HARROWSMITH-VERONA PASTORAL CHARGE

UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA

Worship Time:  10 am at Trinity, Verona

Office Phone: 613-372-2525 or 613-374-2777

Voluntary Assistant Minister:  Rev. Dr. Peter Bartlett

Retired Voluntary Minister:  Rev. Ian MacKay

Office Administrator: Rebecca Peters

Director of Music:  Stan Stinchcombe

Website:  www.h-vpastoralcharge.org

e-mail:  office@h-vpastoralcharge.org

 

 

Trinity United Church acknowledges the traditional territory upon which we gather. For thousands of years, the First Peoples sought to walk gently on this land. They offered assistance to the first European travelers and shared their knowledge for survival. We seek a new relationship with the First Peoples of this land, one based in honour and deep respect.

 

 

January 4, 2026 – Epiphany Sunday

Worship Leader: Rev. Micheline Montreuil

Reader: Muriel York

 

WE GATHER

 

ORGAN PRELUDE

GREETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE

 

CALL TO WORSHIP: 

 

HYMN: “The First Noel”  (VU #91)

1.  The first Nowell the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay, in fields where they lay akeeping their sheep on a cold winter’s night that was so deep.  Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, born is the King of Israel.

 

2.  The looked up and saw a start shining in the east, beyond them far; and to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night.  Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, born is the King of Israel.

 

3.  and by the light of that same star three wise men came from country far; to seek for a king was their intent, and to follow the star wherever it went.  Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, born is the King of Israel.

4.  This star drew nigh to the northwest; o’er Bethlehem it took its rest, and there it did both stop and stay, right over the place where Jesus lay.  Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, born is the King of Israel.

 

5.  Then entered in those wise men three, full reverently upon their knee, and offered there in his presence their gold and myrrh and frankincense.  Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, born is the King of Israel.

 

6.  Then let us all with one accord sing praises to our heavenly Lord, that hath made heaven and earth of nought, and with his blood out life hath bought.  Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, born is the King of Israel.

 

Scripture Sentences: (Responsive)  Psalm 72  (VU #790)

Hail to God’s own anointed, who rules in equity.

 

Part One (1-8)

Give the ruler your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the royal heir,

For judging your people rightly, and upholding the poor with justice;

That the mountains may bring forth peace for the people,

And the hills, prosperity with justice.  Hail to God’s own anointed, who rules in equity.

 

May your anointed defend the cause of the poor among the people, save the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor.

May your anointed live as long as the sun endures, as long as the moon from age to age.

May your anointed be like rain falling upon the grass, like showers that water the earth;

May your anointed be one in whose days justice shall flourish and peace abound till the moon is no more.  Hail to God’s own anointed, who rules in equity.

 

Part Two (10-14)

May the rulers of Tarshish and the isles pay tribute, the monarchs of Sheba and Seba bring gifts.

May all rulers do homage, and all nations render service.

For your anointed shall deliver the needy when they cry, the poor and those who have no helper.

Your anointed shall have pity on the weak and the needy, and save the lives of the poor.

From oppression and violence your anointed shall redeem their life,

And count as previous their blood.  Hail to God’s own anointed, who rules in equity.

 

Part three (18-19)

Blessed are you, O God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvellous things.

Blessed is your glorious name for ever.  May the whole earth be filled with your glory.  Hail to God’s own anointed, who rules in equity.

 

CHORAL INTROIT: “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly”  (VU #58)

 

PRAYER: (Unison)

Loving God, Emmanuel, God with us, as we enter a new year, we give you thanks for the many ways you have blessed us in the past year – and for what you will lead us to in the days ahead.  Forgive our past mistakes and wrong choices. Grant that we may walk with the One born in Bethlehem, and that our worship and our praise may bring the glory and honour due your most holy name. Bless this gathering of your people with your presence, feed and inspire all of us in body, mind, soul and spirit. In your holy name we pray.  AMEN.

 

WORDS OF ASSURANCE AND GRACE:

 

CHOIR ANTHEM: “Unto Us a Boy is Born”  (VU #54)

 

YOUTH TIME

 

LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil; for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen

 

HYMN: “Come to My Heart”  (VU #661)

1. Come to my heart, Lord Jesus; teach me to walk in your way.  Come to my heart, Lord Jesus; come to my heart today.

         Give me the peace and joy that only you can bring.  Come to my heart, Lord Jesus; give me a song to sing.

 

2. Fill me with love, Lord Jesus; teach me to walk in your way.  Fill me with love, Lord Jesus; fill me with love today.

         Give me the peace and joy that only you can bring.  Fill me with love, Lord Jesus; give me a song to sing.

 

3. Answer my prayer, Lord Jesus; teach me to walk in your way.  Answer my prayer, Lord Jesus; Answer my prayer today.

         Give me the peace and joy that only you can bring.  Answer my prayer, Lord Jesus; give me a song to sing.

 

WE GIVE BACK

 

OUR OFFERINGS (Offering plates are available at the back of the church)

 

INVITATION TO BRING AN OFFERING

 

DEDICATION OF THE OFFERING (Standing)  (VU #55)

What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; if I were a wise man, I would do my part; yet what I can I give him, give my heart.

 

OFFERTORY PRAYER (Unison)

God of light and of the stars, accept the thanksgiving we offer to you on this joyful feast of the Epiphany. You are the One who fills our hunger for new knowledge and wisdom with your words of truth and you summon all who thirst to the banquet of your love.  We join then with the wise men from the east and we humbly offer gifts at the feet of Jesus – our financial gifts as well as our offerings of prayer and praise to you God, who shows the glory of Christ in all the world. Bless these gifts and bless those who give them. In Jesus’ name we pray.  AMEN.

 

WE LISTEN

 

SCRIPTURE READINGS:

Ephesians 3:1-13  (Pg. 1018)

Matthew 2:1-12  (Pg. 835-836)

 

MESSAGE: “Wisdom For the New Year”

 

HYMN: “Arise, Shine, Your Light Is Come”  (VU #79)

1.  Arise, your light is come!  The Spirit’s call obey; show forth the glory of your God, which shines on you today.

 

2.  Arise, your light is come!  Fling wide the prison door; proclaim the captive’s liberty, good tidings to the poor.

 

3.  Arise, your light is come!  All you in sorrow born, bind up the broken-hearted ones and comfort those who mourn.

 

4.  Arise, your light is come!  The mountains burst in song!  Rise up like eagles on the wing; God’s power will make us strong.

 

WE GO FORTH

 

HYMN:  “I Am the Light of the World”  (VU #87)

“I am the light of the world! You people come and follow me!”  If you follow and love you’ll learn the mystery of what you were meant to do and be.

 

1.  When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone, when the kings and shepherds have found their way home, the work of Christmas is begun: “I am the light of the world! You people come and follow me!”  If you follow and love you’ll learn the mystery of what you were meant to do and be.

 

2.  To find the lost and lonely one, to heal the broken soul with love, to feed the hungry children with warmth and good food, to feel the earth below, the sky above! “I am the light of the world! You people come and follow me!”  If you follow and love you’ll learn the mystery of what you were meant to do and be.

 

3.  To free the prisoner from all chains, to make the powerful care, to rebuild the nations with strength of good will, to see God’s children everywhere! “I am the light of the world! You people come and follow me!”  If you follow and love you’ll learn the mystery of what you were meant to do and be.

 

4.  To bring hope to every task you do, to dance at a baby’s new birth, to make music in an old person’s heart, and sing to the colours of the earth! “I am the light of the world! You people come and follow me!”  If you follow and love you’ll learn the mystery of what you were meant to do and be.

 

BENEDICTION/COMMISSIONING

 

SENDING FORTH: (Tune: Edelweiss)

May the Lord, Loving Lord, bless and keep you forever.  Grant us peace, perfect peace, faith in every endeavour.  Lift your eyes and you’ll see God’s face, know God’s grace forever.  May the Lord, Loving Lord, bless and keep your forever.

 

ORGAN POSTLUDE

 

 

A Personal Prayer for the New Year:

God of beginnings, be with me as I ring in the New Year. Be with my family and friends, my church, my community, my nation and this whole wide world of people who are waking up to a fresh start.  And please be with me too! Thank you, God, for all you have in store for me this year. Let me be a willing partner in your plans for me and for this world which you created in your image. In your holy name I pray.  AMEN.

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS & MEETINGS

Worship Leader for Sunday January 11th:

Rev. Dr. Peter Bartlett

Lay Reader for Sunday January 11th:

Beatrice Moffitt

Greeter for Sunday January 11th:

Linda & David Shane

 

 

MEETINGS:  The Stewards will be meeting at 1:00 pm this Tuesday January 6th.  Please note, the Session will not be meeting until February 3rd.

 

OFFERING ENVELOPES:  The 2026 offering envelopes are at the back of the church.  If you have difficulty finding your envelopes, please to talk Don Coleman after the service.

 

BLESSING BOX:  Do you have any spare change in your pocket or purse?  If so, the Blessing Box is located at the back of the church sanctuary.  All funds received go towards sending kids to Camp Quin Mo Lac.  Thank you for your support.

 

COMMUNITY WINTER BREAKFASTS:  We will be hosting a series of community breakfasts starting this Saturday January 10th.  These breakfasts will take place every Saturday for the month of January at 8:30 am.  We hope you can plan to attend.

 

UCW:  The UCW ladies will be meeting on Wednesday January 28th at 12:30 pm in the church Memorial Room.  All women are welcome to join.

 

TRINITY CHOIR PRACTICE:  A friendly reminder that our practices will resume next Thursday January 15th in the church sanctuary at 1:30 pm.

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL:  Sunday school will resume next Sunday January 11th.  Thank you.

 

MISSED A SUNDAY?:  If you were unable to attend any of our advent services, our annual Christmas choir concert, or Christmas Eve service, you can view them online from our website.

 https://www.h-vpastoralcharge.org/onlineservices.htm

 

ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING:  It’s that time of year once again!  For those who are the chair of the church committees, please submit your reports to the office no later than Sunday January 18th.  Please plan to attend our next Annual General Meeting which will take place on Sunday February 22nd following church service in the hall.