PICTOU UNITED CHURCH

Pictou – Our service began with the beautiful sound of the flute played by Jeni Armin-Pereda as she offered “Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte”.  May 6^th marks Nurses Day; recognition was given by Rev. Mary-Beth Moriarity for all they do. Recognition was also given by Brian Burris for V Day and we were asked to take a moment to say thanks. Ross MacLeod lit the Christ Candle and led us in Worship. For her time with the children Rev. Moriarity donned her mutli coloured beanie hat with attached dreds. She spoke of her recent visit to Jamaica and how proud the people are of their national singer Bob Marley. Bob Marley was a different believer he followed a different tradition called Rastafarian and he looked different. He was a promoter of love for one another and the world. He believed we needed to look after the earth and each other. She showed a video and we listened to the song of Bob Marley’s ‘One Love’. Love is an important part of who we are.  Epistle Lesson and Gospel Lesson were read by Luke Young. Rev. Moriarity’s message today spoke of the unity between god and us. She spoke of a time when religion and denomination were a source of division. When lines were crossed debates and fighting ensued. Families became broken and divided. God’s love in us and through us is a reason for celebration not division. As people of faith, where ever something is broken we want to something. Ministry of Music “May Day Carol” was sung by Melanie Pos accompanied by Shelley Pos on piano.  Coffee Hour followed worship hosted by the Trustees & Property Committee. Our greeters for this day were Linda Tucker and Carolyn Moore, our steward was Harris MacKenzie.  Join us Sunday for worship at 10:30 as we celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism and Confirmation, all are welcome.

Submitted by Sharon Cheverie

Rev. Mary-Beth Moriarity reminded the congregation that God is their shepherd, they are His flock. Gathering hymn, This IS The Day That God has Made, prepared the group for the first reading.  Thea Waller read The Lighting of the Christ Candle.

With her shepherd’s stick,  Rev. Moriarity welcomed the Sunday School children. She said that in Biblical times, we would see many shepherds herding their sheep. The sheep would recognize their shepherd’s voice and obey him.

The children were reminded that God is like a shepherd. He wants to guide, love and protect us. The congregation then sang a lively African song from Cameroon, Jesus Came Bringing Us Love.

Judy Cormier read 1John 3: 16-24 and John 10: 11-18. Murray McLaren and Mary-Beth both read Psalm 23, The Lord Is My Shepherd. She pointed out that Psalm 23 is often read during difficult times. These very words give great comfort to all people.

The Minister asked the parishioners to take a few moments and reflect on some questions:  What does it mean to call God your Shepherd?  What restores you when you are at the end of your road?  Where is God leading you this day?  How are you a sign of God’s love to others?

Ministry of music offered by the choir was Just Two Words. Closing hymn was To Show by Touch and Word.

Our Greeter was Diane Vaughan and her grandson. Our Steward was Ken MacMillan.

Next Sunday Coffee Hour will take place before the service.

Submitted by Karen Hicks

                                              Pictou United Church     

Welcoming the congregation on the second Sunday in the season of Easter, were Eva and Frank McLean. Our Stewart was Ken MacMillan.  Rev Mary- Beth opened the service with a reminder that this is Earth Day, a day set aside to consider our part as stewards of the earth. The gathering prayer was heard from many participating voices throughout the congregation and told of us we did weave the web of life, but that we are merely a strand in the web of life. . The scripture, read by Rev Moriarity, was Genesis 1:1 – 2:4a the story of creation.  Dorothy Bush, Ways and Means Committee, announced that our favourite recipes, using local ingredients, are to be used in a cookbook which will be launched in September to support our church insulation project.

 The hymn ‘Touch the Earth Lightly” was sung preceding Rev Moriarty’s reflections which were entitled: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better it’s not”.  Using a power point display illustrating a Dr. Seuss book , we heard about the story of the Lorax ,a man who speaks for the trees. In the book, the trees are being chopped down to produce a product everybody needs, but at what cost?  The story outlines the need for us all to be caretakers of the earth and each do our part to protect the earth. In celebration of Earth Day, seedlings in small pots were passed out to the congregation to take home and plant. The seeds were a gift from the United Church Moderator and planted by the children of the Sunday School.  We thank them!  The choir sang “God of the Sparrow”, after the sound of a chirping bird was played on the keyboard.  Closing hymn was “Called by Earth and Sky”.

                                                                   Submitted by Linda Gee

Pictou United’s Famous Chickenburger & Dessert Luncheon

Friday, May 18th

11:30 -1:30pm

Tickets $7.00

call  485-6301   OR  485-8081