HIGHLAND HILLS UNITED CHURCH
Minden, Ontario
SUNDAY, Novemer 1st, 2026
All are Welcome!
Worship Leader: Rev. Max Ward
Music Director: Melissa Stephens
Watch a video recording of the whole service below using YouTube
(For a Printer Friendly PDF version click this link)
(For Rev. Peter’s Musings PDF version click this link)
* = Please rise in body or in spirit or feel free to stay seated
THE GATHERING
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
FOCUSING ON THE LIGHT OF CHRIST
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TERRITORY
In Unison
We respectfully acknowledge that we are participating in this worship on the traditional territories of many different indigenous peoples. With gratitude to all of our First Nations, Metis, Inuit and all First Peoples across Canada, may we remember that we are not separate from the earth which sustains us. We respect the history, languages and cultures of the first peoples of Treaty 20, whose traditional territories we now share. We are grateful and open to the wisdom of the Elders and the teachings of those who are Two Spirit. May their wisdom inspire our actions in today’s world. May we be intentional in our journey to act as we can on the Calls to Action available to us from the Truth and Reconciliation Report
THE APPROACH
CALL TO WORSHIP:
One: Today is the day in the life of the church that we remember the saints.
All: Let’s remember those who suffered bringing the word of God to the world.
One: Let’s remember those who lived what appeared to be perfect, pious lives bringing the word of God to the world.
All: But let’s also remember that we are God’s saints here on earth, sinners called to a new life in Christ.
One: Yes, we are all saints of God because we have been called to be the living witnesses to God’s purposes here and now.
All: We have been set apart for God.
One: We know we are not perfect but we are being transformed.
All: So come, let us worship together, allowing the Holy Spirit to continue our transformations.
Written by Judy Sears, Willowgrove U.C. Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Gathering, Pentecost 2 2026, p.46/47. Used with permission.
* HYMN: “For All the Saints” VU#705
1 For all the saints, who from their labours rest,
all who by faith before the world confessed,
your name, O Jesus, be forever blest.
Hallelujah, hallelujah!
2 You were their rock, their fortress, and their might:
you were their captain in the well-fought fight;
you, in the darkness drear, their one true light.
Hallelujah, hallelujah!
3 O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
yet all are one within your great design.
Hallelujah, hallelujah!
4 The golden evening brightens in the west;
soon, soon to faithful warriors comes their rest;
sweet is the calm of paradise the blest.
Hallelujah, hallelujah!
5 But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day
the saints triumphant rise in bright array:
as God to glory calls them all away.
Hallelujah, hallelujah!
6 From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast,
through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost:
Hallelujah, hallelujah!
A NEW CREED: Spoken in Unison
We are not alone; we live in God’s world.
We believe in God: who has created and is creating,
who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh,
to reconcile and make new, who works in us and others by the Spirit.
We trust in God.
We are called to be the church: to celebrate God’s presence,
to live with respect in Creation, to love and serve others,
to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope. In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God.
MINISTRY OF MUSIC
LEARNING TOGETHER
* HYMN: “My Life Flows On” VU#716
1 My life flows on in endless song,
above earth's lamentation.
I hear the sweet, though far off hymn
that hails a new creation.
Through all the tumult and the strife,
I hear the music ringing:
It finds an echo in my soul -
how can I keep from singing?
2 What though my joys and comforts die?
My Saviour still is living.
What though the shadows gather 'round?
A new song Christ is giving.
No storm can shake my inmost calm,
while to that Rock I'm clinging:
since Love commands both heaven and earth,
how can I keep from singing?
3 When tyrants tremble, sick with fear,
and hear their death knells ringing:
when friends rejoice both far and near,
how can I keep from singing?
In prison cell and dungeon vile
our thoughts to them are winging:
when friends by shame are undefiled,
how can I keep from singing?
4 I lift my eyes; the cloud grows thin;
I see the blue above it;
and day by day this pathway smooths,
since first I learned to love it.
The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,
a fountain ever springing:
all things are mine since I am Christ's -
how can I keep from singing?
THE WORD
Scripture: Matthew 23: 1-12
Leader: Hear and listen to what the Spirit is saying to the church.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
MESSAGE
“Jesus and the Reformation”
OUR RESPONSE
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE and
THE LORD’S PRAYER: sung VU#960
* HYMN: “Shall We Gather at the River” VU #710
1 Shall we gather at the river,
where bright angel feet have trod;
with its crystal tide for ever
flowing by the throne of God?
Refrain Yes, we'll gather at the river,
the beautiful, the beautiful river;
gather with the saints at the river
that flows by the throne of God.
2 Ere we reach the shining river,
lay we every burden down;
grace our spirits will deliver,
and provide a robe and crown. Refrain
3 Soon we'll reach the shining river,
soon our pilgrimage will cease,
soon our happy hearts will quiver
with the melody of peace. Refrain
AFFIRMING MOMENT
PRESENTATION OF OUR OFFERINGS
Collection Plate is located on the back table
OFFERTORY HYMN: VU #538
For the gift of creation, the gift of your love,
and the gift of the Spirit by which we live,
we thank you and give you the fruit of our hands.
May your grace be proclaimed by the gifts that we give.
OFFERTORY PRAYER: In Unison
Let us not take for granted the opportunity we have to participate in your kingdom work, O’God. Your kingdom comes through our offerings. Your kingdom comes through our worship. Your kingdom comes through our shared service in the church and out into the community. Come, Holy Spirit. Bless the offerings and us in service. Amen.
Written by Elaine Bridgood Sveet, Zion Lutheran Church, Minot North Dakota
Gathering, Pentecost 2 2026, p.38 Used with permission.
SUNG BLESSING Christ Has No Body Now but Yours MV #171vs4
Refrain Christ has no body now but yours, no hands but yours.
Here on this earth, yours is the work, to serve with the joy of compassion.
Through ev’ry gift, give back to those in need;
as Christ has blessed, so now be his blessing,
with ev’ry gift a benediction, be to the people of God. Refrain
SENDING FORTH:
A TIME OF FELLOWSHIP
© Music Reproduced with permission under License number A-605748,
Valid for: 26/10/2025 - 25/10/2026; One License - Copyright Cleared Music for Churches.
