Shelburne United Church

09/03/2026

Loving God,
parent and companion to us all,
hold the precious children and young people in your loving care
as they begin a new school year.

Nurture in them a sense of wonder.
Keep their curiosity alive,
their imaginations wide,
and their hearts open to the joy of discovering something new.

May the spark of creativity, possibility, and adventure
continue to burn brightly within them.
Give them courage to ask questions,
freedom to dream,
and confidence to become who they are meant to be.

Surround them with people who see their worth
and meet them with kindness, patience, and respect.
Protect them from harm,
from cruelty and fear,
and from words and ideas that diminish the dignity of others.

And may they be a source of kindness, courage, and welcome to those around them.

Bless them as they learn and grow,
as they make friends, face challenges,
discover their gifts, and find their own light.

May they shine in the ways that are uniquely theirs—
and may every child be surrounded by the love, care,
and hope they need to flourish.

Amen

08/22/2026

Please join us this evening at the Shelburne County Museum as artist and lecturer Stephanie Rayner shares her journey with The Boat of Eternal Return. Light refreshments will be served.

08/17/2026

I saw a stranger today.
I put food for him
in the eating-place
And drink
in the drinking-place
And music
in the listening-place.

In the Holy name
of the Trinity
He blessed myself
and my family.

And the lark said in her warble
Often, often, often
Goes Christ
in the stranger’s guise.

O, oft and oft and oft,
Goes Christ
in the stranger’s guise.

— The Celtic Rune of Hospitality
Photo by Beth Maxwell Boyle

07/18/2026

Franciscan Month - Day 9
Pray for someone who annoys you

St. Francis knew that the greatest battles are won within our own hearts. Every irritation is an invitation: will we choose resentment, or will we choose love?

The person who annoys you may never know the struggle you have with them. But God does. And He can use that struggle to transform your heart.

Instead of replaying their words or actions in your mind, whisper a simple prayer: "Lord, bless them. Give them peace. Draw them closer to You. And change my heart too."

Prayer doesn't always change the other person first. Often, it changes us. It softens anger, weakens pride, and makes room for mercy.

St. Francis didn't wait until people were easy to love. He chose to love because Christ loved him first.

Today, pray for the person who annoys you. It may become the holiest prayer you pray all day.

07/14/2026

07/11/2026

The bill has resulted in hearings denied for refugee claimants across Canada, who now face removal to countries where they may be at risk of persecution, violence, or imprisonment.

06/25/2026

As we hear reports of successive massive earthquakes that have hit Venezuela on Wednesday evening, June 24, The United Church of Canada is concerned for all those affected, particularly those who have lost their homes and their lives. The United Church is hearing from ACT Alliance members about the impact to understand how best to offer our support. Please include the people of Venezuela and other countries in the region in your prayers. We pray:

God who rejoices with those who rejoice and weeps with those who weep,
We know that you are weeping with those who grieve the destruction of homes, hospitals, bridges,
and the loss of precious lives in Venezuela.

O God, we are powerless before the destructive forces of nature.
Yet we trust that your heart grieves with your people.
In compassion, you move to ease their pain,
to tend to numbing sadness,
and to bring balm to unbearable sorrow.

Work through your people, O God,
that your will may be done—
that healing may happen,
and that what has been lost may be rebuilt.

O God of hope, draw communities together.
In the unity of your Spirit, may we find comfort, renewal, and strength.

Amen

[Image credit: chrispecoraro / iStock]

06/11/2026

We were so lucky to obtain these windows from Trinity United Church last fall. Many thanks to Nick Bell who rescued them before the walls came down and Sattlers Stained Glass who restored, cleaned and framed them. They are now part of our worship space at Lower Ohio Union Church. Rev. Joanne McFadden led us in a service of dedication in April. (my photos don't really do them justice, so feel free to come and see them any Sunday at 10:30)