Pictou United Church

Pictou – Greeters were Millie Hoffe and Wanda Smith, steward was Bill Dodson. Lighting the Christ Candle and leading the Call to Worship was Taylor Toole.  Rev. Mary-Beth Moriarity’s time with the children today was centered on communication and the various ways we can do that. She talked of the sign’s without words that we can use to give and receive messages. She said sometimes God is trying to give us a message. She told of bible stories that are known as call stories. Stories in which God gives us a message about what he wants us to do with our life. When God calls, we answer the call. Hebrew Scripture 1 Samuel 3: 1-20 and the Gospel Lesson Mark 1:14-20 were read by June Cameron. During reflection Rev. Moriarity referred to the story of Samuel where three times he hears a call before he understands it is God calling. Then without hesitation he answers the call. Rev. Moriarity asked when our nominations committee puts out the call, what holds us back from answering the call? There are times God calls and speaks to us and people in our lives help us to perceive his call, perhaps the problem is with our listening. One way to share God’s love is to be the person he created us to be.  Ministry of Music “Let Them Come” was offered by the Church Choir. Today the UCW gave thanks to God for the ministry and faithfulness of those members who died in 2011. Candles were lit as each was remembered for how she reflected the divine light. Those being remembered were Janet Gunn, Vera MacDonald and Marguerite Parks.  Join us this Sunday as we MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE. Worship begins at 10:30, all are welcome.

Submitted by Sharon Cheverie

PICTOU UNITED CHURCH

Pictou – Second Cup was hosted by Nancy and David Steele. Worship began with these words “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that” words of Martin Luther King Jr. who was born Jan 15^th 1929.  Welcome and announcements were read by Rev. Mary-Beth Moriarity. Margaret Anne Dodson gave the Mission Moment. Lighting the Christ Candle and leading us in worship was Kari Waller. Rev. Moriarity’s time with the children was centered on questions of the body. Such as what is the smallest bone in the body, how many times does our heart beats, how much does our brain weigh? She talked about how amazing our bodies are. There are things our body’s do that we are not even aware of, a mystery of life.  The children then sang a new song with the congregation. During reflections we listened as Rev. Moriarity read paraphrases of Psalm 139 centered on “Holy Love”. Namaste.. …The Love in me meets the Love in you. Ministry of Music “Come Follow Me” was offered by the church choir. Greeters for this day were Art and Gwen MacDonald, steward was Bill Dodson. Please join us at Pictou United for worship on Sunday’s beginning at 10:30, all are welcome.

Submitted by Sharon Cheverie

 link > >  Jan Feb2012 newsletter

PICTOU UNITED CHURCH

PICTOU – Epiphany the 12 days following Christmas, the journey of the Magi to worship the Birth. It is a season that invites us to pause, and reflect on our own special moments. An Epiphany also known as an a-ha moment was the topic at Pictou United this past Sunday. Rev. Mary-Beth Moriarity lit the Advent Candles and the Christ Candle and led us in worship and the gathering prayer. Rev. Moriarity read a Christmas story which had mistakes and when the congregation heard them they were encouraged to say a-ha. It was a story of god’s love. We share his love, his love continues past epiphany. Hebrew Scripture “Arise, Shine!” and Gospel Story “Following the Star” were read Bonny McTague. During reflections “Right under Your Nose” Rev. Moriarity told a story of about the wonderment of the stars. People study the stars as if they hold all the secrets of life. But since they were so focused on the stars they were missing all the special moments that happen right in front of them every day. With the message being don’t miss the holy; it is right under your nose. Rev. Moriarity then read the poem “January’s Song’ by Ann Weems.  Ministry of Music “Who Am I” was offered by Sarah Carrigan. Candles on the Advent Wreath were extinguished one by one. Today’s bulletin was dedicated in loving memory of Patrick Moriarity. Greeters were Bill and Debbie MacLellan. Please join us Sunday at 9:45 for Second Cup worship to follow at 10:30. All are welcome.  May peace and gladness bless your little corner of the world and may the New Year bring the best to you and yours.

Submitted by Sharon Cheverie.