Sunday, July 23, 2023 Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

(Rose among the briars instead of the wheat and the weeds!)

Hymn        This is God’s Wondrous World #296

Prayer:  O God, increase our faith. Within us all you have placed seeds of faith. Help us to let them grow, to give space and time and place to nourish and strengthen our faith. Make us powerful, moving forces for good. In Christ’s name. Amen (a prayer written by Camilla LaRouche of Mitchell ON and printed in GatheringS/A 2008.)

Scripture Lessons:       Genesis 28:10-19a

                                     Psalm 139:1-12 p.861VU

                                     Matthew 13:24-30

Song      We are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder

Reflection

Prayer: O God, you have called us together and named us your people and your children. We come just as we are. We cannot pretend to be what we are not, for you have made us and know us through and through. In our weakness, we come with prayers for strength; in our doubt we come with prayers for faith and hope; in our strength we come with prayers of thanksgiving. Open our hearts that we may come before you with honesty and await your answers with renewed faith. May our prayers and worship offered this day be joyful and thankful. Amen. (a prayer from the United Church’s worship resource, Celebrate God’s Presence, adapted.)

Hymn     O God of Bethel #650

This Sunday’s services will be 9:30 in Franklin and 11:00 in Howick. Next Sunday will be our final Sunday service and it will be a combined service in Howick beginning at 11:00. There will be a time of fellowship before the service with coffee and munchies. (Maybe more! ) Please plan on joining us there. 

There will be a combined service for our Cluster (South Shore and the Chateauguay Valley) held on Sunday, August 13th at 10:30am in the Kanewake United Church. Following the service, there will be a visit to the Tipi Project that will include lunch. Please try to let Barbara know if you are planning to attend so she can let the planners know. 

Please note that Huntingdon United Church will be holding a second Ice Cream Social Thursday, August 17th from 5-9:00pm. Prices will be $10 for adults, $5 for ages 5-12, and under 5 free. 

We have been saddened to hear of the death of Dorothy Clark this month. We hold her family in our thoughts and prayers.