South Stormont Pastoral Charge

Today is Remembrance Sunday, a time to recognize, reflect, and remember those who have dedicated their lives and worked for peace. Peace never just happens. A bird can fly peacefully across the sky only after countless hours of flapping its wings, learning, and daring to rise high, even at the risk of falling. In the same way, the peace we enjoy today was made possible because many people have planted, nurtured, protected, and cared for the seeds of peace with hard work, courage, and love, here in Canada and around the world. In this spirit, we remember those who gave their lives for peace. We also remember those who continue to serve, including soldiers, police officers, firefighters, and many others who work for the safety and freedom of all.  Today’s first Scripture reading from Haggai invites us to reflect on the meaning of remembrance. The prophet Haggai lived in Jerusalem around 520 BCE, during a time when people deeply needed strength and courage. The people of Judah had ret...

  *Gathering Hymn For the Healing of the Nations (VU #678) Welcome & Land Acknowledgement Lighting the Christ Candle Call to Worship One: In times of war, in times of peace— All: the Creator is present. One: On the battlefield, at the peace table—   All: the Christ is present. One: With the wounded and the dying, and with those who wait— All: the Spirit is present. One: And what is God doing? All: Grieving over the injustice. Grieving over the brokenness. Grieving over the loss. One: And?    All: And calling us back to repentance, to renewal, to life abundant, to peace. One: So today, in our remembrance, in our songs, in our prayers… All: let us worship the One who is with All, no matter what. Let us worship God as we remember. *Richard Bott, Gathering Pentecost 2 2025 . Page 47. Opening Prayer *Opening Hymn O God, Our Help in Ages Past (#806 VU) Prayer of Confessional and Renewal (Unison) God of peace, as we gather on this Remembrance Sunday, we face the we...

Today’s Gospel reading tells what happened when Jesus passed through the city of Jericho. Jericho was one of the oldest and wealthiest cities in Palestine. It was also an important customs station in the fertile region of Judea. There lived a man named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and a rich man. The Roman Empire ruled the Jewish people through fear and oppression. Heavy taxes, social division, and unfair treatment kept people in poverty. But there were worse people than Roman soldiers. They were the tax collectors. They worked for Rome and often used their position to take more than they were required to. They became rich while others suffered.  The tax collectors of that time were similar to the Capos described by Viktor Frankl (1905-1997) in his book Man’s Search for Meaning . Frankl, a survivor of Auschwitz, wrote about Capos-prisoners who worked for the Nazis in the camps. They watched over other prisoners and were given small privileges in return. To keep their co...

  *Gathering Hymn Joyful, Joyful We Adore You (VU #232 / vs. 1-3) Welcome & Land Acknowledgement Lighting the Christ Candle Call to Worship One: God seeks us with steadfast love. All: We come, ready to be found and renewed. One: The Holy One meets us in this place.   All: Our hearts open to mercy and peace. One: Come, let us worship the God who restores life. All: With joy and thanksgiving, we praise the Lord. Opening Prayer *Opening Hymn There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy (VU #271) Prayer of Confessional and Renewal (Unison) Merciful God, we confess that we have turned from your ways and lost sight of your presence. We have been distracted by many things and slow to notice your grace among us. Forgive us when we close our hearts to your call and to one another. Fill us again with compassion and guide our steps in your truth. Hear now the quiet confessions we offer in your presence. ( a time of silent confession) Amen. Words of Assurance One: The Holy One does not tur...

Today we remember the 508th anniversary of the Reformation. On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther spoke out against the church’s corruption and misuse of power. He posted his 95 Theses on the door of the church in Wittenberg, Germany. That brave act began the Reformation. It was not safe or simple. To speak against the powerful church could mean exile or even death. But Luther did not give up. He believed that when the church forgets the root of Christian faith, it is no longer a sign of God’s love but becomes a tool of oppression. Ecclesia semper reformanda est. This Latin phrase means “The Church must always be reformed.” A faith community stays healthy when it keeps reflecting on itself and seeking God’s will. No house remains clean forever. After a few days, dust begins to gather, and we need to sweep, wipe, and repair it from time to time. In the same way, the church also needs renewal. If we want to keep the root of faith alive, we need to keep cleansing our hearts and our community...

*Gathering Hymn The Church’s One Foundation (#331 VU | vs. 1-3) Welcome & Land Acknowledgement Lighting the Christ Candle Call to Worship One: We come together to worship God, who is always guiding and renewing us. All: We come to learn, to grow, and to be changed by God's love. One: Long ago, people trusted God's Spirit to lead them into new ways.   All: That same Spirit is with us today, helping us follow Jesus with courage and hope. One: Let us worship God with thankful hearts. All: We praise God, who makes all things new. Opening Prayer *Opening Hymn A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (#262 VU) Prayer of Confessional and Renewal (Unison) God of mercy, we confess that we often hold on to old ways that keep us from growing. We are afraid of change and slow to listen to your Spirit. We choose what feels safe instead of what is right. We forget that you are always creating something new in us and in your church. Forgive us, loving God. Renew our hearts and our minds. Teach us ...