Sunday, April 30, 2023 The Fourth Sunday of Easter

This Sunday is known as “Good Shepherd Sunday” when we celebrate God’s goodness and faithfulness to us, as revealed in Jesus of Nazareth. 

Hymn      Come Let Us Sing of a Wonderful Love #574

Prayer:  Holy God, our good shepherd, lead us to the peace and calmness that restore our souls; so that we may live faithfully in Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. ( a prayer by Patricia Catellier, printed in Before the Amen, edited by Maren Tirabassi and Maria I. Tirabassi)

Scripture Lessons:      Acts 2:42-47

                                    Psalm 23 p. 749VU

                                    John 10:1-10

Hymn      The Lord’s My Shepherd #747

Meditation 

Prayer: Most compassionate God, we thank you that you have come to us in Jesus Christ, sharing our common lot. As the shepherd seeks a lost, sheep, you seek us when we wander; finding us, you receive us with rejoicing. Since you have claimed us, fill us with your Spirit, that we might be channels of your tender care for those who are broken-hearted or wandering. Amen. ( a prayer by Ruth C. Duck and printed in Bread for the Journey, edited by Ruth C. Duck.) 

Hymn      He Leadeth Me #657

This Sunday there will be a combined service for our three congregations to be held in St Paul’s in Ormstown. The service will be at 11:00 and we will begin with a fellowship time at 10:30 in the church. 

A belated congratulations to Donald and Grace Brown who celebrated their 50th anniversary last week. 

This afternoon there will be a Memorial Tea in honour of Marjorie Templeton from 2-4pm in the church hall. 

We have been saddened by the news of the death of Charles Harvey this week. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. A service of remembrance and thanksgiving will be held on Saturday, May 6th at 2pm, at St Paul’s  United Church, Ormstownwith visitation at the church from 1-2 preceding the service. 

Congratulations to the Howick United Church Women, who raised more than $1000.00 (1016.34) through the bread sale. Thanks to those who planned, organized, and supported this fundraiser. 

There will be a session on hearing loss and accessibility led by Abby Stonehouse offered by the Howick WI and hosted by the Howick UCW, to be held Tuesday, May 2nd at 1:30pm in the Howick United Church hall. All welcome to attend. 

The time has come to renew or begin a subscription for Broadview, formerly The Observer, which combines both general interest articles as well as news from the United Church of Canada. The cost for an annual subscription is $25.00. Wilene Cullen is collecting the subscriptions. They can be made in cash or cheque (made out to Howick United Church) or by e-transfer to Howickunitedchurch@gmail.com. 

The deadline for the Hugh Duncan and IFE bursaries offered by the Nakonhaka Regional Council is June 1st. Application forms are available on the Nakonhaka website (nakonhakaucc.ca) or speak to Barbara and she will provide one for you.