January 1, 2022 New Year’s Day

 

Hymn    See Amid the Winter’s Snow #76

Scripture Lessons:       Isaiah 63:7-9

                                     Psalm 147:12-20

                                     John 1:1-18

Hymn Great God WeSing Your Mighty Hand #529VU

Meditation 

Prayer:  Freshness (a prayer/poem by Joyce Rupp)

a new year is moving in

just as surely as the winter

walks along in snowflakes

and I sit here wondering

in the breath of his bless

and the glance of his grace

I think about the year now gone

and how I’ve walked across it

(it grieves me some and joys me some)

and as the new year stretches

I wonder how I’ll meet it

will I let his grace find me

and will I let him charm me

and will I let his truth possess me

and will I let him lead me

and will I take his love to heart

and fix my gaze on him

oh how I wonder how I’ll meet this year

and if I’ll give myself the chance

to catch the breath of bless

and glance of his dear grace

to rise and walk from sinfulness

to come return and find him waiting

to reach and know that he can heal

to turn around and give up all 

and let him be my treasure

a new year is moving in

just as surely as the winter

walks along in snowflakes

my God is moving in again

and just like winter snow

he breathes my life full freshness

Hymn.        Joy is Now in Every Place #45

There will be no Sunday service on New Year’s Day in our churches, but there will be a regional Zoom service offered at 10am by the cluster of South Shore ministers. Barbara will be sending out the link to participate in this service. We are expecting to be back to our regular services in the hall beginning January 8th. That Sunday we will be in Ormstown at 9:30 and Howick at 11am. 

Have a blessed and happy and healthy new year, everyone. 

Christmas Eve or Christmas Day 2022

 

A candle burns, the last marker of our Advent journey. 

As we arrive at our journey’s end, May we arrive with wonder and worship. 

As we arrive at our journey’s end, God of journeys, welcome us. ( by David Hamflett and printed in the Iona Community’s Candles and Conifers) 

Hymn      Angels We Have Heard on High #38

Scripture Lessons:       Isaiah 9:2-7

                                     Luke 2:1-20

Carol       Silent Night #67

Meditation 

Prayer:  Lord, it is Christmas, and I have traced my way to a manger by the light of a beam from a teardrop of a newborn child crying for love, 

for peace, in a war-torn broken world, 

filled with greed and lawlessness, with violence and destruction, draping this beautiful earth in clouds of despair, of disunity. 

Lord, this Christmas, give us new hope and strength, new meaning and power to Change with love, with understanding, to face challenges with courage believing that a life centred in Thee will never fail to build a world of Peace 

of Brotherhood 

of Love. The Love that was born at Christmas. Amen.

…Lord, rekindle in us the dying embers of Faith with the power of the Incarnation 

of the Cross 

of the Resurrection 

to rebuild our broken world with friendship and laughter with music and dance with your Life-giving Spirit, to weave all creation and all nations in your garland of changeless Love. Amen.  (written by Savithri Devansen and printed in Gifts in Open Hands edited by Maren Tirabassi and Karen Wonson Eddy) 

Carol       Go Tell it on the Mountain #43

Sunday, December 18, 2022 The Fourth Sunday of Advent

 

A candle burns, the fourth marker of our Advent journey. 

As we continue, May we travel joyfully. 

As we continue, God of journeys, draw us to journey’s end. Amen. ( by David Hamflett and published in the Iona Community’s Candles and Conifers.)

Hymn.    Gentle Mary Laid Her Child #36VU

Prayer: Lord Christ, born of Mary, in our littleness, in our weakness, Let your light shine. 

Lord Christ, born of Mary, in our strength and our achievement, Let your kingdom come. 

Lord Christ, born of Mary, in the overturning of our values, in the renewing of your people, 

Let your kingdom come. Amen. 

Scripture Lessons:      Romans 1:1-7

                                    Psalm 80:1-7 p.794VU

                                    Matthew 1:18-25

Meditation 

Prayer:  God of mystery and miracles, your Word brings light into the dark places of our lives; your presence gives us strength to endure when we are pushed beyond our own strength. You find us in our list Ness and, with love beyond our imagining, you lead us home. 

All this you offer in and through Jesus Christ. Yet, we resist you. We resist loosening our tight grip on our lives. We hesitate to trust you for you may lead us where we do not want to go. You know the places in our hearts and in our minds where we are well-defended against your intrusions. 

In this season of longing, grant us grace to bring all that we are to you, O Christ— all the broken places, all the lost wandering, all the weariness from trying to live lives that are pleasing to you. 

Hold them all in the fullness of your love. Then, be born in us, that we may find our home, our life, our joy in you, Lord of light and love. (a prayer written by Christine Jarrett and shared on the re:worship website.) 

Hymn        O Little Town of Bethlehem #64 

This Sunday is Communion Sunday in our three churches: in Howick at 9:30, in Ormstown at 11:00 and in Franklin during its Christmas Candlelight service at 7:30pm. All are welcome to attend. 

Many thanks to all who gave so generously to our White Gift service last Sunday. It is going to make a great difference to many local families. In Howick there were 78 donations to the Mitten Tree and 15 bags going to the Christmas baskets. Your generosity is being noticed. 

Also, thanks to those who organized the activities in church last Sunday in Ormstown. It was greatly appreciated. 

There will be Christmas Eve services held in both Howick and Ormstown. Howick’s will be held at 6pm and Ormstown’s will be at 8pm. There will be no Sunday service on Christmas Day and on New Year’s Day there will be a regional Zoom service offered. If you wish to participate, please let Barbara know and she will send you the link. The regular schedule of Sunday services will begin on January 8th with a 9:30 service in the hall in Ormstown and an 11:00 service in Howick. 

Sunday, December 11, 2022 The Third Sunday of Advent

 

A candle burns, the third marker of our Advent journey. 

As we continue, May we travel expectantly. 

As we continue, God of journeys, guide our footsteps. (written by David Hamflett and published in the Iona Community’s Candles and Conifers)

Hymn.      Good Christian Friends Rejoice #35

Scripture Lessons:       Isaiah 35:1-10

                                     Luke 1:47-55

 

                                     Matthew 11:2-11

Hymn.         People Look East #9

Meditation 

Prayer: God of tender compassion: hear the cry of your children whose hope is faint, Lord in mercy, 

Make bright our gloom and fill the hungry with every good thing. 

Ruler of all nations, prince of peace: bring an end to violence and the starvation linked with war. Lord in mercy, 

Make bright our gloom and fill the hungry with every good thing. 

Promised Saviour, who will faithfully bring forth justice: overturn oppression and greed; raise up those whom the world has brought low. Lord in mercy, 

Make bright our gloom and fill the hungry with every good thing. 

Holy child, stable-born: provide warm shelter for the homeless poor, and help us to see you in every guest. Lord in mercy, 

Make bright our gloom and fill the hungry with every good thing. 

Infant of Bethlehem, brought in haste to Egypt: console all driven from home by cruel threat, and protect all who must wander in search of refuge. Lord in mercy, 

Make bright our gloom and fill the hungry with every good thing. 

O God, you have remembered your promise of mercy, you have come to dwell among us, and you have revealed your glory. Pour out upon us the Spirit of your love, that we might pour ourselves out for the hungry and reveal your care to the afflicted. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. (from the Evangelical Lutheran Church, posted on the World Renew website and shared through the Canadian Food Grains Bank.)

Hymn       Joy to the World #59

This Sunday is our White Gift Sunday, in all three churches. We will be collecting non-perishable food items and gifts for families, particularly children under 12. Gifts for La Bouffe should be wrapped and labelled for age and gender, if appropriate. They can be brought to church this week, 9:30 in Franklin, 11:00 in Ormstown and 11:00 in Howick, with Debbie Beattie. If you cannot bring the gifts this Sunday, you may bring them the week following, or contact Barbara and we will make sure they get to the food bank for distribution. 

This coming Thursday, December 15th members of the Howick UCW will be getting together in the church to organize the goodie exchange for Christmas. We will begin about 9:45. 

Next Sunday, December 18th will be Communion Sunday in our churches, 9:30 in Howick, 11:00 in Ormstown, and 7:30pm in Franklin, in their Candlelight Christmas service. 

The Christmas Eve services will be held at 6pm in Howick and 8pm in Ormstown. There will be no Sunday service on Christmas Day and there will be a regional Zoom service held on New Year’s Day. Please let Barbara know if you would like to receive the link to participate. 

Sunday, December 4, 2022 The Second Sunday of Advent

A candle burns, the second marker of our Advent journey. 

As we continue, May we travel faithfully. 

As we continue, God of journeys, speak to us. Amen. (written by David Hamflett, from the Iona Community’s  Candles and Conifers)

Hymn.     Hail to God’s Own Anointed #30

Scripture Lessons:       Isaiah 11:1-10

                                     Psalm 72 p.790VU

                                     Romans 15:4-13

Hymn.     Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming #8

Meditation

Prayer: Lord, we have pulled out the Advent wreath, the Christmas tree, the poinsettias. We dusted off the hymns, unsung for a year (at least), and unearthed the words of your prophets. 

   Yet in your eyes, these efforts are for nothing without the regular, persistent, deep pursuit of justice for all people. 

   Our efforts are hollow without consistent work toward peace, reconciliation, and participation in your mission for creation. In our hearts, we do long to be your people, to carry out your mission, to be lights in the darkness— proof that no darkness can overcome your truth. 

   Awaken us to action. Stir us to courage. Rouse us to prepare a way in the wilderness for your coming, clearing the brush of oppression, racism, injustice, and hopelessness— so that all may see your light and perceive your coming. Amen. ( a prayer written by lutheranjulia and  posted on RevGalPals blog and also on re:worship.com.)

Hymn.     Hark the Angels Sing #48

Many thanks for all who helped make our Family Activity Day in Howick a success. The activities were interesting and a lot of fun and the lunch was delicious! 

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

Howick UCW (formerly known as “Unit C”) will be holding its Christmas Potluck Supper Thursday, December 8th beginning at 6pm. Please let Marlene know what you are planning to bring for the meal. Also we will be collecting items for women for the Christmas baskets and donations for a local project or need. 

December 11th will be White Gift Sunday in all three congregations. Donations of non-perishable food items and toys for children for the Christmas baskets would be greatly appreciated. 

December 18th will be Communion Sunday in all three congregations. We will be celebrating the sacrament at 9:30 in Howick, 11:00 in Ormstown, and 7:30pm in Franklin, in its Christmas Candlelight service. 

There will be Christmas Eve services held in Howick and Ormstown. The service in Howick will be held at 6pm and in Ormstown the service will be held at 8pm. 

Sunday, November 27, 2022 The First Sunday of Advent

 

Prayer for Lighting the Advent Candles (from the Iona Community’s Candles and Conifers, written by David Hamflett)

A candle burns, the first marker of our Advent journey. 

As we set out, May we travel hopefully. 

As we set out, God of journeys, travel with us. 

Hymn.      Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus #2VU

Scripture Lessons:      Isaiah 2:1-5

                                    Psalm 122 p. 845VU

                                    Matthew 24: 36-44

Meditation

Prayer:  God, we come to you in our waiting. 

We wait with our fears, our anxieties and frustrations, our pains and our regrets, our shame and our confusion. God, help us to wait in peace. 

We wait with impatience: we rush around, preparing for the festivities, not leaving the space to prepare our hearts.God, help us to wait in faith. 

We wait in excitement: we are ready to celebrate! We know the story with its humbleness, simplicity, and wonder. God, help us to nurture our joy. 

We wait in thanksgiving: we are free and able to celebrate. We have others around us to share in the journey. We are able to wonder in the marvel of your gift. 

God, help us to receive your gift with love. Amen. (a prayer by Katrina Crosby, also printed in Candles and Conifers)

Hymn.      O Come O Come Emmanuel #1VU

There will be a Family Activity Day beginning at 11:00 on this Sunday, November 27th, including some worship and some intergenerational activities as well. We will end with a shared soup luncheon. Wilene Cullen is taking volunteers to bring soup, cheeses and crackers. Please let her know if you can help out. 

St Paul’s Stewards will meet on Wednesday, November 30th at 7:30 at the home of Wendy Denison. 

Worship Schedule: December 4. 9:30 Ormstown.   11:00. Howick

December 11.      9:30. Franklin.      11:00. Ormstown.    11:00.  Howick with Debbie Beattie

                             White Gift services in all 3 churches, children’s activities in the church in Ormstown.

December 18.      9:30. Howick.    11:00. Ormstown —Communion Sunday in both churches

                             7:30pm Candlelight Christmas Communion service in Franklin

December 24.     Christmas Eve services:  6pm. Howick.     8pm. Ormstown

December 25.      No Sunday service

January 1.             Regional Zoom service 10am, please contact Barbara for the link

There will be a Christmas potluck celebration held for the Howick UCW on Thursday, December 8th beginning at 6pm, in the church hall. Please call Marlene Stuckey to let her know what you will be bringing. 

Preparation of the goodie plates will be on Thursday, December 15th, beginning at about 9:45 in the church basement. 

Looks like we are going to be busy! Have a good week. B

Sunday, November 20, 2022 Reign of Christ Sunday

 This is the last Sunday of this liturgical year. Next Sunday we begin a new year with the first Sunday of Advent. Happy New Year, everyone! 🎉

Hymn     Come Children Join to Sing #345

Scripture Lessons:  Colossians 1:11-20

                                Luke 1:69-79 p.900VU

                                Luke 23:33-43

Meditation

Prayer:  O God, in Jesus you keep turning the world’s expectations upside down.

  You promise a king but we find an ordinary man who shares our lives and our sorrows. 

  We look for a Messiah but we find one born as a homeless child laid to sleep in a manger and who becomes a refugee living as a stranger in a strange land. 

  We seek a Saviour but he comes without armies or weapons, with only a small party of followers and he is put to death on a cross by his enemies. 

  We have visions of glory but he speaks about service and servanthood.  

Open our eyes and ears and hearts, O God, to all that Jesus can teach and reveal to us in his life and death and resurrection and may his love and grace and peace fill and reign in our hearts now and always. Amen. 

Hymn   Rejoice the Lord is King #213

Today in Howick the Howden-Templeton bursaries will be presented to our 2 recipients: William Orr and Kevin Macfarlane. Congratulations and best wishes to both of you! 

Next Sunday Howick will beholding a family activity service that will include some worship and also activities such as puzzles and preparing treats and cards for Christmas. We will start at 11:00 and end with a soup luncheon. There will be activities for all ages. Please join us. 

We have been inviting donations to the Canadian FoodGrains Bank through the fall. As we move into Advent, the envelopes will remain available for those who wish to make a donation in the future. 

Mitten trees will be appearing in our three churches. Donations of hats, scarves, mittens, and gloves would be gratefully received. 

White Gift Sunday will be held on Sunday, December 11th in all three churches. Both gifts and non-perishable food items would be gratefully received. 

FYI: following the survey that Wilene Cullen circulated a couple of weeks ago, it has been decided to hold a Christmas Eve service in Howick at 6pm. There will also be a later service in Ormstown at 8pm. 

Sunday, November 13, 2022

 

Hymn       Lord Speak to Me #589

Scripture Lessons:     Isaiah 65:17-25

                                   Isaiah 12:1-6 p.880VU

                                   Luke 21:5-19

Meditation

Prayer:  Walk with us, God, through sharp, frosty days and bright crunchy leaves into winter. 

Rest with us by warm fireside’s and tell us stories into the night. 

Take us out at night and show us the stars and fill us with wonder. 

Bless us and our families, our friends, and our neighbours with love and with courage. 

And never let us forget the stranger who needs to share our wealth, our shelter, and our hope. Amen. 

(a prayer by Ruth Burgess, printed in the Iona Community’s Acorns and Archangels)

Hymn      Be Thou My Vision #642

We hold in our thoughts and prayers the family and friends of Keith Bryson, who died last week and whose life will be remembered at a service in St Paul’s United Church on Saturday, November 19th at 11:30am, preceded by a visitation beginning at 10am. This is following a visitation held at the McGerrigle Funeral Home Friday night, November 18th, from 7-9pm. 

We continue to hold in our thoughts and prayers the families and friends of Ruth Sundborg, Jean Cogswell, Jean Pycock, and Joan Burton as well. 

We are inviting donations for the Canadian Food Grains Bank. Envelopes are available in our churches or donations may be made online at foodgrainsbank.ca. 

St Paul’s Session will be meeting this week, on Wednesday, November 16th at 1pm in the hall. 

Howick UCW Unit B will be meeting Tuesday, November 15th at noon at the home of Thyra Ness. 

The annual meeting of the Howick UCW will be held Wednesday, November 16th at 7pm in the church hall. There will be a time for memorial and a short business meeting as well as time for fellowship. 

The Howden-Templeton bursaries will be given out next Sunday at our 9:30 service in Howick. 

The preparations are underway for the Rudolph Run, which will take place in-person on Saturday, November 26th from 9-11am, starting at the Rev Centre in Ormstown. A minimum $5 donation is requested for all adults taking part, with the proceeds going to the Christmas Baskets offered through La Bouffe Additionelle. Virtual participation is also possible. For more information, check the poster in the church, the Facebook page or contact Grace Brown or Darlene Legros. 

Grace also wants to remind us that November can be Memorial Month, making a donation in memory of a friend or loved one to our church memorial fund. 

Sunday, November 6, 2022 Remembrance Sunday

 

Hymn      O God our Help in Ages Past #806VU

Prayer: We pause to remember today: to remember with thanks those who have given their lives in the service of others; and to remember with sadness the suffering, destruction and pain caused by human conflict. We come also to commit ourselves to be peacemakers and peacekeepers wherever we can. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Scripture Lessons:  Haggai 2:1-9

                                Psalm 46 p.770VU

                                II Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17

Reflection

Prayer: Lord Jesus, today we commit ourselves to: choosing love over hate; 

             Choosing service over selfishness; 

              choosing sharing over greed; 

             and choosing peace-making over trouble-making, for the honour and glory of your name. Amen. 

(Both prayers were found in the Presbyterian Church of Canada’s Remembrance Sunday resource, 2019)

Hymn        God of Grace and God of Glory

We have been saddened to hear of the death of Jean Cogswell and Joan Burton this past week. There will be a visitation held for Jean Cogswell this Saturday in Cowansville and a committal service will be held for her in the Riverfield Cemetery this Sunday, November 6th at 3pm. Those who would like to come and share in this time of remembrance are welcome to join us on Sunday. The arrangements for Joan Burton will be held on the following weekend. 

We continue to hold in our thoughts and prayers the family and friends of Ruth Sundborg and Jean Pycock. The memorial service for Ruth was held on Friday and the service for Jean will be held Saturday, November 12th at the Unitarian Church in Montreal on de Maisoneuve and will be followed by a reception. 

It was announced that the Howden-Templeton bursaries would be awarded this week, but the presentation has been delayed until Sunday, November 20th at the 9:30 service. 

Howick United Church UCW, Unit B will be holding a lunch meeting on Tuesday, November 15th at the home of Thyra Ness. We will share a meal and make some decisions about what to do next. 

There will be a joint meeting of the UCWs in Howick to be held Wednesday, November 16th in the church basement, beginning at 7pm. The will be a memorial for past members and a brief business meeting as well. 

Sunday, October 30, 2022 Reformation and All Saints Sunday

 

Hymn.      A Mighty Fortress is Our God #262VU

Prayer: O God, as we offer our worship this day, unite us together that we may celebrate the witness of our forefathers and mothers and the courage that gave birth to the church through its many reformations. Teach us how to honour the saints of God in ages past as well as in our present days. May the conviction of your grace be what forms our own faith. Inspire us in the continuing reformation and transformation of the church and be present to us in our worship and our work. We pray in the name of our Saviour, Jesus the Christ. Amen. (a prayer by the Rev. Letty Russell and shared on re-worship.blogspot.com.) 

Scripture Lessons: II Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11, 12

                               Psalm 119:137-144

                                Luke 19:1-10

Message

Prayer:  God of life, May your light shine on your people today, as it shone in each moment of history. 

May the light of your presence inspire us to praise you and recognize you, as a source of all creation, 

as strength that sustains, as sap that nurtures, as wisdom that foresees, as clarity that discovers, as love that understands, as mercy that forgives. May the light of your presence, eternal and inextinguishable , shine on us now and forever, till the dawn of your Kingdom, present in each day. Amen. ( prayer published by the World Alliance of Reformed Churches in its resource, Renewing the Church and shared on re-worship)

Hymn      For All the Saints #705VU

Our deepest sympathy is shared with the family of Ruth Sundborg following her sudden death this past week. We are planning to hold a service of remembrance for her in St Paul’s in Ormstown this coming Friday, November 4th with visitation starting at 1:00 and the service itself beginning at 2:30. 

We have also heard of the death of Jean Pycock, who died September 28th. A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, November 12th at 2pm at the Unitarian Church of Montreal, 5035 Boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal. The service will be followed by a reception. 

We continue to invite donations to the Canadian Food Grains Bank. Envelopes are available in the churches and donations may be made online at foodgrainsbank,ca. 

St Paul’s Stewards will be meeting this coming Wednesday, November 2nd at the home of Wendy Denison 

Next Sunday, November 6th, we will be marking Remembrance Sunday in our churches, 9:30 in Ormstown and 11:00 in Howick. There will also be a Cenotaph service in Ormstown that afternoon led by the Legion. 

Sunday, October 23, 2022

 

Hymn       Come You Thankful People Come #516VU

Prayer: Lord of the harvest, we rejoice in the bounty of your world; 

we thank you for the rich harvests it produces. 

As we do so, 

we remember those who do not have enough, the thousands who are daily dying of hunger.

We pray for those who have more than they require, for ourselves and our churches. 

Sow us what needs to be done, and how to share the world’s harvest more fairly. 

Teach us to value people more than things. 

Above all, help us to set our hearts on your kingdom of love and Justice,

And seek to do your will here on earth, as servants of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Scripture Lessons:      Joel 2:23-32

                                    Psalm 65 p.782VU

                                    Luke 18:9-14

Hymn       Just As I Am #508VU

Message

Prayer:  Encourage us, O God, encourage us to follow Jesus’s lead into life’s difficult places. 

Encourage  us to speak up for what’s just and to act for what is right. 

Encourage us to stand in solidarity with all those who face discrimination. 

Encourage us to bold discipleship and daring Justice rooted in deep spirituality. 

Encourage us when morale is low and we feel like giving up.

Encourage us when our spirit is flying high and the difference we make is obvious. 

Encourage us, O God. Strengthen us to serve you. Amen. ( a prayer from the United church’s Thanksgiving letter)

Hymn      I Sing the Mighty Power of God #231

This Sunday there will be services in Franklin(9:30) and Howick ((11:00)? Next Sunday the service will a combined service in Franklin at 11:00. There will also be a fellowship time beginning at 10:30. The following Sunday November 6th will be observed as Remembrance Sunday in both St Paul’s in Ormstown (9:30) and in Howick at 11:00. 

Many thanks to all who supported Howick United Church’s fundraising concert last Saturday by planning, organizing, volunteering, and of course performing(!) in it. It was a great success with about 70-75 people present and about $2000 raised, to be divided between Howick United Church and I Am Heshima. 

This Sunday (October 23) is the last day to apply for the Howden-Templeton bursaries. Applications can be found on the website and the bursaries will be given out November 6th. These bursaries are available to people connected with the Howick United Church community and attending college, university, or other training institution. 

The United Church Foundation is accepting donations to help communities throughout the regions dealing with damage from hurricane Fiona. A donation to the Ann Baker Estate Trust for Emergency Relief in Canada will provide funding after the effects of the hurricane has been forgotten. Donations may be made online at w.canadahelps.org.en.don/75488. More information may follow later. 

There is Youth and Young Adults Youth Forum being planned for young people in High school or CEGEP age ranges, in the Nakonhaka region  to be held in Georgeville QC November 4-6th. More info is available if there are people interested. 

Sunday, October 16, 2022 World Food Day

 A few last flowers: 

Hymn     How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds #344VU

Scripture Lessons:        Jeremiah 31:27-34

                                      Psalm 119:97-104 p.840VU pt 4

                                      II Timothy 3:14-4:5

Meditation

Prayer:  Saviour, teach me day by day, love’s sweet lesson to obey;

Sweeter lesson cannot be, loving him who first loved me. 

With a child’s glad heart of love at Thy bidding May I move, 

Prompt to serve and follow thee, loving him who first loved me. 

Teach me thus Thy steps to trace, strong to follow in Thy grace, 

Learning how to love from thee, loving him who first loved me. 

Love in loving finds employ, in obedience all her joy; 

Ever new that joy will be, loving him who first loved me. 

Thus May I rejoice to show that I feel the love I owe; 

Singing till Thy face I see, of his love who first loved me. (Hymn by Jane Eliza Leeson)

Hymn      I Love to Tell the Story #343

Today on World Food Day, we begin our campaign for the Canadian FoodGrains Bank. This year, perhaps even more than every year, the gifts we are able to give make a difference in the lives of hungry people all over the world. Donations can be made online at foodgrainsbank.ca or envelopes will be available in the churches if you would like to make a donation. 

This week’s services are 9:30 in Howick (following our fundraising concert Saturday night at 7pm in the church) and 11:00 in Ormstown. 

Sunday, October 9, The Fifth Sunday of Creation, Thanksgiving Sunday

 

Hymn       Come You Thankful People Come #516VU

Prayer:  God our maker, your open hands of grace sow us with many generosities. You offer these ordinary treasures simply, and without demand. 

We who receive do so with recognition and delight; or we wonder dissatisfied and forgetful. 

O God, grant us the choice of gratitude. Transform our hearts into generous soil. Make us ready with praise for every blessing. Amen. (from Keri Wehlander’s Joy is our Banquet)

Scripture Lessons:        Deuteronomy 26:1-11

                                       Psalm 100 p. 824VU

                                      Philippians 4:4-9

Hymn       We Plant the Fields and Scatter #520 VU

Meditation 

Prayer: (a litany of thanks) 

To wake from sleep into a new day—           Is gift enough for thanks.

To hear a child’s delight in laughter—          Is gift enough for thanks. 

To sip a glass of clean, cold water—             Is gift enough for thanks. 

To watch the sunset paint the sky—              Is gift enough for thanks. 

To share a moment with a friend—               Is gift enough for thanks.

To smell the fragrance of moist soil—          Is gift enough for thanks. 

To feel the comfort of clean clothing—        Is gift enough for thanks. 

To form the words that make a prayer—      Is gift enough for thanks. (from Keri Wehlander’s Joy is our Banquet.) 

Hymn       Now Thank We All our God #236VU

Next weekend is the time! Howick United Church’s fundraising Concert with Fieldstone Reverie and Sammi Grace will be this coming Saturday, October 15th at 7pm in the church. Tickets are $20 and are now available from Noah Tolhurst, Mac Orr, and myself and will be available at the door as well. Proceeds of the concert will be divided between the church and I Am Heshima. Hope to see you there! 

The new Gifts with Vision catalogues have arrived. There are a few copies in the churches so you can take a look, and you can also check them out online, at giftswithvision.ca. A great gift for those who don’t need more “stuff”. 

Sunday, October 2,2022 The Fourth Sunday of Creation

 

Hymn        Great is Thy Faithfulness #288

Scripture Lessons: Lamentations 1:1-6

                               Lamentations 3:19-26

                               Luke 17:5-10

Meditation 

Prayer: O Christ, you take upon yourself all our burdens so that freed of all that weighs us down, we can constantly begin anew to walk with lightened step, from worry towards trusting, from the shadows towards the clear flowing waters, from our own will towards the vision of the coming Kingdom. And then we know, though we had hardly dared hope it, that you offer to make every human being a reflection of your face. (a prayer from the Taize community.) 

Hymn      My Faith Looks Up to Thee #663

This Sunday is Worldwide Communion Sunday and Howick United Church will be celebrating this on Sunday at 11am with the celebration of the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. St Paul’s United Church will be gathering for worship at 9:30 this Sunday but will not be celebrating Communion. 

Next Sunday will be Thanksgiving Sunday in all 3 of our congregations: 9:30 in Franklin, 11:00 in Ormstown and also 11:00 in Howick with Debbie Beattie. As is the tradition in Franklin and Ormstown, we will once again be collecting food for the food bank. Both seasonal produce and non-perishable food items would be greatly appreciated. 

The time has come to apply for Howden-Templeton bursaries, for students of college, university, or other training programs who are part of the Howick United Church community. The applications may be found online on the church’s website or can be requested from one of the committee members (Marlene Stuckey, Debbi Templeton, Scott Templeton, and Brent Tolhurst). The deadline for applications will be October 23, 2022 and the bursaries will be given out in the church service on November 6th. 

Please keep in mind Howick United Church’s fundraising concert to be held Saturday, October 15th at 7pm, in the Church. It will feature Fieldstone Reverie and also include Sammi Grace. Proceeds of the concert will be split between Howick United Church and I am Heshima. Tickets are now available at a cost of $20 from Mac Orr or Noah Tolhurst. 

Best wishes and congratulations to Laura Bustamante and Catherine Bray who were married in Howick United Church on Saturday, October 1st. 

Best wishes also to Kanawake United Church who are celebrating a new ministry shared with the Rev. Jan Jorgensen and Robert Ronwahaweta Patton. 

Sunday, September 25, 2022 The Third Sunday of Creation

 

Hymn.        Immortal, Invisible #264

Scripture Lessons:       Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15

                                     Psalm 91 p.808VU

                                     I Timothy 6:6-19

Hymn   Jesus Calls Us #562 (though I am not sure you are going to sing along to this one! )

Meditation 

Prayer:  Risen Jesus, when we forget you, it is we who are absent. 

But you remain present at all times, deep within us. 

Sometimes we start looking backwards,

And let ourselves be overrun by regret

Or the nostalgia of the recent or distant past. 

Holy Spirit, you who dwell in us always, 

Enable us to receive you with a trusting heart, in faith, 

So as to live quite simply in the present moment, 

Nothing more. Amen. (a prayer from the Taize community.)

Hymn.        Fight the Good Fight #674

This week’s services will be held at 9:30 in Franklin and 11:00 in Howick. Next Sunday will be 9:30 in Ormstown and 11:00 in Howick. Howick United Church will also be celebrating holy communion next Sunday. 

Next Friday September 30th will be Orange Shirt Day, a day to remember the indigenous children forced to attend residential schools and to commemorate those who died there. 

Please do keep in mind the fundraising concert featuring Fieldstone Reverie and with Sammi Grace, to be hold Saturday, October 15th at 7pm. Tickets will cost $20. Proceeds of the concert will be divided between Howick United Church and I am Heshima. 

Sunday, September 18, 2022 The Third Sunday of Creation

 

Hymn      Standing in the Need of Prayer 

Scripture Lessons:      Jeremiah 8:18-9:1

                                    Psalm 79:1-9

                                    I Timothy 2:1-7

Hymn       There is a Balm in Gilead     #612

Meditation

Prayer:  Look in your mercy, O God, upon the suffering of your world, and help those in trouble or distress, whether in mind or in body. And May our prayer not be made empty by our neglect but carry with our readiness to act as your servants; that the lonely and the sick, the anxious and the sorrowing whom we meet may find us eager to help for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (a prayer by Roger Pickering published in Frank Colquhoun’s Contemporary Parish Prayers.)

Holy God, We give thanks for the great cloud of witnesses: people whose lives we honour and cherish, 

people  who have taught us to live as best we can;

We give thanks for the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 

who is now gathered among the faithful who go before us. 

May you bless and keep all who love and who will miss Queen Elizabeth. 

We pray especially for the Royal Family, all who held her closely in their hearts, and all who will shepherd nations of people in the grieving process. 

May you bless and keep the Commonwealth, and all who wrestle with the complexities of the monarchy and what Queen Elizabeth represents. 

We pray especially for those who continue to unpack the legacies of colonialism as we work towards right relations and reconciliation. 

We bring all this to you, while giving thanks for the life of Queen Elizabeth, and while celebrating your sovereignty over our hearts. Amen. ( a prayer offered from the United Church on the occasion of Queen Elizabeth’s death.)

Hymn       What a Friend We Have in Jesus #664

We hold the family and friends of Barbara Story in our thoughts and prayers, following her sudden death this past week. 

St Paul’s Session will be meeting Tuesday, September 20th at 7:30pm in the hall. 

St Paul’s Stewards will be meeting Wednesday, September 21st at 7:30pm in the hall. 

Howick United Church will be holding a fundraising concert on Saturday, October 15th at 7pm in the church. The concert will feature Fieldstone Reverie with Sammi Grace as well. Tickets will cost $20 and should be available shortly. Proceeds of the concert will be split between Howick United Church and I am Heshima. Your support will be greatly appreciated. 

FYI: the federal government has announced that it will be matching donations for Pakistan Relief to organizations that are part of the Humanitarian Coalition, including Canadian Food Grains Bank, Oxfam, Save the Children, and others. The deadline for matching donations is September 28th. 

Sunday, September 11, 2022, The First Sunday of Creation

 I put this together before the news of the Queen’s death, but I think it still is appropriate for this week. 

Hymn        Joyful Joyful We Adore You  #232

Scripture Lessons:      I Timothy 1:12-18

                                    Psalm 23 p.749VU

  

                                    Luke 15:1-10

Meditation

Prayer:  Life is great

Full of glad surprises; 

Life is tough—

Stony paths we’ve trod! 

What makes sense

Each day sun arises:

God. 

God holds back

Venturing matures us;

God steps in

Giving strength to cope: 

God’s wise live

Gives the whole creation

Hope. 

God transforms 

through the gifts we’re given;

Leagued with him

We make the world anew: 

Justice, love mark

A way of life that’s true. 

Roll up sleeves

Use each life entrusted,

Take sure hold

Of transforming power: 

Work with God

Venturing to meet this

Hour. ( a poem/prayer by Ian M. Fraser and printed in the Iona Community’s Acorns and Archangels.)

Hymn       Amazing Grace #266

This Sunday’s services will be 9:30 in Franklin, 11:00 in Ormstown and in Howick at 11:00 with Debbie Beattie. 

Good news! Howick United Church’s elevator is back in working order! So don’t let the stairs keep you home. 

Please keep in mind the OHO Quilt Show taking place next weekend, September 16th and 17th from 10-4:00 in the Ormstown Curling Club. Tickets to enter cost $5 and the profits go to local charities. Lots of beautiful quilts etc. to see and a tearoom for chatting and visiting. Hoping to see you there! 

Howick United Church is holding a fundraising concert with Fieldstone Reverie and featuring Sammi Grace as well. Tickets are $20 and will be available shortly. The concert will start at 7pm October 15th. Proceeds of the concert will be split between Howick United Church and I Am Heshima, and there will be some items offered for sale that night. 

Sunday, September 4, 2022 Labour Day Sunday

 

Hymn       Spirit of God Descend upon My Heart #378

Prayer:  O God, you call us to the potter’s house to see what we can see and learn. 

You call us to open our eyes, our ears, and our hearts and minds to all that you have to say to us this day. 

Help us to be ready to hear your Spirit’s call; to respond in faith and hope; to be led by your wisdom and grace; and to share the word you speak to us each day. 

Help us to rejoice in your promise to be with us always and to be our source of life and hope and joy, now and always. Amen. 

Scripture Lessons:       Jeremiah 18:1-11

                                     Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 p.861VU

                                     Philemon 1-21

Hymn      Have Thine Own Way

Meditation 

Prayer:  O God, send us prophets in the Church today, as in the days of old, to make known your living truth in the power of the Holy Spirit. Give them a clear vision of your purpose for the life of the world; enable them to speak with boldness; and through their voice recall your people to simpler discipleship, to holier living, and to more dedicated service, ( or to deep spirituality, bold discipleship, and daring Justice, from the United Church’s current mission statement) for the glory and honour of your name. Amen. ( from Frank Colquhoun’s Contemporary Parish Prayers)

Hymn       Take My Life and Let it Be  #506

We have been saddened to hear of the death of Margot MacKinnon last weekend. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. No service is being planned. 

The planning meeting for our fundraising concert to be held Saturday, October 15th with Fieldstone Reverie will be held this week on Wednesday September 7th at 7pm in the church. 

Activities are starting up in the Region as well. There is a Young Adult Retreat September 14-16th at the Camp D’Action Biblique in Richmond QC and Youth Forum for teens and young adults being planned for November in Georgeville. If you would like more information please speak to Barbara or check the region’s website nakonhakaucc.ca.

We were saddened to hear of the death of Don Robinson of Lacolle this past week. We hold his family, including his sister Jean McClintock, and his friends in our thoughts and prayers. 

We also hold the family and friends of Geoff Miller in our thoughts and prayers, as the visitation and memorial service were held on Saturday. 

This week the World Council of Churches will be holding its 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe Germany. The United Church of Canada has sent a delegation, including our new Moderator, Carmen Lansdowne to take part. Reports about this assembly can be found on the United Church website and broadcasts of its worship and plenary sessions can be found on YouTube. 

Best wishes to all the teachers and students and staff who are returning to school. Hope that it is a good year with lots of learning and fun to share! 

Sunday, August 28, 2022 The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

 

Hymn.     For the Beauty of the Earth #226

Scripture Lessons:      Hebrews 13:1-8, 15, 16

                                    Psalm 81:1, 10-16 p. 797, pt 2

                                    Luke 14:1, 7-14

Meditation

Prayer:  God of our past, reconcile our brokenness. 

God of our future, renew our faith. 

God of the present moment, reach out and touch us, and through us, the lives of all we meet on our daily journey. 

May we be made whole through the holiness of God the Father, the humanity of Christ the Son, and the healing power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (a prayer written by Ruth Bowen and printed in the Iona Community’s Bare Feet and Buttercups.)

Hymn.      New Every Morning is the Love #405

Things are getting busy in the Valley again! There is the Chateauguay Valley Antique Association the weekend, as well as Alyson Champ’s show Marginal Lands in Ormstown at 65 Saint Paul Street (as well as  at the Town Hall in Tres Saint Sacrement on October 1st and 2nd). In two weeks there is the Havelock Fair (for 2 days this time) and the OHO Quilt Show the following week. We have a lot to look forward to! 

Please keep in mind the fundraising concert that will be held in Howick United Church Saturday, October 15th. There will be a planning meeting for this concert held on Wednesday, September 7th at 7pm in the church. All welcome to attend. 

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Greig family this week, as we have heard the news of the sudden death of Cathy Greig’s husband Al Freeman this past week. We also hold in our thoughts and prayers the family and friends of Margaret Robertson who died this past week.