Preparing for January 1, regional council names, upcoming webinars

 

December 10, 2018

 

Please subscribe to E-ssentials e-newsletter to keep receiving regular updates on events, campaigns, actions, new resources, and more from the General Council Office and beyond. You can continue to send questions and comments to remits@united-church.ca until June 30, 2019.

Preparing for January 1 structural changes: communities of faith

We have received a number of queries regarding what actions communities of faith need to take to prepare for Remit 1 implementation. Some are planning
their annual meetings and are unclear about what is expected of them, the timing for electing people to the regional council, and the number they are entitled to.

The good news is that communities of faith have very little to do regarding the changes. The only immediate change is that assessments will now be paid to the General Council Office. Treasurers have been contacted about this.

The people who have been named as presbytery members will automatically continue into the new structure as members of the regional council using the same formula for determining how many people each pastoral charge can elect. So if you have two presbytery reps now, you’ll have two reps to the regional council. Regional council reps will continue to be elected as in the past.

Other changes will happen on an episodic basis, e.g. if you're looking for a new minister or applying for a grant or you need to talk to a staff person. There will be different procedures and people in the various positions, but if you don't have anything going on, there's nothing you need to do right now.

Regional council names as of December 7

 

Upcoming webinars

Ministry in the New Structure: What Ministers Want to Know. January 9, 2019, 1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT. Full details will be posted on united-in-learning.com before Christmas.

 Discernment 101: Where to begin if you are considering ministry in The United Church of Canada. January 22, 2019, 12:00 p.m. ET

If you can’t make it, you’ll be able to watch a recording afterwards at the same link.

Copyright © 2018 The United Church of Canada.
You are receiving these updates as a subscriber to the Remit Implementation Updates email list.

Our mailing address is:

The United Church of Canada

3250 Bloor Street West

Toronto, Ontario M8X 2Y4

Canada

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY DECEMBER 9TH 2019

Ministering through leadership in worship this morning are:
Organist: Al Fougere
Guest Preacher: Margie MacIntyre
Lay Reader (St. M.): Joyce Oliver-Snair
                    (St. D.): Margie MacIntyre
Advent Wreath (St. M.): The Langley Children
                          (St. D.): Julia MacKinnon
Mission Moment (St. M.): Bruce Corrigan
                             (St. D.): Yvonne Fox
Greeters/Collectors (St. M.): Valli Ross, Linda Howlett
Greeters (St. D.): Robert Mac Kinnon
Counters (St. M.): Annabel Butts, Anna Marie 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. 

Deadline for items for the bulletin is Thursday at noon.

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 December 10, 2018 at 1:00 p.m.

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. 

Longest Night Worship—December 21st 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 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.

**********

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:
December 16th – Wayne Simpson
December 21st – Longest Night – 6:30 p.m. 
December 23rd – David Chapman
December 24th – Christmas Eve –   6:00 p.m. Multiple Readers
December 30th – First after Christmas – Combined Service at St. David’s 11:00.

December 16th – 8:00 a.m.; Men’s Group Breakfast meeting.

There will be an Executive Meeting of the Church Board, Tuesday, December 18 at 6:30 pm.

White Gift Offering donations received on the offering plate on White Gift Sunday, December 16th. 
St. Mark’s White Gift offering is divided between Port Hawkesbury Food Bank and Seasonal Services. White Gift Offering envelopes are inserted in your order of service today for use next Sunday. 

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.

The December FundScrip Delivery Date Sunday December 9th. Please note that this is the last order for 2018 before 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.

**********

ST. DAVID’S CHRISTMAS TREE

The Christmas tree at St David’s is placed there in memory of Lewis Smith by Maxine and family 

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:
December 16th – Mary Jess Mac Donald
December 23rd – Kevin Pierce
December 24th – Christmas Eve Service  4:00 p.m.
December 30th – First Sunday after Christmas – Julia Mac Kinnon

Hall Cleaners for December are Jean Hatcher & Marjorie Langford

White Gift  Sunday December 16th – You are asked to please wrap children’s gifts in white paper.

The Angel Tree in the front entry is set up to facilitate the collection of food and children’s gifts for our Christmas Dinner Boxes. You are invited to choose an angel(s) and bring the items to the White Gift Service on Dec. 16th. Please wrap the gifts for children in white paper and attach the angel that you chose. We will begin packing the boxes on the week of Dec. 17th and they will be delivered to families and individuals in our area early on Dec. 23rd.

St. David’s UCW will meet on Wednesday, December 12/18 at the home of Maxine Smith at 12:30 

The December  FundScrip delivery Date Sunday December 9th. If you have any questions or wish to join the program please contact Wanda Radford at 902-870-1015.

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

**********

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Princeville United Church Annual Christmas Service will be held Sunday December 9th at 7PM.    Come and join in a wonderful evening of beloved Christmas music and readings in our beautiful old church decorated in Christmas finery.  A fellowship will follow.  Everyone is welcome. The church is located at 1041 River Inhabitants Road. 

Fundraiser for the Canadian Food Grains Bank Sunday, December 9th, 3 p.m. The St. John’s Pastoral Charge will hold a Christmas Carols & Readings at St. John’s U.C., Strathlorne. All proceeds from this event will be sent to the Canadian Food Grains Bank. There will be favourite Christmas Carols and songs of the season plus special readings. Following the service there will be tea, hot cider punch and light snacks. Please plan to attend and help this organization.

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.

Seasonal Services is preparing to provide Christmas Dinner Boxes for those in need in the Town of Port Hawkesbury. Anyone wishing to donate financially to this project may do so by dropping your sealed donation with your contact information in the collection basket, or dropping it off to the RBC on Granville Street, the Port Hawkesbury Post Office, email transfer to seasonalservices@mail.com or by contacting Sandra Praught @ 902‐227‐5858 by Dec 25th. Please connect with us if you are  interested in delivering the dinner boxes on Dec. 16.

Trinity United Church, Mulgrave, will host a Blue Christmas Service, Thursday, December 13th at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome regardless of religious background or church experience. Christmas can be a painful time for some, it may be the first Christmas without a loved one, it may be a time which has always been difficult. The constant refrain on radio, television, malls and churches, about the happiness of the season, about getting together with family and friends, reminds many people of what they have lost or never had. The loss of a loved one, anguish of broken relationships, the insecurity of unemployment, the weariness of ill health, the pain of isolation- all these can make us feel very alone in the midst of the celebrating and spending. We need space and time to acknowledge our sadness and concern. We need to know we are not alone. Come and join us in sharing in prayer, hymns and scripture that acknowledge God’s Word comes to shine light in our darkness.

ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY DECEMBER 9TH 2018-ADVENT 2

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: Whole People of God

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

 December 9th, 2018

2nd Sunday of Advent—Peace

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 “Peace” 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.
Come on this second Sunday of Advent.
We come trusting like the wise men, listening like the shepherds, 
And believing like Mary and Joseph. 
Come gather to worship today. 
We come to hear the stories of our faith, 
To celebrate God’s gift of the baby Jesus, 
And to imagine what is possible in this world because of God’s love. 
Come to trust, listen, believe, and imagine what is possible
because God has come into our lives and into our world.
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 Prepare the Way VU 882

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 peace.…
[Light the second Advent candle]
As the people of God, we cry out to the Sovereign One (the Ancient of Days):  
Come quickly to comfort your people; 
Come quickly to share the good news of God-With-Us; 
Come quickly to make a clear path for righteousness and peace. 
As the people of God, we sing.
Sung Response: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel  verse 7 VU 1

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Malachi 3:1–4 A refiner’s fire and a launderer’s soap.
This is the witness of the Hebrew people. All: Thanks be to God.

Luke 1:68–79  Song of Zechariah VU 900

* Hymn  On Jordan’s Bank VU 20

Opening the Word & The Lord's Prayer

The Gospel Acclamation

Luke 3:1–6 A voice calling in the desert.
One: This is the gospel of Jesus Christ.
All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Opening the Word 2   Margie MacIntyre

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

* Hymn There's a Voice in the Wilderness  VU 18

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

* Offering Prayer
Gracious and demanding God, may the offering we bring today be an act of repentance. May it represent our willingness to begin anew, to let go of our possessions and all that binds us. May these gifts we bring be part of making paths straight and preparing the way of the Lord. We bring our offering of repentance. Amen.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Concern

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn It Came upon the Midnight Clear VU 44

* Commissioning and Blessing
May the candle of peace burn brightly in our hearts, 
preparing the way for the Christ child. 
May we be the signs of peace 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

CHOIR'S CHOICE CONCERT AT ST. MARK'S DECEMBER 15TH

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY DECEMBER 2ND 2018

Ministering through leadership in worship this morning are:
Organist: Al Fougere
Lay Reader (St. M.): Archie Noseworthy
                    (St. D.): Marie Mac Kinnon
Advent Wreath (St. M.): John & Sarah Langley
                          (St. D.): Wanda Radford
Mission Moment (St. M.): Sarah Chiasson
                             (St. D.): Yvonne Fox
Greeters/Collectors (St. M.): Valli Ross, Linda Howlett
Greeters (St. D.): Robert Mac Kinnon
Counters (St. M.): Annabel Butts, Anna Marie 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 November-December are available.

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

Deadline for items for the bulletin is Thursday at noon.

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 December 10, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. for this month only.

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

PASTORAL  AIRS at the Causeway, Sunday, December 2nd, 7 P.M. , St. David’s United Church, Port Hastings. Monetary donation at the door, in support of the Strait Area Food Bank. Various Musicians. Tea and oatcakes to follow.

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

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

**********

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:
December 9th – Joyce Oliver-Snair
December 16th – Wayne Simpson
December 21st – Longest Night – Combined Service at St. Mark’s
December 23rd – David Chapman
December 24th – Christmas Eve –   6:00 p.m. Multiple Readers
December 30th – First after Christmas – Combined Service at St. David’s.

TODAY Refreshments following Church Service.

St Mark's Christmas tea and sale was a huge success this year showing a profit of $2711.20  This was only made possible by the generous support of our Church community Thanks to all who helped in any way and also to those who braved the stormy weather to  attend  

Friday, December 7th - 1 p.m.  Everyone is welcome to help decorate for Christmas

December 18th – 7:00 p.m.; St. Mark’s Congregational Board Executive meets.

White Gift Offering donations received on the offering plate on White Gift Sunday, December 16th. St. Mark’s White Gift offering is divided between Port Hawkesbury Food Bank and Seasonal Services.

It is time once again to renew your Observer subscription. There are envelopes on the table in the church entry for both renewals and new subscriptions. St. Mark’s members receive a discount of $5 by subscribing as a group. Annual group subscription rate is $25. Please make cheques ($25) payable to St. Mark’s United Church with a notation that this is for “Observer Subscription”. Place your cheque in the Observer envelope on the offering plate. We have checked—St. David’s members who wish to order The Observer can be added to St. Mark’s subscription list, same cost. Deadline December 2nd.
Read The Observer for stories and perspectives you won’t find anywhere else!

Gifts with Vision Catalogues have arrived! 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.

The December FundScrip Order Date is Sunday December 2nd and the Delivery Date Sunday December 9th. Please note that this is the last order for 2018 before FundScrip resumes in January 2019.
December Promotions are as follows:
Esso                                                      3% ( Regular 2% )
Canadian Tire                                        5% ( Regular 4% )
Sally Beauty                                          12% ( Regular 10% )
La Vie en Rose/Bikini Village                   11% ( Regular 8% )
Winners/Home Sense                             8% ( Regular 6% )
The Ultimate Dining Card                        6% ( Regular 5% )
Build-A Bear-Workshop[                         10% ( Regular 7% )
WaySpa                                                13% ( Regular 10% )
Sobeys/Fast Fuels/Lawtons/Needs           3% ( Regular 2% )
Stokes/Think Kitchen                             8% ( Regular 6% )
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.

December 24th – 6:00 p.m.  - Christmas Eve Service

**********

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:
December 9th – Margie Mac Intyre
December 16th – Mary Jess Mac Donald
December 23rd – Kevin Pierce
December 24th – Christmas Eve Service  4:00 p.m.
December 30th – First Sunday after Christmas - Bruce Corrigan

St. David’s Session Meeting on Tuesday December 4th  at 7:00 pm at St. David’s Church Hall. Please make every effort to attend.

Hall Cleaners for December are Jean Hatcher & Marjorie Langford

White Gift  is on December 16th – You are asked to please wrap children’s gifts in white paper.

The Angel Tree in the front entry is set up to facilitate the collection of food and children’s gifts for our Christmas Dinner Boxes. You are invited to choose an angel(s) and bring the items to the White Gift Service on Dec. 16th. Please wrap the gifts for children in white paper and attach the angel that you chose. We will begin packing the boxes on the week of Dec. 17th and they will be delivered to families and individuals in our area early on Dec. 23rd.

The December FundScrip Date will be Sunday December 2nd and the Delivery Date Sunday December 9th. Please check the list of December Promotions listed under St. Mark’s announcements. If you have any questions or wish to join the program please contact Wanda Radford at 902-870-1015.

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

**********

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Fundraiser for the Canadian Food Grains Bank Sunday, December 9th, 3 p.m. The St. John’s Pastoral Charge will hold a Christmas Carols & Readings at St. John’s U.C., Strathlorne. All proceeds from this event will be sent to the Canadian Food Grains Bank. There will be favourite Christmas Carols and songs of the season plus special readings. Following the service there will be tea, hot cider punch and light snacks. Please plan to attend and help this organization.

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.

Prime Suspects: Canada’s Prime Ministers in Caricature by Bruce MacKinnon Travels to Port Hawkesbury  Halifax-based artist and editorial cartoonist Bruce MacKinnon will showcase his suite of caricature-portraits of Canada’s prime ministers past and present. This exhibition, curated by David Diviney, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, premiered in Halifax in August of 2017 and will now be traveling to Port Hawkesbury for its second showing. The exhibition will be open to the public from November 26, 2018 to February 17, 2019

Port Hawkesbury Seasonal Services - Seasonal Services is preparing to provide Christmas Dinner Boxes for those in need in the Town of Port Hawkesbury. Anyone wishing to donate financially to this project may do so by dropping your sealed donation with your contact information in the collection basket, or dropping it off to the RBC on Granville Street, the Port Hawkesbury Post Office, email transfer to seasonalservices@mail.com or by contacting Sandra Praught @ 902‐227‐5858 by Dec 25th. 

"StFX Day Celebration  
All past and future alumni and friends of StFX are invited to come together to celebrate on Monday, Dec. 3 at the home of Morag Graham at 9 Baxters Cove Road, Judique. The evening begins with a mass at 7:00 in her home followed immediately by a social gathering. Please call 787-2832 to confirm your attendance. Check out our local chapters FaceBook page for news of our events etc- Stfx alumni-Strait Highlands Chapter

Wednesday, December 5th, 7 pm.: Port Hastings Historical Society meeting to be held at the Museum. 

The Port Hawkesbury Friends of the Library will be having a book sale at the Library on Monday, December 3rd, 2018 from 3-6 pm. 

Trinity United Church, Mulgrave, will host a Blue Christmas Service, Thursday, December 13th at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome regardless of religious background or church experience. Christmas can be a painful time for some, it may be the first Christmas without a loved one, it may be a time which has always been difficult. The constant refrain on radio, television, malls and churches, about the happiness of the season, about getting together with family and friends, reminds many people of what they have lost or never had. The loss of a loved one, anguish of broken relationships, the insecurity of unemployment, the weariness of ill health, the pain of isolation- all these can make us feel very alone in the midst of the celebrating and spending. We need space and time to acknowledge our sadness and concern. We need to know we are not alone. Come and join us in sharing in prayer, hymns and scripture that acknowledge God’s Word comes to shine light in our darkness.

ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY DECEMBER 2ND 2018-ADVENT 1-COMMUNION

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

United Church of Canada

Port Hawkesbury/Port Hastings, NS

Office: 625-2229, Fax 625-3597, e-mail: stmarksuc@gmail.com 

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

Presbytery Website: inverguyunited.ca

Ministers: Whole People of God

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

 December 2nd, 2018

1st Sunday of Advent—Hope

The Sacrament of Communion

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 “Hope” 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.
Come on this first Sunday of Advent.
We come to begin the journey toward Christmas,
preparing our hearts and our homes to welcome God’s child.
Come to trust, listen, believe, and imagine what is possible
because God has come into our lives and into our world.
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 My Lord, What a Morning VU 708 

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.

One: As the people of God, we search for hope.…
[Light the first Advent candle]
As the people of God, we cry out to the Radiant Dawn: 
Come quickly to shine on us; 
Come quickly to brighten our path; 
Come quickly to restore our hope. 
As the people of God, we sing.
Sung Response: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel  verse 6 VU 1

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Jeremiah 33:14–16   A righteous branch from David’s line.
This is the witness of the Hebrew people.  
All:Thanks be to God. 

Psalm 25:1–10To you, O God, I lift my soul. Ref.2 VU 752

*Hymn Teach Me, God, to Wonder VU 299 

Opening the Word/Time with Children

The Gospel Acclamation

Luke 21:25–36 Signs in heavens and Earth; parable of the fig tree
One: This is the gospel of Jesus Christ.
All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

* Offering Prayer
May we be alert enough to watch for the opportunities we will have to serve others in this season of holiness, as well as the ways in which we can offer those intangible gifts of our presence. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. 

* Communion Hymn  As We Gather at Your Table  VU 457

Sacrament of Communion  Communion Insert, cover of VU

Distribution Hymn Here, O My Lord, I See You Face to ...  VU459 

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus VU  2

* Commissioning and Blessing
May the candle of hope burn brightly in our hearts, 
preparing the way for the Christ child. 
May we be the signs of hope 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

NOTE TO PRESBYTERIES/SYNOD FROM REGION 15 TRANSITION COMMISSION

Secretary, Region 15 

c/o Atlantic School of Theology 

660 Franklyn Street Halifax, 

NS  B3H 3B5 

rbartlett@astheology.ns.ca 

November 30, 2018 

To: Presbyteries of Region 15 and Bermuda Synod 

Dear Friends, 

As the end of the calendar year approaches, the shift to the three-council model of governance is soon to be upon us. That means that several familiar aspects of our life are winding up in presbytery and conference and new things are beginning in the Region. 

On behalf of the Transition Commission, we are asking you to make sure that all the pastoral charges within your bounds are aware of the following. 

#1. Membership in Regional Council. a. All ministry personnel, active and retired, are members of Regional Council; b. Lay members are elected according to a familiar formula: a. 1 rep per community of faith with 100 or fewer resident members; b. 2 reps from every community of faith with 101-200 resident members; c. 3 reps from every community of faith with 201-300 resident members; d. 4 reps from every community of faith with more than 300 resident members. Please note, current representatives to Presbytery are eligible to become representatives to Regional Council but must be elected as such at a congregational meeting. 

#2. Human Resources. Please note that the talents and experience of the current presbyters will be crucial in the work of the Region. We invite you to bring your enthusiasm and dedication to this new ministry.  There will be committees/teams for virtually every aspect of our life and work, although some of these will be organized differently from the past. 

In addition, the new structure calls for local clusters to provide a focus for any number of shared interests that we want to keep alive. These could focus on worship, mission, learning, collegiality, justice work, strategic planning – the only limit is our imagination! There will also be networks of folk in different parts of our country focused on particular issues or projects. There is only minimal definition provided by the General Council for clusters and networks. One place to think of them is to sustain relationships outside the Presbytery that you may have developed. 

Please circulate the “Gift Inventory” through your congregations prior to December 31st. Those gifts and skills and that experience are too precious to lose. There’s an online form used by the Conference Nominating Committee that may be familiar.  We’re using that and it can be accessed at https://marconf.ca/nominations-form/  This is the place to express interest. Please note that we may not be able to accommodate everyone’s expressed interest in their first choice. 

#3. Winding up work. If you haven’t already, the Presbytery should be deciding which files need to be destroyed and which forwarded.  A checklist has been provided a couple of times by David Allen, Remit Implementation Project Leader (June 28, 2018). Conference Archivist Sarah Wallace can give direction on preparing records for the United Church Archives. 

Please note: After January 1, 2019, Presbyteries have no authority to initiate new activities or expenditures. Several Presbyteries have asked officers to continue in place to complete previously authorized work.  That is fine. However, after January 1, any financial requests should go to the Regional Office. All monies should, therefore, be transferred to the Region. 

#4. Mission Support Grants  Ministries that previously received monies through Mission Support Grants and direct grants from Conference and /or Presbytery have all been informed about the decisions for 2019. If any group missed the application notice they should contact the Conference Office (until December 31st) or the Region 15 Office (after January 1st) immediately. 

#5. Communication The Transition Commission is committed to doing our best to keep everyone in the loop. Effective January 1st, the Transition Commission becomes the Regional Executive until the first meeting of the Regional Council. a. Transition Commission and Regional Council Executive meeting minutes will be posted on the Region website; b. A new governance model is taking shape and will be posted as soon as possible. Please note that this is a living document that will see many changes as we move into the new reality; c. The Nominations Committee will be contacting people regarding roles in the new structure.  Please consider their requests carefully. d. Financial questions regarding the new Region should be directed to Jennifer Whittemore Jwhittemore@united-church.ca or Faith March-MacCuish, FMacCuish@unitedchurch.ca  e. Pastoral Relations/Pastoral Oversight questions should be directed to Regional Minister, David Hewitt, DHewitt@united-church.ca  f. Justice/Outreach questions should be directed to Laura Hunter, LHunter@unitedchurch.ca  g. Youth Ministry questions should be directed to Lauren King, Lking@united-church.ca  h. Property Questions should be directed to Faith March-MacCuish, FMacCuish@unitedchurch.ca  

#6. The inaugural Regional Council Meeting will occur at Mount Alison University,  May 23- 26th, 2019. Many more details to follow!! 

We also would like to announce that we have hired our last staff position which will be serving Regions 14 and 15. The position of Administrative Support/Office Manager Assistant has been filled and the new staff person is Tracey Rose. Tracey says that in the four years she has lived in Maritimes the smell of the salt in the air, the lush greenness, the small town feel and the people have helped her settle into community and she is home.  Tracey comes with training in Conflict Resolution and Negotiation, Project Leadership and management, Special Events Management, and office Administration. Tracey will begin her position with Region 14 and 15 in January. Please join me in welcoming Tracey Rose to our team.  

With best wishes from the Region 15 Transition Commission as we approach this exciting time in our church’s life. 


Faith March- MacCuish             Ross Bartlett 
Executive Minister,                    Secretary,                            
Region 15                                  Region 15 Transition Commission