Sunday, August 30, 2026 14th Sunday after Pentecost

 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.