Service Sunday August 16, 2026

HIGHLAND HILLS UNITED CHURCH

Minden, Ontario

SUNDAY, August 16, 2026

All are Welcome!

Worship Leader: Rev. Max Ward

Music Director: Melissa Stephens‍

(For a Printer Friendly PDF version click this link)

(For  Rev. Peter’s Musings PDF version click this link)

‍ ‍THE GATHERING

WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS

FOCUSING ON THE LIGHT OF CHRIST

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TERRITORY              In Unison

            As we gather here on the ancestral territory of the Nishnaabeg,

let us be thankful that God/Creator is with us, calling us to be ministers of reconciliation as light for all God’s people.       

THE APPROACH             

CALL TO WORSHIP:   

One:      We live in the moment, and in the past. We struggle to read what is the future.

All:        It is a challenge, and it is a form of grace that God has given us. We need to celebrate the diversity that is within us, and around us. We need to seek understanding of how all things are essential unity.

One:      So let us open to thoughts that challenge and heal, as we wrestle with conflict, questions, and uncertainty.

                                Written by Jim McKean, Orillia, Ont.

                                Gathering, Pentecost 1 2026, p.40.  Used with permission.

HYMN: “O for a World”  VU #697

1      O for a world where everyone

        respects each other's ways,

        where love is lived and all is done

        with justice and with praise.

2      O for a world where goods are shared

        and misery relieved,

        where truth is spoken, children spared,

        equality achieved.

3      We welcome one world family

        and struggle with each choice

        that opens us to unity

        and gives our vision voice.

4      The poor are rich, the weak are strong,

        the foolish ones are wise.

        Tell all who mourn: outcasts belong,

        who perishes will rise.

5      O for a world preparing for

        God's glorious reign of peace,

        where time and tears will be no more,

        and all but love will cease.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT:                          Spoken in Unison

Highland Hills is an inclusive and supportive community of faith that follows the ways and teachings of Jesus Christ.  We offer worship, education, pastoral care and outreach for all.  With a belief in God, we strive to include people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, ages, differing abilities, colour, ethnicity, cultural identity, and economic circumstances, participating in all aspects in the life of the church.  As a community of faith, we publicly declare a commitment to social justice initiatives, care for the earth, and equity for everyone.  We will be intentional and explicit in welcoming and providing a safe space for all.

MINISTRY OF MUSIC

LEARNING TOGETHER

HYMN:     “Spirit, Open My Heart”   MV #79   

Refrain

            Spirit, open my heart to the joy and pain of living.

            As you love may I love, in receiving and in giving,

            Spirit, open my heart.

1.         God, replace my stony heart

            with a heart that’s kind and tender.

            All my coldness and fear

            to your grace I now surrender.   Refrain

2.         Write your love upon my heart

            as my law, my goal, my story.

            In each thought, word, and deed,

            may my living bring you glory.   Refrain

Refrain

            Spirit, open my heart to the joy and pain of living.

            As you love may I love, in receiving and in giving,

            Spirit, open my heart.

3.         May I weep with those who weep,

            share the joy of sister, brother.

            In the welcome of Christ,

            may we welcome one another.   Refrain

THE WORD      

Scripture:          Genesis 21:1 - 7 & Matthew 15:21 - 28   

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

ALL:          Thanks be to God.

MESSAGE

“A Mother’s Concern”

 OUR RESPONSE   

 PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE and

       THE LORD’S PRAYER: sung VU#960

HYMN: “In Christ There Is No East or West” VU #606

1        In Christ there is no east or west,

          in him no south or north,

          but one great family of love

          throughout the whole wide earth.

2        In him shall true hearts everywhere

          their high communion find;

          his service is the golden cord

          close binding humankind.

3        Join hands, then, people of the faith,

          whate'er your race may be;

          all children of the living God

          are surely kin to me.

4        In Christ now meet both east and west,

          in him meet south and north;

          all Christ-like souls are one in him

          throughout the whole wide earth.

PRESENTATION OF OUR OFFERINGS  

YOUR GENEROSITY MATTERS

OFFERTORY PRAYER:         In Unison

As we consider what to give for our offering, each of us sits alone in our living room, our office, our den, our kitchen, removed from one another’s physical presence yet connected in a community committed to following your purpose in this changing world. Bless what we offer – from all our resources of time, of talent, and of treasure – for the transformation of the world through love. Amen.

                                Written by Gord Dunbar, Kincardine. Ont.

                                Gathering, Pentecost 1 2026, p.49  Used with permission.

SUNG BLESSING  Christ Has No Body Now but Yours

MV #171 vs 4           

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.