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 Associate Minister: Rev. Dr. Peter Bartlett

Retired Voluntary Minister: The Rev’d. 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.

 

 

April 3rd, 2026 – Good Friday

Worship Leader:  Rev. Micheline Montreuil

Lay Reader:  John McDougall

 

WE GATHER

 

ORGAN PRELUDE

GREETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE

 

CALL TO WORSHIP:

 

HYMN: “Beneath the Cross of Jesus”   (VU #135)

1.  Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand:  the shadow of a mighty rock within a weary land, a home within the wilderness, a rest upon the way, from the burning of the noontide hear and the burden of the day.

 

2.  Upon the cross of Jesus my eyes at times can see the very dying form of one who suffered there for me; and from my smitten heart, with tears, two wonders I confess, the wonder of his glorious love, and my unworthiness.

 

3.  I take, O cross, your shadow for my abiding place; I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of his face, content to let the world go by, to know no gain nor loss, my sinful self my only shame, my glory all, the cross.

 

 

Scripture Sentences: (Responsive)

Psalm 22-Part 1   (VU #744-745)

Part One (1-18)

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

 

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Why are you so far from helping me, from the cry of my distress?

O my God, I cry out in the daytime, but you do not answer;

At night also, but I get no relief.  My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

 

But you are the Holy One, enthroned upon the praises of Israel.

In you our ancestors trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them.

They called to you, and you rescued them.

In you they put their trust, and you did not disappoint them.

But I am a worm, less than human,

An object of derision, an outcast of the people.

All those who see me laugh me to scorn, they curl their lips and toss their heads, saying:

“You trusted in God for deliverance.  If God cares for you, let God rescue you!”

But you are the One who took me out of the womb.  You kept me safe on my mother’s breast.

On you have I depended from my birth.  Even from my mother’s womb, you have been my God.  My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

 

Do not be far from me, for trouble is close at hand,

And there is no one to help me.

Many bulls encircle me, strong bulls of Bashan surround me.

They open wide their mouths atg me, like a ravenous, roaring lion.

My life pours out like water;

All my bones are out of joint;

My heart has melted like wax within my breast;

My mouth is parched as dry clay;

My tongue clings to my palate.

I lie in the dust of death.

Dogs surround me;

The wicked hem me in on every side.

They bind my hands and my feet;

I can count all my bones, while they stand staring, gloating over me.

They divide my garments among themselves;

They cast lots for my clothing.  My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

 

CHORAL INTROIT: “Ten Thousand Angels”

 

PRAYER of Approach and Confession:  (Unison)

Gracious God, we know that you are always with us, yet at times you seem distant.  In those times, God, we know that we can call upon Jesus, who also knows what it is like to be distant from you.  On the cross, Jesus asked why you, his Father, had forsaken him.  Jesus knew you were not far away, yet he felt alone and forsaken.  Help us God, when we feel alone and forsaken, to call upon Jesus who will intercede for us.  Loving God, we confess this day our part in the crucifixion.  Created for good, again and again we have chosen to turn away from you.  We surrender ourselves to sin, becoming bound up in false desires and wrong choices that bring harm to ourselves and others.  We are broken, as individuals and as societies, and as a result our lives and our world are places where injustice, violence and hatred thrive.  Yet in the life of Jesus, we discover a different way, where evil cannot undermine or overcome your love, where you forgive, reconcile and transform us.  On this day, when we recall Good Friday, that terrible and wonderful day, we pray that the power revealed in Jesus Christ will help us to turn away from sin and turn toward you.  We ask for continued presence, O God, as we worship you today.  In the strong name of Jesus we pray.  AMEN.

 

WORDS OF ASSURANCE AND GRACE

 

CHOIR ANTHEM:  “God So Loved the World”

 

LENTEN CANDLE LITURGY – SUNDAY SCHOOL

Leader:  The season of Lent is nearly over.  Never doubt its meaning.  It happened a long time ago, but what also happened is that Jesus lived and walked on this earth. He practiced a ministry of open invitation and inclusion, drawing to himself people from all the varied structures and conditions of society.  He lived a life manifesting the power of Godly goodness. His death terrifies us, because it reveals how committed the world is to its own way, and the price the world exacts from those who seek the way of gracious Godly living.  As we extinguish this light, we acknowledge the darkness and pain of all the children in the world who suffer in body, in mind and in spirit.

 

(The Christ candle is extinguished.)

 

Let us pray: 

All:  What we contemplate this day is beyond words, beyond understanding.  May the Holy Spirit intercede for us and give voice to what, for us, is inexpressible.  Amen.

 

Hymn: “Abide with Me”   (vs. 5-VU #436)

Hold now your Cross before my closing eyes,

Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies,

Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee

In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me

 

The Lord’s Prayer

 

 

WE GIVE BACK

 

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

 

INVITATION TO BRING AN OFFERING:

Jesus Christ freely gave up his life for us.  How can we not respond?  Such a gift demands our lives, our all.  Let us then offer our gifts and our lives today in gratitude for a gift that cannot be repaid. 

 

DEDICATION OF THE OFFERING (Standing)  (Tune VU #81)

Thanks for gifts all persons bring, love and trust and open hands.  While we join our praise and sing, help us do what love demands.  God all this in prayer we raise, let us bring forth better days.

        

OFFERTORY PRAYER (Unison)

Generous, giving, loving God, the sacrifice of Jesus the Christ has set us free from death.  As we place our gifts before you now, we pray that they will give life to us the givers and also give life to those who receive them.  Bless us and bless our gifts that they may speak of Christ’s life to others and for others.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  AMEN.

 

 

WE LISTEN

 

SCRIPTURE READING: John 18

 

Hymn: “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”   (VU #149)

1.  When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of glory died, my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.

 

2.  Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast save in the death of Christ, my God: all the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to his blood.

 

3.  See from his head, his hands, his feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down!  Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown?

 

4.  Were the realm of nature mine, that were a present far too small: love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.

 

SCRIPTURE READING: John 19

 

MESSAGE: “WHAT’S GOOD ABOUT GOOD FRIDAY?”

 

HYMN: “Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross”   (VU #142)

1.  Jesus, keep me near the cross; there a previous fountain, free to all, a healing stream, flows from Calvary’s mountain.

In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever, till my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river.

 

2.  Near the cross, a trembling soul, love and mercy found me; there the bright and morning star sheds its beams around me.

In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever, till my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river.

 

3.  Near the cross! O Lamb of God, bring its scenes before me; help me walk from day to day with its shadow o’er me.

In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever, till my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river.

 

4.  Near the cross I’ll watch and wait, hoping, trusting ever, till I reach the golden strand just beyond the river.

In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever, till my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river.

 

PASTORAL PRAYER

 

 

WE GO FORTH

 

HYMN: “Good Friday Hallelujah”  

1.  A crown of thorns placed on His head

He knew that He would soon be dead

He said did you forget me

Father did you?

They nailed Him to a wooden cross

Soon all the world would feel the loss

Of Christ the King before us, Hallelujah

 

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

 

2.  He hung His head and prepared to die

Then lifted His face up to the sky

Said I am coming home now

Father to you

A reed which held His final sip

Was gently lifted to His lips

He drank His last

and gave His soul to glory

 

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

 

3.  The soldier who had used his sword

To pierce the body of our Lord

Said truly this was

Jesus Christ our Savior

He looked with fear upon his sword

Then turned to face his Christ and Lord

Fell to his knees crying Hallelujah

 

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

 

4.  Took from His head the thorny crown

And wrapped Him in a linen gown

And laid Him down to rest

inside the tomb

The holes in His hands, His feet and side

Now in our hearts we know He died

To save us from ourselves oh Hallelujah

 

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

 

5.  Three days went by again they came

To move the stone to bless the slain

With oil and spice anointing Hallelujah

But as they went to move the stone

They saw that they were not alone

But Jesus Christ has risen Hallelujah

 

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

 

BENEDICTION/COMMISSIONING

 

SENDING FORTH: (In Unison)   (VU #140)

Crucified saviour, naked God, you hang disgraced and powerless. Grieving, we dare to hope, as we wait at the cross with your mother and your friend.

 

***We leave the sanctuary in silence***

 

 

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 Associate Minister: Rev. Dr. Peter Bartlett

Retired Voluntary Minister: The Rev’d. 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.

 

Sunday, April 5, 2026

Worship Leader:  Ian Mackay

Lay Reader:  Jane Mackay

EASTER CELEBRATION

 

 

WE GATHER

 

ORGAN PRELUDE 

GREETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS 

 

HYMN:  “Jesus Christ Is Risen Today”   (VU #155)

 1. Jesus Christ is risen today, hallelujah! Our triumphant holy day, hallelujah! Who did once, upon the cross, hallelujah! Suffer to redeem our loss. Hallelujah!

 

2. Hymns of praise then let us sing hallelujah! Unto Christ, our heavenly King, hallelujah! Who endured the cross and grave, hallelujah! Sinners to redeem and save. Hallelujah!

 

3. But the pains which he endured, hallelujah! Our salvation have procured; hallelujah! Now above the sky he’s King, hallelujah! Where the angels ever sing. Hallelujah!

 

4. Sing we to our God above, hallelujah! Praise eternal as God’s love; hallelujah! Praise our God, ye heavenly host, hallelujah! Praise the Son and Holy Ghost.  Halelujah!

 

SCRIPTURE SENTENCES

 

CHORAL INTROIT:  “He Is Risen”

 

EASTER LITANY 

One:  Sing the glad hymns of victory.  God is creating a day of newness and joy.

All:  God is our strength and our song.  This is the day of salvation.

One:  Christ has been raised for the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.

All:  The One who was rejected assures us:  We are accepted and beloved by God.

One:  We are chosen by God as witnesses to good news.  We will live and recount the deeds of our God.

All:  God reigns; let all creation rejoice.  In Christ we are all made alive.  Alleluia!  Alleluia!

 

EASTER PRAYER:  (unison)

Amazing and surprising God, we come to this festive day with great rejoicing.  Show us our salvation in the depths of our beings so we can forever be assured.  Roll away the stones that keep us from all that is righteous and true.  Because of your affirming power of life, may we choose to live today and every day as steadfast disciples of Christ.  Amen.

 
ANTHEM:  “He Lives”

 

EASTER CANDLE LITURGY – Sunday School

Leader:  This is Easter Day, the day of resurrection, proclaiming the transforming power of God.  The light returns and we give thanks that God’s redeeming love has been, is now, and ever will be at work within us.  Christ is alive and living among us!  As we light the candles, we acknowledge that there is still much pain and suffering in the world, but we place our trust in God and in the way shown by Jesus Christ.  In the midst of darkness, there is light. In the pain of death, there is life.  In the face of evil’s power, God is at work in us and in the world, bestowing love, and life triumphant.  Christ is risen.  Christ is risen and alive in us.  Let us rejoice!

 

(All Lenten and Christ candles are re-lit.)

 

Proclamation by everyone: 

Alleluia!  Christ is risen; Christ is risen indeed!

 

Hymn:  “Christ Is Alive”  (sung seated)   (vs. 5  VU #158)

Christ is alive, and comes to bring good news to this and every age,

till earth and sky and ocean sing with joy, with justice, love and praise.

 

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, for ever and ever.   Amen.

 

(Children and teachers may leave for church school classes.)

 

WE GIVE BACK

 

 

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

 

DEDICATION OF THE OFFERING  (standing)  tune Forest Green  (vs. 3 VU #518)

With gratitude and humble trust we bring our best to you, not just to serve your cause but share your love with neighbors too.  O God, who gave yourself to us in Jesus Christ your son, help us to give ourselves each day until life’s work is done.

          

OFFERTORY PRAYER   (unison)   

When our hopes lie buried, O God, your miracles occur.  Accomplish greater things that we could imagine with this offering that we make.  You grant us life in its abundance.   Enlist us now as co-workers with Christ, wherever that summons to service may lead.  Amen.

 

 

WE LISTEN

 

GOSPEL:  Matthew 28: 1 – 10

 

HYMN:  “Welcome Happy Morning”   (VU #161)

1.  Welcome, happy morning! Age to age shall say; hell today is vanquished, heaven is won today: come then, True and Faithful, now fulfill your word; this is your third morning: rise, O buried Lord!

Welcome, happy morning! Age to age shall say; hell today is vanquished, heaven is won today!

                                                                   

2.  Earth with joyful welcome clothes itself for spring; greets with life reviving our returning king: flowers in every pasture, leaves on every bough, speak of sorrows ended; Jesus triumphs now!

Welcome, happy morning! Age to age shall say; hell today is vanquished, heaven is won today!

 

3.  Author and sustainer, source of life and breath; you for our salvation trod the path of death: Jesus Christ is living, God for evermore!  Now let all creation hail him and adore.

Welcome, happy morning! Age to age shall say; hell today is vanquished, heaven is won today!

 

4.  Loose our souls imprisoned, bound with Satan’s chain; al that now is fallen, raise to life again!  Show your face in brightness, shine the whole world through; hope returns with daybreak, life returns with you.

Welcome, happy morning! Age to age shall say; hell today is vanquished, heaven is won today!

 

SERMON:  “Looking For a Miracle?”

 

PREPARATION FOR PRAYER:  “Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying”   (VU #400)

Lord, listen to your children praying,

Lord, send your Spirit in this place;

Lord, listen to your children praying,

Send us love, send us power, send us grace!

 

PASTORAL PRAYER

 

WE GO FORTH

 

HYMN:  “Hey Now, Sing Hallelujah!”   (MV #121)

 

BENEDICTION  

 

SENDING FORTH:  “May the God of Hope”   (VU ##424)

May the God of hope go with us every day,

Filling all our lives with love and joy and peace.

May the God of justice speed us on our way,

Bringing light and hope to every land and race.

        

Refrain:

Praying, let us work for peace,

Singing, share our joy with all,

Working, for a world that’s new,

Faithful, when we hear Christ’s call.

 

May the God of healing free the earth from fear,

Freeing us for peace, both treasured and pursued.

May the God of love keep our commitment clear

To a world restored, to human life renewed.

 

POSTLUDE:  “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”

 

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS & MEETINGS

Worship Leader for Sunday April 12th

Rev. Micheline Montreuil

Lay Reader for Sunday April 12th

Julia Goodfellow

 

MEETINGS:  The next meeting of the Stewards and Session will take place this Tuesday April 7th.  Stewards will meet at 1:00 pm, and Session will meet at 2:00 pm.

 

FELLOWSHIP:  We will be having potluck fellowship following the service on Sunday April 19th.  Please bring any food items (salads, sandwiches, eggs, crock pot dishes, etc) that you would like to share with others. 

 

FOODBANK NEEDS:  The Verona Satellite Foodbank will be open again this April 9th at the Verona Free Methodist Church and is asking for donations of the following:

·      Jam

·      Canned Meat (Tuna, Ham, Chicken, Salmon)

·      Canned Chunky Soup

·      Canned Fruit

·      Personal Hygiene Items (shampoo, deodorant)

 

Easter Morning Light

 

Easter morning wakes the land,

With gentle sun and blossoms grand.

Hope arrives on feathered wings,

In pastel skies, new joy it brings.

 

The stone is moved, the shadows flee,

Love restores what’s meant to be.

From quiet dawn to songs of cheer,

New life whispers, Hope is here!