United Church Launches Emergency Appeal for Myanmar

PRESS RELEASE Thursday, May 8, 2008

Toronto: The United Church of Canada has announced that it is launching an emergency appeal for donations designated for cyclone relief and reconstruction in Myanmar (Burma).

As always with United Church emergency appeals, 100% of the donations received for the Cyclone Nargis Emergency Appeal will be committed to relief and reconstruction. This is made possible thanks to the generous ongoing support of United Church members to the church’s Mission and Service Fund. These contributions allow the United Church to absorb the staffing and administration costs of processing donations for emergency appeals.

On May 2-3 Myanmar (Burma) was struck by the worst Asian cyclone since 1991, triggering a storm surge and flooding in the five worst hit states, where more than half of Myanmar’s (Burma’s) 53 million people live. Figures reported suggest as many as 100,000 people were killed and one million displaced. The numbers may be higher. The full extent of the destruction to property and infrastructure is massive and still being ascertained. Communication channels are slow and very limited.

The United Church of Canada is responding immediately to the crisis by committing $100,000 for relief aid and reconstruction purposes. The funds will be channelled through Action by Churches Together (ACT), a global alliance of faith-based relief organizations that work through local and regional partners. Priority needs are for water purification tablets, plastic sheeting, basic medical kits, bed nets, and food. The church will also be considering funding additional relief efforts mobilized by partner organizations in the region.

Individuals are invited to contribute to the United Church’s Cyclone Nargis Emergency Appeal either through their local congregation or directly to The United Church of Canada’s national office, 3250 Bloor St. West, Suite 300, Toronto, Ontario M8X 2Y4 or through our secure online donations page. Cheques and online donations should be made payable to The United Church of Canada and marked “Cyclone Nargis Appeal.”

Further information about the United Church’s response to the crisis in Myanmar (Burma) is being posted on http://www.united-church.ca/ and will be updated as new information becomes available.
For further information please contact:

Mary-Frances Denis
Communications Officer
The United Church of Canada

Toll-free: 1-800-268-3781 ext. 2016

Inverness County Welcomes Refugees Resettlement Project

Donald Kalley is almost finished his course in Marine Geomatics at the Lawrencetown Campus of the NSCC. He expects to graduate in June. He has accepted employment with the Canadian Hydrographic Service, Central Arctic Region and will be located in Burlington Ontario. We consider this to be a very successful outcome for our first experience at sponsoring a refugee family. We regret that he had to move away to find employment, but we know this happens often, even with our own children.

Christiana has been taking driving lessons, and has just passed her driving test. We have not seen the children, Israel and Donalda for several months, but the Kalleys are planning to come here to visit for a period of a week to say farewell to everyone.

Dave Chapman,
Treasurer

Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery

The January meeting was held at Stewart United Church, Whycocomagh. We had two guests at this meeting. Barbara Rafuse, Maritime Conference President spoke about some of her experiences this year and hopes for the annual meeting in May.

Tina Bernard, who is employed by the UCC and connected with Tatamagouche Centre, gave a very interesting account of her work on the Peace and Friendship Project.

The March meeting was at Trinity United Church, Mulgrave. Six remits were presented, explained and voted on. Remits are a brief summary of the action of the 39th General Council, the current wording of relevant sections of the Basis of Union, the proposed new wording of the same sections and questions for discussion. Also, at this meeting the names of those applying to attend Youth Forum and Intermediates at Conference in May were presented.

The April meeting was at Orangedale United Church, Orangedale.
On Saturday, April 26th, Presbytery members and guests met at the manse in Whycocomagh for a pot luck supper and to say our farewells to Linda Scherzinger who will be leaving our Presbytery this spring and moving with her husband Kevin to Halifax. Linda will be greatly missed by all who have worked with her over the past years.





Maxine Smith
Secretary

Choir Notes

During the past few months we have been more active during the greeting part of the service, not just greeting each other, but those of us who are able are leaving the choir loft to greet other members of the congregation.

When the flu bug laid Al low, Rev. Sheldon filled the breach and brought his guitar so we did not have to sing unaccompanied. It did require some changes in the hymns from the ones originally planned.

We would like to acknowledge the participation of members of other choirs, for funerals in particular. We return the compliment when we can. We are practicing now for a special mass at St. Joseph’s to commission people who have taken special training in lay ministry.

On July 13, the Choir will conduct the service at St. David’s.

Dave Chapman

Christmas at St. David’s

Once again, members of St. David’s got together on Saturday, December 1st at 9 a.m. to decorate for the Christmas season. Many years ago, we used to do it after the church service the Sunday before Advent which meant we were there very late that day and often had to finish up during the week.
For the second year, Lew and Maxine Smith had the tree up in advance with the lights on but we were still there till 2 o’clock.

An enjoyable time was had by all who came out. Lisa Rhynold, our Sunday School Superintendent, and Katie Downard organized Christmas crafts for the children and Alycia Vink organized the delicious lunch for everyone at noon.

Yvonne Fox

Hanging of the Greens at St. Mark’s

See December 9th posting for test and photos.

In Memoriam

ST. DAVID’S

Maude Isobel MacKinnon
November 18, 1919 - March 19, 2008

Elizabeth Ellen (Bessie) MacIver
May 14, 1908 - April 17, 2008

ST. MARK’S

Eleanor Jean Leonard
August 4, 1934 - January 20, 2008

Hazel Maude Smith
December 26, 1917 - March 24, 2008

Irving Daniel LeLacheur
February 23, 1931 - April 4, 2008

Leonard Roy King
January 10, 1926 - April 27, 2008

St. Mark’s Marriage

April 19, 2008
Kenneth Robert Ferguson
& Claudia Marie Williams

Baptisms

St. David's Baptism, December 30, 2007
Neil Elliott Purcell
& Sophia Ann Purcell
Children of Gayle Ann (Baillie) Purcell
& Christopher Antony Purcell

St. David's Baptism, January 6, 2008
Jack James Campbell
Son of Robin Corinne (Downard) Campbell
& Trevor James Campbell

St. Mark’s Baptism, January 20, 2008
Rebecca Dawn Chetwynd
Daughter of Candace Dawn Chetwynd
& Glenn Myatt
St. Mark’s Baptism, January 20, 2008
Sarah Christine Langley
Daughter of Sherry Lee (O’Brien)
& Gordon Arthur Langley

St. David's Baptism, May 4, 2008
Katherine Ruth Langley
Daughter of Susan Marlene (MacKinnon) Langley
& Iaian Donald Langley

Refer to Archives under the appropriate dates for Baptism photos.

St. Mark’s Congregational Board

After taking a year off, I’m now back on the board and pleased to say that the enthusiasm and dedication I encountered before is just as strong. Everyone is working hard to make things move smoothly in all the committees.

The building is kept spotless and in good repair, the services are kept running smoothly, through the work of the committees to find volunteers to fill all the voids.

Thanks to the board for all their dedicated work.

Annemary Butcher
Board Chair

St. David’s Official Board

Rev. LeGrow has the Congregation at St. David’s up and about greeting one another each Sunday morning. It is a time when people are invited to move out of their comfort zone to reach out and acknowledge one another in a way that becomes more and more meaningful as the Sundays pass. Indeed, we must remind ourselves that one can grow spiritually if one moves out of their comfort zone. With that, the Congregation is reminded to consider the opportunity Rev. LeGrow is offering in terms of spiritual development. He is making arrangements to get together with members of the Congregation in the fall for the purpose of addressing our spiritual needs, for those who are interested.

St. David’s Congregation extends congratulations and best wishes to our graduates and wish them success in the future.
A Congregation gathering is in the planning stage and a date is tentatively scheduled for September.

Alicia Vink

St. Mark’s Worship and Pastoral Care Committee

Since the last contact, our committee has changed as follows:
Chairperson: Malcolm Matheson
Secretary: Marie Horton
Membership: Julia MacQuarrie & Marie Horton
Greeters & Collectors: Archie Noseworthy & Vida Hood
Readers: Julia MacQuarrie
Ways & Means: Mary MacIver & Sherrille MacKeigan
Communion: Sherrille MacKeigan, Annabel Butts & Valli Ross
St. David’s Liaison: Malcolm Matheson
Choir Liaison: Vida Hood

On Christmas Eve, over 230 members were served Communion, on February 10th - Advent Sunday, 80 members were served and on March 23, Easter Sunday 130 members were served Communion. The next Communion will take place June 15, Anniversary Sunday, during which Baptisms and Communion will take place.

We had two Baptisms: Rebecca Dawn Chetwynd and Sarah Christine Langley on January 20, 2008. The following Baptisms will take place on Anniversary Sunday, June 15: Gabriella Kathleen Kerr, Benjamin James Bussey and Ewan James Hawley.

Marriages have been scheduled to take place on April 19th and July 19th.

There have been no problems acquiring members to act as Greeters, Collectors, Readers & Servers and we wish to express our thanks and appreciation to all who serve.

Lorna MacRury conducted the service March 30 during Reverend LeGrow’s absence, to whom we also express our thanks and appreciation.

Our Summer Schedule
Services will take place during the month of July at St. David’s and at St. Mark’s during August.

Marie Horton
Secretary
Worship and Pastoral Care

St. Mark’s Mission & Outreach

A committee of new members took the wheel of the M&S committee vowing to do their very best. Officers for 2008 include: Barb Macintyre - Chair, Rilla MacLean - Co-chair and Liaison Person; Lorna Harvey - Secretary; Ruth Laskey - Treasurer; Bonnie Dawson - Observer; Carol Ann Williams & Ruth Laskey - Ways & Means; Lana MacLean - Events coordinator for the 10,000 Villages, October 25, 2008 and Lana will attend Maritime Conference.

The objective for 2008 was set at $12,600. The committee encouraged the Youth Group to participate in Earth Day, April 20 and offered any assistance they may need. All were reminded to turn out the lights to celebrate Earth Hour, March 29.

A new program “Practical Hope” was established in our congregation so that we can take practical hope-filled steps toward living more sustainably on earth. Our Green Enthusiast for St. Mark’s is Rilla MacLean.



At each meeting readers are requested to read the Minutes for Mission - “Getting to Know You” 2008. A favourite Oscar Hammerstein song begins “Getting to Know You” and then goes on to rave about learning wonderful and new things about others in order to like them. It’s wonderful to learn about one another and the work we share. When we give it sometimes feels distant and impersonal. When you give to M&S you give to real people! The 2008 Minutes for Mission helps us get to know one another better. It’s good to be in touch! Often there are not enough members on the Committee to read each week so others are asked to help. To all those who help to tell the stories and all who give M&S gifts….. Thank You!

Barb MacIntyre

St. David’s Board of Stewards

The Stewards met on several occasions to plan the Ham and Bean Supper on April 19th. With the help of everyone, the supper was a big success raising $673. The annual yard and bake sale will be held on May 31st. We look forward to everyone’s continued support and help.

Hazel MacLean

St. Mark’s Trustees & Finance Committee

Contributions from the Building Fund ($20,000) and Manse Fund ($215) were added to the March mortgage payment on the manse. As of March 31, the mortgage balance was $37,474.38. It matures in the summer of 2009, at which time it will be renegotiated.

The Men’s Group intend to purchase a baby barn for the new ride-on mower. Until it is built, the mower will stay in Andy’s garage. It will soon be time to try it out. A few other maintenance jobs are showing up since the snow disappeared.

A door bell has been installed at the front door so the quilters can be admitted as they arrive without leaving the front entrance unlocked while unattended.This should avoid surprises from uninvited visitors.

Dave Chapman

St. Mark’s Ways & Means

In the Ways and Means Committee Report for the 2007 Annual Report, the amount of the donations from the Pringle Cans was not reported. That amount was $805.95 bringing the total raised in 2007 to $3,960.95.

Our first fund-raiser for this year is a buffet supper for three buses of seniors (about 135) from the Sydney area on May 31st. Then on June 12th we will be preparing a roast turkey dinner for the Girl Guide Annual Dinner Meeting.

The members of the 2008 Ways and Means Committee are: Ruth Laskey, Brenda MacEachern, Mary MacIver, Sherrille MacKeigan, Ruth MacRae, Marlene Morrison, Terry Morrison, Andy Palmer and Carol Ann Williams.

Ruth MacRae

St. Mark’s Special Events Group (U.C.W.)

The U.C.W. met in April with six members in attendance. We purchased a cart with a cutlery container on one end and a garbage container on the other, 2 small and 2 large slotted spoons, 2 ice cream scoops, oven mitts with long wrists and a tea pot.

We served lunch at the funerals of Eleanor Leonard, Dana Burns, Leonard King and Hazel Smith.We also gave a donation to the 30-Hour Famine, purchased Communion cups and we continue to support our foster child.

Our next meeting will be held in November to plan for our Christmas Bazaar.

June Oliver

St. Mark’s Helping Hands

At the end of 2007, after giving $1,000.00 for taxes on the manse, the Helping Hands had $351.78 in their bank account. In March, 2008 a gift was given to the Mission & Service Fund in memory of Hazel Smith. Hazel enjoyed coming to our work-evenings to make tea for us and to talk as she knit items for the next sale.

Our Giant Spring Yard Sale 2008 was a colossal success! We had so many beautiful items given to us and almost as many workers willing to give a Helping Hand. A grateful Thank you to the number of people who attended and bought items, the kitchen goodies that sold like Hot Chocolates, and all who worked during the winter gathering in goodies for the Spring Sale!
It was indeed a Great Spring Yard Sale that brought in $1162.00. This is the greatest amount raised at our Yard sales. (Last Spring we realized $1080.80) $1000.00 of this money will be given for church expenses at Anniversary.
Again Thank You!

Barb MacIntyre

St. David’s U.C.W.

Our report begins in December 2007. Christmas boxes were again provided for needy families in our area. The congregation generously supported this project and we were able to pack eleven boxes, which included dinner as well as gifts for families with children. Christmas gifts from our group were delivered to several sick or shut-ins of our congregation.

During January, we initiated a collection of used clothing and fabric for the Brunswick Street Mission in Halifax. There was a tremendous response from the congregation and over thirty bags of clothing came in, as well as some fabric. The fabric is used to make water bottle holders which the men fill with warm water to be used when they are outside in the winter. We were very grateful to Wanda Cloake for the use of one of her big vans to transport the clothing to Halifax.

Our annual Pancake Supper was held on Shrove Tuesday (February 5th). The free will offering which amounted to $477.00 was donated to the Mission and Service Fund.

We raised $415.00 on the Pie Sale which we held at the Port Hawkesbury Centre on March 20th. In April, our group provided lunch for a small group of firmen who were meeting at the church hall and raised another $120.00.


We hosted the April birthday party at the Nursing Home on April 20th. The residents seemed to really enjoy the entertainment provided by Hank Bouchie and Heather Richards. The birthday cake and gifts were also appreciated.


Bibles were presented to Neil and Sophia Purcell, children of Christopher and Gayle (Baillie) Purcell, to Jack Campbell son of T. J. and Robin (Downard) Campbell and to Katherine Langley daughter of Iaian and Susan (MacKinnon) Langley on the occasion of their baptism.

Our closing meeting was held on May 14th at the home of Patsy Swain. Have a safe and happy summer everyone!

Julia MacKinnon

St. Mark’s Men’s Group

There was very little food left over after yet another successful Buffet Supper organized by St. Mark’s Men’s Group. Everything was delicious and as usual our men worked seamlessly, except for the odd electrical problem. For our efforts and with assistance from friends, a total of $1,229 was realized. Thanks to all who supplied food, helped in the kitchen, served, cleaned up and to Hayward, our perennial cashier.

Anticipating a shortage of boiling water to keep up with the demand for tea, we borrowed a large urn. We were still hard pressed, however, as we did not get it started heating early enough. We have since bought a 100 cup urn. We are looking at ways to spread the kitchen electrical load over more breakers to reduce the tripping of breakers during our suppers.

We finished 2007 with $525.22 in our breakfast account so we cleared a donation of $32.83 per member.

We made our customary donation to the Seasonal Services Project, and contributed $50 for spending money to the Youth Group’s delegate to the Youth Forum at maritime Conference.

Dave Chapman

To view photos of the Men's Group Buffet Dinner see Blog posting from February 4th.

Tea Thyme Quilters @ St. Mark’s

________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Come to the Causeway

St. David’s United Church, Port Hastings

August 8th to 17th
Daily 10:00 - 6:00 p.m.

On Display: The Church “Heritage Quilt” and
Ann Morrell-Robinson’s “ABC of Quilters”quilt

Quilting Demonstrations, Traditional and Contemporary Quilts and items for sale

Cape Breton Tea and Biscuits Served
_____________________________________________________________________________

The Tea Thyme Quilters @ St. Mark’s have been full of activity quilting, sewing and learning more about quilting. The quilters were able to quilt three large quilts and the money was given to the church for expenses. We hosted an International Quilter, Nellie Holmes, who was in our area for the AGM of the Ocean Waves Quilt Society of Cape Breton. Her workshop about Fusible Folk Art Quilting was enjoyed by twenty-two quilters who made a Folk Art Wall hanging. A lovely lunch was provided by the Tea Thyme quilters.

In addition to quilting, we spent a full day at the church making tote bags and a quilt for the Blankets of Love, Mental Health Foundation. These quilts, given so willingly by quilters around the Island, bring comfort to those in the hospital for treatment of a mental illness. After our quilts are put together we will take them to St. David’s church where they will be quilted during the Quilt Show and Sale.

Barb MacIntyre

30 Hour Famine

See text and lots of photos in the April posting.

St. David’s Sunday School

St. David’s Sunday School will be closing for the summer on May 25th. I would like to thank all the parents and helpers for their continued support. Special thanks to Paige Walker, our Sunday School teacher. Without your support, the Sunday School program would not be possible.

We will be opening our doors again in September. We will continue using Seasons of the Spirit as it works well in our small Sunday School and the children seem to enjoy it.

Thanks again and have a safe and happy summer.

Lisa Rhynold
Superintendent

Confirmation, Easter Sunday, March 23rd

See blog entry for March 23rd for photos

St. Mark’s Christian Education Committee

Our Sunday School continued to use the One Room Sunday School curriculum throughout the winter and spring. It suits our needs well becauses it includes activities for a variety of age groups, and is user-friendly for the teachers.

Our Sunday School children and Youth Group held the second annual Hanging of the Greens Service on December 2nd. This service is a beautiful way to involve the children and youth in decorating the church for Christmas, while reminding us all about the meaning behind each of the decorations. It was an absolutely beautiful service and the children and youth did an incredible job. Many thanks to Joyce Oliver-Snair, as well as Al Fougere and the Choir for their help with the service. Thank you as well to the Sunday School teachers and CE Committee members who assisted with the service, and to Andy Palmer who helped with the tree and other decorations.

Many of the Sunday School children and youth took part in the Christmas Eve pageant. We were very pleased to have Lydia Hart as Mary, Heather Hart as Joseph and Kale Hart as Baby Jesus. The children and youth in the congregation joined Rev. Le Grow in singing Go Tell It On The Mountain, and did a fantastic job. Thanks to all who participated.

During the season of Lent, the CE Committee asked several families in the congregation to assist with the readings. Thank you to all who participated. The Palm Parade on Palm Sunday was wonderful as Joyce and several Sunday School children led the way, followed by the choir, all waving the palms.

Easter Sunday was extra special this year as Confirmation took place on this day. Congratulations to Andrew Ferguson, Cassie Ferguson, Anna Hart, Lydia Hart, Holly Barss and Allanna Connors who were all confirmed. A cake was provided by the CE Committee following the service.

A number of Baptisms took place at St. Mark’s over the past several months. The Sunday School continues to present each child and their parents with a banner that they keep, and a lamb to place on the ‘Cradle Roll’ banner in the church.

Earth Day was celebrated this year with the participation of the Youth Group. It was exciting to have experienced the energy and creativity of the youth, and we look forward to future services. Many thanks to Rev. LeGrow, Joyce Oliver-Snair and Jo Anne Connors for their work with the Youth Group.

As the year draws to a close, we prepare for the Sunday School closing on May 25th. At this time the Sunday School children and teachers will be presented with their certificates. The CE Committee will provide cake for the children following the service.

A heartfelt thanks goes out to all of the Sunday School teachers. The Sunday School would not exist without your commitment to the children. Thank you as well to Al Fougere for his musical guidance and to Jane for her support throughout the year. Thank you to the CE Committee for their ongoing commitment to the Sunday School. Also, thanks to Rev. and Mrs. LeGrow for their support and guidance with the Sunday School and Youth Group throughout the year.

We hope that anyone interested in teaching Sunday School will consider it for the fall. The Sunday School will continue under the direction of the CE Committee in the absence of a Superintendent. Registration will take place in September 14th.

Heather Brander

St. Mark’s & St. David’s Youth Group

We are up and running with new youth coming on board and some of our older kids getting ready to graduate and move on to the bright lights of the big cities. We had our first meeting on Easter Sunday and in keeping with the day we had an awesome Easter Egg Hunt. The group gave suggestions of what they would like to do at youth group... finishing painting the nursery topped the list and second was to volunteer at the nursing home. They were full of great ideas and we will have some action packed meetings getting them all finished. But I am happy to report we have finished the nursery and we have set up a visit to the Nursing Home so we are right on track.

The group put on a great skit for Earth Day, even if the clang of the cymbals made more than one person jump. I want to thank all those who came out and especially to those who postponed previous commitments to be out to practice. We thank Rev. Sheldon for getting us the program and for being there at all our meetings. Joanne brought her drums to set the tone and we thank her for sharing her talents.

Three of our girls who were involved in the SAERC production of Beauty & The Beast. Heather Blunden, Emma Barss, and Renee Connors need a standing ovation for a job well done and they truly do have wonderful voices...hidden talents if I must say. Jennifer Barss is presently working on the Antigonish East production of The Little Mermaid that will be opening in late May. More talent in the group.

Taylor Linloff is off to Youth Forum and is very excited to be attending. We know that Taylor will have lots to report when she returns.
Thanks to Camille for putting our youth on the cover of the Contact and to Rev. Sheldon for dusting off his camera and taking such great pictures of our group.

And finally to close on another accomplishment of our youth, please join me in congratulating Heather Blunden who will be receiving the Lieutenant Governor’s Award on June 9th at the Cape Breton Highlands Academy. This award goes to two grade 11 students, based on their academics and community involvement.

So mark your calendars, we meet every second Sunday at St. Mark’s Hall from 6 - 8 pm and there is always room for one more.

Joyce Oliver- Snair

See May posting for Youth Group photos.

Anniversary Letter to the Congregation of St. Mark's

504 Bernard Street
Port Hawkesbury, N. S
B9A 2V1

May 24, 2008
Dear Friends:

We are including our Anniversary letter in the Spring Contact this year. It should be in your hands a week or two before Anniversary Sunday. It is customary for this letter to contain a short recap of the state of our finances, and to include an envelope for a special offering. We will include envelopes with the bulletins the week before Anniversary Sunday for those who read the Contact on the blog.

The manse mortgage was reduced by $20,000 transferred from the Building Fund and $215 from the Manse Fund. With those payments and the other payments we have made, the balance owing was $37,474.48 as of March 31 this year. The interest rate is to be renegotiated in 2009 so the lower the balance owing at that time, the less we will have to pay in interest.

At the end of April, the General Fund was in the red by $1,763.51. The Ways and Means committee has a couple of projects planned that should reduce this deficit, but summer time is slow for envelope givings so we may well slip back into the red. A good response to this Anniversary Offering will minimize the overdraft situation this summer and minimize the cost of servicing the overdraft.

The Anniversary Service will be held on June 15 this year. The Congregation of St. David's will be invited to join us and the service will be at 11:00 a.m., followed by a pot-luck dinner.

Please join us on this occasion. Summer is coming, believe it or not, and this will be one of our best chances to get together before then.

Yours truly,
ST. MARK'S UNITED CHURCH
Dave Chapman,
for the Trustees, Property and Finance Committee


____________________________________________________________

St. David's Offical Board

St. David's Offical Board will be holding a meeting following the service on May 25th.

Pulpit Supply for June 1st and June 8th

Rev. LeGrow will be away June 1st attending Maritime Conference and on June 8th Rev. LeGrow will be away on study leave. Lorna MacRury will conduct both service.

St. Mark's & St. David's Sunday School Closing

St. Mark's & St. David's Sunday Schools will be holding their closing this Sunday, May 25th. All those who have been registered for Sunday School are encouraged to attend so that they may receive their certificates.

Hymns For Sunday, May 25th

On Eagles' Wings 808
Shout for God 246
Be Still My God 652
Will Your Anchor Hold 675
Psalm 131 Page 854
Doxology 541

Readings for May 25th, Second Sunday after Pentecost

Isaiah 19:8-16a
1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Psalm 131 (Voices United page 854)
Matthew 6:24-34

Happy Mother's Day!

Nova Scotia's provincial flower, the Mayflower.

St. Mark's Anniversary, June 15th

St. Mark's United congregation will be celebrating the 42nd Anniversary of the Church on June 15th at 11 AM. St. David's congregation is invited to attend and join them for a Pot Luck Lunch following the service.

St. David's Yard & Bake Sale

May 21st, St. David's will be holding a Yard & Bake Sale from 9 AM - 12 noon. Please call any Steward if you require pickup of material you have for the yard sale. Please contribute some baking for the Bake Sale if you are able. NO CLOTHING PLEASE! Following are some phone numbers for pick up. If there is no answer, please leave a message.

625-2303, 625-1327, 625-0618, 625-0527 or 625-1691.

Thank you.

St. David's Official Board

St. David's Official Board will be meeting following the service on May 25th.

St. David's Sunday School - May 18th

There will be no Sunday School at St. David's on Sunday May 18th due to the long weekend and we will be having our Sunday School closing on Sunday, May 25th.

Triennial Visit

The Triennial meeting of Presbytery with the congregations of St. Mark's and St. David's will be held on Wednesday, May 21. Jim St. Clair and Janet Blois will conduct the meetings at St. David's, Port Hastings. The committee will meet with Rev. LeGrow at 6 PM, Ministry & Personnel Committee at 6:30 PM, St. David's congregation at 7:00 PM and St. Mark's congregation at 8:00 PM.

Lectionary Readings for May 18, Trinity Sunday

Genesis 1:1-2:4a
2 Corinthians 13:11-13
Psalm 8 Voices United 730-732
Matthew 28:16-20

Hymns for May 18

Morning Has Broken 409

All Things Bright and Beautiful 291

Lord You Give the Great Commission 512

How Great Thou Art 238

Psalm 8, 732

Doxology 540

Katherine Ruth Langley Baptism at St. David's, daughter of Susan and Iaian

Youth Group May 4th

A circle of friends

Lets go 3-D!

If you could only hear the voices...
they not only look like angels they can sing like them too!

Express Yourself!

The faces of our Youth

just goofing around...

hanging around...

all stacked up..

Come on Girls get in line!

Our rendition of Abby Road!
* starring *
Emma, Holly, Taylor, Alanna, Lydia, Anna, Heather, Jennifer & Renee

Photos by Rev. Sheldon LeGrow

St. Mark's Annual Flea Market & Bake Sale

St. Mark's Annual Flea Market & Bake Sale
May 3rd
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Items for the flea market can be brought to the Church before the sale.
Bring in baked goods Friday, May 2nd.

Sponsored by Helping Hands
Contact Marie at 625-1969

Choir practice will be Tuesday, May 6th at 5:45 p.m.

St. Mark's, Coffee Time, Sunday April 27th

Jean celebrated her 80th Birthday!

Lectionary Readings for May 4th, 7th Sunday of Easter

Acts 1:6 - 14
1 Peter 4: 12 - 14, 5: 6 - 11
Psalm 68: 1 - 10, 32 - 35 (Voices United page 787)
John 17: 1 - 11

Hymns for Sunday, May 4th

All Praise to Thee #327

Jesus Bids Us Shine #585

We Are One #402

Jesus Shall Reign #330

Psalm 68 Page #787 (Voices United)

Doxology #537

Lectionary Readings for April 27, 6th Sunday of Easter

Acts 17: 21 - 31
Psalm 66: 8 - 20 (Voices United page 784 - 785 parts 2 and 3)
1 Peter 3: 13 - 22
John 14: 15 - 21

Hymns Sunday, April 27th

Come and Find the Quiet Centre #374

Shout For God #246

I Willl Never Forget You My People printed

Rejoice The Lord Is King #213

Psalm 66 #784 Refrain 2

Doxology #541

Hymns for Sunday April 20

All The Way My Savior Leads Me #635

I'm Gonna Live So God Can Use Me #575

Holy Ground (printed)

The Church's One Foundation #332

Psalm 31 Page #758 Voices United

Doxology 540

Readings for April 20th, Fifth Sunday of Easter

Genesis 1: 1 - 2 & Chapter 2
Psalm 148 (Voices United page 871)
Matthew 5: 1 - 12 & 7: 24 - 29

Homemade Beans & Ham Supper at St. David's

Homemade Beans & Ham Supper
Strawberry Shortcake for Dessert
Saturday, April 19th
4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
St. David's Church Hall
Price is $7.00

Donations for this supper can be dropped off at the Church Hall between 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Friday.

Thank you for your support. The proceeds go to St. David's United Church.

St. Mark's Congregational Board Meeting, April 15th

St. Mark's Congregational Board will meet on Tuesday, April 15th
Executive: 6:30 p.m.
Committees: 7:15 p.m. Committees will choose their new chairs.
Combined Board: 8:15 p.m.

30-Hour Famine

2008, 30-Hour Famine

St. Mark’s United Church youth and some of their friends participated in another World Vision 30 Hour Famine. This is the 10th year that the famine has been done at St. Mark’s.

Everyone had a good time, and Sheldon LeGrow caught some of us still in our pajama’s when he came over for a visit. He surprised us all with his camera and then delighted us when he brought over a copy of the group picture for everyone, with room to put autographs. What a great keepsake!

The group raised $2,447.87 this year, which is enough to feed 6 families for a year and a 7th family for 8 months. I am very proud of this group. They worked hard at fundraising, and then worked hard at tiding up the church hall after the overnight event.

We all want to give a special thanks to the Ladies group, who donated money to provide us with our juice, the all the members of the congregation, who so generously donated to the young people when asked, and to all of the congregation, for the use of the hall. Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you.

Annemary Butcher
30 Hour Famine Facilitator