Wednesday, 13 November 2013

SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE, ST. MARK'S, NOVEMBER 10TH, 2013

Bill Charlton, Chaplain, RCL, Branch 43

REMEMBRANCE DAY, 2013

Looking back to the WWII years again. In November 1943 and towards the end of that year, the fate of Hitler's One Thousand Year Reich was now appearing less secure.

The Russians had defeated the Nazi armies at Stalingrad, Kursk and Kiev. At Leningrad the same fate awaited the Nazi oppressers. The Soviets had held the first war crimes trial and three German officers were executed for atrocities committed against the Russian people. Herr Hitler now was looking at the Soviet juggernaut moving towards inroads into Europe and his doom.

Penicillin now in use for the first time is saving many soldier's lives in North Africa. Deaths from septic wounds were now greatly reduced and thousands of lives were saved.

Canada's most unusual battle front, the Aleutian islands, where the First Special Service Force was engaged in the action to drive the Japanese from the islands was over by November. It comprised two American battalions and one Canadian (not the lads from Cape Breton - these fellows were from the Canadian Fusiliers and Winnipeg Riles). The Japanese had withdrawn at the end of the action.

On the home front food remained scarce and shortages became just as acute with whale and horsemeat becoming viable substitutes for the more usual meats.

Performers were still entertaining the troops, now building up in massive numbers in Britain. Bing Crosby's White Christmas was heard for the first time across the land.

Back to 2013.
Across Canada today we are having big Marches of Concern for our veterans still dependant on the Veteran Affairs offices. The present government is planning closure of these essential service administration outlets. This eventuality will leave seriously disabled vets without aid which will greatly impact their future welfare. It is our duty to give voice against this extremely cruel attitude to those disadvantaged VETERANS.

Lest We Forget

Bill Charlton

Legion Colour Party with Bugler, Danny Cormier

Saturday, 9 November 2013

ANNOUNCEMENTS NOVEMBER 10TH 2013

Participating through leadership in worship this morning are:

Organist: Al Fougere

Greeters (St. M.): Vida Hood, Karen Mac Kinnon

(St. D.): The Timmons Family

Lay Reader (St. M.): Bill Charlton

Lay Reader (St. D.): Cadets

Collectors (St. M.): Vida Hood, Karen Mac Kinnon,

Andy Palmer, Hayward Hollett

Collectors (St. D.): Bob Downard, Alicia Vink

MINISTER’S OFFICE HOURS:

Monday 9-12 noon

Tuesday 9-12 noon

Wednesday 9-12 noon at St. David’s You may drop by for a coffee.

Thursday 9 – 12 noon

Friday – Minister’s Day Off

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

Prayer Shawl Knitting Circle Knitters and crocheters gather together in the parlour of St. Mark’s on the 3^rd Monday of each month. Monday, November 18^th will be our next time of gathering at 1:00 p.m.

AVAILABLE AT THE CHURCH OFFICE:

Canadian Church Calendar 2014

Cost: $6.00 ($1.25 profit from each to go to the Mission and Service Fund, United Church of Canada)

Pictures this year depict banners, communion table frontals and other liturgical artwork from United Churches across Canada.

Do you have some Christmas-patterned cotton flannel sitting in you fabric stash? The Prayer Shawl Knitting Circle has been asked if they would make some pillowcases in bright Christmas flannel for children undergoing treatment during the holidays. We'd love to receive flannel for this purpose. Interested in making some pillowcases yourself? Directions can be found at http://www.conkerrcancer.org/files/hotdoginstructions.pdf Speak to Nan for more info.

Christmas Parade float from St. Mark's and St. David's--want to help us put together a living nativity float for Port Hawkesbury's Christmas Parade? Speak to Nan or Bruce--needed are a flatbed trailer or wagon, help to construct a stable background, portable power source for lighting and sound system, and of course, people to take part. Parade is evening of November 30th (corrected date)--we will be working on the float in November.

Advent Small Group: Spiritual Practices in the Isaiah Readings

Written by Janice Maclean, Conference Minister for Christian Nurture & Enrichment The United Church of Canada

This Advent we read four beautiful poems from the prophet Isaiah. Each one offers a vivid and inviting image for the spiritual life. We will spend time with each one and discover at least one practice each week to help us pause and prepare for the Mystery of Christmas. 4 small group sessions during Advent--dates and times to be announced. Contact the church office to sign up to attend.

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ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

FUNDSCRIP REPORT - November FundScrip Order Sunday is November 17^th and Delivery Sundays will be November 10^th and 24th. November Promotions are:

Way Spa 13% ( Regular 10%)

Sears (Catalogue, Sears Home & Sears Travel ) 5% ( Regular 3% )

Kelsey’s, Harvey’s, Milestone’s, Montana’s & Swiss Chalet 5% ( Regular 3% )

HOW TO PLACE AN ORDER - Fill out the FundScrip order form found in the green folder in the narthex. Enclose the completed order form and payment either cash or cheque payable to St. Mark’s United Church ( no postdated cheques please) , put in FundScrip envelope and place on collection plate during Sunday offering. Alternately envelopes can be left at St. Mark’s office during secretary’s working hours. (Please do not leave them in the narthex). Contact Patsy Brander at 625-1062 or Bonnie Dawson at 625-3838 if you have any questions.

St. Mark’s Lay Readers:

Nov. 17th – Clark Brander

Nov. 24th – Jean Mac Pherson

November 19^th- St. Mark’s Congregational Board Meeting. 6:30 p.m. – Executive, 7:00 p.m. – Committees, 8:00 p.m. – Combined Board

St.Marks United Church Annual Christmas Tea and Sale November 29th 7-9 pm Admission $3.00 Knitting, crafts, new to you table, and bake table. Door Prize. All welcome.

Donations to bazaar tables can be delivered to the Church on Thursday evening (Nov.28) between 6pm and 8pm and again on Friday afternoon beginning at 1pm. Items for the New to You tables should be delivered as early as possible for sorting and pricing

The Observer has a promotion to reduce the cost of each subscription for 2014. If we can increase our number of subscribers by 10, we will be charged a rate of $10.00/each for the year – it’s a great deal and would make a nice gift for someone! Once I know if we will be able to take advantage of this promotion, I will contact the current subscribers to confirm the price. If you are interested, please contact Lorna Harvey, 625-0535, or lorna.harvey3@gmail.com.

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ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sympathy is extended to Maxine & Lewis Smith on the death of her mother Lillis MacDormand

St. David’s Lay Readers:

Nov. 17^th – Arnold Mac Lean

Nov. 24^th – Margie Mac Intyre

The official board meeting at St. David's will be held Sunday November 17, 2013. The board meets following Church.

St. David’s Board of Stewards want to thank everyone who worked, contributed and attended the Roast Beef Dinner on November 1^st. $2455.00 was raised.

St. David's UCW will meet on Wed., November 20, 2013 at 1:30 pm at the home of Sally Fox.

Church Hall Cleaners for November: Claudette & Ashley Fox

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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Stella Maris Ladies Auxiliary will be holding their 2013 Fall Bazaar on Sunday, November 17, from 1:00 to 2:30 pm at the Creignish Recreation Center. The bazaar will feature a bake table, crafts, fish-pond, cake walk, silent auction, parcel post, new to you items, bingo, and children’s craft-making, 50/50 draw, Tea/Coffee/Dessert --- Admission $2.00.

"Join us at the Havre Boucher Community Centre for Chase the Ace which will be held every Friday starting at 7:30 pm to 9 pm until the Ace of Spades is drawn! It is a great night to socialize. There will be entertainment and food and the bar is open. For more information check out havreboucher.com under the caption NEWS/Chase the Ace; or on facebook - Havre Boucher's Chase the Ace."

Lights of Love Christmas Campaign – join the celebration this year by helping the R. K. MacDonald Nursing Home light up their tree with bulbs dedicated to love. You can dedicate a bulb in memory of a deceased loved one or honor someone presently in your life. Monies raised will be used to purchase a new Self Cooking Centre which will enhance the quality of food served to the residents. Please join us on Sunday, December 8^th at 7 p.m. in the R. K. MacDonald Chapel for the dedication ceremony.

The Merry Market, Sunday November 17th, 10am to 1pm, Port Hawkesbury Fire Hall. 40 tables of unique & beautiful Christmas gifts, home based vendors & a big bake sale. $2 admission, free for kids under 12. Free candy canes & face painting. Hot dogs for sale. Proceeds to Ryan Highland Dancers.

Step back in time for an Olde Tyme Christmas at the Port Hastings Museum (Rotary); November 29 to December 1 and December 6 to 8...daily 2 - 7pm. A unique Inuit Art Collection and Anna Guzdziol’s Doll Collection will be featured. Bake Sales on Saturdays @ 2pm. Children's activities are planned. Quality hand-crafted gift items for Christmas from local artisans and products from the Galloping Cows. Free tea, cider and cookies.

ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY NOVEMBER 10TH 2013-REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

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

United Church of Canada

Port Hawkesbury/Port Hastings, NS

Office: 625-2229, Fax 625-3597, e-mail: stmarks1@eastlink.ca

Blog: http://ourcontactonline.blogspot.com/

Minister: Nan Corrigan D. M.

Minister of Music: Al Fougere

November 10^th, 2013-25^th Sunday after Pentecost

Remembrance Sunday

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

*Legion Parade and Colour Party

Congregation please rise

Presentation of Colours

O Canada VU524

Reading of the Roll of Honour

Last Post

The Silence

Reveille

The Act of Remembrance

God Save the Queen

Greeting one another with the Peace of Christ

One: Blessed are those who make peace;

they shall be called sons and daughters of God. Matthew 5:9

All: We meet in the name of Christ and share his peace.

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

* Introit All Are Welcome, verse 4

Let us build a house where hands will reach
beyond the wood and stone
to heal and strengthen, serve and teach,
and live the Word they've known.
Here the outcast and the stranger
bear the image of God's face;
let us bring an end to fear and danger:

Refrain

All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place.

7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638. www.giamusic.com. 800-442-1358.

*Call to Worship

The measure of a people’s heart is this:

do we remember the sacrifices of the past;

do we work for peace in the present;

do we speak of hope for the future?

And so we come now before God

to name as our dream God’s reign of shalom,

to commit ourselves to the cause of peace,

and to remember. Let us worship God.

Written by Rod Sykes, St. Andrew’s U.C., Calgary, Alta Gathering, Summer/Autumn 2010, page 49. Used with permission.

Opening Prayer

Loving God, on this day before Remembrance Day we recognize the double-edged nature of our remembering. We acknowledge and lament the ultimate evil of war and our society's part in adding to the violence of our world. Yet we remember, with very real gratitude, those who have sacrificed their health and their lives to resist evil. They struggled as best they could on behalf of freedom and justice in the face of terrible tyranny.

Be with us, God, in our remembering. Strengthen us all to resist evil and to work for peace with the same commitment and self-sacrifice as those whom we honour in this week of Remembrance. Amen.

* Hymn God As with Silent Hearts VU 527

Prayer for Wholeness

One: Forgive us O God...

All: ...and give us your peace.

Assurance

Hear the vision of the prophets: “and they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks;

nation shall not lift up sword against nation,

neither shall they learn war anymore.”

Trust the God who longs for peace.

We are forgiven, strengthened, empowered

to be peacemakers in our world. Thanks be to God. Amen.

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

In today's reading, the word of God is spoken by the prophet Haggai to the governor and the high priest and the remnant of the people.

Haggai 2:3-9 God will shake things up; there will be new splendour.

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

Psalm 98 Sing a new song to God. (refrain 2) VU 818

Hymn Make Me a Channel of Your Peace VU 684

Opening the Word and the Lord's Prayer

The Gospel Acclamation

Luke 1:76-79 …to guide our feet into the way of peace.

This is the gospel of Jesus Christ. All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflection

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

* Hymn Flanders Fields Choir

Minute for Mission

Offering Our Gifts to God

*Offering Prayer

May these gifts be multiplied as we conceive of God’s abundant love and give birth to the ways of peace, love and justice in our world. Amen.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

One: Hear our prayer...

All: Be with us, God, in this time of remembering.

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn Let There Be Peace on Earth Printed

* Commissioning and Benediction

One: Let us go in peace to love and serve God.

All: We rejoice in the power of the Spirit,

and go to serve God with heart and soul and strength.

One: Let us go knowing that the blessing of God,

Creator, Christ and Spirit, is with us this day and always.

* Choral Amen

Wednesday, 6 November 2013

Baptism of Jax Xavier Spencer, November 3, 2013

Not sure about this water thing!

Laying on of hands.

Introducing Jax Xavier to the congregation.

Irelyn places Jax's lamb on the Cradle Roll Banner.

Channelle Lillian MacInnis and Everett Mitchum Spencer with newly Baptised Jax Xavier Spencer

Welcome to St. Mark's Church family.

The Spencer clan

The MacInnis clan

Saturday, 2 November 2013

ST. DAVIDS ROAST BEEF SUPPER NOVEMBER 1ST 2013

Friday, 1 November 2013

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY NOVEMBER 3RD 2013

Participating through leadership in worship this morning are:

Organist: Al Fougere

Greeters (St. M.): Vida Hood, Karen Mac Kinnon

(St. D.): The Timmons Family

Lay Reader (St. M.): Vida Hood

Lay Reader (St. D.): Wanda Radford

Collectors (St. M.): Vida Hood, Karen Mac Kinnon,

Andy Palmer, Hayward Hollett

Collectors (St. D.): Bob Downard, Alicia Vink

MINISTER’S OFFICE HOURS:

Monday 9-12 noon

Tuesday 9-12 noon

Wednesday 9-12 noon at St. David’s You may drop by for a coffee.

Thursday 9 – 12 noon

Friday – Minister’s Day Off

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

AVAILABLE AT THE CHURCH OFFICE:

Canadian Church Calendar 2014

Cost: $6.00 ($1.25 profit from each to go to the Mission and Service Fund, United Church of Canada)

Pictures this year depict banners, communion table frontals and other liturgical artwork from United Churches across Canada.

Do you have some Christmas-patterned cotton flannel sitting in you fabric stash? The Prayer Shawl Knitting Circle has been asked if they would make some pillowcases in bright Christmas flannel for children undergoing treatment during the holidays. We'd love to receive flannel for this purpose. Interested in making some pillowcases yourself? Directions can be found at http://www.conkerrcancer.org/files/hotdoginstructions.pdf Speak to Nan for more info.

Christmas Parade float from St. Mark's and St. David's--want to help us put together a living nativity float for Port Hawkesbury's Christmas Parade? Speak to Nan or Bruce--needed are a flatbed trailer or wagon, help to construct a stable background, portable power source for lighting and sound system, and of course, people to take part. Parade is evening of December 7th--we will be working on the float in November.

Advent Small Group: Spiritual Practices in the Isaiah Readings

Written by Janice Maclean, Conference Minister for Christian Nurture & Enrichment The United Church of Canada

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ST. MARK’S BAPTISM

Being Baptized at St. Mark’s this morning is Jax Xavier Spencer.

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Reminder: If you could leave the Baptism inserts at the front entrance of the Church on your way out, it would be greatly appreciated.

FUNDSCRIP REPORT - November FundScrip Order Sundays will be November 3^rd and 17^th and November Delivery Sundays will be November 10^th and 24th. November Promotions are:

Way Spa 13% ( Regular 10%)

Sears (Catalogue, Sears Home & Sears Travel ) 5% ( Regular 3% )

Kelsey’s, Harvey’s, Milestone’s, Montana’s & Swiss Chalet 5% ( Regular 3% )

St. Mark’s Lay Readers:

Nov. 10^th – Bill Charlton

Nov. 17th – Clark Brander

Nov. 24th – Jean Mac Pherson

Children’s Fall Fair on Sunday, November 3^rd at 6:00 p.m.

November 19^th- St. Mark’s Congregational Board Meeting.

6:30 p.m. – Executive, 7:00 p.m. – Committees, 8:00 p.m. – Combined Board

St.Marks United Church Annual Christmas Tea and Sale

November 29th 7-9 pm Admission $3.00 Knitting, crafts, new to you table, and bake table. Door Prize. All welcome.

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ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

St. David’s Lay Readers:

Nov. 10^th – Cadets

Nov. 17^th – Arnold Mac Lean

Nov. 24^th – Margie Mac Intyre

Church Hall Cleaners for November: Claudette & Ashley Fox

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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

November 9th, Seniors Evergreen Club, 10:00 to 1:00. Sale in memory of Anna Guzdzoil, clothes and trinkets with proceeds to Girl Guides camp. Coffee and tea will be served. Also a bake table.

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ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY NOVEMBER 3RD 2013-SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM AT ST. MARKS

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: stmarks1@eastlink.ca

Blog: http://ourcontactonline.blogspot.com/

Minister: Nan Corrigan D. M.

Minister of Music: Al Fougere

November 3^rd, 2013-24^th Sunday after Pentecost

Sacrament of Baptism (St. Mark's)

Announcements The Work of Church and Community

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Greeting

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

* Introit All Are Welcome, verse 3

Let us build a house where love is found

in water, wine and wheat;

a banquet hall on holy ground,

where peace and justice meet.

Here the love of God, through Jesus,

is revealed in time and space;

as we share in Christ that feast that frees us:

Refrain

All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place.

7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638. www.giamusic.com. 800-442-1358.

*Call to Worship

One: Jesus travelled to many places.

All: Some made him welcome, others did not.

One: Yet in all places, Jesus tried to make others feel welcomed. All: Jesus seldom missed a chance to tell someone that they were a beloved child of God.

One: And so in Jesus’ name, we welcome you here,

All: daughters and sons of God, beloved children of our Creator,

One: each and all, made in the divine image.

All: When we welcome one another, indeed we welcome Jesus the Christ into our midst as well.

One: Sisters and brothers, let us worship God.

* Hymn Come, Let Us Sing of a Wonderful Love VU 574

Opening Prayer

God, we find our being in you.

God, we seek our becoming in you.

God, we find our belonging in you.

Come to our house, this day, and call us a child of God. Amen.

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Habakkuk 1:1–4, 2:1–4 How long will it be until God acts?

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

Psalm 119:137–144 God’s judgments are just (refrain 4) VU 841

Hymn What a Friend We Have in Jesus VU 664

Opening the Word/Sacrament of Baptism (St. Mark's)

The Gospel Acclamation

Inter-play on the Gospel Imagine you are in the story. There will be a pause after each section and a question will be posed, inviting your response. Try to respond in the first person with “I”.

Luke 19:1–10 Jesus dines with Zacchaeus.

This is the gospel of Jesus Christ. All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

* Hymn Be Thou My Vision VU 642

Minute for Mission

Offering Our Gifts to God

*Offering Prayer

Like Habukkuk, the prophet of old, we search for the way of God in the world. We offer these gifts because we know that change is possible. Like Zacchaeus, we know that God's love can work through us, transforming and enabling us to live in God's way. We offer these gifts for the transformation of ourselves and our world for the good of all. Amen.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn Jesus Shall Reign VU 330

* Commissioning and Benediction

* Choral Amen