Thursday, February 04, 2010
Caring and Sharing for Haiti Worship
by Sharon Cheverie
Pictou- Greeting at our Caring and Sharing for Haiti Worship were Sharon Dewar and Gwen MacDonald, steward was David Steele.
Worship began with Rev. Mary-Beth Moriarity reporting on an update received from the Methodist Church in Haiti where the need continues. They have asked for prayers for their collogues who had been reported missing and now have been confirmed dead.
Art MacDonald gave a report from the Nominations Committee.
Amelia Parker lit the Christ Candle.
Time with the children touched on how God uses us to do great things. It doesn’t matter your age, size, color or where you are from. With God in us and working together we can all make a difference.
Brenda Parker read Hebrew Scripture Jeremiah 1: 4-10 and the Gospel Lesson Luke 4:14-30.
During reflections Rev. Moriarity asked “What is the Point”? She said there are three things in life that really matter. Faith, Hope and Love, the greatest of these is love. Love is good, kind and supportive. Love can help make a hopeless situation see hope. If we don’t have love what is the point? God’s love continues. Love is the point. It never, never, never ends.
Ministry of Music “Go in Love” was offered by the choir.
This week’s bulletin was dedicated in loving memory of Dr. Reginald Starrat Dunn and Thea Macdonald Dunn by Lesly and family.
Sharing and Caring for continued flowing worship with a Brown Bag Auction, food and fellowship.
This week, the first Sunday in the month, please remember the Food Bank. Worship begins at 10:30. All are welcome.
Pictou- Greeting at our Caring and Sharing for Haiti Worship were Sharon Dewar and Gwen MacDonald, steward was David Steele.
Worship began with Rev. Mary-Beth Moriarity reporting on an update received from the Methodist Church in Haiti where the need continues. They have asked for prayers for their collogues who had been reported missing and now have been confirmed dead.
Art MacDonald gave a report from the Nominations Committee.
Amelia Parker lit the Christ Candle.
Time with the children touched on how God uses us to do great things. It doesn’t matter your age, size, color or where you are from. With God in us and working together we can all make a difference.
Brenda Parker read Hebrew Scripture Jeremiah 1: 4-10 and the Gospel Lesson Luke 4:14-30.
During reflections Rev. Moriarity asked “What is the Point”? She said there are three things in life that really matter. Faith, Hope and Love, the greatest of these is love. Love is good, kind and supportive. Love can help make a hopeless situation see hope. If we don’t have love what is the point? God’s love continues. Love is the point. It never, never, never ends.
Ministry of Music “Go in Love” was offered by the choir.
This week’s bulletin was dedicated in loving memory of Dr. Reginald Starrat Dunn and Thea Macdonald Dunn by Lesly and family.
Sharing and Caring for continued flowing worship with a Brown Bag Auction, food and fellowship.
This week, the first Sunday in the month, please remember the Food Bank. Worship begins at 10:30. All are welcome.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Hope and Healing service for Haiti
by Sharon Cheverie
Pictou – Greeters were Margibel and Wilson Jones, steward was Nancy Steele.
Our Hope and Healing service for Haiti began with Susan Fraser who read a letter received by our partners of the Methodist Church in Haiti.
Lighting the Christ Candle were Luke and Rebecca Young who also led the Call to Worship.
Rev. Mary-Beth Moriarity’s time with the children started with the showing of a slide of hands holding the world which was followed by conversation of what is happening in Haiti and people around the world trying to help. She also showed a slide of a child playing amongst the ruble and seeing that as a sign of hope.
She explained to the children that because we care and we have a lot to share, the church will be holding a brown bag auction next week following service, with all money being donated to Haiti. The children were given brown bags to take to class to decorate then to take home to fill with something for the upcoming auction.
Rev. Moriarity read the Hebrew Scripture and Gospel Lesson.
During Reflections “We Are God’s Hands”, various slides were shown of the ruins and devastation in Haiti to the song “Hands” by Jewel. Rev. Moriarity spoke of the feelings of being overwhelmed and powerless, that our pain is god’s pain and how we need hope and healing. We must transform our compassion into passion. That we need to be global citizens of hope and healing each and every day. We are god’s hands. No one has the right to feel helpless; there is too much work to do.
Ministry of Music was offered by Randy and Cecily Gilby as they beautifully sang “Imagine”.
This week’s bulletin was dedicated in loving memory of son Donald by June and Robert Cameron.
This Sunday following worship there will be a fun and fundraiser for the “Haiti Emergency Appeal”. Worship begins at 10:30, all are welcome.
Pictou – Greeters were Margibel and Wilson Jones, steward was Nancy Steele.
Our Hope and Healing service for Haiti began with Susan Fraser who read a letter received by our partners of the Methodist Church in Haiti.
Lighting the Christ Candle were Luke and Rebecca Young who also led the Call to Worship.
Rev. Mary-Beth Moriarity’s time with the children started with the showing of a slide of hands holding the world which was followed by conversation of what is happening in Haiti and people around the world trying to help. She also showed a slide of a child playing amongst the ruble and seeing that as a sign of hope.
She explained to the children that because we care and we have a lot to share, the church will be holding a brown bag auction next week following service, with all money being donated to Haiti. The children were given brown bags to take to class to decorate then to take home to fill with something for the upcoming auction.
Rev. Moriarity read the Hebrew Scripture and Gospel Lesson.
During Reflections “We Are God’s Hands”, various slides were shown of the ruins and devastation in Haiti to the song “Hands” by Jewel. Rev. Moriarity spoke of the feelings of being overwhelmed and powerless, that our pain is god’s pain and how we need hope and healing. We must transform our compassion into passion. That we need to be global citizens of hope and healing each and every day. We are god’s hands. No one has the right to feel helpless; there is too much work to do.
Ministry of Music was offered by Randy and Cecily Gilby as they beautifully sang “Imagine”.
This week’s bulletin was dedicated in loving memory of son Donald by June and Robert Cameron.
This Sunday following worship there will be a fun and fundraiser for the “Haiti Emergency Appeal”. Worship begins at 10:30, all are welcome.
Friday, January 15, 2010
M. Carol Fagan
PICTOU – Surrounded by her family, Marion Carol Fagan, 68, passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 in the Palliative Care Unit of the Aberdeen Hospital, after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Born in Pictou on December 23rd, 1941, Carol was the daughter of the late Hector and Dorothy (Belyea) MacDonald. Graduating from Pictou Academy in the class of 1959, she went on to train at the Victoria General Hospital in Halifax, graduating as a registered nurse in the 1962B class.
She began her career in Portland, Oregon before returning home to nurse at the Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital in Pictou, where she married Floyd and raised her family. Recovering from back surgery, she resumed her career in private duty nursing in Pictou County and subsequently worked for a number of years as a RN at the Shiretown Nursing Home up until her retirement.
Fiercely independent and always busy, Carol was involved in a number of groups. Guild of Nova Scotia. She was always eager to learn a new craft skill, and, although she would be too modest to say so, was successful in those she attempted. A member of Pictou United Church, she took part in the UCW. She will certainly be greatly missed by her fellow Stitch & Bitch members. She was an active member of the local executive of the Nova Scotia Nurses Union and the Pictou Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.
She is survived by her sister, Margaret Hagen, Cole Harbour; her son, Pat Fagan; her daughter, Jennifer Fagan Dunbrack, Pictou; her daughter-in-law, Debbie Fagan, Heathbell; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Patsy and Robert Hansford, Central Caribou; and her grandson, Ryan Patrick Fagan Dunbrack. She is also survived by her nephews: Stephen Hagen, Paul Hagen, Brian Hagen, Shaun Hansford (Szilvia), Steve Hansford; and her niece, Lynne Downing (Stewart), as well as many cousins from Pictou Island and across the continent.
She will be missed by her nursing colleagues, her many friends, classmates, neighbours, including her frequent visitor, Mia, and all of whom have known her in years of taking care of the needs of others with compassion and a healthy sense of humor.
She was predeceased by her husband and soul mate of over 44 years, Floyd Joseph Fagan; her brother, Jamie MacDonald; and brother-in-law, Frank Hagen.
In accordance with her wishes, there will be no funeral or visitation. A private family graveside service will be held later, with internment in Seaview Cemetery.
Donations in Carol’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Aberdeen Hospital Palliative Care Society.
Arrangements are under the direction of the McLaren Funeral Service, Pictou.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
“Baptism of Jesus” Sunday
by Sharon Cheverie
Pictou – As we continue in the Season of Epiphany we observe “Baptism of Jesus” Sunday.
Greeters were June Sterns and Sharon Dewer, steward was Nancy Steele.
Margaret Anne Dodson gave the Mission Moment. This week’s bulletin was dedicated in loving memory of Patrick Moriarity by Mary- Beth Moriarity.
Rev. Moriarity’s time with the children talked of water and that we need water to survive, and how many Bible Stories are about water. That we use water for baptizing and that water is connected to God. Water is reminding us that we are God’s Beloved and we are called to love in the world and for the world. She told the children of Jesus’ baptism taking place in a river. In Baptism you are loved by God.
Hebrew Scripture and Gospel Lesson were read by Bev Simmons.
Rev Moriarity invited the congregation to “come to the water”, to touch the water and remember God’s goodness that surrounds and fills us.
Ministry of Music “Pie Jesu” was offered by Melanie Pos.
Coffee Hour followed in the church hall, a time for friendship and refreshments. This Sunday the 17th, “Second Cup” begins at 9:45 worship to follow at 10:30. All are welcome.
Pictou – As we continue in the Season of Epiphany we observe “Baptism of Jesus” Sunday.
Greeters were June Sterns and Sharon Dewer, steward was Nancy Steele.
Margaret Anne Dodson gave the Mission Moment. This week’s bulletin was dedicated in loving memory of Patrick Moriarity by Mary- Beth Moriarity.
Rev. Moriarity’s time with the children talked of water and that we need water to survive, and how many Bible Stories are about water. That we use water for baptizing and that water is connected to God. Water is reminding us that we are God’s Beloved and we are called to love in the world and for the world. She told the children of Jesus’ baptism taking place in a river. In Baptism you are loved by God.
Hebrew Scripture and Gospel Lesson were read by Bev Simmons.
Rev Moriarity invited the congregation to “come to the water”, to touch the water and remember God’s goodness that surrounds and fills us.
Ministry of Music “Pie Jesu” was offered by Melanie Pos.
Coffee Hour followed in the church hall, a time for friendship and refreshments. This Sunday the 17th, “Second Cup” begins at 9:45 worship to follow at 10:30. All are welcome.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Epiphany Sunday celebrated
by Sharon Cheverie
PICTOU UNITED CHURCH - Epiphany Sunday was celebrated. Epiphany it is said means surprises.
Rev May-Beth Moriarity read the Christmas Story to the congregation which was full of “surprises”. Rev Moriarity explained how Christmas is not just one day that is celebrated but that we celebrate the season of Christmas ending with the feast of Epiphany, a coming into the light.
Epiphany is celebrated Jan 6th, 12 days following Christmas.
Rev Moriarity referred to the story of the Magi and their journey to Bethlehem. Of following a star which was so full of mystery yet full of promise, announcing God’s hope for the world. And His hope for the world continues long after Epiphany.
The congregation members were invited to write their hopes for 2010 on the stars that all were handed as they arrived; and then to tuck the star away as a reminder in the months to come.
The candles in the advent wreath were extinguished one by one followed by the singing of Christ Be Our Light.
Greeters were Carolyn Moore and Diane Vaughn, steward was David Steel.
Bulletin was dedicated in loving memory of son Austin William by Beth and Stewart MacDonald.
All are invited to coffee hour following worship next Sunday and to bring along leftover Christmas goodies to share.
Sunday worship is at 10:30 all are welcome.
PICTOU UNITED CHURCH - Epiphany Sunday was celebrated. Epiphany it is said means surprises.
Rev May-Beth Moriarity read the Christmas Story to the congregation which was full of “surprises”. Rev Moriarity explained how Christmas is not just one day that is celebrated but that we celebrate the season of Christmas ending with the feast of Epiphany, a coming into the light.
Epiphany is celebrated Jan 6th, 12 days following Christmas.
Rev Moriarity referred to the story of the Magi and their journey to Bethlehem. Of following a star which was so full of mystery yet full of promise, announcing God’s hope for the world. And His hope for the world continues long after Epiphany.
The congregation members were invited to write their hopes for 2010 on the stars that all were handed as they arrived; and then to tuck the star away as a reminder in the months to come.
The candles in the advent wreath were extinguished one by one followed by the singing of Christ Be Our Light.
Greeters were Carolyn Moore and Diane Vaughn, steward was David Steel.
Bulletin was dedicated in loving memory of son Austin William by Beth and Stewart MacDonald.
All are invited to coffee hour following worship next Sunday and to bring along leftover Christmas goodies to share.
Sunday worship is at 10:30 all are welcome.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
A Season for Celebration - Christian & others
by Angie Burns-Burrell
Pictou United Church - As Rev. Moriarity took a well derseved day off members of the worship committee, Carolyn Moore, Margibel jones, Donna Weaver and Diane Vaughan lead the congregation in worship.
Traditional Christmas Carols were sung with a history of each carol given by the Worship Committee leading up to the singing.
A Prayer for this Holy Season, recognized that as we have been celebrating Advent and Christmas, our sisters and brothers of other faiths have been celebrating Bodhi Day (Buddhist), Hanukkah (Jewish), Kwanzaa (African American and African Canadian), just to name a few.
The congregation also joined together in An Affirmation of Faith adapted from A Latin American Christmas Creed.
Greeting the congregation were Wilson and Margibel Jones and Steward was Brian Burris.
Pictou United Church - As Rev. Moriarity took a well derseved day off members of the worship committee, Carolyn Moore, Margibel jones, Donna Weaver and Diane Vaughan lead the congregation in worship.
Traditional Christmas Carols were sung with a history of each carol given by the Worship Committee leading up to the singing.
A Prayer for this Holy Season, recognized that as we have been celebrating Advent and Christmas, our sisters and brothers of other faiths have been celebrating Bodhi Day (Buddhist), Hanukkah (Jewish), Kwanzaa (African American and African Canadian), just to name a few.
The congregation also joined together in An Affirmation of Faith adapted from A Latin American Christmas Creed.
Greeting the congregation were Wilson and Margibel Jones and Steward was Brian Burris.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
How Silently, The Wondrous Gift is Given…
by Angie Burns-Burrell
Pictou United Church - As people gathered for Second Cup Sunday and for worship, Pictou United was bathed in Christmas light and poinsettias. Poinsettias were placed in the church in memory of and in celebration of friends and family.
After the call to worship and the gathering prayer we marked our Advent Journey “Love”.
Reflections, “How Silently, How Silently, The Wondrous Gift is Given…” told the story about a chance encounter of a young mother and her toddler and a street person at Tim Horton’s and the gift of unconditional love expressed between this street person and the toddler.
The Sunday School added more boxes of food to our “Box It Up” sleigh. The sleigh is taking shape and the hope is to have it completed by Christmas Eve.
Ministry of Music was offered by John Spyder and Marjorie Anne MacDonald “When a Child is Born” after which the Dedication of the Poinsettias took place.
Greeting the congregation was Peter Fraser. Steward was Brian Burris.
Mission Moment was offered by Margaret Anne Dodson.
Lighting the Advent Candles were Sandi & Ben Wallace and Cathy Davis.
Lay Leader was June Cameron.
The congregation was invited to join in caroling in the afternoon.
Christmas Eve worship will be at 7 p.m. All are welcome.
Pictou United Church - As people gathered for Second Cup Sunday and for worship, Pictou United was bathed in Christmas light and poinsettias. Poinsettias were placed in the church in memory of and in celebration of friends and family.
After the call to worship and the gathering prayer we marked our Advent Journey “Love”.
Reflections, “How Silently, How Silently, The Wondrous Gift is Given…” told the story about a chance encounter of a young mother and her toddler and a street person at Tim Horton’s and the gift of unconditional love expressed between this street person and the toddler.
The Sunday School added more boxes of food to our “Box It Up” sleigh. The sleigh is taking shape and the hope is to have it completed by Christmas Eve.
Ministry of Music was offered by John Spyder and Marjorie Anne MacDonald “When a Child is Born” after which the Dedication of the Poinsettias took place.
Greeting the congregation was Peter Fraser. Steward was Brian Burris.
Mission Moment was offered by Margaret Anne Dodson.
Lighting the Advent Candles were Sandi & Ben Wallace and Cathy Davis.
Lay Leader was June Cameron.
The congregation was invited to join in caroling in the afternoon.
Christmas Eve worship will be at 7 p.m. All are welcome.
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
“20 Years and Still…”
by Angie Burns-Burrell
Pictou United Church - As the congregation gathered for worship we remembered the victims of the Halifax Explosion and the 20th anniversary of the Montreal Massacre. Purple ribbons were available and people were invited to wear them in commemoration of the tragic event.
Reflections, “20 Years and Still…” asked us to think about this tragedy and how the statistics of abuse against women are still startling twenty years later.
The choir offered “Song for Peace” as their Ministry of Music.
Another layer was added to the Sleigh that is being made out of boxes of food which will be donated to the food bank.
Hebrew Scripture: Isaiah.
Responsive Scripture, “Song of Zechariah”.
Gospel Lesson Luke, “Prepare the Way”.
Hymns were Hark the Glad Sound, All the Earth is Waiting and It Came upon a Midnight Clear.
Coffee hour followed.
The Sunday School made peace ornaments to be used as a part of next Sunday’s worship.
Greeting the congregation were David and Angie Burrell. Steward was Brian Burris. Lay Leader was Murray McLaren.
Pictou United Church - As the congregation gathered for worship we remembered the victims of the Halifax Explosion and the 20th anniversary of the Montreal Massacre. Purple ribbons were available and people were invited to wear them in commemoration of the tragic event.
Reflections, “20 Years and Still…” asked us to think about this tragedy and how the statistics of abuse against women are still startling twenty years later.
The choir offered “Song for Peace” as their Ministry of Music.
Another layer was added to the Sleigh that is being made out of boxes of food which will be donated to the food bank.
Hebrew Scripture: Isaiah.
Responsive Scripture, “Song of Zechariah”.
Gospel Lesson Luke, “Prepare the Way”.
Hymns were Hark the Glad Sound, All the Earth is Waiting and It Came upon a Midnight Clear.
Coffee hour followed.
The Sunday School made peace ornaments to be used as a part of next Sunday’s worship.
Greeting the congregation were David and Angie Burrell. Steward was Brian Burris. Lay Leader was Murray McLaren.
Saturday, December 05, 2009
HOPE – the first Sunday of Advent
by Sharon Cheverie
PICTOU UNITED CHURCH - With the church beautifully decorated for the season. We gathered for the first Sunday of Advent – HOPE. Greeting the parishioners were Gizele and Natlie Mitchell, steward was Ian MacDonald.
Brian Burris and Bev Simmons gave a report from the F&S committee.
Leading the Advent Candle Liturgy were Dorothy and Byron Bush. Advent means coming, in advent we wait for a coming. We wait for the baby Jesus to bring hope and peace into our world. We are called to be people of hope. Life can be fearful. Advent addresses this. It is four weeks of darkness, fear, waiting and hoping…. Don’t be afraid.
World’s Aids Day (Dec 1rst) is acknowledged on the Sunday closet. Our prayers reflect this day.
As we prepare for our special seasonal project “Box It Up” anyone willing to donate boxes of kraft dinner or cereal may do so by dropping them off at the church or by bringing them to Sunday Service. All boxes will be donated to the Pictou Food Bank following the season.
The first layer was started during service by the Sunday School children and members of the congregation. Many more boxes will be needed to complete our “sleigh”.
Service next Sunday will be followed by Coffee Hour hosed by the Pastoral Care and Outreach Committee, where peace ornaments will be made to be used as part of the ‘Christmas Around the World’ White Gift Worship. All are welcome.
PICTOU UNITED CHURCH - With the church beautifully decorated for the season. We gathered for the first Sunday of Advent – HOPE. Greeting the parishioners were Gizele and Natlie Mitchell, steward was Ian MacDonald.
Brian Burris and Bev Simmons gave a report from the F&S committee.
Leading the Advent Candle Liturgy were Dorothy and Byron Bush. Advent means coming, in advent we wait for a coming. We wait for the baby Jesus to bring hope and peace into our world. We are called to be people of hope. Life can be fearful. Advent addresses this. It is four weeks of darkness, fear, waiting and hoping…. Don’t be afraid.
World’s Aids Day (Dec 1rst) is acknowledged on the Sunday closet. Our prayers reflect this day.
As we prepare for our special seasonal project “Box It Up” anyone willing to donate boxes of kraft dinner or cereal may do so by dropping them off at the church or by bringing them to Sunday Service. All boxes will be donated to the Pictou Food Bank following the season.
The first layer was started during service by the Sunday School children and members of the congregation. Many more boxes will be needed to complete our “sleigh”.
Service next Sunday will be followed by Coffee Hour hosed by the Pastoral Care and Outreach Committee, where peace ornaments will be made to be used as part of the ‘Christmas Around the World’ White Gift Worship. All are welcome.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Reign of Christ Sunday
by Angie Burns-Burrell
PICTOU UNITED CHURCH - This week the congregation celebrated Reign of Christ Sunday. Greeting was Donna Weaver and Niki Venoit.
Second Cup Sunday was hosted by Brian Burris and Nancy and David Steele. Steward was Ian MacDonald.
M&S Enthusiast was Margaret Anne Dodson.
Lay Leaders were Emily Cyr and Arthur MacDonald.
Older hymns were sung this Sunday – Great is Thy Faithfulness, Jesus Came a Child Like Me and What a Friend We Have in Jesus.
During a Moment for All, Rev. Moriarity spoke to the Sunday School about what they thought of when they heard the word “King” and how Jesus was a different kind of King. One that ruled not with power but with Love. As we head into Advent we are asked to think about a different kind of King and that caring and kindness can change the world.
The Choir offered a stirring and emotional “I’m Goin’ Up Yonder”. Rev. Moriarity commented that we have no ordinary Sundays when we have a Choir that can sing like ours.
Last year our CAN-struction Christmas Tree made such a difference with over 880 cans being donated to our Food Bank. This year Pictou United is inviting everyone to ‘BOX IT UP” as we make Christmas sleigh out of boxes of food.
PICTOU UNITED CHURCH - This week the congregation celebrated Reign of Christ Sunday. Greeting was Donna Weaver and Niki Venoit.
Second Cup Sunday was hosted by Brian Burris and Nancy and David Steele. Steward was Ian MacDonald.
M&S Enthusiast was Margaret Anne Dodson.
Lay Leaders were Emily Cyr and Arthur MacDonald.
Older hymns were sung this Sunday – Great is Thy Faithfulness, Jesus Came a Child Like Me and What a Friend We Have in Jesus.
During a Moment for All, Rev. Moriarity spoke to the Sunday School about what they thought of when they heard the word “King” and how Jesus was a different kind of King. One that ruled not with power but with Love. As we head into Advent we are asked to think about a different kind of King and that caring and kindness can change the world.
The Choir offered a stirring and emotional “I’m Goin’ Up Yonder”. Rev. Moriarity commented that we have no ordinary Sundays when we have a Choir that can sing like ours.
Last year our CAN-struction Christmas Tree made such a difference with over 880 cans being donated to our Food Bank. This year Pictou United is inviting everyone to ‘BOX IT UP” as we make Christmas sleigh out of boxes of food.
