Sunday, June 22, 2025 First Nations Day of Prayer

 This is the first Sunday of the summer season. Let us rejoice and be glad in it! 

We can also recall that Friday was World Refugee Day. At a time when we remember how we found a place to live and to thrive, maybe we could consider how other newcomers might add to our country’s and community’s richness and wellbeing. 

Hymn.      Praise to the Lord the Almighty #220

Scripture Lessons:        I Kings 19:1-18

                                      Psalm 42-3 p.768-9VU

                                      Galatians 3:23-28

Message

Prayer:  God, Creator and Great Mystery, we praise you for the Sacred Fires that burn today and for the prayer-filled smoke that you receive and bless. We offer our deep gratitude that the Fire’s light informs and guides our journey. We pray, just as the Elders prayed, for renewal and for the restoration of beauty to the land and its people. 

       We acknowledge the diverse and abundant gifts of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples. We recognize that their knowledge and wisdom have benefited generations past and present, and that this blessing will continue for generations to come. We remember the many who are committed to the healing of family, community, and nations. 

        We pray for Mother Earth, the waters, the winds, for our siblings the animals, birds, and fish, and all of life that surrounds us. We pray that we will walk the good Red Road of life, and that we will walk with courage, honesty, humility, love, respect, truth and wisdom. 

        We offer this prayer in humility and hope, and in the name of our brother Jesus the one who lights our path to wholeness, justice, and peace. Amen. ( a prayer written by the Rev.Maggie Dieter and Bill Snow, shared by the United Church of Canada)

Hymn      Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah #651VU

This week we are back to our usual schedule, 9:30 in Ormstown and 11:00 in Howick. Next Sunday will be a combined service in Ormstown, at 11:00, with fellowship time starting at about 10:30. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Rachel Jacob, whose memorial service was held yesterday in St Paul’s. 

We are deeply saddened by the news of the death of Darel Lang this week. The plan is for a memorial service to be held on Saturday June 28th at 11am in St Paul’s United Church in Ormstown, with a visitation beginning at 10am. The service will be followed by a reception at the Dining Hall on the Fairgrounds. 

Many thanks to those who have been doing work around our churches: painting, reframing the doors and other jobs. It really makes a difference! 

In Howick, the annual Outdoor service will be held on July 6th at 11:00. We will not be at the Knox Cemetery, but at Howick United church, so please join us there. Bring your lawn chair if the weather looks good, but we will be holding the service rain or shine, inside or out. (Ormstown will be holding its usual 9:30 service.) 

St Paul’s will be holding its Strawberry Shortcake Takeout on Thursday, June 26th from 5-7:00 in the hall. Prices will be $10 for adults and $6 for children under 12. 

   We will be preparing the berries on Wednesday, June 25th starting at about 11:00 in the hall. If you are able to help us out, please bring your own bowl and knife, (and apron) if you are able to. Your help would be greatly appreciated! 

Sunday, June 15, 2025 Trinity Sunday

 Today is also Father’s Day. We wish the fathers in our congregations a happy day, and also give thanks for many who take on the role of father in their lives. 

Hymn      Holy, Holy, Holy #315

Scripture Lessons:       Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31

                                     Psalm 8 p.732VU

                                     Romans 5:1-5

Message

Prayer/ Statement of Faith: O God, the source of our being and the goal of all our longing, we believe and trust in you.  The whole earth is alive with your glory, and all that has life is sustained by you. We commit ourselves to cherish your world and seek your face. 

       O God, embodied in a human life, we believe and trust in you. Jesus ours brother, born of the woman Mary, you confronted the proud and the powerful, and welcomed as your friends those of no account. Holy Wisdom of God, first born of creation, you emptied yourself of power, and became foolishness for our sake. You laboured with us upon the cross, and have brought us forth to the hope of the resurrection. We commit ourselves to struggle against evil and to choose life. 

        O God, life-giving Spirit, Spirit of healing and comfort, of integrity and truth, we believe and trust in you. Warm-winged Spirit, brooding over creation, rushing wind and Pentecostal fire, we commit ourselves to work with you and renew our world. Amen. ( from Janet Morley’s All Desires Known)

Hymn      Faith of our Fathers #580VU

This week there will be no Sunday service in Howick. There will be an 11:00 service in St Paul’s in Ormstown, however. All are welcome to join us there in worship. 

Many thanks to all who made last Sunday’s Centennial celebration in Howick United Church such a special service. Thanks to the Community choir who lifted us up with their music, to the speakers who reminded us of the histories of our congregations, to the people who brought food to share in the lunch and all who worked to plan and prepare for this special celebration. 

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

The Howick UCW will be holding a hymn sing on Wednesday, June 18th beginning at 7pm. All are welcome to join in this event. 

Next Sunday June 22nd we will be back on our usual schedule, services will be 9:30 in Ormstown and 11:00 in Howick. 

St Paul’s will be holding its Strawberry Social/Takeout on Thursday, June 26th from 5-7:00. Prices will be $10 for adults and $6.00 for children. Your support will be gratefully received. 

We will be fixing and preparing the strawberries from 11:00 on Wednesday, June 25th in the hall. If you are able to join us and help out, please bring your own bowls, knife, and apron, if possible. 

On Sunday, June 29th there will be a combined service in Ormstown, beginning at 11:00. We will be gathering at 10:30 for coffee and fellowship, in the church. 

On Sunday, July 6th Howick will hold its annual Outdoor service (weather permitting). This service will be held at the church, as the driveway to the Knox Cemetery is not usable. ( There will be a 9:30 service in Ormstown in the church as well.) 

Sunday, June 8, 2025 Pentecost Sunday

 This Sunday may be observed as Union Sunday in many United Churches, though some have started celebrating last Sunday, leading into the national celebration this Sunday. We are celebrating 100 years! 

Hymn       O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing #326

Scripture Lessons:       Joel 2:21-29

                                     Psalm 104:24-34

                                     Acts 2:1-21

Hymn        Breathe on Me Breath of God #382

Message

Prayer:  Holy One, we are your church, your people gathered. Since the beginning you have been with us. In the dry and desert-like moments when decline and death surround us, you teach us that we need you and to trust in you. When these truths have been remembered, your people have flourished. 

      We have been together as the United Church for 100 years. On this historic threshold we remember yet again that we live and move and have our being in you. It is time to dance with the Holy Spirit as we move past this moment. Empower us, loving God, to live by your Spirit, unafraid of where she is taking us. Now is the time to dig deep in our faith! To dare to be your resurrection people, for Christ’s way is our way. Let us be alive by your Spirit’s power! Awaken us to your moving among us, even now, so we can boldly follow your call into tomorrow. Amen. (a prayer from the bulletin of the national Centennial service)

Hymn     The Church’s One Foundation  #331

This Sunday there will be a single service in Howick United Church, beginning at 10:30, as we celebrate the United Church’s Centennial. We will be sharing the history of the churches in our community, as well as looking forward to the next 100 years. Following the service there will be a BBQ lunch to share: hotdogs, munchies, salads, as well as cake and ice cream. We hope to see you there! 

For those who are not able to join us, but who want to share in the celebrations, there are a couple of opportunities to take in the national celebration that will be held in Gower St United Church in St John’s NL this evening. It will be live-streamed on the United Church’s YouTube channel this evening (June 8th) from about 5:30pm, and may be found there later as well, and it will be broadcast on Vision TV on Tuesday evening, June 10th, the exact date of the founding service in 1925. 

There is a special envelope offered for this service which will offer choices for making a special gift to the United Church’s in honour of the Centennial. Gifts may be made to the local church, for an endowment fund, or to the indigenous, diasporic, or Francophone churches which would appreciate your support. These envelopes are available in both Howick and Ormstown. 

Next Sunday June 15th, there will not be a service in Howick, due to the Ormstown Fair, but there will be an 11:00 service in Ormstown. 

On Wednesday, June 18th the UCW in Howick, with the support of the Community Choir, will offer a community hymn sing, open to all who would like to take part. It will begin at 7pm. A lot of favourite hymns will be sung. 

St Paul’s will be holding its Strawberry Takeout, aka Social on Thursday, June 26th from 5-7:00 in the hall. We will be preparing the berries on Wednesday, at the hall starting from 11:00. If you are able to help, please bring your own knives, bowls, and aprons, if you can. 

There will be a Memorial Service for Rachel Jacob held in St Paul’s in Ormstown, Saturday June 21st at 2pm. The service will be followed by a reception at the hall. 

On Sunday, June 29th there will be a combined service in Ormstown at 11:00. We will begin with a fellowship time at 10:30 in the church. 

Sunday, June 1, 2025 The Seventh Sunday of Easter

 In a number of churches today may be celebrated as Pride Sunday, reflecting the United Church’s choice to be a welcoming, accepting, and affirming denomination. 🌈

Hymn       Sweet Hour of Prayer

Scripture Lessons:      Acts 16:16-34

                                    Psalm 97 

                                    John17:29-26

Message 

Prayer:  Risen Christ, today, tomorrow and always your Spirit lives in us. Sometimes we feel we understand so little. But remaining in your presence, wherever we are, is prayer. And perhaps close to you, O Christ, silence is often everything in prayer. And then we sense that, our whole life long, we advance when in you guides every step, when a trusting heart is at the beginning of everything. Amen. 

Hymn        What a Friend We Have in Jesus #664

This Sunday is Confirmation and Communion Sunday in both of our congregations. We will be gathering in St Paul’s at 9:30 and in Howick at 11:00. We are delighted to welcome Ashton Bryson, Preston Mason, Alex Quinn and Jacob Tannahill in Ormstown and Ryley Chisholm, in Howick, along with Billie Nussey by Profession of Faith and Winnifred and Cameron Sherry by Transfer of membership. 

Next Sunday we will be holding our Centennial celebration for the United Church next Sunday in Howick, beginning at 10:30am. The service will be followed by a BBQ lunch potluck salads, and cake and ice cream. An RSVP to Anita Greig, Wilene Cullen, or Allyson Orr would be appreciated to help us plan for the lunch, if possible. 

We hold in our thoughts and prayers the family and friends of Marjorie Coffin, whose memorial service was held yesterday. 

We send our best wishes to the new members of the order of ministry of this region, following the Celebration of Ministry service yesterday: Florence Bukam, Lisa Byer-de Weber, Jean Philippe Dubé-Goupil, Bailey Eastwood, Adedeji Sunday Akintayo, and Virginia Wallace, who were admitted, commissioned and ordained, as well as to those who have completed their ministries and are retiring. 

We also send best wishes to Maureen Kabwe, who was commissioned in Kahnawake United Church last Sunday.

Sunday, May 25, 2025 The Sixth Sunday of Easter

 

Hymn.      We Praise You O God #218VU

Scripture Lessons:       Acts 16:9-15

                                     Psalm 67 p.786VU

                                     Revelation 21:10, 22:1-5

Hymn       Shall We Gather at the River #710VU

Message

Prayer:  A Prayer on a Wet Day

Loving God, creator of water on which all life depends, we are close to you on this wet day. 

   Thank you for the rain which softens and refreshes the earth, making springs rise and streams flow. 

Thank you for rivers, lakes, and oceans, and for all that lives beside them and in them. 

Thank you for all that is green and growing. Thank you for the rain, on which our food depends. 

Thank you for the water in our taps. 

We pray for all those in drought-stricken lands, where women trudge many miles for water and men toil on barren land. Thank you for clean water. We pray for those whose water is contaminated, bringing disease and death. 

Thank you for the rain washing the earth, cleaning the air in cities, sparkling as jewelled droplets in the sun, bringing out the deep colours in rocks and stones. 

Thank you for warm clothes and dry houses. We pray for all who are living rough or in inadequate housing. 

Thank you for the rain without which there would be no rainbows! 

Forgive us when we grumble or complain on wet days. 

Forgive us when we only want sunshine in our lives. 

Forgive us when we take for granted and waster your life-giving water. 

So, our loving Creator, thank you for this wet day. Amen. (a prayer by Frances Hawkey and printed in the Iona Community’s Fire and Bread)

Hymn      We Plough the Fields and Scatter #520

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

Next Sunday will be Confirmation and Communion Sunday in both congregations. 

A new newsletter has been printed and is available, with information for upcoming events such as the combined Centennial service (June 8th, 10:30 in Howick) and the Strawberry Social (Takeout, June 26th, 5-7pm) in the hall in Ormstown. 

This afternoon (May 25th) at 3pm there will be a time of gathering to remember the life of Brian Smith at the Legion in Ormstown. This will be an opportunity to drop by and share memories and stories with his wife, Robin Wright and family. 

On Saturday, May 31st at 2pm there will be a service and reception to remember and celebrate the life of Marjorie Craig Coffin. There will also be a visitation the night before at the McGerrigle Funeral Home. The service and reception will be held at the Dining Hall on the Ormstown Fairgrounds. All welcome to come and share your memories of Marjorie. 

                                     

Sunday, May 18, 2025 The Fifth Sunday of Easter

 

Hymn      Come We that Love the Lord #715

Scripture Lessons:      Revelation 21:1-6

                                    Psalm 148 p.871VU

                                    John13:31-35

Message

A Creed for the Sowing of Seeds

I be liege that this one of the earth’s finest moments, that the sun lifting yellow and greens into life of tiny poplar leaves is much like God’s own Spirit of love lifting life into me. 

       I believe that the Word of God has many times been planted in my life, often because of another who received the seed in ready soil, brought forth a harvest, and shared that goodness with me. 

       I believe that the call to be a sower of the Word is a privilege and a blessing, that no one can ever earn the right or claim the duty, that is a gift, freely given and a ministry to be constantly celebrated in gratitude. 

       I believe that great things can come forth from even the tiniest seed planted in love and cared for tenderly in the heart of another. 

        I believe that usually only God knows what sprouting and greening will come from the Word planted through my ministry. I am content in knowing that I have tried, with the Sower’s grace, to seed that Word in faith and with joy. 

       I believe that even the most insignificant aspects of life can be the seed of God’s gifting, that deeper faith can root and mature in very ordinary soil. 

       I believe that some dying of seed has to take place before it can give itself over to life, that every heart has its germination time, it’s dark moment, before future hallowedness of harvest comes. 

      I believe that it takes much patience to sow a seed, to freely give it away to the heart of earth, to allow it to take root and to grow in its own good time. 

      I believe that my life will always know the season of hope, that I will find flowers after every finality of ice and snow, that I will find green, growing things after every harsh, barren reign of winter’s rage. 

     And most of al…..

I believe in the Sower of all seeds, in the God of Springtime, in the Giver of all good and growing things, my Lord and my God! (written by Joyce Rupp and printed in Fresh Bread and other gifts of spiritual nourishment)

Hymn       Rejoice the Lord is King #213VU

This Sunday’s services will be 9:30 in Howick and 11:00 in Ormstown. We will be celebrating a Rogation Sunday, blessing the fields, seeds and plants that are being planted in this season. 

There will be no Confirmation Class this Monday, as it is the long weekend. 

St Paul’s Stewards will meet on Wednesday, May 21st at 7:30pm in the hall in Ormstown. 

There will be a (paper) newsletter next Sunday, with plans for the combined anniversary service in Howick, June 8th beginning at 10:30am and followed by a BBQ lunch, with salads, as well as the Confirmation and Communion and the Strawberry Social. If you have other news to be included, please let Barbara know. 

The Nakonha:ka Regional Council is once again offering the Hugh Duncan and IFE bursaries for post-secondary students who are confirmed members of the United Church of Canada. Applications are available on the website, nakonhaka.ca, and the deadline for applying is June 2nd, 2025. 

Sunday, May 11, 2025 Good Shepherd Sunday

 Today we celebrate the gifts that families can bring to us, and especially mothers, on what is often known as Mother’s Day, though in the church we sometimes  call it Christian Family Sunday instead. 

Hymn      The Lord’s My Shepherd 747VU

Scripture Lessons:      Revelation 7:9-17

                                    Psalm 23 p.749VU

                                    John 10:22-30

Hymn         The Lord’s My Shepherd (Brother James’ Air) #748VU

Message

Prayer:  O God, our good shepherd, in you is fullness of life. When we experience lack and loss, in you there is fullness of life. 

When we walk through the valleys of uncertainty, fear, evil, and death, in you there is fullness of life. 

When we need correction and guidance, in you there is fullness of life. 

When you provide wisdom and healing, in you there is fullness of life. 

When your goodness and steadfast loving-kindness pursue us, in you there is fullness of life. 

When you receive us in your abode and provide a feast for us, in you there is fullness of life.  

When all of your children and creation sing together in joy, O God, you are our good shepherd, in you there is fullness of life. Amen. (a prayer written by Sharon Winegarden, of Lion’s Head, ON, printed in Gathering, L/E 2022, adapted) 

Hymn       The King of Love My Shepherd Is #273VU

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

Howick UCW will meet on Wednesday, May 14th at 7pm in the church hall. The subject of the meeting will be mothers and mothering and members are invited to bring a photo of your mother if possible. 

Howick Stewards will now meet on Thursday, May 15th at 7pm in the Howick church. Please note the change in date and time! 

St Paul’s Session will meet on Wednesday, May 14th at 7:30pm in the hall. 

St Paul’s Stewards will meet on Wednesday, May 21st at 7:30pm in the hall. 

Nakonha:ka Regional Council is offering bursaries to post-secondary students who are confirmed members of the United Church of Canada. Applications are on the website, nakonhaka.ca and the deadline for applying is June 2nd. Please speak to Barbara if there are any questions or concerns. 

We pray for God’s blessings of the new Pope of the Roman Cathipolic Church, Popoe Leo the 14th. We join him in praying for peace, for peace for all the world. 🙏🏽

Sunday, May 4, 2025 The Third Sunday of Easter

 May 5th is Red Dress Day, a day when we remember the missing and murdered indigenous women and girls and their families. We pray for healing and true reconciliation that brings an end for the need of this day. 

Hymn      When Morning Gilds the Skies #339VU

Scripture Lessons: Revelation 5:11-14

                               Psalm 30 p. 757VU

                               John 21:1-19

Hymn       Jesus Stand Among Us #396VU

Message

A Blessing:  Christ of the morning’s rising blesses you. 

Christ of the moon’s setting blesses you. 

Christ by the lakeside edge blesses you. 

Christ of the birdsong hymns blesses you. 

Christ of all creation, all the gifts of creation, blesses you. 

Christ of the cooked fish offered blesses you. 

Christ of the sweet syrup blesses you. 

Christ of the fruits of the earth blesses you. 

Christ within you. 

Christ around you. 

Christ in creation. 

Blesses you, keeps you, holds you, from the dawning of the day to its dawning again. 

All your days. All your places. Until your life here becomes your life in Christ forever. Christ of Easter blesses you always. Amen. 

Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia! ( written by Bob Root of Peterborough, ON and printed in Gathering, L/E 2025

Hymn        This Joyful Eastertide #177VU

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

The Confirmation Class continues to meet on Monday afternoons from 4pm in the hall in Ormstown. 

The UCW in Howick will meet Wednesday, May 14th at 7pm in the church. The subject will be mothers and mothering and members are invited to bring a photo, if possible. 

We send our best wishes to the graduates of both the United Theological College and Diocesan College who will be holding their Convocation tomorrow at St George’s Church in Montreal. 

Barbara is planning to produce a new (paper) newsletter for June, with its special events. If there are other news items to be included, please let Barbara know. 

The Nakonhaka Regional Council is once again offering bursaries for post-secondary education to students who are confirmed members of congregations in the region. The application is available on the Regional Council website, nakonhaka.ca, and the deadline for applying is June 2nd. 

A special Spanish language service for foreign workers is being held at Georgetown Presbyterian Church on Friday, May 9th at 2pm. The gathering will begin at noon, with a lunch and to allow the workers to get to know each other. 

Sunday, April 27, 2025 The Second Sunday of Easter

 This Sunday is also being observed as Earth Sunday, when we give thanks to God for the world in which we live, and committing to be faithful stewards of it. 

Wednesday was also Genocide Awareness Day, and we recall the genocides of the past, learn the lessons we can, and seek to prevent genocides of the future. 

Hymn        All Creatures of our God and King #217VU

Scripture Lessons:        Revelation 1:4-8

                                      Psalm 150 p. 875VU

                                      John 20:19-31

Hymn.       The Strife is O’er #159

Message

Prayer:  God of renewal and new life, like the first snowdrops of spring, help us to be harbingers of a new beginning, filled with light and warmth and love. 

       Like the yellow daffodils, help us to bring joy to all that see us. 

       Like the many-coloured tulips, help us meet different needs for different people, doing what we can to bring hope and peace. 

        God of renewal and new life, may your spring come soon, and may we help usher it in. Amen. ( a prayer from the United Church’s Philanthropy Department)

Hymn.       Christ the Lord is Risen Today #157

This week’s services will be Ormstown at 9:30 and Howick at 11:00. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Marjorie Coffin, who died earlier this past week. 

The Confirmation Class will begin to meet again on Monday, April 28th at 4pm in the hall in Ormstown. 

Sunday, April 20, 2025 Easter Sunday

 

Hymn       The Day of Resurrection 

Prayer:  O God, we celebrate this wonderful day! Jesus has shown us that your love and your way are more powerful than the forces of evil in our world. You have shown us that life cannot be defeated by death, and through faith in you we do not have to fear. We thank you and praise you as we celebrate Jesus alive again and with us forever. Amen. (a prayer from Seasons of the Spirit, 2007)

Scripture Lessons:          Acts 10:34-43

                                        Psalm 118:14-24 p.837VU parts 2 & 3

                                        Luke 24:1-12

Hymn       Welcome Happy Morning

Message

Prayer:  For the life of Jesus which brings us new life, let us give thanks to God. 

For the death of Jesus, which shares the power of death, let us give thanks to God. 

For the resurrection of Jesus, which brings us hope in all things, let us give thanks to God. 

For the life of the church, sharing the Good News in word and deed, let us give thanks to God. 

For our new life in Christ, moving us to acts of courage and compassion, let us give thanks to God. 

On this Easter Day, let us lift our voices in thanksgiving. Let us give thanks to our God. Amen. 

( a prayer written by Frances Flook and printed in Gathering, L/E 2013.)

Hymn      Jesus Christ is Risen Today #155

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

We continue to hold the families and friends of Jean Templeton and Mary Greer in our thoughts and prayers following their memorial services this weekend. 

The Confirmation Class will not meet this week, but will begin again next Monday at 4:00 in the hall in Ormstown. 

The deadline for renewing a subscription to Broadview (the United Church’s general interest magazine) is coming up! If you would like to start or renew your subscription, the cost is $30 for the year. Please let Wilene Cullen you would like this, and get your name, address, and payment to her by April 27th. Payment may be made in cash, cheque, or by e-transfer. 

Friday, April 18, 2025 Good Friday

 

Hymn.      There is a Green Hill Far Away #152

Prayer:  Holy God, who has opened our ears to hear your Word and our lips to proclaim your truth: 

open our eyes this day to see n the cross the revelation of your love; through Jesus the Crucified, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, be honour and praise, now and forever. Amen. (from the United Church’s worship resource, Celebrate God’s Presence) 

Scripture Lessons:        Isaiah 52:13-53-12

                                      Psalm 22:1-22 

                                      Luke 23:36-5

Hymn

Message

Prayer:  Jesus Christ, may your death be my life and in your dying may I learn how to live. 

May your struggles be my rest, your human weakness be my courage, 

Your humiliation be my honour, your passion be my delight, your sadness be my joy, 

In your shame may I be exalted.  In a word, may I find all my blessings in your trials. Amen. 

( a prayer written by Peter Faber and printed in Taste and See, edited by Jacqueline Syrup Bergan and S. Marie Schwan.) 

Hymn        When I Survey the Wondrous Cross #149

We will be holding Easter Sunday services with Communion in Howick at 9:30 and in Ormtown at 11:00. 

Easter blessings for us all! 

Sunday, April 13, 2025 Palm Sunday

 This Saturday Jewish families will be preparing to celebrate Passover. May this truly be a time of celebration and joy.🙏🏽

Hymn.       All Glory, Laud, and Honour #122

Scripture Lessons:      Philippians 2:5-11

                                    Psalm 118:19-29

                                    Luke 19:28-40

Hymn.       Hosanna Loud Hosanna #123VU

Message

Prayer:  Living God, Jesus suffered with all humanity because he became “like human beings” (Philippians 2:7). He died on the cross because someone like Jesus who confronts injustice, heals the sick, breaks the chains of oppression, feeds the hungry, and loves his sisters and brothers so fully always makes enemies of tyrants and bigots, people filled with hate. The forces of evil cannot tolerate such good ness. Cleanse my soul and will of all that is destructive, so that I can love as Jesus did, even if it means that I too will suffer for it. I know from Christ that death will not have the last word. Bring me to the glorious Resurrection, the true victory of the cross. Amen. (from “The Cross” in taste and See by Jacqueline Syrup Bergan and S. Marie Schwan.)

Hymn        Ride On, Ride On, in Majesty #127VU

This Sunday is Palm (or Passion) Sunday, which marks the beginning of Holy Week. Services will be held in both Howick at 9:30 and Ormstown at 11:00. In Ormstown there will also be craft activities for families. 

There will be an extra blog this coming week, for Good Friday, as well as Easter Sunday. 

Next Sunday we will be celebrating Easter Sunday with Communion. The services will be the same times: 9:30 in Howick and 11:00 in Ormstown. 

We hold the family and friends of Brian Smith in our thoughts and prayers following his death last week. 

We hold the family and friends of Jean Templeton in our thoughts and prayers, following her death last Sunday. A service to remember and celebrate her life will be held on Friday, April 18th at 2:00 in Howick United Church. Visitation will also be held at the church, from 1:00. A reception will follow the service.

We hold the family and friends of Mary Greer in our thoughts and prayers following her death on Thursday. Plans have now been made: there will be visitation on Friday night and the funeral service celebrating Mary’s life will be held Saturday, April 19th at 2pm. 

The Confirmation classes will begin on this Monday and will be held on Monday afternoons 4-5:15pm at the hall in Ormstown. 

Nakonhaka Regional Council is inviting applications for bursaries for post-secondary education from confirmed members of the United Church. The applications are available on the website, nakonhaka.ca, or from Barbara. The deadline for applying is June 2nd. 

Sunday, April 6, 2025 The Fifth Sunday of Lent

 

This Friday, April 4th was World Refugee Day. We can take some time to reflect on whether these times of uncertainty make us more or less inclined to be welcoming to others. 

Hymn      Beneath the Cross of Jesus #135

Scripture Lessons:       Isaiah 43:16-21

                                     Psalm 126 p.850VU

                                     John 12:1-8

Message

Prayer:  O God, sometimes life’s events call for extravagance and sometimes for restraint. Sometimes they call for thrift and other times they call for abandon. Help us in our discernment so that we can respond to life’s events in the way that are both faithful and life-giving, ways that show others and ourselves that you are present in all events even if we cannot feel you there. Show us your way to share your love. Amen. ( a prayer written by Catherine Tovell of Kilworth UC in London ON and printed in Gathering L/E 2025, slightly adapted.) 

Hymn        Take My Life and Let it Be #506

This Sunday’s services will be Ormstown at 9:30 and Howick at 11:00. Howick will also offer craft activities for families. Ormstown’s worship services will return to the church this week. 

Howick UCW will meet next Wednesday, April 9th at 7pm. The subject for discussion will be technology. You are invited to bring your devices, if possible, so we can try out the solutions we find for each other. 

St Paul’s Session will meet Wednesday, April 9th at 1pm in the hall, to plan and prepare for Holy Week and Easter. 

Next Sunday, April 13th will be Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. There will be services in Howick at 9:30 and Ormstown at 11:00. There will be craft activities for families in St Paul’s as well. 

There will be an extra blog for Good Friday, April 18th, as well. 

Easter Sunday, April 20th there will be Easter Sunday services with Communion, in Howick at 9:30 and in Ormstown at 11:00. 

Nakonhaka Regional Council is inviting applications for the IFE and Hugh Duncan bursaries for postsecondary students. Applications are available from the website, Nakonhaka.ca, and the deadline for applying is June 2nd. 

Sunday, March 30, 2025 The Fourth Sunday of Lent

 

Hymn        Come Let Us Sing of a Wonderful Love #574VU

Scripture Lessons:        I Corinthians 5:16-21

                                      Psalm 32 p.759VU

                                      Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Message

Prayer:  Blessed are you who don’t have all the right answers. 

You who say “I don’t know” because i’s the best response for now. 

You who lean in, unafraid to learn, change, be wrong along the way. 

Blessed are you, stretched and pressed and pulled

By the uncertainty, deciding to not to stay the same, 

We are not who we were. 

We have been pulled into the unknown without our permission. 

But the challenge is the same: reveal Truth with love amid chaos. 

Blessed are you who realize that community can help see truth more fully. 

Being fragile amid a world of hammers takes courage

To be wrong, to learn something new, to choose humility and kindness 

Over being right. 

May we be people who don’t have it all together

(And who are done posturing). 

Curious, hopeful, courageous. (Written by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie printed in The Lives We Actually Have:  100 Blessings for Imperfect Days.)

Hymn        Amazing Grace #266 VU

This Sunday’s service will be a combined service in Howick. The service will begin at 11:00, with coffee and more beginning at 10:30. 

Congratulations to Dustin and Liz who have welcomed a new daughter, Eloise, this past week. 

Next Sunday Howick United Church will be offering craft activities for families on Sunday, April 6th at the 11:00 service. 

In Ormstown, there will be craft activities offered at the Palm Sunday service, Sunday, April 13th at 11am. 

On Easter Sunday, there will be Easter Sunday services with Communion in both congregations, 9:30 in Howick and 11:00 in Ormstown. 

Nakonhaka Regional Council is inviting applications for bursaries for postsecondary education (IFE bursaries for college level and Hugh Duncan bursaries for university level) for confirmed members of the United Church of Canada. Applications are available on the RC website, nakonhaka.ca and the deadline for applying is June 2, 2025. 

There will be an online Cross Canada Check-in with the Rev. Michael Blair and members of the General Council Executive on Wednesday, April 2nd at 6pm. Registration is available through CHURCHx (churchx.ca). 

Sunday, March 23, 2025 The Third Sunday of Lent

 

This is also the first Sunday in spring for this year! As we watch and wait for signs of new life around us, let us also hear the call to repentance and renewal we find in our faith. 

Hymn       Let Us with a Gladsome Mind #234VU

Scripture Lessons:       Isaiah 55:1-9

                                     Psalm 63:1-8 p. 781 VU

                                     Luke 13:1-9

Hymn       I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say

Message

Prayers God, with Lent we approach the springtime of the year when the face of the earth is renewed and life emerges out of death. 

   We pray that this season of Lent may be a true springtime for our souls, so that our lives, quickened by the breadth of the Spirit and warmed by the sunshine of your love, may bear abundant fruit and be made radiant with the beauty of holiness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ( a prayer written by Frank Colquhoun and printed in Contemporary Parish Prayers.)

Hymn         Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life #681VU

This Sunday’s services will be 9:30 in Ormstown and 11:00 in Howick. Next Sunday we will hold a combined service in Howick at 11:00, with coffee and goodies starting at about 10:30. 

Copies of both the newsletter and the annual report are now available. Let us know if you would like to receive a copy. 

Howick Stewards will meet on Tuesday, March 25th at 7pm in the church hall. 

Nakonhaka Regional Council is inviting applications from post-secondary students for the Hugh Duncan and IFE bursaries. Students must be confirmed members of the United Church of Canada. The application deadline is June 2, 2025 and applications are available from the Nakonhaka Regional Council website, nakonhaka.ca. Or you can request a copy from Barbara, she will be happy to provide a copy. 

There will be an online cross-Canada check-in to be held with the GeneralSecretary of the General Council Executive, The Rev. Michael Blair and other members of the General Council Executive, on April 2nd at 6pm. Registration is available through CHURCHx (churchx.ca).

Sunday, March 16, 2025 The Second Sunday of Lent

 This weekend there will be many St Patrick’s Day celebrations (even though St Patrick’s Day is Monday). We can remember that this day is also a day to celebrate our faith, as well as Irish heritage. 

Hymn.       Great is Thy Faithfulness #288

Scripture Lessons:        Genesis 15:1-12, 17, 18

                                      Psalm 27 p.754 VU

                                      Luke 13:31-35

Message

Prayer:  Mothering God, you watch your children grow AND YOU LET US GROW. 

Mothering God, you teach us what is true AND YOU LET US GO. 

Mothering God, you show us what is just AND YOU LET US GO. 

Mothering God you give us what we need AND YOU LET US GO.

Mothering God, you shelter us under your wings AND YOU LET US GO. 

Mothering God, be our light and salvation, this day and always. AMEN. (adapted from a prayer written by Ruth Burgess and printed in the Iona Community’s Lenten Resource, Eggs and Ashes)

Hymn.       My Faith Looks Up to Thee #663

This Sunday’s services will be 9:30 in Howick and 11:00 in Ormstown. March 30th there will be a combined service in Howick at 11:00, with a fellowship time beginning at 10:30. 

We express our sympathy to the family if Jim Chisholm, following his death this past week. 

St Paul’s Stewards will meet Wednesday, March 19th at 7:30pm in the hall. 

Howick United Church’s Stewards will meet on Tuesday, March 25th at 7pm in the church hall. 

The new Gifts with Vision has now been launched. It can be found at giftswithvision.ca and includes projects such as supporting a girls’s school, a kindergarten in a refugee camp, food for the north, or a centennial gift celebrating the centennial of the United Church of Canada. Gifts can be given through the website or by calling 1-844-715-7969. 

Nakonhaka Regional Council is now inviting applications for the IFE and Hugh Duncan bursaries for post-secondary studies from confirmed members of the United Church. Applications are available on the Regional Council website (nakonhaka.uc.ca) or Barbara may provide a copy. The deadline for applying is June 2nd. Please let Barbara know if you have questions. 

The United Church of Canada will be holding an online Cross-Canada Check-in with the General Secretary Michael Blair and other members of the GCE on Wednesday, April 2nd at 6pm. Registration can be done through CHURCHx (churchx.ca). 

Sunday, March 9, 2025 The First Sunday of Lent

 Ramadan Mubarak! A blessed Ramadan to our Muslim sisters and brothers. We may be giving something up for Lent, but our brothers and sisters fast (food and water) from sunrise to sunset for the month of Ramadan.🙏🏽

Happy International Women’s Day to all the women of our congregations and our communities! 💐

Hymn       Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah #651VU

Scripture Lessons:       Deuteronomy 26:1-11

                                     Psalm 91:1,2,9-16 p.807VU

                                     Luke 4:1-13

Message

Prayer:  Jesus the Christ, you refused to turn stones into bread. 

Save us from using our power, however little, to satisfy the demands of selfishness in the face of the greater needs of others. 

Jesus the Christ, you refused to leap from the temple top. 

Save us from displaying our skills, however modest, to win popularity in the face of nobler calls on our abilities. 

Jesus the Christ, you refused to bend a knee to a false god. 

Save us from offering our devotion, however weak, to cheap or easy religion in the face of a harder path on which you bid us to follow you. 

Jesus the Christ, 

Give us wisdom to discern evil; and in the face of all that is deceptively attractive, help us to choose the will of God. Amen. 

Hymn       O Jesus I Have Promised #120VU

This Sunday’s services will be 9:30 in Howick and 11:00 in Ormstown. This will be Ormstown’s annual meeting service where the worship service will be combined with the annual meeting. It will take place in the hall. (Please note: it is spring forward Sunday, so it will feel like 10:00!) 

Many thanks for all who supported and volunteered at the Shrove Tuesday Waffle Dinner. It was greatly appreciated! 

St Paul’s Session will meet Wednesday, March 12th at 1:00 in the hall. 

Howick UCW will meet Wednesday, March 12th at 7pm in the church. We will be discussing the situation of migrant workers in our area. (I said in the email that it was technology questions, but that is next month, sorry! )

There will be a Cross-Canada check-in with the General Secretary and members of the General Council of the United Church held online on April 2nd at 6pm online. This is an opportunity to ask questions and express opinions that may shape conversations and decisions going forward to the General Council meeting this summer and into our second century. If you wish to register to take part in this event, it can be done through Churchx. More information is available on the General Council website, generalcouncil.ca.

Sunday, March 2, 2025 Transfiguration Sunday

 Remember: the season of Lent begins on Wednesday, March 5th. Have you chosen something to give up? To add? Something else you have chosen for this season of Lent? 

Hymn.      When Morning Gilds the Skies #339

Scripture Lessons:       Exodus 34:29-35

                                     Psalm 99 p.819VU

                                     Luke 9:28-36

Hymn.       Open My Eyes #371

Message

Prayer:  God of the Mountaintops, from up here you can see forever— down onto fluffy white clouds, down further to the patchwork fields below. The air is so crisp and clean, a little thin…..

Is that part of my giddiness? 

I love you Jesus! 

When I am up here with you, everything is perfect. 

When I am up here, with a new friend, or a longtime love, everything else is so far away it doesn’t matter. But you are not just up here—

You are God of the Plains and God of the Valleys, God of the Every Day. 

You are still God when friends betray, careers collapse, when temptations’ snares have me struggling and I feel that I am below the bottom. Help me realize you were there and you carry me through, bringing me back to the here and now. 

God, you called Moses to lead your people out of slavery, and a bush. 

You gave Moses the law, and his face glowed. 

Spirit, you called Elijah home, and the chariot glowed. 

Jesus, you brought Peter, James, and John up the mountain, and you glowed. 

Glow through us, as we go through our valleys that others may see you and find the way. Amen. (prayers written by Kenneth C. Wells, in Maren C. Tirabassi and Maria L. Tirabassi’s Before the Amen.)

Hymn      I Love to Tell the Story #343

This Sunday’s services are Ormstown 9:30 and 11:00 Howick. In Howick the Sunday worship service will be combined with the annual meeting. Annual reports are now available. 

Next Sunday St Paul’s in Ormstown will be holding its annual meeting (once again in combination with the worship service). This will begin at 11:00. (Howick’s service will be at 9:30)

On Tuesday March 4th, Howick United Church will be holding a Shrove Tuesday Waffle Dinner from 4:30-6:30, either eat-in or takeout. Prices will be $15 for adults (2 waffles, 2 sausages, hashbrowns and applesauce) and $8 for children 6-10 ( 1 waffle, 1 sausage, hash browns and applesauce) and 5 and under free. This is planned as a fundraiser for the congregation. Hope to see you there! 

We have been hearing of a number of deaths in our communities recently, including Rachel Jacob, Yvon Tremblay and Roberta Todd. We hold their families, friends, and others in our thoughts and prayers. We also hold the family of Gerry McAdam in our thoughts following his death this past week. 

The new community of faith support person from the Regional Council’s, Esther Guillén, is inviting members and adherents to reply to a survey to try to help inform her of the needs in our communities of faith. Please let Barbara know if you would like to receive the link, and Barbara will send it to you. It can also be found in the Regional Council’s recent newsletter. 

Sunday, February 23, 2025 The Seventh Sunday after Epiphany

 

Hymn.         Praise My Soul the God of Heaven #240VU

Scripture Lessons:       Genesis 45:3-11, 15

                                     Psalm 37:1-11 p.763VU

                                     I Corinthians 15:50-58

                                     Luke 6:27-38

Message

Prayer:  Sometimes, O God, your word is too much for us. You ask us to love our enemies, when we can scarcely love our friends as we should. You ask us to give when we want to take, and to forgive when we want to nurse bitterness. We thank you that you accept us as we are, and that you show us what we can be. Help us to believe that we can be loving, just, and holy like you; through the grace revealed in Jesus the Christ. Amen ( a prayer by Ruth C. Duck and printed in Flames of the Spirit.) 

Hymn.      Blessed Assurance #337VU

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

We have been saddened this week to hear of the death of Rachel Jacob, a longtime resident of Ormstown and a member of St Paul’s, who died this week. A service will be held this spring or summer in Ormstown to celebrate her life. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. 

The annual reports have now been printed and are now available for review. You can pick one up Sunday or request for one to be sent or delivered to you. 

Next Sunday, March 2nd will be Howick’s annual meeting, at 11:00 in combination with the worship service. 

Ormstown's annual meeting will take place on Sunday, March 9th in the hall at 11:00 in combination with the worship services. 

Howick United Church is planning a Shrove Tuesday Waffle Supper  March 4th from 4:30-6:30. Eat-in or take-out. Prices will be $15 for adults (2 waffles, 2 sausages, hash browns, applesauce and syrup) children 6-10 (1 waffle, 1 sausage, hash browns, apple sauce and syrup) $8, and 5 and under free. Tickets are available from Wilene. Volunteers always welcome! 

Please keep in mind the people and churches of the Democratic Republic of Congo, facing civil unrest and hundreds and thousands of displaced people. we hold them in our prayers and invite donations to the Global Emergency Response Fund to support the Église du Christ au Congo with their ongoing efforts to help those displaced.