Sunday, October 4, 2026 The Fifth Sunday of Creation

 This Sunday is also Worldwide Communion Sunday and we will be celebrating the sacrament of Communion in both St Paul’s and Howick United Church this Sunday. 

This Sunday is also St Francis of Assisi Day. St Francis is the saint of animals and creation. Today many churches will bring their observance of the Season of Creation to an end ( I like to continue it to Thanksgiving Sunday, I think it makes sense) and to hold blessing of the animals services. May the joyful, loving, and peaceful spirit of St Francis be revealed in our living and our serving. 🌏🌈

Hymn        How Firm a Foundation #660

Scripture Lessons:       Exodus 20:1-4,7-9,12-20

                                     Psalm 19 p.740VU

                                     Philippians 3:4b-14

Message

Prayer:  We thank you, O God, that you have strengthened us through your nearness and we pray:

Grant that the ears that have heard your Word may be closed to the voice of discord; 

That the eyes which have seen your great love may see the blessedness which you have promised; 

That the tongues which have sung your praise may testify henceforth to the truth; that the hands that have received your gifts may do good to your honour; that the feet which have brought us to this place may not stray from the way of your light; that the bodies that have been strengthened by your gifts may be ready to live a new life in you. And to you be honour and glory forever and ever. Amen. (a prayer from the Church Office of the Evangelical Church of Kurhesses-Waldeck, Germany, printed in Gifts in Open Hands edited by Maren Tirabassi and Kathy Wonsan Eddy)

Hymn        O Jesus Thou Joy of Loving Hearts #472

This Sunday’s services will be Communion services, offering the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. In Ormstown this will be held at 9:30 and in Howick at 11:00. 

Many thanks to all who supported Howick’s Benny’s BBQ Chicken dinner last Sunday. It raised more than $2000 for the life and work of the church. 

We express our appreciation to Claude Gervais and his helpers who have decorated the St Paul’s Church and Main Street in Ormstown with seasonal fruits and vegetables and help us to rejoice in the harvest season and prepare for our Thanksgiving celebrations. 

Next Sunday will be Thanksgiving Sunday in both our churches. In Ormstown we will be collecting food for La Bouffe Additionelle (the local food bank), both non-perishable food items as well as seasonal food items. Donations of cash and cheques can also be made. 

St Paul’s in Ormstown will be holding a Craft Day on Sunday, October 18th during the 11:00 service. 

Howick United Church will hold its Craft Day on Sunday, October 25th during its 11:00 service. 

If you know of anyone interested in taking part in a Confirmation Class, either this fall or in the new year, please contact Barbara. 

Congratulations to the Rev. Eric Hebert Daly, who has been the Executive Minister for the Nakonhaka Regional Council, as well as 2 others, and who has now been named as the incoming Executive Secretary of the General Council level of the United Church.