Service Sunday June 15, 2025

HIGHLAND HILLS UNITED CHURCH

Minden, Ontario

SUNDAY, June 15th, 2025

100th Anniversary of the United Church of Canada

All are Welcome!

Guest Speaker: Mardi Tindal, Past Moderator of the United Church of Canada

Worship Leader: Rev. Max Ward

Music Director: Melissa Stephens

(For a Printer Friendly PDF version click this link)
Watch a video recording of the whole service using YouTube below.

The Gathering

WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS:

FOCUSING ON THE LIGHT OF CHRIST:

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TERRITORY: In Unison

Let us, in this place, remember, acknowledge, and give thanks for Indigenous and Metis Peoples, who have been the stewards of this territory since time immemorial. Especially in this place, we honour and acknowledge the Williams and Robinson Treaties that were made with the Original Peoples. May the work of reconciliation and right relations continue among us.

THE APPROACH

CALL TO WORSHIP:

One: We are called to be the Church,

ALL: not only on Sunday mornings as we gather, not only when it suits us, but always and in every place.

One: We are called to celebrate God’s presence,

ALL: through song, through prayer, through action and care for one another, within these four walls and beyond.

One: We are called to live with respect in creation.

ALL: Though the voice of creation comes to us in many languages and forms, we are called to be attentive, to collaborate, and to follow.

One: We are called to love and serve others,

ALL: and we do this, not because of our own rules and laws, but because it is God who asks us to do it, by Christ’s example.

One: We are called to seek justice and resist evil.

ALL: We do so every time we intentionally take time to notice injustice, because evil does not always take the shape we expect. Yet love and service are always in season.

One: We are called to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope.

ALL: Our hope rests in the knowledge that pain, suffering, and even death are only parts of a bigger journey. We trust that Christ will heal our brokenness and that as those who follow Christ, it is possible to celebrate our freedom from bondage.

One: We are called to be the church. God is with us. We are not alone. Let us worship God.

Written by Eric Hebert-Daly, Executive Minister, Eastern Ontario Outaouais Regional Council

Gathering, Pentecost 1 2025, p.31. Used with permission.

HYMN: “Faith of Our Fathers” VU #580

1 Faith of our fathers, living still in spite of dungeon, fire, and sword;

O how our hearts beat high with joy, whene'er we hear that glorious word:

faith of our fathers, holy faith, we will be true to you till death.

2 Faith of our mothers, daring faith, your work for Christ is love revealed,

spreading God's word from pole to pole, making love known and freedom real:

faith of our mothers, holy faith, we will be true to you till death.

3 Faith of our sisters, brothers too, who still must bear oppression's might,

raising on high, in prisons dark, the cross of Christ still burning bright:

faith for today, O living faith, we will be true to you till death.

4 Faith born of God, O call us yet; bind us with all who follow you,

sharing the struggle of your cross until the world is made anew.

Faith born of God, O living faith, we will be true to you till death.

OPENING PRAYER: Spoken in Unison

God in whom we live and move and have our being:

From sea to sea to sea we gather in prayer;

from generation to generation we sing;

on this anniversary we give thanks for your care, guidance and correction.

In this heritage of trust we pray for this United Church

and for faithful living on this land,

Our Source of Life, Living Word, and Bonding Love: Amen.

Catherine MacLean, 2008. © The United Church of Canada

Permission is given for congregations to copy for use in worship.

MINISTRY OF MUSIC:

LEARNING TOGETHER:

NEW HYMN: “Onward All Christ’s People” TUNE: ST. GERTRUDE

1 Onward All Christ’s People, dancing on The Way,

living out of God’s love each and every day.

Christ, our guide and teacher, shows how we’re to go —

Caring for our friend, our neighbour, even for our foe!

Refrain: Onward all Christ’s people, dancing on The Way

living out of God’s love, each and every day.

2 Know though there are moments evil strands its ground;

hate and war and hunger seemingly abound —

in these times, these places, we are called to be,

acting for God’s peace and justice, we will never flee! Refrain

3 Like one great big family, moves the church of God;

siblings, we are dancing where the saints have trod!

Sometimes we’re divided, lost, and feel alone,

then Christ’s Spirit reconciles us, unity is shown. Refrain

Refrain: Onward all Christ’s people, dancing on The Way

living out of God’s love, each and every day.

4 Time, we know, it passes, change is always here,

communities transforming, sometimes out of fear.

But we will remember, whatever change must come,

God’s love and care is reigning o’er us, we will not succumb! Refrain

5 Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng,

blend with ours your voices in this wondrous song:

Glory, laud, and honour unto Christ the King.

this through countless ages we, with angels, sing! Refrain

YOUR GENEROSITY MATTERS

HYMN: “In the Bulb There Is a Flower” VU #703

1 In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree;

in cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!

In the cold and snow of winter there's a spring that waits to be,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

2 There's a song in every silence, seeking word and melody;

there's a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me.

From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

3 In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity;

in our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity.

In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

THE WORD

Scripture: John 12:24-25

Leader: Hear and listen to what the Spirit is saying to the church.

ALL: Thanks be to God.

MESSAGE:

“Heritage Seeds”

Read Mardi’s message at the bottom of this page. (no audio recording today)

OUR RESPONSE

**PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE and THE LORD’S PRAYER: (sung VU #960**)

NEW HYMN “A New Wellspring” Tune: NETTLETON VU #559

1 Now then, let us lift our voices in this hymn of hope and grace.

We have listened to words spoken. Now we know the task we face.

Let us go forth with a strong heart, seeking how we now can bring

Acts of courage, acts of caring, acts that make our spirits sing.

2 Boldly now, we join our voices, as we sing and as we say,

Words that make us ponder deeply how to put these words in play.

Let us go forth with a strong heart, seeking how we now can bring

Acts of justice, acts of daring, acts that make our hearts take wing.

3 As disciples, now we’re willing to act boldly, when we dare,

Hear the many who are helpless, those whose lives are in despair.

Let us go forth with a strong heart seeking how we now can bring

Acts of sowing, acts of tending, acts that birth a new wellspring.

Written by Doris Hollingsworth, Maynooth Madawaska P.C., Maynooth, Ont.

Gathering, Pentecost 1 2025, p.52. Used with permission.

PRESENTATION OF OUR OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY PRAYER

We offer more than the money that is on the plate, O God; we offer our commitment to this local congregation and to the work of the United Church across Canada and worldwide. We ask that the talents and time with which we have been graced and our discipleship to Jesus Christ may combine in faithful service, that “people will know we are Christians by our love.” Amen

Written by David Sparks, Summerland, B.C.

Gathering, Pentecost 1 2025, p.32. Used with permission.

SUNG BLESSING MV #150 vs 4

4 Spirit God: be our breath, be our song.

Blow through us, bringing strength to move on.

Through change, through challenge, we’ll greet the new dawn…

Spirit God, be our song. ©

SENDING FORTH:

One: Beloved, as you go out into the world this year, hold this blessing on your heart: God who created you has chosen you for hope. So, may the Word of Life dance in you like the lights in the northern sky. May the power of the Spirit awaken your heart with awe, And may your witness awaken the world in which you live. May we travel together, listen together, love together, and grow together in the life of Christ, as the Body of Christ. For we are called to life— to live a Deep Spirituality, a Bold Discipleship, and a Daring Justice in Christ’s name, through whom all things are possible.

A Time of Fellowship

June 15th 2025 Highland Hills UC Sermon: Heritage Seeds (also Father's Day)

Prayer before preaching: May every thought...

I don't agree to preach very often these days, but how could I say no to you? You've

welcomed us generously into this beloved community and getting to know and see your

gifts at work has been a gift.

My friend, Lois Wilson, the former Moderator, died last September at the age of 97. She

and my Mom were born just a couple of years apart and shared a strong faith, a

devotion to family, and love of their church. Also they were both tiny. You'd think a

breeze could blow them over. You'd be wrong.

Each of their lives had a huge impact on me and perhaps Lois had an impact on you

too. Their personal stories meld with the story of the United Church of Canada over the

past century.

Mom was a farmer and gardener. She is largely responsible for my felt connection to

land and water. One of my favourite stories about Mom comes from when Doug and I

took her to dinner at a very fancy restaurant. Mom's dinner came with some sliced

tomatoes. She commented on how tasty they were in the hearing of our server. "Oh

yes," he said, "they're heritage tomatoes." Without another word she took a tissue from

her purse, scooped allthe seeds into it, and tucked them away. Rather unusual

behaviour, I suspect, for guests in that particular dining room. But, you see, Mom took

seeds seriously. Under her care they bore delicious fruit the following summer and for

many more summers to come.

That memory helps me better appreciate why, 100 years ago, at the inaugural

service of the United Church of Canada, The Rev. Samuel Rose chose to preach from

John 12 . lt was an unusual choice for a June 1Oth service, given that it is set during the

week before Passover, the week leading to Jesus' crucifixion, death and resurrection.

We more often hear it during Lent. I tend to think of it as a description of how Jesus

prepared his friends for his death. But really, Jesus was trying to prepare them for life

following his death. l-'lere is the passage again, in Eugene Peterson's paraphrase:

1

"Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is

never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself

many times over. ln the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that

Iife. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you'll have it forever, real and eternal."

I think there are two, very distinct lessons in this passage

First, the obvious. Seeds don't bear fruit unless we let them go and bury them. A seed is

a promise of future abundance which can be achieved only by entrusting the seed to the

earth.

But there's more. Seeds don't last forever. They are viable for only so long. lf we hold

onto them too long, without surrendering them to life-giving forces beyond aur control,

they will die. The promise of abundance will be unfulfilled. I believe that's why the

scripture suggests we must be reckless with our love.

As Rev. Rose said in 1925,a life governed by the maxim "safety first," is a lost life. He

went on, "We must admit that institutionalism runs too readily into selfishness, and

comes too easily to think of itplf as essential...What an ideal for the United Church of

Canada to set before herself," he said, "willing as a grain of wheat to die, if thus she

may enter into a larger life; ready to be "lifted up."

Some pretty potent heritage seeds in his words, l'd say.

And thanks to Chris Archer, who shared with me this order of service from 25th

anniversary service of the United Church, l've been thinking about lVloderator William

Brewing's message at that time. He spoke of an old maxim that served our church as it

formed: "ln essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in allthings charity."

Doug and I have found this wisdom alive at Highland Hills, and as we have come

to understand more of your story we've been impressed by how you nurture this wisdom. This congregation was made possible because you were all willing to surrender some of

what you used to take for granted to the life-giving force of the Spirit which moves

beyond aur control.

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Those of you from Minden UC had to let go of things in order to welcome the good folks

of Zion and Maple Lake, and those of you from Zion and Maple Lake also had to let go

of the familiar, to help tend and help grow a new garden here at Highland Hills.

I don't need to tell you that change is never easy. As a farmer's daughter ! know that

every season has its unanticipated annoyances and impediments to growth. ln the

same way, I'm sure your coming together has had its challenges. But every season also

holds unexpected blessings. I honour the seeds you have been willing to entrust to fhe

life-giving force of the Spirit which rnoves beyond our control, and the growth that is

emerging from them. You have chosen the way of life over death and you are making

life better for this community, for the sake of God's world.

Together, we continue to take the heritage seeds of our faith and plant them here - both

literally and metaphorically. Today's supply of about 100 scarlet red runner bean seeds

is thanks to Jan. She and Thomas will lovingly plant them on your behalf and you are welcome to take a seed to plant at home too. That's the

literal part.

As you do that, I invite you to consider the metaphor. What do you want to plant here at

Highland Hills (or at Norland, Kinmount or wherever you're visiting from)? What gifts will

you dedicate to God's mysterious work where you are planted? What gifts are you

called to contribute? What, perhaps, are you called to let go?

You don't need to keep these things a secret! I invite you to have conversations with

others about what you offer joyfully to Christ's ministry, and what more you might want

to offer. Holy fl/ystery works in those places where our joy meets community needs.

We former moderators have a little club. We stay in touch periodically through email. lt

happened that Lois Wilson was in Fredericton visiting family when she fell ill last

August. Peter Short, another former moderator, lives in Fredericton and he visited Lois

daily. They normally read or recited the Psalms together, and with her blessing, Peter

3

offered us regular email updates. We were all with Peter and Lois in spirit from August

20th to the morning of her passing on September 13th.

On August 28th, Peter wrote: "As you might imagine Lois does not suffer confinement

gladly. ln fact, she is ready to die. She discusses this freely with the doctors and with

her family, all of whom were with her today. This is not to say she is desolate, more that

she is impatient to get moving. Today we began with Psalm 40. I said the first line, 'l

waited patiently for the Lord' and then I stopped. Lois carried it on with, '/ waited

impatiently."'

Peter continued with his email, "l asked if there is something she wanted to say to you,

the friends who have shared so much with her. She said, 'Keep the faith, run the race.'

She didn't want to hide anything from you, she wanted you to know the stage she is at.

Brave and straightforward as always."

Jesus didn't keep anything from his friends before his death either. lf we are to honour

the love of Christ in Jesus, and in faithful ancestors like Lois, we can't be dedicated to

"safety first," or to holding on to what we've been given and thwarting the promise of

God's abundance. "Running the race," as Lois said, always involves risk. But failing to

run the race risks letting a seed die with its promise unfulfilled.

The last time I saw Lois was June 9th last year. We served communion together at the

worship service launching the United Church's centennial year. After standing still with

the communion cup for what seemed like an age, she was a bit shaky. But at the end of

the service, with her walking poles swinging, she strode confidently down the aisle, out

the doors of the church, into the bustling city, and along the street for several blocks, to

where she & I joined others for dinner.

5..1o a- -)

Lois never wanted to stand still. May the same be said of us and may we plant our

seeds with reckless love. Amen.

4

The Gathering

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TERRITORY: In Unison

THE APPROACH

CALL TO WORSHIP:

HYMN: “Faith of Our Fathers” VU #580

MINISTRY OF MUSIC:

LEARNING TOGETHER:

NEW HYMN: “Onward All Christ’s People” TUNE: ST. GERTRUDE

YOUR GENEROSITY MATTERS

HYMN: “In the Bulb There Is a Flower” VU #703

THE WORD

MESSAGE:

“Heritage Seeds”

OUR RESPONSE

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE and THE LORD’S PRAYER: (sung VU #960)

NEW HYMN “A New Wellspring” Tune: NETTLETON VU #559

PRESENTATION OF OUR OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY PRAYER

SUNG BLESSING MV #150 vs 4

SENDING FORTH:

A Time of Fellowship

Weekly Church Announcements June 15, 2025

Weekly Church Announcements June 8, 2025

Highland Hills Pastoral Charge

**PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE and THE LORD’S PRAYER: (sung VU #960**)