Sunday, April 5, 2026 Easter Sunday

 This week both Jews and Christians are celebrating our major holidays. Many Jews will be observing Passover and sharing in a Seder. As Christians we will be celebrating the central holy day of our faith, Easter and celebrating the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. 

Hymn       Welcome Happy Morning #161

Prayer:  Almighty and everlasting God, we come with joy to worship you this Easter Day. And our joy is this, that the one who was crucified, dead and buried is now alive forevermore, our risen and reigning Lord. As we celebrate his resurrection, we pray that his joy may abide in our hearts and that our lives may proclaim his praise. To him be the honour and glory, this day and forever. Amen. (a prayer from Frank Colquhoun’s Contemporary Parish Prayers, written by Frank Colquhoun, adapted.)

Scripture Lessons:        Acts 10:34-43

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

                                      John 20:1-18

Hymn        Come Children Join to Sing #345

Message

Prayer:  it is the Lord, in the dawning, in the renewal, in the arrival, in the new day. 

It is the Lord, in the crowd, in the church, in the conversation, in the crisis. 

It is the Lord, in our joys, in our sorrows, in our sickness, in our health. 

It is the Lord, in the stable, in the humble,in the stranger, in the poor. 

It is the Lord, risen and returned, alive forevermore, giving me new life, saving me in strife, it is the Lord. (by David Adam, printed in Bread of Tomorrow, edited by Janet Morley)

Hymn        Jesus Christ is Risen Today #155VU

Benediction:  May the love of the cross, the power of the resurrection, and the presence of the Living Lord, be with you always. And the blessing of the Eternal God, Creator, Sustainer, Risen Lord and Saviour, Giver of Holiness and love be upon you now and evermore. Amen. 

This Sunday we will be celebrating Easter with a Communion service in both congregations: in Ormstown at 9:30 and Howick at 11:00. All are welcome to join us in this celebration. 

Did you know that our Moderator , Kimberly Heath has prepared an Easter message? You can find it on the United Church’s YouTube channel, on Facebook or on the United Church’s website, united-church.ca. 

Our Regional Council is once again offering bursaries to university, college, or CEGEP students who are confirmed members of a congregation in the region. Application forms are available on the council’s website, Nakonhaka.ucc.ca and the deadline for applying is May 31st. Please speak to Barbara if you have any questions. 

A new newsletter has been prepared and printed and is available in our churches, or you can request a copy from Barbara or one of the elders. 

The Howick Women’s Institute will be holding a Tea to celebrate its 115th anniversary on Thursday. April 23rd from 1:30, in Howick United Church. We are invited to dress up to celebrate the occasion, with entertainment offered by Evie Kerr, Abby Stonehouse, as well as music, and followed by refreshments. The event is open to the public, so you can share the invitation.