Sunday, May 10, 2926 The Sixth Sunday of Easter

 Today is, of course, Mother’s Day, sometimes known in the church as Christian Family Sunday. We give thanks this day for all kinds of mothers and families who share our lives with us. ❤️

This Thursday May 14th will be observed across this country as a day to stand and work and pray against violence against women, particularly indigenous women, known as the Moosehead Campaign. There will be ceremonies across the country, and the one in Toronto will be live-streamed. 

Hymn       Praise My Soul the God of Heaven #240VU

Prayer:  As the morning light appears, May I be ready to walk humbly and gently on Mother Earth, with all my relations; May I be ready to share all that I have with my sisters and brothers and may I be open to hearing your voice as it speaks to me. 

    As the light reaches its zenith in the sky, May I continue to lift my hands and my heart in service of others. 

    As the evening light meets the horizon May I always be ready to come to you, Creator, with peace in my soul and with a gentle spirit. Amen. ( a prayer by Alf Dumont and printed in That All May Be One, 2004) 

Scripture Lessons:      I Peter 3:13-22

                                    Psalm 66:8-20 p.785VU pts 2 & 3

                                    John 14:15-21

Hymn       Love Divine.  #333VU

Message

Prayer:  Loving God, in the Bible we find many kinds of families, and we learn that your love has no boundaries. Just as you called Peter to recognize the God-given worth in all people, so help us to affirm all the families and homes in our community. Singles, couples, people with and without children, groups large and small, people who are related and those who have simply found each other:  we pray that you would bless them all, and help us to make room at the table of our hearts for all your children. May homes and families - of all shapes and sizes- model your unconditional love, be places of safety and trust, nurture and laughter, so that, grounded in their love, we may reach out in love to all our brothers and sisters - your family. Amen. (from the Seasons of the Spirit worship resources, 2004)

Hymn      For the Beauty of the Earth #226VU

This week’s services will be 9:30 in Howick and 11:00 in Ormstown. We will be observing Christian Family Sunday. 

We hold in our thoughts and prayers the family and friends of Marion Bannerman who died this past week. 

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

Howick UCW will be holding a Friendship Luncheon on Thursday, May 14th in Howick United Church. We will begin gathering at 11:30 to be ready to serve lunch at noon. The seatings will be limited to 30, so a place needs to be reserved. You can reserve a place by speaking to the person who may have invited you, contacting Marlene Stuckey, or, if you attend the Seniors Card Party at the Town Hall, speaking to Helene Monache. The lunch itself is free, but donations will be collected, and if there is more than is needed, the excess will go to a local non-profit chosen by the attendees. 

Nakonhaka Regional Council is once again offering bursaries to university, college, or CEGEP students who are confirmed members of a congregation in this region. The application form is available on the region’s website, Nakonhaka.ucc.ca. The deadline for applying is May 31st.