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THURSDAY EVENING (Opening Worship, Business, Memorial Service)

Stage will be prepared with fishing nets, bouys, etc.

GATHERING MUSIC

WELCOMING TO CONFERENCE (15 minutes)SONG FOR PEACE

Gentle lady, gentle man,May I speak that you might understand.I've been thinking we've been rather blind.Let us leave every difference behind.

Cast your nets on these waters, your lines on the sea,Your sights on horizons wherever you please,For together we'll weather the tide that prevails,With the sun on our shoulders, the wind in our sails.

Those who suffer, those who cry,Call for brothers and friends, by and by,For 'tis certain united we stand,Side by side, arm in arm, hand in hand.


Little children know the way.They spend life, dream by dream, day by day,And by nature, they seem to implyWe must love, and never ask why.



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Scripture Lesson Mark 4: 35 - 41Paper Boats

Explanation and demonstration (http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Paper-Boat)foldingWriting names of loved onesRemembering previous Conference friends, Pastoral Charge friends, others

PrayerLord Jesus,Our fingers fumble to build our boats – we need a master mariner. Come among us, stand among us and stay among us.When we are shaken by storms – give us peace.When we are becalmed with indecisions – send a refreshing breeze.When we have run aground, be the flood tide that lifts us.When we are sinking, be the One who rescues and saves.When we are plowing the waves, be our joy.When we pull into the harbour at the close of our day, be the One waiting for us.With You at our side, we will seek other seas. Amen.

HYMN – JESUS YOU HAVE COME TO THE LAKESHORE

Jesus, you have come to the lakeshore, looking neither or wealthy nor wise ones, you only asked me to follow humbly.

Refrain: O Jesus, with your eyes you have searched me,And while smiling have spoken my name,Now my boat’s left on the shoreline behind meBy your side, I will seek other seas.

You, know so well my possessionsMy boat carries no gold and no weaponsYou will find there my nets and labour. Refrain:

You need my hands, full of caring,Through my labours to give others restAnd constant love that keeps on loving.

Refrain:You, who have fished other oceansEver longed for by souls who are waitingMy loving friend, as thus you call me. Refrain:

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MEMORIAL SERVICE

A TIME FOR SINGING

I FEEL THE WINDS OF GOD TODAY

I feel the winds of God today; today my sail I lift,Though heavy, oft with drenching spray, and torn with many a rift;If hope but light the water’s crest, and Christ my bark will use,I’ll seek the seas at His behest, and brave another cruise.

It is the wind of God that dries my vain regretful tears,Until with braver thoughts shall rise the purer, brighter years;If cast on shores of selfish ease or pleasure I should be;Oh, let me feel your freshening breeze, and I’ll put back to sea.

If ever I forget your love and how that love was shown,Lift high the blood red flag above; it bears your name alone.Great pilot of my onward way, you will not let me drift;I feel the winds of God today, today my sail I lift.

I, THE LORD OF SEA AND SKYI, the Lord of sea and sky,I have heard My people cry.All who dwell in deepest sin,My hand will save.I who made the stars of night,I will make their darkness bright.Who will bear My light to them?Whom shall I send?Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?I have heard You calling in the night.I will go, Lord, if You lead me.I will hold Your people in my heart.

The Leadership will go and vest during the singing of these songs. Hopefully, everyone one will be ready to enter during “Here I am Lord” . Entrance Order is: President – Catherine StuartExec. Sect – David HewittMaine Conf. Minster – Deborah BloodGeneral Council Rep. John Young and President Elect – Richard Bowley.

A Worship Leader will welcome the Congregation, explain the flow of the Service, remind people of their ‘boats’, of how Communion will be served / received. Then will invite us to sing as follows.

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I, the Lord of snow and rain,I have borne my people's pain.I have wept for love of them, they turn away.I will break their hearts of stone,Give them hearts for love alone.I will speak My word to themWhom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?I have heard You calling in the night.I will go, Lord, if You lead me.I will hold Your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of wind and flameI will tend the poor and lame.I will set a feast for them,My hand will saveFinest bread I will provide,Till their hearts be satisfied.I will give My life to them,Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?I have heard You calling in the night.I will go, Lord, if You lead me.I will hold Your people in my heart.

BEGINNING OF SPOKEN WORSHIP

We are on the ship of life, sailing across the seas of time. Gathered around the “Cs”, we are the Maritimes.

Land locked villages furnished the wood for masts and booms and boats.Manufacturing towns wove the canvas for sails. Great farms grew crops that needed to be transported far afield. Mining towns, paper towns, hubs of export - supplied heavy cargos.Sugar coming from the Caribbean and salt cod going to the Caribbean, sailed through Bermuda. Gathered around the “Cs”, we are the Maritimes. Some of our people went to sea while others stayed on shore. Communities flourished, congregations grew, churches proclaimed Christ and the Cosmos shone with the light of a bright future. We are familiar with history, with images,

Conference President – Catherine Stuart

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and with words that come from our past when we fished other seas. Gathered around the “Cs”, we are the Maritimes.

From the lumber woods of the Miramichi, to the mines of Cape Breton, from the orchards of the Valley, to the potato fields of the Island, from the fishing villages along our coasts, to the cities in our harbours, we are the Maritimes.

From the Gaspe to Bermuda, from Yarmouth to Miscou, from Glace Bay to Edmunston, from Tignish to Tusket, from Madawaska to Main-a-Dieu, we are the Maritimes.

From Hamilton to Halifax, from Bathurst to Barrington, from Sydney to Saint John, from Charlottetown to Chatham, from Moncton to Malagash, from Campbellton to Canso – we are the Maritimes.

From St. George’s to St. Andrew’s, from St. Martin’s to St. Stephen, from St. Peter’s to St. Ann’s – we are the Maritimes.

From St. John’s-the-Lighthouse on Miscou to Emmanuel Methodist in Southhampton, from St. John’s in Port Morien to Saint Andrew’s in Grand Falls, from Knox United in Glace Bay to Knox United in Loggieville – we are the Maritimes.

We gather together, from our villages, our towns, our cities, From our provinces and our countries, we gather as the people of God.We are the Maritimes.

Executive Secretary – David Hewitt

General Council – John Young

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We gather with those we see, with those who live in our memories, and with those who live with God. Together we proclaim

We are not alone. We live in God’s world.We believe in God:

Who has created and is creating, Who has come in Jesus,

the Word made Flesh, to reconcile and make new;Who works in us and others by the Spirit.

We trust in God.We are called to be the Church; To celebrate God’s Presence, To live with respect in Creation, To love and serve others, To seek justice and resist evil,To proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen,

our judge and our hope.In life, in death, in life beyond death,

God is with us.We are not alone. Thanks be to God.

Let us worship God!

HYMN # 88 (More Voices) OVER MY HEAD (refrain only 2 times) Over my head, I hear music in the air!Over my head, I hear music in the air!Over my head, I hear music in the air!There must be a God somewhere!

LITANYOur life, our society, our Church and our world are ever changing. We are constantly evolving with new ideas, new dreams, new ways and new insights!

Maine Conference Minister – Deborah Blood

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Oars gave way to masts and sails, masts and sails gave way to steam and propellers, Steam and propellers gave way to gas engines, Gas engines gave way to diesel engines, diesel engines to jet propulsion which is giving way to … ?We are constantly evolving with new ideas, new dreams, new ways and new insights!

Skin boats, birch bark canoes and wooden dug outs gave way to wooden boats, Wooden boats gave way to iron and steel, Iron and steel gave way to fiberglass and plastic, which are giving way to…. ?We are constantly evolving with new ideas, new dreams, new ways and new insights!

Stars gave way to load stone, Load stone gave way to compass, compass gave way to GPS, which will give way to….. ?We are constantly evolving with new ideas, new dreams, new ways and new insights!

Yet God is with us, propelling our dreams, driving our mission, and charting our futureWe hear the voice coming across the water,Cast your nets. Seek other “Cs”.We hear the echo from the distant hillsCast your nets. Seek other “Cs”.We hear it in our city streets,Cast your nets. Seek other “Cs”.We hear it in our conversations.Cast your nets. Seek other “Cs”.We hear it in our sleep,Cast your nets. Seek other “Cs”.We hear it as we drive Cast your nets. Seek other “Cs”.We hear YOU shout to usCast your nets. Seek other “Cs”.The time is right, the time is now – let ‘er go! Cast your nets. Seek other “Cs”.We hear you calling, O living ONE – we will follow!

HYMN # 161 (MV) I HAVE CALLED YOU BY YOUR NAME (verse 1 – English, V 1 again in French)I have called you by your name, you are mine;I have gifted you and ask you now to shine.I will not abandon you; all my promises are true.You are gifted, called and chosen, you are mine.

President Elect – Richard Bowley

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Tu sais - je t’appelé par ton nom,Aujourd’hui, pour moi, rayonne de tes donsJe te garde près de moi,Mes promesses sont pour toi,Je t’ai choisi et appellé par ton nom.

PRAYER OF APPROACHGreat and Eternal God – All Imaginative Creator of the Cosmos, Over Flowing Source of creation, Evolving Energy animating life – we praise You whom the Universe cannot contain, much less these words we offer. Come among us and move among us, come through us and move through us, capture us with your freeing openness, empty us of ego and fill us with your Spirit. To You, who hurled the stars through space, who hangs the dew on the spider’s web and who lovingly made us in your Image – to You we give our adoration, praise and thanksgiving, forever and ever, Amen.

MUSICAL OFFERING

SCRIPTURE LESSON (Standing if able) - Luke 24:13-16, 28-35 Richard Bowley

SERMON – The Rev. Richard Bowley – President Elect

THE OFFETORY During the singing of the following HYMN, our monetary offerings will be gathered which tonight go to the “Conference Fund Raising Project”. At the same time, the Bread and Wine for Communion will be gathered and together all our Offerings will be brought forth to the TABLE.

COMMUNION HYMN # 198 (MV) WHEN WE GATHER AT THE TABLE

President – Catherine Stuart


The HYMN shall proceed un announced

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When we gather at the TableWine is poured and bread is brokenThen love claims us, offering healing,We hear welcome, gently spoken.

Jesus offers our thanksgivingBlessing God for life we’re givenFrom the earth comes grain to feed usWatered by the rains of heaven.

Word of promise claims attentionEarth renewed by God`s designingAll the creatures join in praisesGod’s intended wholeness finding.

Come, invited, now draw nearer, Join this holy celebration.Here be strengthened, called to justice,Living now God’s new creation.

Christ, your coming and your hosting,Gives us place at widening tableNow embracing world and neighbour,Spirit strong, by love enabled.

Quand nous venons à la Table,Le pain, le vin en partageL’amour est notre guérison;Moments d’acceuil, de communion.

SURSUM CORDA The LORD be with you.

And also with you.Lift up your hearts.

We lift them up to the LORD.

President of ConferenceThe Communion Tables shall be on the floor of Conference. During the singing of this HYMN the Officers shall take their seats at one of the 5 chairs behind the Table. The Tables shall have upon them: Enough ROLLS (Buns or whatever you might call them!) - one for every Home Table - which shall be in rounds of 10-12 each – one of which rounds will be broken by the President; enough BOWLS OF JUICE for every Home Table, One Chalice, and space enough for all the paper boats – this must be a large TABLE.

The President and All others will facilitate the distribution of the Bread (allowing each Table Group facilitator to break off one Roll from the rounds) and help the same to take one Bowl back to their Table Group. I will also have gluten free crackers should they be desired.

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Let us give thanks to the LORD our God.It is right to give God thanks and praise.

GREAT THANKSGIVING Wondrous Weaver, Maker of the Sails, who annually brings the strands of our Conference together and forms the fabric of faith that is our Maritime Conference, we praise you for the many threads, which when joined by your hands become strong and colourful, unique and exciting, and resilient and restless. You are the One who wove the sail that awaits the breath of your Spirit.

We give you thanks, Master Mariner, that the course You have set, has brought the United Church of Christ to sail alongside the United Church of Canada. May the Maine Conference and the Maritime Conference continue this course with You as our Captain.

We give you thanks, Cartographer of Creation, that You un-roll before us the massive map of Missions to which You call us, giving us dreams and visions, and calling us to set our sails to the breath of your Spirit and seek other Cs.

We give You thanks, for the many people who form the crew of our Maritime Conference, with ability and ingenuity, with insight and foresight, and with grace and gentleness, You have gifted us and called us to be your Church.


Maine Conference – Deborah Blood

General Council – John Young



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We give You thanks, and join our voices with the Church throughout the world, with the angels and archangels and with all in whom the Spirit dwells to sing the glory of your Name.

SANCTUS AND BENEDICTUS (Skye Boat Song)Holy, Holy, Holy LORD, God of Power and MightHeaven and earth are full of your LightGlory to You our God.Blessed is He, Blessed are we, Blessed are all who come;Hosannas ring, Archangels sing, Blessed are all who come;Holy, Holy, Holy, LORD, God of Power and MightBlessed are all who come to your LightGlory to You our God!

We give You thanks for the imaginative Love with which you made each one of us in your own Image. We rejoice that You call us to be a people in covenant with you, to be a light to the nations, and to be an incarnation of your Presence in this world.

We give You thanks for Christ, imagined by the Holy Spirit and incarnate in Jesus of Nazareth. He is the icon through whom we enter into your Presence and through whom You speak to us. Christ shared our life, reconciled us to your love, and manifested the power of your compassion. The sick were healed, the hungry were fed, the lost were found and the exiled brought home.

On that Thursday night, Jesus celebrated with his friends the Ancient Covenant You made with your people. He took bread and when he had given You thanks and praise, as we give You thanks and praise, Jesus broke the bread and said to his disciples, “Take, eat.”




Make certain you can reach a round of rolls and the chalice.

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As this bread is broken, I take all your brokenness into myself. “This is my body that is broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

When the supper was ended, he took a cup, again he gave You thanks and praise, as we give You thanks and praise, and then he gave the cup to his disciples and said, “Take, drink from this all of you. This is the cup of a new beginning. It is poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of all that is past. Do this in remembrance of me.”

Through Christ, You bestow the gift of your Spirit, uniting your Church, empowering your mission and leading us toward the new creation You have promised.

Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us and grant that we may be for the world the living Presence of your Incarnation, serving and reconciling all people.

Remember your Church scattered upon the face of the Earth, gather it in unity and preserve it in truth. Remember your servants who have gone before us and whom we now remember before You.

THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY WILL READ THE NAMES AND THE BRIEF BIO.

Russell Emerson Coates was involved with a multitude of volunteer organizations in the Moncton/Riverview area, including Pastoral Care at the Moncton City Hospital. Russell was a LLWL from 1982-2008, and his gifts were very much appreciated by many congregations within Chignecto Presbytery through those years. Thank you Russell, for a life well-lived.

Nancy Keith Fraser, as a Diaconal Minister served for 51 years in our Church and a founding member of the Woman Alike Abreast a River Dragon Boat Team, Big Sister of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pictou County and past member of the Board of Directors of the Pictou County Health Authority. Thank you, Nancy, for a life well lived. Phyllis Leadbeater was a member of St. Paul United Church, Westville, taught Sunday School for many years, was Chief Counselor of Explorers and worked at MacLellan Camp for many summers. She was a member of Pictou Presbytery. Thank you, Phyllis, for a life well lived.

Abraham Peter Murray of Sydney Cape Breton attended the Berwick United Church Camp for more than 30 years and felt privileged to serve his church as a Sunday school teacher, an elder, a member of the St. Andrews’s men’s club, as a representative to Maritime Conference and as a member of the United Heritage Church. Thank you, Peter, for a life well lived.

The Rev. Russel Herbert Newhook, was born in Moose River Gold Mines. Ordained in 1972, Walton Pastoral Charge was Russel's first charge and for his last years of preaching before retiring in 1999, Russel returned to Walton, which became as much like home as

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Musquodoboit. His request was to be laid to rest in the Grace United Church Walton Cemetery. Thank you, Russell, for a life well lived.

Charles “Chuck” Paterson, joined the United Church of Canada in 1980 and was active in co-operative ministry. He served throughout his ministry as an active presbytery member, as well as serving as the chair of the Board of Directors for Camp MacLennan. In 2007, Chuck was recognized as a Lay Pastoral Minister and served at Kennetcook-Gore, St. Paul’s and Tatamagouche. Thank you, Chuck, for a life well lived.

Marion “Joyce” (Whitman) O’Brien, found her first calling working at the Glad Tidings Mission, part of Exmouth St. United Church in Saint John. In 1959 she married Rev. Allison O’Brien who was serving the Millstream United Church Pastoral Charge near Sussex then to Waverley-Wellington-Windsor Junction and Tryon, Prince Edward Island. In the mid-1980s, Joyce took on the role of Lay Pastoral Minister and served the McCulloch United Church in Harmony-Camden, and then the St. Thomas United Church, Doaktown, finally retiring in 1995. Berwick Camp was also a long-time passion; she attended Berwick Camp annually, beginning in 1954 and missing only two years (1967 and 2015). Thank you, Joyce, for a life well lived.

The Rev. Dr. William Lawrence ‘Bill’ Randall, was born in Kemptville, NS, was ordained to the Atlantic Baptist Convention in 1941 and served pastorates in Clementsvale, NS, Pennfield, NB, Port Arthur, ON, and Black’s Harbour, NB. In 1956, he was received into the United Church of Canada and served pastoral charges in Harvey Station, NB and Edmundston, NB. After retiring in 1984, he continued for over 25 more years as interim minister or as weekend supply with United Church Charges in such communities as Chipman, Nackawic, Kingsley, Newcastle, New Maryland, Chatham, St. Andrews, Lawrence Station, and Keswick Ridge, as well as with St. Paul’s United Church in Fredericton. Thank you, Bill, for a life well lived.

The Rev. C. Maynard Rector was born in Springhill, NS. Beginning in 1962 he served in the Derby Pastoral Charge, NB and then spent time in Northport, Saltsprings, Merigomish, and Alma, NS before becoming ordained in 1970. After ordination, Maynard served at Oak Bay, NB, Oxford, NS, Hartland/Jacksonville, NB and Andover/Kincardine, NB.After retirement, he was made Minister Emeritus at Faith Memorial United Church in Florenceville, NB. Thank you, Maynard, for a life well lived.

Remember these and all your servants, who have come to our minds and who are gathered with us at your table. You are the Host of the seen and the unseen at this Banquet. In Communion with them, we worship and glorify You always. As Jesus taught us, we are bold to sing, (Voices United # 959)

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name,Your Kingdom come, your will be done,

Conference President

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On earth as in heaven.Give us today our daily bread,Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever.

These are the Gifts of God for the People of God – let no one be denied.Amen! Thanks be to God.

After this,Representatives from each table will come forward to bring the paper boats with the names written on them from their tables to deposit them on the Lord’s Table AND RECEIVING a Roll of Bread and a Bowl of Wine from the Lord’s Table will return to their respective table for Communion with their Table Group. Please – all Table Presiders – assist in distribution.

During this time and during Communion at our Tables, we will sing the following:

HYMN #194 (More Voices) BREAD OF LIFE

Bread of life, feed my soul, as the presence of the Spirit makes me wholeBread of life, fill my heart, with the grace and mercy you impart.

I have heard your voice calling, “Come, my friend, and share in the feast that is aid out for you to show how much I care.

Bread of life, help me live, a life as pure and true as Jesus did.

President – Catherine StuartHolding bread and wine shall say

THE music WILL PROCEED without announcement

The President shall Serve the Table Officers and the Musicians.Once served, The President Elect will serve the President.

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Bread of life, help me see, the boundless love of Christ for you and me.

I have heard your voice calling, “Come, my friend, and share in the feast that is laid out for you to show how much I care.

Bread of life, feed my soul, as the presence of the Spirit makes me wholeBread of life, fill my heart, with the grace and mercy you impart.

HYMN – COSMIC HYMN OF PRAISE

Sun and moon, praise God. Shining stars, praise God.Highest heavens, praise God. Let all creation sing:Alleluia! Lift your voices! Join creation’s cosmic hymn of praise.

All the earth, praise God. Deepest oceans, praise GodWind and fire, praise God. Let all creation sing:Alleluia! Lift your voices! Join creation’s cosmic hymn of praise.

Hills and mountains, praise God. Rivers, forests, praise God.Living Creatures, praise God. Let all creation sing:Alleluia! Lift your voices! Join creation’s cosmic hymn of praise.

HYMN - COMPANIONS ON THE JOURNEY

We are companions on the journey, breaking bread and sharing life; And in the love we bear is the hope we shareFor we believe in the love of our God, we believe in the love of our God.

No longer strangers to each other; no longer strangers in God’s house;We are fed and we are nourished by the strength of the who careby the strength of those who care


We have been gifted with each other, and we are called by the Word of the Lord;To act with justice, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with our God,

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To walk humbly with our God.


We will seek and we shall find; we will knock and the door shall be opened;We will ask and it shall be given, for we believed in the love of our God,We believe in the love of our God.


Let us give thanks.

Blessèd are You, Creative Captain, who shelters the crew as a mother hen shelters her chicks, Blessèd are You, Strong and Faithful Ship, cradling us as a grandmother holds her treasured children,Blessèd are You, Refreshing Wind, filling our sails and drawing us forth with dreams.

When all have communed, the Service will continue.


Maine Conference Minister – Deborah Blood


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Blessèd are You, for whom the name “GOD” is too small, for whom all definitions are too restrictive and for whom all images are too faltering.

Blessèd are You – who was, who is, and who will be – forever the great “I AM”. Blessèd are You – The Source, the Manifestation and the Inspiration – forever evolving.Blessèd are You – Three-in-One and One-in-Three – forever wholly Mystery – forever Holy God!

We thank You, that You have called us to this Table, fed our souls on mystery and majesty, and now call us into your creation to celebrate your Presence, renew our friendships, and revive our Spirits.

BENEDICTION – President of Maritime Conference – the Rev. Catherine Stuart

RECESSIONAL HYMN # 380 (VU) SHE FLIES ON She comes sailing on the wind,her wings flashing in the sun;


General Council Representative – John Young


The Music shall proceed unannounced

The Table Officers will recess during the last verse.Thank you all.

BlessingsIvan

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on a journey just begun,she flies on.And in the passage of her flight,her song rings out through the night,full of laughter, full of light,she flies on.

Silent waters rocking on the morning of our birth,like an empty cradle waiting to be filled.And from the heart of God the Spirit moved upon the earth,like a mother breathing life into her child.

Many were the dreamers whose eyes were given sightwhen the Spirit filled their dreams with life and form.Deserts turned to gardens, broken hearts found new delight,and then down the ages still she flew on.

She comes sailing on the wind,her wings flashing in the sun;on a journey just begun,she flies on.And in the passage of her flight,her song rings out through the night,full of laughter, full of light,she flies on.

To a gentle girl in Galilee, a gentle breeze she came,a whisper softly calling in the dark,the promise of a child of peace whose reign would never end,Mary sang the Spirit song within her heart.

Flying to the river, she waited circling highabove the child now grown so full of grace.As he rose up from the water, she swept down from the sky,and she carried him away in her embrace.


Long after the deep darkness that fell upon the world,

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after dawn returned in flame of rising sun,the Spirit touched the earth again, again her wings unfurled,bringing life in wind and fire as she flew on.


POSTLUDE.

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