South Stormont Pastoral Charge

 About 2,500 years ago, the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said, “A great country is like an estuary, the gathering place of the world, the mother of the world.” He saw something remarkable in the lowest part of a river, a place where many living beings gather and new life is born. An estuary is where a river meets the sea. It is one of the richest ecosystems on earth. Because fresh water and salt water come together there, many forms of life can live and grow. Estuaries provide food, shelter, and habitat for many living creatures, becoming an important foundation for a great city or nation. This insight is supported by modern research. In his 1995 book Introduction to Oceanography , David Ross notes that 22 of the world’s 32 largest cities are located on estuaries. Places rich in resources tend to attract people who are seeking new opportunities and a better future. Biodiversity leads to cultural diversity. Just as fresh water and salt water meet in an estuary, different ways...

 # Gathering Hymn Make a Joyful Noise (#820 VU) Welcome & Land Acknowledgement Lighting the Christ Candle Call to Worship One: The Spirit of the Lord is upon us,    All: and in the shelter of the Spirit, we will rejoice and be glad. One: The heavens are telling of the glory of God, All: and beneath those very stars, we raise our spirits and proclaim that God is good. One: The gifts of the Spirit are offered to us,    All: and, when we put them to use, we discover that our gifts blend with the gifts of others into a wonderful song filled with hope, energy, life, and love. One: In this house of prayer, may we find shelter, lift our hearts in prayer, and sing songs of praise: All: May we find strength in knowing we are the Body of Christ, enlivened by the Spirit, engaging the work of God in this world. One: Come, let us worship our God! *Nora Vedress. Gathering Pentecost 2026. Page 27. Opening Prayer *Opening Hymn Be Still, My Soul (#652 VU) Prayer of Confe...

Joint Sunday Service: Singing Our Faith Together Gathering Hymns This Is the Day (#412 VU) I Danced in the Morning (#352 VU) How Great Thou Art (#238 VU | vs. 1&4) Welcome & Announcements Lighting the Christ Candle Call to Worship One: God is Holy Mystery, beyond complete knowledge, above perfect description. All: Yet, in love, God seeks relationship. One: God creates, tends, and enlivens the universe. All: Grateful for God’s loving action, we cannot keep from singing. *Adapted for A Song of Faith Opening Prayer *Opening Hymn God Who Gives Life (VU 260) We Sing: An Introduction Today we will worship through scripture, words from A Song of Faith , and many favourite hymns of our congregation. A Song of Faith is one of the statements of faith of The United Church of Canada. It reminds us that faith is not only something we say, but also something we sing, share, and live. Our service will follow five themes: God, Human Life, the Spirit, Jesus, and Hope . In each part, we will l...