ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY APRIL 19TH 2015-3RD OF EASTER

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

April 19^th, 2015-3^rd of Easter

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 Refrain x2            This Is the Day That God Has Made            VU175

*Call to Worship & Opening Prayer

One: People of God, why are you here?

All: To bask in the graciousness of the God of love,

to seek forgiveness for our transgressions,

to calm our fears and sort through our doubts,

to learn more about following in your way,

to open our minds to wonder.

One: Surely this gladdens the heart of God,

you are very welcome here. Amen.

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

Prayer of Confession

“I know that you acted in ignorance” (Acts 3:17).

How often could these words be said to us?

In this place of grace and acceptance we take a moment to

consider this question.

Hold a moment of silence.

We confess the times we have chosen not to be informed, to

plant our feet firmly in “the ignorance is bliss” camp.

We confess the times we have behaved thoughtlessly toward

others and our world.

We confess the times that we have struggled to sort out what

is righteous from what is not.

We confess that we have held on to convictions that bear no

witness to truth.

We confess that we have even denied truths that are inconvenient for us.

We confess the times we have not noticed the manifold wonder

that is gifted to us in our lives.

Forgive us, generous God.

Silence.

Words of Affirmation Based on 1 John 3:1–7

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Acts 3:12–19

Peter explains the power of Jesus after healing a crippled man.

One: This is the witness of the early church. All: Thanks be to God.

Psalm 4                           The psalmist seeks God’s presence in all times.                   VU 727

*Hymn                        Jesus Came, a Child like Me                               VU 583

Opening the Word & Lord’s Prayer

The Gospel Acclamation

Luke 24:36b–48 Jesus appears and promises “Peace be with you.”

One: The gospel of Jesus Christ. All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Opening the Word 2

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

*Hymn                           Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound                        VU 266

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

*Offering Prayer

We bring our gifts today believing that wonderful things can be done with them. We give them gladly. Amen.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession An Act of Noticing

We are witnesses to the risen Christ.

Open our eyes to wonder.

Help us notice what is good.

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

*Hymn                                         He Touched Me                          Printed

*Commissioning

One: People of God,

Go out this day knowing that you are witnesses to the risen Christ. 

All: With our eyes open to wonder,

with our minds attuned to goodness,

with our souls aware of what fears and doubts still remain

but with our hearts open to joy and forgiveness,

we will go in peace to love and serve the world.

*Choral Amen

ST. DAVID'S UCW BIRTHDAY PARTY AT PORT HAWKESBURY NURSING HOME APRIL 15 2015

MOTOWN MEMORIES MAY 9TH AT 7:30 P.M. AT ST. MARK'S

Now for something absolutely different from the Inverness County Singers! No Handel this time! Come and enjoy an evening of Motown music at St. Mark's United Church at  7:30 PM, May 9th. We'll have you dancing in your seats!

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY APRIL 12TH 2015

Participating through leadership in worship this morning are:

Organist:                                   Al Fougere

Lay Reader (St. M.):                 Clark Brander

                    (St. D.):                 Susan Langley

Greeters & Collectors (St. M.): Denis Bernard, Earl West

Greeters (St. D.):                  Bruce Oliver

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

        Ashley Mac Leod

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  Knitters and crocheters gather together in the parlour of St. Mark’s on the 3^rd Monday of each month. Next time of gathering is April 20th at 1:00 p.m.

Copies of  “The Upper Room” for March- April are available.

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

Deadline for Bulletin information is Thursday at noon.

Indoor Curling at St. Mark's Hall, Wednesday, April 22nd,   

6:15- 7 p.m.  This will be the last one for this year. There is

 no indoor curling on April 15th.

Church Action Group: Stroll for Your Soul – 21 Emails to Encourage Walking  
It takes 21 days to create a habit. Use daily emails as motivation to get outside. The emails will help you notice the green and growing glories of Spring. If you are a regular walker, they offer practice at paying attention and being in the present moment. We need 10 people to sign on to this email retreat to get the group rate--signup sheet on the table in the church entry or call the church office to join. Walk on you own, with a favourite walking partner--or someone from this group. Each email will offer a practice, or a reflection, or a poem, or a photograph giving direction and encouragement to your time spent walking or jogging or biking or even skate boarding. Begins with a welcome email on April 27.

April 22nd – 10:30 a.m. – Service at the Nursing Home. Please note change of date for this month only.

**********

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  FundScrip order Sunday April 19^th and Delivery Sundays will be April 12^th and 26^th, 2015. Promotions for April are as follows:

Wayspa                       12%  ( Regular 10% )

Chapters-Indigo           7%    ( Regular 5% )

Cabela’s                      7%    ( Regular 4% )

Please contact Patsy Brander at 902-625-1062 or Bonnie Dawson at 902-625-3838 if you have any questions.

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? Signup sheet in the entry to the church or contact the church office.

Lay Readers:                                    

April 19^th – Judy Castle                  

April 26^th – Sarah Chiasson

April 19th – 8:00 a.m. – St. Mark’s Men’s Group Breakfast Meeting.

April 21^st – St. Mark’s Congregational Board Meeting.

**********

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:

April 19^th – Julia Mac Kinnon

April 26^th – Arnold Mac Lean

St. David’s Official Board Meeting  TODAY, April 12^th following Worship Service.

St. David’s UCW Have placed a box in the narthex for new or gently used womens & children’s scarves, mittens, gloves, hats and or socks. These will be sent to the Brunswick Street Mission in Halifax once enough have been collected.

Hall Cleaners for April are Heather Graham and Grace Pilgrim

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

++++++++++

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Engage Inverness County – Save the Date! Saturday, April 18^th –“Engage Inverness County” is a county-wide forum that brings together individuals, organizations, service providers and business to discuss, learn about and address what maters to residents in Inverness County. Everyone is welcome to attend. Please join us Saturday, April 18^th (9:00-4:00) at the Inverness Academy. Free admission. For further information visit www.invernesscounty.ca. To register for limited space please call 787-2147, or email debbie.nicholson@invernesscounty.ca by Monday, April 13^th

Job Opportunity: Vacation Bible School Coordinator

The United Church of Canada Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery is seeking a coordinator for a Vacation Bible School program during the summer of 2015. You will coordinate five week-long day camps in different locations in our the area

(Guysborough, Port Hawkesbury, Margaree, Whycocomagh, Baddeck). This position includes three weeks for preparation.

This is an eight week, full time position (35 hours per week).

Responsibilities:

Registration of each child

Provide training and support to youth assistants

Plan activities including crafts, games, worship, and bible teaching

(assistance provided)

Provide leadership at each camp, supported by youth assistants and volunteers

Your skills:

Ability to work with people of all ages, including volunteers

Ability to organize and to meet deadlines

Ability to write/develop curriculum and reports

Creativity and flexibility

First aid training

Assets:

Driver’s license

Some knowledge of worship practices, sacred music and biblical stories

Experience working with children eg. coaching, teaching, camp counselor

Background in music

Hourly rate: $13 per hour

Start date: June 22

Apply to: Christian Life and Growth Committee

c/o Alison Etter

PO Box 156

Baddeck NS B0E 1B0

email: alison.etter@bellaliant.net

Please include contact information for three references with your application. If you are selected for this position, you will require a completed Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector check.

Deadline for Applications is April 30

ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY APRIL 12TH 2015-2ND OF EASTER

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

April 12^th, 2015-2^nd of Easter

 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   Refrain x2 This Is the Day That God Has Made   VU175

*Call to Worship & Opening Prayer    (Based on Psalm 133)

One: Come, God of life,

come, Christ of salvation,

come, Spirit of peace,

come appear to us once more,

All: For it is good to be together in unity with you;

to be anointed by the precious oil of your presence;

to be washed with the fallen dew of your blessing.

Come abide with and within us this day.  Amen.

*Hymn             We Are One                                             VU 402  

Prayer for Wholeness   

Take out any keys you have on you and hold them in your hands during the prayer as a symbol of what is locked away.

Words of Affirmation

Jesus appeared to the disciples through locked doors.

He did not berate them,

he offered them peace.

Jesus stood with Thomas in his disbelief.

He did not rebuke him,

he offered him peace.

So Jesus stands with us

and does not condemn us.

Jesus offers peace and forgiveness,

and the gift of the Spirit to comfort us.

Thanks be to God.

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Acts 4:32–35

The believers shared everything they had, and no one was in need.   

One: This is the witness of the early church. All: Thanks be to God.

Psalm 133 The blessing of living together in unity.            (Sung)VU 856

*Hymn         We Are Marching                                VU 646

Opening the Word & Lord’s Prayer

The Gospel Acclamation

John 20:19–31        Jesus appears to disciples

One: The gospel of Jesus Christ. All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. 

Opening the Word 2

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

*Hymn   Just A Closer Walk With Thee       (Back of bulletin)

Minute for Mission     A Letter from the Moderator

Offering Our Gifts to God

*Offering Prayer

These, our gifts, are a sign of our confidence in the risen Jesus. They are our testament to the belief that all are included in God’s reign of justice and we send them unconditionally into the world to do good. Amen.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

*Hymn            All the Way My Saviour Leads Me                  VU 635

*Commissioning

No longer afraid. No longer locked up. Liberated and alive to abundant blessings. We go out into our world.

*Choral Amen

WEEKLY EASTER REFLECTION APRIL 12 2015

April 12

John 20:19–31

The story of Thomas is one we can probably all relate
to – for how often do we want proof before we believe
something? The important thing about Thomas’ story
is that he doesn’t completely disengage from his faith.
He wonders and questions, and then comes to believe
after ecountering the resurrected Christ. Jesus says to
the disciples, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (verse 22), and
as disciples today, we have the Holy Spirit with us as we
share our wonderings and welcome them from others.

This week, write down some of the wonderings or questions
you have about faith. Share these with another person
– maybe your pastor or a close friend of faith.
Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2014 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Lent • Easter 2015, p.21

EASTER SUNDAY, 2015 AT ST. MARK'S

MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE AND POT LUCK DINNER

A Maundy Thursday Service with Communion and a Pot Luck Dinner was held April 2nd at St. David's.

ORDER OF SERVICE APRIL 5TH 2015 EASTER 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: 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

April 5^th, 2015

Easter Sunday—Sacrament of Communion

We Gather to Worship God

Procession forms at the entry to the church. The “river” returns

Choral Reading Mark 16: 1-8

A: When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James, and Salome,

B: women who had remained with him to the end,

A: bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him.

B: To make things right.

A: Very early on the first day of the week,

B: when the sun had risen,

A: they went to the tomb,

B: where they had seen his body laid.

A: They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the en­trance to the tomb?”

B: A predicament that needed a solution. Would there be someone available to assist?

A: When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back.

B: Predicament solved, but by whom?

A: As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed.

B: Obviously! This is astonishing.

A: But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him.”

B: No body. An empty place. An empty space. More alarming. A: “But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.”

B: Remember this is the third day.

A: So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them –

B: so much emotion –

A: and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

B: Afraid. Afraid that it is true, afraid that it isn’t.

But this is a beginning, not an ending.

And somehow a sprinkling of hope becomes a torrent of belief, and fear is washed away.

Suddenly, where there was death, there is life.

The stone is rolled away, the floodgate is open

and God’s living water surges in

and saturates the earth with love.

*Sung Response       Halle, Halle, Halle        VU 958

*Easter Processional      Christ the Lord Is Risen Today      VU 157

Call to Worship

Easter Candle Liturgy

(Light the Christ candle.)

Today we celebrate: new life, new joy, new possibilities, and new light.

All: Alleluia, Christ is risen,

Christ is risen indeed, Alleluia.

Welcome and greeting one another with the Peace of Christ.

One: The Peace of Christ be with you.

All: And with your spirit.

Opening Prayer

God of new life; you are with us in this sacred space, in this sacred moment, as you are with all people in all times and in all places. God of liberty, hear our joyful cries of hallelujah, for we need no longer look for you in death, the tomb is empty. We need no longer seek you in the empty tomb, you are alive. We witness you in life, abundant and bountiful life. Hallelujah!

Offering of Music (St. Mark’s Choir) Jesus Rose Again

*Hymn (St. David’s) Because He Lives (Back of Bulletin)

We Listen for God’s Word

Acts 10:34-43       Peter preaches, "God shows no partiality."

Psalm 118        God is my strength and my song.       Pts. 1, 2, 3 VU 837

*Hymn      Is the Day       VU 412

Opening the Word

Gospel Acclamation

John 20: 1-18 The resurrected Jesus appears to Peter and Mary

Readers Theatre with 4 Voices

We Respond in Faith

Minute for Mission

Offering Our Gifts to God

*Offering Prayer

A stone rolled, and Love is on the loose!

With these gifts, we set loose our love

for God’s great work in the world.

For today, we see

love is stronger than anger,

hope is stronger than fear.

Hallelujah and amen!

Written by: barb m. janes, Crescent Fort Rouge U.C., Winnipeg, Man. Gathering, LE 2015, page 43. Used with permission.

Liturgy of Easter Transformation

One: Christ is risen! All: Christ is risen indeed!

One: We recall the faith of the women and disciples attending the cross and tomb, and we recall their journey of trans­formation that began on that first Easter morning. Today, we are all invited into this continuing journey through time and place. May this cross be for us today, a symbol of the hope, of the surprise, of the uncertainty that comes as a follower of the eternal Christ.

Christ is risen!

All: Christ is risen indeed! Let us journey to the empty cross together!

As we prepare the sacrament, you are invited to come to the cross and light a candle to symbolize a person or event or decision in your life for which you desire an Easter hope of transformation.

*Hymn       As We Gather at Your Table       VU 457

Sacrament of Communion Insert, cover of Voices United

Distribution Hymn       Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Give Thanks      VU 179

We Go to Serve God

*Hymn           Thine Is the Glory         VU 173

*Commissioning

May the love of the risen Christ nourish and sustain us.

May the Eternal Light of the world renew

and inspire us to lives of care and compassion.

May we go forward and be the body of the risen Christ.

*Choral Amen