Service Sunday July 12, 2026
HIGHLAND HILLS UNITED CHURCH
Minden, Ontario
All are Welcome!
Worship Leader: Rev. Max Ward
Music Director: Melissa Stephens
Watch a video recording of the whole service using YouTube below
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THE GATHERING
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
FOCUSING ON THE LIGHT OF CHRIST
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TERRITORY In Unison
Since time immemorial, Indigenous peoples have occupied and cared for this land, the country we call Canada, from coast to coast to coast. In naming this land upon which we live, specifically Haliburton Highlands and environs, we acknowledge this land as the traditional home of the Mississauga and the Ojibwe Anishnabek peoples and others who journeyed here.
As a community of faith, we seek to build right relations with the first Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples, to learn from them, and to live on the land with respect and gratitude for its Creation and Creator. This is our Commitment. Amen
Written by Bill Perry, Bellville, Ont.
Gathering, Pentecost 1 2026, p.37. Used with permission.
THE APPROACH
CALL TO WORSHIP:
One: Welcome to this service in the midst of summer warmth and colour
All: We have come, excited to experience God’s Word in scripture.
One: We are here to praise our Creator and give our thanks.
All: We have come to raise our spirits to the heavens in song.
One: We are here to offer prayers for a better world for everyone.
All: We gather here as one community to worship together and be reminded to love one another.
One: We have come as one family of God, eager to be prompted in the ways of holy goodness and loving-kindness.
All: Come, let us worship God.
Written by Rosemary Godin, Sydney, N.S.
Gathering, Pentecost 1 2026, p.39. Used with permission.
HYMN: “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry” VU #644
1 I was there to hear your borning cry,
I'll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized,
to see your life unfold.
2 I was there when you were but a child,
with a faith to suit you well;
in a blaze of light you wandered off
to find where demons dwell.
3 When you heard the wonder of the word,
I was there to cheer you on;
you were raised to praise the living Lord,
to whom you now belong.
4 If you find someone to share your time
and you join your hearts as one,
I'll be there to make your verses rhyme
from dusk till rising sun.
5 In the middle ages of your life,
not too old, no longer young.
I'll be there to guide you through the night,
complete what I've begun.
6 When the evening gently closes in
and you shut your weary eyes,
I'll be there as I have always been
with just one more surprise.
7 I was there to hear your borning cry,
I'll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized,
to see your life unfold.
OPENING PRAYER: Spoken in Unison
It is a blessing to come together to worship you, Holly God. It is wonderful to encounter our friends at church once again, to anticipate making new friends here, and to gather with so many who wish to follow the path that Jesus has laid out for us.
Our hearts are uplifted by the experience of our voices joined together, in addressing you, in singing your praises and in praying.
MINISTRY OF MUSIC
WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The church is a community of people with varied gifts, united by the Holy Spirit. We gather to celebrate God’s presence, to discern God’s truth, and to follow the way of Jesus. By our baptism, we are made members of Christ’s church. We exercise this membership in the denomination to which we belong, which for us is the United Church of Canada, and within the context of a local community of faith. We now welcome into this community of faith several people who are already members of the church of Jesus Christ.
PRESENTATION
On behalf of the Highland Hills United Church’s congregation, I present the following persons whom we welcome into the membership of this community of faith:
Mary Taylor, by Profession of Faith as a new Adherent (she is already a member at her home church)
Barbara Chynoweth, by transfer from Hope United Church in Norland
Della Chynoweth, by transfer from Hope United Church in Norland
Margaret Thompson, by Profession of Faith
Henry Thompson, by Profession of Faith
Alfie Thompson, by Profession of Faith
Anna Thompson, by Profession of Faith
Isabella Thompson, by Profession of Faith
COMMITMENT OF NEW MEMBERS
One: Friends, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ, you do not come to us as strangers, but as sisters and brothers in the Lord. We welcome you to the worship and work of this part of the people of God. We are richer for your presence among us. In order that the community of faith might understand your intentions, I ask you:
One: Will you enter into the life and work of this community of faith, supporting it with your gifts, and sharing in its mission?
I will, with God’s help.
THE WELCOME OF THE CONGREGATION
As a sign that we stand together as the Body of Christ in this community of faith, let us, the members and adherents of Highland Hills United Church, express our welcome and affirm our mutual ministry in Jesus Christ.
ALL: As your brothers and sisters in Christ, we rejoice in the gifts that you bring to us. We promise you our continuing friendship and support, as we live out the mission and ministry of this church together.
PRAYER OF CONSECRATION
Thank you, Lord, for calling us and setting our feet on the way. Walk with us on this shared journey, as we move into an unknown future. We trust that even though we cannot see our destination, we know that we are not alone in the hills and valleys of life. May we continue to grow together, as we serve with joy and gladness. Amen.
WELCOME
In the name of Jesus Christ, we welcome you all to the privileges and responsibilities of membership in our community of faith. We give thanks for your witness among us.
HYMN: “We Are One” VU# 402
1 We are one as we come,
as we come, joyful to be here,
in the praise on our lips
there's a sense that God is near.
We are one as we sing,
as we seek, we are found;
and we come needful of God's grace
as we meet, together in this place.
2 We are one as we share,
as we share brokenness and fear,
in the touch of a hand
there's a sense that God is here.
We are one as we care,
as we heal, we are healed;
and we share warmth in God's embrace
as we pray together in this place.
3 We are one as we feast,
as we feast, peace becomes the sign;
in the bread and the wine
there's a sense of love divine.
We are one as we come,
as we feed, we are fed;
and we feel God's refreshing grace
as we meet at table in this place.
4 We are one as we hear,
as we hear, heart and hand unite;
in the word we receive
there's a sense that God is light.
We are one as we leave,
as we love, we are loved;
and we seek justice in God's ways
as we move together from this place.
THE WORD
Scripture: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Leader: Hear and listen to what the Spirit is saying to the church.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
MESSAGE
“Sowing Seeds of Love”
OUR RESPONSE
CANDLE LIGHTING LITURGY
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE and
THE LORD’S PRAYER: spoken VU#921
HYMN: “Sent Forth By God’s Blessing” VU #481
1 Sent forth by God's blessing, our true faith confessing,
the people of God from this dwelling take leave.
The supper is ended, O now be extended
the fruits of this service in all who believe.
The seed of Christ's teaching, receptive souls reaching,
shall blossom in action for God and for all.
God's grace did invite us, God's love shall unite us
to work for the kingdom and answer its call.
2 With praise and thanksgiving to God ever living,
the tasks of our everyday life we will face.
Our faith ever sharing, in love ever caring,
embracing God's children of each tribe and race.
With your feast you feed us, with your light now lead us;
unite us as one in this life that we share.
Then may all the living with praise and thanksgiving
give honour to Christ and the name that we bear.
PRESENTATION OF OUR OFFERINGS
OFFERTORY PRAYER: In Unison
In response to your call to give of ourselves, we bring these offerings to you. Where it truly represents us and our gifts, accept and multiply them in your love and grace. Amen.
Written by Beth W Johnston, Collaborative Ministry, River Philip and Springhill, N.S...
Gathering, Pentecost 1 2026, p.48. 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:
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.
