ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY NOVEMBER 19TH 2017

Ministering through leadership in worship this morning are:
Organist:                 Al Fougere
Lay Reader (St. M.): Larry Evans
                    (St. D.): Marie Mac Kinnon
Mission Moment (St. M.): Larry Evans
Greeters & Collectors (St. M.): Clark Brander, Joyce Oliver-Snair Greeters (St. D.): The Timmons Family
Collectors (St. D.): Marie Davis, Ashley Mac Leod

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

Please note: No Office Hours at St. David's during the winter months. Please call 902-625-2229 if you wish to meet with Nan. 

** Note Change: Wednesday, November 22nd – 10:30 a.m. - Nursing Home Service.

Nan Corrigan, Diaconal Minister, will be on vacation from November 24th to December 2nd. Rev. Heather Manuel, Guysborough, will be covering pastoral care and Sue Betuik will be worship leader during that time.

Copies of the “UPPER ROOM” for Nov.-Dec. are available.

Deadline for information for the bulletin is Thursday at noon.

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

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 Monday, November 20th  at 1:00 p.m.

Gifts with Vision Catalogues have arrived!
You can find a few copies of the catalogues on the table in the church entry. This Christmas give a gift that will make a real difference. 

The United Church of Canada developed this giving catalogue Gifts with Vision in response to member requests to be able to give gifts to relatives, friends, and loved ones that are in direct support of the church's Mission & Service partners across Canada and around the world.
If you are seeking inspiring new gift ideas or perhaps would rather not give family and friends the same old clothes/toys/chocolates, Gifts with Vision presents a new way to celebrate special occasions. Give a gift that can help change people's lives!

The Housing Committee, Port of Welcome Settlement Association wish to thank everyone who so generously donated items to help equip the kitchen and bathroom for our Syrian Refugee Family. Your generosity is very appreciated!

United Church Calendars are available at the Office for $6.00 each.

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ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:
Nov. 26th – Julia Mac Quarrie
Dec. 3rd – Bruce Corrigan
Dec. 10th – Malcolm Matheson
Dec. 17th – Barb Mac Intyre
Dec. 24th – Wayne Simpson
Dec. 24th – Christmas Eve – Multiple Readers
Dec. 31st – Combined Service – St. Mark’s – Joyce Oliver-Snair

The FundScrip 

The November and December Promotions are as follows: 
Esso                                                     3% ( Regular 2% )
Canadian Tire                                        5% ( Regular 4% )
Winners/Home Sense                             8% ( Regular 6% )
American Eagle Outfitters                       8% ( Regular 6% )
La Vie en Rose/ Bikini Village                  11% ( Regular 8% )
Hudson’s Bay/ Home Outfitters                5% ( Regular 3% )
Way Spa                                               13% ( Regular 10%)
Pet Smart                                             6% ( Regular 2% )
Gap-Baby/ Banana Republic/Old Navy    10% ( Regular 5%) 

FundScrip Order dates are November 19th and December 3rd. The Delivery dates are November 26th and December 10th. Please note December 3rd is the last Order Date before Christmas break and FundScrip will resume in January. Date not yet determined.

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

TUESDAY,  November 21st – St. Mark’s Congregational Board Meeting: 6:30 p.m. - Executive, 7:00 p.m.- Committees, 8:00 p.m. - Combined Board

December 1, 2017 – St. Mark’s Christmas Bazaar  7-9 pm
St Mark's ladies Annual Christmas tea and sale - Bake table, sewing, knitting , new to you , book table  Door prize            Admission $5.00 
Donations to the sale may be delivered to the Church on Nov 30 (Thurs. evening ) between 6-8 pm and again on Fri after 1pm

**********

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:
Nov. 26th – Margie Mac Intyre
Dec. 3rd – Mary Jess Mac Donald
Dec. 10th – Erin Hart-Breen
Dec. 17th – Kenzie Mac Lean
Dec. 24th – Kevin Pierce
Dec. 31st – Bruce Corrigan

TODAY - Official Board in the church hall after church. 

The White Gift Service will be held during regular Service on December 10th  The congregation is reminded to pick up angels from the angel tree. This will enable them to have gifts to presented during the Service. A lunch of sandwiches and sweets will follow the White Gift Service.

St. David's Pastoral Care and Oversight Visit  
November 22nd. Note change of times
Presbytery Triennial Visit Agenda
Oversight visits are part of the Presbytery's ministry to the Pastoral Charges within its bounds. In this presbytery, these visits are intended to happen every 3 years (triennial). 

2:30 to 3:30  Meet with Nan at the manse
4:00-4:30 Meet with Ministry and Personnel reps
4:30-5:00 Meet with anyone else who can’t attend later
5:00-6:00 Potluck and informal conversation
6:00-7:00 Congregational meeting

Everyone welcome to attend Potluck and Congregational part of meeting. If you have written questionnaire responses, please feel free to pass those along to the presbytery visitors. 

Hall Cleaners for November are Claudette & Ashley Fox

**********

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.

Pastoral Airs Concert,  will be held at St. David's United Church, Port Hastings, Sunday, Dec. 3rd, 7 p.m. Local Talent. Free Will Offering in support of the Strait Area Food Bank.

King’s Chorus pays Homage to the Patron Saint of Music
The King’s Chorus will perform an enchanting program of early and modern choral music—Handel, Haydn and Halley—featuring boy sopranos, soloists and orchestra, on Sunday, November 19 at the Cathedral Church of All Saints, Halifax. The King’s Chorus is a student-led choral society at the University of King’s College, under the direction of Nick Halley. The chorus brings together about 60 students, staff and faculty from Dalhousie and King’s, as well as other community members. 
Music for Saint Cecilia 2017. Sunday, November 19, 4:00PM, Cathedral Church of All Saints, 1330 Cathedral Lane, Halifax Tickets ($10-$75) available at tickethalifax.com, 902-422-1271 x 261, www.kingschorus.com

Once again we are preparing to provide Christmas dinner boxes for those in need in the Town. Anyone wishing to donate financially to this project may do so by contacting Jo-Anne MacDonald @ 625-3003. 

Breakfast at Evergreen Club on Nov. 25th from 8:30-11:30 a.m.

Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo Trip

There are 5 seats left for this day trip to Halifax to attend the Tattoo, a matinee performance at 2:30 p.m., on June 30th, 2018.

The Strait Area Transit bus will depart St. David's church parking lot, Port Hastings, at 7:30 a.m., returning in the evening.

The trip includes a stop in Truro for coffee, lunch in Halifax and supper in Truro on our return trip to Cape Breton. Meals and other expenses are at the participants expense.

The cost for the trip is as follows, per person: Tattoo Ticket = $51.00 and Bus= $28.75 return, for a grand total of $79.75.

1. We all must travel to and from the Tattoo on the bus, hence the price based on 24 people.
2. If you pay for a Tattoo/ Bus ticket, and decide not to attend, there will be no refund. Individuals will be required to sell his/her own ticket. This is necessary, because we get a group rate and I must book seats well in advance. 

If you would like to participate in this outing, please phone Margie MacIntyre at 902.625.1361.

By all means spread the word in the community. This is an outing for everyone!

ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY NOVEMBER 19TH 2017-24TH AFTER PENTECOST

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.        Minister of Music: Al Fougere

The 24th Sunday in the Season after Pentecost

November 19th, 2017

Thoughts around which to gather:
Matthew 25:14–30 Jesus sends a message about being ready for the coming of God’s realm. The sense of urgency is represented in the three slaves who have been given money from their master, a wealthy landlord, and await his return. In the meantime, the three slaves make choices about how they will invest their master’s money. Our faith lives are a series of choices. If we choose to be complacent and content, we might fall into behaviours and patterns that don’t put God or the children of God first. Our choices should reflect God’s justice and compassion.

This week, start each day by naming one choice you will
make to reflect God’s love in the world saying, “I will……
for God.” (Examples: “I will be patient with the co-worker
who is annoying me” or “I will give lunch to the homeless
man outside my office.”)

Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFusion Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2017, p. 9

Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2016

Announcements         The Work of Church and Community

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Greeting 

As we now are in flu season, our greeting will be spoken only. We will resume handshaking and hugs in the spring.
One: The peace of Christ be with you. All: And with your spirit.

*Introit

Call to Worship 

One: As dry land thirsts for water. 
As budding plants reach for the sun. 
As dying leaves fall to the earth. 
All: Our longing souls call us to worship.
One: Come, let us worship together.

Opening Prayer

One: Today and every day, 
All: may we build each other up in love. 
One: Today and every day, 
All: may our faith protect us from despair. 
One: Today and every day, 
All: may our love for you and each other strengthen us. 
One: Today and every day, 
All: may our hope in the risen Christ give us the courage to move forward toward Christ’s coming reign. Amen.

*Hymn We Praise You, Creator VU 293

Prayer for Wholeness     

One: There is a thin line between playing it safe and being reckless. 
All: Help us to choose our actions wisely. 
One: There is a point when holding on to something too tightly can weaken our grasp. 
All: Help us to hold our convictions tenderly. 
One: There are moments when fear stops us from doing what we know to be right. 
All: Help us to practice our ministry boldly. 
One: There are words of scorn that can enslave us, feelings of disappointment that can unravel us. 
All: Help us to speak to each other lovingly.
One: Help us Loving God. Amen.

Words of Affirmation 

The good news is that God loves and forgives us, and forever invites us to return to the ways of wholeness. 
We can be new people—acting wisely, tenderly, boldly, lovingly. Thanks be to God!

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Judges 4:1–7 Judge Deborah speaks God’s word to General Barak.

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

Psalm 123 We lift our eyes to you, O God. VU847

*Hymn Small Things Count VU 360

Opening the Word & The Lord’s Prayer

Gospel Acclamation

Matthew 25:14–30 The parable of the talents.

One: This is Good News. All: Thanks be to God. 

Opening the Word 2  

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

* Hymn Abide with Me VU 436

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

*Offering Prayer

Thank you for this community and for the responsibility of
being your people.
Forgive us for the times when we have tucked away and
hidden our gifts and talents from the world.
As a community, help us to support and encourage each
other so that we can share all of our gifts for and to your glory.
Bless these gifts, both seen and unseen, that they might be a blessing to others.  Amen.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession    

Times of Silence will be offered for personal prayer.

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn Go to the World VU 420

*Commissioning and Blessing

Go, for the world is waiting and is in desperate need of what only you can offer.
Go, and don’t be afraid,
for the grace of God,
the love of Jesus, and
the friendship of the Holy Spirit
goes with us all.
All: Thanks be to God.

*Choral Amen

FUNDSCRIP

FundScrip Order dates are November 19^th and December 3^rd. The Delivery dates are November 12^th, 26^th and December 10^th. Please note December 3^rd is the last Order date before the Christmas break and FundScrip will resume in January date not yet determined.

The November and December Promotions are as follows: 

Esso                                                     3% ( Regular 2% )

Canadian Tire                                        5% ( Regular 4% )

Winners/Home Sense                             8% ( Regular 6% )

American Eagle Outfitters                       8% ( Regular 6% )

La Vie en Rose/ Bikini Village                  11% ( Regular 8% )

Hudson’s Bay/ Home Outfitters                5% ( Regular 3% )

Way Spa                                               13% ( Regular 10%)

Pet Smart                                             6% ( Regular 2% )

Gap-Baby/ Banana Republic/Old Navy     10% ( Regular 5%)  

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

Tattoo Trip

Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo Trip

There are 5 seats left for this day trip to Halifax to attend the Tattoo, a matinee performance at 2:30 p.m., on June 30th, 2018.

The Strait Area Transit bus will depart St. David's church parking lot, Port Hastings, at 7:30 a.m., returning in the evening.

The trip includes a stop in Truro for coffee, lunch in Halifax and supper in Truro on our return trip to Cape Breton. Meals and other expenses are at the participants expense.

The cost for the trip is as follows, per person: Tattoo Ticket = $51.00 and Bus= $28.75 return, for a grand total of $79.75.

We all must travel to and from the Tattoo on the bus, hence the price based on 24 people. If you pay for a Tattoo/Bus ticket, and decide not to attend, there will be no refund. Individuals will be required to sell his/her own ticket. This is necessary, because we get a group rate and must book seats well in advance. 

If you would like to participate in this outing, please phone Margie MacIntyre at 902.625.1361.

By all means spread the word in the community. This is an outing for everyone!

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY NOVEMBER 5TH 2017

Ministering through leadership in worship this morning are:

Organist:                 Al Fougere

Lay Reader (St. M.): Reader from the Legion

                    (St. D.): Kevin Pierce

Mission Moment (St. M.): Lorna Harvey

Greeters & Collectors (St. M.): Clark Brander, Joyce Oliver-Snair Greeters (St. D.): The Timmons Family

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

OFFICE HOURS: 

Monday & Tuesday  9-12 noon, Nan at St. Mark’s

Wednesday  9-12 noon, Jane at St. Mark’s

Thursday  9-12 noon, Nan & Jane at St. Mark’s

Friday  Minister’s Day Off, 9-12 noon, Jane at St. Mark’s

Please note: No Office Hours at St. David's during the winter months. Please call 902-625-2229 if you wish to meet with Nan. 

Change to usual schedule: Wednesday, November 22nd – 10:30 a.m. - Nursing Home Service.

Nan Corrigan, Diaconal Minister, will be on vacation from November 7th to 13th and from November 24th to December 2nd. Rev. Heather Manuel, Guysborough, will be covering pastoral care and Sue Betuik will be worship leader during those times.

Copies of the “UPPER ROOM” for Nov.-Dec. are available.

Deadline for information for the bulletin is Thursday at noon.

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

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 Monday, November 20th  at 1:00 p.m.

Study for Remit 6: 

Study sessions for Remit 6:  2nd Study Session on Wednesday, November 15th at St. David's at 10:00 a.m. and Thursday, November 16th at St. Mark's at 7:00 p.m. (Identity and Equity). Note that there are 2 different studies, each offered twice. You choose which location and time works for you. Board members and interested individuals from the congregations are encouraged to attend whichever of these 2 sessions is most convenient. 

We have been asked by the Port of Welcome Settlement Association if we would help to furnish the kitchen and bathroom for the Syrian refugee family being sponsored by this community. There is a signup sheet in the church entry. St. David's folks are asked for Kitchen items and St. Mark's for Bathroom items. Items to be collected by Monday November 13th. 

Gifts with Vision Catalogues have arrived!

You can find a few copies of the catalogues on the table in the church entry. This Christmas give a gift that will make a real difference. 

About Gifts with Vision 

The United Church of Canada developed this giving catalogue Gifts with Vision in response to member requests to be able to give gifts to relatives, friends, and loved ones that are in direct support of the church's Mission & Service partners across Canada and around the world.

If you are seeking inspiring new gift ideas or perhaps would rather not give family and friends the same old clothes/toys/chocolates, Gifts with Vision presents a new way to celebrate special occasions. Give a gift that can help change people's lives!

Ecumenical Service to Commemorate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation   

This fall many Christians are holding joint services to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. On Wednesday, November 15, an ecumenical service will be held at St. Mary’s Church in Mabou at 7 pm. The Roman Catholic clergy of the Diocese of Antigonish will be discussing the topic of ecumenism at their annual Fall Study days and will attend this service. Archbishop Donald Bolen, a world renown speaker on ecumenism, will preside with the participation of Rev. Nan Corrigan of the United Church and clergy from other Christian communities. All in the area are invited to attend this service. Please encourage all who are interested in the search for unity among the Christian churches, to attend so that we can have an opportunity to commit ourselves to a common witness in our journey of faith.

**********

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:

Nov. 12th – Sarah Chiasson Nov. 19th – Larry Evans

Nov. 26th – Julia Mac Quarrie

FundScrip 
FundScrip Order dates are November 19^th and December 3^rd. The Delivery dates are November 12^th, 26^th and December 10^th. Please note December 3^rd is the last Order date before the Christmas break and FundScrip will resume in January date not yet determined.

The November and December Promotions are as follows: 

Esso                                                     3% ( Regular 2% )

Canadian Tire                                        5% ( Regular 4% )

Winners/Home Sense                             8% ( Regular 6% )

American Eagle Outfitters                       8% ( Regular 6% )

La Vie en Rose/ Bikini Village                  11% ( Regular 8% )

Hudson’s Bay/ Home Outfitters                5% ( Regular 3% )

Way Spa                                               13% ( Regular 10%)

Pet Smart                                             6% ( Regular 2% )

Gap-Baby/ Banana Republic/Old Navy     10% ( Regular 5%)  

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

November 19th – 8:00 a.m.; Men’s Group Breakfast Meeting

November 21st – St. Mark’s Congregational Board Meeting

December 1, 2017 – St. Mark’s Christmas Bazaar

**********

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:

Nov. 12th – Dave Pringle Nov. 19th – Marie Mac Kinnon

Nov. 26th – Margie Mac Intyre

St. David's Official Board is on November 19th in the church hall after church. .

St. David’s U.C.W. -  will meet on Wednesday, November 8/17 at the home of Sally Fox for twelve noon luncheon. 

St. David's Pastoral Care and Oversight Visit  November 22nd at 8:00 p.m.  

Presbytery Triennial Visit to St. David's

Oversight visits are part of the Presbytery's ministry to the Pastoral Charges within its bounds. It is the Presbytery's responsibility to keep in touch with Pastoral Charges, supporting in times of struggle and celebrating and encouraging achievements. The United Church of Canada is set up so that there is support and encouragement for all Pastoral Charges and all ministry personnel in its care. One way this is done is through regular Presbytery Pastoral Care and Oversight Visits​. In this presbytery, these visits are intended to happen every 3 years (triennial). Everyone welcome to attend this meeting.

Hall Cleaners for November are Claudette & Ashley Fox

**********

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.

Pastoral Airs Concert,  will be held at St. David's United Church, Port Hastings, Sunday, Dec. 3rd, 7 p.m. Local Talent. This is the first Sunday in Advent. Free Will Offering in support of the Strait Area Food Bank.

Floor Curling starting Nov.15th from 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. at St. Mark’s  Hall. Open to all ages. No fee. Contact Margie Mac Intyre,  902-625-1361. 

Gospel Concert will be held at Trinity United Church, Mulgrave, Sunday, November 5th at 2:30.  Free-will offering. Local performers.  All welcome.  If you wish to perform, please call Chris Cook at 902-631-2858. 

The social evening at the Evergreen on Nov 11 is cancelled. 

Inverness County Cares will host a Thai Dinner at the Judique fire hall on November 18th. Dinner begins at 6:30. Proceeds will be used to support our school in Kenya-Saint Charles Lwanga School.  Guest speakers will be  Betty Jane Cameron and Fr Duncan MacIsaac. admission is by donation. Places must be pre-booked and can be done by contacting Flo Campbell for reservations-please call 902-787-2092 before Nov. 15th.

ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY NOVEMBER 5TH 2017-REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

The Congregations of St. Mark’s and St. David’s

United Church of Canada

Port Hawkesbury/Port Hastings, NS

Office: 625-2229, Fax 625-3597, e-mail: 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 

November 5th, 2017-Remembrance Sunday

Bold text is the response of all the people.

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

*Legion Parade and Colour Party

*Presentation of Colours

*O Canada   In English & French  VU524

*Reading of the Roll of Honour

*Last Post

*The Silence

*Lament

*Reveille/Rouse

*The Act of Remembrance

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. 

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

we will remember them. 

All: We will remember them. 

*Presentation of Wreaths

*Sounding of Memorial Bell (St. Mark’s) 

Greeting One Another with the Peace of Christ

One: Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.”   John 16:33
All: We meet in the name of Christ and share his peace. 
One: The peace of Christ be with you. All: and with your spirit.

Call to Worship

We gather together on this day of remembering.
We lift up our hearts in the spirit of Life.
We remember today those who have laid down their lives in war and in the pursuit of great peace.
We lift up our hearts in the spirit of Remembrance.
We come together to honour the gifts of all, gifts of courage and community, of music and laughter, 
of justice-making and healing touch. 
We lift up our hearts in the spirit of Love made visible.
We come together to find new ways, 
new connections, new understanding.
We lift up our hearts in the spirit of Possibility. 

Thanks be to God. Written by Pat Mayberry, First U.C., Ottawa, Ont.

Gathering, Pentecost 2 2017, page 48. Used with permission.

Opening Prayer

* Hymn This Day God Gives Me VU 410

Prayer for Wholeness

Response: One: Forgive us O God...
All: ...and give us your peace.

Assurance of Love 

Hear the vision of the prophets: “and they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; 
nation shall not lift up sword against nation, 
neither shall they learn war anymore.” 
Trust the God who longs for peace.
We are forgiven, strengthened, empowered
to be peacemakers in our world. Thanks be to God. Amen.

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Joshua 3:7–17  Joshua leads the people across the Jordan River.
One: This is the witness of the Hebrew people. 
All: Thanks be to God. 

Psalm 107 God’s steadfast love endures forever.  Pts.1 & 4, VU 831-2

*Hymn Jesus Bids Us Shine VU 585

Opening the Word & the Lord's Prayer

Gospel Acclamation

Matthew 23:1–12    The greatest one will be the servant 

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

Offering of Music  In Flanders Fields Choir 

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God 

*Offering Prayer  

Peace is such a precious gift that all creation cries out for it. 
May these gifts be a witness to others of our faith in the Good News, that one day all of creation will be at peace, and we will
share in its blessings, giving thanks to the Creator of all. Amen.

Written by Sandy Ferguson, Windermere Valley Shared Ministry, Invermere B.C.

Gathering, Summer/Autumn 2010, page 49. Used with permission

Prayers of the People—A Litany of Remembrance

One: Hear our prayer…
All: Be with us, God, in this time of remembering

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

*Hymn Precious Lord, Take My Hand VU670

*Commissioning and Blessing

People of God, once more we return to the world,
remembering what was lost to secure what we have today.
Let this Remembrance renew our faith in the peace that God will create. 
And let our witness be a guide to others so that we will no longer have to add names to our sacred task of remembering. 

Written by Sandy Ferguson, Strathearn U.C., Edmonton, Alta.

Gathering, Pentecost 2 2014, page 42. Used with permission.

And now, may God bless you and keep you.
May God’s face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
May God look upon you with kindness and give you peace. 

*Choral Amen