HARROWSMITH-VERONA PASTORAL CHARGE

UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA

Worship Time:  10 am at Trinity, Verona

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

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, July 26, 2026

Worship Leader:  Ian Mackay

Lay Reader:  Muriel York

 

WE GATHER

 

ORGAN PRELUDE  

GREETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS 

LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE

 

HYMN:  “O Lord My God”   (VU #238)

1.  O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder consider all the works thy hand hath made, I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder, thy power throughout the universe displayed.  Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee, How great thou art!  How great thou art!  Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee, How great thou art!  How great thou art!

 

2.  When through the woods and forest glades I wander, I hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees; when I look down from lofty mountain grandeur and hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze.  Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee, How great thou art!  How great thou art!  Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee, How great thou art!  How great thou art!

 

3.  But when I think that God, his Son not sparing, sent him to die, I scarce can take it in, that on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, he bled and died to take away my sin.  Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee, How great thou art!  How great thou art!  Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee, How great thou art!  How great thou art!

 

4.  When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!  Then I shall bow in humble adoration and there proclaim, “My God, how great thou art!”  Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee, How great thou art!  How great thou art!  Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee, How great thou art!  How great thou art!

 

SCRIPTURE SENTENCES

 

CHORAL INTROIT:  “Don’t Be Afraid”   (MV #90)

 

LITANY OF APPROACH

One:  How majestic is God’s name in all the earth!  We see God’s glory in the vastness of the heavens.

All:  All plants and animals are God’s creation.  All that God has made reflects God’s goodness.

One:  We are created in God’s image, to relate to God.  We receive great abundance and care from our Creator.

All:  God blesses us day by day with good things.  We are given dominion over the works of God.

One:  Gather to praise God and greet one another.  Celebrate all the ways God is revealed to us.

All:  We worship the Creator and Sustainer of all things.  We rejoice in Christ’s promise of the Holy Spirit.

 

OPENING PRAYER  (unison)

Holy God, you are known to us in more ways than we can count.  We marvel at the mysteries of life, and wonder at your attention to our lives, and to this good earth.  Our lifetimes are but a tiny ripple in your eternity.  You have honoured us and this earth by revealing yourself in the life of the world, and the ministry of Jesus.  Let us experience your presence in the stewardship of your creation.  Amen.

 

ANTHEM:  “Like a Healing Stream”   (MV #144)

 

WE LISTEN

 

OLD TESTAMENT:  Isaiah 35:1 - 10

 

HYMN:   “All Praise to You”   (VU #297)

1.  All praise to you, O God of all creation: you made the world, and it is yours alone.  The planet earth you spun in its location amid the stars adorning heaven’s dome.  We lease the earth but for a life’s duration, yet for this life it is our cherished home.

 

2.  With wondrous grace you clothed the earth in splendour; with teeming life you filled the sea and land.  Instil in us a sense of awe and wonder when we behold the bounty of your hand.  Then when we hear the voice of bird or thunder, we hear the voice our faith can understand.

 

3.  To tend the earth is our entrusted duty, for earth is ours to use and not abuse.  O gracious God true source of all resources, forgive our greed that wields destruction’s sword.  Then let us serve as wise and faithful stewards while earth gives glory to creation’s Lord.

 

SERMON:  “World of Wonder”

 

WE GIVE BACK

 

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

 

DEDICATION OF THE OFFERING  (standing)   tune: Wareham   

(VU  #292)

O Lord, help us share your saving word,

Through these our gifts we offer now,

That your love-song of peace and joy,

May through the land of earth resound.

        

OFFERTORY PRAYER  (unison)

O God, we come to dedicate ourselves, what we have and who we are, to realize your reign on earth.   As we enjoy your bounty we give that others may also come to appreciate the amazing gifts you entrust to us.  Thank you for life and planet earth and all its wonders.  Amen.

                                          

PREPARATION FOR PRAYER:  “Take Time to be Holy”   (VU #672)  (sung seated)

Take time to be holy, speak oft with your Lord;

Abide in him always and feed on his Word.

Make friends with God’s children, help those who are weak,

Forgetting in nothing God’s blessing to seek. 

 

PASTORAL PRAYER

 

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.

 

WE GO FORTH

 

HYMN:   “O God, Beyond All Face and Form”   (VU #304)

1.  O God, beyond all face and form, you willed it that creation’s night should blaze and chaos still its storm, and birth a universe of light.  All things below, all things above are formed of your eternal love.

 

2.  The glory of the galaxies, the beauty of a baby’s hand, the thundering of restless seas, the glory of the forest’s stand;  All things below, all things above are formed of your eternal love.

 

3.  You gave our race both form and name, and love for us was your intent.  Then to a woman’s womb love came, and on a cross was wholly spent.  All things below, all things above are formed of your eternal love.

 

4.  Of this great love, all loves are born, of self, of neighbour, and of earth.  By love shall night be turned to mourn, and death shall never conquer birth.  All things below, all things above are formed of your eternal love.

 

BENEDICTION   

 

SENDING FORTH:   “Go In Peace”

Go in peace and the peace of God be with you this day.

Go in peace and the peace of God be with you alway.

Celebrate and share the joy! Celebrate new Life!

Go in peace and the peace of God be with you alway.

                                                                 

ORGAN POSTLUDE

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS & MEETINGS

Worship Leader for Sunday September 6th:

Rev. Christopher Walker

Lay Reader for Sunday September 6th:

Beatrice Moffitt

 

 

VISITORS:  We wish to extend a warm welcome to you.  If you would like a copy of our newsletter to read, please pick one up at the back of the sanctuary today.

 

CLOSURE INFORMATION:  Please note we will be closed for the month of August.  This includes our church office.  Voicemails and emails WILL be checked frequently throughout the day.  Should you need pastoral care, please contact the church office either by email or phone (office@h-vpastoralcharge.org or 613-374-2777) or Rev. Ian Mackay at 613-374-3691.

 

THANK YOU:  A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped with our potluck fellowship last Sunday.  Many hands make for light work, and it was very much appreciated.  Mark your calendars, we will resume our potluck fellowships when we return in September; the next potluck will be Sunday September 20th.

 

IN SYMPATHY:  There is a card at the back, should you wish to sign it to show our support to Rev. Micheline Montreuil on the passing of her sister.  A floral bouquet and card will be delivered to Rev. Micheline on behalf of the congregation here at Trinity.

 

INVITATION:  During our closure in August, the Verona Free Methodist Church has personally invited the congregation of Trinity to attend their weekly Sunday services, should you wish to attend.  Their service begins at 10:00 am.  Everyone is Welcome.

 

LIVING IN THE LIGHT:  The East Central Ontario Region UCW will once again be hosting their annual weekend gathering on Friday September 11 to 13th at Camp Quin-Mo-Lac.  This year’s theme is Living in the Light with keynote speaker Rev. Cheryl McMurray.  You will enjoy great friends, great food and great fun.  Please register by August 15th.  For more information or to register, please speak to Darlene Nicol 613-374-3276

 

FOODBANK REQUESTS:  As our church will be closed in August, we are asking the congregation to consider increasing their June and July donations to help the summer Foodbanks. The Verona Satellite Foodbank will be open again on Thursday August 13th at the Verona Free Methodist Church and is asking for donations of the following:

 

·   Canned fruit

·   Shreddies and Rice Krispies Cereal

·   Rolled Oats

·   Chocolate Chips

·   Honey

·   Marshmallows

·   Spaghetti Sauce

·   Canned meat (No Tuna Please!)

·   Canned Vegetables

(No Peas Please!)

·   Large Ziplock Bags

·   Dish Detergent

·   Vegetable Oil

·   Paper Towels

·   Pudding Cups