Sunday, February 1, 2026 The Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

 

Today marks the beginning of Black History Month ( and last Tuesday was also International Holocaust Remembrance Day) this is a time when we are called to remember and learn from our past to build a better future for all. 

Hymn         Joyful, Joyful # 232VU

Scripture Lessons:          Micah 6:1-8

                                        Psalm 15 p.736VU

                                        Matthew 5:1-12

Message

Prayer:  How blest are those who humbly see how much they need the Lord.

How blest are those who deeply grieve the suffering in this world. 

How blest are those who find God’s strength in gentleness and grace. 

How blest are those who long for truth and seek God’s loving ways. 

What joy! When mercy fills our lives— when kindness is our style. 

What joy! When— pure in heart— we strive to do what is worthwhile. 

What joy! When people work for peace— for justice in this land. 

What joy! When whole communities seek goodness hand in hand. 

When thousands join in peaceful song; when hundreds kneel and pray;

When one, alone, stands up to wrong; when love becomes our way; 

When neighbours by the things they do, reach out to those in pain; 

Lord Jesus may we learn anew the blessings of your reign. ( a hymn we are singing in church written by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, used with permission and in the spirit that those who sing pray twice. Tune: Forest Green)

Hymn        Blest Be the Tie that Binds #602 VU

This week’s services are 9:30 in Ormstown and 11:00 in Howick. 

Please mark your calendars! Howick United Church will be holding a Waffle Dinner on Pancake Tuesday February 17th in the church hall from 4:30-6:30pm. Tickets for eat-in or takeout will be available from Wilene Cullen. If there are any people who would like to volunteer to help out or to donate items for the dinner, please speak to Wilene. 

The Official Board meeting for St Paul’s and Franklin United Church will be held February 18th in the hall at 1:30pm. 

The annual meeting for Howick United Church will be held on Sunday, February 22nd, in combination with the Sunday service, beginning at 11:00. The storm date for this meeting and service will be March 1st. 

The annual meeting for St Paul’s United Church will be held on Sunday, March 8th, in combination with the Sunday service, at 11:00.  The storm date for this meeting and service will be March 15th. 

Did you know that the Anglican Communion has selected a new Archbishop of Canterbury? Her name is the Rt Rev and the Rt Hon Sarah Mulally and she has been installed in a service in St Paul’s in London. We look forward to her leadership.