Sunday, October 4, 2026 The Fifth Sunday of Creation

 This Sunday is also Worldwide Communion Sunday and we will be celebrating the sacrament of Communion in both St Paul’s and Howick United Church this Sunday. 

This Sunday is also St Francis of Assisi Day. St Francis is the saint of animals and creation. Today many churches will bring their observance of the Season of Creation to an end ( I like to continue it to Thanksgiving Sunday, I think it makes sense) and to hold blessing of the animals services. May the joyful, loving, and peaceful spirit of St Francis be revealed in our living and our serving. 🌏🌈

Hymn        How Firm a Foundation #660

Scripture Lessons:       Exodus 20:1-4,7-9,12-20

                                     Psalm 19 p.740VU

                                     Philippians 3:4b-14

Message

Prayer:  We thank you, O God, that you have strengthened us through your nearness and we pray:

Grant that the ears that have heard your Word may be closed to the voice of discord; 

That the eyes which have seen your great love may see the blessedness which you have promised; 

That the tongues which have sung your praise may testify henceforth to the truth; that the hands that have received your gifts may do good to your honour; that the feet which have brought us to this place may not stray from the way of your light; that the bodies that have been strengthened by your gifts may be ready to live a new life in you. And to you be honour and glory forever and ever. Amen. (a prayer from the Church Office of the Evangelical Church of Kurhesses-Waldeck, Germany, printed in Gifts in Open Hands edited by Maren Tirabassi and Kathy Wonsan Eddy)

Hymn        O Jesus Thou Joy of Loving Hearts #472

This Sunday’s services will be Communion services, offering the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. In Ormstown this will be held at 9:30 and in Howick at 11:00. 

Many thanks to all who supported Howick’s Benny’s BBQ Chicken dinner last Sunday. It raised more than $2000 for the life and work of the church. 

We express our appreciation to Claude Gervais and his helpers who have decorated the St Paul’s Church and Main Street in Ormstown with seasonal fruits and vegetables and help us to rejoice in the harvest season and prepare for our Thanksgiving celebrations. 

Next Sunday will be Thanksgiving Sunday in both our churches. In Ormstown we will be collecting food for La Bouffe Additionelle (the local food bank), both non-perishable food items as well as seasonal food items. Donations of cash and cheques can also be made. 

St Paul’s in Ormstown will be holding a Craft Day on Sunday, October 18th during the 11:00 service. 

Howick United Church will hold its Craft Day on Sunday, October 25th during its 11:00 service. 

If you know of anyone interested in taking part in a Confirmation Class, either this fall or in the new year, please contact Barbara. 

Congratulations to the Rev. Eric Hebert Daly, who has been the Executive Minister for the Nakonhaka Regional Council, as well as 2 others, and who has now been named as the incoming Executive Secretary of the General Council level of the United Church. 

Sunday, September 27, 2026 The Fourth Sunday of Creation

 This Sunday is being observed as Orange Shirt Sunday by many churches, in preparation for Truth and Reconciliation Day on Wednesday, September 30th, also known as Orange Shirt Day. 

Hymn          Lord Speak to Me #589VU

Scripture Lessons:       Exodus 17:1-7

                                     Psalm 78 p.792VU

                                     Philippians 2:1-13

Message

Prayer:  Creator, you made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them. You made us as people, as communities, and as families. You intend for us to grow and flourish together. You command us to do good works, to be generous, and to build a good life for all. 

         Some of us wear orange to say that we did not always experience what you want for us, because we were taken away from our families and communities against our will. 

         Some of us wear orange to acknowledge that we are not yet who you intend us to be, and that we have not lived up to your commandments. 

         All of us wear orange to say that Every Child Matters, and that we want to help create a future that values all Indigenous peoples. 

         Our prayers today are not simple expressions of hope for justice, they are our commitment to create your justice on earth. 

We pray ….. to acknowledge the harm caused by residential institutions and to honour all who were taken. 

….. for the end of racial discrimination against Indigenous children

….. for the end of racist colonial systems that continue to harm all Indigenous peoples

….. for the humility to open ourselves to the task before us, and the courage to work together. 

You tell us to build up a good foundation for the future, so that we might “take hold of the life that is really life.” As we wear orange, we commit to the life you intend us to live together. ( a prayer by Sara Stratton, Reconciliation and Indigenous Justice Animator, slightly adapted.) 

Hymn        Blest be the Tie that Binds #602VU

This Sunday’s services will be 9:30 in Ormstown and 11:00 in Howick. If you have reserved a meal from Howick for the Benny’s BBQ Chicken fundraiser please pick it up after the 11:00 service, or stay and eat the meal together. Thank you for your support for this fundraiser for the church. 

We hold in our thoughts and prayers, the family and friends of Jean Niles, following the burial service held for her on Saturday. 

If you have not received a copy of the new newsletter, please let us know if you would like to receive one, by email or printed. 

Next Saturday, October 3rd the Nakonhaka Regional Council will be holding a Celebration of Ministry service at Summerlea United Church on 50th Ave in Lachine. This recognizes retirements and admissions and will also include the ordination of 2 candidates as well, Jessica Gauthier and Marie Silvenie Chery. All welcome. Reception to follow. 

Next Sunday will be Worldwide Communion Sunday and we will be celebrating the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper at 9:30 in Ormstown and Howick at 11:00. 

Sunday October 11th will be Thanksgiving Sunday in both churches. St Paul’s will continue its tradition of collecting food for the food bank. Non-perishable food items and seasonal produce or donations by cheque or in cash are all appreciated. 

If you know of someone who would be interested in participating in a Confirmation Class, please have them contact Barbara. We are deciding when to hold the class: fall, winter, or spring. 

Sunday, September 20, 2026, the Third Sunday of Creation

 

Hymn       How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds #344

Scripture Lessons:        Exodus 16:2-15

                                      Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45

                                      Matthew 20:1-16

Message

Prayer:  God of the universe, whose light shines in every culture and tradition, hold close to you today the many women, men and children who give of themselves in order to bring justice and peace on this earth. The bridge builders, the artists, the hidden saints, the risk-takers, the intercessors, the campaigners, and all those who will not lie down to injustice even at the cost of their lives. And may we ourselves be in their midst— alive to the possibilities of your justice-filled Spirit at the heart of Creation. Amen. ( a prayer by Peter Millar, shared by the Iona Community.)

Hymn        All the Way my Saviour Leads Me #635VU

This Sunday’s services will be 9:30 in Howick and 11:00 in Ormstown. 

A new newsletter has been printed and is available. Please let us know if you would like to receive one. 

We continue to hold in prayer the many families and friends of those who have died in the past weeks and months, including the family and friends of Jack Peddie who died recently. His burial service is being held in Riverfield Cemetery on Saturday, September 19th at 11:00, followed by a reception at the Town Hall. 

Next Sunday September 27th, Howick United Church will be holding its Benny’s BBQ Chicken fundraiser, following the 11:00 service. Meals are available for Takeout or eat-in and need to be ordered from Wilene Cullen, Anita Greig, or Allyson Orr by September 23rd. The prices for the meals are $20 for Chef’s choice chicken dinner and $12 for chicken nuggets. 

Last spring we had inquiries about a Confirmation Class, which we put off. Now I am wondering when would be the best time to plan these classes, this fall, or next winter or spring. Please let me know if you know of someone who would be interested and when would be the best time for it to be held. 

Sunday, September 13, 2026 The Second Sunday of Creation

 This weekend is the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hoshanah for our Jewish sisters and brothers. This marks the Jewish New Year and we wish for them Shana Tova, or a sweet and good new year. 

Hymn       Joyful, Joyful #232

Scripture Lessons:        Romans 14:1-12

                                      Psalm 114

                                      Matthew 18:21-32

Message

Prayer:  Holy One, I said “Oops” this week: I forgot to hold someone’s hand; 

I said the wrong thing to a friend in pain; I didn’t finish what I said I would do;

I didn’t look for you in the eyes of a stranger. 

Holy One, forgive me my “Oops”—

And help me to forgive others their “Oops”

Wrap me up safe in your grace, 

And give me the courage to keep on trying. Amen. (a prayer by Jane O. Sorensen, printed in Before the Amen edited by Maren C. Tirabassi and Maria I. Tirabassi)

Hymn       Amazing Grace #266

This Sunday’s services will be 9:30 in Howick and 11:00 in Ormstown. 

We hold in our thoughts and prayers the family and friends of John (Jack) Peddie, who died last week and whose funeral in Ottawa is being held this weekend. Next weekend Saturday September 19th there will be a burial at the Riverfield Cemetery at 11am to be followed by a reception at the Town Hall in Howick. All are welcome to come and remember Jack and to offer support to Gloria and the family. 

St Paul’s Session will meet on Wednesday, September 16th at 7:30pm in the hall. 

A new newsletter will be produced this month, please let Barbara know if you have any items to include. 

After conversations with the Sessions, a Confirmation class is being planned for sometime this year (2026-7). When would be best to hold these classes? Fall, winter or spring? Evening or afternoon? Please let Barbara know your thoughts. 

Howick United Church will be holding its Benny’s BBQ Chicken fundraiser on Sunday, September 27th following the 11:00 service. The lunch can be takeout or eat-in and the price is $20 for the dinner (chef’s choice) or $12 for nuggets. Please reserve your dinner by Wednesday, September 23rd by contacting Wilene Cullen, Anita Greig, or Allyson Orr. We thank you for your support. 

The OHO Quilters will be holding their Quilt Show Friday and Saturday September 18th and 19th between 10-4:00 at the Ormstown Curling Club. The price of admission is $5 and includes the tearoom as well. Any profits go to local charities. 

Sunday, September 6, 2026 The First Sunday of Creation

 Today is, of course, Labour Day weekend, which is now often overlooked as the school year has (mostly) already started and it is (mostly) observed as a holiday rather than a time to honour those who work for, with, and amongst us. Let us give thanks especially for those who must work this weekend. 

Hymn       All Things Bright and Beautiful #291

Scripture Lessons:       Romans 13:8-14

                                     Psalm 149 p.873VU

                                     Matthew 18:15-20

Message

Prayer:  All powerful God, you are present in the universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness all that exists. Pour out upon us the power of love, that we may protect life and beauty. Fill us with your peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one. O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes. Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth. Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light. We thank you for being with us each day. Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle, for justice, love and peace. Amen. ( a prayer by Pope Francis, included in his 2015 encyclical, Laudate Si’). 

Hymn       Love Divine #333VU

This week’s services will be 9:30 in Ormstown and 11:00 in Howick. The service in Howick will be followed by the memorial service for Alec Templeton, with visitation beginning at about 1:00 and the service at 2:00. The service will be followed by a reception at the Town Hall. 

We also hold in our thoughts and prayers the family and friends of Jack Peddie, who died this week. A celebration of his life will be held in Howick at the Town Hall on Saturday, September 19th. 

St Paul’s Session will meet on Wednesday, September 9th at 1:00 in the hall. 

Howick United Church will be holding its annual Benny’s BBQ Chicken lunch following the 11:00 service at Howick Sunday, September 27th. Tickets will be $20 for the adult dinner (chef’s choice) and $12 for the chicken nugget meal. They are available for takeout or eat-in. Please order your tickets from Wilene Cullen, Anita Greig, or Allyson Orr by September 23rd to receive your meal. 

The OHO Quilters will be holding their Quilt Show again this year on Friday and Saturday, September 18th and 19th from 10-4:00 at the Rec Centre in Ormstown. Admission will be $5 and will include a tea as well. Any profits will be given to local charities. Your support would be greatly appreciated. 

Sunday, August 30, 2026 14th Sunday after Pentecost

 After this Sunday, the season of Creation begins tomorrow. As the season begins to change, as the harvest begins to be gathered, we give thanks to God for God’s wonderful world! In celebration of the beginning of the season of Creation, there will two special services offered online on September 1st. There will be an international one at 9am and a Canadian one offered at noon. I think I can share the link if anyone is interested. 

Hymn       This is God’s Wondrous World #296VU

Scripture Lessons:       Exodus 3:1-15

                                     Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26 p. 828-9VU parts 1& 3

                                     Matthew 16:13-28

Message:

Prayer:  Loving God, the seasons are beginning to turn 

In more evident ways: days shorten, 

air crisps and leaves begin to smell

Like toast in this northern clime. South, 

Spring is just beginning, with hints of

Summer in warming winds. There is

Comfort in this regularity of seasons, 

Reminding us that your world turns on 

A recurrent cycle, a pendulum that 

Swings back and forth like a heartbeat. 

May we remember this when we worry 

About the way we see events unfolding

Whether personal or political. May we

Strive to find balance, a mean bringing

Stability, peace in which we may create

And reach out to others in helpful ways, 

A centre path that is kind and inclusive. 

May we seek to restore and replenish

Your hurting world and all its peoples. 

We ask this knowing that we are not alone. 

            a prayer by Anne MacDermaid and posted by Celtic Christianity and Music

Hymn       Unto the Hills #842VU

This Sunday there will be a combined service in Howick at 11:00. We will begin with coffee and munchies at 10:30.

Blessings and prayers go out to families and students as they plan and prepare for the beginning of another school year. 🙏🏽

We continue to hold the families and friends who have lost people over the summer in our thoughts and prayers. The memorial service for Alec Templeton will be held on Sunday, September 6th at 2pm in the Howick Church, with visitation beginning at 1:00. 

Howick United Church Stewards will meet on Wednesday, September 2nd at 7pm in the church. 

Howick UCW is planning a dinner out together on Thursday, September 3rd. 

Please keep in mind that this is the time to begin or renew a subscription to Broadview, the United Church’s general interest magazine, with a church insert. The cost is $30 for the year, which goes to Wilene Cullen. The payment can be made with cash, cheque, or e-transfer and please include your name and address with your payment. Wilene is requesting that she receives the subscriptions by September 6th.

Sunday, August 23, 2026

 

Hymn.       We Praise You O God #218 VU

Scripture Lessons:         Exodus 1:8-2:10

                                       Psalm 124 p.848VU

                                       Romans 12:1-8

Message

Prayer:  Loving Creator, as we pause in worship, we feel the changes in air and notice them in our gardens. Once again, the seasons are about to turn and display the earthly rhythm s you set in motion in all their glory. We trust in your steadfastness. We believe in you, the one who has created and is creating. We trust in your goodness and wisdom. And we are grateful for your presence in our lives as we open our hearts in worship this day. Amen. ( a prayer by Rosemary Godin of Sydney, NS and shared by GatheringWorship.ca.) 

Hymn.         For the Beauty of the Earth #226VU

This Sunday’s services will be 9:30 in Ormstown and 11:00 in Howick. 

Next Sunday will be a combined service in Howick at 11:00, with fellowship time beginning at 10:30. All welcome. 

We are continuing to hold the family and friends of Audrey Reddick, Raymond Caza, and Alec Templeton in our thoughts and prayers. The services for Audrey and Raymond have been completed, and the services for Alec Templeton will be held Sunday, September 6th at 2pm. 

We also hold in our thoughts and prayers the family and friends of Sterling Stevenson, whose private burial is to be held this weekend. 

Howick Stewards are scheduled to meet Wednesday, September 2nd at 7pm in the church. 

Howick UCW is planning a supper out on Thursday, September 3rd. Please keep in touch to see where we might go! 

Please keep in mind that this is now the time to renew or begin a subscription to Broadview, the United Church’s magazine. The cost for a year’s subscription is $30. Please contact Wilene if you would like a subscription and you can pay either by cheque, cash or e-transfer. Please include your name and address along with the payment.