MARK STREET UNITED CHURCHThe House of Friendship

90 Hunter Street EastPeterborough, Ontario K9H 1G5

705-742-2682markstreetchurch@bellnet.cawww.markstreetunited.com

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Rev. Patti Armstrong, B.A., M.Div., Minister

Director of Music:  Vincent J. Abrahamse, B.Mus., B.Ed.

Office Administrator:  Jill BrownCustodian:  Judy Ashworth

Parish Nurse:  Janice Ross RN,MN

February 5th, 2017 Honouring Black History MonthThere 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 PeaceBeheld our helpless grief;He saw, and O amazing love!

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He came to our relief.And the light from the light-house, shone on us.*CALL TO WORSHIPFriends, 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

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brokenness, we will be closer to becoming a church where the good news is lived out:

faith nurtured and hearts comforted,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.

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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 torn heart back together, with the unbreakable bond of your love. Amen

CHILDREN AND LEADERS MAY LEAVE FOR ACTIVITIES DOWNSTAIRSPRAYER 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]

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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 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

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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!”[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.

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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 enemiesMatthew 5.43-48

This is the Word of the Lord.Thanks be to God.

REFLECTION

HYMN: VU 575 I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use me

GIVING THANKS

SONG OF OFFERINGWhat 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 GIFTSWith 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.”

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ANTHEM Stand Up FriendsStand 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. 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.

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*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.

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

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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 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

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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 119:1-81 Corinthians 3:1-9Matthew 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 ArmstrongOffice 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 & SaturdayContact: revpattiarmstrong@gmail.com #705-768-9052If 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.

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.

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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.

Today – February 5Dinner Theatre Rehearsal –Parlour 11:30-1:30 pmPeterborough Spirituality – Friendship Hall 7-9mMonday February 6

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School Snacks – Friendship Hall Kitchen 9-10:30 amTrex – CEC 6:30-8 pmPathfinders – Friendship Hall 7-9pmTuesday February 7 Quilters – Friendship Hall 9:30amYoga – Friendship Hall 5:30pmEdge Committee – Parlour 7-8pm

Wednesday February 8Tai Chi – CEC 10am-12noonBrownies – Friendship Hall 6:30-8pmGA – Parlour 7pm

Thursday – February 9Collective Kitchen – CEC 10am-2pmCome Cook – CEC 2-7pmCarpet Bowlers – Friendship Hall 2-3:30pmDrummers – Parlour 5:30pmSparks – Friendship Hall 6:30-8pmChoir Practice – Sanctuary 7pmFriday – February 10Highland Dance – Friendship Hall 6:15-7:45 pmSaturday – February 1130 Craft Market – CEC 8:30 am-4pm

Coming Soon

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Ontario Youth ParliamentFebruary 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

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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 GalleryEveryone is welcome to attend and sit in the Visitor’s Gallery. You can witness the leaders of tomorrow in action.

February EventsVESEY’S Bulb FundraiserLet’s beautify our yards for Canada’s 150th. Janice Ross will have order forms commencing February 12 – April 2 2017

Saturday - February 18Knitting Class begins. 10-am -12 noon. Friendship Hall

Tuesday - February 28 Shrove TuesdayPancake Supper will be served in Friendship Hall 4-7pm Tickets $8.00/adult $25.00/family

In The FutureSunday March 26 Dinner Theatre – CEC Come to enjoy dinner & observe the talent of our Mark Street members and their friends.

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Tuesday – April 4 – May 9 1:30–4 pm Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Pain Workshop. FREE 6 week sessions in Friendship HallHosted by JoAnne Miller through CCAC & LHIN Pre-registration is required. 1-866-971-5545

For more information, see the poster on our bulletin board.

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

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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

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