Sunday, December 22, 2024 The Fourth Sunday of Advent

 

Hymn       O Little Town of Bethlehem #64

Scripture Lessons:      Micah 5:2-5a

                                    Psalm 80:1-7 p.794VU pt 1

                                    Luke 1:39-47

Carol       Gentle Mary Laid Her Child #46VU

Message

Prayer :  Come, God-with-us:  who braves our rejection and hurt, who holds us in acceptance and love.

Come, God-for-us:  who whispers in our ears that we- each of us- are beloved children. 

Come, God-under-us: who cradles us in arms that never grow weary; whose lap has room enough for all. 

Come, God-over-us: who watches in the long silence of the night, that we might rest in peace. 

Come, God-beside-us: who steadies us when we falter, who lifts us up when we fall. 

Come, God-beside-us: who picks up all the faded dreams we drop along the way and patchworks them into hope. 

O Come, O Come, Immanuel: and we will rejoice for ever! ( a prayer written by Thom M. Shaman printed in the Iona Community’s Candles and Conifers.) 

Carol        Angels We Have Heard on High #38VU

This week there will be a morning service in Ormstown at 9:30 am on Sunday, December 22nd.  There will be a Family Christmas Candlelight service in Howick at 7pm, which will include Communion. There will be no Christmas Eve service in Howick, but there will be one in Ormstown, at St Paul’s at 7:30pm. 

There will also be a combined Christmas Sunday service at 11am in Howick on Sunday, December 29th, with coffee and cookies etc. beginning at 10:30 am. All are welcome to come and sing carols and celebrate Jesus’s birth once again. 

Please note that Wilene has let us know that the financial books for the church will be closing at noon on Monday, December 30th, so if you wish to make a donation, please get it in by then. (Also, if you wish to receive envelopes, please let her know that.) 

Grace Brown has also let us know that the books for the Memorial Fund will close on Friday, December 27th, so if you wish to make a memorial gift for this year, please get it to her by that date. 

Sunday, December 15, 2024 The Third Sunday of Advent

 

Hymn      Joy to the World #59VU

Scripture Lessons:       Zephaniah 3:14-21

                                     Isaiah 12:2-6

                                     Philippians 4:4-7

Message

Prayer: O God, at this time of Advent, fire our imaginations with the sweep of your salvation. 

Catch us up in the cause of your kingdom, already breaking into this world in our ransomed lives yet waiting for its final fulfillment when Christ shall come again.

And let your Spirit, wild as the wind, gentle as the dove. Move within us and among us, to inspire our worship and strengthen our faith and send us out with anticipation and joy. Amen. (a prayer written by John Harvey and printed in the Iona Community’s Candles and Conifers, adapted.)

Hymn      Go tell it on the Mountain #43VU

This Sunday’s services will be 9:30 in Howick (followed by coffee, juice, and cookies made as a craft by the children at church) and 11:00 in Ormstown, which will be a Communion Sunday. 

Many thanks to all who brought food last Sunday for the White Gift service. It was greatly appreciated. If there are others who would like to donate, I would be happy to receive them, either at the church or at home. 

We hold the family and friends of Betty Stevenson in our thoughts and prayers, following the service giving thanks for her life on Saturday morning at the Village Church. 

We hold the family and friends of Dwight Cullen in our thoughts and prayers, following his memorial service this Saturday in Georgetown Presbyterian Church. 

Wilene Cullen would like to let people know that if you wish to receive envelopes for 2025, please contact her to request them. Also, she will be closing the financial books for the church on December 30th at noon. If you wish to make a donation, please make it by that time. 

The books for the memorial fund in Howick will close December 27th as well. Please get any donations to Grace by that date. 

Did you know that the Moderator of the United Church has posted Advent and Christmas messages on the UCC’s YouTube channel? (They can also be found on Facebook and the UCC’s website as well.) Check them out! 

A Winter Solstice Gathering for people who are not feeling especially jolly this year will be held on Saturday, December 21st at 3pm in the Community (formerly the United Church) Hall. This will include music, silence, poetry, and candlelighting. 

Worship Schedule

Sunday, December 22 9:30am.       Carol Service in Ormstown (no morning service in Howick) 

              December 22 7:30pm.       Family Candlelight Service with Communion in Howick

Tuesday, December 24 7:30pm.      Christmas Eve Service in Ormstown ( no Christmas Eve service in Howick)

Sunday, December 29 11:00am.      Combined Christmas Sunday service, coffee etc. at 10:30am

Sunday, December 8, 2024 The Second Sunday of Advent

 This Sunday is White Gift Sunday in our congregations. We are collecting non-perishable food items for the Christmas baskets and the local food bank. 

Hymn      Hark the Glad Sound #29VU

Scripture Lessons:      Philippians 1:3-11

                                    Luke 1:68-79 p.900VU

                                    Luke 3:1-6

Message

Prayer :  O God, enlarge my heart that it may be big enough to receive the greatness of your love. 

Stretch my heart that it may take into all those who with me around the world believe in Jesus. 

Stretch it that it may take into it all those who do not know him, but who are my responsibility because I know him. 

And stretch it that it may take in all those who are not lovely in my eyes, and whose hands I do not want to touch; 

Through Jesus my saviour. Amen. ( a prayer of an African Christian from With All God’s People, a World Council of Churches resource.) 

Hymn.       Hark the Herald Angels Sing #48VU

This Sunday’s services will be Howick at 9:30 and 11:00 in Ormstown. It will be the White Gift service in both congregations, when we collect non-perishable food items for the Christmas baskets and the local food bank. 

We hold in our thoughts and prayers the family of Dwight Cullen who died recently and whose memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 14th in Georgetown Presbyterian Church. 

The organizers of the Ladies’ Christmas Dinner would like to sat “Thank you” for all of the items brought in for Residence-Elle. It was a very generous amount of donations that are very much appreciated by the organization. 

Howick UCW will be holding its Christmas Potluck on Wednesday, December 11th at 6:30 in the church. Please let Marlene know what you are planning on bringing (appetizer, main dish, salad, or dessert) so we can have enough for all. 

Next Sunday the services will be 9:30 in Howick and 11:00 in Ormstown. In Ormstown this will also be a Communion Sunday. In Howick we will continue to offer craft activities for young people. 

There will be a Winter Solstice gathering held in Hemmingford at the Community Hall at 476 Frontiere, that will include music, poems, silence and candlelighting on Saturday, December 21st at 3pm. This is intended particularly for people who may not be feeling jolly this Christmas. 

On Sunday, December 22nd there will be no morning service in Howick. Instead there will be a Family Candlelight service held that evening at 7pm. 

There will be a Christmas Eve service held in Ormstown at 7:30pm. 

There will also be a combined Christmas Sunday service held on December 29th at 11:00 in Howick. Coffee and cookies etc. Will be available from 10:30. 

Sunday, December 1, 2024 The First Sunday of Advent

 This Sunday is also World AIDS Day. We hold those who have been living with AIDS in our thoughts and prayers. We give thanks for the work of scientists and medical workers who have changed and saved lives. 

Hymn.      Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus

Scripture Lessons:       Jeremiah 33:14-16

                                     Psalm 25 p. 752VU

                                     I Thessalonians 3:9-13

Message

Prayers:   O come, o come Emmanuel, 

   To the empty-handed and the heavy-hearted, to the despairing and the despised. 

Enter this world, 

   Giving love to the lowly and hope to the downcast. 

Dwell among us, and teach us your ways, 

   Saving the lost and strengthening the weak. 

Be made the incarnate within us, 

   That we might cast away fear and live boldly by faith. 

With gratitude that you come to be with us, we worship joyfully this day. (from the United Church’s worship resource, Celebrate God’s Presence) 

Hymn.      O Come O Come Emmanuel

This Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent. There will be craft activities in both congregations. The services will be 9:30 in Ormstown and 11:00 in Howick. Today is also the deadline for applying for a bursary from Howick United Church for Howick postsecondary students. 

St Paul’s Stewards will meet in the hall on Tuesday, December 3rd at 7:45pm. We will be setting up the tables for the Ladies’ Christmas dinner as well as holding our monthly meeting. 

The Ladies’ Christmas Dinner will be held on Wednesday, December 4th beginning at 11:30 in the hall. We will be collecting items for residents of Residence-Elle. 

Next Sunday December 8th will be White Gift Sunday in both our churches. We will be collecting non-perishable food items for local Christmas baskets and for La Bouffe in the new year. In Ormstown, items from the Mitten Tree will also be delivered following this service. 

Next Sunday will be Communion Sunday in Ormstown. This will be an 11:00 service. 

For Howick, we are combining the Sunday December 22nd with our Christmas Eve service in a family Candlelight Christmas Communion service at 7pm on Sunday December 22nd at 7pm. There will be no morning service on December 22nd or Christmas Eve service on the 24th. There will be a Christmas Eve service in Ormstown at 7:30pm. Please let us know whether you would like us to do this another year. 

We hold Klaasje Ness in our thoughts and prayers following the death of her brother last month. 

Sunday, November 24, 2024 Reign of Christ Sunday

 

Hymn      Come Now Almighty King #314 VU

Scripture Lessons: Revelation 1:4b-8

                               Psalm  138 p.860VU

                               John 18:33-37

Message

Prayer:  Christ our Brother, Christ our Beginning, Christ our End. 

Known in Jesus, Word made flesh; known as Logos, Hidden Wholeness; Pattern within the Chaos; Wisdom, calling from city streets for justice and compassion. 

Christ beyond all names, Deepest Mystery, Depth of Our Own Being, awaken us, enfold us, impel us to realize the dream that is ours to birth. Amen. (a prayer by Bruce Sanguin printed in If Darwin Prayed. Reformatted for the blog.) 

Hymn        Rejoice the Lord is King #213V U

This Sunday’s services will be 9:30 in Ormstown and 11:00 in Howick. In Howick we will be following the 11:00 service with a soup luncheon. Please plan on joining us if you can. We will continue to make Christmas crafts in Howick as well. 

We continue to hold in our thoughts and prayers the family of Marina Templeton following her mother’s death and memorial service held on Saturday. 

This Sunday November 24th is the deadline for signing up to attend Ormstown’s Ladies’ Christmas Dinner to be held on Wednesday, December 4th at 11:30 in the hall at a cost of $23. To reserve a meal please call Lynn Bryson or Shirley Vandor or Wendy Dennison by November 24th. We will also be collecting items or donations to Residence-Elle at the dinner. 

For those who would like to have envelopes for Howick United Church, please contact Wilene Cullen. 

The Mitten Trees are up in both churches now (though in Ormstown, they are actually baskets). Mittens, gloves, hats and scarves would be gratefully received. In Ormstown we will be sending them off after the White Gift service on December 8th, so please drop them off soon. 

Next Sunday December 1st there will be craft activities during the 9:30 service in Ormstown. All welcome. 

We hold in our thoughts and prayers the family and friends of Betty Stevenson. For a long time she was the pianist for Franklin’s services. 

A new newsletter has been printed. It is available in the churches or Barbara can send you a copy. 

Sunday, November 17, 2024 Children’s Sabbath

 

Hymn       Take Time To Be Holy #672VU

Scripture Lessons:       I Samuel 2:1-10

                                     Psalm 127 p. 851VU

                                     Hebrews 10:11-14, 19-25

Message

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

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

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

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

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

Ever knew that joy will be, loving God who first loved me. 

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

Singing, till thy face I see, of the one who first loved me.

( hymn by Jane Eliza Leeson, those who sing pray twice!)

Hymn        Blest be the Tie that Binds #602VU

This Sunday’s services will be 9:30 in Howick and 11:00 in Howick. This will be a craft activity Sunday in Howick, making decorations for the church for Advent and Christmas. 

Next Sunday we will be bringing our campaign for the Canadian Food Grains Bank to an end. In Howick we are planning a Soup Lunch following the 11:00 service. 

Barbara is planning to produce a (paper) newsletter next week. If you have news to share, please let Barbara know by Thursday, November 21st. 

Please keep in mind the Rudolph Run that will be held on Saturday, November 30th from 9:00-11:00 beginning from the Rec Centre in Ormstown. You can walk or run do courses of 1, 2, 5, 10km. A minimum donation of $5 is requested. The proceeds go to local food banks for Christmas baskets. 

St Paul’s is once again holding a Ladies’ Christmas Dinner, on Wednesday, December 4th at 11:30 in the hall. The cost is $23 and the deadline for reserving a meal is Sunday, November 24th. All welcome. We will also be collecting items for Residence-Elle. To reserve a meal, please call Lynn Bryson, Wendy Denison, or Shirley Vandor. 

Sunday, November 10, 2024 Remembrance Sunday

 

Hymn       O God our Help in Ages Past #806VU

Scripture Lessons:      Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17

                                   Psalm 127 p.851VU

                                    Mark 12:38-44

Message

Prayer:  O God, whose heart is broken by the violence in the human race, forgive us that we have lacked the imagination and collective will to create a war less world. 

Forgive us for breaking faith with those who gave their lives, for the unconscionable gap between the rich and poor, for corruption and deceit in high places, for the profit gained by the sale of weapons, for the spirit of domination in our world leaders, for learning so little from the deaths of 100 million in the past century. 

In you alone is our hope; in your power, which can purify the human heart and set our feet upon the path of peace, do we trust. You can do great things in willing hearts. Break, then, our hardened hearts. Break them with grief, with memory, and with hope. In the name of the Prince of Peace. Amen. ( a prayer by Bruce Sanguin printed in If Darwin Prayed.) 

Hymn      God of Grace and God of Glory #686

This Sunday’s services will be 9:30 in Howick and 11:00 in Ormstown. Both will be Remembrance Sunday services. In Howick we are welcoming members of the Georgetown Church and members of the local Guiding and possibly Scouting groups as well.

The Session of Howick United Church will meet on Tuesday, November 12th at 7pm in the church hall. 

St Paul’s Session will meet on Wednesday, November 13th at 7:30pm in the hall. 

The Trustees of Howick United Church are inviting applications from students in post-secondary educational programs from the Howick congregation. Applications are available at the church or on the congregational website. The deadline will be December 1, 2024 and the bursaries will be presented later in the month of December. 

Next Sunday November 17th, will be a craft activity day in Howick, during its 9:30 service. We will be making Christmas decorations to decorate either our church or our homes. 

We are planning to hold a Soup Luncheon on Sunday, November 24th following the 11:00 service in Howick. This will bring our campaign for the Canadian Food Grains Bank to an end, though envelopes for donations may still be available. 

A new (paper) newsletter will be produced later this month. Please let Barbara know if you have items to be included. 

St Paul’s will be holding a Christmas Dinner on Wednesday, December 4th beginning at 11:30am, in the church hall. The cost will be $23.00. If you wish to attend, please reserve a meal by calling either Shirley Vandor at 450-829-2518 or Lynn Bryson at 450-829-3011 or Wendy Denison at 450-829-3419. 

Sunday, November 3, 2024 All Saints Sunday

 This weekend also marks the Indian festival of Diwali, a time to rejoice in good overcoming evil and light over darkness. Happy Diwali! 

Hymn.     For All the Saints #705

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Scripture Lessons:      Ruth 1:1-18

                                    Psalm 146 p.868VU

                                    Mark 12:28-34

Message 

Prayer:  We pray for the saints from ancient times who lived humbly, serving others, facing hardships, and faithfully following the Way. 

God of love and mercy, receive our prayer. 

We pray for the saints in our world today who face hardship in defending justice, working for peace, and caring for those suffering in the midst of violence, oppression, hunger, and fear. 

God of love and mercy, receive our prayer. 

We pray for the saints no longer living among us, who supported and encouraged us in our faith development by helping us grow in our love for God through Jesus Christ. 

God of love and mercy, receive our prayer. 

We pray for saints living among us today, companions on our journey of faith, connected to one another by Christ. 

God of love and mercy, receive our prayer. 

We pray for ourselves that we may be the saints you call us to be, companions to each other as we follow the Way of Jesus. 

God of love and mercy, receive our prayer. Amen. ( a prayer by Carol Frost printed in Gathering, Pentecost 2 2024.)

Hymn.       Love Divine #333

This Sunday’s services will be 9:30 in Ormstown and 11:00 in Howick. Next Sunday will be Remembrance Sunday in both churches. In Howick the service will be held at 9:30 and will be a community service including the Georgetown Presbyterian congregation as well as Scouting and Guiding groups. In Ormstown the service will be held at 11:00 and will lead into Ormtown’s Cenotaph service that afternoon. 

We hold in our thoughts and prayers Marina Templeton and her family, following the death of her mother this past week. 

St Paul’s Stewards will meet Wednesday, November 6th at 7:30pm in the hall. 

Howick United Church’s will meet Thursday, November 7th at 7pm in the church hall. 

We continue our campaign for the Canadian Food Grains Bank. Envelopes are available in the churches and donations may also be made online to foodgrainsbank.ca. 

St Paul’s women are going to hold a Christmas Dinner this year, on Wednesday, December 4th beginning at 11:30 in the hall. The cost will be $23 and you need to sign up to join in. Please call either Shirley Vandor at 450-829-2518, Lynn Bryson at 450-829-3011 or Wendy Denison at 450-829-3419 if you wish to attend. The deadline for signing up is November 24th. We will also be collecting items for Residence-Elle at the dinner. 

As was indicated in the last newsletter, St Paul’s will begin collecting its items for the mitten tree earlier than usual. A basket will be placed in the church so that items may be brought in now. They will be distributed following the White Gift service on December 8th. 

Anew newsletter will be coming out for the end of the month. If you have items to include, please let Barbara know. 

Sunday, October 27, 2024 Reformation Sunday

 

Hymn      Open My Eyes #371VU

Scripture Lessons:     Job 42:1-6, 10-17

                                   Psalm 34:1-9 p.761VU

                                   Mark 10:46-52

Hymn      A Mighty Fortress is our God #262

Message

Prayer:  Almighty God, gracious Lord, we thank you that your Holy Spirit renews the church in every age. Pour out your Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep them steadfast in your word, protect and comfort them in times of trial, defend them against all enemies of the gospel, and bestow on the church your saving peace, through Jesus Christ our Saviour and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (from the re:worship website) 

Hymn      Be Thou My Vision #642VU

This week’s services are Ormstown at 9:30 and Howick at 11:00. This will also be a craft activity day in Howick, including decorating pumpkins and making mini-pizzas for lunch. 

We continue to hold the McCormick-Peddie family in our thoughts and prayers, following the death of Mary Anne McCormick last weekend and the memorial service held on Saturday at St Paul’s. 

We also hold the family of Mary Seniuk in our thoughts. She died last week. A private service will be held to give thanks for her life. 

We continue to invite donations for the Canadian Food Grains Bank, following our World Food Sunday service last Sunday. Envelopes are available in our churches and donations may also be made online at foodgrainsbank.ca. 

St Paul’s Stewards will meet on Wednesday, November 6th at 7:30pm in the hall. 

Howick Stewards will meet on Thursday, November 7th at 7pm in the church hall. 

Sunday, October 20, 2024 World Food Sunday

 

Hymn       Let Us with a Gladsome Mind #234

Scripture Lessons:      Job 38:1-7, 34-41

                                    Psalm 104 p.826-7 VU pts 1,2

                                    Mark 10:35-45

Message

Prayer:  Creator God, you make all things and weave them together in an intricate tapestry of life. Teach us to respect the fragile balance of life and to care for all the gifts of your creation. Guide by your wisdom those who have power and authority, that, by the decisions they make, life may be cherished and a good and fruitful Earth may continue to show your glory and sing your praises. 

Almighty God, you have called us to tend and and keep the garden of your creation. 

Give us wisdom and reverence for all your plants and animals who share this planet with us and whose lives make possible our own. Help us to remember that they too love the sweetness of life and join us in giving you praise. Amen. 

Holy Lord, make our eyes and our hearts more open to the needs of others, especially the hungry, the hurting, and the poor. Help us to see that in caring for the Earth, we are also caring for one another. And help us, O Lord, to live in ways that promote respect, compassion, justice, and peace for all people, and for all of your broken and yet beautiful creation. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen ( prayers from the CFGB prayer resource.)

Hymn       I Sing the Mighty Power of God #231

This Sunday’s services will be 9:30 in Howick and 11:00 in Ormstown. In Ormstown we will be holding a craft activity day for families and children which will take place in the church alongside the Sunday service. 

Next Sunday the services will be 9:30 in Ormstown and 11:00 in Howick. In Howick we will be holding a pumpkin and pizza craft time, followed by a lunch and extra munchies. Please plan on joining us if you are able. 

We hold in our thoughts and prayers the family and friends of Mary Anne McCormick, who died this past weekend. A service to celebrate her life will be held in St Paul’s United Church in Ormstown on Saturday, October 26th at 2pm, preceded by a time of visitation beginning at 12:00. 

We continue to hold in our thoughts and prayers the family and friends of Jean McClintock, whose celebration of life was held on Friday. 

We will be beginning our campaign for the Canadian Food Grains Bank this Sunday, which is World Food Sunday. If you wish to make a donation online, that can be done at foodgrainsbank.ca, or with the envelopes available at our churches. 

( a few late blooms I found before the cold weather began.) 

Sunday, October 13, 2024 Thanksgiving Sunday

 Our Jewish sisters and brothers continue to mark some of their most solemn holy days. Rosh Hashanah has passed and on Friday, Oct 11th at sundown until night on the 12th, it is time for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, a time for fasting and for prayer. 

We also pray for peace in the Middle East, for Israel, for Gaza, for the West Bank, and for Lebanon, for all people, families, and children. 

Hymn      Come You Thankful People Come #516 VU

Scripture Lessons:      Joel 2:21-27

                                    Psalm 126 p.850VU

                                    Mark 6:24-33

Hymn         We Plough the Fields and Scatter #520

Message 

Prayer:  L:  For the beauty and wonder of creation, we thank you God. 

For our daily food, for our homes, families, and friends, we thank you God. 

For minds to think and hearts to lose, we thank you God. 

For health, strength, and skill to work, and for leisure to rest and play, we thank you God. 

For those who are brave and courageous, patient in suffering and faithful in adversity, we thank you God. 

For all who pursue peace, justice, and truth, we thank you, God. 

For all that is gracious in lives of men and women, revealing the image of Christ, we thank you God. 

Today we give thanks for those we love and for all the saints whose lives have reflected the light of Christ, we thank you God. Amen. (from the United Church’s worship resource, Celebrate God’s Presence.)

Hymn     Now Thank We All our God #236 VU

This Sunday’s services, will be a Thanksgiving Sunday service held at 9:30 in Howick and 11:00 in Ormstown. In Ormstown we will be collecting food for the food bank, both seasonal produce and non-perishable food items. 

We hold in our thoughts and prayers the family and friends of Jean (Robinson) McClintock, who died this week. A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, October 18th from 2-5:00 in the Dining Hall on the Fairgrounds. Please come and share your memories of Jean. 

We hold also in our thoughts and prayers the family and friends of Milton Reddick, including the members of the Georgetown Presbyterian Church, following his death this past week. 

We also hold in our thoughts and prayers the family and friends of Kelsey Watt, following the celebration of her life held on Saturday. 

Howick United Church wishes to express its thanks for the support it received for its BBQ chicken fundraiser, it was a great success. Many thanks again to those who helped make it happen, as well as those who supported it, both from the churches and from the community as well. 

Next Sunday, October 20th, in Ormstown there will be a craft activity day for children and families. It will take place in the church along side the 11:00 service. All welcome. 

Sunday, October 27th, we will once again be holding a pumpkin and pizza Sunday in Howick, with our 11:00 service. Families are invited to come and share in the beginning of the service and then to decorate a pumpkin and to prepare a mini-pizza for lunch. All are invited to stay for lunch following the end of the service. 

St Andrew’s United Church in Chateauguay (46 DuPont W, Chateauguay) will be holding its 2nd annual Music Celebration, with lots of singing on Sunday, October 27th, beginning at 7pm. The music celebration will be followed by “everything apple” desserts. A free will offering will be taken to support the local food bank. 

The funeral service for the Rev. Lois Wilson will be live-streamed on the United Church’s YouTube channel this Tuesday, October 15th at 11:00, from Metropolitan United Church in Toronto. 

Sunday, October 6, 2024 The Fifth Sunday of Creation

This week begins the Jewish high holidays, beginning with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, which comes to an end today, and followed by the Yom Kippur and the Day of Atonement, some of the most solemn days of the Jewish calendar. Shanah Tovah! 

Hymn        Great God We Sing that Mighty Hand #529VU

Scripture Lessons:       Job 1:1, 2:1-13

                                     Psalm 26

                                     Hebrews 1:1-4

Message

Prayer:  Loving God, be with our family and friends today, hold them in your love. 

THROUGH OUR LIVES AND BY OUR PRAYERS YOUR KINGDOM COME. 

Be with the poor today, show them you care. 

THROUGH OUR LIVES AND BY OUR PRAYERS, YOUR KINGDOM COME. 

Be with the suffering of our world, give them peace. 

THROUGH OUR LIVES AND BY OUR PRAYERS, YOUR KINGDOM COME. 

Be with the depressed, hold out your hand to them. 

THROUGH OUR LIVES AND BY OUR PRAYERS, YOUR KINGDOM COME. 

Be with the lonely, let them know you are with them. 

THROUGH OUR LIVES, AND BY OUR PRAYERS, YOUR KINGDOM COME. 

Be with the homeless, shelter them in your arms. 

THROUGH OUR LIVES, AND BY OUR PRAYERS, YOUR KINGDOM COME. 

Be with us and stay with us, we need you, God. We need you! Amen. (from the Iona Community’s Praying for the Dawn, edited by Ruth Burgess and Kathy Galloway.) 

Hymn       In Suffering Love #614 

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

St Paul’s Session will meet Wednesday, October 9th at 7:30pm in the hall. 

Next Sunday, October 13th, will be Thanksgiving Sunday. In Ormstown we will be collecting food, both non-perishable food items and seasonal food items for the local food bank, La Bouffe Additionelle. Services will be 9:30 in Howick and 11:00 in Ormstown. 

In Ormstown there will be a craft activity day for families on October 20th, in the church, in combination with the 11:00 Sunday service. 

In Howick we will be holding a pumpkins and pizza day on Sunday, October 27th for families. Come and join in the fun, preparing individual mini-pizzas and decorating pumpkins for Halloween, beginning with the 11:00 service in Howick. 

Sunday, September 29, 2024 The Fifth Sunday Creation

Tomorrow will be National Truth and Reconciliation Day across Canada (aka “Orange Shirt Day”) so people are invited to wear, if you can, an orange shirt to church if you are coming, and/or on Monday to mark this day. 

  

Hymn.      Praise to the Lord, the Almighty #220VU

Scripture Lessons:       James 5:13-18

  

                                     Psalm 124 p.848VU

                                     Mark 9:38-50

Message

Prayer:  Today we wear orange to remember and honour all the indigenous children who went to residential schools.

   Today we wear orange and we pray for the residential school and intergenerational survivors who are still struggling. 

   Today we wear orange and we are thankful for those speak the truth, and who work to shine a light on injustice. 

    Today we wear orange in the name of compassion and the spirit of truth and reconciliation. 

     Help us, God, to remember and act on this and every day. Amen. 

In the light of the events of this past week:  O God, maker of the whole human family in heaven and on earth; stand by those who sorrow; that as they lean on your strength, they may be upheld, and believe the good news of life beyond life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

We trust that beyond absence there is a presence, 

That beyond the pain there can be healing, 

That beyond the brokenness there can be wholeness, 

That beyond the anger there can be peace, 

That beyond the silence there may be the word,…. 

That beyond silence … there may be Love. by Anonymous.

Hymn.         Tell Me the Old, Old Story

This Sunday there will be a combined service that will be held in St Paul’s in Ormstown at 11:00. We will begin at 10:30 with coffee and goodies. 

We hold Debbie Beattie and her family in our thoughts and prayers at this time. 

We also hold Debbie Templeton and family in our thoughts and prayers following the death of her mother in Ottawa. 

Once again Anne Carpentier will be ordering United Church calendars for sale. This year we are inviting you to let Anne know if you would like a calendar. They are $15.00 due to increases in the cost of the calendar and shipping. She will be making the order in a few weeks, so please let her know if you would like one (or more). 

Next Sunday will be Communion Sunday in Ormstown (9:30) and Howick (11:00). All welcome to share in this sacrament. 

This will also be the Sunday Howick will be holding its BBQ chicken fundraiser. We are taking orders for Benny &Co chicken dinners, either $20 for adults, a quarter chicken with fries and cole slaw, or a children’s order with chicken nuggets for $12.  Orders need to be received by Wednesday, October 2nd, and are required. Meals can be eaten in the church as a community meal or taken out to share family or friends. 

Sunday, October 13th will be Thanksgiving Sunday. Services will be 9:30 in Howick and 11:00 in Ormstown. In Ormstown we will also be collecting food for La Bouffe Additionelle, our local food bank. Both fresh and non- perishable food items would be welcomed. 

Sunday, September 22, 2024 the Fourth Sunday of Creation

 

This is the first Sunday of Autumn. We celebrate the gifts of harvest and abundance in this beautiful and blessed season. 

Hymn      Great is Thy Faithfulness #288VU

Scripture Lessons:     Proverbs 31:10-31

                                   Psalm 1 p. 724VU

                                   Mark 9:30-37

Message 

( I will admit that I recorded this on Tuesday, so the situation may change through the week. Nevertheless, the question remains, is greatness based on what we achieve for ourselves, or the difference we make for others.)

Reflection and prayer written by Lois Wilson — Veils

It’s a bit of a shock to see veiled women.  

Why can’t they be like me? 

Even the girls at the Ecumenical Centre will draw the sari across their mouths and noses in the presence of a dignitary

A sign of modesty.

I suppose it might be rather interesting to go through all of life

always peering out at other people. 

But it’s part of the culture I find hard to fathom. 

And we without veils….

What do our faces reflect? 

           Anxiety? 

              Despair?

                 Frustration? 

                    Boredom? 

                        Preoccupation? 

May my face O God reflect like a mirror your presence in my life.

May my face Christ Jesus transparently announce to all that You live in me. 

May my face Holy Spirit be shining with love and holiness. ( from Lois Wilson’s Like A Mighty River, published in 1981).

Hymn       I Love to Tell the Story #343

This Sunday’s services will be Ormstown at 9:30 and Howick at 11:00. Next Sunday we will holding a combined service in Ormstown, at 11:00, with coffee etc. beginning about 10:30. All welcome. 

For those who would like to contribute to the Faithful Footprints project at St Paul’s, donations may be made by e-transfer to: ucwormstown@gmail.com. The security question is project funds and the password is church1234. Please include your fill name and address in the message box for the tax receipt. Donations may also be made by cheque to St Paul’s United Church 19 Lambton Ormstown QC J0S 1K0, or dropped off to the Treasurer. 

Howick is trying out a different kind of fundraiser: on October 6th we are offering Benny &Co chicken dinners, (including fries and cole slaw) to be picked up either for eating in or taking out. Adult dinners will be $20 and children’s dinners (nuggets) will be $12.  Meals can be picked up at noon, following the 11:00 service. Meals must be pre-ordered. Please contact Wilene Cullen for tickets. 

Worship Schedule for October:  October 6th Communion Sunday 9:30 Ormstown    11:00 Howick

                                                       (Howick’s fundraiser will follow at noon)

        October 13 Thanksgiving Sunday.  9:30.  Howick.     11:00.    Ormstown ( Ormtown will continue its tradition of collecting food for La Bouffe Additionelle, our local food bank. Both non-perishable food and fresh items would be appreciated)

        October 20 World Food Sunday 9:30.  Howick.     11:00.    Ormstown Craft Activity Day in Ormstown

        October 27       9:30.  Ormstown.     11:00   Howick    Pizza and Pumpkin activities for Howick

Riverfield Curling Club is planning its Homecoming Celebration for Saturday October 12th, beginning with a Scottish Lunch, followed by exhibits and games for the children, then a BBQ in the evening. Tickets are available from RCC members and the RCC website, at a cost of $10. 

St Andrew’s United Church in Chateauguay will be holding its 2nd annual Music Celebration on Sunday, October 27th at 7pm featuring music from local choirs and Everything Apple Desserts. A free will offering will be taken for the Châteauguay Food Bank. 

A date and time have been chosen for Lois Wilson’s funeral, which will be live-streamed on October 15th at 11am from Metropolitan United Church in Toronto ON on YouTube for the wider church. An endowment fund in her name is also being created to support UCC program work. Contributions would be gratefully appreciated. 

Sunday, September 15, 2024 The Third Sunday of Creation

 This weekend, September 14th and 15th has been named Days for migrant workers. Let us give thanks for their hard work and pray for their safety and security. 🙏🏽

This coming week has been named the week of prayer for Peace in Israel and Gaza. Let us pray for peace for our brothers and sisters there and everywhere. 🙏🏽🌍

Hymn     Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross #142VU

Scripture Lessons:      Proverbs 1:20-33

                                    Psalm 19 p.740-1VU

                                    Mark 8:27-38

Message

Prayer:  We offer you our praise and our worship, O God, knowing we do so under the shadow of the cross, sign of human shame and divine wisdom and love. Like Jesus, we would follow faithfully in your way; like Jesus, we would live to you and die to you. We are your people; we belong to you. We offer you our worship and our lives. May your name be glorified in the lives we live; in the love we share; and by Christ’s church, through Jesus the Christ, our Saviour and our Lord. Amen. ( a prayer adapted from the United Church of Christ’s Book of Worship.)

Hymn      When I Survey the Wondrous Cross #149VU

This Sunday’s services, September 15th will be Howick 9:30 and Ormstown 11:00. Next Sunday’s services, September 22nd will be the reverse: Ormstown 9:30 and Howick at 11:00. 

I have just received the notice of the Very Rev. Lois Wilson’s death. She was the first woman Moderator of the United Church as well as a long time minister in our church, as well as a former Senator in the Canadian Parliament. Well done, good and faithful servant! 

Howick’s Stewards will meet on Tuesday, September 17th at 7pm in the church hall. 

Howick UCW (Unit C) will meet for supper Wednesday, September 18th. 

St Paul’s Stewards will meet on Wednesday, September 18th in the hall at 7:30pm. 

Sunday, September 29th will be a combined service held in St Paul’s in Ormstown at 11:00. We will begin with a fellowship time at 10:30. 

Howick United Church will be trying out a new fundraiser: on October 6th following the 11:00 service, (noon) Benny and Co’s BBQ chicken will be available for eat-in or takeout. Prices will be $20 for adults (breast or leg) and $12 for children (nuggets). If eating in, a drink and a dessert will also be provided. Pre-orders will be necessary. Tickets and sign-up sheets are now available. 

Please keep in mind these community events:  the O-HO Quilt Show Friday, September 20th and Saturday, September 21st at the Ormstown Curling Club, 10 - 4:00. Entry $5.00, which includes the tea. Proceeds will support local charities. 

Alyson Champ’s art show, Etalements, as part of the LBA’s Fall Festival, beginning Friday, 4:00 in the new dining hall on the Ormstown Fairgrounds and continuing through the weekend. 

Riverfield Curling Club’s Homecoming Celebration, Saturday, October 12th marking its 200th anniversary. This will include a Scottish Lunch, games and exhibits in the afternoon and a BBQ in the evening. Tickets are available from RCC members, or from the website, at a cost of $10. 

Sunday, September 8, 2024 The Second Sunday of Creation

 

Hymn     O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing #326 VU

Scripture Lessons:       James 2:1-10, 14-17

                                     Psalm 125 p. 849VU

                                     Mark 7:24-37

Message

Prayer: Eternal God, you are the author of life; all living beings depend on you; you care for all the earth. We pray for our neighbours whose expressions of faith are different from ours; the longings of whose hearts we do not always comprehend. Teach us to know that you love all peoples; help us to respect  what we do not yet understand; and to rejoice in the words and acts of truth, beauty, and love wherever they may be found. Enable us to love others as you love, and to live with others in ways that build your gracious rule over all of life. We ask this in the name of him who gave himself for all, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. (a prayer from With All God’s People, from the World Council of Churches.) 

Hymn       In Christ There is No East or West #606VU

This Sunday’s services are: 9:30 in Howick and 11:00 in Ormstown. Next Sunday will be the same. The next Sunday, September 22nd, the reverse. Sunday, September 29th will be a combined service in Ormstown, 11:00, with fellowship time beginning at 10:30. 

Good news! The work on the Faithful Footprints project, making our church in Ormstown more sustainable (both environmentally and economically) will be beginning this week. The oil furnaces and tanks will be removed from both the church and the hall and replaced with electric furnaces and heat pumps. We appreciate the funding provided by the church (up to $30,000!) but will also be hoping for additional donations to cover our $60,000 project. 

St Paul’s Session meeting was delayed to the Wednesday, September 11th at 7:30 in the hall. 

St Paul’s Stewards will meet on Wednesday, September 18th at 7:30 in the hall. 

Please keep in mind the O-HO Quilt Show taking place Friday, September 20th and Saturday September 21st from 10-4:00 in the Ormstown Curling Club. The cost to enter is $5, which includes the tea. Proceeds from this event will be used for local charities. 

Also keep in mind Alyson Champ’s show at the new Dining Hall in the Fairgrounds that will take place Friday, September 20th from 4:00. 

There will be a Flourishing Event with the Moderator, the Rt Rev. Carmen Lansdowne held Saturday, September 21st from 9:30-4:30 at Cedar Park United Church in Pointe Claire. If you are interested in attending, please let Barbara know and she will send you the link or help you to register. 

Riverfield Curling Club will be holding its Homecoming Celebration on Saturday, October 12th. This will include a Scottish Lunch, exhibits and games for kids and families in the afternoon, and a BBQ later in the day. Tickets for the lunch will cost $10 and are available from RCC members, from the website, or by calling 450-825-2577. 

Barbara will be printing a newsletter before the end of the month. If you have news to share, please let her know. 

Sunday, September 1, 2024 Labour Day Sunday

 This Sunday is also be known as Creation Sunday, beginning the Season of Creation that finishes on Thanksgiving Sunday. Let us give thanks for God’s wonderful world!

Hymn.      All Creatures of our God and King #217VU

Scripture Lessons:       Song of Songs 2:8-13

                                     Psalm 45:1,2, 6-9 p.769VU

                                     James 1:17-27

Message

Prayer:  Praise and thanks to you, O God, for all you have done for us. 

   We thank you for the splendour of the whole creation, for the wonder of life, and for the mystery of love. 

   We thank you for the blessing of family and friends, and for loving care which surrounds us on every side. 

   We thank you for the delight we find in finishing well our daily tasks, and for helping us find comfort in you, even in failure or distress. 

    Above all, we thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ; for the truth of his word and the example of his life;  for his faithfulness, his dying, his rising to life again, by which we, too, are raised to life anew. 

   Grant us the gift of your Spirit, that we may know Christ, and make him known; and through him, at all times and in all places, May give thanks to you in all things. Amen. (from Voices United, additional prayers, p.930VU)

Hymn      For the Beauty of the Earth 226VU

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

St Paul’s Session will meet Wednesday, September 4th in the hall at 7:30pm. 

Good news! The work on the heating systems in Ormstown in both the church and the hall will be done this month. This is made possible in part through the United Church’s Faithful Footprints program. If you wish to donate to support this work to lower the church’s carbon footprint and make the church more sustainable, contributions may be made by cheque or cash to the Treasurer. We are also hoping to organize an e-transfer option as well. 

The memorial service for Bob Buttars will be held Friday, September 13th at 2pm in Howick United Church. The service will be preceded by a visitation at 1:00 in the church and it will be followed by a reception at the Town Hall. We continue to hold Norma and his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers. 

Please keep in mind the OHO Quilt Show that will take place Friday, September 20th and Saturday, September 21st at the Ormstown Curling Club from 10-4:00. Cost to enter will be $5.00. 

Also Alyson Champ’s art show Etalements to be held at the LBA Fairgrounds’ Dining Hall September 20-22. 

The Moderator’s Flourishing Event will be held in our region on Saturday, September 21st, from 9:30-4:30 at Cedar Park United Church in Pointe Claire. Please contact Barbara if you are interested in attending, and she will send you the link or help you to register. 

The Riverfield Curling Club will be kicking off their 200th anniversary season on Saturday, October 12th with a Scottish lunch, cost $10, afternoon activities, and an evening BBQ, also $10. Tickets can be purchased on the RCC website, from members, or at 450-825-2577.

Worship Schedule: September 1        9:30    Ormstown      11:00    Howick

                               September 8.       9:30.   Howick.          11:00.   Ormstown

                               September 15.     9:30.    Howick.         11:00.   Ormstown

                               September 22.     9:30.    Ormstown.     11:00.   Howick

                               September 29.     Combined service in Ormstown 11:00, fellowship time beginning at 10:30 in the church. 

Sunday, August 25, 2024 The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

 Best wishes to teachers and to students who are preparing to go back to school shortly. 

Hymn      Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah #651VU

Scripture Lessons:      I Kings 8:22-30

                                    Psalm 84 p.800VU

                                    John 6:60-69

Message 

Prayer:  Each day, O God, we receive so much that is good:  a rainbow of colours, a symphony of sounds, a banquet of flavours, a bouquet of aromas. 

   As the seasons turn, we receive again: the crunch of amber leaves underfoot, the fragrance of cut grass in the sun, the warmth of soup when snow is falling, the first crocus to appear from the cold ground. 

   As moments come, as moments go, we receive even more: the song of a sparrow to lift our hearts, the smile of a friend to set things right, the grace of a deer to fill us with wonder, the laughter and love shared around a table. 

   For all we have received, O God, we say with you, “It is very good,” and we give you grateful hearts in return. Amen. ( a prayer written by Keri Wehlander’s and published in Circles of Grace)

Hymn      Blest be the Tie that Binds #602VU

This Sunday there will be a 9:30 service in Ormstown and an 11:00 service in Howick. The service in Howick will be a special music service with guest musician Bruce Barr accompanied by Emily, followed by a lunch that will be provided. Some desserts to finish the lunch would be appreciated. A free will offering will be taken to cover costs. 

We hold Norma Buttars in our thoughts and prayers, following the death of her husband Bob on Friday. 

St Paul’s Stewards will meet Wednesday, August 28th at 7:30 at the hall. 

For those who wish to know, Donald Sutherland’s visitation and memorial service will be held in London, through the Logan Funeral Home, next Friday, August 30th (visitation) and Saturday, August 31st. We continue to hold his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers. 

There will be a Flourishing event held in our Regional Council with the Moderator on Saturday, September 21st, from 9:30-4:30 in Cedar Park United Church in Pointe Claire. If you wish to attend, please let Barbara know and she will provide the registration link or info. 

Worship Schedule for September:     

September 1       9:30     Ormstown          11:00.      Howick

September 8.      9:30.     Howick.            11:00.      Ormstown

September 15.    9:30.     Howick.            11:00      Ormstown

September 22     9:30     Ormstown.         11:00.      Howick

September 29.    9:30.    Combined service in Ormstown, 11:00 fellowship time 10:30