Service Sunday September 20, 2026
HIGHLAND HILLS UNITED CHURCH
Minden, Ontario
SUNDAY, September 20, 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
The territory on which this building sits, and the places where most of us are worshiping today, is territory that has been walked on, hunted on, and lived on for thousands of years. It is the Traditional territory of the Anishnaabeg people, and it is with humility and respect that we give thanks that we are here, in the space where we are in touch with Creator who made it and who made us. May our worship honour the relationships that are celebrated and invited here, and may we always remember the story of this territory, the people who live here, and the call to live with respect and thanksgiving.
THE APPROACH
CALL TO WORSHIP:
One: Let us lift our voices in praise.
All: Let us sing to the Creator of heaven and earth.
One: Let us praise the rock of our salvation.
All: We give thanks to the one who has created and is creating.
One: With all living things, let us bring adoration to our God,
All: who was, who is, and who always will be.
One: Let us worship God!
Written by Frances Flook, Knox U.C., Kenora, Ont.
Gathering, Pentecost 2 2026, p.26. 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
* NEW HYMN: “ALL Who Are Thirsty” MV #4
1 All who are thirsty, all who are weak,
come to the fountain.
Dip your heart in the stream of life.
Let the pain and the sorrow be washed away
in the waves of his mercy as deep cries out to deep. We sing…
Refrain
Come, Lord Jesus, come. Come, Lord Jesus, come.
Come, Lord Jesus, come. Come, Lord Jesus, come.
2 All who are thirsty, all who are weak,
come to the fountain.
Dip your heart in the stream of life.
Let the pain and the sorrow be washed away
in the waves of his mercy as deep cries out to deep. We sing…
Refrain
Come, Lord Jesus, come. Come, Lord Jesus, come.
Come, Lord Jesus, come. Come, Lord Jesus, come.
3. Holy Spirit, come. Holy Spirit, come.
Holy Spirit, come. Holy Spirit, come.
As deep cries out to deep. We sing… Refrain
THE WORD
Scripture: Matthew 20: 1 - 16
Leader: Hear and listen to what the Spirit is saying to the church.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
MESSAGE
“Life Happens: Life’s Tough Choices”
OUR RESPONSE
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE and
THE LORD’S PRAYER: sung VU#960
* HYMN: “Would You Bless Our Homes and Families” VU #556
1 Would you bless our homes and families,
Source of life who calls us here;
in our world of stress and tension
teach us love that conquers fear.
Help us learn to love each other
with a love that constant stays;
teach us when we face our troubles,
love's expressed in many ways.
2 When our way is undemanding,
let us use the time that's ours
to delight in simple pleasures,
sharing joys in gentle hours.
When our way is anxious walking
and a heavy path we plod,
teach us trust in one another
and in you, our gracious God.
3 From the homes in which we're nurtured,
with the love that shapes us there,
teach us, God, to claim as family
every one whose life we share.
And through all that life may offer,
may we in your love remain;
may the love we share in families
be alive to praise your name.
4 Let us reach beyond the boundaries
of our daily thought and care
till the family you have chosen
spills its love out everywhere.
Help us learn to love each other
with a love that constant stays;
teach us when we face our troubles
love's expressed in many ways.
YOUR GENEROSITY MATTERS
PRESENTATION OF OUR OFFERINGS
Offering Plate is located on the back table
OFFERTORY HYMN: VU #543 vs 1
We give thee but thine own, what e’er the gift may be; All that we have is thine alone, a trust, O God, from thee.
OFFERTORY PRAYER: In Unison
Loving God, through the life you give us and the bounty therein, we encounter the amazing web of interconnection and of interdependence in your good Creation. Bless us and our giving as we give back some of that bounty. May we find purpose in all our relationships. Amen.
Written by Gord Dunbar, Kincardine, Ont.
Gathering, Pentecost 2 2026, p.29 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.
