Service Sunday August 23, 2026
HIGHLAND HILLS UNITED CHURCH
Minden, Ontario
SUNDAY, August 23, 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)
THE GATHERING
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
FOCUSING ON THE LIGHT OF CHRIST
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TERRITORY In Unison
For thousands of years, First Nations people have walked on this territory; their relationship with the territory is at the centre of their lives and spirituality. We are gathered on the traditional territory of the Anishnaabeg and acknowledge their stewardship of this territory throughout the ages.
THE APPROACH
CALL TO WORSHIP:
One: Time calls us to this place
All: to find comfort, to find caring, to love one another.
One: Time is a gift we are given each morning we rise.
All: It is our responsibility to use it wisely.
One: It is our responsibility to use it gently.
All: To be, rather than always “to do.”
One: We are human creatures
All: and we come to this place to honour our Creator.
One: Come, sit, listen, and most importantly, BE in this place.
All: We have come answering God’s call.
Written by Éric Hébert-Daly. Executive Minister, Eastern Ontario Outaouais Regional Council Gathering, Pentecost 1 2026, p.38. Used with permission.
HYMN: “Seek Ye First the Kingdom” VU #356
1 Seek ye first the kingdom of God
and God's righteousness,
and all these things shall be added unto you.
Hallelu, hallelujah.
2 Ask and it shall be given unto you;
seek and you shall find;
knock and the door shall be opened unto you.
Hallelu, hallelujah.
3 We do not live by bread alone,
but by every word
that proceeds from the mouth of God.
Hallelu, hallelujah.
A SONG OF FAITH: Spoken in Unison
God is Holy Mystery, beyond complete knowledge, above perfect description.
Yet, in love, the one eternal God seeks relationship.
So God creates the universe and with it the possibility of being and relating.
God tends the universe, mending the broken and reconciling the estranged.
God enlivens the universe, guiding all things toward harmony with their Source. Grateful for God’s loving action, We cannot keep from singing.
MINISTRY OF MUSIC
LEARNING TOGETHER
HYMN: “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” VU#651
1 Guide me, O thou great Jehovah,
pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak, but thou art mighty,
hold me with thy powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me till I want no more,
feed me till I want no more.
2 Open now the crystal fountain,
whence the healing stream doth flow;
let the fire and cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through.
Strong deliverer, strong deliverer,
be thou still my strength and shield,
be thou still my strength and shield.
3 When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside;
death of death, and hell's destruction,
land me safe on Canaan's side:
songs of praises, songs of praises
I will ever give to thee,
I will ever give to thee.
THE WORD
Scripture: Romans 12:1 - 13
Leader: Hear and listen to what the Spirit is saying to the church.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
MESSAGE
“A Living Sacrifice”(Taking one for the team)
OUR RESPONSE
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE and
A CONTEMPORARY INTERPRETATION OF THE LORD’S PRAYER:
Loving parent of all life, present throughout the cosmos,
The mere mention of your name calls us to love, respect, and care for each other. May justice for all, be imbedded in the hearts of all people.
Today may we accept only what we need, respecting creation, doing our part in sustaining the delicate balance of the natural world. Renew us with your grace, as we stumble through this world and help us to share the spirit of forgiveness, with those who have hurt us. Guide us with your spirit of love when we are tempted to be of this world. May evil be removed and replaced with your love. For by living with your love written on our hearts, we may rise above injustice and share the glory of equality, and peace with all of creation. All the days of our lives and into eternity. Amen
By Rev. Stephanie Richmond Seagrave/ Greenbank UC . Used with permission
HYMN: “I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me” VU #575
1 I'm gonna live so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
I'm gonna live so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
2 I'm gonna work so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
I'm gonna work so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
3 I'm gonna pray so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
I'm gonna pray so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
4 I'm gonna sing so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
I'm gonna sing so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
PRESENTATION OF OUR OFFERINGS
OFFERTORY PRAYER: In Unison
Generous God, throughout the ages you invite people to follow the path of faith-filled giving. We all give in the way we can. Some of us are able to offer time, helping in a variety of situations. Others have skills and gifts that are useful in your kingdom. Some of us can give financially. We know it is the spirit in which this is offered that is most important to you. Receive our offerings and use them to build up your glorious reign. Amen.
Written by Laura J. Turnbull, Penticton, B.C..
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.
