Newspaper Write Up of Pictou United Church Service for March 25, 2012

During the Fifth Sunday in Lent we are all encouraged to take the time to let the power of our Faith Story catch hold of us and allow a fresh new taste of God. A time to place our feet on the streets of Jerusalem and time to remember One who stayed a little while among us. Greeting the Congregation were Elsie MacDonald and Alison Yoshioka. Brian Burris served as Steward.  Lighting of the Christ Candle and Gathering Litany was conducted by Raine Langille.  Rev. Moriarity gathered the children together before Sunday School to explain to them the real meaning of the Cross, that although Jesus was crucified, nobody could ever kill God’s Love. The sign of the cross is a symbol of that perfect Love and Life; helping us to know that we must act towards others always with Love. She demonstrated how giving a hug to show love to another begins with arms wide spread like a Cross.

The Congregation was then invited to hear “The Good News” as Rev. Moriarity shared the Gospel Lesson from John 1 Verses 1 to 14.  The Choir under the direction of David and Shelley Pos presented an Easter Cantata with music and words from “Godspell”, a

modern reenactment of the Parables and Stories of Jesus as he teaches in the streets of New York. We learn of justice, compassion, light and love. We learn that death could not destroy Holy Love. The risen Christ lives today and is present to us as we embody His presence in the World. Guest musicians were Richard Doucet and Murray Smith. Other hymns sung were Like a River of Tears and He Came Singing Love. The Bulletin was dedicated to Alice MacLellan in celebration of her Birthday from UCW friends. Closing Prayer spoke of the joy of Spring and new life. Holy Week Worship and Events begin next Sunday April 1^st with a Palm Sunday Worship.

Submitted by Bonny McTague

 Join Us this Sunday (March 25th at 10:30am) as our awesome choir presents selections from the Broadway musical “GODSPELL”.

Pictou United Church      Sunday, March 18, 2012

Greeting the Congregation was Jean Langley and Wilson Jones. Brian Burris served as Steward. Our Second Cup Hosts were Chriss Landry and Sharon Cheverie. Lighting of the Christ Candle and the Gathering Prayers were lead by Melanie Pos. Beautiful flowers placed in loving memory of Gordon MacLellan decorated the Sanctuary. Rev. Moriarity invited worshippers to approach all activities including Prayer with an open heart allowing God’s presence to join with you. The Labyrinth was used to illustrate the spiritual practice of drawing close to God in our daily lives. Prior to the children going to Sunday School Kenzie MacDonald offered her gift of music singing “Angel”. Lay Leader was Beth MacDonald who read the Hebrew Scripture Numbers 21: Verses 4 to 9 where we learn that God offers wholeness and healing through life, death and new life. She shared the Gospel Lesson from John 3: Verses 14 to 21 as Jesus teaches Nicodemus that the Son of Man will be lifted up so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life. The congregation read responsively Psalm # 107, O Give Thanks, led by Rev. Moriarity. Sandy MacKay joined her in a Meditation entitled “For God so Loved the World…he placed a little of his divine spirit in you and me that we may go out into the World bearing his Love to others, he gave us hands to hold each other during difficult times, hands to feed the hungry, a voice to speak truth on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves, and minds that create ways to turn hatred to love.” The Choir’s Anthem was Something Good is Going to Happen to You. Other Hymns sung were This Day God Gives Me and God Says.  The Bulletin was dedicated in appreciation to Clif Bush. Closing prayer was adapted from the Prayer of St. Patrick. 

Submitted by Bonny McTague

Pictou United Church March 11, 2012

This Sunday our Congregation celebrated the third Sunday in Lent. Worshippers were warmly greeted by Carolyn Moore and Wilson Jones. Steward on duty was Brian Burris. The Lighting of the Christ Candle and opening Litany was lead by Allyson Parker. Beautiful flowers decorated the Sanctuary placed in loving memory of Mrs.Van MacDougall. Our Gathering Words featured the ancient method of Prayer using the Labyrinth to encourage us to move into God’s center then back out into the World knowing God is with us. Kayla and Chad Sutherland offered their Ministry of Music with a beautiful rendition of “Lean On Me.” Hymns sung during the service were All People That on Earth Do Dwell, Your Words, O God and Faith of Our Fathers. The Choir’s Anthem was “Rain Down”

Lay Leader was Susan Fraser reading from the Hebrew Scripture, Exodus 3:1-14. Rev. Mary-Beth Moriarity reflected upon Our Words of Faith: Cherished, Honored and Living. She shared a brief history of the UnitedChurch. These words of faith will guide our choices as United Churches everywhere seek by Remit to add three more Faith Statements to our twenty Articles of Faith: the 1940 Statement affirming our belief about God, A New Creed and A Song of Faith. We learn that Holy Wisdom can be found in words that teach love and give life other than that in Scripture. It can be found in Music and Poetry, words that help make our lives and choices matter. In gratitude and joy we often sing Thanksgiving, and our faith grows and is transformed. Your Words O God, give Life. Council will meet to vote on the inclusion of some or all of the New Statements on March 29^th at 7pm and all are encouraged to attend. Our Bulletin was dedicated to Spyder MacDonald on his Birthday. Service concluded with singing of the Lord’s Prayer and Rev. Moriarity then pronounced the Blessing. All Welcome to attend

Lenten Contem”play”tion Monday’s at 7pm. 

Submitted by Bonny McTague