Sunday, November 08, 2009
Advertising God - What is God like?
by Ralph Ferguson
Last week I received an email from a friend. The story goes ...
A Christian school asked the class to look at TV commercials to see if they could use them in some way to communicate ideas about God.. Here are some of their ads:
Last week I received an email from a friend. The story goes ...
A Christian school asked the class to look at TV commercials to see if they could use them in some way to communicate ideas about God.. Here are some of their ads:
Thursday, November 05, 2009
PEACE SABBATH (All Saints Day)
by Sharon Cheverie
PICTOU UNITED CHURCH - Greeting worshippers was Donna Weaver, Steward was Ian MacDonald.
This week’s bulletin was dedicated in loving memory of Brother Rand MacDougall by Margaret Anne and Bill Dodson.
The church calendar observes this Sunday as All Saints Day as well as Peace Sabbath. We pray for peace in our lives our homes and our community. Lighting the Christ Candle and Call to Worship were by Josh Young.
Gathering Prayer was led by Kerri Waller.
Readings were given by Luke Young and Brad MacCallum.
We celebrate this day with the music of Peter, Paul and Mary. Their music formed a generation of peacemakers and activists it continues to touch the hearts, lives, dreams and hopes of so many.
During the service songs sang and performed were,
PICTOU UNITED CHURCH - Greeting worshippers was Donna Weaver, Steward was Ian MacDonald.
This week’s bulletin was dedicated in loving memory of Brother Rand MacDougall by Margaret Anne and Bill Dodson.
The church calendar observes this Sunday as All Saints Day as well as Peace Sabbath. We pray for peace in our lives our homes and our community. Lighting the Christ Candle and Call to Worship were by Josh Young.
Gathering Prayer was led by Kerri Waller.
Readings were given by Luke Young and Brad MacCallum.
We celebrate this day with the music of Peter, Paul and Mary. Their music formed a generation of peacemakers and activists it continues to touch the hearts, lives, dreams and hopes of so many.
During the service songs sang and performed were,
- Where Have All the Flowers Gone, Puff the Magic Dragon sung by Emma Ruiz,
- “Blowing in the Wind” performed by John Syder MacDonald,
- “All My Trials” performed by Nicki Veniot, Carlee MacNeil and Lesley Dunn,
- “Weave Me the Sunshine” performed by John Spyder MacDonald, and
- “All The Pretty Little Horses” sang by Nathalie Mitchell.
Video performance was also shown of Peter, Paul and Mary singing “If I had a Hammer” during the 1963 Civil Rights March in Washington.
Thank-you to all who shared their gift of song and music for today’s service. Music has a great power of bringing people together and touches us in very deep ways.
All were invited to join together in the church hall for Coffee Hour following worship.
Recording of today’s service by Eastlink will be televised next Sunday the 8th at 1:00 as well as Sunday the 15th at 12:00.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Will You Be a Rainbow?
by Angie Burns-Burrell
Pictou United Church - Greeting the congregation were Mary and Granville Miller. Steward was David Steele.
The service today spoke of God’s creation and how we can help to heal the planet.
Hymns were “This is God’s Wondrous World”, “Para, Para, Pitter Pat”, “Called by Earth and Sky” and “Touch the Earth Lightly"
Ministry: Ministry of Music was “Renewing our Sprit”.
During a Moment for All, Donna Weaver read a Dr. Seuss story to the Sunday school about how God gave us a beautiful world and we can take of it if we work together.
Hebrew Scripture from Genesis: “Rainbow Covenant”.
Reflections “Will You Be a Rainbow” spoke of how we are either a contributor to the imbalance on our planet or a restorer. The congregation were given coloured pieces of paper to hang from a rainbow at the front of the church on which they wrote a promise of how they will care for God’s creation.
A thank you is extended to members of the Worship and Pastoral Care & Outreach Committees for leading us in worship in Rev. Moriarity’s absence.
Next Sunday is an Intergenerational Worship Service to mark All Saints Sunday & Peace Sabbath. The worship will be formed by the music of Peter, Paul and Mary.
Pictou United Church - Greeting the congregation were Mary and Granville Miller. Steward was David Steele.
The service today spoke of God’s creation and how we can help to heal the planet.
Hymns were “This is God’s Wondrous World”, “Para, Para, Pitter Pat”, “Called by Earth and Sky” and “Touch the Earth Lightly"
Ministry: Ministry of Music was “Renewing our Sprit”.
During a Moment for All, Donna Weaver read a Dr. Seuss story to the Sunday school about how God gave us a beautiful world and we can take of it if we work together.
Hebrew Scripture from Genesis: “Rainbow Covenant”.
Reflections “Will You Be a Rainbow” spoke of how we are either a contributor to the imbalance on our planet or a restorer. The congregation were given coloured pieces of paper to hang from a rainbow at the front of the church on which they wrote a promise of how they will care for God’s creation.
A thank you is extended to members of the Worship and Pastoral Care & Outreach Committees for leading us in worship in Rev. Moriarity’s absence.
Next Sunday is an Intergenerational Worship Service to mark All Saints Sunday & Peace Sabbath. The worship will be formed by the music of Peter, Paul and Mary.
Monday, October 05, 2009
St. Francis of Assisi Day celebrated
by Angie Burns-Burrell
PICTOU UNITED CHURCH - Greeters this week were Cheryle and Peter Kelly. Steward was David Steele. Lay leaders were Charlotte Musick and Peter Fraser.
Pictou United celebrated St. Francis of Assisi Day with the congregation bringing pictures of their pets and favourite stuffed animals to be blessed.
The Gathering Prayer was attributed to St. Francis of Assisi followed by the hymn, All Things Bright and Beautiful.
The Litany of Praise for All Creation followed.
During the Moment for All, Rev. Moriarity shared the story of Wrinkles, her favourite stuffed toy and she showed everyone a picture of her cat, Emma.
Rev. Moriarity spoke to us of how St. Francis of Assisi wants us to look after
the animals and all creation.
Reflections: “One Person’s Story-All of Our Question” talked about who has not asked “Why?” at some point in their lives.
Ministry of Music offered by the choir was “Shine on Us".
Join us Saturday Oct. 17 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. for the harvest Roast Beef Supper.
PICTOU UNITED CHURCH - Greeters this week were Cheryle and Peter Kelly. Steward was David Steele. Lay leaders were Charlotte Musick and Peter Fraser.
Pictou United celebrated St. Francis of Assisi Day with the congregation bringing pictures of their pets and favourite stuffed animals to be blessed.
The Gathering Prayer was attributed to St. Francis of Assisi followed by the hymn, All Things Bright and Beautiful.
The Litany of Praise for All Creation followed.
During the Moment for All, Rev. Moriarity shared the story of Wrinkles, her favourite stuffed toy and she showed everyone a picture of her cat, Emma.
Rev. Moriarity spoke to us of how St. Francis of Assisi wants us to look after
the animals and all creation.
Reflections: “One Person’s Story-All of Our Question” talked about who has not asked “Why?” at some point in their lives.
Ministry of Music offered by the choir was “Shine on Us".
Join us Saturday Oct. 17 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. for the harvest Roast Beef Supper.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
New Scotland Days Worship Celebrated
by Sharon Cheverie
PICTOU UNITED CHURCH - New Scotland Days Worship Celebrating the 236th Anniversary of the Arrival of the Ship Hector.
Greeting worshippers were David and Nancy Steele, steward was Jim Parker.
Our gathering music was “A Scottish Medley” offered by Bob and Alastair MacDonald, “Anns a ‘chrann ~Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross” and “O I osa ~ O Jesus “offered by Catriona Parsons & Gaelic Choir.
This week’s bulletin was dedicated in loving memory of Lonnie MacKenzie by the family.
Rev Mary-Beth Moriarity lit the Christ Candle.
PICTOU UNITED CHURCH - New Scotland Days Worship Celebrating the 236th Anniversary of the Arrival of the Ship Hector.
Greeting worshippers were David and Nancy Steele, steward was Jim Parker.
Our gathering music was “A Scottish Medley” offered by Bob and Alastair MacDonald, “Anns a ‘chrann ~Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross” and “O I osa ~ O Jesus “offered by Catriona Parsons & Gaelic Choir.
This week’s bulletin was dedicated in loving memory of Lonnie MacKenzie by the family.
Rev Mary-Beth Moriarity lit the Christ Candle.
- The Hector Story was shared by Sandy Mackay,
- “Caledonia” was performed by John Spyder MacDonald.
- The gift of Highland Dance was offered by Allyson Parker
& Kenzie MacDonald. - Ministry of Music “Baloo, Baleerie ~ A Gaelic Lullaby” offered by ‘The Ceilidhs’.
- Psalm 130 ~ A Psalm of Lament was presented in Gaelic by Catriona Parsons joined by the Gaelic Choir.
- A warm welcome and thank-you was extended to Hector MacNeil as he shared the Gospel Lesson John 1:1-5, 14a "And the Word Became Flesh" in Gaelic. Hector shared stories of his youth growing up in Cape Breton with the congregation.
- Ministry of Music “Fear a’Bhata” and “Faill ill o, agus ho
ro eile” was offered by Betty Lord and Calvin MacInnis. - The Hector Story was celebrated
- “The Hills and Glens” sung by ‘The Ceilidhs” was accompanied by Pam LeBlanc,
- "Bless the Ship Hector” offered by John Spyder MacDonald was danced to by Jenna Rose MacIsaac.
- A special thank-you was extended to those who shared there gifts and talents to help us celebrate one of the highlights in our church year.
Celebrations will continue with Great Big Sing being held next Sunday, Sept 20th at 7:30.
Nest weeks service begins with a “Second Cup” at 9:45 prior to worship and in celebration of the beginning of a new Sunday School year, hot dog and corn boil will follow the service.
All are welcome.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
by Sharon Cheverie
Pictou- Greeting the congregation were Diane Vaughn and Vera MacDonald, steward was Jim Porter.
Rev Mary-Beth Moriarity lit the Christ Candle and led the call to worship. Hebrew Scripture and Epistle Lesson were read by Susan Fraser.
Rev Moriarity told a gospel story of a women begging for help for her daughter. How after being insulted her request was granted because of her strong persistent faith. That all are entitled to healing, living and life. And how through this experience her daughter and Jesus were both made whole.
She spoke of the word “WOW” and explained that it is the most theological of all words. How wow moments and wow people transform us in our faith.
We welcomed Beverly Gale who became a full member of Picou United by Affirmation of Faith and Transfer of Membership conducted by elder Cathy Davis.
A thank-you was extended to Rosalind MacDonald and Valerie Crichton for their Ministry of Music.
The Pastoral Care and Outreach Committee served refreshments outside following service.
Please join us next week for our New Scotland Worship at 10:30; guest speaker will be Hector MacNeil. All are Welcome.
Pictou- Greeting the congregation were Diane Vaughn and Vera MacDonald, steward was Jim Porter.
Rev Mary-Beth Moriarity lit the Christ Candle and led the call to worship. Hebrew Scripture and Epistle Lesson were read by Susan Fraser.
Rev Moriarity told a gospel story of a women begging for help for her daughter. How after being insulted her request was granted because of her strong persistent faith. That all are entitled to healing, living and life. And how through this experience her daughter and Jesus were both made whole.
She spoke of the word “WOW” and explained that it is the most theological of all words. How wow moments and wow people transform us in our faith.
We welcomed Beverly Gale who became a full member of Picou United by Affirmation of Faith and Transfer of Membership conducted by elder Cathy Davis.
A thank-you was extended to Rosalind MacDonald and Valerie Crichton for their Ministry of Music.
The Pastoral Care and Outreach Committee served refreshments outside following service.
Please join us next week for our New Scotland Worship at 10:30; guest speaker will be Hector MacNeil. All are Welcome.
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Rev. Curtis McDonald welcomed back on return visit
The congregation of Pictou United was so very pleased to welcome back the Rev. Curtis McDonald.
Curtis was the minister of this congregation from 1982-1992.
His return visit to our pulpit this morning was a joy to all but especially so I believe to those of us who shared the journey with him in this church through that earlier decade. Curtis this morning was just "so Curtis!" and each of his characteristic moves evoked a flood of good memories from the past.
In this picture, with parents Ryan and Val looking on, Rev. Curtis blessed their sleeping new baby, 'Beck' and welcomed him on behalf of the congregation with a very well sung first two verses of Brahms' Lullaby.
His sermon this morning, “Living Outside the Lines: Jesus Does!”, Curtis brought a fresh and modern multicultural aspect into our reading and understanding of Gospel Lesson, Luke 10: 25-37, the Parable of the Good Samaritan and the question, "Who is my neighbour?"
A little idea of what Curtis does now:
Currently he is one of our United Church Chaplains serving the QEII Health Sciences Centre and the IWK Health Centre.
The IWK offers spiritual, religious and emotional care during and after hospitalization. Included in this would be visiting patients and families while in the Health Centre, connecting families with local and regional religious faith communities, sacraments and life crisis care.
They provide support groups, individual and family counselling for such things as pregnancy loss, bereavement, relationship issues, life adjustment to illness and many other life concerns that patients, families and staff may encounter.
The Spiritual Health Team is comprised of Chaplains who work within the IWK from different faith traditions. The IWK Spiritual Health Team is able to connect patients, families and staff with caregivers from numerous faith groups in the Halifax area. These include: Muslim, Sikh, and Jewish faiths. Chaplains offer regular worship services in the IWK Chapel.
The other point of note about this morning’s service at Pictou United which requires comment was the Ministry of Music.
This began with the piano stylings of our own David Henderson which included a spectacular immitation of church chimes. How could he do that on a piano?
That was followed through the service with music that one congregant referred to as offered by "the Pos Quartet". Jennifer Pos, of course is our Church Musician this summer but she was joined this morning by her sister Melanie who sang two solos, “Hear My Cry, O God” and “Climbing Up the Mountain” accompanied in turn by parents Shelley and David. Rev. Curtis spoke in his sermon of the need to display your faith through your deeds and this musical family certainly did that this morning.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
... not a “right” but a “rite” ....
by Angie Burrell
PICTOU UNITED CHURCH - Greeting the congregation were Judy Cormier and Sharon Cheverie. Steward was Arthur Belong.
Margaret Anne Dodson offered our Mission Moment.
Ministry of Music was offered by Randy and Cecily Gilby with a beautiful rendition of Lenard Cohen’s “Hallelujah’ and John Lennon’s “Imagine” We welcomed Susan Farrell as our Church Musician..
Reflections was “It’s a Beginning”. Rev. Moriarity shared with us her trip to Zimbawa and her witnessing a baptism that took place in the ocean. She spoke on how baptism is not a “right” but a “rite” and what changes us after baptism.
Little voices filled Pictou United as we prepared to celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism. Little hands helped with the pouring of the water and testing it to see if it was just the right temperature.
Ministry of Music for next Sunday will be offered by Adrian Burrill.
Remember Food Bank and Coffee Hour following worship next Sunday.
PICTOU UNITED CHURCH - Greeting the congregation were Judy Cormier and Sharon Cheverie. Steward was Arthur Belong.
Margaret Anne Dodson offered our Mission Moment.
Ministry of Music was offered by Randy and Cecily Gilby with a beautiful rendition of Lenard Cohen’s “Hallelujah’ and John Lennon’s “Imagine” We welcomed Susan Farrell as our Church Musician..
Reflections was “It’s a Beginning”. Rev. Moriarity shared with us her trip to Zimbawa and her witnessing a baptism that took place in the ocean. She spoke on how baptism is not a “right” but a “rite” and what changes us after baptism.
Little voices filled Pictou United as we prepared to celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism. Little hands helped with the pouring of the water and testing it to see if it was just the right temperature.
Ministry of Music for next Sunday will be offered by Adrian Burrill.
Remember Food Bank and Coffee Hour following worship next Sunday.
Monday, June 15, 2009
... like a seed that is planted.
by Angie Burrell
PICTOU UNITED - Greeting the congregation were Myra Callaghan and Wanda Smith. Steward was Arthur Belong.
Lay leaders were Elsie Macdonald and Donna Weaver. Elsie shared a Mission Moment.
Special visitors “Colours of the Bow” directed by Pam Leblanc treated us to fiddle tunes for our Ministry of Music “Stool of Repentance”; Athole Highlanders” and “Road to Skye”.
Hebrew Scripture was from Samuel , “An Unlikely King”. The Gospel Lesson was from Mark, “Kingdom Parables”.
Reflections was “So..”. Rev. Moriarity talked about when someone thanks us for something we did that we had forgotten about and how what we say sometimes is like a seed that is planted. When our lives are lived in God all we do is of God.
Next Sunday is Second Cup Sunday and “Graduation Sunday” Worship.
We welcome Carolyn Fellows (Soloist) and “Static System” Jazz Combo for our Ministry of Music.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Ethel Ross
PICTOU – Ethel Ross, 86, of Pictou, passed away peacefully June 4th, 2009, in the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow. Born in River John, July 29, 1922, she was a daughter of the late Foster and Blanche Moland.
She lived in Pictou since 1943 and was employed with the Town of Pictou office staff for 31 years, retiring in 1987.
Ethel was a faithful member of the Pictou United Church and the church choir (66 years) and the Pictou United Church Women. She was a Past Noble Grand of Princess Rebekah Lodge, No. 4, member of the Nova Scotia Rug Hooking Guild and the New Horizons Seniors Club.
Always a willing worker and supporter of her community, she was chosen in 1995 to receive the award at the World Trade Convention Centre for Exceptional Volunteer Service.
Ethel is survived by her beloved daughter, Gayle (Harris) MacKenzie; three grandchildren: Sheri (Philip Sheehan), Dawn (George DeCoff), and Ross (Johnna); seven great-grandchildren: MacKenzie, Sam, Luca, Isabelle, Abigail, Dominic and Nicholas, a special second daughter/niece, Glenda Miller, and several nephews and nieces.
She was predeceased by her husband, George; sisters: Esther, Goldie and Emma; and brothers, Lloyd and Aumery.
Visitation will be held 7-9 p.m. today (Saturday) in McLaren Funeral Home, Pictou.
Funeral service will take place 3:30p.m. Sunday from Pictou United Church, with Rev. Mary-Beth Moriarity officiating. A reception will immediately follow in the church hall. Family flowers only please.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Pictou United Church or a charity of your choice.
She lived in Pictou since 1943 and was employed with the Town of Pictou office staff for 31 years, retiring in 1987.
Ethel was a faithful member of the Pictou United Church and the church choir (66 years) and the Pictou United Church Women. She was a Past Noble Grand of Princess Rebekah Lodge, No. 4, member of the Nova Scotia Rug Hooking Guild and the New Horizons Seniors Club.
Always a willing worker and supporter of her community, she was chosen in 1995 to receive the award at the World Trade Convention Centre for Exceptional Volunteer Service.
Ethel is survived by her beloved daughter, Gayle (Harris) MacKenzie; three grandchildren: Sheri (Philip Sheehan), Dawn (George DeCoff), and Ross (Johnna); seven great-grandchildren: MacKenzie, Sam, Luca, Isabelle, Abigail, Dominic and Nicholas, a special second daughter/niece, Glenda Miller, and several nephews and nieces.
She was predeceased by her husband, George; sisters: Esther, Goldie and Emma; and brothers, Lloyd and Aumery.
Visitation will be held 7-9 p.m. today (Saturday) in McLaren Funeral Home, Pictou.
Funeral service will take place 3:30p.m. Sunday from Pictou United Church, with Rev. Mary-Beth Moriarity officiating. A reception will immediately follow in the church hall. Family flowers only please.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Pictou United Church or a charity of your choice.
