This week is also a week for awareness of Islam and against Islamophobia, recalling the shooting in the Quebec City Mosque 6 years ago. We hold our Muslim brothers and sisters in our thoughts and prayers at this time of remembrance.
We can also recognize that this Friday was Holocaust Remembrance Day as well, held on the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. At this time when anti-semitism seems to be on the rise, it is even more important to remember. Hopefully we can be united in our grief and in our work for justice for all people.
Hymn. Blest Are the Pure in Heart
Scripture Lessons: Micah 6:1-8
Psalm 15 p.736
Matthew 5:1-12
Meditation
Prayers: Gracious God, you have commissioned us to make our common home a place of justice for all. In your generous love, you send rain on the righteous and the unrighteousness and, in Jesus, teach us to love without discrimination. We confess that we have failed to follow this teaching by: disrespecting our neighbours; spreading falsehoods through various social media; participating in the disruption of social harmony. Our conduct risks making the world a barren field that no longer brings forth justice for all of creation. May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive our sins, and lead us to eternal life. Amen.
We pray for those who live in the midst of injustice. Encourage us to lift up their voices and strength their hope. We pray for those who continue to perpetuate injustice. May your kindness fill our hearts and make us agents of freedom and peace. We pray for every institution and person who stands for justice. Let us act justly according to your words. Today we ask you: O God, hear our prayer and grant us your justice.
We thank you for the many colours, cultures, and customs that we share in this world. In our differences, unite us by your love. Enable us to act together to uphold life and to make this world a just and peaceful household for all humanity. Today we ask you: O God, hear our prayer and grant us your peace. Amen. (a series of prayers from www.week of prayer.ca)
Hymn. Blest Be the Tie that Binds. #602 VU
This Sunday’s services will be 9:30 in Franklin and 11:00 in Howick.
Next Sunday Howick United Church will be holding its annual meeting in combination with the worship service. All members and adherents are invited to attend, to review what has been done in the past year and to look forward to the coming year. (The annual meetings for Franklin and Ormstown will also be held in combination with the worship service, on Sunday March 12th. In Franklin we will begin at 9am and in Ormstown at 11:00.)
We are planning to hold a Confirmation Class this year, either this winter or in the spring. Please let me know if there is someone who would like to take part and possibly join the church. Give me a call (450-829-3855) or send me an email (ormstownfranklin59@yahoo.ca) so we can begin making plans.
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