Sunday, October 25, 2026

 This Sunday is being observed by some churches as Reformation Sunday, reminding us of our heritage and the heart of the Christian faith. 

This Sunday is also observed as Peacekeepers’ Sunday. As we prepare for Remembrance Sunday, where we remember the cost and sacrifice of war, we give thanks for those who serve to bring peace to our world. 🌏

Hymn       Great is Thy Faithfulness #288VU

Scripture Lessons:       I Thessalonians 2:1-8

                                     Psalm 90:1-6,13-7 p.805-6VU parts 1,3

                                     Matthew 22:34-46

Message

Prayer:  Wondrous God:  Thirteen billion years ago your creative spark called creation to being. 

Two thousand years ago you lit a spark of new creation in Jesus the Christ. 

Five hundred years ago, your love and grace re-ignited the hearts of men and women with names like Martin Luther, John Calvin, Katharine Zell, Ulrich Zwingli, and Argula von Grumbach. Just when we think all is settled, everything is finished, closed, your power and presence explodes on to the scene yet again, bringing newness, bringing life. Fill us with your power and presence, O God, so we may, like our grandparents in faith, carry your truth, your beauty, your justice, and your love to the world you so love — a world in such need. In Jesus’s name and spirit we pray. Amen. ( a prayer by Ryan Slifka as part of a Reformation Sunday service, shared by the United Church, slightly adapted.) 

Hymn       Love Divine #333

This Sunday’s services will be 9:30 in Ormstown and 11:00 in Howick. This Sunday will be a Craft day in Howick. All are welcome.m

We are continuing our campaign for the Canadian Food Grains Bank, to help hungry people be fed all around the world. Envelopes are available in our churches and donations may also be made online at foodgrainsbank.ca. 

Muffin Mornings are continuing at Howick United Church at about 9:30 on Monday mornings. All welcome to come and join the conversation. 

St Paul’s Stewards will meet this Wednesday, October 28th at 7:30pm in the hall. 

Sunday, November 1st will be observed as All Saints Sunday and I am inviting hymn requests for that Sunday. There is a bag or box where you can place your requests or you can speak to me (Barbara) directly. These can be a favourite hymn or a hymn dedicated to the memory of someone. 

November 8th will be Remembrance Sunday and there will be a combined service in St Paul’s in Ormstown for Georgetown Howick and St Paul’s. The service will begin at 10:30am. All welcome.

Sunday, November 22, Howick United Church will be planning a Soup Luncheon to bring the campaign for the CFGB to an end. This will follow our 11:00 service. 

Congratulations to the Rev. Eric Hebert-Daly, who has now covenanted with the United Church to become the new General Secretary of the United Church, beginning January 1, 2027. Many thanks to the Rev. Michael Blair, the current General Secretary, who will be retiring from the role December 31, 2026.