First United

TRENTON – Jim MacLean greeted the congregation of First United. The bulletin and News insert were in loving memory of Rev. John Patterson from Diane and family. Our service opened with the Call to Worship by Rev. Wade, followed by the hymn, Be Thou My Vision. Elizabeth “Tee” Roberts read the Hebrew lesson from Ezra, the Gospel lesson from John 2 and she led the congregation in the responsive reading Psalm 36. The choir’s anthem for this Sunday was When the Wind of Winter Blows. Rev. Wade entitled his sermon “For Better, For Worse,” is often a Matter of Worse is Better!, followed by the hymn How Great the Mystery of Faith. Tee read Minute for Mission entitled A Safe Place. After the Prayers of Gratitude and Openness, our service closed with the hymn Let Us Build a House. On Sunday, Jan. 31, Fellowship will follow the service with “N-Z” on lunch duty. Submitted by Judy Bradbury two verses of Fairest Lord Jesus the children of the Sunday School went to the front of the sanctuary. Rev. McPherson told them the story of David and Goliath before they left for Sunday School. Under the leadership of organist Bernice MacDonald the choir sang We Cannot Own the Sunlit Sky. Responsive Reading was Psalm 19. Rev. McPherson’s sermon was “Actions speak louder than words.” Jesus’ actions matched his words. His words always materialized as actions. Every saint is a saint in the final analysis because he or she is a doer of the word and not just a hearer and an admirer of it. The last hymn was The Church’s One foundation. The Sunday School is collecting items for the SPCA in Granton. Old towels, newspapers, dog and/or cat food would be greatly appreciated to help all the furry animals in need. Coffee is ready in the Ladies Parlour prior to worship. Tomorrow, Bonnie Langille will be our guest preacher. Submitted Mary Morris, Frances Sutherland and Marilyn Lockhart. Rev. Wynn expressed the sympathy of our church family to Brenda and Brian Bowden on the passing of his brother, Dennis. Hymns sung were Can a Little Child Like Me, Called as Partners in Christ’s Service and Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise. Scripture readings, by Rev. Wynn and Lottie Stewart, were taken from Isaiah 62, John 2 and I Corinthians 12. Psalm 36 was read responsively. The offering and food bank items were collected by Mary Morris, Marilyn Lockhart, Frances Sutherland and Genevieve Oliver. Donations were made to the general fund in memory of Zela Fairhurst, Lloyd MacLean and Audrey (Stewart) Fennell. The service closed with the singing of the choral Amen. Sung blessing was Go Now in Peace. Sunday services are at 11:15 at St. Andrew’s. All are welcome to worship with us. Submitted by Lottie Stewart This was followed with the Call to Worship from Ephesians 4:32 and the prayer of Invocation by Deacon Brian. The congregation continues to show growth. The opening hymn was I Love You, Lord. Pastor Moses Adekola then led in the responsive reading on “Forgiveness.” The children’s hymn was In My Life, Lord Be Glorified, before the pastoral prayer by Pastor Adekola. Tithes and offerings were received and the Choir selection was Dear Lord, Forgive. Pastor Moses message was based on Matthew 18 – a lesson on Forgiveness – a continuation from the previous Sunday’s message and the knowledge that God has our good and His glory in mind. Pastor extended Christian Sympathy to Caroline Bowden, family and relatives on the sudden death of her husband, Dennis Eugene Bowden, on Jan. 21. The annual business meeting of the Church for the year ending 2015 was scheduled to convene on Jan. 27. Reports were passed out on Jan. 24 and members were reminded to bring their copy to the meeting. The service concluded with the singing of Abide With Me. Submitted by Cherry Paris was lit by Megan and Breigh. Cassidy shared the mission of the Sunday School to raise money for the coming refugees. Please bring your nickels this week, dimes next week and quarters the next week! The Minute for Mission was presented by Nancy Doyle and was a local story from Georgie Dewey. You never miss the water until the well runs dry. Our Pictou County Help Line will close its doors May 31. It requires donations to stay open until that time. Please remember your donation this week as an extra collection will be taken for the Help Line. The choir anthem this week was Love Lifted Me. Offering was received by Jasmine, Cassidy, Nathan and Shawna. The Children’s Time discussed miracles. Isaiah 62:1-5 was read by John Muirhead. Psalm 36 was read responsively. Gerald Muir read John 2:1-11. The title of the sermon was “Miracles All Around You.” Do you believe in miracles? Some say they need to see with their own eyes to believe. The refugees are coming to Canada – that is a miracle for them. God’s unconditional love for us – that, too, is a miracle! Please support the St. Paul Stompers as they raise funds for homelessness Feb 20. Confirmation classes will be starting this week for those 14 and over interested in joining the church. Submitted by Cynthia Gallagher