+ORDER OF SERVICE+

April 19^th, 2026

Third Sunday of Easter

Prelude:   Variations on “Now the Green Blade Rises” – Karen Beaumont

Welcome and Announcements (10:25 am)

Entry of the Word  (please rise)

Greeting and Call to Worship

We have come from many places, following different roads.

We come hungering for greater understanding.

We have come to hear the wisdom of Scripture.

   We come seeking companions in the faith.

We have come to meet Jesus, revealed in the breaking of the bread.

We come to grow as disciples of the living Christ.

Hymn  # 248: At the dawning of salvation

Prayer of Adoration and Confession

Assurance of Pardon

Hymn  # 641: One more step along the world I go

Children’s Message

Anthem:   My Song Doth Bless the Lord – Joseph Martin  

Prayer of Illumination

Ever-Living God,

you speak to us in sacred story,

through friendship and conversation,

in bread broken and wine poured out.

Send us your Holy Spirit, as the Scriptures are read.

May our hearts burn within us,

as we encounter your truth,

through Christ, our Risen Lord.   Amen.

 

First Reading                          Acts 2:14a, 36-41

Responsive Reading               Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19                                                   (Refrain I)

Epistle                                      1 Peter 1:17-23

Gospel                                      Luke 24:13-35

Sermon:   Can You Tell Me How To Get To Emmaus?”

Hymn  # 262: Come to us, beloved Stranger

Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession 

Offering:   O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing! – L. Leatherman

Doxology  # 830: Praise God from whom all blessings flow

Hymn  # 665:  Lord Jesus, you shall be my song

Benediction

Parting Hymn: #252: He Is Lord

He is Lord, He is Lord;

He is risen from the dead and He is Lord!

Every knee shall bow,

Every tongue confess

That Jesus Christ is Lord.

Words based on Philippians 2:10-11. Public Domain

Choral Amen  # 780 (Danish)

Postlude:   Christ is Risen, Alleluia! – Albin Whitworth

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FOOD BANK SUNDAY:   To-day is Food Bank Sunday. All donations of food or cash will be welcome and appreciated. Thanks for your support of this worth-while organisation. Please be as generous as possible.

ARTICLES FOR “THE SAINT”:  Articles for the next issue of our newsletter are due this Friday, April 24^th. Please submit yours to Kathy Currie or the church office by this date. Thanks.

BETTIE MOLLINS TURNS 90!:  The family of Bettie Mollins is hosting an Open House celebration for Bettie’s 90^th birthday. It will be at the church on Saturday, May 30^th  between 12:30 and 3:00 PM. The congregation is invited, but the family would like to have an idea of how many from the church are coming. If you would like to attend and wish Bettie a happy birthday, please call or Email the church office and let Gord know by Friday, May 15^th.  Thanks.

WEEKLY GROUPS & MEETINGS:

Monday, April 20 – Flower Guild – 9:30 AM

Monday, April 20 – Frank Studio Music Lessons – 4 PM – 6 PM

Tuesday, April 21 – Medical Missions – 9:00 AM to Noon

Tuesday, April 21 – Bible Study – 10:00 AM

Tuesday, April 21 – Frank Studio Music Lessons – 4:00 – 7:45 PM

Tuesday, April 21 – Frank Studio Sax Ensemble – 8:00 – 9:30 PM

Wednesday, April 22 – Sandwich Making – 9:30 AM

Wednesday, April 22 – JYSEP Youth Programme – 2:30 PM

Wednesday, April 22 – Kinnaris Ladies’ Choir – 7:30 PM

Thursday, April 23 – Choir Rehearsal – 1:30 PM

Friday, April 24 – Articles for The SAINT are due

Saturday, April 25 – Frank Studio Music Lessons – 10 AM – 5 PM

PRESBYTERIANS SHARING:  Some news from Presbyterians Sharing has been received. Please see the bulletin boards for complete details.

2026 OFFERING ENVELOPES #51:  Does anyone happen to have a box of 2026 offering envelopes with the number “51” on them?  These were taken from the church by mistake, and belong to another member of the congregation. If you have them, please contact the office.

FINANCIAL UPDATE:  Our income and expenses at the end of March:

INCOME:         $53,413           PRESB. SHARING:   $7,013

EXPENSES:       $69,208

DEFICIT:          $15,795

As you can see, our givings are not keeping up with expenses. Our biggest expenses were heat and hydro for the church, which totalled $7,961 for the first three months (and just shy of $10,000 for the first four months). It takes approximately $23,400 per month to run the church, and our givings have averaged $17,804 per month ($1,369 per week). We have managed to keep a positive cash flow by managing expenses and payments where we can, but this won’t be possible in April, especially with large payments withdrawn directly from our bank account. We have already had to borrow $4,500 from our Line of Credit in April, and are anticipating needing another $10,000 by the middle of May to cover expenses. We appreciate the support of the congregation and ask you to prayerfully consider increasing your donations if you can. If you have any questions, please contact the Treasurer or any member of The Board. There will be a complete financial summary in the Announcements the first week of May.

LOST AND FOUND:  A pair of eye glasses (woman’s, light grey to clear) were left in the mail box by the side door. A silver ear-ring  (two entwined leaves with a small diamond and blue-coloured gem) was found in the Sanctuary on Easter Sunday.  A cane was found at the front door after the last Community Meal. To claim these, please contact the office.

OPTIMIST CLUB FUND-RAISER:  The Optimist Club of Downie is selling 12-ounce steaks for $20.00 as a fund-raiser. Steaks are individually wrapped. Order ahead and pick up on May 1^st or May 9^th. See Scott Dunbar to order or for more information.  Tel.:  519-273 4260.  Email:  [email protected]