Upcoming Dates to Remember
Mondays Centering Prayer Group 9:30am Wednesdays Coffee and Conversation with Open Sky 10-11am Thursdays Parents & Tots (at St. Andrews Presbyterian) 9:30-11am Nov 27-Dec 18 Advent Worship with Rev. Jennifer 9am/11am Dec 11 “Just Us” Special Orders Due Dec 14 Packing Day for Christmas Cheer (St. Paul’s) 9am Dec 18 FOOD BANK SUNDAY Dec 18 “Pastoral Caroling” 12:30pm Dec 18 Lessons and Carols for Anderson Settlement 6pm Dec 21 Longest Night/Blue Christmas Service at SUC 4pm Dec 24 Christmas Eve Services SUC at 6pm, Upper at 8pm Dec 25 Christmas Day Service 10am
ANNOUNCEMENTS for December 11, 2016 Advent III: Joy
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES: This year the pastoral charge will be offering 2 services on Christmas Eve. The 6pm service at Sackville United will feature a Nativity Drama written and directed by Fiona Brett, and the wood fires will keep our hands and hearts warm as we join in Lessons and Carols at 8pm at Upper Sackville. Both services are intended for all ages, and will be lead by Rev. Jennifer. Communion will be celebrated at both services, and we will close our time together by candlelight.
LONGEST NIGHT SERVICE: Join us at 4pm on Wednesday, December 21 for a contemplative and centering time of worship. Christmas is a time of mixed emotions for many and on this, the shortest day of the year, we take time out of the bustle of our lives to experience God’s comfort, healing, and peace.
CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE: The pastoral charge will celebrate on Christmas Day (Dec 25) with a shared service at 10am at Sackville United. Jennie Del Motte (with possible assistance from Megan, who has now learned the word “Merry” and says it approx. 10000 times a day) will lead us in a 30-40 minute service of song, prayers and readings. Why not take a pause between opening presents and putting the turkey in the oven to celebrate the mystery of Christmas with our church family!
JUST US HOLIDAY SPECIAL ORDERS: If you would like to order Just Us products in bulk for the holiday season (boxes of coffee, cases of chocolate, tea, hot chocolate or other products not usually kept in stock) please speak to Jennie this morning with your order.
“PASTORAL CAROLING”: Every year, a group of us join together to visit those in our church family and community who are not regularly able to attend worship to sing a couple of carols and spend a few minutes visiting with them. It is a fun and meaningful time for everyone involved. If you have any names of those who might appreciate a festive visit with a little bit of song, please contact the church office. We will meet following church on December 18 and go from there.
Would Someone You Know Appreciate a Pastoral Care Visit?: Pastoral care for SPC is generously being provided by Rev. Jean Ward. For any pastoral care needs, or if you know someone who might appreciate a visit, please contact Rev. Ward directly – 902-694-4372 or a.jean.ward@gmail.com
LESSONS AND CAROLS IN ANDERSON SETTLEMENT: Carols and Lessons for the Anderson Settlement United community will be held on Dec 18 at 6pm at the Home of Richard Wells in Anderson Settlement. PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE OF TIME TO 6PM. A time of fellowship and holiday mingling to be held following the service. All are welcome to attend. Contact Kyle Wells at kylerdwells@gmail.com for further details.
GIFTS WITH VISION: Still looking for ideas for Christmas presents? Do you know someone hard to shop for? Why not give the gift of a generous heart through Gifts with Vision, a United Church Mission & Service project. Learn more and select your gifts at www.giftswithvision.ca or pick up a brochure at the table in the back of the sanctuary.
2017 Offering Envelopes Now Available: 2017 offering envelopes are available for pickup on the table along the wall as you enter the sanctuary.
UCW COLLECTING SMALL ITEMS TO MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE: UCW continues to save the following items: Independent Grocery Tapes, pop tabs, plastic bread tabs, used postage stamps (1/4″ border), Campbell’s Soup Labels, the front cover of used Greeting Cards. All items can be left in the basket which is on the book shelf as you come in the main entrance of the church.
CHRISTMAS CHEER 2016: The Christmas Cheer program, which provides Christmas help to Sackville families, is once again accepting monetary donations (care of RBC), as well as donations of new toys, books and clothing for children aged 12 and under. Donations of secondhand clothing for adults and children, and of secondhand bedding would also be welcomed. Donations may be dropped off at Sackville United during regular office hours (Wed.-Fri. 9 a.m. to noon). Toy bags will be packed at St. Paul’s Anglican Church on Dec. 14th at 9 a.m., with a storm date of Dec. 15th. New volunteers are always welcome. For further information, please speak to Beth Briscoe or to Janet Geier.
CENTERING PRAYER: Centering prayer group meets every Monday; all are welcome to join for one half hour of prayer together.
HURRICANE MATTHEW APPEAL: This has faded from the headlines, but the need for our help continues. Find out more and support the relief effort by visiting http://www.united-church.ca/hurricane-matthew
Scripture:
Isaiah 35:1-10 Matthew 11:2-11 Luke 1:46b-55
Hymns:
Hark the Glad Sound, VU 29 When Heaven’s Bright with Mystery, VU 93 (words on screen) Dreaming Mary, MV 134 (words on screen) Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You, VU 232 Offertory Response: In the Bleak Midwinter, VU 55, v.4
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