Sunday, September 27, 2026 The Fourth Sunday of Creation

 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. 

Sunday, September 20, 2026, the Third Sunday of Creation

 

Hymn       How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds #344

Scripture Lessons:        Exodus 16:2-15

                                      Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45

                                      Matthew 20:1-16

Message

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. 

Sunday, September 13, 2026 The Second Sunday of Creation

 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. 

Sunday, September 6, 2026 The First Sunday of Creation

 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.