Pictou United Church News

by Sharon Cheverie

Pictou - Greeting the congregation were Carolyn Moore and Linda Tucker, Steward was Jim Parker.

Rev. Mary-Beth Moriarity announced that the United Church of Canada has launched an emergency financial appeal in response the disastrous consequences of recent hurricanes, any one wanting to donate are asked to do so.

Rev. Moriarity lit the Christ Candle.

During her time with the children, she asked if any of them had ever been afraid, ever been lonely or sad? She read the children her favorite story that she reads when she feels sad or lonely, entitled the Kissing Hand. The children where also given a small rock with a heart on it to have to feel God’s love when they are lonely and to remember that they are loved. Congregation sang with the children “Like a Rock” before they went to Sunday school.

Rev Moriarity spoke with the congregation about defining moments in all our lives, a moment of decision or impact. She asked that we take a few moments to reflect about a particular defining moment in our own life.

It was during this time that Emma Lee Stewart shared with us in words and singing her particular defining moment. We thank her for her willingness to be with us and share her journey of faith and her journey with breast cancer.

Join us next Sunday at 10:30 as we welcome Rose Gordon as our special guest, also a reminder for food bank Sunday.

A very moving service, celebrating the Anniversary of the Arrival of the Ship Hector and drawing New Scotland Days to a close, was held at Pictou United.

Greeters were Nancy Steele and Elsie Macdonald. Steward was Jim Parker.

Music to Gather Us was offer by our own “Celtic Band”.
Our Call to Gather was Psalm 100 – Voices United.

“The Hector Story is Remembered” was shared with us by Sandy Mackay along with the song “Caledonia” offered by John Spyder Macdonald.

Rev. Moriarity and the congregation welcomed the Right Rev. David Giuliano, Moderator of the United Church of Canada, Mary MacDermid and the members of the Salt Springs/ Scotsburn/ Lyons Brook Pastoral Charge and all visitors to this special service.

“Moran Taing” (many thanks) was extended to all who participated in the service.

Psalm 23 was read in Gaelic by Calvin MacInnis.
Ministry of Music “A Scottish Medley” was offered by Alastair and Bob Macdonald.

A teaching moment was presented by Shamus Y. MacDonald, Administrative Officer of the Gaelic Council of Nova Scotia.

“I See the Great Mountains" and “Give me Your Hand” were sung in Gaelic by Betty Lord and Calvin MacInnis.

During the offering, the gift of dance was offered by Jenna Rose MacIsaac and Kenzie MacDonald.

The Right Rev. Giuliano addressed the congregation and led us in the Lord’s Prayer.

John Spyder Macdonald sang “Bless the Ship Hector” which was danced to by Kelsey MacKenzie with the congregation joining in on the chorus.

Following the sung blessing, music to send us forth - the very moving “Highland Cathedral” was offered by Marjorie Ann Henderson-Macdonald, Robbie Macinnis, Brenda MacKean-Barss (pipers), Dawn Gorman (drummer) and our own Stewart Munro on the organ.

The Great Big Sing followed at 7 p.m. featuring the GBS Mass Choir and the Pictou District Honor Choir - director Monica George Punke.

Sunday school will resume next Sunday to be followed by hot dogs and a corn boil.

Barry’s Mills, Pictou ­– Margaret Gavin (Balmanno) Maclean, 95, of Barry’s Mills, Pictou, passed away peacefully September 4, 2008, with family at her side, in Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow.

Born in Talcahuano, Chile, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Williamina (McGhie) Balmanno. She immigrated to Canada with her parents from Dunfermline, Scotland in 1920 to Joggins, Cumberland County where she spent her early life.

She attended school in Joggins, Mount Allison University, and later entered the Aberdeen School of Nursing, New Glasgow, where she graduated in 1936 winning the Gold Medal in her class. She moved to Montreal where she completed post graduate training in Obstetrics at the Royal Victoria Hospital.

She returned to Nova Scotia and worked in the Kentville and Pictou hospitals before retiring in 1978.

She was a member of Pictou United Church and the UCW.

She is survived by her sons, John (Marjorie), Russel (Jean), both of Pictou; and a daughter, Sheila MacDonald (Barry), Halifax. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Jill, Scott, Nicholas, Gavin and Maria; five great-grandchildren: Cailee, Kyle, Zachery, Tanner and Tyler; and four nieces.

Margaret was predeceased by her husband, John; and her brother, Dr. James Balmanno.

She was a loving kind person, an outstanding nurse, and a loyal friend. She touched the lives of many and will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by family and friends.

Special thanks to Shirley Mills for her devotion and care in helping our mother to remain in her own home, to the nursing staff of 5 South, Aberdeen Hospital, for their compassion and excellent care, and to Dr. Gerry Farrell for his gentle kindness.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held 2-4, and 7-9 p.m. Sunday in McLaren Funeral Home, Pictou. Funeral service will take place 11 a.m. Monday from Pictou United Church, with Rev. Mary-Beth Moriarity officiating. Reception to follow in the church hall. A private graveside service will take place following the reception.

Family flowers only please. Donations in her memory may be made to the Northumberland Veterans Unit Bus Fund, or to a charity of one’s choice.