06/21/2026
Sunday June 21, 2026
“Your Second Home in the heart of Keene”
WE GATHER
LIFE AND WORK OF CHURCH
An Inuit song of blessing, sings:
“And yet, there is only
One great thing,
The only thing:
To live to see in huts and on journeys
The great day that dawns
And the light that fills the world.”
Let us sing of the one great thing that this is the day that God has made and its dawning fills the world with light..
INTROIT: This is the Day VU 412
This is the day, this is the day that our God has made,
that our God has made;
We will rejoice, we will rejoice and be glad in it and be glad in it.
This is the day that our God has made,
we will be glad and rejoice in it.
This is the day, this is the day that our God has made.
You are our God, you are our God, we will praise your name,
we will praise your name;
we will give thanks, we will give thanks for your faithfulness,
for your faithfulness.
You are our God we will praise your name,
we will give thanks for your faithfulness.
You are our God, you are our God, we will praise your name.
WELCOME
Italian author Umberto Eco (1932-2016) once wrote: "I believe that what we become depends on what our fathers teach us at odd moments, when they aren't trying to teach us. We are formed by the little scraps of wisdom." We gather for worship on this Father’s Day to honour those who are fatherly figures to us. Ones who have in the present and the past share wisdom, offer love and are examples of respect and generosity.
We are grateful for the intergenerational aspect of our faith; people sharing stories of family; insights and learnings imparted to the next generation; shared experiences of work and play and passions together. For some our fathers have died but the things they said or done remain forever with us. That is the gift of the ancestors of the past. We offer thanks for all who have impacted us on our journey of life and how they inspire us to share our example and faith with the next generation.
Today is also National Indigenous People’s Day! We offer gratitude for the First Peoples of this land - First Nation, Inuit, Metis - honouring such rich cultural and spiritual practices that intimately tie humanity to this land upon which we stand. Through such teaching and modeling, humanity is reminded that all creation is interconnected and sacred and we are challenged to live with respect for all creation. For thousands of years, First Nations people have walked on this land; their relationship with the land is at the centre of their lives and spirituality. It is my hope that as newcomers and settlers we learn to honour the ways of the Michi Saagiig of Rice Lake and strive to listen, learn and live from such a profound place of gratitude.
So welcome. Happy Father’s Day to the dads among us. Happy Decoration Sunday to those in Hiawatha. Happy graduation as children and teachers look to the summer for renewal, rest and recreation.
Let us see in our worship today, the great day that has dawned on God’s wondrous world.
*OPENING MUSIC: VU 296 This is God’s Wondrous world
LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE
On a recent Zoom call with people from indigenous ministries in Ontario/Quebec, one of the Elders eloquently spoke of Jesus as a healer who came in to the world “bringing love in a way the world has never seen before.” We light this candle to remind us of the One who shines light into this place with a love larger than the world itself.
OPENING PRAYER—A prayer from The Dancing Sun (United Church of Canada/Anglican Church of Canada), alt., for Aboriginal Sunday
We give thanks to you, our Creator
for you are always with us.
You are with us in the call of a loon
and in the flight of an eagle.
You are with us in the changing of the seasons.
You are with us when we gather together and when we are alone.
You are with us in our giftedness and in our search for new understandings of ourselves,
new visions of our communities.
We give you thanks God, our Creator. Amen.
TIME FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES - Recognizing the milestones in the life of kids/young people in our midst.
We light a candle of gratitude.
Scripture Reading: Luke 18:15-17
15 People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. 16 But Jesus called for them and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 17 Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’
Kids who have participated in our Sunday program:
Sung Response: Halle, halle, hallelujah! VU 958
Halle, halle, hallelujah!
Halle, halle, hallelujah!
Halle, halle, hallelujah!
Hallelujah, hallelujah!
from the Caribbean, traditional
_________________________________________
Scripture Reading: John 6:1-13 p. 167 Ralph Milton’s Lectionary Story Bible Year B. A boy with five small barely loaves and two small fish shared what he had so and the gifts abound.
We are grateful for all of you who have shared your time, your ideas, your creativity with us. As you grow, there are different ways of offering your gifts and your leadership to this church. More responsibility is taken on by kids who, as they mature, are invited to participate in the decision making;
Presentation to kids who are graduating from Gr. 8
Lila Hansford – daughter of Steph and Duane Hansford. We offer thanks to Lila who is always willing to help with the kids at camp and any other specific tasks we might have.
Avery Forrest – grandson of Marilyn and Ray Dyck. Avery is graduating from grade 8 at Percy Centennial School in Warkworth. Moving on to Campbellford High School.
With shouts to our Hiawatha First Nation connections:
Kaycee Shearer- Hiawatha
Awbrie Howard - Hiawatha
Hudson Zents - Hiawatha
Landon Carr - Hiawatha
Sung Response: Halle, halle, hallelujah! VU 958
Halle, halle, hallelujah!
Halle, halle, hallelujah!
Halle, halle, hallelujah!
Hallelujah, hallelujah!
from the Caribbean, traditional
___________________________
Scripture Reading: Romans 5:1-5 - read by Bob McBride
Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. 3And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
As we grow and learn and share our understanding of God with others, we help equip young people to respond to life’s circumstances. As we accompany them by sharing our faith, a message of love endures. Character and identity are shaped by this enduring love, which produces hope. We offer gratitude for the Spirit that has been given to us and fills our hearts.
Young people graduating from High School launch out into a new adventure, open to the joy and pain of living, developing character and in our faith tradition doing so with the accompaniment of God’s love.
Our high school graduates this year are:
Rachel Pink
Rachel was baptized here at Keene United by Rev. Bain Milroy. She is the granddaughter of Marg and Jim Glenn. As a youngster Rachel participated in many of the church activities and parades, showing her community spirit and warming people’s hearts with her contagious smile.
With an interest and passion for sport, Rachel has learned how to be part of a team - whether it be rugby, hockey or any other sport of her choosing, Rachel gives her all playing and working hard to meet her goals.
Rachel will graduate this week from TASS.
Receive this gift Rachel as a symbol of the connection you have with this community of faith. May you continue to receive God’s blessing as you share your gentle, determined, collaborative spirit with the world.
Presentation by Grietje McBride.
Rob Hildebrand (with thanks to his family for providing these words and gift)
Rob was baptized into the United Church and as soon as he could attend Sunday school he did so, both in Lakefield and in Keene. He was a fixture in many Christmas plays and pageants in those younger years, and even more so as the quiet sentinel standing at the front of the Church for many Remembrance Sundays. Rob participated as a young reader for the regular services and sharpened his public speaking skills in Church. Many will remember his confirmation speech here at Keene United when at the age of 11 he reflected on the contributions of Desmond Doss and Rev. John Foote, VC.
Rob joined the Royal Canadian Army Cadets at age 12 and was so excited to do so it was often difficult to get him to change out of his uniform at night. He served in both Peterborough and Cobourg, and earned the role of Regimental Seargeant Major with 88 Corps in Cobourg. He rose to the highest rank, Chief Warrant Officer, and this year completed a rare 6 years of meritorious service. Ironically, his army cadet corps was sponsored by The Rev. John Foote, VC Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.
Rob graduated this time, last year, with Honours from St. Mary Secondary School, and with an award in Citizenship and Leadership. During his recent gap year he attended Confederation College online. In just 3 days from now, Rob will be sworn in to the Canadian Armed Forces with the rank of Officer Cadet in preparation for his entry into the Royal Military College in Kingston. Rob is being admitted on this prestigious institution's 150th anniversary, and he will graduate in 2030 as a Signals Officer in the Canadian Army.
Receive this gift Rob as a symbol of the connection you have with this community of faith.
Rob, may you know of God’s blessing as you continue your commitment, leadership and service to the CAF and beyond.
Presentation by Grietje McBride.
Rowghan MacHart
Rowghan was baptized here at Keene by Rev. Bain Milroy and confirmed by me, Rev. Nancy. Given that her mom and dad offered leadership to the kids program here, as a child Rowghan and her brother Riddick spent countless hours in the basement of the church, practicing with other kids for the Christmas services, participating in the Keene parade on the churches float and making space for the kids in the community to gather for learning and fun.
Most recently Rowghan has followed in her mom’s footsteps and offered leadership for our kids’ program on Sundays and at our camps - coming up with crafts, games and other activities to keep the kids engaged.
Rowghan is graduating from the integrated arts program at TASS this week.
Last week she was awarded the Riddick MacHart Memorial Award for her commitment, passion and positivity for the performing arts. Given in her brother’s memory, we as members of this community of faith, see how Rowghan embodies the same ideals of collaboration, creativity and community. Rowghan will continue to work at the Peterborough Academy Circus of the Arts and in the fall take some more courses as she pursues her passion for theatre and the arts.
Receive this gift Rowghan as a symbol of the connection you have with this community. May you know of God’s blessing as you share your gifts of creativity, resilience and wisdom with others.
Presentation by Grietje McBride.
Let us all rejoice in the gifts of the next generation.
Sung Response: Halle, halle, hallelujah! VU 958
Halle, halle, hallelujah!
Halle, halle, hallelujah!
Halle, halle, hallelujah!
Hallelujah, hallelujah!
from the Caribbean, traditional
WE LISTEN TO GOD’S WORD
INVITATION TO REFLECT:
We have heard scripture readings that invite us to consider how young people make a difference in our communities and in the life of this church. As we prepare to reflect on God’s presence in our lives may a biblical image be brought to life as the choir sings The Lord is my shepherd.
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: The Lord Is My Shepherd music by Eric Robertson based on Skye Boat Song.
WORDS OF REFLECTION:
By Rev. Nancy Wilson
Sunday June 21, 2026
Based on Romans 5:1-5
Today through scripture and song we celebrate the milestones in our lives.
For centuries, we have heard the stories of Jesus not only accepting children but inviting adults to receive the kingdom of God like a child. As we ponder what that means, we think about the general characteristics and qualities of children. The childlike nature is marked by imagination and playfulness, vulnerability and dependence, generosity and love, curiosity and openness, and a longing to be welcomed into relationship and community.
First, children find enjoyment in play - they can stretch their imaginations and create different worlds for themselves and others. This ability to dream is a message of hope as it helps us to see potential in the world, opportunities that break through the seriousness of life, inviting joy to emerge.
Children are dependent on others for life. At the earliest of ages, humans require someone to provide physical nourishment for them to develop and grow. There is a mutuality in our relationships as we are interconnected with others and all of creation. It is not a weakness to acknowledge our times of dependence or vulnerability but gives us strength when we know of God’s accompaniment through adversity in life. In our spiritual practice, there is power in letting go of that which we have no control and relying on God’s strength to guide us.
Children have innate goodness and love to share. God’s kingdom is that of love. It is a way of being that pours love into our hearts, and it overflows and is shared with family and community. Just as the boy with his lunch was willing to share with those who were physically hungry, his offering and act of generosity was rooted in his ability to share love.
Children can be spontaneous and curious - what a beautiful posture to assume that of curiosity instead of judgement. They are constantly asking questions to find out more about people or about how the world works. They experiment and explore possibilities and embrace opportunities for new experiences, new learning, new life.
Children are individuals with unique gifts, and when those gifts are noticed and welcomed, they learn that community is a place where each person has something to offer.
As we grow we realize that this childlike posture does not remove us from hardship; instead, it teaches us to move through adversity with trust, openness, and the companionship of God and community. The author of John outlines a growth and development pattern that goes like this:
Suffering produces endurance, (adversity reminds us that things don’t always go our way in life and we are in it for the long haul, meandering through the hills and valleys; the ups and downs; and doing so with God as our companion and shepherd).
Endurance produces character, (our identity is shaped by the experiences we have in life and how we respond to them). Our community of faith strives to equip people with the tools to help navigate through the more difficult times and to root individuals in Christian values as we create a space of belonging that supports the development of character.
And character produces hope. Isn’t that what we are all about? The milestones we have recognized today and others that are celebrated as we grow, are a reminder that throughout our lives, we have the love of One who has gifted us with skills and passions, walks with us in our present time and calls us forward to engage with love, in the world around us.
Like children, we are invited to receive the kingdom with minds ready to wonder, lives ready to trust, lunches ready to be shared and community ready to be formed. And because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, our hope does not disappoint us.
Hope gives us the courage to keep walking in ways of justice and peace.
Hope is shared by our love that keeps overflowing.
And hope infuses this community of faith when we remember that each one of us, regardless of our age or any other worldly categories that restrict us, is a child of God, who is valued and loved and has a place of belonging in God’s beloved community.
Amen.
*HYMN: “I was there to hear your borning cry” VU 644
WE RESPOND
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
We are grateful for the many hands that pitch in to sit on committees, provide constructive advice, offer support in a variety of different ways within our ministry.
Thank you for the financial contributions that come to our ministry through the PAR program, on the offering plate, etransfers to Ted and other donations that are made. Because you care enough to give, we can reach in and deepen our spiritual practices on Sundays and reach out to others throughout the week. Let us now receive this morning’s offering.
OFFERTORY: VU 537 Your Work O God
Your work, O God, needs many hands to help you everywhere, and some there are who cannot serve unless our gifts we share.
Because we love you and your work, our offering now we make,
be pleased to use it as your own, we ask for Jesus’ sake.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Bless the generosity of people’s hearts.
Bless the gifts that have been given.
Bless the people with your love and joy.
We pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE ― adapted from prayers by: The Reverend Jan Jorgensen shares ministry with Robert Patton, a Kanien'kehá:ka Congregational Designated Minister and Elder, and the people of Kahnawake United Church and “We are all Spirit First” prepared by former Co-Chairs of the National Indigenous Council, the Rev. Kimberly Roy and Student minister Wayne Monague.
God who like a parent loves us unconditionally,
We give you thanks for the good news in our sacred scriptures and our traditional teachings. May those amazing teachings spread goodness and love to all corners of creation. Help us to bring these words of gratitude from our minds to our hearts so we can live into sharing your gracious compassion and extravagant blessings with all our neighbours, known and unknown.
Accept, we pray, our sorrow and shame for the times when we have not shown compassion and mercy to those you have created in love and for love. Help us grow in courage and hope and free us from the untruths that prevent us from being your faithful partners in the healing of Creation.
We come Creator knowing that ours is a mutual relationship with you. You ask us to be your heart, and hands, and voice in this world.
And so, we pray for all the war-torn places in this world…
for the millions of displaced persons sojourning upon this earth,
for all who have lost nearly everything…
for your precious children who are hurting this day – financially, mentally, physically, spiritually,
Be with us as our hearts grieve the brokenness in the world.
We pray for our country; guide us and our leaders into the ways of truth-telling and compassion. Our truest citizenship is found in you so help us to live responsibly and generously among all the people of this land.
We pray for our communities, especially for those who are lonely or afraid and those who need healing of body, mind, and spirit.
May your sacred presence come to those who need you most. Bring them peace and reassurance of your unconditional love through friends, family, and the prayers of people in churches and places of worship around the world.
By the prompting of your Spirit, guide us so that we offer kind words and deeds of love in gratitude for all that we have received from your gracious kindness.
Empower each of us to find our own ways to create justice and peace out of your love.
In this season of renewal, we are called to let our light shine bright and to allow and encourage others to let their light shine even brighter. We are Spirit first, and that Spirit knows to soar like an eagle, up high in the blue sky.
As many celebrate this Father’s Day, as fathers, with fathers, in memory of fathers, may the wisdom, the joy, the love they impart reveal your love for us all of us that we may lead a faithful life, to walk with a deep sense of spirituality, to live radical hospitality, and to follow in a good way by embracing your humility and embodying your compassion.
We pray in the name of the one who taught us to pray together saying:
Our Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory.
Forever and ever. Amen.
*CLOSING HYMN: Faith of our Fathers VU 580
*BENEDICTION: Blessing
Wherever we journey this week let us be a message of justice and love
Let us listen to the voices of others—especially those who are new to our table and spaces
Let us encourage others with patience.
Let us live our life joyfully.
And as we leave this time and place remember that we are called to bring justice, compassion and love to the world.
In this task we are not alone. Amen
*CHORAL COMMISSIONING: VU 697 O for a World
O for a world where everyone respects each other’s ways,
where love is lived and children spared, equality achieved.
We welcome one world family and struggle with each choice
that opens us to unity and gives our vision voice.
O for a world preparing for God’s glorious reign of peace,
where time and tears shall be no more, and all but love will cease.
