ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY APRIL 29TH 2018

Ministering through leadership in worship this morning are:
Organist: Al Fougere
Lay Reader (St. M.): Vida Hood
Lay Reader (St. D.): Arnold Mac Lean
Mission Moment (St. M.): Nan Corrigan
Greeters & Collectors (St. M.): Malcolm Matheson, Bruce Corrigan
Greeter (St. D.): Bruce Oliver
Collectors (St. D.): Amy Mac Killop, James Mac Fadyen

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

Deadline for information for the bulletin is Thursday at noon.

Copies of the “UPPER ROOM” for March-April, May-June are available.

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, May 21st at 1:00 P.M.

POWSA (Port of Welcome Settlement Association) NEWS!   We have had wonderful news. St. Mark's and POWSA have received written confirmation from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that our sponsored Syrian family, the Dalatis, have been approved to travel from Beirut, Lebanon and will arrive at Sydney airport on May 15th. All the local POWSA Committees are swinging into high gear. Accommodation has been arranged. Watch for more news as the time for our family's arrival approaches.

Wednesday, May 30th – 10:30 a.m. - Nursing Home Service.

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ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:

May 6th – Vida Hood
May 13th – Sarah Chiasson
May 20th – Bruce Corrigan
May 27th – Larry Evans

May 6th – Refreshments & Fellowship following Worship. Please join us.

May 15th – St. Mark’s Congregational Board Meeting – Executive 6:30 pm – Committees 7:00 pm, - Combined Board 8:00 pm

May 20th 8:00 a.m. - Men’s Group Breakfast meeting.

Collection Counters/Recorders Needed - Please sign up. The load gets lighter when many helping hands participate.

FundScrip  The May FundScrip Order will be sent Sunday, May 6th and the Delivery will be Sunday, May 13th. Please note the last order before the summer break will be Sunday, June 3rd.

The May FundScrip Promotions are as follows: 
The Ultimate Dining Card (includes East Side Mario’s, Harvey’s, Montana’s, New York Fries, Swiss Chalet)  6% ( Regular 5% )
La Vie en Rose    11% ( Regular 8% )
Hudson’s Bay-Home Outfitters  5%   ( Regular 3% )
   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 answer your questions.

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ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:

May 6th – Logan Fox
May 13th – Julia Mac Kinnon
May 20th – Erin Hart-Breen
May 27th – Mary Jess Mac Donald

Second Sunday Lunch Join us for fellowship and food on Second Sundays as we gather in a local restaurant to share lunch together. Everyone welcome. We will meet in the hall right after worship to arrange carpooling if needed. Since May 13th is Mother’s Day, please let Nan know by May 6th if you plan to come along—so we can make a reservation. 

ST. DAVID’S OFFICIAL BOARD Meeting, May 6th following Service in the Church Hall. 

Hall Cleaners for May are Heather Deschenes & Hazel Mac Lean.

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The monthly meeting of the Port Hastings Historical Society will be held at the Museum on Wednesday, May 2nd at 7pm. New members are encourage to attend. 

Raising the Village Presents: Welcoming Community Expo on May 4th, 2-4 PM at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre. Free Admission. Families, Seniors, Teens, Toddlers – all are welcome. Discover the free services and programs in our Community:  Health and Wellness, Nutrition and Development, Family Supports, Sports and Recreation, Children’s Programs, Age-friendly programs 0-99. Come out to enjoy snacks, our Children’s Play area and a chance to win Door Prizes!

May 12, 2018 – Seniors Conference at Richmond Education Centre/Academy in Louisdale. 

8:30 Registration, Conference starts at 9am to 3:30pm MIND-BODY-SPIRIT – Feeding the Soul  

Join us during the Mental Health Week (May 7-13). This conference will provide an opportunity for participants to increase knowledge and understanding about seniors’ mental health and addiction issues. Let’s begin community conversations and build stronger community supports. For further information contact mindbodyspiritpcdkmchc@gmail.com You can register online at drkingstoncommunityhealthcenter.com or call the Kingston Memorial Community Health centre at (902) 587-2800

Inverness County Singers Present:     

“Everybody, Let’s Rock”

Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Mark’s United Church, Port Hawkesbury. The Inverness County Singers spring concert series will present a medley of classic Rock and Roll hits from the 1950s to the present at various venues. They will be joined by the youth singers including ‘Vocal Motion’

ORDER OF SERVICE APRIL 29TH, 2018-5TH OF EASTER

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

April 29th, 2018-5th of Easter

Announcements         The Work of Church and Community

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Greeting 
The peace of Christ be with you. All: And with your spirit.

*Introit Come, Let Us Sing verse 1 VU 222

Call to Worship  
One: In some parts of the world, today feels like spring. 
All: We worship the God of new life. 
One: In some parts of the world, today feels like summer. 
All: We worship the God of growth. 
One: In some parts of the world, today feels like autumn. 
All: We worship the God of the harvest. 
One: In some parts of the world, today feels like winter. 
All: We worship the God of rest. 
One: We worship the God that is with us around the globe and here in this place. 
All: We worship the God of all seasons.

Opening Prayer
Guide us in our worship today, Holy Spirit. As we hear words of love and challenge; move through us calling us to act upon them. As we sing praises, may our hearts be lightened. Inspire us to reconnect with you in ways we never imagined possible; to be changed because we have been here to wor­ship our God. Amen.

*Hymn  Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah VU 651

Prayer for Wholeness
You call us beloved, and tell us to love one another…the growth process that takes. We would rather go our own ways than be cultivated to grow in your way. 
Forgive our resistance to your work. Help us to yield to your will. May we see the areas where we need to be pruned, and accept that work gracefully. May we offer your love to all, not just those we think deserve it. Give us true words to speak when we proclaim your love. Amend our lives so that the fruit we bear in you is sweet for all who encounter it. Amen.

Words of Assurance
The good news of this day is that we are called to a new and different life in Jesus Christ, and Christ freely gives us the reconciliation we need to enter into that life. It is through Christ that we are forgiven. 
The good news of this day is that we are always God’s children, we are always in God’s family, and God always welcomes us home. In Jesus Christ we find forgiveness. Thanks be to God.

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Acts 8:26–40 Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch.
One: This is the witness of the early church. All: Thanks be to God.

Psalm 22 Praise God who has heard our call.      Pts. 3 & 4, VU 746

*Hymn      For the Beauty of the Earth VU 226

Opening the Word & the Lord’s Prayer

The Gospel Acclamation

John 15:1–8 A Retelling in 2 Voices: Jesus is the true vine.
One: The gospel of Jesus Christ. All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.  

Opening the Word 2

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

* Hymn    Mothering God, You Gave Me Birth VU 320

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

*Offering Hymn  We Praise You, O God verse 3 only VU 218

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession   
Response:  One: O God All: grant our prayers. 

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn    How Firm a Foundation VU 660

*Commissioning & Choral Amen

MAY FUNDSCRIP ORDER INFORMATION

The May FundScrip Order will be sent Sunday May 6^th and the Delivery will be Sunday May 13^th. Please note the last order before the summer break will be Sunday June 3^rd.

The May FundScrip Promotions are as follows:

The Ultimate Dining Card (includes East Side Mario’s,                           6% ( Regular 5% )

Harvey’s, Montana’s, New York Fries, Swiss Chalet)

La Vie en Rose                                                                                  11% ( Regular 8% )

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

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 answer your questions

United Church of Canada Newsletter

The United Church of Canada E-ssentials - April 17, 2018 View this email in your browser

Festival of Faith New details are being confirmed about the United Church's Festival of Faith, which is kicking off the 43rd General Council, July 21-22, in Oshawa, ON. This exciting event will include musical performances on multiple stages, a DJ, and lip-sync competition. There will also be an artisan market with local artists and social enterprises, and amazing art displays, including stories and images of over 80 Embracing the Spirit projects. You can also join us in the coffee house for a Community Innovation Challenge, open mic performances, story telling, poetry, and more. There will also be 25 inspiring workshops scheduled with faith-based leaders from across Canada. Watch for details on these soon. Kids and the young at heart will enjoy carnival games and bouncy castles for various ages. Challenge a friend, or the Moderator to tackle the super-fun 60-foot inflatable relay course. All are welcome! There is something for everyone at this exciting event! Find out more about it in this interview with festival visionary David Moore. Keep in touch with all the latest Festival of Faith news by following the festival's Facebook page. The Humboldt Broncos Tragedy: We Are Not Alone General Secretary Nora Sanders writes about the Humboldt Broncos tragedy in her latest email message, "My prayers... are with all of those in Humboldt and with the families and communities of each of those who were killed or injured, praying that they will be held in God’s warm embrace during this time of deep pain, and that, in time, they will come to know joy once again." Read her full article. [Photo: The Canadian Press/Jonathan Hayward] Webinar on GC43 Business Process Are you a General Council 43 commissioner, considering becoming one, or simply interested in how the General Council will do its work? Please join us for an informative webinar, "Making Better Conversations about Important Things: The Road to GC43," Wednesday. April 18 at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT. Sign up here. Webinar: Our New Pastoral Relations System Do you have questions about how pastoral relations will change if the 43rd General Council enacts remits 1, 3, and 7 in July? If so, please plan to join us for the following online session: Our New Pastoral Relations System: An Update When: Monday, April 30, 1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT What: A panel discussion on YouTube Live about our new pastoral relations system, as well as time to ask questions. The changes won’t be final until they’re enacted by General Council this July, so this will give you a chance to hear about what we’re working on and the directions we anticipate. Click here to view the live event. After it’s over, the same link will connect you to the recording. If the remits are enacted by GC43, we’re planning more detailed webinars in the fall about how to work within the new structures and how to manage the transition. Watch for details. [Photo: Jeff Hitchcock, Flick (CC BY 2.0)] UCRDstore.ca: Books and More! Have you checked out UCRDstore.ca lately? Browse and shop for United Church-produced books, e-books, DVDs, CDs, merchandise, and more — plus a wide variety of Bibles, recommended readings, and church supplies.  Facebook Twitter Website Email Instagram YouTube LinkedIn Our gifts for Mission & Service bring healing, justice, and hope to life. Donate today.

Copyright © 2018 The United Church of Canada, All rights reserved.

EARTH DAY ROADSIDE CLEANUP 2018-St. David's

Brad (walking across Canada for Brain Injury Awareness) & Yvonne

We enjoyed a meal together after we worked together. Brad joined us for lunch.

Cathy MacLean and Sally Fox arrive back after the cleanup

Julia MacKinnon and Yvonne Fox collected around the church.

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY APRIL 15TH 2018

Ministering through leadership in worship this morning are:
Organist:  Al Fougere
Lay Reader (St. M.): Dave Chapman
Lay Reader (St. D.): Susan Langley
Mission Moment (St. M.): Linda Howlett
Greeters & Collectors (St. M.): Malcolm Matheson, Bruce Corrigan
Greeter (St. D.):  Bruce Oliver
Collectors (St. D.):  Amy Mac Killop, James Mac Fadyen

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.


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

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 16th at 1:00 p.m.

POWSA (Port of Welcome Settlement Association) NEWS!   
We have had wonderful news this week. St. Mark's and POWSA have received written confirmation from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that our sponsored Syrian family, the Dalatis, have been approved to travel from Beirut, Lebanon and will arrive at Sydney airport on May 15th. All the local POWSA Committees are swinging into high gear. Accommodation has been arranged. Watch for more news as the time for our family's arrival approaches.

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ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:
April 22nd – Jean Mac Pherson
April 29th – Judy Castle
May 6th – Vida Hood
May 13th – Sarah Chiasson
May 20th – Larry Evans
May 27th – Bruce Corrigan

Collection Counters/Recorders Needed - Please sign up. The load gets lighter when many helping hands participate.

Sunday, April 22nd  – 8:00 a.m. - Men’s Group Breakfast Meeting.

Please Note: Tuesday, April 17th; 7:00 p.m - Congregational Board Committee meetings.

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.

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ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:
April 22nd - Margie MacIntyre
April 29th – Arnold Mac Lean
May 6th – Logan Fox
May 13th – Julia Mac Kinnon
May 20th – Erin Hart-Breen
May 27th – Mary Jess Mac Donald

Second Sunday Lunch Join us for fellowship and food on Second Sundays as we gather in a local restaurant to share lunch together. Everyone welcome. We will meet in the hall right after worship to arrange carpooling if needed. Next time to meet is May 13th, Mother's Day. We will book ahead to guarantee a table. Let Nan know if you plan to attend. 

Hall Cleaners for April are Margie Mac Intyre & Beryl Mac Leod.

Earth Day Highway Cleanup—Speak to Nan C if you could help out with cleanup along the highway after church on Earth Day, April 22.

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Floor Curling Wednesdays at 2 p.m., at St. Mark's hall. No fee, just bring indoor footwear. The program will continue each Wednesday.

Citrus Fruit Sale.....oranges and grapefruit $52 per case ( 40 lbs), $26 per half case (20 lbs). Clementines $10 per a 5 lb bag. Honey $12 per 1 kg jar. Proceeds for the Truro high school band program. Contact Margie MacIntyre, by the deadline of Friday, April 13th, if you would like to place an order. She will deliver during the week of April 30th. 

Photos of Special Moments
The theme for the upcoming Conference Annual Meeting is #TrueStory (John 21:25). You are invited to send in photos ahead of time which reflect a special moment, personality or event that occurred in your pastoral charge in the past, which may not have been fully captured in the minutes. We will be looking back on our past as a Conference and these photos might help stimulate table group discussions. Please email photos to dhewitt@marconf.ca

Dinner and Movie Trip, to Antigonish, Friday, April 27th. We will depart St. David's parking lot, Port Hastings, at 3 p.m., with supper 4 -4:30, at Gabrieau's Bistro, followed by the movie at Empire Theatre,at 6:45 p.m. I do not know what the movie will be yet, but will know by April 22nd. There are two cars going thus far, if you would like a drive. Also, if you can take a car, that would be great,too, should we have several individuals wanting to participate in this excursion. This is an Adult Only trip. Friends from St. Mark's and other churches are welcome to join us. Please contact Margie MacIntyre, 902.625.1361 to confirm your participation in this outing, by Monday, April 23rd. 

Port Hastings Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary is having a 50th Anniversary and would like to cordially invite everyone to our Open House on April 21, 2018 from 3 p.m to 5 p.m. at the Port Hastings Fire Hall.

ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY APRIL 15TH 2018-3RD OF EASTER

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

April 15th, 2018-3rd of Easter

For quiet reflection as we gather: Jesus appeared to the disciples when they needed a friend. He showed up and offered them his peace. Peter told his friends the truth about their lives and Jesus in a way that they could hear it. He offered them healing and grace. How do we offer grace to friends in times of need? How can our lives be a reflection of the relationship Jesus had with the disciples when he came back and had breakfast with them?

Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Lent, p. 144 • 

Easter 2018 Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017

Announcements         The Work of Church and Community

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Greeting 
One: Jesus came and stood among his friends and said, “Peace be with you.” All: The risen Christ lives among us.
The peace of Christ be with you. All: And with your spirit.

*Introit Rejoice in our God Always
Rejoice in our God always; and again I say, rejoice.
Rejoice in our God always; and again I say, rejoice.
Rejoice, rejoice, and again I say, rejoice.
Rejoice, rejoice, and again I say, rejoice.

*Call to Worship  
One: We still tell the good news! 
Left side: (sung): Rejoice in our God always, again I say rejoice. 
One: The tomb was empty, and Jesus appeared to them. 
Right side:(sung): Rejoice in our God always, again I say rejoice. 
One: Jesus gives peace to the people. 
Left side: (sung): Rejoice, rejoice, again I say rejoice. 
One: Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid.” 
Right side: (sung): Rejoice, rejoice, again I say rejoice. 
One: We are here to hear the good news, so we can tell others! 
We are here to hear the good news and worship our God!

Sung Response: Rejoice in our God Always (sung as round)

Opening Prayer
God of joy, repentance, and comfort, we need you today. As we continue to celebrate the good news of the Resurrection, we remember times when it was hard news to believe. As we come and worship you this day, may we leave our doubts and fears with you, and enter into a time of joy. May we see your love come to life in all we do today.  Amen.

*Hymn           The Day of Resurrection VU 164

Prayer for Wholeness
God, we break your laws all the time. Sometimes intention­ally, sometimes unintentionally. We do not care for one an­other as you taught us to do. We prioritize the things of this world over the things of your world. We are afraid even though you tell us not to be. We forget to be joyful when you show up when we need you. We say we are sorry, and sometimes aren’t. 
God, help us to be sincere and authentic when we are sorry, Grant us a spirit of courage in the face of fear. May we change our ways and live out your love, as Christ lived and taught. Amen. 

Words of Assurance
As Easter people we rejoice in our God always. 
As Easter people, we know what Christ has done for all. We celebrate this good news with joy and delight!

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Acts 3:12–19 Peter preaches the power of Jesus to heal.
One: This is the witness of the early church. All: Thanks be to God.

Psalm 4 The psalmist seeks God’s presence in all times.  VU 727

*Hymn      Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying VU 400

Opening the Word & the Lord’s Prayer

The Gospel Acclamation

Luke 24:36b–48 Jesus’ invitation to touch his hands and feet.
One: The gospel of Jesus Christ. All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.  

Opening the Word 2

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

* Hymn    This Is the Glory VU 173

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

*Offering Prayer
We bring our gifts today believing that wonderful things can be done with them. We give them gladly. Amen.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession   
The sung response is the first two lines of “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee.” Please remain seated for the prayer and response. 
Sung Response: Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, 
God of glory, God of love.

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn    This Day You Gave Us VU 437

*Commissioning
One: We still tell the good news! 
Left side: (sung): Rejoice in our God always, again I say rejoice. 
One: The tomb was empty, and Jesus appeared to them. 
Right side:(sung): Rejoice in our God always, again I say rejoice. 
One: Jesus gives peace to the people. 
Left side: (sung): Rejoice, rejoice, again I say rejoice. 
One: Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid.” 
Right side: (sung): Rejoice, rejoice, again I say rejoice. 
One: In times of disbelief, in times of strife, in times of wondering, Jesus shows up. When we need a friend, Jesus shows up. The good news of Easter is that love came to life, and that love is Jesus Christ showing up when we need him most. This is but some of the good news. Go and share it!

All (sung): Rejoice in our God, always, again I say rejoice.
Rejoice in our God, always, again I say rejoice.
Rejoice, rejoice, again I say rejoice.
Rejoice, rejoice, again I say rejoice.
Rejoice in our God, always, again I say rejoice.

*Choral Amen