Sunday, June 21, 2026 The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

 This Sunday is both Father’s Day and National Indigenous People’s Day, an interesting combination! Both deserve time and attention at this time🙏🏽

Hymn       For the Beauty of the Earth #226

Scripture Lessons:       Genesis 21:8-21

                                     Psalm 86 p.803VU

                                     Matthew 10:24-39

Message

Prayer:  O Great Spirit, whose voice we hear in the winds, and whose breath gives life to all the world, hear us.

We come before you as your children. We are small and weak; we need your strength and wisdom. 

Let us walk in beauty, 

and make our eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset. 

May our hands respect the things you have made, 

May our ears be sharp to hear your voice. 

Make us wise, that we may know the things you have taught your people, the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock. 

We seek strength, not to be superior to our brothers and sisters, but to live in harmony with ourselves and all your creation. 

Help us to be ever ready to come to you, so when life fades as a fading sunset, our spirits may come to you without shame. Amen. ( a traditional Native American prayer printed in Celebrate God’s presence, a United Church worship resource).

Hymn        Faith of our Fathers #580VU

This Sunday’s services are back to the usual schedule, 9:30 service in Howick and 11:00 in Ormstown. We will be marking both Father’s Day and National Indigenous People’s Day, or the National Indigenous Day of Prayer.

Next Sunday will be a regular Sunday in Ormstown at 9:30, but in Howick we are hoping to hold an Outdoor service, possibly at the Knox Cemetery at 11:00. Please keep in contact so we can confirm or change the plans, if necessary. 

Barbara is preparing a newsletter for this Sunday. Please let us know if you would like a copy. 

St Paul’s Stewards are scheduled to meet on Tuesday, June 23rd at 7:30pm. 

The time is coming for St Paul’s Strawberry Takeout! The Takeout will be held Thursday, June 25th from 5-7:00 in MacDougall Hall in Ormstown. Prices will be $10 for adults and $6 for children 5-12. 

We will be fixing the berries on Wednesday, June 24th beginning at 11:00. If you can come and help, please bring your bowl or paring knife (and apron), if possible. Your help would be greatly appreciated! 

Barbara will be going on holidays following the June 28th service. The Rev Mher Khatchikian will be available to assist in an emergency. 

Sunday, June 14, 2026 The Third Sunday after Pentecost

 This Sunday is Fair Sunday in Howick and Ormstown. We give thanks to God for the fruitfulness of the earth and all the blessings God’s creation gives to us. 

Hymn         Let Us with a Gladsome Mind #234

Scripture Lessons:        Genesis 18:1-15, 21:1-7

                                      Psalm 116 p.836VU

                                      Matthew 9:35-10:8

Message

Prayer:  When you told us to leave our old lives behind, to set out on a path you would show us and to put our trust in you, 

We laughed in our fear. We thought we might get lost. 

When you told us we were special, that you had chosen to bless us and lead us, and bless the world through us, 

We laughed in our astonishment. We thought we were too ordinary. 

When you told us you would make us you would create blessings numerous as the stars, 

We laughed in our doubt. We thought we were barren. 

But when the promise was fulfilled, and we held in our arms evidence of your love, the power of your faithfulness, 

We laughed in our joy, out loud! 

We laughed because it filled us out, and poured out our souls—

And because we heard you laughing as well! ( written by Anna Shirey and printed in Before the Amen edited by Maren Tira C. Tirabassi and Maria I Tirabassi.)

Hymn        All the Way my Saviour Leads Me #634VU

This Sunday there will be no service in Howick, but there will be a service at 11:00 in St Paul’s in Ormstown. 

Howick UCW will meet on Wednesday, June 17th at 7pm in the church hall. Our guest speaker will be Kim Wilson who will speak at the beginning of the meeting. The business meeting will follow. 

Barbara will be preparing a newsletter for next Sunday. Please let Barbara know if there are items to be included. 

There will be no Steward’s meeting in Ormstown this week. Instead they will meet  on Tuesday, June 23rd at 7:30pm, so we can set up tables for the Strawberry Takeout. 

St Paul’s Strawberry Social will take place Thursday, June 25th from 5-7:00 in the church hall. Prices will be $10 for adults and $6 for children 5-12. 

The strawberries will be prepared on Wednesday, June 24th in the hall at 11:00. If you can come and help, please bring bowls and knives, if possible. 

Howick United Church is planning to hold its annual Outdoor service on Sunday, June 28th, at 11:00, which will include the celebration of Communion. We are hoping to be able to return to the Knox Cemetery in St Louis de Gonzague, if the weather and the state of the driveway cooperate. Please keep in touch, in case we need to make a last minute decision. 

Barbara will be on holiday in July, until August 2nd. In case of a pastoral emergency, the Rev Mher Khatchikian will be available to help. 

Sunday, June 7, 2026 The Second Sunday after Pentecost

 Today is also Union Sunday, when we celebrate the beginning of the United Church, which was formed June 10, 1925. We celebrate more than a century of the United Church! 

Hymn       O God of Bethel #650VU

Scripture Lessons:        Romans 4:13-25

                                      Psalm 33 p.760VU

                                     Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26

Message

Prayer:  God of the way, you are the road we travel, and the sign that we follow, you are bread for the journey, and the wine of arrival. 

   Guide us as we follow in your way, holding on to each other, reaching out to your beloved world. 

And when we stray, seek us out and find us, set our feet on the path again, and lead us safely home. 

In the name of Jesus, our Companion, we pray. Amen. (written by Janet Cawley, printed in Voices United, #648.)

Hymn.      My Faith Looks Up to Thee #663VU

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

This is also the day we will be celebrating Anita Greig’s birthday in Howick. There will be a lunch following the 11:00 Sunday services, the reception itself will be held from 1:30-4:00.  All welcome to come and offer your good wishes. 

Congratulations to Ruth Tannahill who celebrated 100 years with her family yesterday. 🎂🥳

Next Sunday there will be no Sunday service in Howick, because of the Ormstown Fair. There will be a Sunday service in Ormstown at 11:00. 

Sunday, June 28th will be the annual Outdoor service for Howick United Church, at 11:00, assuming the weather cooperates. We are hoping to return to the Knox Cemetery site, depending on the state of the driveway. Please keep in touch as the final decision about the service may have to be made on Saturday. 

St Paul’s is planning to hold its Strawberry Takeout Thursday, June 25th from 5-7:00 at MacDougall Hall. The prices will be $10 for adults and $6 for children. We will be preparing the strawberries on Wednesday June 24th at 1:00 also in the hall. Bring your bowls and paring knives and lend a hand! 

Barbara will be preparing a newsletter for June 21st. Please let her know if there is news to be included.

June is observed by many churches and organizations as Pride month. The United Church is committed justice and equity for all LGBTQ2+ people, both within and outside the church. 

Sunday, May 31, 2026 Trinity Sunday

 

Hymn.      Morning Has Broken #409VU

Scripture Lessons:         Genesis 1:1-2:

                                       Psalm 8 p.732VU

                                       II Corinthians 13:11-13

Hymn.        God, Whose Almighty Word #313VU

Message

Prayer:  O Living God, for your good creation, for the beautiful workings of our bodies, for your image deep within us, for your presence strong among us, we give thanks and we pray:  BLESS US, O GOD.

O Jesus our Saviour, for your sharing of our life, for your calling of us as your friends, for your cherishing of us in our brokenness, for your inviting us to follow you in the fullness of our humanity, we give you thanks and we pray:  BLESS US, O CHRIST.

O Spirit of grace and truth, for revealing yourself in community, for laying bare the grievous wounds of oppression and injustice, for bringing us healing through the work of justice and mercy, for inspiring us and firing us with courage to change, we give thanks and we pray:  BLESS US, O SPIRIT.

O Trinity of life, for the company of faithful people, for the work and witness of many across the world, and for the ones known and dear to us, who have lived, and who have died showing the face of God to others, because they trusted in a whole body and a common humanity and the unity of God, we give thanks and we pray:  BLESS US THIS DAY AND ALWAYS. AMEN. (adapted from a prayer from Praying for the Dawn from the Iona Community)

Hymn.        How Great Thou Art #238VU

This Sunday there will be a single combined service held in St Paul’s in Ormstown at 11:00. We will begin gathering for coffee, juice, and goodies at 10:30 in the church. 

This Sunday is also graduation day at CVR. Congratulations and best wishes to our graduates. 

This Sunday is the deadline for applying for the bursaries offered by the Regional Council. The application can be found at Nakonhaka.ucc.ca. 

Next Sunday will be the day we celebrate Anita Greig’s birthday. Members of the congregations are invited to join her family for lunch and there will be a reception in the church hall in Howick beginning at 1:30. Please, just bring your best wishes. 

Sunday, June 14th there will be no service in Howick, as it is Fair Sunday. There will be a service in Ormstown at 11:00. 

Barbara is hoping to produce a newsletter in June. Please let her know if there are any items to include. 

The Board of Stewards in Howick have decided to begin the work on the church building with painting the louvers on the steeple. There is also more painting and masonry to be done on the church. We will do them as soon as funds allow. 

Sunday, May 24, 2026 Pentecost Sunday

 

Hymn.      As Comes the Breath of Spring #373

Scripture Lessons:        Acts 2:1-21

                                     Psalm 104:24-34 p.827VU pt 2

                                     John 20:19-23

Hymn.       Breathe on Me Breath of God #382VU

Message

Prayer:  Holy God, we thank you for the gift of your Spirit in the church and in all who love you and try to keep your commandments. Without the power of your Spirit, we would faint and die, but in your Spirit all things are possible. We thank you that you have been stronger than we knew, better than we believed we could be:  you have given us the courage to forgive, despite our anger, peace, in the midst of confusion and grief, and the grace to carry on, when we were sure we had reached the end. You have given us laughter and love and beauty: we are fed from your hand. Amen. (from the United Church’s worship resource, Celebrate God’s Presence.)

Hymn.        Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart #378VU

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

Next Sunday’s service, on May 31st will be a combined service at 11:00 in St Paul’s in Ormstown. There will be a fellowship time with refreshments beginning at 10:30, also in the church. 

The Board of Stewards of Howick United Church will meet on Wednesday May 27th at 7pm in the church. This is to finalize the plans for upkeep for the church in the coming months. 

The deadline for applying for the bursaries that the Regional Council is offering is quickly approaching. Bursaries are available for confirmed members of congregations in the region who are attending university, college or CEGEP. The application form can be found on the Regional Council’s website, Nakonhaka.ucc.ca and the deadline for applying is May 31st. 

Please keep in mind the birthday celebration for Anita Greig which will be held on Sunday, June 7th in Howick United Church. There will be a lunch after the 11:00 service for members of Howick and St Paul’s, which will be followed by a reception beginning at 1:30 in the church hall. Just best wishes, please. 

Worship Scedule for June:  June 7.  9:30 Ormstown        11:00.  Howick

June 14.       no service in Howick (Fair).       11:00.      Ormstown

June 21.       9:30.     Howick.        11:00.  Ormstown.      Father’s Day service

June 28.       9:30.   Ormstown       11:00 Outdoor service in Howick with Communion

July     Barbara on vacation

August 9.    Services begin again

Sunday, May 17, 2026 The Seventh Sunday of Easter

 This Sunday can have many names: Ascension Sunday, when we remember the story of Jesus’ return to heaven, and bringing to an end the Season of Easter;  Rogation Sunday, when we pray for God’s blessing on our fields and seeds and planting;  as well as the middle of a long weekend, when we may have many tasks to do. 

Hymn.        Give Praise to God #875

Scripture Lessons:       Acts 1:6-14

                                     Psalm 68 p.787VU

                                    John 17:1-11

Message

Prayer:  O Christ, tirelessly you seek out those who are looking for you and who think that you are far away:  teach us, at every moment, to place our spirits in your hands. While we are still looking for you, already you have found us. However poor our prayer, you hear us far more than we can imagine or believe. Amen

Risen Christ, today, tomorrow and always, your Spirit lives in us. Sometimes we feel we understand so little. But remaining in your presence, wherever we are, is prayer. And perhaps close to you, O Christ, silence is often everything in prayer. And then we sense that, our whole life long, we advance when trust in you guides every step, when a trusting heart is at the beginning of everything. Amen. (prayers  from the Taize community.) 

Hymn.         What a Friend We Have in Jesus #664VU

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

We hold in our thoughts and prayers the family and friends of Elwood Quinn who died in December and whose life and legacy is being remembered this weekend at Quinn Farm. 

St Paul’s Stewards will meet on Wednesday, May 20th at 7:30pm in the hall. 

The Stewards of Howick United Church will meet on Wednesday May 27th at 7pm in the church, to finalize the plans for repairs and upkeep this spring and summer. 

Next weekend the First Third Ministries (formerly Youth and Young Adults) of the Nakonhaka Regional Council will be holding a Youth Forum at Emmanuel United Church in Cowansville. Please contact Barbara for more information. 

Nakonhaka Regional Council is once again offering bursaries to university, college, and CEGEP students who are confirmed members of a congregation in the region. The application form is available on the council’s website, Nakonhaka.ucc.ca and the deadline for applying is May 31st. 

Sunday, May 10, 2926 The Sixth Sunday of Easter

 Today is, of course, Mother’s Day, sometimes known in the church as Christian Family Sunday. We give thanks this day for all kinds of mothers and families who share our lives with us. ❤️

This Thursday May 14th will be observed across this country as a day to stand and work and pray against violence against women, particularly indigenous women, known as the Moosehead Campaign. There will be ceremonies across the country, and the one in Toronto will be live-streamed. 

Hymn       Praise My Soul the God of Heaven #240VU

Prayer:  As the morning light appears, May I be ready to walk humbly and gently on Mother Earth, with all my relations; May I be ready to share all that I have with my sisters and brothers and may I be open to hearing your voice as it speaks to me. 

    As the light reaches its zenith in the sky, May I continue to lift my hands and my heart in service of others. 

    As the evening light meets the horizon May I always be ready to come to you, Creator, with peace in my soul and with a gentle spirit. Amen. ( a prayer by Alf Dumont and printed in That All May Be One, 2004) 

Scripture Lessons:      I Peter 3:13-22

                                    Psalm 66:8-20 p.785VU pts 2 & 3

                                    John 14:15-21

Hymn       Love Divine.  #333VU

Message

Prayer:  Loving God, in the Bible we find many kinds of families, and we learn that your love has no boundaries. Just as you called Peter to recognize the God-given worth in all people, so help us to affirm all the families and homes in our community. Singles, couples, people with and without children, groups large and small, people who are related and those who have simply found each other:  we pray that you would bless them all, and help us to make room at the table of our hearts for all your children. May homes and families - of all shapes and sizes- model your unconditional love, be places of safety and trust, nurture and laughter, so that, grounded in their love, we may reach out in love to all our brothers and sisters - your family. Amen. (from the Seasons of the Spirit worship resources, 2004)

Hymn      For the Beauty of the Earth #226VU

This week’s services will be 9:30 in Howick and 11:00 in Ormstown. We will be observing Christian Family Sunday. 

We hold in our thoughts and prayers the family and friends of Marion Bannerman who died this past week. 

St Paul’s Session will meet on Wednesday, May 13th at 7pm in the hall. 

Howick UCW will be holding a Friendship Luncheon on Thursday, May 14th in Howick United Church. We will begin gathering at 11:30 to be ready to serve lunch at noon. The seatings will be limited to 30, so a place needs to be reserved. You can reserve a place by speaking to the person who may have invited you, contacting Marlene Stuckey, or, if you attend the Seniors Card Party at the Town Hall, speaking to Helene Monache. The lunch itself is free, but donations will be collected, and if there is more than is needed, the excess will go to a local non-profit chosen by the attendees. 

Nakonhaka Regional Council is once again offering bursaries to university, college, or CEGEP students who are confirmed members of a congregation in this region. The application form is available on the region’s website, Nakonhaka.ucc.ca. The deadline for applying is May 31st.