WEEKLY MESSAGE Feb.27 2022
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Transfiguration Sunday
Greeting
We give thanks to God for God’s presence in good and bad times. We listen for God’s word in our lives and our life together. May God find a welcome home among us today.
The Peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
Lighting the Christ Candle
Jesus, you are blindingly brilliant, glowing with light that seems to come within. Your light is a beacon for your Way of Transfiguration. Be the Light of our lives, we pray.
Call to Worship
Christ is Lord, blazing with glory,
sharing divine light with all creation.
We choose to experience that light,
to embrace the truth of glorious, divine love.
The Holy Spirit fires our imagination with awe,
transfiguring the ordinary with sublime holiness.
We come humbly to accept this gift of power,
a power rooted in self-giving.
God’s grace shines upon our souls,
lighting the mantle of our rebirth.
Praise and thanks be to God our saviour
as we worship in spirit and truth.
Opening Prayer
O God,
We worship today to refresh and to restore all that is within our hearts and minds.
Like the disciples climbing the mountain with Jesus, we come expecting nothing yet prepared to experience your love.
During this time, may we find our true selves just as Jesus’ true self was revealed on the mountain top.
May we find your wisdom and its strength, for we know that your love restores and refreshes us in mysterious ways. O God, fill us anew. Amen.
Opening Hymn VU 333 Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
Love divine, all loves excelling,
joy of heaven, to earth come down,
fix in us thy humble dwelling,
all thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, thou art all compassion,
pure, unbounded love thou art;
visit us with thy salvation,
enter every trembling heart.
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Come, almighty to deliver,
let us all thy life receive;
suddenly return, and never,
nevermore thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
serve thee as thy hosts above,
pray, and praise thee, without ceasing,
glory in thy perfect love.
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Finish then thy new creation;
pure and spotless let us be;
let us see thy great salvation
perfectly restored in thee,
changed from glory into glory,
till in heaven we take our place,
till we cast our crowns before thee,
lost in wonder, love, and praise.
Scripture Readings
Hebrew Scripture Exodus 34: 29-35
Responsive Reading Psalm 99
New Testament 2 Corinthians 3:12—4:2
Hear what the scripture is saying to the church.
Thanks be to God!
Hymn VU 559 Come, O Fount of Every Blessing
Come, thou Fount of every blessing,
tune my heart to sing thy grace;
streams of mercy, never ceasing,
call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount I'm fixed upon it
mount of God's redeeming love.
Here I find my greatest treasure;
hither by thy help I've come;
and I hope, by thy good pleasure,
safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
wandering from the fold of God;
he, to rescue me from danger,
bought me with his precious blood.
Oh, to grace how great a debtor
daily I'm constrained to be!
Let thy goodness, like a fetter,
bind my wandering heart to thee:
prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
prone to leave the God I love;
here's my heart, O take and seal it;
seal it for thy courts above.
Gospel Reading Luke 9: 28-36
This is the Good News of Jesus the Christ
Praise be to God!
Prayer of Confession
Life-giver, Pain-bearer, your people wait and listen.
Declare your word of triumph,
Your word of patience, your word of love.
We are united, yet we are divided and weak.
We brood over pain, our divisions, our lack of faith. We wait for your healing. We confess to you and to each other our failure to be bold in hope, open in sharing the love we know through Jesus. (silence)
Words of Assurance (based on 2 Corinthians3:12-4:2 )
Since it is by God’s mercy that we engage in the ministry to which we are called, we do not lose heart. We dare to be bold in hope, in our living, and in sharing our faith. Accept now God’s abundant gift of grace, and be at peace.
Hymn VU 509 I, the Lord of Sea and Sky
I, the Lord of sea and sky
I have heard my people cry
All who dwell in dark and sin
My hand will save
I, who made the stars of night
I will make their darkness bright
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?
Refrain
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night
I will go, Lord, if you lead me
I will hold your people in my heart
I, the Lord of snow and rain
I have borne my people’s pain
I have wept for love of them
They turn away
I will break their hearts of stone
Give them hearts for love alone
Who will speak my word to them
Whom shall I send? Refrain
I, the Lord of wind and flame
I will tend the poor and lame
I will set a feast for them
My hand will save
Finest bread I will provide
‘Til their hearts be satisfied
I will give my life to them
Whom shall I send? Refrain
Prayer of Illumination
O God, as we open your holy book of words written so long ago, open our senses to receive your word for us today. Amen.
Reflection
Who can talk about the Transfiguration? Neither Jesus or the three disciples who were with him talked about it. According to Luke, “They kept silent, and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.” Don’t you wonder how Luke ever heard about it? Or did he even question the wisdom of writing it down?
The moment he did write it down, it became public property. And then all kinds of people began to spend hours surfing through this information trying to explain why so and so, and such and such happened. Guessing all the while, because this experience does not fit into this particular time and space in the life of Jesus. We just keep beating it down until it feels safe to us. We just keep analyzing it until we can say something intelligent about it.
Luke has presented us with an intensely private moment between Jesus and God. And it just happened to take place in a cloud. It is true there were witnesses. Yet in spite of the fantastic goings on, it was all they could do to stay awake. It is as if the Almighty God had sprinkled some sleeping powder over them to protect them from things they were not equipped to see. What they did see, were confusing to them and terrified them. Perhaps this is why they kept silent and told no one in those days the things which they had seen.
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I think it would be disrespectful for me to talk about it. But I can talk of the human fascination of such events. The Bible tells of: Moses and the burning bush, Jacob and the ladder full of angels, Job and the voice out of the whirlwind. They are frail doors between this world and some other brighter place where God has a presence.
Today things do not work this way for us. Most bushes do not give off the slightest bit of heat, most ladders do not have anyone’s footprints on them but our own, and most whirlwinds, speak nothing to us but ‘whoosh.’
However, many people today are in hot pursuit of God. They pray, they fast, they go on pilgrimages and they beat drums. Some follow ancient spiritual traditions and others just make things up as they go along. Some go to seminary and some go to India, one way or another they are all after an experience with the living God.
Theologian Barbara Brown Taylor is on of my favourite authors; uplifting and inspiring just when it is needed most. She often includes personal experiences which make it very easy to read. In one of her books are a few personal experiences she and her husband, Ed, had while on a vacation. They went to Ireland. Both of them believing they themselves might have descended from Druids. She and Ed believed this is that Celtic sense of place that is so appealing—of holy trees, holy wells, holy mountains—“thin places,” as the Irish call them—places where the veil between this world and the next is so sheer that it is easy to step through. If you have been there, you might be familiar with stone rings and sacred springs. There are many, and plenty are not marked. You might be walking along a country path and come to a little mossy hole full of crystal, clear water. It would be easy to think it is an ordinary watering hole if it wasn’t for a tidy ring of stones around it. They were set there, hundreds of years ago by people who recognized a ‘thin place’ right in the middle of a sheep pasture. They claim that if you can centre your being, you may be able to feel it—like freshness that drenches you as thoroughly as a shower. How it works is a complete mystery. Simply to stand near it is to experience living water.
Barbara and Ed were still in Ireland on the last Sunday of July. This particular day is known as Reek Sunday on which the Irish pay their respects to Saint Patrick by climbing the mountain that bears his name—Croagh Patrick, a 2510-foot peak in County Mayo overlooking Clew Bay—where Patrick spent 40 days praying for Ireland’s deliverance from the worship of pagan gods.
Following this he charmed all the snakes in the land to leap from this summit to their deaths, and the Emerald Isle has been free of snakes ever since. In gratitude to Saint Patrick some 30,000 people climb Saint Patrick’s Mountain every year. It is an ancient pilgrimage site—another one of those “thin places’ where the door is cracked between this world and the next.
The climb begins before dawn. People from all over Ireland arrive in the dark, picking their way through food and souvenir stands that have been set up for the event. Some carry a pilgrim staff. Many are barefoot, since that is the proper way to climb Croagh Patrick.
The climb is not easy. At first the path is mud but when the mud runs out it becomes loose sharp rocks that are guaranteed to draw blood.
Some moved quickly and in about 4 hours they had made their way up and back down. However, thousands moved along with Barbara and Ed.They observed groups of teenagers, matrons in printed dresses, mothers carrying babies,-- many offering shouts of encouragement not to give up before reaching the top.
After a couple of hours of difficult climbing, some people climbing on hands and knees, observing many cut and bloodied feet, and men in orange suits carrying people on stretchers down the mountain; the crowd became more attentive of one another. They reached out to steady another, swapped advice on which way to go, and gave up staffs to those who needed them more.
On reaching the top, they were soaked from heavy fog and standing about 15 feet from the chapel where they could see the priests in their plexiglass box, presiding over mass in immaculate white robes. The celebrant soon snapped the huge white host in half and the crowd filed by to receive an individual serving of the body of Christ.
Imagine looking at the white pressed circle in Barbara’s hand and then at the bloody feet of the person in front of her to realize which one she thought to be the real body of Christ.
For Barbara the “thin place” had done its work. The door between this world and the next had cracked open for a moment. Only the light was not all on the other side. Instead, it lit up this side where a bunch of wet, tired faces were as bright as candles. It only took ½ the time to return down the mountain. The blue, blue water of Clew Bay seemed to reach ½ way up the into the sky. The river of people flowing down the mountain seemed to be pouring into it. Near the bottom, Barbara asked a ruddy-faced teenager why he got up so early on a Sunday morning to climb Croagh Patrick. “It’s good for the soul!” he shouted, as he ran by slapping his bare feet in the mud.
To quote Barbara, “there is no shortage of epiphanies in this world. Those of us who have not yet glimpsed the full brightness of the Lord may still behold his glory, reflected all around us, as we stand within the cloud.”
Let us take time to reflect.
Thanks be to God!
A New Creed
We are not alone,
we live in God’s world.
who has created and is creating,
who has come in Jesus,
the Word made flesh
to reconcile and make new,
who works in us and others
by the Spirit.
We trust in God.
We are called to be the Church:
to celebrate God’s presence,
to live with respect in Creation,
to love and serve others,
to seek justice and resist evil,
to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen,
our judge and our hope.
In life, in death, in life beyond death,
God is with us.
We are not alone.
Thanks be to God.
Offering Invitation
May the gifts we give, lift the veil that separates us, from the Word in the Gospels, illuminating all of our lives with the knowledge of God’s everlasting love.
Hymn VU 543 We Give Thee But Thine Own
We give thee but thine own,
whate’er the gift may be:
all that we have is thine alone,
a trust, O God, from thee.
Prayer of Dedication
Generous God, bless us as we use our gifts of time, talents and monies to show your love in our congregation, our community, and our world. Amen.
Prayers of the People
Let us open our hearts and minds in prayer.
O God, you reach out and touch our hearts this morning. In our hymns we celebrate your loving touch for us. In your word we grow and mature and deepen our faith journey by wisdom’s touch. In prayer we relish that touch, snuggling into your embrace and hugging back in thanksgiving in the silence. (silent prayer)
While we have enjoyed the warmth, the love and the healing power of your embrace, we feel pain in our worshipping spirit as we pray for: healing of the ill; those who are walking in fear due to war in Ukraine; and for those who are struggling due to this dreadful Covid pandemic.
Hear our prayers for ourselves and for the world as we worship. (silent prayer)
Thank you for your empowering grace.
Thank you for your engaging companionship.
Thank you for your sustaining love
May the newness of Jesus’ transfiguration begin in us as we share his words he gave us to pray, saying: “Our Father…Amen.”
Hymn VU 264 Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
in light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.
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Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;
thy justice like mountains high soaring above
thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.
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To all, life thou givest, to both great and small;
in all life. thou livest, the true life of all;
we blossom and flourish, like leaves on the tree,
then wither and perish; but naught changeth thee.
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Thou reignest in glory, thou rulest in light,
thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;
all laud we would render, O help us to see
'tis only the splendour of light hideth thee.
Commissioning
May the God, who came into our world to shed hope in the midst of gloom and despair, enable you to bring warmth and joy into the cold of winter. Welcome God’s light: live in it each day, and be beacons of holy light in all you say and do.
Stay well. Stay safe. Keep a song in your heart.
God Bless
Rev. Janet
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WEEKLY MESSAGE Feb.20 2022
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Greeting
In the cold air the sounds of winter ring crisp and clear. We should hear God’s message crisp and clear in our hearts today. We seek what it is that we can do and who we can be; we ask that God show us where we may serve, preparing us for what lies ahead. The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
Lighting the Christ Candle
We have come to know Jesus---because the innkeeper offered a stable; the Samaritan woman gave him a cup of water; two sisters laid out a meal for him; the disciples were lent a donkey; and Joseph of Arimathea provided a tomb. Generous God, we have come to know Jesus because you gave us your son, the Light of the world.
Call to Worship
Thank You God, for joining us today. Your presence blesses us.
The Spirit of God is with you and me and all around us.
Let us worship in the spirit of God.
(Gathering 21/22, Jani Francis, St. Andrew’s U.C., Indian Head, Sask.)
Opening Prayer
Loving and merciful God, your purposes are beyond our human understanding, your presence both confounds and comforts us. We seek your help to be open to all that you intend for us this day, to respond to your will with our whole selves, that we may find our rightful place in the work of your blessed enterprise and live out the mission you have for us. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Opening Hymn VU 344 How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds
How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds
in a believer's ear!
It soothes the sorrows, heals the wounds,
and drives away all fear.
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It makes the wounded spirit whole,
and calms the troubled breast;
'tis manna to the hungry soul,
and to the weary, rest.
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Dear Name! the rock on which I build,
my shield and hiding-place,
my never-failing treasury, filled
with boundless stores of grace.
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Jesus, my Shepherd, Brother, Friend,
my Prophet, Priest, and King,
my Lord, my Life, my Way, my End,
accept the praise I bring.
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The effort of my heart is weak,
and cold my warmest thought;
but when I see you whom I seek,
I'll praise you as I ought.
Prayer of Confession
God of justice and hope, you invite us to the way of life abundant. What a gift that is! Yet we find ourselves lured by the enticements of this world. We strive for possessions, privilege and power over others. We forget that these will not satisfy the deep yearnings of our souls. Forgive our foolishness and point us to the freedom of faithful living. Hear our prayer, most loving God. Amen.
Assurance of Grace
God forgives our mistakes and reaches out to meet our every need. Be assured that God, in Jesus Christ, is present in your life, offering hope and wholeness to all.
Scripture Readings
Hebrew Scripture Genesis 45:1-15
Responsive Scripture Psalm 37
Hear what the scripture is saying to the church.
Thanks be to God!
Hymn VU 232 Joyful, Joyful We Adore You
Joyful, joyful, we adore you,
God of glory, life and love;
hearts unfold like flowers before you,
opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness,
drive our fear and doubt away;
giver of immortal gladness,
fill us with the light of day.
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All your works with joy surround you,
earth and heaven reflect your rays,
stars and angels sing around you,
center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
flowery meadow, flashing sea,
chanting bird and flowing fountain,
sound their praise eternally.
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You are giving and forgiving,
ever blessing, ever blest,
wellspring of the joy of living,
ocean depth of happy rest!
Source of grace and fount of blessing,
let your light upon us shine;
teach us how to love each other,
lift us to the joy divine.
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Mortals, join the mighty chorus
which the morning stars began;
God's own love is reigning o'er us,
joining people hand in hand.
Ever singing, march we onward,
victors in the midst of strife;
joyful music lifts us sunward
in the triumph song of life.
Gospel Reading Matthew 15:10-20
This is the Good News of Jesus the Christ.
Praise be to God!
Prayer of Illumination
Loving, creator God, we come to the scriptures looking for you and seeking to discover your will for us. Encourage and challenge us with a message that we are loved and we are called to be disciples, to be witnesses, and to spread your love to all people. May we find the grace and wisdom we need to do these things as we hear and reflect on these words. Amen.
Message
Jesus often says things that make us feel challenged. He challenged the disciples to do things that seem contrary to human nature.
In a world that is ‘all about me’ Jesus offers an alternative we find difficult to imagine and embody. Today who can be perfect? It is easier to be mean, hold grudges, ignore those in need. [If I give to every one who begs, I will have nothing for myself. If I turn the other cheek, I will get slapped again. If I get sued, I am hiring the best lawyer I can afford to find a loophole in my favour. If I love my enemies, I will be more persecuted or even be killed. If I am too nice, I will be seen as weak, a pushover, a doormat.]
We might not say these things out loud, but some may harbour these sentiments. For others, these feelings are justified--African Americans still suffering after slavery from race discrimination; survivors of the holocaust; Japanese with tattooed numbers of the internment from World War II; women who make less money than men even when they do the same job; when people are refused the right to marry based on sexual preferences; and when others around the world suffer at the hand of oppressors. Jesus’ call to forgive and be reconciled rings hollow and seems resigned to evil.
Jesus does state what the payoff will be—that is, to inherit the reign of God.
What do we get for loving, forgiving, being kind and gracious, and offering generosity? Jesus tells us what the outcome will be—to inherit the reign of God!
Many of us are often too suspicious of the outcome and so we resist living the values of God’s realm. Many people frequently focus on the perfection thing. Some of us spend a lifetime trying to be so perfect that we are frustrated when we are not successful.
There are two points we might consider—
First, Jesus teaches about life in God’s realm. God’s community is filled with people who think of others first.
Having been in the Girl Guide movement a good deal of my life I tend to remember Thinking Day, Scout and Guide Day is just around the corner on February 22. Think of others before yourself is part of the motto in the Guide Movement. Every decision and action carried out is for the common good. This kind of love is due to the empowering love given by God, who is love. We are able to be gracious, forgiving, hospitable, and generous because we are children of the God who showers us with abundant grace, mercy, and love.
And so, those who know God’s love can love their enemies; those who experience God’s forgiveness, can truly forgive others; those who claim God’s gift of generosity can give back to those who have little. We are able to do these things because, in Jesus, we live in the day of God’s reign.
Second, Jesus lets his listeners know that he himself embodies these values. Jesus moves from, I said, she said, he said to, “but I say to you.” We can look and listen to Jesus to understand God and God’s will for creation. Because of Jesus, God’s realm is already present and moving toward its fulfillment. Jesus calls us to be more God-like in our behaviours and motivations. The reign of God is inaugurated in the person of Jesus, and as followers, we are empowered by Jesus’ witness, to live the reign of God’s values.
How do you want people to treat you? When we follow Jesus, we want to follow his rules, because we believe Jesus’ way is a better way. He told us to treat others the same way you want them to treat you.
Jesus said that this includes those we might consider enemies.
The Joseph story is an important story of reconciliation. Genesis 45:1-2 set the stage for what follows. There is a role reversal: the brothers used their power to throw their young brother Joseph in the pit, and now he has all the power. Despite everything they have done to him, still Joseph loves his brothers and seeks reconciliation with them. Joseph echoes Psalm 37: “Trust in God and do good.” Sometimes in life, there is a moment when it is important to work toward a new relationship. God is always inviting us to risk relationship: with ourselves, with others, with creation and with God.
Perfection is less about getting things right and more about loving as God loves, and Jesus is God’s example of that love.
[This is not about choosing the right fork at the dinner table, nor does it mean attaining such divine attributes as omniscience.]
Jesus calls us to a maturity that results in more God-like behaviours and motivation. Jesus seeks neither to set impossible goals nor to shame people who cannot reach perfection. This not about our own agenda as humans, we know we are not perfect and we cannot satisfy all those around us. But, as followers of Jesus we are empowered by Jesus’ witness to live the reign of God’s values.
To be perfect as children of God is not to add pressure to already overwhelmed lives; instead, it is to assure us that we are not alone in the world and God continues to work in and through us.
Perfection is less about getting things right and more about loving as God loves, and Jesus is God’s concrete example of that love.
We are amazed by people’s capacity to do things that defy our natural instincts. For example, the survivor of a violent crime who is able to forgive her tormenter. As well as, ‘The Mother Teresa’s of the world who give selfless service to outcasts; those who live modestly so they can give to the well-being of those less fortunate; as well as those who commit themselves to random acts of kindness. We are surrounded by many examples of unselfish love and kindnesses—we need only look for them. God’s realm is already active and moving toward fulfillment.
In today’s scripture, we too are encouraged to live as sisters and brothers in God’s realm.
‘To be perfect’ is not to be taken literally, it is a promise that carries the possibility that we may love the world as God has loved us—fully, richly, abundantly, and completely.
Maybe what is most important is the challenge to live our lives of faith within the tension of, “the law and the prophets:” social justice, tempered with spiritual obedience.
Let us take time to reflect.
Thanks be to God!
Hymn 107 Amazing Grace! How Sweet the Sound
Amazing grace, How sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind, but now I see.
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'Twas grace first taught my heart to fear
and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed!
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Through many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come;
'tis grace that brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.
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The Lord has promised good to me,
this word my hope secures;
God will my shield and portion be
as long as life endures.
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When we've been there ten thousand years
bright shining as the sun,
we've no less days to sing God's praise
than when we'd first begun.
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A New Creed
We are not alone,
we live in God’s world.
who has created and is creating,
who has come in Jesus,
the Word made flesh
to reconcile and make new,
who works in us and others
by the Spirit.
We trust in God.
We are called to be the Church:
to celebrate God’s presence,
to live with respect in Creation,
to love and serve others,
to seek justice and resist evil,
to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen,
our judge and our hope.
In life, in death, in life beyond death,
God is with us.
We are not alone.
Thanks be to God.
Offering Invite
We bring our gifts today hoping that they reflect our growing faith and increasing love. They are a symbol of our offering of our lives in Christ’s service.
Hymn VU 543 We Give thee But Thine Own
We give thee but thine own,
whate’er the gift may be:
all that we have is thine alone,
a trust, O God, from thee.
Prayer of Dedication
Gracious and loving God, with hearts filled with love, and spirits committed to justice, we offer our gifts. We share our resources so that the troubled may find comfort and the despairing receive signs of hope. Bless all that we give. Amen.
Prayers of the People
Let us open our hearts and minds in prayer.
Tender God, your ways are beyond our knowing. Your mystery is too deep for us to fathom, yet you constantly come into our lives. Over and over again you draw us to you and invite us into your loving heart. Help us to trust your intentions for us, and connect the goodness and mercy we meet in the people around us with your will and your truth.
As your people, we yearn for your Spirit to infuse us with new life. Awaken us and shake us from that which weighs us down, enlivening our hearts so that our bones may continue to do your work in this time and place.
In a world where many live in hunger, in a time when many live in fear, in a country where many live in hope for tomorrow, but worry about the present, we seek your divine comfort. May that comfort not only calm our worried minds, but also inspire our eager hearts to be there for others.
We ask that you remember those who are grieving, giving them comfort and hope for peace in their hearts, and reminding them of your unconditional love for all who seek it.
Always mindful of your love for us, we ask that you continue to be with us as we celebrate the many blessings that we share, while discerning the vision that you have for us. We ask these things in the name of Jesus, the Light at the centre of our being and the One who raises us to new life in you, and the One who taught us to pray saying, “Our Father… Amen.”
Hymn VU 626 I Heard the Voice of Jesus
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"Come unto me and rest;
lay down, O weary one, lay down
your head upon my breast."
I came to Jesus as I was,
weary and worn and sad;
I found in him a resting-place,
and he has made me glad.
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I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"Behold, I freely give
the living water; thirsty one,
stoop down, and drink, and live."
I came to Jesus, and I drank
of that life-giving stream;
my thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
and now I live in him.
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I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"I am this dark world's light;
look unto me, your morn shall rise;
and all your day be bright."
I looked to Jesus, and I found
in him my star, my sun;
and in that light of life I'll walk
till travelling days are done.
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Commissioning
We go forth in faith, choosing to deepen our discipleship in Jesus, choosing to open our eyes to the needs of those that are around us, choosing to put apathy aside, willing to get involved, choosing to joyfully work with others in the enterprise of faith, choosing life!
Stay safe. Stay well. Keep a song in your heart!
God Bless
Rev. Janet
WEEKLY MESSAGE Feb. 13, 2022
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Greeting
To say that we are to be the salt of the earth, implies that we are to bring some flavour to our pastoral relationships with each other. Today as we worship in community (although physically separated) may we like salt, bring to life what would otherwise seem bland.
Lighting the Christ Candle
Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world. He who lets me lead him, will never stumble in the dark, but will have the Light of life.”
Call to Worship
Working through dreams and visions,
God calls us to this time and space.
Working through the world around us,
God calls us to action.
Working through the people we encounter,
God calls us to love.
Working through this time of worship,
God calls us to establish God’s kingdom.
Opening Prayer
God eternal who divides the day from the darkness and turns the shadow of death into the morning of new life: drive far off from us all wrong desires and unworthy thoughts; incline our hearts to keep your law and guide our feet in the way of peace. Bless us this day. Bless us well. Amen.
Opening Hymn VU 213 Rejoice, the Lord Is King
Rejoice, the Lord is King!
Your risen Lord adore!
Rejoice, give thanks and sing
and triumph evermore:
[Refrain:]
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice;
rejoice; again I say, rejoice!
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Jesus the Saviour reigns,
the God of truth and love;
when he had purged our sins,
he took his seat above. [Refrain]
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God's kingdom cannot fail;
Christ rules o'er earth and heaven;
the keys of death and hell
are to our Jesus given. [Refrain]
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Rejoice in glorious hope,
for Christ, the Judge, shall come
to glorify the saints
for their eternal home:
We then shall hear the archangel's voice;
the trump of God shall sound, rejoice!
Scripture Readings
Hebrew Scripture Isaiah 58:1-9
Responsive Reading Psalm 112
New Testament 1 Corinthians 2:1-16
Hear what the scriptures our saying to the church.
Thanks be to God!
Hymn VU 376 Spirit of the Living God
Spirit of the Living God,
Fall afresh on me,
Spirit of the Living God,
Fall afresh on me.
Break me, melt me, mold me, fill me.
Spirit of the Living God,
Fall afresh on me.
Gospel Reading Matthew 5:13-20
This is the Good News of Jesus the Christ!
Praise be to God!
Prayer of Confession
We are not perfect.
We fall.
You pick us up.
We stumble.
You find us a footing.
We falter.
You are our rock.
We waver.
You are our guiding light.
We break down.
You put the pieces back together.
Be there O Lord, to help us be our very best.
Words of Assurance
We have reason to rejoice.
We live in God’s world.
We have reason to spread joy.
We live in God’s world.
We have reason to share happiness.
We live in God’s world.
We have reason to celebrate.
We live in God’s world.
We live in God’s world.
Accepting, free, and beautiful.
Hymn VU 560 O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee
Master, let me walk with thee
in lowly paths of service free;
tell me thy secret, help me bear
the strain of toil, the fret of care.
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Help me the slow of heart to move
with some clear, winning word of love;
teach me the wayward feet to stay,
and guide them in the homeward way.
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Teach me thy patience; still with thee ,
in closer, dearer company,
in work that keeps faith sure and strong,
in trust that triumphs over wrong,
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in hope that sends a shining ray
far down the future's broadening way,
in peace that only thou canst give,
with thee, O Master, let me live.
Prayer of Illumination
Open our hearts to the mystery of your Word, Holy God. Help us to wisely discern the words of life and love, you are teaching us this day. Amen.
Message
The Gospel readings, for today through Transfiguration Sunday are taken from the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew’s theology, everything that is important or of great significance happens on a mountain: the Sermon on the Mount, Transfiguration, the crucifixion. Jesus is reminding his followers here that our faith must be much more than something cerebral. It has to have character, flavour; it must be seen; it must go beyond something that is abstract and theoretical. Our faith must be demonstrated and performative. We can say that we have faith, but it is in the doing, that it is made real.
After Jesus presents the eight Beatitudes, Jesus begins his sermon, making an analogy that his followers are to be like salt and light.
Jesus uses 2 metaphors to describe and prescribe who his followers for generations to come are and what they do ‘for’ and ‘in’ the world.
“You are the salt of the earth” suggests that Jesus gives his disciples a capacity to elicit goodness on the earth. Like salt, which is used to alter or enhance the tastes of food, the disciples’ capacity to elicit goodness should be of profound consequence. However, the concern for the disciples is that they may lose that capacity by forgetting that they are to disorder the status quo, by valuing those who are dispossessed, caring for those who suffer loss, seeking to do justice, showing mercy, having integrity, being peacemakers, and courageously standing for what they believe. The disciples, who do not engage in such practices, that humanize life on earth, will be like salt that has lost its taste.
“You are the light of the world,” permits us to consider the role of the disciples as ‘a gathered community.’ Light enables us to see things and is a kind of energy, that gives things colour, helps vegetation to grow, provides solar power for electricity, and can be focused for specific uses, such as laser.
Like light, the disciples as ‘a gathered community’ have an ‘umbrella like purpose’ of being the mirror that refracts God’s light so that all peoples and nations can know of God’s justice and mercy.
As ‘a gathered community’ the disciples are like light when they engage others in the world: enabling diversity (giving things colour); nurturing a healthy ecofriendly world (helping vegetation to grow); generating policies for ecojustice (providing solar power); and restoring any relationships that require such (focusing for special purposes). These are good works that will glorify God.
In verse 20 Jesus enjoins his followers in these words: “For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” The righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees is concerned with observance of tradition, public displays of piety, and adherence to the law.
In verse 20, Jesus concludes his proclamation that he has come not to abolish, but to fulfill the law, the prophets, and righteousness, claims theologian Marcia Riggs (a professor at Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Georgia), according to the way that Jesus interprets the law and lives by it. The righteousness of Jesus flows from his relationship with God, and in turn is the ground of Jesus’ relationship with his followers.
To say that we are to be the salt of the earth implies that we are to bring some flavour to our pastoral relationships with one another. Not only does salt make things taste good, it has an edge. It makes come alive what otherwise might seem tasteless. Sometimes salt is used to preserve food keeping it fresh for awhile. Salt is used to stimulate thirst. We can see how this image of salt might relate to ministry. Pastoral ministry is both supportive and affirming, but sometimes it needs to be challenging to a person’s behaviour.
Jesus practiced this idea of pastoral ministry. For example: Jesus accepted the rich man, but challenged him to give away his possessions. As well, Jesus accepted the woman caught in adultery, and then instructed her to sin no more.
Affirmation holds up a person’s dignity regardless of circumstance, challenge for change is the saltiness that keeps the moment alive in order to grow, both spiritually and personally. Saltiness of the challenge for change, over time becomes the preservative that keeps one alive. What was once considered as only bitter, becomes at least bittersweet.
Jesus tells his disciples that they are the light of the world and their light should not be hidden but seen. We often use this idea to encourage someone to step forward, to overcome their shyness and come out of hiding so that they might share their talents and abilities. There is another reason, to let your light shine. There is darkness in life, both external and internal.
Jesus encourages his followers to bring light to a dark and broken world. The light is the light of the Gospel and it draws all people to its warmth and radiance. We cannot bring the light of Christ to others if we are unaware of where that light needs to shine in our own hearts.
Discipleship requires us to look at the dark places within us, (what makes us sad, angry, unpleasant, argumentative). Looking within will help us understand external darkness. There is no need to fear looking in. We cannot walk with others if we do not understand darkness.
When we are salt and light for others, we are more likely to fulfill the law as Jesus suggested: “to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, and soul; and our neighbour as ourselves.”
Human righteousness is about being the salt of the earth and the light of the world. As the salt of the earth, we are disciples of Jesus when we allow our characters to be formed by God’s blessings. As the light of the world, we are followers of Jesus when we accept the covenantal blessings as a call into relationship with all persons because of what we believe. As disciples of Jesus who came ‘not’ to abolish the law and the prophets, we seek to live righteously in the way of Jesus.
Let us take time to reflect.
Thanks be to God!
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Hymn VU 506 Take My Life and Let It Be
Take my life and let it be
consecrated, all for thee;
take my moments and my days;
let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move
at the impulse of thy love,
take my feet, and let them be
swift and purposeful for thee.
Take my lips, and let them be
filled with messages from thee;
take my intellect, and use
every power as thou shalt choose.
Take my will, and make it thine;
it shall be no longer mine;
take my heart, it is thine own;
it shall be thy royal throne.
Take my love: and I will pour
at thy feet its treasure store;
take myself, and I will be
ever, only, all for thee.
A New Creed
We are not alone,
we live in God’s world.
who has created and is creating,
who has come in Jesus,
the Word made flesh
to reconcile and make new,
who works in us and others
by the Spirit.
We trust in God.
We are called to be the Church:
to celebrate God’s presence,
to live with respect in Creation,
to love and serve others,
to seek justice and resist evil,
to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen,
our judge and our hope.
In life, in death, in life beyond death,
God is with us.
We are not alone.
Thanks be to God.
Offering Invitation
The Hebrew word for ‘give’ is natan. It reads the same from left or right. And doesn’t ‘giving,’ work both ways too? We give our offering, as we have been blessed.
Hymn VU 543 We give Thee But Thine Own
We give thee but thine own,
whate’er the gift may be:
all that we have is thine alone,
a trust, O God, from thee.
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Prayer of Dedication
Loving God, we give not out of obligation, but as a response of thanksgiving to you. We give not only to keep the local church going, but to promote the mission of Jesus the Christ. We give, not just to serve the persons I need that we know, but to serve those who are needy throughout the world. We give, and you, O God, receive our gifts and remind us that this is holy money. You have blessed us, O God. Amen.
Prayers of the People
Let us join in prayer as the people of God. In silence time, let us add the prayers of our hearts.
Let us pray,
God of surprising wonder, whose creative love lures us into unexpected places and new experiences: we thank you for revealing your glory in Jesus the Christ, your Beloved Child, Light of the World.
You lead us to the holy mountain as witnesses, awash in the awesome light of a new day dawning. You give us vision of life as it can be lived in your community. You bless us with your Word and Spirit, and send us back to the valley to serve in your name.
We thank you, God, for those who care for us, who trust in us and love us, who take time to listen when we need to speak, who help us to grow and learn, who laugh with us and play with us, who cry with us when we are sad and scared.
May we be like that for others. Help us to be good and kind and compassionate. Teach us to treat each other with respect, to treat all creatures and the earth itself with holy care; for you make everything that’s beautiful and living good.
O God: bring your light to bear on our world in need. To those who live in fear, poverty, or oppression---be mercy, bread, and justice. To those who live in situations of violence or abuse---be reconciler, peacemaker, restorer of relationships. To those who live with illness, grief or depression---be comforter, healer, source of hope.
Our hearts reach out around the world to those who need our prayers. Our hearts reach out to those in our country who are struggling for whatever reason as the result of Covid-19 and its variants, a dreadful virus hovering over our world. In the silence of our hearts, we raise to you, those close at hand who need our prayer…silence.
Gather all for whom we pray into the warm embrace of your everlasting arms, O God, and enable us to be instruments of your peace. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Christ, who taught us to pray, “Our Father…Amen.” .
Hymn VU 481 Sent Forth by God’s Blessing
Sent forth by God’s blessing,
our true faith confessing,
the people of God from this dwelling take leave.
The supper is ended.
Oh, now be extended
the fruits of this service in all who believe.
The seed of Christ’s teaching,
receptive souls reaching,
shall blossom in action for God and for all.
God’s grace did invite us,
God’s to work for the kingdom and answer its call.
With praise and thanksgiving
to God ever-living,
the tasks of our ev’ryday life we will face
our faith ever sharing,
in love ever caring,
embracing God’s children, of each tribe and race.
With your feast you feed us,
with your light now lead us;
unite us as one in this life that we share.
Then may all the living
with praise and thanksgiving
give honor to Christ and his name that we bear.
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Commissioning
May the Holy God inspire you,
may the peaceful God enfold you,
may the compassionate God heal you,
may the pilgrim God lead you onward.
Go forth to be God’s people in God’s world.
Stay safe. Stay well. Keep a song in your heart.
God Bless
Rev. Janet
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WEEKLY MESSAGE Feb. 6, 2022 Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
Greeting II Thess. 3:18
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
And also with you.
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Lighting the Christ Candle
As we light the Christ candle to signal peace and goodwill to all on earth,
let us remember all who yearn for a word from God,
and all who gaze into the night sky in longing and in hope,
listening for an angel song.
May the flame of God’s eternal light find a welcome in every spirit this night.
Call to Worship
Let us sing and pray in God’s presence.
Praise be to God!
For God has created the world and called it good.
Praise be to God!
In Christ, God has redeemed the world and defeated the powers of death.
Praise be to God!
The Holy Spirit is at work in the world, calling us to follow Jesus.
All praise and glory to God, Holy One and Holy Three!
Opening Prayer
God ever creating, ever loving, ever leading:
your presence is peace when we are frantic;
your Word is truth when we face deception;
your Spirit offers freedom when we are paralyzed by fear.
You give purpose in confusing times;
You call for justice when the world settles for inequality.
For all that you are, all that you have been, and all that you will be,
we worship you as the Source of Life,
the Promise of Redemption,
and the Spirit of Love in Action,
One God, now and always.
Opening Hymn VU 315 Holy, Holy, Holy
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee;
holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty,
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee;
casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
which were, and art, and evermore shalt be.
Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee,
though the eye made blind by sin thy glory may not see,
only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,
perfect in power, in love, and purity.
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name in earth and sky and sea;
holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty,
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
Prayer of Confession
We come before you, O God, as people who have not always lived up to your will for our lives. At times we have carved out our own habits and lifestyles, and built them on the dubious foundations of self-interest. Lacking in imagination, trust and courage, we can feel unworthy in your presence to speak. We may feel ill-prepared or unequipped to do things. Forgive us our lack of trust in you and grant us courage to follow you, for you are our hope and salvation. Amen.
Assurance of Grace
God forgives us as we speak, and is already showing us the way that we should go. Look and listen, trust in the word of Jesus Christ and be saved!
Thanks be to God! Amen.
Prayer of Illumination
Speak to us, O Lord, as you open to us the Scriptures
and interpret them to us for this day. Amen.
Scripture Readings
Hebrew Scripture Isaiah 6.1-6 (9-13)
Responsive Reading Psalm 138
New Testament 1 Corinthians 15.1-11
Hear what the scriptures say to the church.
Thanks be to God!
Hymn VU 675 Will Your Anchor Hold
Will your anchor hold in the storms of life?
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife,
when the strong tides lift and the cables strain,
will your anchor drift or firm remain?
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[Refrain:]
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love!
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It will surely hold in the straits of fear,
when the breakers tell and the reef is near;
though the tempest rave and the wild winds blow,
not an angry wave shall our bark o'erflow? [Refrain]
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It will surely hold in the floods of death,
when the waters cold chill our latest breath;
on the rising tide you can never fail
while our hopes abide within the veil. [Refrain]
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When our eyes behold, through the gathering night,
the city of gold, our harbour bright,
we shall anchor fast by the heavenly shore,
with the storms all past for evermore. [Refrain]
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Gospel Reading Luke 5.1-11
Here is the Good News of Jesus the Christ.
Praise be to God!
Message A Surprising Catch
Encounter with God precedes calling by God. It is an old story often repeated. God chooses unlikely ones, whose sense of unworthiness yields to the response, “here I am.” Miracles and ministry follow where trust overrides scepticism. Simon Peter sets aside his need to be in control in order to be opened to, and by, God’s word that assures: we need not fear.
Focus Scripture: Luke 5:1–11
The fishing community and culture of the Galilean coastal region form the “between the lines” context for this passage. By some accounts (for example, in the book Sea Fire by Irene Martin), no less than eight of Jesus’ disciples fished for a living. Matthew’s gospel reveals that Jesus made his home in Capernaum, a fishing village on the lake’s northwest shore. The one who invites fishers to follow was already known to them. Jesus had witnessed their life. Now Jesus calls them to a ministry of witness.
Surprise first enters the story through Jesus’ command to set out the nets again. Several types of fishing nets were (and still are) used, depending on conditions. The net Jesus tells them to let down is a trammel net, a net commonly used in nighttime fishing. It was the wrong type to use in daytime, as its web could be easily avoided by the fish.
Luke is by no means finished with surprise. It is surprising that these fishers do things that warrant their scepticism – it is the wrong time of day; it is the wrong type of net. Yet, they follow Jesus’ words. Surprise comes next in the miraculous catch of fish, to be sure. But surprise also comes when the captain of this boat, Simon Peter, admits his wrongdoing before the crew. Jesus responds to this confession with both assurance (“do not be afraid”) and commission (“you will be catching people”). Jesus’ interest resides not in guilt but in transformation – turning and following in the way of Jesus.
The way that Simon follows Jesus’ directions initially, and then makes such a confession in the presence of the other fishers, reveals that a new captain now directs this vessel and its workers. The concluding verse no longer surprises, for the following had already begun. It should be noted that a parallel to this story occurs in John 21:1-11, following Jesus’ resurrection. In that narrative of Simon Peter’s restoration, the call to follow in Luke 5 is renewed.
Each reading this week explores how God’s word calls individuals and whole communities to faith and renewal. Isaiah 6:1–8, (9–13) recounts Isaiah’s experience of “seeing” God on a throne in the temple. Standing in the presence of God’s holiness evokes despair from the prophet. Yet God responds with healing, call, and a commission that engages the prophet with the whole people of Israel. Psalm 138 celebrates how God has responded to the
psalmist’s devotion with “strength of soul.” The psalmist brings God’s word to bear on kings, lowly ones, and enemies alike.
Paul’s message of resurrection is summarized in 1 Corinthians 15:1–11. It is a message attested to by this list of witnesses. It is a message Paul has been entrusted with by the grace of God. This list of those who witness to the resurrected Jesus aims to stir trust in the message within the text’s readers and listeners.
God’s unlikely choices transform those who respond to God’s surprising words. There can be risk in hearing and following such words. We may wonder what makes us deserving. But there is also grace, when we hear in God’s word the gifts of setting fear aside and taking on new life. When have you had to trust God’s call in some situation that made you skeptical? In what ways have you experienced God’s word as call to ministry and as grace that makes response possible?
REFLECTION
Holy One, we are sometimes afraid to hear or heed your word. We fear change in our routines. We fear finding what we do not expect – in others, in ourselves, in you. Take away our fear, God. Catch us by surprise with your grace. Amen.
Taken from Seasons of the Spirt 2006
A New Creed
We are not alone,
we live in God’s world.
who has created and is creating,
who has come in Jesus,
the Word made flesh
to reconcile and make new,
who works in us and others
by the Spirit.
We trust in God.
We are called to be the Church:
to celebrate God’s presence,
to live with respect in Creation,
to love and serve others,
to seek justice and resist evil,
to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen,
our judge and our hope.
In life, in death, in life beyond death,
God is with us.
We are not alone.
Thanks be to God.
Offering Invitation
Today we honour the work of Mission and Service. Its partnerships and service take our gifts into places of deep need around the world and in our own country.
With God’s blessing, our offering truly makes a difference, touching lives with God’s love and mercy in Jesus’ name.
Hymn VU 543 We Give Thee But Thine Own
We give thee but thine own,
whate’er the gift may be:
all that we have is thine alone,
a trust, O God, from thee.
Prayer of Dedication
God of surprising generosity,
Jesus encouraged his disciples to keep fishing when they thought their nets were empty.
Encourage us to keep giving even when needs seem overwhelming and resources scarce.
We entrust our gifts to you with the faith you can surprise us and others through all they can accomplish in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Hymn VU 266 Amazing Grace
Amazing grace, How sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace first taught my heart to fear
and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come;
'tis grace that brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me,
this word my hope secures;
God will my shield and portion be
as long as life endures.
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When we've been there ten thousand years
bright shining as the sun,
we've no less days to sing God's praise
than when we'd first begun.
Prayers of the People
God of grace and compassion,
we bring before you the widening circles of our lives.
We lift up those closest and dearest to us
and name them before you with affection and gratitude:
Keep a silence for 15 seconds.
Thank you that your love reaches into the very depths of their needs
and gives them strength for their journeys.
Jesus, we are here for them and for you:
Jesus, we are gathered
Lord Jesus Christ, we celebrate the life of your church,
that international community of believers
whose worship and service strengthen our faith and challenge us to live what we believe.
We remember before you this day Mission and Service,
its staff and committee, and its global partners,
giving thanks for their vision, courage and compassion.
In the midst of sudden and overwhelming crises
which cry out for response throughout the world,
you work through this agency to act swiftly with mercy and hope.
We give you thanks for all that is being done in Haiti, Afghanistan and other places,
and for the long term commitment we can show to those in deepest need.
Jesus, we are here for them and for you:
Jesus, we are gathered
Spirit of healing and hope,
we remember before you the many communities and individuals
experiencing ongoing conflict and violence,
widespread drought or severe flooding,
crowded quarters in refugee compounds,
a yearning for education and a struggle for freedom.
Silence for 15 seconds
We join our prayers with those of desperate people everywhere,
trusting in your gifts of courage and resilience to grapple with these steep challenges.
In a world of so much abundance,
inspire generosity and hope among those who give and those who receive.
Jesus, we are here for them and for you,
Jesus, we are gathered
Holy and loving God,
We are in awe of your goodness.
We know in our hearts the tug of our common humanity,
as well as the boldness of your Spirit to respond to those who suffer
and make a difference wherever we can.
We offer these prayers and the unspoken prayers of our hearts
in the name of Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray together saying “Our Father…Amen”
Closing Hymn VU 567 Will You Come and Follow Me
Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?
Will you go where you don't know and never be the same?
Will you let my love be shown? Will you let my name be known
Will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?
Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name?
Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same?
Will you risk the hostile stare should your life attract or scare?
Will you let me answer prayer in you and you in me?
Will you let the blinded see if I but call your name?
Will you set the prisoners free and never be the same?
Will you kiss the leper clean and do such as this unseen
And admit to what I mean in you and you in me?
Will you love the "you" you hide if I but call your name?
Will you quell the fear inside and never be the same?
Will you use the faith you’ve found to reshape the world around
Through my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me?
Christ, your summons echoes true when you but call my name
Let me turn and follow you and never be the same
In Your company I'll go where Your love and footsteps show
Thus I'll move and live and grow in you and you in me
Benediction Psalm 67:1
May God be gracious to us and bless us
And make his face to shine upon us.
Sections taken from the Presbyterian Church of Canada
Seasons of the Spirt 2006
Celebrate God’s Presence
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