include your information. 
**********
Anyone wishing a drive to New Glasgow or Truro, please contact Margie Mac Intyre at 902-625-1361 for dates and times.

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.

Mabou Farmers' Market  Sundays, 11 to 2  Mabou Arena; Fresh Produce, Artisans, Live Music, Honey, Preserves, Baked Goods and More...  Join us as we celebrate our 10th anniversay season! www.maboufarmersmarket.ca

Port Hawkesbury Ceilidh   
Tuesdays @ 7:30 - 9pm   
Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre   
606 Reeves Street Port Hawkesbury, NS 
www.capebretonceilidh.com
Admission: $10.00 
Students (under 16) $4.00 / Children (under 5) free 
Season Pass $80 (6 free Ceilidhs)
Free Tea & Oatcakes...while they last 

July 18                Rodney MacDonald | Buddy MacDonald l Joel Chiasson | Donna Marie Dewolfe 
July 25                Kenneth-Jenny-Calum & Alexis MacKenzie | Ronald MacKenzie 
Aug 1                Howie MacDonald | Shelly Campbell | Barbara MacDonald Magone | Allan Dewar | Chase Ellis | Harvey Beaton 
Aug 8                Dawn and Margie Beaton | Kevin Dugas | Tracey MacNeil & family | Brogue Dancers
Aug 15         Cassie and Maggie MacDonald | Dara MacDonald | Adam Young 
Aug 22                Glenn Graham| Kinnon and Betty Beaton | Amy Graham  | Harvey MacKinnon 
Aug 29                Wendy MacIsaac | Mac Morin | Dave MacIsaac | Rita Rankin 
Sept 5                MaryJane Lamond | The Broussards | Rankin MacInnis | John Pellerin | Bill Pellerin 
Sept 12        All Fired Up | Sabra MacGillivray and the Celtic Touch Dancers 
Sept 19         Kenneth MacKenzie | Mac Morin | Daibhidh MacFhraing | Krista & Jay Luddington 
Sept 26         Melody Cameron | Derrick Cameron | Joel Chiasson | Stephen MacLennan | Lewis MacLennan | Pat Lamey | Heather Richards 
Oct 3                 Pre Celtic Colours Show: Shelly Campbell | Allan Dewar | Joe MacMaster | Cheryl MacQuarrie Dancers | Joanne MacIntyre & Family

Terry Fox Run 2017 Date: Sunday, Sept. 17th Time:  1:00 pm Location: Port Hawkesbury Community Park 
***NEW LOCATION***
This year celebrates the 37TH Anniversary of the Terry Fox Run! Come join us Sunday, Sept. 17th to walk, run or bike 1 km, 5 km or 10 km Road Route OR new this year, walk the newly upgraded Port Hawkesbury Community Trail from the Playground to TEC and back. A great walk for the whole family! Come out and help support the Terry Fox Foundation for Cancer Research! Bring a friend and have a great time keeping Terry's Dream alive! 
Register online at terryfox.org or just show up at the Port Hawkesbury Community Park on the day of the event. For more information to participate or to volunteer, call Sarah at 902-625-5405 or find us on Facebook: The Terry Fox Run ? Port Hawkesbury. No minimum entry fee. Raising pledges is optional. Donate what you can and join the fun!

Tuesday, 11 July 2017

ORDER OF SERVICE-JULY 2017


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: Whole People of God
  Minister: Nan Corrigan D. M.        Music Director: Al Fougere
The Season after Pentecost-July 2017
These bulletins will be used for the month of July—please hand them to the ushers as you leave or place them at the back of the church for use next Sunday. Announcement inserts are for you to take home with you.
* please stand as able             Bold is spoken by the People
Announcements         The Work of Church and Community
We Gather to Worship God
Welcome and *greeting one another with the Peace of Christ.
*Introit   Come Touch Our Hearts    1 verse each week       MV 12
*Call to Worship                  
Gather and be in the presence of the Spirit,
the Spirit who has called each of us by name.
Look around and see all those who too
have been called,
and so we are together in community;
a community that holds something in common—
the call to be faithful followers of Jesus.
Come, let us worship as a community of Jesus.
Written by Don Uhryniw, Emmanuel U.C., Peterborough, Ont. Gathering, Pentecost 1 2017, p.30. Used with permission.
*Hymn 
July 16th           We Are Pilgrims                                              VU 595
July 23rd           The Church’s One Foundation                       VU 332
July 30th           Give To Us Laughter                                      VU 624
Opening Prayer                    
God of grace and God of glory,
Creator of the universe,
God of thunder and majesty and power:
we gather, awestruck, surrounded by wonders.
We marvel at miracles.
We catch our breath at beauty.
We rejoice in signs of love, and laughter,
and light.
God of shadow and subtlety,
Crafter of the gentle breeze,
Mystery that dwells in silence:
we seek you in the stillness,
in the gentle touch, the place of welcome,
the waiting that brings peace,
the patience that brings healing.
God of all that is great and grand,
God of all that is still and small:
we seek you in every heartbeat of our lives.
We seek you in this time of worship.
Let us praise our God,
in silence and in song,
in thoughtfulness and in celebration,
in every heartbeat of our lives. Amen.
Written by Neil Parker, Senior Chaplain, 4 Canadian Division Training Centre, Canadian Armed Forces.  Gathering, Pentecost 1 2017, p.31.
Used with permission.  
We Listen for God’s Word
Hebrew Scriptures
July 16th  Genesis 25:19-34  Esau gives his birthright for Jacob's stew.
July 23rd  Genesis 28:10-19a  Jacob's dream of the ladder.
July 30th  Genesis 29:15-28    Jacob marries Leah and Rachel.
One: This is the witness of the Hebrew people.
All: Thanks be to God.
Psalm
July 16th  Psalm 119   Your word-a lamp to my feet      Ref. 4, VU841
July 23rd  Psalm 139  God you have searched me,  known me. VU861
July 30th  Psalm 105  Make known what God has done.  VU828, pt. 1
*Hymn           
July 16th           We Will Take What You Offer                         MV 196
July 23rd           Precious Lord, Take My Hand                        VU 670
July 30th           Tell Me the Stories of Jesus                             VU 357
Gospel Acclamation
Gospel
July 16th  Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23  The parable of the sower and seeds
July 23rd  Matthew 13: 24-30, 36-43 The parable of the weed seeds.
July 30th  Matthew 13: 31-33, 44-52  Five parables
One: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church.    All: Thanks be to God.
Opening the Word
We Respond in Faith
*Hymn
July 16th           Spirit of the Living God                                   VU 376
July 23rd           On Eagle’s Wings                                           VU 808
July 30th           Where Love Is Found                                      VU 489
Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God
*Offertory Song/Offering Doxology Praise God from…    VU 541
Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession & The Lord’s Prayer
We Go to Serve God
*Hymn
July 16th           Sent Forth By God’s Blessing                         VU 481
July 23rd           Nearer, My God, to Thee                                VU 497
July 30th           Holy God, We Praise Your Name                   VU 894
*Sending Forth
…Let us go in peace.
Let us go from this place with hearts lifted up!
Let us go with spirits rejoicing!
Let us go with music in the air around us
and a story of love among us.
Written by Kate Crawford, while at First-St. Andrew's U.C., London, Ont. Gathering, Pentecost 1 2015, p.36. Used with permission.
*Choral Amen

VOTING RESULTS FOR REMITS 1 TO 4

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The United Church of Canada | L'Église Unie du Canada
Français

July 5, 2017

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Greetings from the General Council Office.  
I am writing to let you know of the voting results for Remits 1 to 4. All four remits were approved by a majority of the 84 voting presbyteries and 2136 voting pastoral charges of the United Church.
Remit 1: Three Council Model
Presbyteries: Yes: 74    No: 7
Pastoral Charges: Yes: 1672    No: 222

Remit 2: Elimination of Transfer and Settlement
Presbyteries: Yes: 74    No: 7
Pastoral Charges: Yes: 1792    No: 89

Remit 3: Office of Vocation
Presbyteries: Yes: 69    No: 12
Pastoral Charges: Yes: 1681    No: 190

Remit 4: Funding a New Model
Presbyteries: Yes: 70    No: 12
Pastoral Charges: Yes: 1472    No: 398

There is one final step in the remit process to be taken by the 43rd General Council when it meets in July, 2018.  We will now be working to be ready for that prospect.  
A Remit Scenario Planning group, co-chaired by Alan Hall (Executive Minister, Ministry and Personnel), and Peter Hartmans (Executive Secretary, Hamilton Conference),  has been meeting over the past year to do preliminary thinking on the change process, depending on which of the remits received approval. This group will now be re-mandated as the Remit Implementation group, to have broad oversight over the plans for implementation of the changes that will follow if General Council gives its approval to the decisions that have been approved by remit. David Allen has agreed to step away from his position as Executive Secretary of Toronto Conference to accept the full time assignment as Project Leader for this work. 
The 42nd General Council will reconvene for an electronic meeting on September 30, 2017 to put plans in motion for determining the boundaries of the regional councils, and a nominations process for the next General Council Executive, pending the final step in the remit process.  
 Thank you all for your participation in this important work of the church. 
 Sincerely, 


Nora Sanders
General Secretary, General Council


 

Copyright © 2017 The United Church of Canada.
You have received this message because this address is identified as the contact point for your pastoral charge.

Our mailing address is:
The United Church of Canada
3250 Bloor Street West
Toronto, Ontario M8X 2Y4
Canada

 


GOD IS THERE--A REFLECTION FOR PENTECOST 1

 

God Is There

As we journey through the first half of the Season after Pentecost, we travel with the characters of some of the oldest biblicalstories – Abraham and Sarah; Isaac and Rebekah; Jacob, Leah, and Rachel; Joseph and his brothers; and finally the women who helped save Moses from Pharaoh. Throughout these characters’ journeys – both spiritual and physical – God is there.

The passages of this season invite us, and at times
challenge us, to see how God is working and moving in
them, and how God continues to work and move among
us today. There are times in our own lives when we
experience the beauty and joy of God’s creation one day
and the deception of those closest to us the next. We know
too well the fear of the disciples (Matthew 10:24–39) and
want to enjoy and spread Jesus’ idea of welcome (Matthew
10:40–42). We are called, continually, to be God’s generous,
liberating, inclusive love.


Sometimes in life it’s difficult to know that God is with
us. We might struggle to see, hear, touch, or feel God’s
presence. The assurance and hope found in the stories of
Pentecost 1 remind us that from splendour to suffering,
disagreement to deception, God is there. The whole of the
human experience is familiar to God; and God’s presence,
even in the darkest of hours, gives hope.


■■ Where or with whom is it most easy for you to
encounter God’s presence?
■■ What moments in your own life have challenged you
to know God’s presence?
■■ In what ways might we, individually and as church,
show others how God is present in our lives – even in
times of despair?

 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFusion Pentecost 1 2017 Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2016, p. 6