Contact Online: December 2018

Friday, 28 December 2018

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY DECEMBER 30TH 2018

OFFICE HOURS: Thursday 9-12 noon, Jane at St. Mark’s

List for Supply Ministry at St. Mark’s & St. David’s
Services will be Combined & Regular Times
January:
St. Mark’s : January 06, 9:30-Lorna MacRury
St. David’s : January 13, 11:00 –Pattie Stevenson
St. Mark’s: January 20, 9:30 -Sandi Irving
St. David’s: January 27, 11:00-Sandi Irving

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ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:
January 6th _ Jean Mac Pherson
January 20th – Sarah Chiasson

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ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

St. David’s Sunday School classes will resume January 13th.

Lay Readers:
January 13th – Arnold Mac Lean
January 27th – Margie Mac Intyre

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Floor curling at St. Mark’s each Wednesday from 2-3 p.m. Drop in when you like. $2.00 per week. Bring indoor footwear.
Please note that Floor Curling is postponed until after the holidays, commencing again on January 9th.

ORDER OF SERVICE MONDAY DECEMBER 31ST 2018-NEW YEARS EVE

WORSHIP AT ST. MARKS, 11:00 A.M.

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/

Ministers: The Whole People of God Minister: Nan Corrigan D. M.

Minister of Music: Al Fougere

December 31st, 2018-New Year’s Eve-A New Covenant with God

Announcements The Work of Church and Community

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Let us pause to remember that in this region we live and work and worship on lands that are, by law, the unceded territories of the Wabanaki peoples—predominantly the lands of the Mi’kmaq, Maliseet, and Passamaquoddy.
May we live with respect on this land, and live in peace and friendship with its people.
Welcome and greeting one another with the Peace of Christ.
One: The peace of Christ be with you. All: And with your spirit.

Covenant Symbols on the Table Symbols of Nan’s covenant here
Walking Stick- celebrating God’s presence in a ministry of accompaniment on the journey.
Teapot-celebrating God’s presence in a ministry of compassion, presence and pastoral care.
Spiral Shell-celebrating God’s presence in a ministry as advocate of creative transformation.
Children’s Bible-celebrating God’s presence by sharing the biblical story.
Towel and basin-celebrating God’s presence in a ministry of service to others.

*Introit Entrance of the Light Advent and Christ candles are lit
Light and peace in Jesus Christ!
Thanks be to God!
" ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8)
Alleluia!!

Call to Worship
One: What a year this has been!
All: So many things have happened. Some of them have been wonderful; others very sad.
One: In all of this God has been with us, guiding, healing, comforting, and rejoicing.
All: Thanks be to God for God's continual presence with us.
One: Now we are on the threshold to a new tomorrow.
All: We don't know what it will hold for us.
One: In all of what is to come, we know God will be with us.
All: Guiding, healing, comforting, and rejoicing with us.
Thank you, God, for your steadfast love and presence. Amen.

Opening Prayer
Spirit of life, we offer thanks and praise to you for the ways we have experienced your presence. For the connection of hearts and minds with the needs and skills of these people; for the willingness of the community of faith to commit to finding the right person to minister among us, and for the sense of call and courage that brought us together. We pray for your presence to be felt as we come together this day; a people surrounded by abundance and hope. May your Spirit continue to guide us. Amen.

From the Celebration of a New Ministry on the St. Mark’s Pastoral Charge, October 16, 2011 (With recognition of its ongoing relationship with St. David’s Pastoral Charge)

*Hymn We Praise You, O God VU 218

Prayer for Wholeness
Lord, you have asked us to feed and give drink to those who hunger, to clothe those who are naked, to welcome the stranger, to visit those who are sick and imprisoned.
When we look back on this year we might be able to say we did some of those things. We remember the enthusiasm with which we started out this waning year, ready to do your work and witness to your love.
But you know how things got in our way. We allowed ourselves to be swallowed up by worries and fear.
We placed comfort of self before service to others. We took the "easy way out" whenever we could. And you wept for us.
Now we are on the brink of the new year. We cannot change what we did not do, but we can make a covenant with you to be your witnesses in our words, thoughts and deeds to your people.
So that when you say, "Have you given food and drink to those who hunger and thirst, have you clothed the naked, welcomed the stranger, visited the sick and imprisoned?" We can respond with a joyful "Yes! We have done these things with joy and love!" Forgive us what we have not done. Inspire us to do what you would have us do. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.

Affirmation of Love
God is making all things new. The past is over and done.
It taught us many lessons. But God is the God of the future, new opportunities, new hopes, new dreams, renewed vision.
God dwells with us to be our God.
We are not alone. Thanks be to God. Amen.

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Isaiah 58:6-11 Is not this the fast that I choose?

Psalm 107 O give thanks to God for steadfast love. Pt. 1, VU 831

* Hymn Great Is Thy Faithfulness VU 288

Gospel Acclamation

Matthew 25:34-40 Truly I tell you…you did it to me.

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

* Hymn Morning Has Broken VU 409

Prayers of the People-A New Covenant
Conclusion of prayer: Let the light of your love shine on us, that we may feel and know your powerful presence with us.
All: Let the light of your love shine in us, that we may be encouraged to use our gifts and talents to serve others. Let the light of your love shine through us, that others may come to know you. In this time of new beginnings, new hopes arise. Give us courage to reach out for the dreams and hopes; give us confidence that we can accomplish much for you.

The Lord’s Prayer

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn How Great Thou Art VU 238

New Year’s Eve Litany Sung Response: Don’t Be Afraid MV 90
L: It is dark.
P: It is dark. We cannot see very far.
L: Do not fear. God alone can see what lies ahead.
P: We have suffered much, loved much, lost much.
L: Do not fear. God knows your hearts and fears.
P: We have dreamed and watched as dreams have floated away, unfulfilled.
L: Do not fear. God is with you.
Sung Response: Don’t Be Afraid MV 90
L Do not let fear and darkness overcome you. God has given the Light for your path.
P: The silence sometimes overwhelms us. The past still shouts loudly at us.
L: Do not fear. God is with you.
Sung Response: Don’t Be Afraid MV 90
L: Give your hearts and spirits to the Lord!
P: Lord, we give our hearts and spirits to you this night.
L: Let go of your fears. Place your trust in the Lord.
P: Lord, we give our fears to you. Heal us, Lord.
Sung Response: Don’t Be Afraid MV 90

Gathering Around the Table to Receive the Light of Hope
One: The darkness is banished. The Light of God's love is with us. Come, receive the light!

Commissioning and Benediction
Go from this place; not into darkness although the last night of the year approaches. Go into the Light of God's eternal, inspiring Love. Go to be those who bring peace, love, hope and joy. And God will always be with you.

* Choral Amen Nan’s Amen
Amen! Amen! Alleluia! Amen! Amen! Alleluia!
Amen! Amen! Alleluia!

Amen written by Al Fougere as a Response to the Covenant, October 16, 2011

Adapted from a worship service by Nancy C. Townley, an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church. https://www.ministrymatters.com/all/entry/3452/watchnight-new-years-eve

and using elements (symbols, prayers, scripture, music) of a Celebration of a New Ministry on the St. Mark’s Pastoral Charge, October 16, 2011

ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY DECEMBER 30TH 2018-CHRISTMAS 1

WORSHIP AT ST. DAVID'S AT 11:00 A.M.
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/

Ministers: The Whole People of God Minister: Nan Corrigan D. M.

Minister of Music: Al Fougere

December 30th, 2018

1st Sunday of Christmas-Sing, Dance and Laugh for God

Service of Scripture, Prayer and Song

Announcements The Work of Church and Community

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Welcome and greeting one another with the Peace of Christ.
Let us pause to remember that in this region we live and work and worship on lands that are, by law, the unceded territories of the Wabanaki peoples—predominantly the lands of the Mi’kmaq, Maliseet, and Passamaquoddy.
May we live with respect on this land, and live in peace and friendship with its people.
One: The peace of Christ be with you. All: And with your spirit.

*Introit Il est né (chorus only-French, English) VU 50

Call to Worship
Child: Praise God!
Praise God up and down! (point up, and then down)
Praise God left and right! (point left, and then right)
Praise God in the morning (hands open and palms up, as if celebrating morning) and at night (tilt head on hands on shoulders, mimicking sleep).
No matter what…
All: Praise God!

Opening Prayer

*Hymn Go Tell It on the Mountain VU 43

Prayer for Wholeness
One: When we want to put Christmas away with the decorations, All: forgive us, God.
One: When we do not trust you to lead us into a new year filled with unknown tomorrows,
All: forgive us, God.
One: When we cannot let go of yesterday, and want to hang on to old ideas that do not serve us anymore,
All: forgive us, God.
One: When we panic because things are not turning out the way we want or expect, and when we cannot trust your surprises,
All: forgive us, God. Amen.

Affirmation of Love
God loves the world so much that God sent Jesus to be among us, as one of us, not to judge us but to offer us forgiveness and everlasting life. Thanks be to God! Amen.

*Hymn Once in Royal David’s City VU 62

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

1 Samuel 2:18–20, 26 God blesses the boy Samuel.

Psalm 148 Choral Reading
Right Side: Praise God! Shout God’s praises
from the highest heavens.
All of you angels come and praise God.
All: God is wonderful and awesome!
Left Side: Sun and moon, and all you bright stars,
the shining daytime sky and the sparkling nighttime sky,
come and praise God.
All: God is wonderful and awesome!
Choir: All the sea creatures of the deep oceans,
whales and fishes and everything that swims,
come and praise God.
All: God is wonderful and awesome!
Women and Girls: Fire and hail, snow and stormy winds,
come and praise God.
All: God is wonderful and awesome!
Men and Boys: Mountains and hills, fruit trees and tall pines,
every wild and tame animal,
every reptile and every flying bird, come and praise God.
All: God is wonderful and awesome!
Choir: Queens and kings, young people and old,
every person in the world, come and praise God.
All: God is wonderful and awesome!
Leader: Let all creation come and praise God.
With every breath sing a song of praise,
for God has given us life, and we belong to God.
God’s glory is greater than heaven and earth.
All: God is wonderful and awesome! Amen

* Hymn Hark! The Herald Angels Sing VU 48

Opening the Word/Children's Time & The Lord’s Prayer

Gospel Acclamation

Luke 2:41–52 The boy Jesus learns at the temple

Reflection

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

* Hymn Away in a Manger VU 69

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

* Offering Prayer
Take these gifts we offer, O God, and use them to enhance your presence in our world. May they bring voice and hope and new life to those who have none. Amen.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn Joy to the World VU 59

Commissioning and Benediction Colossians 3:12-14
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.

* Choral Amen Nan’s Amen

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP PORT HAWKESBURY NURSING HOME

Friday, 21 December 2018

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY DECEMBER 23RD 2018

Ministering through leadership in worship this morning are:
Organist: Al Fougere
Lay Reader (St. M.): Dave Chapman
(St. D.): Kevin Pierce
Advent Wreath (St. M.): Anna Marie and Marci
(St. D.): Rosemary Morrell
Mission Moment (St. M.): Larry Evans
(St. D.): Yvonne Fox
Greeters/Collectors (St. M.): Valli Ross, Linda Howlett
Greeters (St. D.): Robert Mac Kinnon
Counters (St. M.): Sharon Mc Lean, John M. Langley
Collectors (St. D.): James Mac Fadyen, Alicia Vink

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

The “UPPER ROOM” for January-February are available.

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

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

Nan and Bruce are appreciative of all the affirmations and kind gestures as they prepare to leave their ministry here, effective January 1st, 2019. They wish to extend their thanks and prayers for a joyous Christmas season and New Year to all of you. In this season of giving, they are requesting that if you would like to honour them with a gift, please consider giving to Gifts with Vision or a charity of your choice.

December 24th – Christmas Eve Services:
10:30 a.m. - Service at Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home
4:00 p.m. - Christmas Eve Service at St. David’s
6:00 p.m. - Christmas Eve Service at St. Mark’s

December 31st – New Year’s Eve 11:00 a.m. St. Mark’s
On the final day of the year we reflect on the events of the past and look ahead to the future. This is a worship service devoted to a new covenant with God, to a new commitment to witness and service. Nan’s final day and worship service with these pastoral charges.

As a result of the Pastoral Airs Concert, held at St. David's on December 2nd, $561.00 was raised through monetary donations, in support of the Strait Area Food Bank. Thank you for your generous offering!

The Treasurers of St. Mark’s and St. David’s will be closing their books on December 31st. Any donations received after that date will be credited to 2019.

List for Supply Ministry at St. Mark’s & St. David’s
Services will be Combined & Regular Times
January:
St. Mark’s : January 06, 9:30-Lorna MacRury
St. David’s : January 13, 11:00 –Pattie Stevenson
St. Mark’s: January 20, 9:30 -Sandi Irving
St. David’s: January 27, 11:00-Sandi Irving

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ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:
December 24th – Christmas Eve – 6:00 p.m. Multiple Readers
December 30th – First after Christmas – Combined Service at St. David’s 11:00.

Gifts with Vision Catalogues
The Mission and Service Gifts with Vision catalogues can be found on the table in the church entry. Online orders can be placed at https://www.giftswithvision.ca/

The Worship and Pastoral Care Committee feels worship will be enhanced if we fill the front rather than the back pews.
Please move forward if you are comfortable doing so.

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

FundScrip resumes in January 2019. Please contact Patsy Brander at 902-625-1062 or Bonnie Dawson at 902-625-3838 if you have any questions or if you wish to join the program.

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ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:
December 24th – Christmas Eve Service 4:00 p.m.
December 30th – First Sunday after Christmas – Julia Mac Kinnnon

Hall Cleaners for December are Jean Hatcher & Marjorie Langford

December 24th – Christmas Eve Service – 4:00 p.m.

December 30th – First after Christmas – Combined Service at St. David’s 11:00.

Sunday School teachers would like to thank those who contributed to the success of the White Gift Service held on Dec. 16th. In Particular – Robert Fox, Billy Davis, Lisa Rhynold, Jane Mac Kinnon, Arnold Mac Lean and especially Al Fougere. Also to the parents who helped the children to be prepared to present their role before the Congregation. We are most grateful.

St. David’s Sunday School classes will resume January 13th.

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ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY DECEMBER 23RD 2018-ADVENT 4

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/

Ministers: Whole People of God

Minister: Nan Corrigan D. M. Minister of Music: Al Fougere

December 23rd, 2018

4th Sunday of Advent—Love

Announcements The Work of Church and Community

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Welcome and greeting one another with the Peace of Christ.
Let us pause to remember that in this region we live and work and worship on lands that are, by law, the unceded territories of the Wabanaki peoples—predominantly the lands of the Mi’kmaq, Maliseet, and Passamaquoddy.
May we live with respect on this land, and live in peace and friendship with its people.
One: The peace of Christ be with you. All: And with your spirit.

* Introit Procession & Hanging of “Love” Banner

*Call to Worship
Come, people of God, holy creations, wholly God’s,
with our holey and ragged lives.
We come, seeking God’s grace to make us whole.
We gather on this fourth Sunday of Advent
with trust in our hearts and hope in our steps.
We gather at the font and table to proclaim the belief that God is with us; we are not alone.
The sacraments of baptism and communion, in a tangible way, proclaim and celebrate the presence of God in our midst.
At font and table, we are called to imagine what is possible because God has come into our lives and into our world.
We are here to trust, listen, believe, and imagine as God’s holy people. We come, O God, we come.

Written by Susan Lukey, High River U.C., High River, Alta.

Gathering, A/C/E 2017‒2018, page 26. Used with permission.

*Hymn O Come, All Ye Faithful VU 60

Advent Candle-lighting Liturgy From Minutes for Mission 2018

This Advent Wreath Candle-Lighting Liturgy is based on the Revised

Common Lectionary readings for Year B and inspired by the seven

Antiphons of Advent (the Great O’s), traditionally used between

December 17 and December 24.

As the people of God, we search for love.…
[Light the fourth Advent candle.]
As the people of God, we cry out to the Key of David:
Come quickly to make a home among us;
Come quickly to lift us from our lowliness;
Come quickly to proclaim greetings of love and good favour.
As the people of God, we sing.
Sung Response: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel verse 5 VU 1

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Micah 5:2-5a Out of Bethlehem in Judea will come a leader.
This is the witness of the Hebrew people.
All: Thanks be to God.

Luke 1:47-55 Mary sings, “My soul gives glory to my God. VU 898

* Hymn To a Maid Whose Name Was Mary VU 14

Opening the Word & The Lord's Prayer

The Gospel Acclamation

Luke 1:39-55 Mary visits Elizabeth.
One: This is the gospel of Jesus Christ.
All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Opening the Word 2

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

* Hymn O Little Town of Bethlehem VU 64

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

* Offering Prayer
Gracious God, we give you thanks for the obedience of Christ which has put us right with you. Bless these gifts as a sign of our obedience, that they might be used to transform the lives of others and the world. Amen.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Concern

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn Hark! the Herald Angels Sing VU 48

* Commissioning and Blessing
May the candle of love burn brightly in our hearts,
preparing the way for the Christ child.
May we be the signs of love in our world,
as we prepare during this season of Advent.
And may we always know that we never go alone,
for God our Creator, Jesus our Brother,
and the Holy Spirit our Sustainer
are our constant companions.

Written by Wanda Winfield, Blenheim U.C., Blenheim, Ont.

Gathering, A/C/E 2018‒2019, page 35. Used with permission.

* Choral Amen

ORDER OF SERVICE FRIDAY DECEMBER 21 2018-LONGEST NIGHT

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

United Church of Canada

Port Hawkesbury/Port Hastings, NS

December 21st, 2018 Longest Night-St. Mark’s

Gathering in the Stillness

Welcome to this time of stillness.

We invite you to participate as you feel comfortable.

Call to Worship Adapted from John 1:1-14
Leader: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
People: The Word became flesh and lived among us, full of grace and truth.
Leader: In him was life, and that life was the light of all.
People: The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never been able to extinguish it.

Prayer for the Day Responsive
Leader: We look for light but find darkness, for brightness, but walk in gloom. We grope like those who have no eyes; we stumble at noon as in the twilight.
All: You are the light of the world; be light in our darkness, O Christ.
Leader: If I say, “Let only darkness cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you. O God, the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.
All: You are the light of the world; be light in our darkness, O Christ.
Leader: Blessed be your name, O God, forever.
You reveal deep and mysterious things;
You are light and in you is no darkness.
Our darkness is passing away, already the true light is shining.
All: You are the light of the world; be light in our darkness, O Christ. Amen

Personal Quiet Time Instrumental Music

Stories of Light – Words of God’s Promises

Reading
Genesis 1:1-5 “The Light of Creation”
The Memorial Bell is tolled.
Reflection ending with:
[Lighting one candle] Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.”
All: “Anyone who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Song When the Wind of Winter Blows v.1 More Voices 71

Reading
Exodus 13:17-22 “The Light of Exodus”
The Memorial Bell is tolled.
Reflection ending with:
[Lighting one candle] Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.”
All: “Anyone who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Song When the Wind of Winter Blows v.2 More Voices 71

Reading
Isaiah 60:1-3 “The Light of the Prophets”
The Memorial Bell is tolled.
Reflection ending with:
[Lighting one candle] Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.”
All: “Anyone who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Reading
Luke 1:46-55: “The Light of Hope and New Birth”
The Memorial Bell is tolled.
Reflection ending with:
[Lighting one candle] Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.”
All: “Anyone who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Song What Child Is This? Voices United 74

Prayers of the people Lighting of a Candle
You are invited to come to the table and light a candle from those already lit, in memory of persons or saying a silent prayer for someone or a situation that is on your heart or reflecting on situations that are painful in the holiday season. You might speak the name of the person(s) for whom you are lighting the candle. You do not need to do this but instead may stay with unspoken prayers and intentions, simply lighting a candle. You are invited to light tea lights in honour, in memory, and in hope. If you would like an anointing, come to the font where the palm of your hand will be marked with the sign of the cross in anointing oil.

The bell is sounded and 5 minutes of silence are kept.

The bell is sounded again.

Silent Night (together) VU 67

Blessing One Another as We Leave

Sending Forth and Blessing
The light has splintered the darkness,
Hope is ours once more.
The light calls us forward;
Remembering the past and walking
Confidently into the future.
We go from this place filled with peace
and love; God’s gift to us all.

Choral Amen

Friday, 14 December 2018

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY DECEMBER 16TH 2018

Ministering through leadership in worship this morning are:

Organist: Al Fougere

Lay Reader: Wayne Simpson

Advent Wreath: Joyce Oliver-Snair

Mission Moment: Linda Howlett

Greeters/Collectors: Valli Ross, Linda Howlett

Counters: Annabel Butts, Coleen MacKichan

OFFICE HOURS:

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

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

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

The “UPPER ROOM” for January-February are available.

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

Deadline for items for the bulletin is Thursday at noon.

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

Next morning worship at the Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home will be Christmas Eve, December 24th at 10;30 a.m.

Nan and Bruce are appreciative of all the affirmations and kind gestures as they prepare to leave their ministry here, effective January 1^st, 2019. They wish to extend their thanks and prayers for a joyous Christmas season and New Year to all of you. In this season of giving, they are requesting that if you would like to honour them with a gift, please consider giving to Gifts with Vision or a charity of your choice.

Longest Night Worship—December 21^st 6:30 p.m. St. Mark’s

The Longest Night service is a way to acknowledge the pain which the Advent and Christmas seasons cause some people. The emphasis on family, joy, giving and “good cheer” can be very difficult for those of us who have experienced loss of another through death, relocation or broken relationships, those who live with depression or other illnesses, those who have no jobs or little money for giving, and those whose addictions make the emphasis on parties very stressful. “Longest Night” services, held on December 21st – the longest night of the year – are sometimes referred to as “Blue Christmas”. Even on the longest night of the year, God is with us and promises a new day. Everyone welcome to join us for the Longest Night, a quiet, reflective worship service.

December 24^th – Christmas Eve Services:

10:30 a.m. - Service at Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home

4:00 p.m. - Christmas Eve Service at St. David’s

6:00 p.m. - Christmas Eve Service at St. Mark’s

December 31^st – New Year’s Eve 11:00 a.m. St. Mark’s

On the final day of the year we reflect on the events of the past and look ahead to the future. This is a worship service devoted to a new covenant with God, to a new commitment to witness and service. Nan’s final day and worship service with these pastoral charges.

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ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:

December 21^st – Longest Night – 6:30 p.m.

December 23^rd – David Chapman

December 24^th – Christmas Eve – 6:00 p.m. Multiple Readers

December 30^th – First after Christmas – Combined Service at St. David’s 11:00.

Executive Meeting of the Church Board will meet Wednesday, December 19 at 6:00 pm

Gifts with Vision Catalogues The new Mission and Service Gifts with Vision catalogues can be found on the table in the church entry. Online orders can be placed at https://www.giftswithvision.ca/

The Worship and Pastoral Care Committee feels worship will be enhanced if we fill the front rather than the back pews. Please move forward if you are comfortable doing so.

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

FundScrip resumes in January 2019. Please contact Patsy Brander at 902-625-1062 or Bonnie Dawson at 902-625-3838 if you have any questions or if you wish to join the program.

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ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:

December 23^rd – Kevin Pierce

December 24^th – Christmas Eve Service 4:00 p.m.

December 30^th – First Sunday after Christmas – Julia Mac Kinnnon

Hall Cleaners for December are Jean Hatcher & Marjorie Langford

December 24^th – Christmas Eve Service – 4:00 p.m.

December 30^th – First after Christmas – Combined Service at St. David’s 11:00.

$561.00 was raised at the Pastoral Airs Concert in aid of the Food Bank.

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Floor curling at St. Mark’s each Wednesday from 2-3 p.m. Drop in when you like. $2.00 per week. Bring indoor footwear. Please note that Floor Curling is postponed until after the holidays, commencing again on January 9^th.