Wednesday, December 31, 2008
“Sing the Christmas Story”
by Angie Burns-Burrell
Pictou - While Rev. Moriarity enjoyed a well deserved day off, Lay Leaders Art MacDonald, Margibel Jones, Donna Weaver and Diane Vaughan of the Worship Committee led the congregation through today’s service.
Steward today was Nancy Steele.
Susan Farrell offered the ministry of music while our Music Director, Stewart Munroe, also enjoyed a day off. Thank you Susan.
The Responsive Psalm was Psalm 148, Glory to God on High! And the Gospel Lesson was from Luke 2: 22-40.
“Sing the Christmas Story” was read by Diane Vaughan with the congregation and choir singing numerous Christmas Carols throughout the reading which was followed by the Litany Prayer for Christmas and the Lord’s Prayer.
Pictou - While Rev. Moriarity enjoyed a well deserved day off, Lay Leaders Art MacDonald, Margibel Jones, Donna Weaver and Diane Vaughan of the Worship Committee led the congregation through today’s service.
Steward today was Nancy Steele.
Susan Farrell offered the ministry of music while our Music Director, Stewart Munroe, also enjoyed a day off. Thank you Susan.
The Responsive Psalm was Psalm 148, Glory to God on High! And the Gospel Lesson was from Luke 2: 22-40.
“Sing the Christmas Story” was read by Diane Vaughan with the congregation and choir singing numerous Christmas Carols throughout the reading which was followed by the Litany Prayer for Christmas and the Lord’s Prayer.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Brian Burris shares Can pictures

Hi, folks,
Here are two pictures of our very successful CANstruction Christmas project at Pictou United.
There are over 1000 cans in our 'tree' and all the food will be donated to the Pictou County Food Bank in the new year.

We'd also like to challenge other churches to build their own 'trees' and we'd be pleased to provide the information to get started.
Kudos to Ruth MacKay for bringing the project to us.
Brian
Kudos to Ruth MacKay for bringing the project to us.
Brian
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Christmas Tree Can-struction at Pictou United nears completion
by Angie Burns-Burrell
Pictou United - Greeting the congregation were Clif and Dorothy Bush. Steward was Nancy Steele.
Lighting the Advent Candle were Jenna, Ross and Graham MacLeod.
M&S enthusiast was Margaret Anne Dodson.
Lay Leaders were Bryan Buchanan, Beth MacDonald, Murray McLaren and Brenda Parker.
The congregation was updated on the “Slay the Deficit” campaign which is well under way due to the generosity and hard work of the congregation.
The final tier was placed on the “Canstruction” Christmas tree by the Sunday School and members of the congregation, followed by the singing of “God Bless to Us Our Bread”. The congregation will continue to add to the tree over the Christmas season after which the cans of food will be donated to the Pictou Food Bank.
A dedication prayer was offered for those of the congregation who dedicated Poinsettias in memory of loved ones, in celebration of friends, family and Pictou United Church.
Ministry of Music offered by the choir was “Good News! Followed by a reading “God’s Coming” by Madeleine L’Engle and “Somewhere a Child is Sleeping” sung by Niki Venoit.
All were welcomed to join in the carolling in the afternoon to be followed by hot chocolate and treats.
Pictou United - Greeting the congregation were Clif and Dorothy Bush. Steward was Nancy Steele.
Lighting the Advent Candle were Jenna, Ross and Graham MacLeod.
M&S enthusiast was Margaret Anne Dodson.
Lay Leaders were Bryan Buchanan, Beth MacDonald, Murray McLaren and Brenda Parker.
The congregation was updated on the “Slay the Deficit” campaign which is well under way due to the generosity and hard work of the congregation.
The final tier was placed on the “Canstruction” Christmas tree by the Sunday School and members of the congregation, followed by the singing of “God Bless to Us Our Bread”. The congregation will continue to add to the tree over the Christmas season after which the cans of food will be donated to the Pictou Food Bank.
A dedication prayer was offered for those of the congregation who dedicated Poinsettias in memory of loved ones, in celebration of friends, family and Pictou United Church.
Ministry of Music offered by the choir was “Good News! Followed by a reading “God’s Coming” by Madeleine L’Engle and “Somewhere a Child is Sleeping” sung by Niki Venoit.
All were welcomed to join in the carolling in the afternoon to be followed by hot chocolate and treats.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
White Gift Drama – Michael Mouse – I gave him ME
by Angie Burns-Burrell
Pictou - Greeting the congregation were Harris and Gayle MacKenzie and Steward was Nancy Steele.
The congregation began today’s service with heavy hearts having learned of the passing of Rev. Gordon MacLean. Prayers and thoughts were offered by the congregation and Rev. Moriarity to Rev. MacLean’s family.
Hearts lifted on this third Sunday of Advent and our White Gift Sunday as the candle of Joy was lit by Alana and Taylor Toole.
Another tier was added to the “Canstruction” Christmas tree which will be completed next Sunday.
The reading today was based on Luke 1:26-38 “Mary Learns About Her Baby”.
The Sunday School presented the White Gift Drama – “Michael Mouse – I gave him ME, as long as he needed me”, narrated by Dorothy Bush with the Sunday School children outfitted as the animals on their way to the manger with their gifts for the baby Jesus during which the congregation joined the choir in singing carols.
Ministry of Music by the choir was “The Wondrous Story”.
Pictou - Greeting the congregation were Harris and Gayle MacKenzie and Steward was Nancy Steele.
The congregation began today’s service with heavy hearts having learned of the passing of Rev. Gordon MacLean. Prayers and thoughts were offered by the congregation and Rev. Moriarity to Rev. MacLean’s family.
Hearts lifted on this third Sunday of Advent and our White Gift Sunday as the candle of Joy was lit by Alana and Taylor Toole.
Another tier was added to the “Canstruction” Christmas tree which will be completed next Sunday.
The reading today was based on Luke 1:26-38 “Mary Learns About Her Baby”.
The Sunday School presented the White Gift Drama – “Michael Mouse – I gave him ME, as long as he needed me”, narrated by Dorothy Bush with the Sunday School children outfitted as the animals on their way to the manger with their gifts for the baby Jesus during which the congregation joined the choir in singing carols.
Ministry of Music by the choir was “The Wondrous Story”.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
MacLEAN, Rev. Gordon David

TRURO - MacLEAN, Rev. Gordon David 55, Truro, passed away December 11, 2008, in Colchester Regional Hospital, Truro.
Born in London, Ont., he was a son of Hazel (Lockhart) MacLean and the late David MacLean.
He began his studies at Mount Saint Vincent/Dalhousie Universities where he obtained his B.A. in Theology, later taking his M. Div. at AST, Halifax followed by ordination in May 1981. He served two summer internships at Nipawin, Sask., Baxter's Harbour and Fundy Mental Health Clinic.
He served the following pastorates, Waverley, Rawdon, Arcola, Saskatchewan, LaHave, Kingston, Charlottetown, P.E.I., Pictou, Margaree, Cape Breton, and the First United Church in Truro for the past six and a half years.
Gordon lived by a special credo: "My God, my family, my church". Gordon's name means "Keeper of the Eagles" appropriate for one who loved the outdoors. He had a unique sense of humour and a great presence. He was very much a "people-person". Gordie's love of music was a gift which he shared throughout his life both personally and professionally.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Heather (Hardman); daughter, Donna, Truro; sons, Shane and Mike (Brooke), both of Bedford; sisters, Lorraine (Don) Burch, Chester, Ondra (Phil), Theriault, Fall River; brothers, Paul (Wendy Perry), Dartmouth, Scott (Terri-Lee), Windsor Junction; grandchildren, Madison and Jessee; several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by a brother, Terry.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 14, from 7-9 p.m. in Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow St., Truro;
Memorial service on Monday, December 15, at 2 p.m. in First United Church, 711 Prince St., Truro with Rev. David MacNaughton and Rev. Carman Burns officiating.
Interment at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation Nova Scotia, Canadian Diabetes Association or First United Church. On- line condolences may be sent at: www.colchestercommunity.com
Special thanks to Dr. Robert Graham and staff, Colchester Regional Hospital staff, our First United Church family, community friends and Colchester Community Funeral Home.
Born in London, Ont., he was a son of Hazel (Lockhart) MacLean and the late David MacLean.
He began his studies at Mount Saint Vincent/Dalhousie Universities where he obtained his B.A. in Theology, later taking his M. Div. at AST, Halifax followed by ordination in May 1981. He served two summer internships at Nipawin, Sask., Baxter's Harbour and Fundy Mental Health Clinic.
He served the following pastorates, Waverley, Rawdon, Arcola, Saskatchewan, LaHave, Kingston, Charlottetown, P.E.I., Pictou, Margaree, Cape Breton, and the First United Church in Truro for the past six and a half years.
Gordon lived by a special credo: "My God, my family, my church". Gordon's name means "Keeper of the Eagles" appropriate for one who loved the outdoors. He had a unique sense of humour and a great presence. He was very much a "people-person". Gordie's love of music was a gift which he shared throughout his life both personally and professionally.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Heather (Hardman); daughter, Donna, Truro; sons, Shane and Mike (Brooke), both of Bedford; sisters, Lorraine (Don) Burch, Chester, Ondra (Phil), Theriault, Fall River; brothers, Paul (Wendy Perry), Dartmouth, Scott (Terri-Lee), Windsor Junction; grandchildren, Madison and Jessee; several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by a brother, Terry.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 14, from 7-9 p.m. in Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow St., Truro;
Memorial service on Monday, December 15, at 2 p.m. in First United Church, 711 Prince St., Truro with Rev. David MacNaughton and Rev. Carman Burns officiating.
Interment at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation Nova Scotia, Canadian Diabetes Association or First United Church. On- line condolences may be sent at: www.colchestercommunity.com
Special thanks to Dr. Robert Graham and staff, Colchester Regional Hospital staff, our First United Church family, community friends and Colchester Community Funeral Home.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
“Time for a Change”. - the true meaning of Christmas
by Angie Burns-Burrell
PICTOU – Greeting the congregation today were Granville and Mary Miller. Steward was Nancy Steele.
Chloe Marshall lit the Advent Candle and our Hebrew Scripture, Isaiah 40:1-11 “Prepare the Way” and Gospel Lesson, Mark 1: 108 “John Prepares the Way” were read by Susan Fraser.
During the moment for all the Sunday school added another tier to the “Canstruction” Christmas tree and the congregation will continue to build the tree and spread the word as to what we can do as a community to help others.
Ministry of Music offered by the choir was “When Will the Little King Come?”
During the time for Reflections, Rev. Moriarity shared with us her story of meeting John the Baptist (who helped her with her packages and bought her a cup of coffee) at Wal-Mart,– the story of an odd fellow in the parking lot with a sign that said “Time for a Change”. Rev. Moriarity shared with us how this fellow reminded us of the true meaning of Christmas.
Following worship a coffee hour was held in the church hall with a wonderful skit by the UCW ladies entitled “What If Jesus Were Born In Pictou”. To hear these, and other interesting stories, come join us at Pictou United at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays.
A reminder to everyone that December 10th, 2008 from 7 p.m. onwards of a “A Place Just for You”. There will be gentle music playing in the sanctuary where you can just come and “be”.
PICTOU – Greeting the congregation today were Granville and Mary Miller. Steward was Nancy Steele.
Chloe Marshall lit the Advent Candle and our Hebrew Scripture, Isaiah 40:1-11 “Prepare the Way” and Gospel Lesson, Mark 1: 108 “John Prepares the Way” were read by Susan Fraser.
During the moment for all the Sunday school added another tier to the “Canstruction” Christmas tree and the congregation will continue to build the tree and spread the word as to what we can do as a community to help others.
Ministry of Music offered by the choir was “When Will the Little King Come?”
During the time for Reflections, Rev. Moriarity shared with us her story of meeting John the Baptist (who helped her with her packages and bought her a cup of coffee) at Wal-Mart,– the story of an odd fellow in the parking lot with a sign that said “Time for a Change”. Rev. Moriarity shared with us how this fellow reminded us of the true meaning of Christmas.
Following worship a coffee hour was held in the church hall with a wonderful skit by the UCW ladies entitled “What If Jesus Were Born In Pictou”. To hear these, and other interesting stories, come join us at Pictou United at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays.
A reminder to everyone that December 10th, 2008 from 7 p.m. onwards of a “A Place Just for You”. There will be gentle music playing in the sanctuary where you can just come and “be”.
