HARROWSMITH-VERONA PASTORAL CHARGE

UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA

Worship Time: 10:00 am at Trinity, Verona

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

Retired Voluntary Minister: Rev. Ian MacKay

Office Administrator: Rebecca Peters

Director of Music: Stan Stinchcombe

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, September 27, 2026

Worship Leader: Ian Mackay

Lay Reader: Jane Mackay

WE GATHER

ORGAN PRELUDE

GREETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE

HYMN: “We Praise You, Creator” (VU #293)

1. We praise you, Creator, in earth, sea, and sky: our Ruler, our Maker, our Sovereign most high. Each new generation lifts voices in praise; how good your creation, how gracious your ways!

2. Each springtime the blossoms bloom fragrant once more; each summer and autumn brings forth its rich store. With witness compelling our praise and our prayer, creation is telling of your faithful care.

3. Your wondrous works teach us, Creator, to trace the limitless reaches of your love and grace. Your grace dwells among us, your love goes before; from eldest to youngest we praise and adore.

SCRIPTURE SENTENCES

CHORAL INTROIT: “Spirit, Open My Heart” (MV #79)

LITANY OF APPROACH

One: Come, let us remember God’s presence with us. Let us give ear to all God would teach us.

All: Let all the people praise God’s holy name. Let the earth exalt in the God who reigns over all.

One: The glory of God surrounds us day by day; Our Creator is generous and merciful.

All: Let us sing the praises of our God. Let us proclaim God’s justice and equity.

One: God is at work in us and in all people; The sovereign One has gifted us with Jesus Christ.

All: Let our minds be shaped by the mind of Christ. Let our service follow the patterns Jesus taught.

OPENING PRAYER: (unison)

O God, how shall we know you? How can we experience your presence with us? Do you really know our names and care about each one of us? If we have found favour in your sight, how will that be made known? We cannot see you with our eyes or hear your voice in our ears. Speak to us in language our souls can receive. Enlighten our inner being that joy may radiate in all we do. Work in and among us that we may glimpse your pleasure for all humanity. Amen.

ANTHEM: “Let Us Build a House” (MV #1)

A MINUTE FOR MISSION

FOR ALL AGES

THE 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.

HYMN: “Love Us Into Fullness” (MV #81)

(Children and teachers leave for Sunday School classes)

WE LISTEN

RESPONSIVE PSALM READING: Psalm 25 (VU #752)

To you, O God, I lift my soul, to you I lift my soul.

To you, O God, I lift my soul; my God, in you I trust. Let me not be put to shame, nor let my foes gloat over me.

Let none who wait for you be shamed; let them be shamed who wantonly break faith.

Show me your ways; teach me your paths.

Lead me in your truth and teach me; for you are God my saviour. For you I wait all the day long. To you, O God, I lift my soul, to you I lift my soul.

Remember your mercy, O God, and your steadfast love, for they are as old as time.

Do not remember the sins and offences of my youth, According to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O God! To you, O God, I lift my soul, to you I lift my soul.

You are upright and good, O God, therefore you show the path to those who go astray.

You guide the humble to do what is right, and teach the lowly your way.

All your ways are loving and sure

For those who keep your covenant and commandments. To you, O God, I lift my soul, to you I lift my soul.

GOSPEL READING: Matthew 21:23 - 32

HYMN: “Come, Let Us To the God of Love” (VU #653)

1. Come, let us to the God of love with contrite hearts return: our God is gracious, nor will leave the desolate to mourn.

2. God’s voice commands the tempest forth, and stills the stormy wave; and though God’s arm be strong to smite, ‘tis also strong to save.

3. Long has the night of sorrow reigned, the dawn shall bring us light; God shall appear, and we shall rise with gladness at that sight.

4. As dew upon the tender herb diffusing fragrance round, as showers that usher in the spring and cheer the thirsty ground.

5. So shall God’s presence bless our souls and shed a joyful light; that hallowed mourn shall chase away the sorrows of the night.

SERMON: “The Business of Godly Living”

WE GIVE BACK

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

DEDICATION OF THE OFFERING: (standing) (VU #537)

Your work, O God, needs many hands to help you everywhere, and some there are who cannot serve unless our gifts we share.

Because we love you and your work, our offering now we make:

Be pleased to use it as your own, we ask for Jesus’ sake.

OFFERTORY PRAYER: (unison)

Thank you, God, for the generosity that enables us to share. We are rich in varied ways. Help us empty ourselves of pretense even as we pour out gifts of gratitude. We dedicate our offerings and ourselves in shaping the community you intend, in the spirit of Christ. 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

WE GO FORTH

HYMN: “Worship the Lord” (VU #401)

Worship the Lord (worship the Lord), *worship the Father, the Spirit, the Son, raising our hands (raising our hands) in devotion to God who is one!

1. Raising our hands as a sign of rejoicing, and with our lips our togetherness voicing, giving ourselves to a life of creativeness, worship and work must be one! Worship the Lord (worship the Lord), *worship the Father, the Spirit, the Son, raising our hands (raising our hands) in devotion to God who is one!

2. Praying and training that we be a blessing, and by our handiwork daily confessing: we are committed to serving humanity, worship and work must be one! Worship the Lord (worship the Lord), *worship the Father, the Spirit, the Son, raising our hands (raising our hands) in devotion to God who is one!

3. Called to be partners with God in creation, honouring Christ as the Lord of the nation, we must be ready for risk and for sacrifice, worship and work must be one! Worship the Lord (worship the Lord), *worship the Father, the Spirit, the Son, raising our hands (raising our hands) in devotion to God who is one!

4. Bringing the bread and the wine to the table, asking that we may be led and enabled, truly united to build new communities, worship and work must be one! Worship the Lord (worship the Lord), *worship the Father, the Spirit, the Son, raising our hands (raising our hands) in devotion to God who is one!

5. Now in response to the life you are giving, ^ϔ help us, O Father, to odder our living, seeking a just and a healing society, worship and work must be one! Worship the Lord (worship the Lord), *worship the Father, the Spirit, the Son, raising our hands (raising our hands) in devotion to God who is one!

* or “praise the Creator, the Spirit, the Son”

^ϔ or “help us, Creator”

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 October 4^th:

Rev. Micheline Montreuil

Lay Reader for Sunday October 4^th:

John McDougall

THANK YOU: We had a wonderful fellowship last Sunday. Thank you to all who attended and made food, and for those who organized, set up, and cleaned up.

OCTOBER FELLOWSHIP: Our next church potluck fellowship will be held on Sunday October 18^th, where you will be treated to a turkey lunch (turkey, dressing and buns will be provided. Please bring your favourite Thanksgiving side dish to share with others.

O COME, ALL YE VOCALISTS: Christmas is just around the corner, and we are gearing up for our annual Christmas concert. Whether you are a seasoned singer, haven’t sung in a choir before, or simply love the magic of Christmas music, there is a place for you in our choir! No long-term commitment no auditions are required. We will start to practice on Thursday October 15^th at 1:30 pm.

SPOONS UP: Please mark your calendar and save the date, Trinity will be hosting a fabulous chilli luncheon on Saturday October 24^th. More details to come.

WHO’S WHO IN THE PEW: Great news! The new church directory has been finalized and is officially on its way to publication. We expect the printed booklets to be available within the next few weeks. Thank you to everyone who helped us update our records and for keeping our church family connected.

FOODBANK REQUESTS: The Verona Satellite Foodbank will be open again on Thursday October 8^th at the Verona Free Methodist Church from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, and is looking for donations of the following (and please check expiry dates!):

· *Peanut Butter*	· *Bar Soaps*
· *Disposable razors*	· *Deodorant*
· *Pasta (not spaghetti or elbow!)*	· *Shampoo & conditioner*
· *Cake mix and icing*	· *Jam*
· *Paper towels*	· *Cereal (not cornflakes)*
· *Dish detergent*	· *Canned meat*
· *Vegetable Oil*

PHOTOGRAPHERS NEEDED: Do you have an eye for capturing the beauty and spirit of the United Church of Canada? Submissions are now open for the 2028 Canadian Church Calendar. We are looking for images that celebrate church life inside and out – worship, music, community work, sacred spaces and the changing seasons. Chosen photographers will receive a $100 honorarium, printed credit and a copy of the calendar. Deadline is January 17, 2027 (so don’t worry, you still have lots of time). For more information or to submit your photos please visit: https://united-church.ca/community-and-faith/get-involved/submit-your-photos