On Sunday June 12th, the Green's Harbour Pastoral Charge celebrated, with the rest of The United Church of Canada, the 80th Anniversary of Church Union. The service was held in First United Church, Hopeall and incorporated music, prayers and reading from the inaugural service of The United Church of Canada held at the Mutual Street Arena (Toronto) in 1925. The Joint Senior Choir, under the direction of Ron Strickland, shared two anthems: "Look To The Lighthouse" and "Whiter Than Snow." Our minister, Rev. William Mercer, using John 17 as the text, preached the sermon, "That They All May Be One.", celebrating the unity of The United Church of Canada, as well as that of the Christian Church.
For the service, members of the pastoral charge were invited to attend wearing clothes that reflected the time period and many responded. It was quite a sight to see! Our small church was filled and we celebrated with many visitors from other communities and other denominations. The singing was a delight to hear as we shared together in lifting our voices in praise. Hymns for the service were as follow:
Following the service, the congregation gathered in the Hopeall Community Center (the old church school) to share in fellowship with a Pot Luck Supper. As well, Mildred Pitcher made a special anniversary cake which was ceremoniously cut by Cassie Cumby (from Hopeall) and Winnie Parsons (from Green's Harbour). We all shared in a wonderful afternoon and were richly blessed through the service and fellowship.
Pictures of the event will be uploaded soon.