This is the last Sunday of Epiphany, before the beginning of the season of Lent. Do you have plans for observing the season? Starting with pancakes on Tuesday or ashes on Wednesday? Giving something up or trying something on for the season? Reading a series of readings from a book of readings? UCRD has one for this year, called Good Courage. It can be ordered in print or as an e-book.
Hymn: Holy Holy Holy
Prayer: God of power and wonder, we are awestruck by the glory of your presence. We rejoice at what we can see; we marvel at what we cannot see. You dazzle us with your brightness; you overshadow us as with a great cloud. Loving, protecting, challenging, nurturing, you strengthen and transform us. May we love and serve you, in all that we are and do. Glory be to you. Amen. (from the United Church’s worship resource, Celebrate God’s Presence)
Scripture Lessons: Exodus24:12-18
Psalm 99 p.819VU
Matthew 17:1-9
Hymn. Fairest Lord Jesus
Meditation
Prayer: O Shining One, you are the flame burning within, the beacon on the horizon, the radiance in all creation, the bright idea apprehending us, the sparkling in the eyes of our loved ones, the uncreated light that is lighting all.
Transfigure us, this very day, as we open into the radiance of the Christ in each other, in song, in word, and witness. May this be the day of our enlightenment, when we see with clarity the sacred life we are called to manifest.
Remake us as sacraments of the Holy, that we might embrace our calling: to see with new eyes, reach out with gentle hands, imagine with transformed minds, be still with hallowed presence, and be filled with grateful prayers. In the name of the Transfigured One we pray. Amen. (a prayer written by Bruce Sanguin and published in his book, If Darwin Prayed.)
Hymn: All Beautiful the March of Days #530VU
We have been saddened to hear of the death of a former minister of St Paul’s United Church in Ormstown, the Rev. Irvine Johnson has died, at the age of 98. A funeral will be held Tuesday, February 21st 2pm. An obituary can be found at the website for Wartman’s Funeral Home in Napanee. Our thoughts are with the family, including the Duncan family in Ormstown.
Unit B of Howick’s UCW will be gathering for lunch this week, on Tuesday, February 21st. We will be gathering for lunch and we are invited to bring a can of soup and a few cookies to share.
St Paul’s Stewards will be meeting this week on Wednesday, February 22nd at 7:30pm in the hall.
The annual meetings for Franklin and Ormstown will be held on Sunday, March 12th in combination with the worship service. Franklin’s meeting will start at 9:00 and Ormstown’s at 11:00. Annual reports are now available for all 3 of our congregations.
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