ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY OCTOBER 8TH 2017-THANKSGIVING 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: 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

The Season after Pentecost-Creation Time 5

October 8th, 2017-Thanksgiving Sunday

‘Your paths overflow with plenty.’  Psalm 65

Thoughts around which to gather as we worship: The people of Israel had wandered for a long time, trusting God’s promise to bring them to a new land. In today’s read­ing, as they prepare to enter the promised land, they are reminded of its bounty, but also are cautioned not to forget that God has brought them to this moment. Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2017 Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2013, p. 26

Announcements         The Work of Church and Community

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD

Greeting 

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 Know That God Is Good   MV 104

Call to Worship 

Let us remember the goodness of God. 
We remember, with thankful hearts.
God gave us the sun, the moon, the earth and all that it contains. 
We remember, with thankful hearts. 
Through the Bible and through history, God gave us children, youth, adults and seniors of faith and courage.
We remember, with thankful hearts. 
God delivered us from slavery in Egypt 
and brought us to the promised land.
We remember, with thankful hearts.
God gave us new hope and new life in Christ.
We remember, with thankful hearts. 
With all creation, let us shout and sing for joy! 

Opening Prayer

We thank you, gracious God, for all that you have given us:
the land and its resources,
freedom and its rights and responsibilities,
the joy of sharing,
the wonders of new life,
and the gift of this day.
Guide us to be ever mindful of all you have done for us
that we might never stop giving thanks
for all things great and small. Amen.

*Hymn   The Church Is Wherever God’s People   VU 579

Prayer for Wholeness

Loving God, we confess that we do not always remember you. 
We forget that all we have and are comes from you. 
We forget how much we owe to those who have gone before us.
We forget to be thankful for a drink of water,
a flower, a breeze, a touch, a smile.
We forget that we are all alive in you. We are one in your love—
all the people, plants, animals, rivers, oceans, and skies.
We forget that we are responsible to care for ourselves and others, and all that is in the earth. 
We forget that following Jesus is the most challenging and joyous journey that we can take in life.
God, forgive us. Help us to remember and respond with love. Amen.

Words of Affirmation 

The good news is that God loves and forgives us, and forever invites us to return to the ways of wholeness. 
We can be new people; we can live with respect for Earth and all her creatures.

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Deuteronomy 8:7–18 God will bring you to a bountiful land

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

Psalm 65  God provides; the valleys shout and sing.   VU782

*Hymn Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound VU 266

Opening the Word & The Lord’s Prayer

Gospel Acclamation

Luke 17:11–19 Ten healed; one returns to offer thanks.

One: This is Good News. All: Thanks be to God. 

Opening the Word 2

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

* Hymn Praise the Lord with the Sound of Trumpet VU 245

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

*Offering Prayer

Generous God, you always give us gifts: gifts of life, of hope, of wholeness. We share our gifts with you and with others. May we always give of ourselves and what we have, with generous 
and loving hearts. Amen.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession    

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn Praise and Thanksgiving Printed

*Commissioning and Blessing

We have remembered God’s blessings.
We have given thanks.
We will continue to experience and share God’s blessings
as we journey onward in our lives.
We will remember, and we will respond with our love.
May God’s Spirit be with us as we go in the name of Christ.
We go in peace.

*Choral Amen

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY OCTOBER 1ST 2017

Ministering through leadership in worship this morning are:
Organist:         Al Fougere
Lay Reader (St. M.): Dave Chapman
                   (St. D.): Kenzie Mac Lean
Mission Moment (St. M.): Barb Mac Intyre
Greeters & Collectors (St. M): Jean Wilson, Brenda Mac Eachern
Greeter (St. D.): Sally & George Fox
Collectors (St. D.): Susan Fox, Amy MacKillop

OFFICE HOURS: 
Monday & 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

Copies of the “UPPER ROOM” for Sept.-Oct. are available.

Deadline for information for the bulletin is Thursday at noon.

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

We will be celebrating "Creation Time" in the Season after Pentecost until Thanksgiving Sunday, October 8th. 

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 October 16th at 1:00 p.m.

"Common Vision: Singing to End Hunger", World Food Day, October 16th at St. Mark's United Church, Port Hawkesbury. We join with churches and communities across Canada as they raise their voices in song and help make sure our entire human family is well-fed. An ecumenical/community concert in support of the work the Canadian Foodgrains Bank is doing to help alleviate hunger. Interested in singing in the choir? Practices at 6:30 Wednesdays until the concert date, starting September 27th at St. Mark's.

**********

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:
October 8th – Brenda Mac Innis    
October 15th – Jean Mac Pherson
October 22nd – Combined Service St. David’s Anniversary
October 29th –Vida Hood

The FundScrip October Order Dates are Sunday October 8th and 22nd and the Delivery Dates are Sunday October 1st, 15th and 29th.

The Promotions for October are as follows:
Shell                           3% ( Regular 2% )
Amazon.ca                   4% ( Regular 2% )
Giant Tiger                  5% ( Regular 3% )
If you have any questions or wish to join the program please contact Patsy Brander at 902-625-1062or Bonnie Dawson at 902-625-3838.

Oct. 17th – St. Mark’s Congregational Board Meeting.

**********

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:
Oct. 8th – Marie Mac Kinnon         
Oct. 15th – Susan Langley            
Oct. 22nd – Arnold Mac Lean         
Oct. 29th – Wanda Radford 

Looking for Lay Readers – If interested contact me at roymackinnon@ns.sympatico.ca or 902-625-1519

October 22nd  – St. David’s Anniversary Service. 

Hall Cleaners for October are Wanda Harb, Florence Timmons  

There will be a short meeting of the St. David's congregation, on Sunday, October 1st, following worship, to discuss the possibility of updating our church photo directory. Please plan to attend.

Fish Cake & Bean Supper with Homemade Brown Bread, Biscuits and Apple Crisp: Saturday, October 14th , 4:00 pm. – 6 pm. at the Port Hastings Fire Hall. Adults $15.00 at the door. Take outs available.  Sponsored by St. David’s UCW.

**********

Anyone wishing a drive to New Glasgow or Truro,  please contact Margie Mac Intyre at 902-625-1361 for dates and times.

Donate your gently used clothing to Port of Welcome Settlement Association. Drop off clothing at Cathy's Consignment shop and ask that proceeds of sales go to the POWSA account (act#4488). Once our family arrives they will be able to use the credit in that account.

Pastoral Airs Concert, will be held at St. David's United Church, Port Hastings, Sunday, December 3rd, 7 p.m. Local Talent. This is the first Sunday in Advent. Free Will Offering in support of the Strait Area Food Bank.

Port Hawkesbury Ceilidh   Tuesdays @ 7:30 - 9pm   Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre   Admission: $10.00  Students (under 16) $4.00 / Children (under 5) free. Free Tea & Oatcakes 
Oct 3                 Pre Celtic Colours Show: Shelly Campbell | Allan Dewar | Joe MacMaster | Cheryl MacQuarrie Dancers | Joanne MacIntyre & Family

The Friends of the Library are having another book sale on October 14 at the cafeteria at SAERC. Also we are accepting good used books from now on.  They can be dropped at the library or to Jean Mac Pherson here at the church

Point Tupper Heritage Association will be hosting their 6th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner Oct. 7th from 4-6 p.m. at St. Mark’s Church Hall. Eat in or take out. Adults $15.00, children (under 10) $5.00

Point Tupper Heritage Association will be hosting a Kitchen Party Oct. 15th from 7-9 p.m. at the Museum – music by Evelyn Mac Rae and Wayne Bona. Admission $5.00 – oatcakes, juice & tea.while they last.

Roast Beef Supper, Saturday, October 7th.  4:30 - 6:00 p.m. Trinity United Church Hall, Mulgrave.  Eat in, Take out, or delivery.  $12.00 adults / $6.00 children.  For information please call 902-747-2695.

Bake Sale and Flea Market, Saturday, October 21st. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon.  Trinity United Church Hall, Mulgrave.  Come early for best items!

ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY OCTOBER 1ST 2017-CREATION TIME 4-RIVER SUNDAY-WORLD COMMUNION

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: The Whole People of God  Minister: Nan Corrigan D.M.

Minister of Music: Al Fougere

The Season after Pentecost-Creation Time 4

October 1st, 2017-River Sunday

‘The river of God is full of water’. Psalm 65:9

World Communion Sunday

Thoughts around which to gather as we worship: This week, visit a river, stream, or other waterway. Im­agine God’s waters of healing and renewal flowing over you and the places in creation that are hurting.

Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2014 

Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2013, p. 12

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   Know That God Is Good   MV 104

Call to Worship  

One: The spirit moved over the water and life emerged from the deep. 
All: We are drawn to the well-spring, the water of life. 
One: Here let us drink deeply from the life-giving river of God. All: We gather in this place to be refreshed, renewed.
Water is poured into a glass and placed on the table.

Opening Prayer   Written by Beverly Brazier, Whitehorse U.C., Whitehorse, Y.T. Gathering, Pentecost 2 2017, p. 41

*Mary Jo Leddy, Say to the Darkness, We Beg to Differ (Lester & Orpen Dennys, 2002)

*Hymn For the Beauty of the Earth VU 226 

Prayer for Wholeness

Half the water in the glass is poured back into the jug of water.
One: When we are empty, All: fill us, O God.
One: When we are careless, All: wash us clean.
One: When we are selfish, All: spill over our edges.
One: When we are frightened, All: ripple in gentle pools.
One: When we are dry, All: rain in our hearts.
One: When we are bogged down,
All: set your rainbow above us.
One: When we are asleep,
All: splash us awake with crystal clear droplets.
For we forget your call to let your healing waters flow through us. Amen.

Words of Affirmation

The water glass is refilled.
One: Friends, the God who calls us into new life,
sends the spirit to renew the whole Earth.
All: God surrounds us in a covenant of love.
We will live in thanks and praise. 

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Genesis 8:20-22; 9:12-17 ‘God’s promise to Earth’

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

Psalm 104 (Part 2--Ref 2) ‘God’s sustenance of Earth’ VU827

*Hymn I’ve Got Peace like a River VU 577

Opening the Word

The Gospel Acclamation

Matthew 28:1-10  ‘God’s celebration with Earth’

One: This is Good News! All: Thanks be to God. 

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

*Hymn Peace is Flowing Like a River Printed 

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

*Offering Prayer

Your work needs many hands to see it to fulfillment.
Your work needs our trust and participation.
Through our gifts this day and through our discipleship,
we offer what we have and are to you.
Bless all of our giving and multiply our gifts
so that your vision may become reality. Amen. 

Written by Beth W Johnston, Hantsport P.C., Hantsport, N.S. 

Gathering, Pentecost 2 2017, p. 42

*Communion Hymn  As We Gather at Your Table    VU 457 

Sacrament of Communion   Communion Insert, cover of VU

Distribution Hymn One Bread, One Body VU 467

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn We Are Marching VU 646 

*Commissioning and Blessing

Go from this place of refreshment to awaken hope,
share healing, and restore justice.
May the life-giving river of God flow in and through you,
pouring out God’s blessing in love for one another
and for all the Earth now and forever.

*Choral Amen

OCTOBER FUNDSCRIP PROMOTIONS

The FundScrip October Order Dates are Sunday October 8^th and 22^nd and the Delivery Dates are Sunday October 1^st, 15^th and 29^th.

The Promotions for October are as follows:

Shell                           3% ( Regular 2% )

Amazon.ca                 4% ( Regular 2% )

Giant Tiger                 5% ( Regular 3% )

If you have any questions or wish to join the program please contact Patsy Brander at 902-625-1062 or Bonnie Dawson at 902-625-3838.

ORDER OF SERVICE-SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 24TH 2017-CREATION TIME 3

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

The Season after Pentecost-Creation Time 3

September 24th 2017-Wilderness Sunday

‘Let the wilderness lift up its voice.’ Isaiah 42:11

Thoughts around which to gather as we worship: We’ve all experienced wilderness in our lives. Either a literal image, an experience in a physical place, or a spiritual experience where we feel separated from God. In Romans, Paul points to the Holy Spirit as our connec­tion with God when we are in these wilderness places. The challenge for us today is to find union with God in both physical and spiritual experiences of wilderness – by caring for creation and caring for our spiritual lives. How might we let the wilderness renew us and deepen our connection with God?

Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2014 Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2013, p. 12

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 Know That God Is Good   MV 104

Call to Worship 

One: In wilderness and wild places, in groans and breath, in lonely spaces, in birth and rebirth, in fire and flame, in pain and joy, beyond familiar traces, encounter the Holy. 
All: We gather in this place, separated from our usual spaces, to wonder, laugh, and maybe even cry, to discover and to hope, to meet God here among us.

Opening Prayer

Do we dare?
Dare we venture into the wild places? 
Wilderness spaces – frozen tundra, windswept outback, tangled bush, jagged mountain ranges, fathomless seas – so much beauty, so much danger, so much uncertainty. 
Dare we find God present? 
In painful distress, disappointed hopes, and almost abandoned dreams, listen for the deep and anguished sighs and groans. 
Yes, God, you are here! Amen.

*Hymn   Come, Let Us Sing           VU 222

Prayer for Wholeness

Response: One: Hear our prayers…
All : God as mourner and midwife,
breathe with us in mercy and care.

Words of Affirmation

One: When we call to God in our distress,
when we cry in our anguish and hurt,
the Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.
All : We have the first fruits of the Spirit within us,
renewing the whole creation. Thanks be!

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Joel 1:8–10, 17–20 Even the wild beasts cry to thee.

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

Psalm 65:5-13  The pastures of the wilderness overflow

*Hymn Spirit of Gentleness        VU 375

Opening the Word & The Lord’s Prayer

Romans 8:18-27 The whole creation waits with eager longing

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

Opening the Word 2

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

* Hymn     It’s a Song of Praise to the Maker MV 30

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

*Offering Prayer

God, our Creator, through your love you have given us these gifts to share. Accept our offerings as an expression of our deep thanks and as signs of concern for those in need, including our fellow creatures on planet Earth. Amen. 

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession    

Times of silence for personal prayer will be offered throughout.

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn You Shall Go Out with Joy           VU 884

*Commissioning and Blessing

In every gift of God there is a test of self-discovery,
a promise of life.
Go from this place into the wild places where God already is.
And may the blessing of God who searches the heart
lead you into the freedom of God’s whole creation,
today and every day.

*Choral Amen

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 24TH 2017

Ministering through leadership in worship this morning are:
Organist:         Al Fougere
Lay Reader (St. M.): Judy Castle
                   (St. D.): Bruce Corrigan
Mission Moment (St. M.):
Greeters & Collectors (St. M):Linda Howlett, Annabel Butts
Greeter (St. D.): Bob Downard
Collectors (St. D.): Iaian Langley, Heather Graham

OFFICE HOURS: 
Monday & 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

Copies of the “UPPER ROOM” for Sept.-Oct. are available.

Deadline for information for the bulletin is Thursday at noon.

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

We will be celebrating "Creation Time" in the Season after Pentecost until Thanksgiving Sunday, October 8th. 

Communion will be celebrated on World Communion Sunday, October 1st. 

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 October 16th at 1:00 p.m.

Wednesday, September 27, 2017; 10:30 a.m. – Service at Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home. Everyone welcome.

"Common Vision: Singing to End Hunger", World Food Day, October 16th at St. Mark's United Church, Port Hawkesbury. We join with churches and communities across Canada as they raise their voices in song and help make sure our entire human family is well-fed. An ecumenical/community concert in support of the work the Canadian Foodgrains Bank is doing to help alleviate hunger. Interested in singing in the choir? Practices at 6:30 Wednesdays until the concert date, starting September 27th at St. Mark's.

**********

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:
October 1st – Dave Chapman
October 8th – Brenda Mac Innis    
October 15th – Jean Mac Pherson
October 22nd – Combined Service St. David’s Anniversary
October 29th –Vida Hood

FundScrip 
The FundScrip Order Date is Sunday September 24th and the Delivery Date is Sunday October 1st.
The Promotions for September are as follows:
Shell                                                     3% ( Regular 2% )
La Vie en Rose                                       11% ( Regular 8% )
Pizza Pizza                                             12% ( Regular 10% )
Gap/Old Navy/Banana Republic              10% ( Regular 5% )
Hudson’s Bay/Home Outfitters                5% ( Regular 3 % )
If you have any questions or wish to join the program please contact Patsy Brander at 902-625-1062 or Bonnie Dawson at 902-625-3838

**********

ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:
Oct. 8th – Marie Mac Kinnon         
Oct. 15th – Susan Langley            
Oct. 22nd – Arnold Mac Lean         
Oct. 29th – Wanda Radford 

Looking for Lay Readers – If interested contact me at roymackinnon@ns.sympatico.ca or 902-625-1519

October 22nd  – St. David’s Anniversary Service. 
No Service at St. Mark’s

Hall Cleaners for September are Catherine Mac Lean, Lynn King  

There will be a short meeting of the St. David's congregation, on Sunday, October 1st, following worship, to discuss the possibility of updating our church photo directory. Please plan to attend.

Thank you to everyone who made this roast beef supper the success it was. We took in $3671.00.

Fish Cake & Bean Supper with Homemade Brown Bread, Biscuits and Apple Crisp: Saturday, October 14th , 4:00 pm. – 6 pm. at the Port Hastings Fire Hall. Take outs available.  Sponsored by St. David’s UCW.

**********

Anyone wishing a drive to New Glasgow or Truro,  please contact Margie Mac Intyre at 902-625-1361 for dates and times.

Donate your gently used clothing to Port of Welcome Settlement Association. Drop off clothing at Cathy's Consignment shop and ask that proceeds of sales go to the POWSA account (act#4488). Once our family arrives they will be able to use the credit in that account.

Pastoral Airs Concert, will be held at St. David's United Church, Port Hastings, Sunday, December 3rd, 7 p.m. Local Talent. This is the first Sunday in Advent. Free Will Offering in support of the Strait Area Food Bank.

Port Hawkesbury Ceilidh   
Tuesdays @ 7:30 - 9pm   
Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre   
Admission: $10.00  Students (under 16) $4.00 / Children (under 5) free. Free Tea & Oatcakes 
Sept 26         Melody Cameron | Derrick Cameron | Joel Chiasson | Stephen MacLennan | Lewis MacLennan | Pat Lamey | Heather Richards 
Oct 3                 Pre Celtic Colours Show: Shelly Campbell | Allan Dewar | Joe MacMaster | Cheryl MacQuarrie Dancers | Joanne MacIntyre & Family

The Friends of the Library are having another book sale on October 14 at the cafeteria at SAERC. Also we are accepting good used books from now on.  They can be dropped at the library or to Jean Mac Pherson here at the church

Point Tupper Heritage Association will be hosting their 6th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner Oct. 7th from 4-6 p.m. at St. Mark’s Church Hall. Eat in or take out. Adults $15.00, children (under 10) $5.00

Point Tupper Heritage Association will be hosting a Kitchen Party Oct. 15th from 7-9 p.m. at the Museum – music by Evelyn Mac Rae and Wayne Bona. Admission $5.00 – oatcakes, juice & tea.while they last.

Roast Beef Supper, Saturday, October 7th.  4:30 - 6:00 p.m. Trinity United Church Hall, Mulgrave.  Eat in, Take out, or delivery.  $12.00 adults / $6.00 children.  For information please call 902-747-2695.

Bake Sale and Flea Market, Saturday, October 21st. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon.  Trinity United Church Hall, Mulgrave.  Come early for best items!

St. Joseph’s Parish Fall Fair at St. Joseph Parish Grounds in Port Hawkesbury (rain location basement of Church) on Saturday, September 30th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.. Multifamily yard sale, (New to You) Bake Table, preserves, jellies and jams, fudge, all ages book table. Sales commence at 9:00 a.m. sharp. Children’s Games . Light tea . 50/50 draw. Barbeque. All ages welcome!

ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 17TH 2017

Ministering through leadership in worship this morning are:
Organist:                 Al Fougere
Lay Reader (St. M.): Wayne Simpson
                   (St. D.): Bruce Corrigan
Mission Moment (St. M.): Linda Howlett
Greeters & Collectors (St. M):Linda Howlett, Annabel Butts
Greeter (St. D.):         Bob Downard
Collectors (St. D.):         Iaian Langley, Heather Graham

OFFICE HOURS: 
Monday & 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

Copies of the “UPPER ROOM” for Sept.-Oct. are available.

Deadline for information for the bulletin is Thursday at noon.

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

We will be celebrating "Creation Time" in the Season after Pentecost until Thanksgiving Sunday, October 8th. 

Communion will be celebrated on World Communion Sunday, October 1st. 

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 September 18th at 1:00 p.m.

September 27, 2017; 10:30 a.m. – Service at Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home. Everyone welcome.

**********

ST. MARK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

St. Mark's "Sticker-ocracy" 
St. Mark's Board will be meeting this week. A chart re this congregation's past and present realities has been in the church entry over the summer. As well, the congregation has been invited to add to the list of possible future scenarios for St. Mark's that were generated at the June Board meeting. Today you have been given 3 stickers as you arrived. In the lobby you will find flipchart paper with options for movement into the future. As a way of your Board getting a feel for how the congregation would like to proceed, we invite you to place your stickers beside your preferred option or options (ie. you can place all 3 stickers with one suggestion you really like or divide them up). Sticker-ocracy at work!

Lay Readers:
Sept. 24th – Judy Castle
October 1st – Dave Chapman
October 8th – Brenda Mac Innis    
October 15th – Jean Mac Pherson
October 22nd – Combined Service St. David’s Anniversary
October 29th –Vida Hood

FundScrip 
The FundScrip Order Date is Sunday September 24th and the Delivery Dates are Sunday September 17th & October 1st.
The Promotions for September are as follows:
Shell                                                     3% ( Regular 2% )
La Vie en Rose                                       11% ( Regular 8% )
Pizza Pizza                                             12% ( Regular 10% )
Gap/Old Navy/Banana Republic              10% ( Regular 5% )
Hudson’s Bay/Home Outfitters                5% ( Regular 3 % )
If you have any questions or wish to join the program please contact Patsy Brander at 902-625-1062 or Bonnie Dawson at 902-625-3838

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

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ST. DAVID’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lay Readers:
Sept. 24th – Alicia Vink         
Oct. 1st  – Kenzie Mac Lean
Oct. 8th – Marie Mac Kinnon         
Oct. 15th – Susan Langley            
Oct. 22nd – Arnold Mac Lean         
Oct. 29th – Wanda Radford 

Looking for Lay Readers – If interested contact me at roymackinnon@ns.sympatico.ca or 902-625-1519

Sunday School Classes will begin on September 24th. 

October 22nd  – St. David’s Anniversary Service. Postponed to October 22nd.  No Service at St. Mark’s

Hall Cleaners for September are Catherine Mac Lean, Lynn King  

There will be a short meeting of the St. David's congregation, on Sunday, October 1st, following worship, to discuss the possibility of updating our church photo directory. Please plan to attend.

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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE TEA THYME QUILTERS will begin a new season this Wednesday, September 20. Quilters will be meeting around a quilt from 10:00-2:00 each Wednesday. All are invited!

Anyone wishing a drive to New Glasgow or Truro,  please contact Margie Mac Intyre at 902-625-1361 for dates and times.

Donate your gently used clothing to Port of Welcome Settlement Association. Drop off clothing at Cathy's Consignment shop and ask that proceeds of sales go to the POWSA account (act#4488). Once our family arrives they will be able to use the credit in that account.

Terry Fox Run 2017 - Today at 1:00 pm at Port Hawkesbury Community Park ***NEW LOCATION*** 

Point Tupper Heritage Association will be hosting a kitchen party Sept. 17th from 7-9 p.m. at the Museum. Music by Evelyn MacRae and Wayne Bona - $5.00 admission – Oatcakes, Tea & Juice served while they last.

Pastoral Airs Concert, will be held at St. David's United Church, Port Hastings, Sunday, December 3rd, 7 p.m. Local Talent. This is the first Sunday in Advent. Free Will Offering in support of the Strait Area Food Bank.

Port Hawkesbury Ceilidh   Tuesdays @ 7:30 - 9pm   
Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre   
Admission: $10.00  Students (under 16) $4.00 / Children (under 5) free. 
Free Tea & Oatcakes 
Sept 19         Kenneth MacKenzie | Mac Morin | Daibhidh MacFhraing | Krista & Jay Luddington 
Sept 26         Melody Cameron | Derrick Cameron | Joel Chiasson | Stephen MacLennan | Lewis MacLennan | Pat Lamey | Heather Richards 
Oct 3                 Pre Celtic Colours Show: Shelly Campbell | Allan Dewar | Joe MacMaster | Cheryl MacQuarrie Dancers | Joanne MacIntyre & Family

The Friends of the Library are having another book sale on October 14 at the cafeteria at SAERC. Also we are accepting good used books from now on.  They can be dropped at the library or to Jean Mac Pherson here at the church

This month's breakfast will be on Saturday, September 23rd from 8:30 -11:30 at the Evergreen Club

ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 17TH 2017-CREATION TIME 2-LAND 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: 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

The Season after Pentecost-Creation Time 1

September 17th 2017-Land Sunday

Raised vegetable bed at the manse this summer

‘Let the field exult and everything in it’. Psalm 96:12

Thoughts around which to gather as we worship: This week, listen to or read the news paying special atten­tion to stories that talk about land. For example, develop­ment, disputes, conservation, displacement, or issues related to borders and cultural or national identity. Spend time praying for those who are caught in the middle of these news-stories.

Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2014 Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2013, p. 12

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 Know That God Is Good   MV 104

Call to Worship 
One: From many different lands we gather
on this land, in this place, at this time.
All: You are with us,
God of the earth, the land, the sky.
One: In difficult times,
in difficult places,
in strange and unknown lands
people gather to worship God in spirit and truth
All: and God is always here...always near...
watching...waiting...
listening...breathing...
in spirit and in truth.

Opening Prayer

In holy presence we gather: We come with the land…
We lift our voice with the voice of the land: 
seeking from God what makes for life, 
crying out for the violence that has been done, 
longing and working for creation’s redemption.
We listen with the land for vibrations of God’s presence, 
grounding all in the deep assurance 
that God is and will be in this place. Amen. 

*Hymn   Praise the Lord with the Sound of Trumpet   VU245

Prayer for Wholeness

Assurance of Forgiveness
One: Even where the consequences for wrong are almost beyond enduring, the psalmist reminds us that there is no one and nowhere outside or beyond the reach of God’s care. 
All: God’s loving grace is abundant. God’s gift of forgiveness opens the way for transformation and life. Thanks be to God, for the possibility of love.

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Genesis 3:14–19; 4:8–16 Earth bears the curse for us
One: This is the witness of the Hebrew people. All: Thanks be to God. 

Psalm 139   How deep your designs are to me parts 1 & 2, VU861

*Hymn This Is God's Wondrous World   VU296

Opening the Word & The Lord’s Prayer

Gospel Acclamation

Matthew 5:1-12  Blessed are the meek; they shall inherit the earth

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

Opening the Word 2

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

* Hymn     Touch the Earth Lightly VU307

Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God

*Offering Prayer
God of abundance,
We offer these gifts in gratitude:
gratitude for your watchful presence,
gratitude for your constant support,
gratitude for your gentle prodding,
and gratitude for your love without condition 
and acceptance without limit.
May we always have thankful hearts and giving hands.
Amen! 

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession    Response: One: Hear our prayers.  All: Hear our prayers, O God...

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn Let All Things Now Living   VU242

*Commissioning and Blessing

Go from this place into the land beloved of God. 
Tread lightly on the land that your footprints may not harm. 
Touch gently with your hands that healing may bring hope.
Tremble softly in anticipation of the Spirit’s presence, 
transforming life with love in every time and place.

*Choral Amen