Prayer: O God, we give you thanks for your saints: for the saints of the past; for the saints of the present; and for the saints yet to be.
We thank you for those who are known and honoured, and those who are in-named, un-noticed, and recognized.
We give thanks for those who have made a difference in the world, who have built up the church, and those who have touched our lives.
We pray that as we give thanks for your saints, that we will be encouraged and inspired by their example to live faithfully; to serve joyfully; and to love courageously in the way and the spirit of our Saviour, Jesus the Christ. Amen.
Hymn For All the Saints #705VU
This Sunday’s services will be 9:30 in Ormstown and 11:00 in Howick. This will be our All Saints hymn request Sunday.
We continue our campaign for the Canadian FoodGrains Bank. Envelopes are available in our church or donations can be made at foodgrainsbank.ca.
We hold in our thoughts and prayers the family and friends of Ken Brooks, following the burial of his ashes in the Dunn Cemetery this past week.
Next Sunday will be Remembrance Sunday and Howick, Georgetown, and Ormstown will be sharing a combined Remembrance service, beginning at 10:30 in St Paul’s in Ormstown. All welcome.
Howick United Church UCW will be hosting a Friendship Luncheon on Thursday, November 19th. There is no charge for this lunch but a free will offering will be taken and the proceeds after expenses will be given to local charities.
There will be a newsletter prepared for November 15th for the Advent-Christmas-Epiphany season. Please let Barbara know if you have any news to be included.
The Organ Concert for November 29th has had to be cancelled. We will try to reschedule at a future date.
November 29th will be a combined service for Howick and St Paul’s. It will be held in St Paul’s in Ormstown at 11:00. We will begin with fellowship time at 10:30am.
This Sunday is being observed by some churches as Reformation Sunday, reminding us of our heritage and the heart of the Christian faith.
This Sunday is also observed as Peacekeepers’ Sunday. As we prepare for Remembrance Sunday, where we remember the cost and sacrifice of war, we give thanks for those who serve to bring peace to our world. 🌏
Hymn Great is Thy Faithfulness #288VU
Scripture Lessons: I Thessalonians 2:1-8
Psalm 90:1-6,13-7 p.805-6VU parts 1,3
Matthew 22:34-46
Message
Prayer: Wondrous God: Thirteen billion years ago your creative spark called creation to being.
Two thousand years ago you lit a spark of new creation in Jesus the Christ.
Five hundred years ago, your love and grace re-ignited the hearts of men and women with names like Martin Luther, John Calvin, Katharine Zell, Ulrich Zwingli, and Argula von Grumbach. Just when we think all is settled, everything is finished, closed, your power and presence explodes on to the scene yet again, bringing newness, bringing life. Fill us with your power and presence, O God, so we may, like our grandparents in faith, carry your truth, your beauty, your justice, and your love to the world you so love — a world in such need. In Jesus’s name and spirit we pray. Amen. ( a prayer by Ryan Slifka as part of a Reformation Sunday service, shared by the United Church, slightly adapted.)
Hymn Love Divine #333
This Sunday’s services will be 9:30 in Ormstown and 11:00 in Howick. This Sunday will be a Craft day in Howick. All are welcome.m
We are continuing our campaign for the Canadian Food Grains Bank, to help hungry people be fed all around the world. Envelopes are available in our churches and donations may also be made online at foodgrainsbank.ca.
Muffin Mornings are continuing at Howick United Church at about 9:30 on Monday mornings. All welcome to come and join the conversation.
St Paul’s Stewards will meet this Wednesday, October 28th at 7:30pm in the hall.
Sunday, November 1st will be observed as All Saints Sunday and I am inviting hymn requests for that Sunday. There is a bag or box where you can place your requests or you can speak to me (Barbara) directly. These can be a favourite hymn or a hymn dedicated to the memory of someone.
November 8th will be Remembrance Sunday and there will be a combined service in St Paul’s in Ormstown for Georgetown Howick and St Paul’s. The service will begin at 10:30am. All welcome.
Sunday, November 22, Howick United Church will be planning a Soup Luncheon to bring the campaign for the CFGB to an end. This will follow our 11:00 service.
Congratulations to the Rev. Eric Hebert-Daly, who has now covenanted with the United Church to become the new General Secretary of the United Church, beginning January 1, 2027. Many thanks to the Rev. Michael Blair, the current General Secretary, who will be retiring from the role December 31, 2026.
Friday, October 16 th is officially World Food Day when we consider the fact that the earth produces more than enough food for all who live upon it, so the issue is not abundance but distribution. We launch our campaign for the Canadian Food Grains Bank this Sunday, seeking not just to feed the hungry but also to help them to feed themselves for the future.
Hymn I Sing the Mighty Power of God #231VU
Scripture Lessons: I Thessalonians 1:1-10
Psalm 99 p. 819VU
Matthew 22:15-22
Message
Prayer: God of renewal and new life, loving and wonderful God, you know us. You know our needs and our bodies. You made us to eat. You have kept us fed. You give us bread to fill our bellies, and Scripture to feed our souls. Thank you for your bounty. Thank you for your love. Thank you for Jesus, the bread of life, who broke for us. God of bread and food, this is the season of Thankfulness. And so we thank you for caring for us. Amen
Giving and Providing God, as we sit at our tables, we remember that you have fed millions; you have made bread fall from heaven in the desert. You made a few fish and loaves multiply. Help us to feed our neighbours, as you have fed us. Through our hands, feed the hungry. Through our gifts, help the food insecure. Amen. ( from the UCC worship resources.)
Hymn Jesus Calls Us #561 VU
This Sunday’s services are 9:30 in Howick and 11:00 in Ormstown. We will be launching our campaign for the Canadian Food Grains Bank. There are some envelopes in our churches or you can make a donation at foodgrainsbank.ca.
This Sunday St Paul’s will be holding a Craft Day for children and youth during its 11:00 service.
La Bouffe Additionelle wishes to express their thanks for the food donations made last week. It amounted to 86kg of food as well as cash donations. WOW!
Next Sunday October 25th Howick United Church will be holding a Craft Day for children and young people. Come and join the fun!
Howick United Church will be holding Muffin Mornings each Monday at about 9:30am. All welcome to come and join in the conversation!
St Paul’s Stewards meeting has been delayed for a week. They will meet on Wednesday, October 28th at 7:30pm.
Howick UCW will meet this Wednesday, October, 21st at 7pm in the church hall. We will be having a chair yoga session and those attending are asked to bring a yoga mat, if possible, though we will not be doing our exercises on the floor.
Sunday, November 1st will be All Saints Sunday and we will be singing hymn requests from the congregation. Nominate your favourite hymn and/or dedicate a hymn to the memory of someone. You can speak to Barbara or nominate a hymn in the box in the entry.
Prayer: God, giver of all good, you continually pour your benefits upon us.
Age after age the living wait upon you and find that your faithfulness has no end,
That your care is unfailing.
We praise you that the mystery of life is a mystery of infinite goodness.
We praise you for the order and constancy of nature;
For the beauty and bounty of the earth;
For day and night, summer and winter, seed time and harvest;
For the varied gifts of loveliness which every season brings.
We give you thanks for all the comfort and joy of life, for our homes, for our friends,
And for all the love, sympathy, and goodwill of all people. Amen. ( from the UCC’s worship resource, Celebrate God’s Presence.)
Hymn. Now Thank We All our God #236
This Sunday’s services are 9:30 in Howick and 11:00 in Ormstown. In Ormstown we will be collecting food and donations for our local food bank, La Bouffe Additionelle. Donations of seasonal produce and non-perishable food items as well as monetary donations by cash or cheque would be welcome.
Howick United Church will begin its Muffin Mornings this coming Wednesday, October 14th at about 9:30, in the church hall/ basement. We will discuss how to go forward, and the day might change to Monday, as Wednesday seems to be quite a busy day. Please let us know if you are interested.
St Paul’s Session will meet on Wednesday, October 14th at 7pm in the hall.
St Paul’s Stewards have delayed their meeting to Wednesday, October 28th at 7:30pm in the hall.
On Sunday, October 18th we will be launching our campaign for the Canadian Food Grains Bank. Envelopes for donations will be available in our churches.
St Paul’s will hold a Craft Day for children and youth Sunday, October 18th at the 11:00 service.
Howick United Church will hold a Craft Day for children and youth Sunday, October 25th during the 11:00 service.
This Sunday is also Worldwide Communion Sunday and we will be celebrating the sacrament of Communion in both St Paul’s and Howick United Church this Sunday.
This Sunday is also St Francis of Assisi Day. St Francis is the saint of animals and creation. Today many churches will bring their observance of the Season of Creation to an end ( I like to continue it to Thanksgiving Sunday, I think it makes sense) and to hold blessing of the animals services. May the joyful, loving, and peaceful spirit of St Francis be revealed in our living and our serving. 🌏🌈
Hymn How Firm a Foundation #660
Scripture Lessons: Exodus 20:1-4,7-9,12-20
Psalm 19 p.740VU
Philippians 3:4b-14
Message
Prayer: We thank you, O God, that you have strengthened us through your nearness and we pray:
Grant that the ears that have heard your Word may be closed to the voice of discord;
That the eyes which have seen your great love may see the blessedness which you have promised;
That the tongues which have sung your praise may testify henceforth to the truth; that the hands that have received your gifts may do good to your honour; that the feet which have brought us to this place may not stray from the way of your light; that the bodies that have been strengthened by your gifts may be ready to live a new life in you. And to you be honour and glory forever and ever. Amen. (a prayer from the Church Office of the Evangelical Church of Kurhesses-Waldeck, Germany, printed in Gifts in Open Hands edited by Maren Tirabassi and Kathy Wonsan Eddy)
Hymn O Jesus Thou Joy of Loving Hearts #472
This Sunday’s services will be Communion services, offering the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. In Ormstown this will be held at 9:30 and in Howick at 11:00.
Many thanks to all who supported Howick’s Benny’s BBQ Chicken dinner last Sunday. It raised more than $2000 for the life and work of the church.
We express our appreciation to Claude Gervais and his helpers who have decorated the St Paul’s Church and Main Street in Ormstown with seasonal fruits and vegetables and help us to rejoice in the harvest season and prepare for our Thanksgiving celebrations.
Next Sunday will be Thanksgiving Sunday in both our churches. In Ormstown we will be collecting food for La Bouffe Additionelle (the local food bank), both non-perishable food items as well as seasonal food items. Donations of cash and cheques can also be made.
St Paul’s in Ormstown will be holding a Craft Day on Sunday, October 18th during the 11:00 service.
Howick United Church will hold its Craft Day on Sunday, October 25th during its 11:00 service.
If you know of anyone interested in taking part in a Confirmation Class, either this fall or in the new year, please contact Barbara.
Congratulations to the Rev. Eric Hebert Daly, who has been the Executive Minister for the Nakonhaka Regional Council, as well as 2 others, and who has now been named as the incoming Executive Secretary of the General Council level of the United Church.
This Sunday is being observed as Orange Shirt Sunday by many churches, in preparation for Truth and Reconciliation Day on Wednesday, September 30th, also known as Orange Shirt Day.
Hymn Lord Speak to Me #589VU
Scripture Lessons: Exodus 17:1-7
Psalm 78 p.792VU
Philippians 2:1-13
Message
Prayer: Creator, you made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them. You made us as people, as communities, and as families. You intend for us to grow and flourish together. You command us to do good works, to be generous, and to build a good life for all.
Some of us wear orange to say that we did not always experience what you want for us, because we were taken away from our families and communities against our will.
Some of us wear orange to acknowledge that we are not yet who you intend us to be, and that we have not lived up to your commandments.
All of us wear orange to say that Every Child Matters, and that we want to help create a future that values all Indigenous peoples.
Our prayers today are not simple expressions of hope for justice, they are our commitment to create your justice on earth.
We pray ….. to acknowledge the harm caused by residential institutions and to honour all who were taken.
….. for the end of racial discrimination against Indigenous children
….. for the end of racist colonial systems that continue to harm all Indigenous peoples
….. for the humility to open ourselves to the task before us, and the courage to work together.
You tell us to build up a good foundation for the future, so that we might “take hold of the life that is really life.” As we wear orange, we commit to the life you intend us to live together. ( a prayer by Sara Stratton, Reconciliation and Indigenous Justice Animator, slightly adapted.)
Hymn Blest be the Tie that Binds #602VU
This Sunday’s services will be 9:30 in Ormstown and 11:00 in Howick. If you have reserved a meal from Howick for the Benny’s BBQ Chicken fundraiser please pick it up after the 11:00 service, or stay and eat the meal together. Thank you for your support for this fundraiser for the church.
We hold in our thoughts and prayers, the family and friends of Jean Niles, following the burial service held for her on Saturday.
If you have not received a copy of the new newsletter, please let us know if you would like to receive one, by email or printed.
Next Saturday, October 3rd the Nakonhaka Regional Council will be holding a Celebration of Ministry service at Summerlea United Church on 50th Ave in Lachine. This recognizes retirements and admissions and will also include the ordination of 2 candidates as well, Jessica Gauthier and Marie Silvenie Chery. All welcome. Reception to follow.
Next Sunday will be Worldwide Communion Sunday and we will be celebrating the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper at 9:30 in Ormstown and Howick at 11:00.
Sunday October 11th will be Thanksgiving Sunday in both churches. St Paul’s will continue its tradition of collecting food for the food bank. Non-perishable food items and seasonal produce or donations by cheque or in cash are all appreciated.
If you know of someone who would be interested in participating in a Confirmation Class, please have them contact Barbara. We are deciding when to hold the class: fall, winter, or spring.
Prayer: God of the universe, whose light shines in every culture and tradition, hold close to you today the many women, men and children who give of themselves in order to bring justice and peace on this earth. The bridge builders, the artists, the hidden saints, the risk-takers, the intercessors, the campaigners, and all those who will not lie down to injustice even at the cost of their lives. And may we ourselves be in their midst— alive to the possibilities of your justice-filled Spirit at the heart of Creation. Amen. ( a prayer by Peter Millar, shared by the Iona Community.)
Hymn All the Way my Saviour Leads Me #635VU
This Sunday’s services will be 9:30 in Howick and 11:00 in Ormstown.
A new newsletter has been printed and is available. Please let us know if you would like to receive one.
We continue to hold in prayer the many families and friends of those who have died in the past weeks and months, including the family and friends of Jack Peddie who died recently. His burial service is being held in Riverfield Cemetery on Saturday, September 19th at 11:00, followed by a reception at the Town Hall.
Next Sunday September 27th, Howick United Church will be holding its Benny’s BBQ Chicken fundraiser, following the 11:00 service. Meals are available for Takeout or eat-in and need to be ordered from Wilene Cullen, Anita Greig, or Allyson Orr by September 23rd. The prices for the meals are $20 for Chef’s choice chicken dinner and $12 for chicken nuggets.
Last spring we had inquiries about a Confirmation Class, which we put off. Now I am wondering when would be the best time to plan these classes, this fall, or next winter or spring. Please let me know if you know of someone who would be interested and when would be the best time for it to be held.
This weekend is the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hoshanah for our Jewish sisters and brothers. This marks the Jewish New Year and we wish for them Shana Tova, or a sweet and good new year.
Hymn Joyful, Joyful #232
Scripture Lessons: Romans 14:1-12
Psalm 114
Matthew 18:21-32
Message
Prayer: Holy One, I said “Oops” this week: I forgot to hold someone’s hand;
I said the wrong thing to a friend in pain; I didn’t finish what I said I would do;
I didn’t look for you in the eyes of a stranger.
Holy One, forgive me my “Oops”—
And help me to forgive others their “Oops”
Wrap me up safe in your grace,
And give me the courage to keep on trying. Amen. (a prayer by Jane O. Sorensen, printed in Before the Amen edited by Maren C. Tirabassi and Maria I. Tirabassi)
Hymn Amazing Grace #266
This Sunday’s services will be 9:30 in Howick and 11:00 in Ormstown.
We hold in our thoughts and prayers the family and friends of John (Jack) Peddie, who died last week and whose funeral in Ottawa is being held this weekend. Next weekend Saturday September 19th there will be a burial at the Riverfield Cemetery at 11am to be followed by a reception at the Town Hall in Howick. All are welcome to come and remember Jack and to offer support to Gloria and the family.
St Paul’s Session will meet on Wednesday, September 16th at 7:30pm in the hall.
A new newsletter will be produced this month, please let Barbara know if you have any items to include.
After conversations with the Sessions, a Confirmation class is being planned for sometime this year (2026-7). When would be best to hold these classes? Fall, winter or spring? Evening or afternoon? Please let Barbara know your thoughts.
Howick United Church will be holding its Benny’s BBQ Chicken fundraiser on Sunday, September 27th following the 11:00 service. The lunch can be takeout or eat-in and the price is $20 for the dinner (chef’s choice) or $12 for nuggets. Please reserve your dinner by Wednesday, September 23rd by contacting Wilene Cullen, Anita Greig, or Allyson Orr. We thank you for your support.
The OHO Quilters will be holding their Quilt Show Friday and Saturday September 18th and 19th between 10-4:00 at the Ormstown Curling Club. The price of admission is $5 and includes the tearoom as well. Any profits go to local charities.
Today is, of course, Labour Day weekend, which is now often overlooked as the school year has (mostly) already started and it is (mostly) observed as a holiday rather than a time to honour those who work for, with, and amongst us. Let us give thanks especially for those who must work this weekend.
Hymn All Things Bright and Beautiful #291
Scripture Lessons: Romans 13:8-14
Psalm 149 p.873VU
Matthew 18:15-20
Message
Prayer: All powerful God, you are present in the universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness all that exists. Pour out upon us the power of love, that we may protect life and beauty. Fill us with your peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one. O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes. Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth. Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light. We thank you for being with us each day. Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle, for justice, love and peace. Amen. ( a prayer by Pope Francis, included in his 2015 encyclical, Laudate Si’).
Hymn Love Divine #333VU
This week’s services will be 9:30 in Ormstown and 11:00 in Howick. The service in Howick will be followed by the memorial service for Alec Templeton, with visitation beginning at about 1:00 and the service at 2:00. The service will be followed by a reception at the Town Hall.
We also hold in our thoughts and prayers the family and friends of Jack Peddie, who died this week. A celebration of his life will be held in Howick at the Town Hall on Saturday, September 19th.
St Paul’s Session will meet on Wednesday, September 9th at 1:00 in the hall.
Howick United Church will be holding its annual Benny’s BBQ Chicken lunch following the 11:00 service at Howick Sunday, September 27th. Tickets will be $20 for the adult dinner (chef’s choice) and $12 for the chicken nugget meal. They are available for takeout or eat-in. Please order your tickets from Wilene Cullen, Anita Greig, or Allyson Orr by September 23rd to receive your meal.
The OHO Quilters will be holding their Quilt Show again this year on Friday and Saturday, September 18th and 19th from 10-4:00 at the Rec Centre in Ormstown. Admission will be $5 and will include a tea as well. Any profits will be given to local charities. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
After this Sunday, the season of Creation begins tomorrow. As the season begins to change, as the harvest begins to be gathered, we give thanks to God for God’s wonderful world! In celebration of the beginning of the season of Creation, there will two special services offered online on September 1st. There will be an international one at 9am and a Canadian one offered at noon. I think I can share the link if anyone is interested.
Hymn This is God’s Wondrous World #296VU
Scripture Lessons: Exodus 3:1-15
Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26 p. 828-9VU parts 1& 3
Matthew 16:13-28
Message:
Prayer: Loving God, the seasons are beginning to turn
In more evident ways: days shorten,
air crisps and leaves begin to smell
Like toast in this northern clime. South,
Spring is just beginning, with hints of
Summer in warming winds. There is
Comfort in this regularity of seasons,
Reminding us that your world turns on
A recurrent cycle, a pendulum that
Swings back and forth like a heartbeat.
May we remember this when we worry
About the way we see events unfolding
Whether personal or political. May we
Strive to find balance, a mean bringing
Stability, peace in which we may create
And reach out to others in helpful ways,
A centre path that is kind and inclusive.
May we seek to restore and replenish
Your hurting world and all its peoples.
We ask this knowing that we are not alone.
a prayer by Anne MacDermaid and posted by Celtic Christianity and Music
Hymn Unto the Hills #842VU
This Sunday there will be a combined service in Howick at 11:00. We will begin with coffee and munchies at 10:30.
Blessings and prayers go out to families and students as they plan and prepare for the beginning of another school year. 🙏🏽
We continue to hold the families and friends who have lost people over the summer in our thoughts and prayers. The memorial service for Alec Templeton will be held on Sunday, September 6th at 2pm in the Howick Church, with visitation beginning at 1:00.
Howick United Church Stewards will meet on Wednesday, September 2nd at 7pm in the church.
Howick UCW is planning a dinner out together on Thursday, September 3rd.
Please keep in mind that this is the time to begin or renew a subscription to Broadview, the United Church’s general interest magazine, with a church insert. The cost is $30 for the year, which goes to Wilene Cullen. The payment can be made with cash, cheque, or e-transfer and please include your name and address with your payment. Wilene is requesting that she receives the subscriptions by September 6th.
Prayer: Loving Creator, as we pause in worship, we feel the changes in air and notice them in our gardens. Once again, the seasons are about to turn and display the earthly rhythm s you set in motion in all their glory. We trust in your steadfastness. We believe in you, the one who has created and is creating. We trust in your goodness and wisdom. And we are grateful for your presence in our lives as we open our hearts in worship this day. Amen. ( a prayer by Rosemary Godin of Sydney, NS and shared by GatheringWorship.ca.)
Hymn. For the Beauty of the Earth #226VU
This Sunday’s services will be 9:30 in Ormstown and 11:00 in Howick.
Next Sunday will be a combined service in Howick at 11:00, with fellowship time beginning at 10:30. All welcome.
We are continuing to hold the family and friends of Audrey Reddick, Raymond Caza, and Alec Templeton in our thoughts and prayers. The services for Audrey and Raymond have been completed, and the services for Alec Templeton will be held Sunday, September 6th at 2pm.
We also hold in our thoughts and prayers the family and friends of Sterling Stevenson, whose private burial is to be held this weekend.
Howick Stewards are scheduled to meet Wednesday, September 2nd at 7pm in the church.
Howick UCW is planning a supper out on Thursday, September 3rd. Please keep in touch to see where we might go!
Please keep in mind that this is now the time to renew or begin a subscription to Broadview, the United Church’s magazine. The cost for a year’s subscription is $30. Please contact Wilene if you would like a subscription and you can pay either by cheque, cash or e-transfer. Please include your name and address along with the payment.
Prayer: May birds fill the dawn of your day with song,
May the midday sun caress your face with warmth,
May honeysuckle scent the evening breeze around you,
and May the summer stars shine bright above you.
And May God, the giver of summer song and scent,
The creator of the sun and stars, touch your life with beauty
And fill your heart with joy. Amen. ( by Simon Taylor, printed in Summer from the Iona Community.)
Hymn. In Christ There is No East or West #606
This Sunday’s services will be 9:30 in Howick and 11:00 in Ormstown.
Many thanks to all who came and attended and supported the Classical concert offered by Ryan Hull on Friday night. It was a great success and raised more than $1000 for Transplant Quebec. Thanks again for your generosity and support!
On this day Georgetown Presbyterian Church will be holding its Quilt and Artisans Show, from 11-4:00. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 13-17 $5 and 12 and under free. Proceeds will go to local non-profit organizations. A light lunch will also be available.
We hold in our thoughts and prayers the families and friends of Audrey Reddick, Raymond Caza, and Alec Templeton following their deaths over the summer. The memorial service for Raymond Caza will be held on Tuesday, August 18th at the Village Church at 1:00 with visitation beginning at noon. The service for Alec Templeton will be held Saturday, September 6th at 2pm at the Howick United Church, with visitation beginning at 1:00 in the church. A reception will follow the service.
Howick United Church will be holding the next Combined service on Sunday, August 30th at 11:00, with the fellowship time beginning at 10:30 am.
Prayer: As we journey through life, we face fear of the unknown, doubts, hesitations, anxieties, and insecurities…..
Draw near, O God, draw near!
Life is an unfolding mystery, sometimes a painful search and sometimes a wonderful discovery. When our hearts are restless because they are pilgrim hearts whose home is not here….
Draw near, O God, draw near!
When our footsteps grow weary, when we stumble along the way, discouragement and doubt so easily come forth to greet us….
Draw near, O God, draw near!
We are always learning what to leave behind and what to take with us as we move along the road of life. As we struggle to make good decisions….
Draw near, O God, draw near!
We encounter you, God, continually in the constant cycle of setting out and coming home. Sometimes we allow life to be so busy as we travel that we miss your presence. When we need to slow our hectic pace….
Draw near, O God, draw near!
Expectancy, anticipation, and courage rise up in our beings when we are open to your ways, God of the wilderness. As we search for reasons to hope….
Draw near, O God, draw near!
In our journeying, we need a strong conviction about the beauty and goodness of life, a vision of hope that endures the pain and struggle and a thread of love that weaves through all of our dreams. When we try to hold on to what gives our life meaning and purpose….
Draw near, O God, near draw near! Amen. ( a prayer from Joyce Rupp’s Out of the Ordinary, prayers, poems, and reflections for Every Season.)
Hymn. Will Your Anchor Hold #675VU
This Sunday’s services will be 9:30 in Howick and 11:00 in Ormstown.
We hold in our thoughts and prayers the family and friends of Audrey Reddick, who died this past week. A service to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, August 15th at 2:30 at Howick United Church, with visitation beginning at 1:30, in the church.
We also hold in our thoughts and prayers the family and friends of Alec Templeton who died last month. A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, September 6th at 2pm in the Howick United Church. Visitation will take place from 1:00 at the church.
We also hold in our thoughts and prayers the family and friends of Raymond Caza who died this past week, and whose memorial service will be held on Tuesday, August 18th at 1:00 at the Church of the Nazarene, with visitation beginning at 12:00 in the Church of the Nazarene/Village Church in Ormstown.
This coming Friday, August 14th at 7pm, St Paul’s in Ormstown will be hosting a Classical music Concert featuring Ryan Hull on organ and piano. A free will offering will be taken which will go to Transplant Quebec to support their work on organ donation. A light lunch will also be served.
St Paul’s Stewards are tentatively meeting on Wednesday, August 12th at 7:30pm in the hall.
Georgetown Presbyterian Church will be holding a Quilt and Artisans’s Show on Sunday, August 16th from 11-4:00. Admission will be $10 and a light lunch will be served. Proceeds for this event will go to local non-profit organizations.
Huntingdon United Church will hold another Ice Cream Social on Thursday, August 13th from 5-8:00. Prices will be $10 for adults and $5 for ages 5-12. Takeouts are available.
This Sunday sits squarely between Fete National and Canada Day. We give thanks for the place where we live and the gifts and blessings we find here.
Hymn This is God’s Wondrous World #296
Prayer: O God, For more light in the day, we thank you,
For gentle mornings, we thank you,
For nighttime conversations, we thank you,
For friends and family we thank you,
For gardens and all manner of creatures, we thank you.
Help us, Creator and lover of our souls.
Help us love this earth.
Help us dwell whole-heartedly in our lives this day.
Help us pray as we walk, work, play, rest and create. Amen. (from Ignatieff Spirituality)
Scripture Lessons: Psalm 13 p.734VU
Matthew 10:40-42
Message
Prayer: Loving God, Creator of all things and places, we thank you for the gift of summertimes, the days of light, warmth, and leisure.
Thank you for the beauty that surrounds us everywhere we look: the multi-coloured flowers, the deep blue of the sky, the tranquil surface of lakes, the laughter of children at play, people strolling in parks, families gathered around picnic tables and the time to spend with family and friends.
As we open our eyes and ears to the landscape of nature and people, open our hearts to recall as a gift. Give us that insight to see you as the Divine Artist. Help us to realize and appreciate that you are labouring to keep all in existence. Warm our souls with awareness of your presence.
Let all the gifts we enjoy this summer deepen our awareness of your love so that we may share this with others and enjoy summertime of re-creation. Amen. ( from Marquette University)
Hymn Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life #681VU
This Sunday’s services are Ormstown at 9:30 in St Paul’s. Howick’s service is at 11:00 and is a little more fluid. We are still hoping to hold the service outside, hopefully at Knox Cemetery in St Louis de Gonzague. A new sign has been put up, near house #232 on route 236, so hopefully you can find it. If the weather or the driveway does not cooperate, we will let you know Sunday morning and we will meet at the church. If we are outside, please bring a chair, a sun hat, and some bug spray (if we are at the Cemetery). We will have Noah Tolhurst providing the music and this will be a Communion service. The loose offering that will be collected on this Sunday will be used for the maintenance of the Cemetery.
This will be the last blog for a while. I will be going on vacation until August 2nd. The next service and blog will be August 9th, though I will be back home and in the office before that.
In my absence, the Rev. Mher Khatchikian has agreed to cover any pastoral emergencies that might arise.
We hold in our thoughts and prayers once again the family and friends of Sharon Fletcher following her burial last week.
Many thanks for all the help for the Strawberry Takeout that took place on Thursday. It is greatly appreciated.
A new newsletter has been printed and is available for those who would like to receive it.
Please keep in mind the Valley Flower Shiw that will take place Saturday, July 25th from 1-4:00 in the Ormstown Rec Centre. Admission will be $7 for adults and $2 for children 10 and under.
In August there are a number of special events happening. St Paul’s will be holding a special concert with Ryan Hull, who played at Georgetown last year. He has graciously agreed to come to play once again. The concert will be Friday, August 14th at 7pm in the church. This will be a fundraiser for Organ Transplant.
On Sunday, August there will be a Quilt and Artisans Show at Georgetown Presbyterian Church from 11-4:00. Admission will be $10 and there will be family activities and a light lunch served for a donation. Proceeds of the event will go to local organizations, Girl Guides, 4-H, and the Health Coop.
This Sunday is both Father’s Day and National Indigenous People’s Day, an interesting combination! Both deserve time and attention at this time🙏🏽
Hymn For the Beauty of the Earth #226
Scripture Lessons: Genesis 21:8-21
Psalm 86 p.803VU
Matthew 10:24-39
Message
Prayer: O Great Spirit, whose voice we hear in the winds, and whose breath gives life to all the world, hear us.
We come before you as your children. We are small and weak; we need your strength and wisdom.
Let us walk in beauty,
and make our eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset.
May our hands respect the things you have made,
May our ears be sharp to hear your voice.
Make us wise, that we may know the things you have taught your people, the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock.
We seek strength, not to be superior to our brothers and sisters, but to live in harmony with ourselves and all your creation.
Help us to be ever ready to come to you, so when life fades as a fading sunset, our spirits may come to you without shame. Amen. ( a traditional Native American prayer printed in Celebrate God’s presence, a United Church worship resource).
Hymn Faith of our Fathers #580VU
This Sunday’s services are back to the usual schedule, 9:30 service in Howick and 11:00 in Ormstown. We will be marking both Father’s Day and National Indigenous People’s Day, or the National Indigenous Day of Prayer.
Next Sunday will be a regular Sunday in Ormstown at 9:30, but in Howick we are hoping to hold an Outdoor service, possibly at the Knox Cemetery at 11:00. Please keep in contact so we can confirm or change the plans, if necessary.
Barbara is preparing a newsletter for this Sunday. Please let us know if you would like a copy.
St Paul’s Stewards are scheduled to meet on Tuesday, June 23rd at 7:30pm.
The time is coming for St Paul’s Strawberry Takeout! The Takeout will be held Thursday, June 25th from 5-7:00 in MacDougall Hall in Ormstown. Prices will be $10 for adults and $6 for children 5-12.
We will be fixing the berries on Wednesday, June 24th beginning at 11:00. If you can come and help, please bring your bowl or paring knife (and apron), if possible. Your help would be greatly appreciated!
Barbara will be going on holidays following the June 28th service. The Rev Mher Khatchikian will be available to assist in an emergency.
This Sunday is Fair Sunday in Howick and Ormstown. We give thanks to God for the fruitfulness of the earth and all the blessings God’s creation gives to us.
Hymn Let Us with a Gladsome Mind #234
Scripture Lessons: Genesis 18:1-15, 21:1-7
Psalm 116 p.836VU
Matthew 9:35-10:8
Message
Prayer: When you told us to leave our old lives behind, to set out on a path you would show us and to put our trust in you,
We laughed in our fear. We thought we might get lost.
When you told us we were special, that you had chosen to bless us and lead us, and bless the world through us,
We laughed in our astonishment. We thought we were too ordinary.
When you told us you would make us you would create blessings numerous as the stars,
We laughed in our doubt. We thought we were barren.
But when the promise was fulfilled, and we held in our arms evidence of your love, the power of your faithfulness,
We laughed in our joy, out loud!
We laughed because it filled us out, and poured out our souls—
And because we heard you laughing as well! ( written by Anna Shirey and printed in Before the Amen edited by Maren Tira C. Tirabassi and Maria I Tirabassi.)
Hymn All the Way my Saviour Leads Me #634VU
This Sunday there will be no service in Howick, but there will be a service at 11:00 in St Paul’s in Ormstown.
Howick UCW will meet on Wednesday, June 17th at 7pm in the church hall. Our guest speaker will be Kim Wilson who will speak at the beginning of the meeting. The business meeting will follow.
Barbara will be preparing a newsletter for next Sunday. Please let Barbara know if there are items to be included.
There will be no Steward’s meeting in Ormstown this week. Instead they will meet on Tuesday, June 23rd at 7:30pm, so we can set up tables for the Strawberry Takeout.
St Paul’s Strawberry Social will take place Thursday, June 25th from 5-7:00 in the church hall. Prices will be $10 for adults and $6 for children 5-12.
The strawberries will be prepared on Wednesday, June 24th in the hall at 11:00. If you can come and help, please bring bowls and knives, if possible.
Howick United Church is planning to hold its annual Outdoor service on Sunday, June 28th, at 11:00, which will include the celebration of Communion. We are hoping to be able to return to the Knox Cemetery in St Louis de Gonzague, if the weather and the state of the driveway cooperate. Please keep in touch, in case we need to make a last minute decision.
Barbara will be on holiday in July, until August 2nd. In case of a pastoral emergency, the Rev Mher Khatchikian will be available to help.
Today is also Union Sunday, when we celebrate the beginning of the United Church, which was formed June 10, 1925. We celebrate more than a century of the United Church!
Hymn O God of Bethel #650VU
Scripture Lessons: Romans 4:13-25
Psalm 33 p.760VU
Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26
Message
Prayer: God of the way, you are the road we travel, and the sign that we follow, you are bread for the journey, and the wine of arrival.
Guide us as we follow in your way, holding on to each other, reaching out to your beloved world.
And when we stray, seek us out and find us, set our feet on the path again, and lead us safely home.
In the name of Jesus, our Companion, we pray. Amen. (written by Janet Cawley, printed in Voices United, #648.)
Hymn. My Faith Looks Up to Thee #663VU
This Sunday’s services will be 9:30 in Ormstown and 11:00 in Howick.
This is also the day we will be celebrating Anita Greig’s birthday in Howick. There will be a lunch following the 11:00 Sunday services, the reception itself will be held from 1:30-4:00. All welcome to come and offer your good wishes.
Congratulations to Ruth Tannahill who celebrated 100 years with her family yesterday. 🎂🥳
Next Sunday there will be no Sunday service in Howick, because of the Ormstown Fair. There will be a Sunday service in Ormstown at 11:00.
Sunday, June 28th will be the annual Outdoor service for Howick United Church, at 11:00, assuming the weather cooperates. We are hoping to return to the Knox Cemetery site, depending on the state of the driveway. Please keep in touch as the final decision about the service may have to be made on Saturday.
St Paul’s is planning to hold its Strawberry Takeout Thursday, June 25th from 5-7:00 at MacDougall Hall. The prices will be $10 for adults and $6 for children. We will be preparing the strawberries on Wednesday June 24th at 1:00 also in the hall. Bring your bowls and paring knives and lend a hand!
Barbara will be preparing a newsletter for June 21st. Please let her know if there is news to be included.
June is observed by many churches and organizations as Pride month. The United Church is committed justice and equity for all LGBTQ2+ people, both within and outside the church.
Prayer: O Living God, for your good creation, for the beautiful workings of our bodies, for your image deep within us, for your presence strong among us, we give thanks and we pray: BLESS US, O GOD.
O Jesus our Saviour, for your sharing of our life, for your calling of us as your friends, for your cherishing of us in our brokenness, for your inviting us to follow you in the fullness of our humanity, we give you thanks and we pray: BLESS US, O CHRIST.
O Spirit of grace and truth, for revealing yourself in community, for laying bare the grievous wounds of oppression and injustice, for bringing us healing through the work of justice and mercy, for inspiring us and firing us with courage to change, we give thanks and we pray: BLESS US, O SPIRIT.
O Trinity of life, for the company of faithful people, for the work and witness of many across the world, and for the ones known and dear to us, who have lived, and who have died showing the face of God to others, because they trusted in a whole body and a common humanity and the unity of God, we give thanks and we pray: BLESS US THIS DAY AND ALWAYS. AMEN. (adapted from a prayer from Praying for the Dawn from the Iona Community)
Hymn. How Great Thou Art #238VU
This Sunday there will be a single combined service held in St Paul’s in Ormstown at 11:00. We will begin gathering for coffee, juice, and goodies at 10:30 in the church.
This Sunday is also graduation day at CVR. Congratulations and best wishes to our graduates.
This Sunday is the deadline for applying for the bursaries offered by the Regional Council. The application can be found at Nakonhaka.ucc.ca.
Next Sunday will be the day we celebrate Anita Greig’s birthday. Members of the congregations are invited to join her family for lunch and there will be a reception in the church hall in Howick beginning at 1:30. Please, just bring your best wishes.
Sunday, June 14th there will be no service in Howick, as it is Fair Sunday. There will be a service in Ormstown at 11:00.
Barbara is hoping to produce a newsletter in June. Please let her know if there are any items to include.
The Board of Stewards in Howick have decided to begin the work on the church building with painting the louvers on the steeple. There is also more painting and masonry to be done on the church. We will do them as soon as funds allow.
