silence - mark street united church

MARK STREET UNITED CHURCH
The House of Friendship
90 Hunter Street East
Peterborough, Ontario K9H 1G5
705-742-2682
[email protected]
www.markstreetunited.com
10 a.m.
_______________________
Rev. Patti Armstrong, B.A., M.Div.,
Minister
Director of Music: Vincent J. Abrahamse, B.Mus., B.Ed.
Office Administrator: Jill Brown
Custodian: Judy Ashworth
Parish Nurse: Janice Ross RN,MN
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February 5th, 2017
Honouring Black History Month
There is an old African proverb
(with many variations around the continent):
“Until lions start writing down their stories
the hunters will always be glorified.”
Deep thanks to Worship Leaders, Christine Bayeen, Flutists,
Drumming Circle, Mark Street Choir and Vince Abrahamse,
for sharing their gifts of Music.
___________________________________________
(* PLEASE STAND AS YOU ARE ABLE &
CONGREGATION RESPOND IN BOLD)
MUSICAL PRELUDE
WELCOME & CENTERING OURSELVES
IN THIS PLACE OF WORSHIP
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: VU 333 Love Divine, All Loves
Excelling
LIGHTING OF CHRIST CANDLE (text from a Traditional
Spiritual):
We heard the voice of Jesus say,
“Come unto me and rest.
Lay down thou weary one,
Lay down thy head upon my breast.”
With pitying eyes the Prince of Peace
Beheld our helpless grief;
He saw, and O amazing love!
He came to our relief.
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And the light from the light-house, shone on us.
*CALL TO WORSHIP
Friends, the God of hope is calling,
Offering refreshment to those who are weary and heavy
laden. Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying
heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
Come, O Holy Spirit.
Friends, the God of peace is calling,
Offering tender words of comfort to those in distress.
Come children, how often I have longed to gather you
together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings.
(Matthew 23:37, alt.)
O wise Spirit, come.
Friends, the God of love is calling,
Offering friendship and communion to those who feel alone.
Come everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you
that have no money, come buy and eat without money and
without cost. (Isaiah 55:1, alt.)
Come, O Holy Spirit, come,
O wise Spirit, come. (VU 383)
GREETING ONE ANOTHER
OPENING PRAYER (based on A Song of Faith)
Today in our worship, we lament anti-Black racism and
violence in North America.
We pray that the Spirit will reorient us: challenging us to live
by grace rather than entitlement; expecting us to be a
blessing to the earth. We pray that by acknowledging our
brokenness, we will be closer to becoming a church where
the good news is lived out:
faith nurtured and hearts comforted,
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gifts shared for the good of all,
resistance to the forces that exploit and marginalize,
fierce love in the face of violence,
human dignity defended,
members of a community held and inspired by God.
Through our tears, may we witness to your love and
grace. Amen.
LIFE AND WORK OF THE CONGREGATION
MUSIC & WORSHIP PRESENTATION
SHARING OUR STORY-LAMENTATION
THE LORD’S PRAYER (TOGETHER)
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be your Name.
Your Kingdom come,
Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For yours is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
PRAYER WITH CHILDREN
God, with these ripped pieces of fabric, we name that we are
broken, not yet whole. We ask for your help in mending our
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torn heart back together, with the unbreakable bond of your
love. Amen
CHILDREN AND LEADERS MAY LEAVE FOR ACTIVITIES
DOWNSTAIRS
PRAYER OF LAMENTATION
In many Black traditions, “hush” is a word of comfort, not a
word of silencing. It is what a loving parent might say to
console a child who has fallen and hurt themselves; it is a
word of comfort, reassurance, and love often used when
someone is acutely experiencing pain, grief, or suffering.
Today, as we celebrate Black History Month, we pause to
lament and sing words of comfort to those who are deeply
feeling the pain of racism and anti-Black violence…
God, we lament a world where the quality of a child’s life can
still be accurately predicted by the colour of their skin;
Black and Brown skin tones are perceived as weapons;
White supremacy goes unchallenged; discrimination is
expected and planned for; and racism is known to be woven
into the fabric of society.
Lord, what shall we do?
“Hush! Hush!”
[silence]
God, we remember our children who have inherited racism
overtly through the teaching of hate, and covertly through
the lived experience of prejudice. We lament that children
have the unfair burden to unlearn the lessons of
discrimination that they have been taught. We lament that
children are fighting against low expectations placed on
them by a biased society. And we lament the children who
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are angry when chastised for reflecting back the hateful
language they have been taught.
Lord, what shall we do?
“Hush! Hush!”
[silence]
God, we remember our parents and guardians who have
experienced friends, loved ones, and children dying from the
physical and emotional wounds of anti-Black violence and
who have worked thanklessly and prophetically for equality.
We lament the protectors who feel helplessly unable to
shield their loved ones from harm. We lament that our
protestors are tired yet still persevere without signs of rest
or progress. We lament that there are people who live in fear
of hateful violence because of what they look like.
Lord, what shall we do?
“Hush! Hush!”
[silence]
God, we remember our elders, who created paths where
there were none and sacrificed so that other generations
could live in peace and freedom. We lament that they are
being forced to relive the violence of racism in both different
and familiar forms. We lament that they are not able to live
with the peace and dignity that they fought for. We lament
that they are forced to watch their children suffer. We
lament the elders who are tired, weary, and worn, with no
signs of rest. Lord, what shall we do?
“Hush! Hush!”
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[silence]
God, we remember our Canadian ancestors, who despite
great opposition and persecution thrived to become role
models. We remember Lincoln Alexander, Mary Ann Shadd
Cary, Viola Davis Desmond, Elijah McCoy, Portia White, Carrie
Best, Fergie Arthur Jenkins, Wilbur Howard, and other Black
leaders that we honour and remember. We lament the
stories that we do not know, the histories that we have
failed to share and the names that we have forgotten.
Lord, what shall we do?
“Hush! Hush!”
[silence]
God, we remember…we lament…and we wait, trusting that
you will comfort us, while providing us direction.
Amen.
PAUSE AND PREPARE TO HEAR SCRIPTURES…
The Prophet’s Complaint: Habakkuk 1.1–4
(p. 871 NRSV pew bible)
God’s reply to the Prophet’s Complaint: Habakkuk 2.1–5
(p. 872 NRSV pew bible)
Love your enemies
Matthew 5.43-48
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
REFLECTION
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HYMN: VU 575 I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use me
GIVING THANKS
SONG OF OFFERING
What can I do? What can I bring?
What can I say? What can I sing?
I’ll sing with joy. I’ll say a prayer.
I’ll bring my love. I’ll do my share.
*DEDICATING OUR GIFTS
With these words from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. we accept
these gifts and all they offer:
“Use me, God. Show me how to take who I am, who I want
to be, and what I can do, and use it for a purpose greater
than myself.”
ANTHEM Stand Up Friends
Stand up friends! Hold your heads high!
Freedom is our song! Al – le – lu –ia!
Freedom is our song! Al-le-lu-ia!
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Hush! Hush! My soul be calm and still.
Come, blessed Savior, enter in.
Forgive our sins… [silence],
Heal all our ills… [silence],
Give strength for tasks… [silence],
Give peace of mind… [silence],
And make our spirits wholly Thine.
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And we shall praise thee ever more.
Amen, Amen, Amen.
*HYMN: MV 30 It’s a Song of Praise to the Maker
BLESSING
Although the road is long and the journey is hard.
Although the mountains are too high
and the valleys are too low.
By your grace, give us hope.
By your power, give us strength.
By your mercy, give us wisdom.
So that we may continue to go where you lead us,
until all your children are safe from harm.
May we go with your light shining in us. Amen.
*CHORAL BLESSING: May the Peace of the Lord Christ
May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you wherever he
may send you.
May he guide you through the wilderness protect you
through the storm.
May he bring you home rejoicing at the wonders he has
shown you.
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
RECESSIONAL
POSTLUDE
Liturgy adapted from United Church of Canada, Worship
Resources, Black History Month.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Covenanting Service: February 12 @ 2 pm.
A couple of years ago we began our change process with a
Transition Ministry. That project led to a final set of
recommendations and a plan for the future that the
Congregation supported. We then went searching for a
Minister to help us toward those changes. The Interview
team had a clear set of goals from the Congregation and
returned with a recommendation, accepted by the
Congregation late last spring. Our relationship truly began in
August last year as Patti joined us and we started off
together. The United Church asks that we formalize the
pastoral relationship in worship and covenant once they
have processed the change through the involved
Presbyteries, Conferences and the National church. While we
have been in this pastoral relationship for awhile, the church
document called the “Warrant to Covenant” has recently
been received so now we need to complete the formality
with the Covenanting Service.
In this service, represented by Presbytery; Patti, the
Congregation and Presbytery exchange promises as we
covenant together. As the last act of the Interview Team,
we’ve been involved in planning this service and we expect
you will find it meaningful and celebratory, a beautiful
service of promise. There are scriptures, music, hymns,
promises and symbolic gifts all shared to help our Church,
with lots of people involved. The service will be held here at
2pm on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 12th and we look forward to
people’s support and attendance.
Don McLaren
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OYP Needs your Beds!
Ontario Youth Parliament (OYP) will be taking Peterborough
by storm on Family Day weekend (February 17-20th 2017)! This
is super exciting for all of the youth coming from across the
province, or it will be if we can find enough beds for all of
them! If you can accommodate two or more delegates with
bed and breakfast for three nights on the Family Day
weekend, please fill out the form at oyp.on.ca/billiting or
feel free to call Tess Morasse at 705-928-7170. If you do not
have beds but still want to contribute, please refer to the
posters in your church or feel free to contact Tess Morasse.
Bay of Quinte Conference Prayer Cycle: St. Matthew’s UC.,
Belleville. Kente Presbytery.
Next Week’s Scripture: February 12
Psalm 119:1-8
1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Matthew 5:21-37
If you have an event you would like put in the bulletin please
let the office know by Wednesday morning. Thanks.
Rev Patti Armstrong
Office hours: Monday-Thursday 10-2 (please feel free to drop
by or set up a time to meet with me during office hours or
after).
Days off: Friday & Saturday
Contact: [email protected] #705-768-9052
If you have an emergency spiritual care need, please do not
hesitate to contact me at any time. Use my phone contact
and leave a message.
Deep thanks.
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What’s Happening at Mark Street
Last Week:
Thanks to Jessica Batley and her committee for organizing
the Spaghetti Supper on Saturday evening. Food was
delicious and the hospitality superb as usual in the House
of Friendship.
Thanks goes to all those providing food on our 145th
Anniversary Sunday. A special thanks to all the cake bakers.
Sarah Gilmore, Darlene McGuiness, Adrienne
Abrahamse, Sarah Keys-Brazier, Janice Ross, Kathy
Armstrong, Rosemary Hughes, Jewell Bennett, Linda
Dorsett, Brian Woodruff, Lynn Holland, and Melissa
Hope.
Thanks also goes to Brenda Cochrane for organizing the cake
bakers once again.
Thanks from the OUTREACH COMMITTEE to all the folks who
made sandwiches, helped with the preparation, set up and
take down, towel washers and everyone who attended to
make our 145th Anniversary a happy event.
Funds raised goes towards our White Gift donation.
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Today – February 5
Dinner Theatre Rehearsal –Parlour 11:30-1:30 pm
Peterborough Spirituality – Friendship Hall 7-9m
Monday February 6
School Snacks – Friendship Hall Kitchen 9-10:30 am
Trex – CEC 6:30-8 pm
Pathfinders – Friendship Hall 7-9pm
Tuesday February 7
Quilters – Friendship Hall 9:30am
Yoga – Friendship Hall 5:30pm
Edge Committee – Parlour 7-8pm
Wednesday February 8
Tai Chi – CEC 10am-12noon
Brownies – Friendship Hall 6:30-8pm
GA – Parlour 7pm
Thursday – February 9
Collective Kitchen – CEC 10am-2pm
Come Cook – CEC 2-7pm
Carpet Bowlers – Friendship Hall 2-3:30pm
Drummers – Parlour 5:30pm
Sparks – Friendship Hall 6:30-8pm
Choir Practice – Sanctuary 7pm
Friday – February 10
Highland Dance – Friendship Hall 6:15-7:45 pm
Saturday – February 11
30 Craft Market – CEC 8:30 am-4pm
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Coming Soon
Ontario Youth Parliament
February 17-20 2017
We are still looking for:
 Billets – Can you spare a bed, couch or air
mattress?
 Pages - Boys & Girls ages 8 to 12 or 13 yrs.
For a 4 hour shift
 Sandwiches – for Friday afternoon –See Sharon
Simpkins
 Set up & Take Down Friday noon & Monday at
3pm
If you have any questions, please speak with Rosemary
Hughes, Coralee Vass, Carolyn Holmes or Rev Patti
Armstrong.
Visitor’s Gallery
Everyone is welcome to attend and sit in the Visitor’s
Gallery. You can witness the leaders of tomorrow in action.
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February Events
VESEY’S Bulb Fundraiser
Let’s beautify our yards for Canada’s 150th. Janice Ross will
have order forms commencing February 12 – April 2 2017
Saturday - February 18
Knitting Class begins. 10-am -12 noon. Friendship Hall
Tuesday - February 28
Shrove Tuesday
Pancake Supper will be served in Friendship Hall 4-7pm
Tickets $8.00/adult $25.00/family
In The Future
Sunday March 26
Dinner Theatre – CEC Come to enjoy dinner & observe the
talent of our Mark Street members and their friends.
Tuesday – April 4 – May 9 1:30–4 pm
Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Pain Workshop.
FREE 6 week sessions in Friendship Hall
Hosted by JoAnne Miller through CCAC & LHIN
Pre-registration is required. 1-866-971-5545
For more information, see the poster on our bulletin
board.
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OUR MISSION & SERVICE SUPPORTS:
Globally:
 94 global partners, including 12 global ecumenical
organizations in 22 countries serving God’s people in
areas such as education, health, water, sustainable
agriculture, human rights, and community
development
In Canada:
 64 community ministries serving God’s people in areas
such as employment training, housing, food, clothing,
and counselling
 36 chaplaincies in universities, hospitals, and
communities
 25+ grants for Healing Fund project
 20 ecumenical advocacy and interfaith organizations
 7 theological schools and 2 education centres serving
God’s people by providing theological education and
continuing education
 dozens of grants for programs for youth through the
Vision Fund (in 2015)
 84 pastoral charges in 13 Conferences serving God’s
people through worship, pastoral care, education,
and mission
 operating grants for 11 of the 13 Conferences across
the church in Canada and Bermuda