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| Nan C presides at communion liturgy |
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| The choir table |
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| Members of both St. Mark's & St. David's shared at table |
Contact Online is a Blog for St. Mark's United Church Community of Faith, Region 15 of the United Church of Canada. 504 Bernard Street, Port Hawkesbury, N.S. B9A 1L2, E-mail: stmarksuc@gmail.com St. Mark's United Church accepts and welcomes all people as we share and grow in acceptance, learn, love and share our Christian faith in God's love. Phone: (902) 625-2229, Church Services are held every Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
Friday, 30 March 2018
MAUNDY THURSDAY POTLUCK SUPPER AND TABLE COMMUNION-ST. MARK'S
Thursday, 29 March 2018
ORDER OF SERVICE-APRIL 1ST 2018-EASTER COMMUNION
The Congregations of St. Mark’s and St. David’s
United Church of Canada
Port Hawkesbury/Port Hastings, NS
Office: 625-2229, Fax 625-3597,
e-mail: stmarksuc@gmail.com
Blog: http://ourcontactonline.blogspot.com/
Presbytery Website: inverguyunited.ca
Ministers: The Whole People of God; Nan Corrigan D. M.
Minister of Music: Al Fougere
April 1st, 2018
Easter Sunday—Sacrament of Communion
*Choral Reading Mark 16: 1-8
A: When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James, and Salome,
B: women who had remained with him to the end,
A: bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him.
B: To make things right.
A: Very early on the first day of the week,
B: when the sun had risen,
A: they went to the tomb,
B: where they had seen his body laid.
A: They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?”
B: A predicament that needed a solution. Would there be someone available to assist?
A: When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back.
B: Predicament solved, but by whom?
A: As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed.
B: Obviously! This is astonishing.
A: But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him.”
B: No body. An empty place. An empty space. More alarming.
A: “But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.”
B: Remember this is the third day.
A: So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them –
B: so much emotion –
A: and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
B: Afraid. Afraid that it is true, afraid that it isn’t.
But this is a beginning, not an ending.
Suddenly, where there was death, there is life.
The stone is rolled away and the light shines in.
*Sung Response This Is the Day MV 122
Easter Triad Liturgy-Psalm 118
O give thanks to the Lord, for [God] is good.
God's steadfast love endures forever. (one candle is lit)
Out of my distress I called on the Lord.
God answered me and set me in a broad place. (candle two is lit)
With the Lord on m side I do not fear.
The Lord is on my side to help me. (candle three is lit)
The Lord is my strength and my might.
God has become my salvation. (candle four is lit)
There are glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous.
I shall not die but I shall live. (candle five is lit)
Open to me the gates of righteousness.
That I may enter through them and give thanks to God.
(candle six is lit)
The stone that the builder rejected has become the chief cornerstone.
This is God's doing and it is marvellous in our eyes.
(white Christ candle is lit)
This is the day that the Lord has made: let us rejoice and be glad in it
O give thanks to the Lord, for God is good.
God's steadfast love endures forever.
*Sung Response This Is the Day MV 122
Welcome and greeting one another with the Peace of Christ.
One: Hallelujah, Christ is risen!
All: He is risen indeed, Hallelujah!
One: The Peace of Christ be with you.
All: And with your spirit.
*Hymn Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Give Thanks VU 179
Prayer
You are encouraged to open hands, place hands on heart, hands to the side and clasp the hands of your neighbours, as indicated in the prayer and as you are comfortable.
Acts 10:34-43 Peter preaches, "God shows no partiality."
This is the witness of the early church. Thanks be to God.
*Hymn Thine Is the Glory VU 173
Opening the Word
Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God Anthem
*Offering Prayer
Holy God—you are life, and light, and grace.
We give you thanks, and we offer you our lives in return.
Accept these gifts; they represent our commitment to live as an Easter People. Thanks be to God. Amen.
Written by: Frances Flook, Emo/Devlin P.C., Emo, Ont.
Gathering, LE 2018, page 45. Used with permission.
Sacrament of Communion Insert, cover of Voices United
Distribution Hymn Donna Nobis Pacem
Donna nobis pacem, pacem
Donna nobis pacem
*Affirmation of Faith A Song of Faith, UCC © 2006
Death was not the last word.
God raised Jesus from death,
turning sorrow into joy, despair into hope.
We sing of Jesus raised from the dead.
We sing hallelujah.
By becoming flesh in Jesus,
God makes all things new.
In Jesus’ life, teaching, and self-offering,
God empowers us to live in love.
In Jesus’ crucifixion,
God bears the sin, grief, and suffering of the world.
In Jesus’ resurrection,
God overcomes death.
Nothing separates us from the love of God.
*Hymn Jesus Christ Is Risen Today VU 155
*Commissioning & Choral Amen
ORDER OF SERVICE-APRIL 1ST 2018-EASTER SUNRISE
Easter Sunday Sunrise Service
April 1st, 2018
6:30 a.m. Outdoors St. David’s U.C.
Port Hastings, N.S.
Ministers: Each one of us
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WE GATHER TOGETHER
OPENING WORDSWe are summoned by our God
to gather to remember and worship.
We are summoned to recall the darkness
when God's Child, Jesus, passed from his life into death.
We recall the dawn of a new day
when Jesus also passed from death into NEW LIFE,
a new life that God gives.
Jesus lights our way through the darkness into the new light.
A new fire burns within us as we greet the Easter morn.
LIGHTING THE NEW FIRE Christ candle is lit.
This is the dawn of a new creation: come to the new fire!
WE APPROACH GOD
CALL TO WORSHIP (inspired by Psalm 118:19–24)One: Open wide the way to renewed life
that all may enter and give thanks to God.
All: Our prayers have been answered,
and God has become our salvation.
One: This Love's doing;
it is marvellous in our eyes.
All: This is the day that God has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Easter Greeting 3 times:
One: Alleluia! Christ is risen!
Response: Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
HYMN This Is the Day that God Has Made VU 175
This is the day that God has made!
Rejoice! Rejoice, and be exceeding glad!
This is the day that God has made!
Rejoice! Rejoice! Hallelujah!
1 Christ has conquered death at last,
left the tomb that held him fast!
Gone the sorrow, gone the night,
dawns the morning clear and bright! R
2 Jesus lives who once was dead,
lives forever, as he said!
Risen now our Saviour, King;
songs of gladness let us sing! R
OPENING PRAYER
O God, in the darkness before the dawn, you gather us from all over the world to kindle a new fire and light a new light.
The light of Jesus, your beloved Child, shines in the darkness to bring warmth and energy to the earth
and to illumine a new relationship with you and one another.
Bless us with memory and a collective will
to extend your light and warmth beyond ourselves
and to embrace your light within us
and where we find it in your people all over the world. Amen.
PASSING THE PEACE
WE LISTEN FOR GOD'S WORD
John 20:1-18 Reader Theatre-A reading in 4 voices
WE RESPOND TO GOD'S WORD
RENEWAL OF BAPTISM Invitation to gather around the font.One: As the light begins to dawn on this celebration of Jesus' resurrection, let us remember the meaning of baptism and our baptism.
All: As the light begins to dawn on us and warm our hearts, may we as a faith community remember that our baptism calls us to live in newness of life and to extend the ministry of God by sharing Light and a New Fire.
One: (as water is poured) Let us pray:
God, we give you thanks for life-nurturing water.
Water sustains all life whether washing or cleansing.
Water quenches thirst, the thirst of the earth and its inhabitants.
Water, precious water, is a gift and a right to be shared by all.
All: Jesus, by his own baptism into a community, found temptations awaited, but thanks be to God's light and fire, Jesus persevered to illuminate a path for us.
One: May we remember our baptisms
as we pass by the stations of water and candle.
(You are invited to come to the font, dipping your hands in and applying drops of water to your foreheads or simply feeling the water.)
HYMN Morning Has Broken VU 409
1. Morning has broken like the first morning,
blackbird has spoken like the first bird.
Praise for the singing! Praise for the morning!
Praise for them, springing fresh from the Word!
2. Sweet the rain's new fall sunlit from heaven,
like the first dewfall on the first grass.
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden,
sprung in completeness where God's feet pass.
3. Ours is the sunlight! Ours is the morning
born of the one light Eden saw play!
Praise with elation, praise every morning,
God's recreation of the new day!
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE A prayer with actions
We pray in the name of the light of the world, the One who taught us to pray saying: Our Father who...
SENDING OUT AND BLESSING
Glory to God for the Easter Light and Love of Jesus.
May that Light and Love from God bring you wholeness and joy.
Go forth walking from the darkness
into the illumined path set before you,
knowing that God is with you. Amen and Amen.
The light is carried into the church as we move to the firehall to share breakfast.
ORDER OF SERVICE-MARCH 30TH 2018-GOOD FRIDAY
The Congregations of St. Mark’s and St. David’s
United Church of Canada
Port Hawkesbury/Port Hastings, NS
March 30th, 2018-Good Friday
St. David's United Church 11:00 a.m.
Enter the drama of Lent and Easter – which is everything. It is the whole of the gospel – dying, rising, and living. It is heartbreakingly real, authentically true, and totally transformative. We often think of Lent as a dark moment in the church year – a movement into the centre of our hearts, to examine, simplify, and prepare for Christ’s death. And his is no peaceful death. It is unexpected and brutal and much too soon. How can we ever prepare for such a loss?
Instead of turning inward, the texts direct our gaze to God’s signs of covenant and blessing stretching across the sky, echoing through the generations, pouring from the heavens, and calling throughout the nations. And when we finally look inward, we find amidst the brokenness God’s law of love written upon our hearts.
We may never be ready for the searing pain of loss, but the scriptures remind us that life prevails. God’s love endures.
About Lent and Easter 2018 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFusion Lent • Easter 2018
Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017, p. 1
Introit When I Survey the Wondrous Cross VU 149
The Cross is carried in during the singing.
WE APPROACH GOD
Opening Prayer
Ever-present God, as we start once again to follow Jesus on the wayto the cross, we are apprehensive; for we are not sure of ourselves.
On our journey we have often been afraid, often sought safe options, often avoided the sharp solution.
On our journey we have often tried to hide our real selves from others, from ourselves and from you.
We, who dare to say we are following Jesus, know how faltering
are our footsteps, how delicate our discipleship, how feeble our faith.
Yet you still call us by name and invite us into your company and onto your road.
Grant us the courage and the commitment we need; help us to look out for one another on the road; show us how we may share the duty and joy of discipleship, knowing that, in the end, it is you who accompany us on the road. Amen.
Draping of the Cross
WE LISTEN FOR GOD'S WORD
The tension Matthew 27:27-36 The Soldiers Mock JesusPrayer
Our hearts ache: Our hearts are filled with grief, O God.Silence.
You are invited to come forward and touch the cross and/or shroud, dip your fingers in the waters of baptism and service.
Hymn Jesus, Remember Me VU 148
Touching the shrouds which lie around our lives Matthew 27:45-51
Lenten Tenebrae: Praying Our Confession with the Psalms
Good Friday-Psalm 22 (Revisited)“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” These words pierce the silence of this day...It is with great humility, then that we lay at the foot of the cross the confessions of our hearts. Let us pray:
All: Holy God, you are so far beyond our understanding and yet so close to our hearts. How is it that you would love us so deeply, so faithfully, when we so often fail you? It is impossible for us to understand. On this sacred day when we are called to face the death of Jesus, our hearts, like wax, melt in our breast. We are sorry for the ways we turn from you, God. We are sorry for the many things we put ahead of you. We convince ourselves that this day is just a story, holding no real meaning, and yet in this space we feel his pain, his confusion, his doubt. As the smoke rises from this last candle, help us remember the love he called us to and the light he longed to share with this world.
Silent confession as white Christ candle is extinguished.
The shadows are all around us and yet your love, O God, remains forever bright.
All: Shower us with forgiveness and move always in our hearts that even when we are broken, we may know the healing Christ offers; that even when we feel alone, we may know the community the Spirit calls us to; that even when we are bound by our guilt and anger, we may know the freedom the Creator blesses us with. Thanks be to God this day and always. Amen.
Written by Nora Vedress, Calvary U.C., Prince Albert, Sask.
Gathering, Lent/Easter 2018, p.66. Used with permission.
Sung Assurance: May God’s Sheltering Wings (her, his) MV 214
PrayerDuring this prayer, times of silence for personal prayer are offered. There will also be a time to name aloud the people and situations that we hold in prayer.
*Hymn Were You There When They Crucified My Lord? VU 144
Profession of faith – wait in faith Matthew 27:55-61
WE RESPOND TO GOD'S WORD
Prayer
Wait in faith now, people of God.And if your faith runs low,
touch the hands of those around you
who also sit and wait beside the tomb.
All: We will wait in faith, Jesus Christ.
Hold near to you the people of ages past –
those who had nothing but faith to sustain them.
Wrap the bodies of need with shrouds of loving kindness
while you wait as though you, too, hold the Body of Christ.
All: We will wait in love, Jesus Christ.
Roll the stones of determination
into the paths of those who would destroy hope
and sit before the sanctuaries of good to guard the truth.
All: We will wait in faithfulness, Jesus Christ.
Wait in faith over these next three days.
Wait in hope for the risen life of God to visit the people in grace.
Wait in openness for gifts beyond imagining.
For this is the Christ, the Human One
whose love will never be defeated.
All: We will wait in hope. Amen.
*Hymn Lift High the Cross VU 151
SENDING OUT
*Commissioning and Blessing
Saturday, 24 March 2018
ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY MARCH 25TH 2018
Ministering through leadership in worship this morning are:
Organist: Al Fougere
Lay Reader (St. M.): Wayne Simpson
Lay Reader (St. D.): Gillian Vink
Mission Moment (St. M.): Barb Mac Intyre
Greeters & Collectors (St. M.): Donnie & Jean Mac Pherson
Greeter (St. D.): Sally & George Fox
Collectors (St. D.): Sally Fox, Heather Deschenes
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.
THURSDAY – St. Mark’s 6:00 p.m Maundy Thursday, Potluck & table communion
FRIDAY - Good Friday Service 11:00 a.m., Combined Service at St. David’s
SUNDAY – Easter Sunrise Service at St. David’s at 6:30 a.m. Breakfast following at the Fire Hall.
Easter Services with Communion at the regular times of worship.
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, April 16h at 1:00 p.m.
Easter Flowers: Flowers may be placed “In Loving Memory Of” or as a gift. (Please not Lilies or Hyacinths as they are highly scented) Please contact the church office with the information to be placed in the bulletin.
Wednesday, March 28, 2018; – 10:30 a.m. - Worship Service at the Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home. Everyone welcome to attend.
Lay Readers:
April 1st – Easter Sunday -Multiple Readers
April 8th – Clark Brander
April 15th – Jean Mac Pherson
April 22nd – Dave Chapman
April 29th – Judy Castle
FundScrip - The next FundScrip Order will be Sunday April 1st and the Delivery will be Sunday April 8th.
The Promotions for April are as follows:
Giant Tiger 5% ( Regular 3% )
WaySpa 13% ( Regular 10% )
Please note that in order to reduce Shipping and Handling charges only one Order per month will be sent on the first Sunday of the month and the Delivery will be on the second Sunday of the month.
Although St. Mark’s has been participating in the FundScrip Program since 2013 we are always looking for new members. Questions and comments about the program are always welcome so please do not hesitate to contact Patsy Brander at 902-625-1062 or Bonnie Dawson at 902-625-3838 and we will be happy to provide you with the answers.
Collection Counters/Recorders Needed - Please sign up. The load gets lighter when many helping hands participate.
April 1st – Rosemary Morrell
April 8th – Julia Mac Kinnon
April 15th – Susan Langley
April 22nd - Margie MacIntyre
April 29th – Arnold Mac Lean
There will be no Sunday School classes run at St. David’s during the month of March. We look forward to seeing the boys and girls again for class at the Easter Sunday Service. Classes will resume then and run from April into the end of May. Enjoy a March Break.
Hall Cleaners for March are Heather Graham & Marie Mac Kinnon.
Merchandise & Talent Auction on Saturday, May 12th at the Port Hawkebury Fire Hall. Viewing at 6pm & Auction at 7pm Live & Silent Auction, cash door prizes and Raffle Tickets. Auctioneer Bob Mac Eachern, 1015 The Hawk. Proceeds to Strait Chedabucto Anglican Churches of Holy Trinity, St. James, St. Andrews.
The King’s Chorus will perform a program of early choral music by Bach, Handel, and Charpentier, Sunday, March 25th at 7:00 pm. in the Cathedral Church of All Saints, 1330 Cathedral Lane, Halifax. Tickets ($10-$75) available at tickethalifax.com, 902-422-1271 x 261, www.kingschorus.com Promo code SALVE gets $5 off general admission, REGINA gets $15 off patron tickets
Blood Donor Clinics at Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre on Wednesday, April 111th & Thursday, April 12, 2018. Make your appointment online at www.blood.ca or call 1 888 2 DONATE (1 888 236-6283)
Organist: Al Fougere
Lay Reader (St. M.): Wayne Simpson
Lay Reader (St. D.): Gillian Vink
Mission Moment (St. M.): Barb Mac Intyre
Greeters & Collectors (St. M.): Donnie & Jean Mac Pherson
Greeter (St. D.): Sally & George Fox
Collectors (St. D.): Sally Fox, Heather Deschenes
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.
THURSDAY – St. Mark’s 6:00 p.m Maundy Thursday, Potluck & table communion
FRIDAY - Good Friday Service 11:00 a.m., Combined Service at St. David’s
SUNDAY – Easter Sunrise Service at St. David’s at 6:30 a.m. Breakfast following at the Fire Hall.
Easter Services with Communion at the regular times of worship.
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, April 16h at 1:00 p.m.
Easter Flowers: Flowers may be placed “In Loving Memory Of” or as a gift. (Please not Lilies or Hyacinths as they are highly scented) Please contact the church office with the information to be placed in the bulletin.
Wednesday, March 28, 2018; – 10:30 a.m. - Worship Service at the Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home. Everyone welcome to attend.
**********
ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Lay Readers:
April 1st – Easter Sunday -Multiple Readers
April 8th – Clark Brander
April 15th – Jean Mac Pherson
April 22nd – Dave Chapman
April 29th – Judy Castle
FundScrip - The next FundScrip Order will be Sunday April 1st and the Delivery will be Sunday April 8th.
The Promotions for April are as follows:
Giant Tiger 5% ( Regular 3% )
WaySpa 13% ( Regular 10% )
Please note that in order to reduce Shipping and Handling charges only one Order per month will be sent on the first Sunday of the month and the Delivery will be on the second Sunday of the month.
Although St. Mark’s has been participating in the FundScrip Program since 2013 we are always looking for new members. Questions and comments about the program are always welcome so please do not hesitate to contact Patsy Brander at 902-625-1062 or Bonnie Dawson at 902-625-3838 and we will be happy to provide you with the answers.
Collection Counters/Recorders Needed - Please sign up. The load gets lighter when many helping hands participate.
**********
ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Lay Readers:April 1st – Rosemary Morrell
April 8th – Julia Mac Kinnon
April 15th – Susan Langley
April 22nd - Margie MacIntyre
April 29th – Arnold Mac Lean
There will be no Sunday School classes run at St. David’s during the month of March. We look forward to seeing the boys and girls again for class at the Easter Sunday Service. Classes will resume then and run from April into the end of May. Enjoy a March Break.
Hall Cleaners for March are Heather Graham & Marie Mac Kinnon.
**********
Floor Curling Wednesdays at 2 p.m., at St. Mark's hall. No fee, just bring indoor footwear. The program will continue each Wednesday.Merchandise & Talent Auction on Saturday, May 12th at the Port Hawkebury Fire Hall. Viewing at 6pm & Auction at 7pm Live & Silent Auction, cash door prizes and Raffle Tickets. Auctioneer Bob Mac Eachern, 1015 The Hawk. Proceeds to Strait Chedabucto Anglican Churches of Holy Trinity, St. James, St. Andrews.
The King’s Chorus will perform a program of early choral music by Bach, Handel, and Charpentier, Sunday, March 25th at 7:00 pm. in the Cathedral Church of All Saints, 1330 Cathedral Lane, Halifax. Tickets ($10-$75) available at tickethalifax.com, 902-422-1271 x 261, www.kingschorus.com Promo code SALVE gets $5 off general admission, REGINA gets $15 off patron tickets
Blood Donor Clinics at Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre on Wednesday, April 111th & Thursday, April 12, 2018. Make your appointment online at www.blood.ca or call 1 888 2 DONATE (1 888 236-6283)
ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY MARCH 25TH 2018-PALM 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
March 25th, 2018-Palm Sunday
(1 purple and 1 white candle are lit on Lenten triad)
WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD
*The Gospel Acclamation (from within the congregation)
*Choral Reading of Scripture: Mark 11:1-11
One: When they were approaching Jerusalem,All: at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mt of Olives,
One: Jesus sent two of his disciples into the village
All: to find a colt that had never been ridden,
One: with the strange instruction that if anyone were to ask what they were doing
All: they were just to say, “The Lord needs it.”
One: So they went
All: and found the colt
One: and while they were untying it a bystander asked,
All: “What are doing, untying the colt?”
One: and they told them what Jesus said
All: and they were allowed to take it to Jesus.
One: They threw their cloaks on the colt’s back and Jesus sat on it
All: even though he knew that the colt had never been ridden before.
One: So he rode into Jerusalem,
All: and some people spread their cloaks on the ground
One: while others spread leafy branches in front of him
All: and they made a royal pathway.
One: The people were shouting, “Hosanna!”
*Hymn He Came Riding on a Donkey VU 124
*Placement of Palm Branches
One: The people were shouting, “Hosanna!”All: ...a word that implied they needed saving
One: “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of our God the Ruler of Israel”
All: as if Jesus was the one who would be their salvation.
One: “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David”
All: as if he were their king.
One: He entered Jerusalem and went into the temple, looking all around.
All: Why?
One: We don’t know. The story just says it was late so he went back to Bethany with his disciples.
All: Back to where the day had started?
One: Maybe to return the colt.
*Greeting
One: The peace of Christ be with you. All: And with your spirit.Opening Prayer
God of love and compassion, we celebrate your joyful and disruptive entry into Jerusalem. In that same way we anticipate, with expectant hearts, your presence in this place. We come, knowing your love has arrived and is made manifest in Jesus the Christ. We come, prepared to be changed by the grace we receive in your love. We come, with our whole being to prepare the way for the coming of love incarnate.One: Hosanna in the highest!
All: Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna in the highest! Amen!
*Hymn Hosanna, Loud Hosanna VU 123
Call to Confession
Lenten Tenebrae: Praying Our Confession with the Psalms
Palm Sunday-Psalm 118“Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord” (Psalm 118:26a). Blessed is our God who chose to walk this path of life. Blessed is our Creator who yearned deeply to understand creation. And blessed is the One, full of mercy and love, who calls us into this humble time of confession. Let us pray:
All: In our distress, we cry out, “Hosanna! Hosanna! God save us!” We are quick to join the parade, God; quick to find hope and joy in the waving of the branches; quick to forget where this road leads. Forgive us for longing to remain on the surface of our faith. Forgive us for not digging deeper in this wilderness time. Forgive us for being fearful of the dark days ahead, of wanting to avoid them. We know that in order to understand the full joy of Easter’s life, we must feel the full sorrow of Good Friday’s death. And yet we are tempted to turn away. Forgive us for turning away, God: from you, from your church, from the people you love.
Silent confession as sixth candle is extinguished.
As we enter this Holy Week…
All: we rejoice that your light will remain ever before us, guiding our steps. We celebrate that your Spirit remains behind us, pushing us forward that we may gain new levels of understanding. Blessed are you, Holy God, blessed is your steadfast love and blessed are we who call upon your name in hope. Amen.
Written by Nora Vedress, Calvary U.C., Prince Albert, Sask. Gathering, Lent/Easter 2018, p.65. Used with permission.
Sung Assurance: May God’s Sheltering Wings (her, his) MV 214
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD
Philippians 2:5–11 He humbled himself
One: This is the witness of the early Church. All: Thanks be to God.Psalm 118 With palm branches in hand Pts. 1, 3, 4 VU 837
*Hymn This Is the Day VU 412
Opening the Word A Palm Sunday Rap & Lord’s Prayer
Chorus: Ho Ho Sanna, Jesus comin’ to town! (three times)Opening the Word 2
WE RESPOND IN FAITH
* Hymn Prepare the Way of the Lord VU 10
Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God
*Offering Prayer
Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession
WE GO TO SERVE GOD
* Hymn All Glory, Laud and Honour VU 122
*Commissioning and Benediction
There is a tradition that Palm Sunday is the beginning of a one-week-long service through Holy Week so there is no Amen, just words of encouragement and invitation to gather again next time.
Saturday, 17 March 2018
ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY MARCH 18TH 2018
Ministering through leadership in worship this morning are:
Organist: Al Fougere
Lay Reader (St. M.): Joyce Oliver-Snair
Lay Reader (St. D.): Alicia Vink
Mission Moment (St. M.): Linda Howlett
Greeters & Collectors (St. M.): Donnie & Jean Mac Pherson
Greeter (St. D.): Sally & George Fox
Collectors (St. D.): Sally Fox, Heather Deschenes
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.
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, March 19th at 1:00 p.m.
Becoming "Affirming"
The Boards of St. Mark's and St. David's United Churches wish to engage both our congregations in a process to consider becoming "Affirming" Congregations.
Each United Church organization that is an Affirming Ministry declares itself to be fully inclusive of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities — and they back up their words with action. The Affirming Ministries Program encourages United Church bodies (congregations, presbyteries, conferences, educational centres) to study what it means to be publicly welcoming and inclusive. The program provides support for sexual orientation and gender identity issues. It also encourages the study of other United Church resources that promote the inclusion of other marginalized groups.
The resources for this process are provided by Affirm United. Are you interested in and committed to the full inclusion of everyone in our congregations? We are looking for a few people to help lead us through the process. Please speak to Nan if you could serve on this working group.
March 25th – Palm Sunday – Readers to be determined
March 29th – St. Mark’s 6:00 p.m Maundy Thursday, Potluck & table communion
March 30th – Good Friday Service 11:00 a.m., Combined Service at St. David’s
April 1st – Easter Sunday -Multiple Readers
FundScrip
Please note that in order to reduce Shipping and Handling charges only one Order per month will be sent on the first Sunday of the month and the Delivery will be on the second Sunday of the month. Although St. Mark’s has been participating in the FundScrip program since 2013 we are always looking for new members. Questions and comments about the program are always welcome so please do not hesitate to contact Patsy Brander at 902-625-1062 or Bonnie Dawson at 902-625-3838 and we will be happy to provide you with the answers.
Tuesday, March 20, 2018 – St. Mark’s Congregational Board Meeting: Executive 6:30 pm., Committees 7:00 pm., Combined Board 8:00 pm.
Wednesday, March 28, 2018; – 10:30 a.m. - Worship Service at the Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home. Everyone welcome to attend.
"Collection Counters/Recorders Needed Please sign up. The load gets lighter when many helping hands participate.
March 25th – Gillian Vink
April 1st – Rosemary Morrell
March 30th – Good Friday Service 11:00 a.m., Combined Service at St. David’s
There will be no Sunday School classes run at St. David’s during the month of March. We look forward to seeing the boys and girls again for class at the Easter Sunday Service. Classes will resume then and run from April into the end of May. Enjoy a March Break.
Hall Cleaners for March are Heather Graham & Marie Mac Kinnon.
Floor Curling Wednesdays at 2 p.m., at St. Mark's hall. No fee, just bring indoor footwear. The program will continue each Wednesday.
Merchandise & Talent Auction on Saturday, May 12th at the Port Hawkebury Fire Hall. Viewing at 6pm & Auction at 7pm Live & silent Auction, cash door prizes and Raffle Tickets. Auctioneer Bob Mac Eachern, 1015 The Hawk. Proceeds to Strait Chedabucto Anglican Churches of Holy Trinity, St. James, St. Andrews.
Trivia Night on Saturday MARCH 24th at 7 pm. at the Port Hawkesbury Fire Hall sponsored by the Port Hastings Historical Society.
The King’s Chorus will perform a exciting program of early choral music by Bach, Handel, and Charpentier, featuring local soloists and a chamber orchestra, on Sunday, March 25th at 7:00 pm. in the Cathedral Church of All Saints, 1330 Cathedral Lane, 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. Tickets ($10-$75) available at tickethalifax.com, 902-422-1271 x 261, www.kingschorus.com Promo code SALVE gets $5 off general admission, REGINA gets $15 off patron tickets
Organist: Al Fougere
Lay Reader (St. M.): Joyce Oliver-Snair
Lay Reader (St. D.): Alicia Vink
Mission Moment (St. M.): Linda Howlett
Greeters & Collectors (St. M.): Donnie & Jean Mac Pherson
Greeter (St. D.): Sally & George Fox
Collectors (St. D.): Sally Fox, Heather Deschenes
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.
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, March 19th at 1:00 p.m.
Becoming "Affirming"
The Boards of St. Mark's and St. David's United Churches wish to engage both our congregations in a process to consider becoming "Affirming" Congregations.
Each United Church organization that is an Affirming Ministry declares itself to be fully inclusive of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities — and they back up their words with action. The Affirming Ministries Program encourages United Church bodies (congregations, presbyteries, conferences, educational centres) to study what it means to be publicly welcoming and inclusive. The program provides support for sexual orientation and gender identity issues. It also encourages the study of other United Church resources that promote the inclusion of other marginalized groups.
The resources for this process are provided by Affirm United. Are you interested in and committed to the full inclusion of everyone in our congregations? We are looking for a few people to help lead us through the process. Please speak to Nan if you could serve on this working group.
**********
ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Lay Readers:March 25th – Palm Sunday – Readers to be determined
March 29th – St. Mark’s 6:00 p.m Maundy Thursday, Potluck & table communion
March 30th – Good Friday Service 11:00 a.m., Combined Service at St. David’s
April 1st – Easter Sunday -Multiple Readers
FundScrip
Please note that in order to reduce Shipping and Handling charges only one Order per month will be sent on the first Sunday of the month and the Delivery will be on the second Sunday of the month. Although St. Mark’s has been participating in the FundScrip program since 2013 we are always looking for new members. Questions and comments about the program are always welcome so please do not hesitate to contact Patsy Brander at 902-625-1062 or Bonnie Dawson at 902-625-3838 and we will be happy to provide you with the answers.
Tuesday, March 20, 2018 – St. Mark’s Congregational Board Meeting: Executive 6:30 pm., Committees 7:00 pm., Combined Board 8:00 pm.
Wednesday, March 28, 2018; – 10:30 a.m. - Worship Service at the Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home. Everyone welcome to attend.
"Collection Counters/Recorders Needed Please sign up. The load gets lighter when many helping hands participate.
**********
ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Lay Readers:March 25th – Gillian Vink
April 1st – Rosemary Morrell
March 30th – Good Friday Service 11:00 a.m., Combined Service at St. David’s
There will be no Sunday School classes run at St. David’s during the month of March. We look forward to seeing the boys and girls again for class at the Easter Sunday Service. Classes will resume then and run from April into the end of May. Enjoy a March Break.
Hall Cleaners for March are Heather Graham & Marie Mac Kinnon.
**********
Floor Curling Wednesdays at 2 p.m., at St. Mark's hall. No fee, just bring indoor footwear. The program will continue each Wednesday.
Merchandise & Talent Auction on Saturday, May 12th at the Port Hawkebury Fire Hall. Viewing at 6pm & Auction at 7pm Live & silent Auction, cash door prizes and Raffle Tickets. Auctioneer Bob Mac Eachern, 1015 The Hawk. Proceeds to Strait Chedabucto Anglican Churches of Holy Trinity, St. James, St. Andrews.
Trivia Night on Saturday MARCH 24th at 7 pm. at the Port Hawkesbury Fire Hall sponsored by the Port Hastings Historical Society.
The King’s Chorus will perform a exciting program of early choral music by Bach, Handel, and Charpentier, featuring local soloists and a chamber orchestra, on Sunday, March 25th at 7:00 pm. in the Cathedral Church of All Saints, 1330 Cathedral Lane, 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. Tickets ($10-$75) available at tickethalifax.com, 902-422-1271 x 261, www.kingschorus.com Promo code SALVE gets $5 off general admission, REGINA gets $15 off patron tickets
ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY MARCH 18TH 2018-5TH 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 18th, 2018-5th Sunday of Lent
(2 purple and 1 white candle are lit on Lenten triad)
Announcements The Work of Church and CommunityWE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD
Greeting
One: The peace of Christ be with you. All: And with your spirit.*Introit Love Us Into Fullness v 3, MV 81
Call to Worship
One: God has called us to this placeAll: to worship and rejoice.
One: God has called us to this place
All: to learn and know.
One: God has called us to this place
All: to be formed and grow.
One: Let us worship God;
All: with all our hearts, minds, and souls
we come to worship our God.
Opening Prayer
Awesome God, out of nothing you created the universe; out of dust you made us, your people. We shake our heads in wonder that you made each of us in your image, that you call us by name and claim us. With the law and love on our hearts, guide us as we live as your people. Amen.*Hymn Be Not Afraid Printed
Call to Confession
Lenten Tenebrae: Praying Our Confession with the Psalms
Lent 5--Psalm 51
“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions” (Psalm 51:1)…And so it is with hope and in great humility that we gather our prayers of confession this day. Let us pray:All: “The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise” (Psalm 51:7). God of New Life, you ask us to look openly and honestly at ourselves and the ways we are living. It is in this light that we acknowledge today that we are broken in so many ways. We can do nothing else but admit that our lives are filled with broken promises, broken hearts, broken relationships. And we confess that we don’t even know where to begin to make things right. Heal hearts that have been wounded by angry words. Soothe souls that have been denied joy. Open minds that have refused compromise. Free spirits that have been bound by fear.
Silent confession as fifth candle is extinguished.
God’s promise to us is a clean heart…
All: a new and right spirit, and because of this, we will rejoice in the presence of the holy; we will dance in the light of God’s overwhelming forgiveness. Amen.
Written by Nora Vedress, Calvary U.C., Prince Albert, Sask.
Gathering, Lent/Easter 2018, p.65. Used with permission.
Sung Assurance: May God’s Sheltering Wings (her, his) MV214
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD
Jeremiah 31:31–34 “I will write my law on their hearts.”
One: This is the witness of the Hebrew people. All: Thanks be to God.Psalm 51 Put a new heart in me, O God. Refrain 1 VU 776
*Hymn How Firm A Foundation VU 660
Opening the Word & the Lord’s Prayer
The Gospel Acclamation
John 12:20–33 Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth.
One: Herein is Good News. All: Praise be to God.Opening the Word 2
WE RESPOND IN FAITH
* Hymn When We Are Living VU 581
Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God
*Offering Prayer
You have written your promises on our hearts, faithful God. As we learn your words of love for us, may we continue to give our whole selves to serving you. Bless what we offer today – gifts of our lives and our labour. We pray this through the one who gave his very self for us. AmenPrayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession In 4 voices
Response: Voice 3: Write your words on our hearts, God,Voice 1: that you will be our God
All: and we shall be your people. Amen.
WE GO TO SERVE GOD
*Commissioning and Benediction
The love of God has been written on your heart. As you leave today, dwell in that love, live into that love, show others that love, that all may come to know God, from the least to the greatest. Go in the blessing of God's love.* Hymn Irish Blessing
May the road rise to meet you.May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face
the rains fall soft upon your fields
and until we meet again
may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
*Choral Amen
Thursday, 8 March 2018
ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY MARCH 11TH 2018
Ministering
through leadership in worship this morning are:
Organist: Al Fougere
Lay
Reader (St. M.): Wayne
Simpson
Lay
Reader (St. D.): Amy
McKillop
Mission
Moment (St. M.): Bruce Corrigan
Greeters
& Collectors (St. M.): Donnie & Jean Mac Pherson
Greeter
(St. D.): Sally &
George Fox
Collectors (St.
D.): Sally Fox, Heather
Deschenes
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.
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, March 19th at 1:00 p.m.
Becoming "Affirming"
The
Boards of St. Mark's and St. David's United Churches wish to engage both our
congregations in a process to consider becoming "Affirming"
Congregations.
Each
United Church organization that is an Affirming Ministry declares itself to be
fully inclusive of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities —
and they back up their words with action. The Affirming Ministries Program
encourages United Church bodies (congregations, presbyteries, conferences,
educational centres) to study what it means to be publicly welcoming and
inclusive. The program provides support for sexual orientation and gender
identity issues. It also encourages the study of other United Church resources
that promote the inclusion of other marginalized groups.
The
resources for this process are provided by Affirm United. Are you interested in
and committed to the full inclusion of everyone in our congregations? We are
looking for a few people to help lead us through the process. Please speak to
Nan if you could serve on this working group.
**********
ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Lay Readers:
March 18th – Joyce Oliver-Snair
March 25th – Palm
Sunday – Readers to be determined
March 29th –
Maundy Thursday, Potluck & table
communion, St. Mark's, 6:00 p.m.
March 30th – Good Friday, Combined Service at St. David’s, 11:00 a.m.
April 1st – Easter Sunday -Multiple Readers
FundScrip The Delivery Date is March 11th, 2018.
Please note that in order to reduce Shipping and Handling charges only one
Order per month will be sent on the first Sunday of the month and the Delivery
will be on the second Sunday of the month.
Although St. Mark’s has been
participating in the FundScrip program since 2013 we are always looking for new
members. Questions and comments about the program are always welcome so
please do not hesitate to contact Patsy Brander at 902-625-1062 or Bonnie Dawson
at 902-625-3838 and we will be
happy to provide you with the answers.
Sunday, March 18, 2018 – 8:30 a.m. - Men’s
Group Breakfast
Tuesday, March 20, 2018 – St. Mark’s
Congregational Board Meeting: Executive 6:30pm., Committees 7:00pm., Combined
Board 8:00pm.
Wednesday, March 28, 2018; – 10:30 a.m. -
Worship Service at the Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home. Everyone welcome to
attend.
"Collection
Counters/Recorders Needed Please sign up.
The load gets lighter when many helping hands participate.
**********
ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Lay Readers:
Marc. 18Th –
Alicia Vink
Mar. 25Th – Gillian Vink
April 1st – Rosemary Morrell
St. David's UCW will meet on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at 1:30 pm
at the home of Yvonne Fox.
There will be no Sunday School classes run
at St. David’s during the month of March. We look forward to seeing the boys
and girls again for class at the Easter Sunday Service. Classes will resume
then and run from April into the end of May. Enjoy a March Break.
Hall Cleaners for March are Heather Graham
& Marie Mac Kinnon.
**********
Floor Curling Wednesdays at 2 p.m., at St.
Mark's hall. No fee, just bring indoor footwear. The program will continue each
Wednesday.
Merchandise
& Talent Auction on Saturday, May 12th at the Port Hawkebury
Fire Hall. Viewing at 6pm & Auction at 7pm Live & silent Auction, cash
door prizes and Raffle Tickets. Auctioneer Bob Mac Eachern, 1015 The Hawk.
Proceeds to Strait Chedabucto Anglican Churches of Holy Trinity, St. James, St.
Andrews.
PORT HAWKESBURY LIBRARY
Tuesday, March 13 Join us for the Discovery Center's presentation of Under the Dome. The portable planetarium will be set up for your viewing pleasure...call to register your child at 902-625-2729.
Tuesday, March 13 Join us for the Discovery Center's presentation of Under the Dome. The portable planetarium will be set up for your viewing pleasure...call to register your child at 902-625-2729.
There will be 4 sessions starting at 10:30 am and running until 2:30 for age groups ranging in age from 4 yrs to 12. Remember you have to register so give us a call at 902-625-2729 as spaces will be limited. Admission is free.
On Wednesday, March 14, at 10:30 am Kate Silver will bring her puppets to life and entertain us with a puppet show. No need to register bring the family as all will enjoy. Admission is free.
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