ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY JUNE 7TH 2015-2ND AFTER PENTECOST

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

United Church of Canada

Port Hawkesbury/Port Hastings, NS

Office: 625-2229, Fax 625-3597,

e-mail: stmarks1@eastlink.ca

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

Presbytery Website: inverguyunited.ca

Ministers: The Whole People of God

Nan Corrigan D. M.

Minister of Music: Al Fougere

June 7^th, 2015-2^nd Sunday after Pentecost

* please stand as able

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               Let Us Praise the God of Truth          v.1, VU 237

Call to Worship

We share with one another the joys and celebrations we have

 experienced this week. You are invited to do this in groups of

 two or three.

Opening Prayer

God who speaks, we want to hear you.

Guide us in this time of worship to hear your voice.

Speak to us in the songs, in the Word, 

in the laughter of children, 

and in the chatting with a friend, old or new.

Speak to us, God, your children are listening. Amen.

*Hymn           Praise My Soul, the God of Heaven           VU 240

Prayer of Confession

Words of Affirmation

In the stillness, the Spirit brings forgiveness,

let it flow into our hearts and minds

so that we can let go of these things from the past.

In the stillness, the Spirit brings transformation,

we can make a change for good.

Let the Spirit come and open our ears

to what will be important for us to hear. Thanks be to God.

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

1 Samuel 8 adapted Listen! Listen!

One: This is the witness of the Hebrew people. 

All: Thanks be to God.

Digging Deeper             Samuel, a servant leader

Servant leadership is a model where the leader gives priority to the 

needs of the people she or he serves. Servant leaders are humble,

 lead by example, and empower those around them. Samuel is an

 example of a servant leader. He had the best interests of the

 community in mind, and although a secular ruler would have 

devastating effects, Samuel anoints Saul king. After warning the

 people of a king’s power and domination, and ultimately anointing

 a king, whom does Samuel serve?

Who are examples of servant leaders in the Bible 

and in your own life?

In what ways are you a servant leader?

Where, and in what ways, does God’s way 

rather than human ambition clash in your life?

Psalm 138          I praise God with all my heart.            VU 860

*Hymn              We Are Pilgrims                    VU 595

Opening the Word & The Lord’s Prayer

The Gospel Acclamation

Mark 3:20–35                  Who gives Jesus his power?

One: The gospel of Jesus Christ.

All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Digging Deeper                     Jesus’ family values

Although the church has generally been wisely cautious about 

defining what are and are not to be interpreted as the works and

 deeds of the Holy Spirit, there have always been individuals who

 too quickly and arrogantly accuse others of being agents of the

 devil. In this passage we see Jesus becoming the object of this kind

 of criticism and misunderstanding. It forces him to openly declare

 the most important source of his own personal identity and his

 relationship with others, God alone. “Whoever does what God 

wants is my brother, my sister, my mother” is an intriguing 

statement about where Jesus’ primary allegiance lies.

What is your strongest relationship? Where does your

 allegiance lie?

Does what Jesus said about family seem harsh? What do you

 think he meant?

Do you think of yourself as part of God’s family? What does

 thinking in that way mean for your life?

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

*Hymn             Lord of the Dance                VU 352

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

*Offering Song-Doxology  

Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow          VU 541

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

*Hymn              Jesus Shall Reign                 VU 330

*Commissioning

Go out into your week with your ability

to hear the call of God restored,

and your ability to be people

transforming the world strengthened.

Go with Spirit as your guide and counsel.

*Choral Amen

DIGEST OF ACTIONS OF 90TH MARITIME CONFERENCE ANNUAL MEETING

90th Maritime Conference Annual Meeting – May 28-31, 2015 Digest of Actions 

 President Gloria Churchill presided over the 90th meeting of Maritime Conference. Moderator Gary Paterson offered leadership in the theme, “Live the Promise, That All May Be.” 

 John Joe Sark, Lennox Island First Nation, offered a smudging ceremony and presented an eagle feather to Gary Paterson, Moderator, and Gloria Churchill, President. John Joe addressed the court. 

 Conference welcomed ecumenical guests, Rev. Juanita Barteaux, Diocese of Nova Scotia & Prince Edward Island, Rev. Cathy Laskey, Diocese of Fredericton; Rev. Charles Broderick, Moncton Archdiocese, and Rev. John MacDonald, Atlantic Ecumenical Council. 

 Bronwyn Corlett, Program Coordinator, Ministry Recruitment, Ministry and Employment Unit, represented the General Council Office, while Kenji Marui, member of the Comprehensive Review Task Group, was present as resource to that work. 

 Laurence DeWolfe, represented Atlantic School of Theology. Michelle Ferris represented Tatamagouche Centre. 

 Worship throughout the meeting was led by Shawn Redden, Robyn Brown-Hewitt, Dan Edmonds, Michael Mugford and Thomas Burton. The music team was Thomas Burton, Paige Morrissey, Thea Burton and Dan Edmonds. 

 The opening worship included an act of remembrance in honour of Ms. Isabel Archibald, Rev. Ranald Cameron, Mr. Eldon Rogerson Critchley, Rev. Robert “Bob” Crooks, Ms. Pauline Ervin, Rev. Murray Favier, Mr. Alan Fleming, Ms. Mary Tait Fraser, Rev. Eric G. Fullerton, Rev. Allan Griffin, Rev. Ross Hamilton, Ms. Jean Eleanor Hannan, Rev. Richard Humby, Rev. Dr. Leonard “Avery” Kempton, Ms. Vivien Kierstead, Mr. Dean Lawrence, Rev. James Allistar MacDonald, Rev. John “Fraser” MacDonald, Rev. Norman MacDougall, Ms. Johanna MacKenzie, Ms. Dorothy MacNeill, Rev. Boyce Martin, Rev. Ewen Moase, Rev. John Patterson, Rev. Linda Reid, Rev. Samuel Shields, Mr. Myles Silliker, Rev. John Stewart, Rev. Kimly “Ruth” Stuart, Ms. Norma Williston, and Ms. Ruby Willis. 

 Maritime Conference has agreed to become an Affirming Ministry within The United Church of Canada. After a variety of amendments were offered, the statements “Envisioning Affirming Ministry” and “Enacting Affirming Ministry” were approved. Affirm United will be consulted on the final wording, which will be posted on the Conference website as soon as it is available. The Affirming Task Group team consists of April Hart, Meggin King, Jane Johnson, and Bob Johnson, staffed by David Hewitt. 

 General Council Youth Forum participant and “pilgrim,” Max Martin, shared his experiences of being part of Youth Forum. 

 Reports from all of the Committees of Conference were received, and most were approved in written form. Conference heard reports from Archives, Church in Action, Nominations, Ministry Personnel and Education, Settlement, and Stewardship. 

 Ross Bartlett, Staff Committee, thanked and introduced the Maritime Conference staff. Rev. Janice MacLean, was celebrated for her years of service at Maritime Conference Office. 

 General Council Executive representatives Ivan Gregan and Pauline Walker reported on the work of the General Council Executive. 

 Finance and Property offered the budget for 2016, including a Narrative Budget. Conference approved the 2016 budget: o expenditures of $1,233,663.64 o revenues other than Allocations of $298,972.00 o allocations to synod/presbyteries totaling $934,365.99 o a cash reserve of $20,000 

 The remaining Commissioners to General Council were elected. Krista Tabour and Ross Bartlett were elected as Commissioner nominees to the General Council Sessional Committee on the Comprehensive Review. 

 Catherine Stuart, Bedeque, PEI, was elected as President-Designate, to take office in 2016. 

 Sean Handcock, Rothesay, NB, was elected as the Ministry Personnel representative to the General Council Executive. 

 24 different Proposals were addressed by Conference dealing with a variety of issues including the Comprehensive Review. When the final text of these Proposals is available, they will be posted on the Conference website. To see the original Proposals, please visit the Conference Annual Meeting page at: http://marconf.ca/45397-proposals/ 

 Conference celebrated the ministries of Retirees, Anne Dalziel Singer, Ron Frampton, John W. Fraser, Gayle MacDonald, Brenda McKay, Pamela S. Reidpath, Jeanne M. Manning Stright, Gordon S. Murray, Joy Noble, and Keith Selwyn-Smith. 

Conference also recognized Jubilarians: 

o 50 Years – Garth Caseley, Nancy K. Fraser, A. Ross MacDonald, Hugh C. MacLean, J. Allan McIntosh, Thomas G. Whent 

o 55 Years – Morley P. Bentley, Heber G. Colbourne, J. Raymond H. Corbett, Ray A. Francis, Ian K. MacDonald, Donald S. MacDougall, Eric W. Pace 

o 60 Years – Robert A. Wallace 

o 65 Years – H. Gilmour MacKenzie, Herbert W. Reid 

 Saturday evening worship was led, enthusiastically and energetically, by Youth Forum and Intermediates at Conference, through music, skits and stories. 

 The 91 st Annual Meeting of the Maritime Conference will be held in Sackville, New Brunswick May 26-29, 2016. Proposed dates for future conference annual meetings are May 25-28, 2017 and May 24-27, 2018. 

 The 90th Maritime Conference Annual Meeting concluded in worship during which Barbara Cairns, Bethe Anne Benjamin Cameron, Rachel Anne Campbell, Susan Sandford Gamblin, Anne Hoganson, and Yvette V.A. Swan were ordained. 

 Matthew Fillier, President-Elect, was installed as President of the 91 st Maritime Conference and presented with the symbols of that office, including the Conference Bible, the President’s stole, cane and gavel.

CHOIR WORSHIP SERVICE ON CONFERENCE SUNDAY MAY 31ST 2015

COUNT DOWN TO GENERAL COUNCIL 42 IN CORNER BROOK NFLD

68 days

until GC42!

The website for General Council 42 in Corner Brook, Newfoundland is now up and running--a great way to hear about all the exciting developments prior to and during General Council. The link to that website is http://www.gc42.ca/

Going to Newfoundland in August? Drop in as a visitor to GC42--visitor registrations are now being welcomed at http://www.gc42.ca/news/visitor-registration-now-available

The Moderator Gary Paterson has just sent an invitation to all of us to join in a "pilgrimage" to General Council 42 as a way of celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the United Church of Canada. Find that at http://www.garypaterson.ca/2015/06/01/an-invitation-to-pilgrimage/
This will be of great interest to those of us who have just concluded the 21 days of "Stroll for Your Soul". There will be daily prayers offered for 40 days prior to General Council.  

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY MAY 24TH 2015

Participating through leadership in worship this morning are:

Organist:                                  Al Fougere

Lay Reader (St. M.):               Connie Fowlie

                    (St. D.):               Mary Jess Mac Donald

Greeters & Collectors (St. M.): Jean Wilson, Valli Ross

Greeters (St. D.):                     Catherine Mac Lean

Collectors (St. D.):                  Alicia Vink, James Mac Fadyen

OFFICE HOURS:      

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

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

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

Thursday 9 – 12 noon  Jane at St. Mark’s      

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

Prayer Shawl Knitting Circle  will resume in the fall.

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

May 27^th – 10:30 a.m.; Service at Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home.

May 31^st – Service lead by Al and members of the Choir.

United Churches Are Being Invited to Make a Joyful Noise

United Church congregations are being invited to ring their church bells 90 times at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2015, to mark the 90th anniversary of The United Church of Canada.

“Whether you’re the only United Church in town with a lone church bell ringing, or in a community where it’s possible for many church bells to ring in unison, may we all make a joyful noise to the Lord on June 10,” says the Moderator, the Right Rev. Gary Paterson.     The United Church of Canada came into being on Wednesday, June 10, 1925. The inaugural service began at 10:30 a.m. That is why 10:30 a.m. was chosen as the time, in every time zone, for United Churches to celebrate their presence in the community.

St. David's United Church in Port Hastings is one local United Church congregation that will be ringing its church bell in celebration of the 90th Anniversary of the United Church of Canada. The community is invited to gather at St. David's for the ringing of the bell and to stay for refreshments and anniversary cake. 

Senior’s Luncheon on June 10^th at 12 noon. All seniors from St. Mark’s & St. David’s are welcome.

**********

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

St. Mark’s Welcomes You!   Refreshments in the church hall 

following worship—please join us!   There is a quiet nursery space

 above the stage in the hall—reached via the stairs by the church

 office door. There you will find toys, change table, crib, rocking 

chair for your use. We’re so glad you came today.

St. Mark’s Courtesy Car: Contact person for the Courtesy Car is

 Andy Palmer. His telephone number is 625-2748.

FundScrip: Order Sundays will be May 31^st and June 14^th and

 Delivery Sundays will be June 7^th and 21^st. The monthly

 promotions for June which also includes May 31^st are as follows:

Petro-Canada                                                 2.5% (Regular 2%)

Cara Restaurants (Includes Harvey’s                5%    (Regular 3%)

Swiss Chalet & Montana’s)

Foot Locker                                                    7%    (Regular 5%)

Last year FundScrip earned approximately $1300.00 with 12 supporters ordering on a regular basis. For the first quarter of 2015 FundScrip has earned $290.75 for St. Mark’s Church with an average of 12 orders placed each month. We are urging more individuals and/or families to join this program to increase the donations to the church and help keep the church within its budget. Please contact Patsy Brander at 902-625-1062 or Bonnie Dawson at 902-625-3838 if you have any questions about FundScrip or if you want to join the program.

Please note that the final order for FundScrip before we break for the summer will be Sunday June 14^th and the delivery will be Sunday June 21^st.  FundScrip will resume again sometime in early September 2015.

May 27^th – 10:30 a.m.- Service at the Nursing Home

June 14^th – 11:00 a.m.  St. Mark’s Anniversary Service. Joint 

Service. NO Service at St. David’s. Pot Luck Meal (Main Course

 & Salads requested. Rolls, Cake and ice cream provided)

50^th Anniversary!

In 2016, St. Mark’s will be celebrating their 50^th Anniversary—

want to be part of the planning for this special year? 

50^thAnniversary Planning Group is forming and will soon meet. 

Speak to Nan, John MacLeod Langley, Barb MacIntyre, Clark 

Brander, Vida Hood, Carol Williams and Julia MacQuarrie if you

 have celebration ideas or would like to volunteer.

Lay Readers:                                               

May 31^st – Malcolm Matheson            June 7^th – Bruce Corrigan

June 14^th – Karen Mac Kinnon            June 21^st – Rachel Robitaille

June 28^th – Barbara Mac Intyre

Plant Sale: Swap’n Shop, Car Boot Sale of Plants, June 6th, 9 a.m. Parking lot of St. Mark’s. A chance to thin out your perennial beds --and trade plants or purchase plants from someone else. All perennials and packs of at least 4 annuals are $2.00—if sold, proceeds are to go to development of Prayer Garden at St. Mark's. But swap all you want!

If you know of anyone who is graduating this year, please contact Anna Marie Langley at 625-2508 orjmlangley@ns.sympatico.ca

Don’t have a computer and want to see St. Mark’s church directory and contact info? Check out the computer in the parlour—available for viewing Sunday mornings, when the kitchen is open and on request.

**********

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:

May 31^st – Malcolm Parsons               
June 7^th – Wanda Radford

June 14^th – St. Mark’s Anniversary      
June 21^st – Lisa Rhynold

June 28^th – Kevin Pierce

Hall Cleaners for May are Heather Deschenes & Hazel Mac Lean

Yard & Bake Sale on Saturday, May 30^th from 8:30-12 noon. If 

anyone would like items picked up, please call Ashley at 902-625-

1691 or 902-227-7798.

June 7^th – St. David’s Official Board Meeting following Worship.

   - Sunday School Closing

June 14^th – 11:00 a.m.  St. Mark’s Anniversary Service. Joint

 Service NO Service at St. David’s. Pot Luck Meal.

Anyone wanting to book St. David’s Church Hall is asked to 

contact Catherine Mac Lean at 902-625-0891.

**********

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Relay For Life – The Canadian Cancer Society’s Strait Area Relay

 for Life at the Tamarac Education Centre on Saturday, May 

30^th from noon until midnight. To sign up please contact Denise

 Chiasson denisemuise@hotmail.com 902-631-3751 or Donna 

George e.george@ns.sympatico.ca 902-625-3505.

The Port Hawkesbury School of Gaelic movie night on Monday,

 May 25^th, from 7 to 9pm at the KOC Hall.. The Gaelic films will 

be “The Celts” and the “Fiddler’s Reel” with English captions. Tea 

Break and social. Donations only. All welcome!

There will be an evening of prayer, music and scripture for families and friends of those who have died while in the care of St. Martha’s Regional Hospital from August 1^st, 2014 to January 31^st, 2015. This service will be held in the Clare Marie Auditorium (former St. Martha’s Chapel) on Monday, June 8^th, 2015 at 7:15 pm. Refreshments will follow.

Cape Breton Fiddler's Association In Concert, St. David's 

United Church, Port Hastings, Saturday, June 20th, 7-9 p.m., 

$ 7.00 admission. Proceeds for the Cape Breton Fiddler's trip to

Boston tour.

Leeside Day Camp 2015 Pre- registration on Thursday June 11, 2015 at the Strait Area Women’s Place 609 Church Street, Suite 104 in the Professional Building from 12-4 pm. Leeside has been offering 1 week day camps since 2000. The Leeside Day Camp is an opportunity for children to play and work co-operatively with other children, build on their communication and conflict resolution skills, enhance their self-esteem, learn more about healthy relationships and learn some basic age appropriate facts about family violence. Crafts, music, games, guest speakers are the heart of the camp experience. Lunch and snacks will be provided.

The camp is designed for children ages 5-10 years old, who have attended at least one year of school and who are able to feed themselves and independently use the washroom. We are unable to accommodate children who need significant amount of individual attention or who find it difficult to function in a group setting. The ratio of children to camp staff/volunteers will be 5 children to 1 camp worker. Each camp is limited to 15 children. Camps will be offered in Port Hawkesbury on July 27th – 31^st. It runs from 9:00 am until 3:30 pm Monday to Friday. Lunch and snacks are provided daily. The registration fee is $60.00 for the week and the deadline to register is Monday, June 29th, 2015. If you have any questions concerning the camp, please phone Priscilla, the Childcare Worker for Leeside at 902-625-1990

Breakfast at the Evergreen Club -  Sat. May 30   9-12

ORDER OF SERVICE-MAY 24TH 2015 PENTECOST 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/

Presbytery Website: inverguyunited.ca

Ministers: The Whole People of God

Nan Corrigan D. M.

Minister of Music: Al Fougere

May 24^th, 2015-Pentecost Sunday

Celebrating Guiding (St. Mark's)

Sacrament of Communion (St. David'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 Come, O Holy Spirit, Come

                  Yoruba, English, French                       VU 383

*Call to Worship (based on Psalm 104:30–33)

One: All creation looks to you, O God.

When you send out your Spirit,

everything comes to life, and we are created anew.

Sung Refrain: Come, O Holy Spirit come.

One: May your glory, O God, endure forever.

May you rejoice, O God, in your works.

Sung Refrain: Come, Almighty Spirit come

One: I will sing to you, O God, as long as I live,

I will praise you with every breath I take.

Sung Refrain: Come, come, come.

One: Come, O Holy Spirit, come – light up our hearts.

All: Come, O Holy Spirit, come – fill us with wonder.

Come, O Holy Spirit, come – enliven our work among your people.

*Hymn                   Holy Ground               Printed

Opening Prayer

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Ezekiel 37:1–14 The valley of dry bones.

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

*Hymn            Spirit of the Living God               VU 376

Opening the Word Our Church Story based on Acts 2:1-21

The Gospel Acclamation

John 14:3-17, 25-27 God will send you the Spirit of Truth.

The gospel of Jesus Christ. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. 

Prayer of Reflection

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

*Hymn           She Comes Sailing on the Wind             VU 380

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

*Offering Prayer

Spirit of Jesus,

These gifts are given out of love and a desire to serve.

These gifts are given in hope of new beginnings.

May these gifts be used wisely to help transform our world. Amen.

Speaking/Singing of Guiding (St. Mark's)

*Hymn (St. David's)       We Gather Here        VU 469
Sacrament of Communion (St. David's) Insert, Voices United
Distribution Hymn (St. David's)        I Come with Joy VU 477
Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession (St. Mark's)

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

*Hymn             Breathe on Me, Breath of God            VU 382

*Commissioning

One: Take a deep breath. Feel God’s Spirit filling your whole being. Go forth in the confidence that God is with you, and change the world, even if just a little.

All: Empowered by the same Spirit that transformed the disciples at Pentecost we go forth to be the church living love in our hurting world. 

*Choral Amen

St David's Spring Clean Up at the Kirk Cemetery 2015

BAPTISM OF KYLIE DAWN MATTHEWS-ST. MARK'S MAY 17 2015

EASTER SEASON WEEKLY REFLECTION MAY 17TH 2015

May 17

Psalm 1

The focus on creation continues in this week’s focus
scripture. We concentrate on the image of the just person
as a tree. These trees are “planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do
not wither” (verse 3). Where do we plant ourselves so
that we too might understand God’s wisdom and love
and bear fruit? Who are the teachers who nourish us
and keep our leaves from withering? How might we
nourish others?

This week, take time to look at the trees around you. See
each one of them as a part of God’s creation and a symbol
of how we might flourish. Keep that image in front of you
by drawing a tree in your journal, or printing a picture
of a tree from the Internet and hanging it on the wall, or
making a tree your screen saver.

Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2014 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Lent • Easter 2015, p.21-22