Sunday, February 11, 2023

 

Hymn      Take Time to be Holy #672

Scripture Lessons:     Deuteronomy 30:15-20

                                   Psalm 119:1-8 p.838VU

                                   Matthew 5:21- 37

Meditation:  

Prayer:  You asked for my hands that you might use them for your purpose. 

I gave them for a moment, then withdrew them because the work was hard. 

You asked for my mouth to speak out against injustice. 

I gave you a whisper that I might not be accused. 

You asked for my eyes to see the pain of poverty. 

I closed them for I did not want to see. 

You asked for my life that you might work through me. 

I gave a small part that I might not get too involved. 

Lord, forgive my calculated efforts to serve you only when it is convenient for me to do so, only in those places where it is safe to do so, and only with those who make it easy to do so. 

Lord, forgive me, renew me, send me out as a usable instrument that I might take seriously the meaning of your cross. ( a prayer written by Joe Seremane, of South Africa and published in Bread of Tomorrow, edited by Janet Morley) 

Hymn      Take My Life and Let it Be #506

Benediction:  Look at your hands, see the touch and the tenderness— God’s own for the world. 

Look at your feet, see the path and the direction— God’s own for the world. 

Look at your heart, see the fire and the love— God’s own for the world. 

Look at the cross, See God’s Son and our Saviour— God’s own for the world. 

This is God’s world and we will serve God in it. 

May God bless you, may he keep you ever in his care and lead your lives with love. 

May God’s warm welcome shine from your hearts, and Christ’s own peace prevail through every day till greater life shall call. Amen. 

If you are looking for a way to respond to the crisis in Turkey and Syria following the earthquake there, options include the Global emergency relief fund of the United Church of Canada (which can be found at united-church.ca)  Canadian Food Grains Bank, and many organizations listed on theCanadaHelps website. The United Church is in contact with its overseas partners to see how it can best to offer our support. More information may follow. 

Many thanks to all who were able to attend Howick’s annual meeting last Sunday. The annual reports are still available for those who have not yet received one. 

The Official Board meeting for the Ormstown-Franklin Pastoral Charge will take place Wednesday, February 15th at 1:00 in the hall. The annual meetings will take place on Sunday, March 12th in combination with the worship service, at 9:00 and 11:00 respectively. The annual reports have been printed and are now available. 

We are trying to plan for a Confirmation Class for this winter/spring. Please let Barbara know by the 15th of February if you are interested in taking part, so we can make plans for the classes.