Sunday, November 19, 2023 Children’s Sabbath

 

Hymn.       O Day of God Draw Nigh #688

Scripture Lessons:     Judges 4:1-10

                                   Psalm 123 p.847VU

                                   I Thessalonians 5:1-11

Meditation 

Prayer:  A Litany of Thanksgiving and Hope for Children

We give thanks that God’s love for children was shown to us when Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me.”  

We thank you God. 

We give thanks for the gifts our children offer to the world, for they are our present, future, and hope. 

We thank you, God. 

We give thanks for the delight and infectious joy children have for all wonder-filled things in your creation. We thank you, God. 

We offer prayers for the safety of children. We pray for an end to violence in the schoolyard, in the home, on our streets, and the streets and hillsides of the world. Hear our prayers, dear God. 

We pray for adults who sincerely offer a caring hand, a comforting shoulder, a listening presence, and a tireless voice on behalf of children. Hear our prayers, dear God. 

Gracious God, you have always welcomed the child. We pray that our thoughts and words and actions may reflect love for all of your children, not merely a privileged few. May we always remember children in the way you have called us to do. We will not forget, O God. (a prayer written by Bonnie Mills and shared in Seeds and Sowers.)

Hymn.       Precious Lord Take Me Home #670

This week’s services will be 9:30 in Howick and 11:00 in Ormstown. In Howick there will be a craft and activity day, making cards for the Christmas plates. All welcome to participate. The next craft and activity day will be Sunday, December 3rd, in both Ormstown and Howick. In Ormstown, the activities will begin at 9:30, and in Howick, will begin at 11:00 and be followed by a Soup Luncheon. Volunteers for soup and other items would be appreciated. 

Don’t forget the Rudolph Run that will take place next Saturday, November 25th from 9-11:00, starting from the Rec Centre. A minimum donation of $5 is requested from the adults participating. The proceeds will go to the Christmas basket program offered through La Bouffe Additionelle. If you can, wear some red or green! 

The mitten tree will go up this week in Howick. In Ormstown, it will be up for December 3rd. 

Howick United Church Session will meet Tuesday night, November 21st at 7:00 in the church. 

St Paul’s Stewards will meet on Wednesday November 22nd at 7:30pm in the hall. 

Next Sunday in Howick the Howden-Templeton bursaries will be presented in Howick, at its 11:00 service. 

Howick United Church will be holding a fundraiser on Saturday, December 9th from 11:00-1:30. There will be a Bake Sale, book, game, puzzle, toy, and Christmas decoration sale (gently used, please). Donations may be brought to the church (before or by Friday, December 8th. They may be left in the sanctuary. 

Howick Stewards will be meeting on Wednesday, December 6th at 7:00pm.