South Stormont Pastoral Charge

Today’s Canada is often called a secular society. In 2007, the Canadian philosopher Charles Taylor published an important book called A Secular Age. In it, he explores how religion and faith have changed in the modern world, especially in North America and Europe. Taylor describes secularity in three ways. First, religion is no longer at the centre of public life. In areas like government, law, and education, one religion is not expected to guide everyone. Second, fewer people go to worship services or belong to faith communities. Third, belief in God is optional. It is now just one choice among many ways people make sense of life. Taylor focuses especially on this third point. A few hundred years ago in Western societies, it was hard to imagine someone who did not believe in God. Today, the situation is very different. Many people live without a religious identity or look for meaning outside of religious traditions. This reminds us that it is significant for us to understand those who...

  *Gathering Hymn Come Down, O Love Divine (#367 VU) Welcome & Land Acknowledgement Lighting the Christ Candle Call to Worship One: In this time of worship, we turn toward the light of Christ.    All: We turn with hope, longing to see more clearly. One: In this place, no one is hidden from God’s care.   All: We are seen, known, and welcomed in love. One: In Christ, new sight and new life are possible.    All: We open our hearts to God’s grace and healing. One: Let us worship God.    All: We worship God in spirit and in truth. Opening Prayer *Opening Hymn Open My eyes, That I May See (#371 VU) Prayer of Confessional and Renewal (Unison) God of mercy, we confess that we do not always see as Christ sees. We pass by pain, remain within our assumptions, and fail to notice those who are often overlooked. Forgive us when we choose judgment rather than compassion and fear rather than love. Open our eyes to your truth and grace. In silence, we br...

Today’s Gospel takes us to Samaria, to Jacob’s well near the town of Sychar. It is noon. Jesus is tired and sitting alone. The disciples have gone into the town to buy food. Then a woman comes to the well, and Jesus says to her, “Give me a drink.” She is surprised. She is a Samaritan woman, and Jesus is a Jewish man. Jews and Samaritans were hostile toward one another, and many Jews avoided passing through Samaria. In fact, they had once been one people. Israel is another name for Jacob, and from Jacob’s children came the twelve tribes. They entered the promised land and became one nation. But after the time of Solomon, the kingdom was divided. Over time, the relationship between the two grew worse. Even worship became divided. Samaritans worshipped on Mount Gerizim, while Jews worshipped at the temple in Jerusalem. So, it is no accident that Jesus meets this Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. That place carries a memory. It reminds us that, though they had become like enemies, they were...

*Gathering Hymn Come, Let Us Sing of a Wonderful Love (#574 VU | vs. 1&4) Welcome & Land Acknowledgement Lighting the Christ Candle Call to Worship One: Come to the wellspring of our salvation.    All: We come to the place where the water of life runs free. One: Come to the well, and set your burdens down.   All: We come to draw up refreshment for mind and for spirit. One: Come, people of God, to this place of worship.    All: We come with open hearts, ready to receive grace. One: Come and praise the God who gives us life. All: We come to worship and to rejoice in God’s love. * Adapted from Kate Carwford. Gathering LE 2026 . Page 29. Opening Prayer *Opening Hymn As the Deer Pants for the Water (#776 VU) Prayer of Confessional and Renewal (Unison) God of living water, we confess that we look for life in places that cannot satisfy, and we ignore the deeper thirst within us. We confess that we judge others, keep our distance, and turn away from the p...