WEEKLY MESSAGE Oct. 31, 2021
Greeting
God is the giver of all good things. We thank God for calling us to love our neighbours and our selves. We’ve been shown how to love. We say thanks for many blessings but especially for God’s unconditional love.
Lighting the Christ Candle
On our communion table we have gifts of our faith: the Christ Candle is your light for our journey; the Bible is your Word for our path; the Chalice is your food for our souls. God is the giver of all good things.
Call to Worship
Come, you saints of God, who has gathered us together this morning.
We have come. Our hearts are ready to give God praise.
Come, you saints of God, you who are ‘set apart’ to carry out God’s work in the world.
We have come. We are ready to do God’s will.
Come, you saints of God, remember all those who have gone before us, the faithful who have carried the torch of faith and lit the way.
We have come. We remember those who have helped us on our journey and accompany us still. In the communion of saints, let us worship.
(Sue Webb, Selkirk, ON/ Gathering 2021)
Opening Prayer
We come from our homes, and farms to celebrate the ministry of Christ’s church in this place.
We come, Gracious God, following the footsteps of Jesus, just as our forebears did.
We remember the people of all genders and all ages who have gathered in this place, sat in these pews, and marvelled at the beauty and generosity that surround us.
We gather in the company of the saints. We honour the faith that has been handed down through the decades. For this faith and those who shared it, praise be to you, O God! Amen. Turnbull, Penticton, B.C./adapted for Ravenswood U.C. by Rev. J)
Hymn VU # 245: “Praise the Lord with the Sound of Trumpet”
Praise the Lord with the sound of trumpet,
praise the Lord with the harp and lute,
praise the Lord with the gentle sounding flute.
Praise the Lord in the field and forest,
praise the Lord in the city square,
praise the Lord anytime and anywhere.
Praise the Lord in the wind and sunshine,
praise the Lord in the dark of night,
praise the Lord in the rain or snow or in the morning light.
Praise the Lord in the deepest valley,
praise the Lord on the highest hill,
praise the Lord, never let your voice be still.
Praise the Lord with the crashing cymbal,
praise the Lord with the pipe and string,
praise the Lord with the joyful songs you sing.
Praise the Lord on a weekday morning,
praise the Lord on a Sunday noon,
praise the Lord by the light of sun or moon.
Praise the Lord in the time of sorrow,
praise the Lord in the time of joy,
praise the Lord in the every moment, nothing let your praise destroy.
Praise the Lord in the peace and quiet,
praise the Lord in your work or play,
praise the Lord every where in every way!
Prayer of Confession
God of hope and justice,
in the midst of life there is much evil: cruelty and torture; terrorism and crime; deceit and exploitation; apathy and indifference. Forgive us God, for our casual loyalty, our self-seeking actions, and our poor priorities. Call us back to that which truly means life, that we might witness to your way in this dark world. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Assurance of Grace
Jesus came to bring abundant life. Know that life, that love, and that goodness. Then go out to support structures and programs that reflect that abundant life in the world. Thanks be to God. Amen.
A Litany for Hallowe’en
We can be overcome by terror. With terrible happening all around us, we can feel overwhelmed by the evil in the world.
When we stop and think, we wish that the Hallowe’en spooks were the worst things we had to face.
But the fearsome masks and the outrageous costumes are not as threatening as the real things that humans do to one another.
Cruelty against strangers and children, acts of terrorism against innocent people, and crimes even more horrifying dominate our news.
Yet, in the midst of all the evil in the world, we profess a belief in God.
We believe in God who is good, and in love which overcomes all.
For even in the midst of demonic forces, loving people are at work.
Justice is carried out; healing takes place, people love and care for their neighbours and for victims of crime in many places.
Terror and cruelty are not the final words.
The love of God overcomes all things. Trusting in that love, we make our prayer through Jesus our Saviour. Amen.
Scripture Readings
Hebrew Scriptures Ruth 1:1-22; Psalm 146
New Testament Hebrews 9: 11-14
Hear what the scriptures are saying to the church.
Thanks be to God!
Hymn VU # 595: “We Are Pilgrims”
We are pilgrims on a journey
Fellow travelers on the road
We are here to help each other
Walk the mile and bear the load
Sister, let me be your servant
Let me be as Christ to you
Pray that I may have the grace
To let you be my servant too
I will hold the Christ-light for you
In the nighttime of your fear
I will hold my hand out to you
Speak the peace you long to hear
I will weep when you are weeping
When you laugh, I’ll laugh with you
I will share your joy and sorrow
Till we’ve seen this journey through
When we sing to God in heaven
We will find such harmony
Born of all we’ve known together
Of Christ’s love and agony
Brother, let me be your servant
Let me be as Christ to you
Pray that I may have the grace
To let you be my servant too
Gospel Reading Mark 12: 28-34
Herein is the Good News of Jesus the Christ.
Praise be to God!
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Prayer of Illumination
God of the Word,
The Word brings: hope into this world; peace to those in conflict; healing to the wounded; new life to all that are old and withered. God, we pray that your Word be amongst us today.
Message Filled with Love
The deeper we go into the story of Ruth and Naomi, the more we see its relationship to the “Great Commandment” reading, in the Gospel of Mark. In both readings, we see people who choose a different and difficult path.
Both Orpah and Ruth, daughters-in-law of Naomi, made decisions from the heart. Orpah did the sensible thing and left her mother-in-law and went back to her homeland and family. For Ruth, it wasn’t homeland or family that was prime importance, it was her relationship to Naomi, and so she declared, “Where you will go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge, your people shall be my people.”
What was at the core of that relationship? It wasn’t money or status; Naomi had neither. It was a deep love Ruth had formed for a person who had accompanied her through some extraordinary tough family times. The future was not going to be easy for either of them, but love, the love that had God at its centre, would see them through.
In our most challenging times, God’s love, a love that works itself out in patient endurance, a love that refuses to accept second best, a love that goes beyond time, is there as well.
In both the Ruth and Mark readings, we see people who choose a different and difficult path. Ruth chose not to return to her own country and people. In the Great Commandment in Mark, the different and difficult path is moving beyond sacrifices to true love.
In Mark we read about a scribe who challenges Jesus, questioning him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
The scribe responded by saying that Jesus was absolutely right, and he proceeded to repeat what Jesus had said. Jesus then said to the scribe, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And with that—no one dared to ask Jesus any question.
LESSONS FROM MY MOTHER_IN_LAW
[Spoken by Ruth, a Moabite]
You all know me by my most quoted line. I’m sure. I’m the one who said, “Your people shall my people. Your God shall be my God.” I said this to my mom, Naomi. She was my mother-in-law, but I learned so much from her and grew to love her so dearly, she became my mother.
Naomi was wise. She knew the people of Israel—their customs and beliefs. She also knew my people, the Moabites, and what we believed. It is said that no Moabite can enter the household[JU1] of faith for 10 generations. Maybe that’s why, even widowed, Naomi begged me not to accompany her back to her home. She told my sister and me to go back to our own people and find new husbands when ours died. Orpah went, but I refused. I wanted to stay with Naomi. She knew so much I wanted to learn. I could help her survive, and she could teach me to live. After lots of quarrels, Naomi relented, but she feared the Israelites would never accept me.
When we got to Bethlehem, Naomi told her people to call her Mara. That means bitterness. I couldn’t understand it at the time because Naomi was so well loved by her people when she left. Now I know that she used that term for my security. If she could convince her people to feel sorry for her they would be more likely to accept me—a Moabite—in their land. The people of Bethlehem believed our culture was to worship idols, to be sexually reckless, and to renounce the faith. Our practices were very different: I grew up allowed to go to the theatre and the circus. Jewish women did none of this.
That’s also why Naomi took over the care of my child, Obed, when he was born, the people of Bethlehem had to accept him—even if he was a Moabite. You see, Obed was Jesse’s father, and Jesse was David’s father, and we all know who the descendant of King David is…Jesus.
I’m glad I could help my mother by marrying Boaz. Still, Naomi helped me much more. She taught me to believe in God, to love, to give, to serve. I see the world as beautiful now. I have a heart full of faith. I have a rich life. The day I decided to follow my mother -in-law was the day my life filled with love. Julie Lees, Vancouver, B.C./Gathering 2009—abbreviated by Rev. J)
Today we are asked to reflect on the relationship of love God has called us into and the human obligation we are called to in response to this amazing gift. This is not simply a cleaning of the soul for personal fulfillment or ‘happiness,’ but a preparation for loving our God, and so our neighbour with renewed commitment. As members of a unique community living in covenant with God, we are challenged to love God in earthly terms, not to bow to escapism, self-delusion, or false ritual. Our love of God is rooted in justice and love of neighbour. It is not simply a feeling, but it is made real through tangible acts of worship, service, justice, and faithful commitment to those around us.
Let us take time to silently reflect.
Thanks be to God!
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A New Creed
We are not alone,
we live in God’s world.
We believe in God:
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
God calls us to serve those around us in word and in deed. Our gifts help to serve our congregation’s ministry here in our community, and our denomination’s ministry around the world. We offer our gifts as a part of our service to the church of Jesus the Christ.
Prayer of Dedication
The offering we make today has the power to help others. The offering we make today demonstrates our love for those in need. The offering we make today reflects your love, O God. Bless these gifts we pray, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Hymn VU # 286: “If You Will Trust in God to Guide You”
If you will trust in God to guide you,
And hope in God through all your ways
God will give strength whatever betide you
And bear you through the evil days
Who trusts in God’s unchanging love
Builds on the rock that will not move.
God will embrace your pain and weeping
Your helpless anger and distress
If you are in God’s care and keeping
In sorrow will God love you less?
For Christ who took for you a cross,
will bring you safe through every loss.
Sing, pray and keep God’s ways, unswerving
So do your own part faithfully
And trust God’s word though undeserving
you’ll find God’s promise true to be.
God never will forsake in need
The soul that trusts in God indeed.
Prayers of the People
We will praise you, God throughout out lives, for you created this beautiful earth and all that is in it.
We pray that humanity will treat this precious gift with care and will find ways to live in harmony with the powers of nature.
We will sing your praises, God, as long as we live, for you stand up for the oppressed and set the captives free. There are people imprisoned for their beliefs, and others held captive for fear. Give us the courage of the saints to act out of love and to speak out for justice.
Caring God, you feed those who hunger in body and spirit. Show us the places of hunger in our world, so we can help fill our neighbours’ tables with loaves and their hearts with the Bread of Life.
We pray for all who are alone or hurting, unwell in body or mind, struggling with family or work problems, as well as those who are grieving. May they find peace or comfort in the shelter of your love.
Be guided by the Holy Spirit and your commandment
We give thanks for the many blessings you bestow upon us. We give thanks for the guidance of your Holy Spirit, given to the church throughout the centuries.
As we move forward, may we be guided by the Holy Spirit and your commandment of love.
We now bring you our personal prayers of thanksgiving and concern: Silence.
We praise you, O God, and pray to you through Jesus the Christ who taught us to pray, saying, “Our Father…Amen.”
Closing Hymn VU # 602: “Blest Be the Tie That Binds”
Blest be the tie that binds
our hearts in Christian love;
the unity of heart and mind
is like to that above.
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Before our Maker’s throne
we pour our ardent prayers;
our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,
our comforts and our cares.
We share each other's woes,
each other's burdens bear;
and often for each other flows
the sympathizing tear.
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The glorious hope revives
our courage on the way;
that we shall live in perfect love
in God's eternal day.
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Commissioning
Go into the world, with gratitude for those who have inspired you, challenged you, encouraged you, and given you life. Know that they bless you still.
Go into the world with the strength of these saints and with the blessing of God, for we are saints in the making. Go—inspire, shine, and bless!
The Grace of our Lord Jesus the Christ, the Love of God, and the Communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all, now and always.
Stay safe. Stay well. Keep a song in your heart.
God Bless
Rev. Janet
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​​​​​​WEEKLY MESSAGE Oct. 24, 2021
Greeting
We come today before our Creator God with praise! We rejoice in the fields! We rejoice in the forests! We thank the Divine One for our many gifts!
Lighting the Christ Candle
The Spirit of God is stirring in you.
And also in you.
Let the lit Christ candle mark our readiness to welcome our God.
Let the candle be a beacon to all.
Call to Worship
To be a church family is a blessing.
To encourage and care for one another is a joy. To work together for the common good of all people and all creation is our calling.
Come, let us worship as the body of Christ.
We come as followers of the way of Jesus, as those inspired by the Spirit of God, to worship, hear music, and pray.
Opening Prayer
Gracious and Loving God, in these uncertain times, we hold fast to your unwavering love. Draw us close to one another and to your mercy, which is strong and true. Open our hearts to the wonder of transformative love: tender, courageous, and justice seeking. Move us into your presence more each day, amen.
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!
Jesus the Saviour reigns,
the God of truth and love;
when he had purged our sins,
he took his seat above. [Refrain]
God's kingdom cannot fail;
Christ rules o'er earth and heaven;
the keys of death and hell
are to our Jesus given. [Refrain]
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!
Prayer of Confession
When we are puffed up, God, there is no room at the edges for your Spirit.
When we are focused on ourselves, we are blind to the needs of those around us.
When we are full of ourselves, we cannot be filled by you.
Help us recognize our vanities, our anxieties, our conceits, and heal us…(silence) Amen.
Assurance of Grace
Friends in Christ, hear this good news: all who hunger may taste and see that God is good. God’s forgiving and healing grace can bring us together in unity of heart and purpose. We are able to start anew. This is God’s gift to us—thanks be to God!
Scripture Readings
Hebrew Scriptures Job 42:1-6, 10-17; Psalm 34:1-8
New Testament Scripture Hebrews 7:23-28
Hear what the scriptures are saying to the church.
Thanks be to God!
Hymn VU 299 Teach Me God, to Wonder
Teach me, God, to wonder; teach me, God, to see;
let your world of beauty capture me.
Refrain: Praise to you be given; love for you be lived,
life be celebrated; joy you give.
Let me, God, be open; let me loving be;
let your world of people speak to me. Refrain
Let me, God, be ready, Let me be awake,
in your world of loving my place take. Refrain
Teach me, God, to know you, hear you when you speak,
See you in my neighbour when we meet. Refrain
Gospel Reading Mark 10:46-52
Herein is the Good News of Jesus the Christ.
Praise be to God!
Prayer of Illumination
God, who shouts to us through the ordinary and the extraordinary:
Open us to Wisdom’s invitation to notice the cries for justice in the public square.
Open us to grasp your outstretched hand as you reach out to us.
Open us to your calming in the midst of crisis, that we may grow our trust in your word among and within us.
Open us to your counsel and healing as we listen in the silence of our hearts.
Open us to Wisdom’s invitation and instruction as we listen for guidance in following the Way of Jesus. Amen.
Message Blessed by God’s Love
In the Book of Job, Job’s understanding of God gained from others, is now replaced by a Vision of God. The restoration of Job’s life is not the point of the story and might very well be a later addition to the book. Job’s personal relationship with his Creator is sufficient for him. Faith becomes his vision.
Martin Luther’s last sermon was preached in his home town—and only five people showed up. In a letter a few days before his death, Luther lamented that his whole life was a failure and that his ministry had amounted to nothing. In the gospel last week, the disciples misunderstood what Jesus’ ministry was about. Jesus now asks Bartimaeus the same question that James and John were asked in the previous reading: “What is it you want me to do for you?” Bartimaeus is the first one in the Gospel of Mark to call Jesus “Son of David.” He is the first one with the vision to recognize the High Priest. The disciples asked Jesus to establish their places of honour, but Bartimaeus, the visionary, asks instead for sight. Jesus’ healing of Bartimaeus reaffirms that the only responsible use of power is consensual service. In the Gospel of Mark, Bartimaeus’ blindness becomes his vision. As Jesus departs Jericho to ascend the steep road to Jerusalem with Bartimaeus following along, he heads toward the culmination of this power/service paradox. The cross is seen as failure, but that failure is history’s greatest success. The cross, Bartimaeus, and Luther remind us that the line between success and failure is often too blurred for us to discern the difference.
God created and saw that it was good. Yet people have, well, messed it up. Too much gouging the earth for profit, harms the planet and people. Too much of a good thing, causes trouble health-wise for individuals and even for communities. The disparities are growing and the gaps are dividing the people, not bringing them together. Bartimaeus experienced a gap between what was available to him and what was available to others in his community and society as a whole. In the healing of Bartimaeus, it was his faith that made him whole. Health, and wholeness are not exactly the same. Jacob is a good example to show the difference. Jacob’s faithful struggle with the angel left him physically lamed, but spiritually whole—worthy to become leader of the people of Israel.
We do know, that miracles occur. Bartimaeus experienced a miracle. Was it a healing or cure? There is a difference, yet both are miracles. Both can relieve suffering, but are not necessarily the same. How is God present in each? God’s Spirit is always present, whether we acknowledge it or not.
How have you experienced God in action?
Can you name a time you prayed that someone would be healed from disease and it didn’t happen? A woman shared a story about praying for a cure for someone, but then she observed ‘less worry and less anger in the person’s face’ even as the illness progressed. She chose to rethink what she had asked for in her prayers. She knew they were in good hands, God’s hands, and they were safe. She learned the difference between cure and healing and how healing may be more important. ‘God does great things’ is the theme for this week. Jesus did not presume to know what great thing Bartimaeus was asking him. Nor did Jesus presume to know what kind of mercy was being requested.
Is there a time when you were surprised or overwhelmed by something you experienced in nature? For example: watching a sunset or meteor shower, listening to the wind or wild animals, feeling warm rays or cool drops on your skin, or watching someone doing something amazing, such as: a diver very high up on a cliff diving into the deep waters below.
Does your family have art, slides, movies, or snapshots of: sunsets, people being kind, children playing, a loving hand or hug being offered in the midst of tears, a joyful celebration, or people reflecting together, while apart as well as in person?
We must remember that not everyone is in a position to know or experience grace as joyful. Friends, family members, neighbours or any other acquaintance may be sick or alone or unhappy.
Do you know anyone who is not well or is lonely? Could we give ‘God surprises’ to them so they know we care for them? We need to acknowledge that we are blessed by God’s love, so that we may be a blessing to others. We need to remember that we are able to gather with all that is in our hearts, and God’s grace abounds when we are together.
Let us take time to reflect for a moment.
Thanks be to God!
A New Creed
We are not alone,
we live in God’s world.
We believe in God:
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
We are invited to take part in God’s great enterprise: of healing the earth, of caring for those who are vulnerable, or building up Christian community. Let us present our offerings this day as we join in God’s great enterprise of love.
Prayer of Dedication
Knowing the abundance of our lives we bring gifts of thankfulness, asking that they be blessed even as you, O God, blessed the hillsides of Galilee with your presence, making holy ordinary things of life. We pray in the name of your son Jesus. Amen.
Hymn VU 331 The Church’s One Foundation
The church's one foundation is Jesus Christ our Lord;
we are his new creation by water and the Word,
from heaven he came and sought us that we might ever be
his living servant people, by his own death set free.
Called forth from every nation, tet one o'er all the earth;
one charter of salvation: one Lord, one faith, one birth.
One holy name professing, and at one table fed,
to one hope always pressing, by Christ’s own Spirit led.
Though with a scornful wonder the world sees us oppressed,
by schisms rent asunder, by heresies distressed,
yet saints their watch are keeping; their cry goes up, "How long?"
But soon the night of weeping shall be the morn of song.
Mid toil and tribulation, and tumult of our war,
we wait the consummation of peace forevermore;
till, with the vision glorious, our longing eyes are blest,
and the great church victorious shall be the church at rest.
We now on earth hath union with God the Three in One,
and share through faith communion with those whose rest is won.
Oh, happy ones, and holy! Lord, give us grace that we
like them, the meek and lowly, on high may dwell with thee.
Pastoral Prayer
Great God of life and death and life beyond death, we give you praise.
You call us from out of the whirlwind from the foundations of the earth and the majesty of heaven.
You turn us like the soil: to prepare us for growth.
We are in a fallow time, God, a waiting time, a time when change tempted us to move forward.
We made a decision to disband, and now we must prepare.
Help us to be faithful in the quiet time and to obey the voices of stillness that tell us: Listen.
We want happy endings, God.
Like Job we have tried to be patient, and now we want everything to turn out ‘just fine.’
Help us to live with your promise of resurrection-to let go and welcome the endings that make way for newness.
This is very hard to do, God.
Even with the love and life of Jesus to lead us, we fear the void of darkness.
Strengthen us with your love, God of hope.
Sing to us of resurrection, so we may know the joy of the risen Christ, so we may walk together with You as our guide.
We want happy endings, God.
Help us to remember that there is no resurrection without the suffering of the cross and the cross is not the final word.
We pray for people in our world who are nailed and chained by hatred and prejudice: for the sick who are afraid and lonely.
May your healing spirit lift them and strengthen them, body and soul.
Healing God, rise this day in light and love.
Bless us as we pray the words that Jesus taught us to say, “Our Father… Amen.”
Closing Hymn VU 371 Open My Eyes, That I May See
Open my eyes, that I may see
glimpses of truth thou hast for me;
place in my hands the wonderful key
that shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!
Open my ears, that I may hear
voices of truth thou sendest clear;
and while the wave-notes fall on my ear,
everything false will disappear.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my ears, illumine me, Spirit divine!
Open my mouth, and let me bear
gladly the warm truth everywhere;
open my heart and let me prepare
love with thy children thus to share.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my heart, illumine me, Spirit divine!
Commissioning
The time of worship is ended and so we resume our daily tasks. May we do so with the assurance that in this bewildering time, God loves each one of us unconditionally. Jesus the Christ is our guide, pointing to the way of extreme compassion. And abundant grace. Amen.
Stay safe. Stay well. Keep a song in your heart.
God Bless
Rev. Janet
WEEKLY MESSAGE Oct. 17, 2021
Greeting
As we gather may the Spirit of Almighty God speak peace into our hearts. Let us come before Him just as we are. . . .whether it be joyful, sad, full of concerns and apprehension. . . .or at peace. Let us come before Him with hearts full of thanksgiving, knowing that we are called.. just as we are and that God is willing to receive us and to bless us today.
May God’s grace, mercy and peace be with you.
And also with you.
Lighting the Christ Candle
We invite the light of life to fill us today.
Jesus said,
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Matt. 8:12
Call to Worship
Come, let us worship and bow down.
Let us kneel before the Lord our God our Maker.
For He is our God. . . and we are the people of His pasture.
The sheep of His hand.
The sheep of His hand.
Opening Prayer
Loving God our heavenly Father we bless your Name as we humbly come before Your throne of grace. You have invited us to enter Your presence through the blood of Jesus Christ our righteousness. You have welcomed us into Your holy of holies. We cast all our cares upon You and ask that You would minister to the depths of our being today through the power of the Holy Spirit. Continue to be with us as we honour You today and lift up the Name of Jesus. For we pray in Jesus’ precious Name. Amen.
Hymn VU # 314: "Come Now, Almighty King"
Come now, almighty King, Help us your name to sing,
Help us to praise;
One God all glorious, ever victorious,
Come and reign over us, Ancient of Days!
Come now, incarnate Son, Your life in us begun,
Our prayer attend,
Come and your people bless, come give your word success;
Stablish your righteousness, Saviour and friend!
Come holy Comforter, Your sacred witness bear,
In this glad hour,
Your grace to us impart, now rule in every heart,
Never from us depart, Spirit of power!
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To the great One in Three, eternal praises be,
For evermore;
Your sovereign majesty, may we in glory see,
And to eternity, love and adore!
Prayer of Confession
Lord we humbly confess before You this day the things we have said, thought, done or failed to do that have grieved the Spirit of grace in the past. We acknowledge our sin and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings. Please forgive us and help us to be more like Jesus in attitude, actions, and words. For we ask in His wonderful Name. Amen.
Assurance of Grace
Dear friends, we are assured from the Word of God that is we confess our sin He is faithful and just to forgive our sin and to cleanse us of all unrighteousness. He removes our sin from us as far as the east is from the west and remembers our sin no more. Praise be to God!
Hymn VU # 589: " Lord, Speak To Me"
Lord, speak to me that I may speak in living echoes of your tone,
As you have sought, so let me seek your straying children lost and lone.
O lead me, so that I may lead the wandering and the wavering feet,
O feed me, so that I may feed your hungering ones with manna sweet.
Hebrew Scripture Readings: Isaiah 41:9,10
New Testament Reading: Matthew 16:17,18; Rev. 3:7,8
Prayer of Illumination
Father we thank You for speaking to us through the words of Holy Scripture. And now help us to understand what you are saying to us and to apply it to our lives and to the church today. IN Jesus’ Name. Amen
Reflection: AN OPEN DOOR
Grieve the past. . . . . Discern the Present. . . .Embrace the Future
A. GRIEVE THE PAST
Older . . traditional, established churches in general are going through a process of grieving right now. It is crucial that we understand the process.
Grieving is what we go through when we lose a loved one or something precious to us.
Along with grieving comes change. . . whether we like it or not.
And. . . . change isn’t easy.
Change involves loss and it is difficult for churches to go through this.
Traditions that once lent stability and meaning to church life seem to be a thing of the past.
The way we used to do church was good for those days.
We were built up in our faith and learned how to be faithful servants.
In that sense we haven’t experienced loss. . . . the loss of our faith and the ability to be faithful servants.
Those of us who grew up in the traditional church were grounded in scripture and learned the value of working together in Christian community.
So just because things are changing doesn’t negate the validity of the past.
So the church is not failing. . . .
It is part of who we are now.
I want to suggest that what was built into us in the past has prepared us for the future.
With our age and experience and faithfulness in place. . . . . we need to GAIN A WHOLE NEW PERSPECTIVE ON MINISTRY IN THE FUTURE.
Doors to the past are closing but there is a brand new open door that is opening.
As it says in Revelation 3:8, “I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. . . . “
Even with the covid-19 restrictions, we need to acknowledge that trials only make the church stronger and help the church to become “unstuck”.
A new way of doing things is beginning to dawn upon the church. . . .and it should bring growth to the kingdom of God.
God is the One who allows trials and difficulties to take place so that He can take control and lead His people forward in the direction He wants them to go.
If we are willing to “let go and let God”…… then we are in good shape.
Nevertheless, even if we are willing to walk toward the open door that Jesus is promising us. . . . we grieve the loss of the past and what church used to be.
Organized, institutional church is morphing into something else. We wish it could stay the same as in the glory days when people packed the churches and Sunday Schools flourished.
But it just isn’t that way anymore.
And that’s okay!
There is a future through that open door.
All of us who have lost someone know what it is like to grieve.
And we as a church must do the same. . . we must grieve the past BEFORE WE CAN TOTALLY EMBRACE THE FUTURE.
So what kinds of things do people go through when they grieve? Let’s briefly examine that this morning so that we can realize that what we are all going through is normal.. . . albeit difficult.
I will try to describe the 5 stages of grieving as outlined by Elizabeth Kubler – Ross in her 1969 book entitled “On Death and Dying”. . . . as a way to explain what churches in general are going through right now.
Phase #1 is SHOCK!. . . .This is the first reaction to a loss. . ..bewilderment, being stunned or maybe confused. . And statements like “this is impossible!” or “this can’t be happening” are normal. The brain is denying the event. . . the loss.
Look at King David. He felt this way. But in his own case, he was grieving his own folly and the loss of his own integrity.
“I am bowed down and brought very low; all day long I go about mourning.”
Ps. 38:6
When the church closed due to covid 19 we were shocked. We were bewildered! Our ordinary routine of going to church on Sunday was abruptly brought to a halt! We even denied that this was truly happening.
But then reality set in and we progressed to phase #2.
Phase #2. is BECOMING AWARE of the void left by the loss.
So we tried to fill the void with a substitute for church that would make us feel that somehow we were able to come together. . . .And that was by doing online, video church services.
The void that we became aware of created extreme loneliness. . . .
We missed coming together and some people still have not felt safe to enter the church building . . even with strict protocols.
Creating a substitute for the face to face, elbow to elbow fellowship we had enjoyed before the shut-down is really impossible.
And for huggers like me. . . .it has been very painful to stay 6 ft. apart.
So after trying to fill the void with online church. . . .a substitute for what was lost. . . . .
Phase #3. THE NEW REALITY began to set in.
We began to recognize a new reality for the church and to conclude that everything has changed and will not be as it was anymore…or at least for a long time.
We have begun not to physically assemble, but it still isn’t the same as it was.
It hasn’t returned to the way it used to be yet and we still wonder if it ever will.
This stage of grieving may cause disinterest in church, a state of sadness . . .and a lack of goals. . . .I
In this stage just existing is the way it is right now. .
. .
Phase #4. DEPRESSION.
In the depression stage of grieving some people say things like “there is no point in going on”.
Might as well close the door!
This is normal!
David felt that way too. . . . “Show me O Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. . . . .man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.” From Ps. 39
Right now. . . .the church seems depressed and may be secretly feeling that “it’s no use anymore.”
But then along comes the next and final stage of grieving:
Phase #5. ACCEPTANCE….. This stage is about accepting the new reality that something is gone. The way it used to be will never be again.
We may never like this new reality but we accept it and we learn to live with it and to discover something new.
We learn to not only cope . . . not just to survive . . . .
But we must learn how to THRIVE!
What I have just described is a pathway for grieving.
And it is healthy to go through it.. . in order to have our hearts healed.
I want to remind us that God goes through grief with us.
He grieves with us.
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for thou art with me. . . thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
Without being a people of faith, we would give up in despair under the present circumstances of the church.
THIS BRINGS US TO SOME POSITIVE CONSIDERATIONS!
B. DISCERN THE PRESENT
Putting the present into the right perspective, helps to discern that God is getting the church ready for something big!
If we believe the promises of God then we can discern the path to the future and begin to put together whatever it takes to become the church He wants us to be.
We can’t experience the future by being stuck in the past anyway!
So what do we discern about what God is doing right now?
1. Presently. . . . we must discern that the way we are doing church isn’t getting people saved.
Presently, it is rare for the unchurched and the unsaved to come through the door of the church to attend services.
It is because. . . .people aren’t familiar with structured services the way we are.
They don’t get why we do church the way we do. . .
Many of us grew up with it. . . . .but they didn’t.
Formalism, and institutionalism is not something people in our society feel comfortable with.
Our church culture is foreign to a lot of people.
So discern the present society and the social climate!
2. The next thing then is to discern that something has to drastically change that will allow the unchurched to feel comfortable with us.
People are so stressed out with jobs and raising families in the middle of upheaval. . . that they tend to gravitate toward comfortable, relaxed, casual settings.
So. . . . can we learn to do church gatherings like that?
. . . in a more relaxed and informal way?
3. Next, we need to discern that church is something that we need to do as a lifestyle.
Not just a Sunday morning thing.
Think about Jesus and the disciples.
They did ministry as they went along the highways and the byways.
They did ministry in casual settings and Jesus was an opportunist who took advantage of various situations to present the gospel and share His love.
He went where the people were.
He didn’t expect the people to come to Him.
In fact, the great commission says, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” Mk. 16:15
. . . go and make disciples of all nations, . . . baptizing and teaching.. . . .” Mt. 28:18 ff.
The great commission word “go” there means “as you are going”. . . or
‘as you are going about your life and business”. . . . .share the good news, baptize people and teach people.
Reaching people for Jesus doesn’t happen on Sunday anymore.
It happens during the week as we are going about our lives.
The church is wherever God’s people are serving, praying, worshipping, neighbouring, gathering. . . . . .working. . . . . living, . . . . breathing!
THE CHURCH IS WHEREVER GOD’S PEOPLE ARE LOVING OTHERS. . . .BOTTOM LINE!!
Remember Jesus saying to His disciples, “I will make you fishers of men.”
So let’s go fishing!
He said “you are the light of the world”. . . so. . . .
Let’s let our little lights shine for Jesus in our everyday lives!
So much for discerning the present. . . . .. . but we have to decide to . . .
C. EMBRACE THE FUTURE
If we embrace the future. . . and not fear it. . . ..it will have a huge impact upon the way we communicate with others and get our message across. . . . . .about the love of God for others. . . .
People are on Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, etc.
People attend Zoom meetings.
People call it social media.
So the church needs to develop that componence also. . . . within it’s ministry in order to stay abreast of the times.
This is a stiff learning curve, but not impossible for the techie type of people among us.
Embrace the future. . . .Don’t fear it. . . . .Don’t fight it!
Embrace it!
If Jesus would have had Twitter in His day. . . He would have used it!
If Jesus would have had a website in His day. . . He would have had the best website ever!
He was very good at turning religion upside-down and He is still doing it!
The church is not about to die.
The church is about to experience a re-birth!!
Jesus said, “I will build my church and the powers of hell will not prevail against it.”
He will do it with whatever modern means he can to extend the good news of the gospel to lost and hurting people.
And He needs the church to embrace modern means. . . . .He said,
“ I have appointed you to go and to bear much fruit.”
“you are the salt of the earth. . . .you are the light of the world.”
“I am the vine. . . you are the branches. . . .
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit. . . fruit that will last.”. . . .
The church’s ministry is therefore one that takes place in the world.. . in the marketplace. . . on the sidewalks. . . in the grocery stores. . . in the waiting room of the doctor’s office. . . . and yes. . ..on the internet. . .
when covid allows it. . . .the church’s ministry is one that takes place in our living rooms. . . . in small gatherings of friends. . . .
To conclude ….
I ask you. . . . .
Have you been grieving the past. . . . .as you have seen the old ways erode away?
Are you grieving the loss of what used to be and may never be again?
BUT. . . .Are you discerning the present?
. . . . re-thinking where and how we do church?
Are you discerning ALSO that persecution and the removal of our freedoms could force the church underground to meet in private gatherings AND THAT COVID COULD BE GETTING US PREPARED FOR SUCH A TIME AS THAT.
Are you discerning that our articles of faith will be eventually ruled illegal because they do not conform to the politically correct agenda of THE MAINSTREAM?
Are you willing to take a stand for Jesus even if other churches don’t?
Are you discerning the POSSIBLE loss of your charitable status?
Are you willing to face all of that head on. . . and work through all this loss and change so that you can embrace the future!
Are you willing to go through the open door that Jesus has waiting for you. . . an open door that no one can shut?
Think about these things.
Pray about these things.
Grieve the past. Discern the present. And Embrace the future. Amen.
Hymn VU # 601: "The Church of Christ In Every Age"
The church of Christ in every age, beset by change but Spirit led,
Must claim and test its heritage and keep on rising from the dead.
Across the world, a cross the street the victims of injustice cry
For shelter and for bread to eat, and never live until they die.
Then let the servant church arise, a caring church that longs to be,
A partner in Christ’s sacrifice, and clothed in Christ’s humanity.
For Christ alone, whose blood was shed, can cure the fever in our blood,
And teach us how to share our bread and feed the starving multitude.
We have no mission but to serve in full obedience to our Lord:
To care for all without reserve and spread Christ’s liberating word.
A New Creed
We are not alone,
we live in God’s world.
We believe in God:
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
It is more blessed to give than to receive. Give and it will be given to you. . .good measure, pressed down and flowing over will be put into your lap. Let us therefore be generous and willing to give into the work of the Lord. Let us pray.
Prayer of Dedication
Lord we pray that You will receive and bless and multiply the tithes and offerings of Your people today, that the cause of Christ will continue to reach into the community around us. Bless all that we give today, whether it be great or small. IN Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Prayers of the People
Gracious and loving God we thank You that we have the honour to know You and to enjoy You forever. We thank You for Your creation which reflects Your power and Your beauty. We commit ourselves to the care and protection of all that You have made. Lord we thank You and praise You for Jesus, the Word made flesh, God incarnate who has revealed You to us.
Thank You for Your amazing grace and for the salvation that we have through faith in the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus our Lord. We thank You for the blessed Holy Spirit, our comforter and guide in life. Father we pray for all those who are not able to be with us today. Bless them and keep them in Your tender loving care until the right time when we can all meet again. Father bless and protect little children and our youth as they attend schools far and wide. Lord watch over our precious loved ones and keep them all from harm.
Father God we thank You for the blessings we enjoy in this life that you have given us. . . . food and shelter, communication and transportation. Lord we take nothing for granted! Lord we pray for our neighbours and friends that You will help us to be good witnesses for Your sake. Let Your love be expressed through all we say and do. We pray all this in Jesus Precious Name! Amen!
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Closing Hymn VU # 579: "The Church Is Wherever God's People"
The church is wherever God’s people are praising
Singing God’s goodness for joy on this day.
The church is wherever disciples of Jesus
Remember his story and walk in his way.
The church is wherever God’s people are helping,
Caring for neighbours in sickness and need.
The church is wherever God’s people are sharing the words of the Bible in gift and in deed.
Commissioning
The bible says “happy are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.” As we grieve the past . . .and remember fondly what used to be. . . . .let us go now to discern the present. . . and recognize the opportunities that should excite us.
May we look at the world through the eyes of Jesus and realize that this is a new day for the church. Help the people of Ravenswood United Church see the possibilities that are around them. Bless them as they embrace the future, as salt and light. God has placed before you an open door. Walk through it!
IN Jesus’ Name.
Amen!!
Benediction
And now may the Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. AMEN!
Rev. Katherine Hawley
WEEKLY MESSAGE Oct. 10, 2021
Greeting
Happy Thanksgiving! We are so blessed with the bounty of the Canadian fields; for family and friends; for warm fellowship, which nurtures us in faith community; and for God’s free Spirit, which inspires us to question and to work for peace. This is truly a time for being grateful and giving thanks. Grace, mercy, and peace from God, and the love of Jesus the Christ be with you.
And also with you.
Lighting the Christ Candle
From our hearts, with our hands, through our voices, in our love, for the sunrises and sunsets, for smiles and tears, but especially for your Son, Jesus the Christ whose light shines always; may our thanksgiving fill the world with gratitude and joy.
Call to Worship
We gather this morning to celebrate the Harvest Home!
We are surrounded by the beauty and bounty of the earth.
We gather with hearts filled with gratitude as our senses take in all that we’ve received:
the warm embrace of our church family; the sight of produce fresh from the garden, orchard, and field; the aroma of roast turkey and fresh-baked pumpkin pie, the sound of wild geese overhead and the crunch of leaves beneath our feet; the expectation of a feast that awaits.
For beautiful blessings, in praise and thanksgiving,
let us worship God!
Opening Prayer
Amazing God, we thank you for all the little ways you speak to us. We thank you for all small, humble creatures who fulfill their place in the world and reveal the wonder and mystery of creation in their tiny beings. We thank you for small gestures of courtesy and kindness, for people who hold doors open and let us into the traffic, or simply smile at us on the street. We thank you for sparrow songs and dandelions, for all common things that reveal your beauty as much as the great and spectacular ones. We thank you that you came to us in an ordinary person, Jesus of Nazareth, and that you continue to speak and act through ordinary lives—even ours, in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Hymn VU 516 Come, You Thankful People, Come
Come, you thankful people, come,
raise the song of harvest-home!
All is safely gathered in,
safe before the storms begin;
God, our maker, does provide
for our needs to be supplied:
come to God's own temple, come,
raise the song of harvest-home!
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All the world is God's own field,
harvests for God's praise to yield;
wheat and weeds together sown,
here for joy or sorrow grown;
first the blade, and then the ear,
then the full corn shall appear:
Harvest-giver, grant that we
wholesome grain and pure may be.
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For our God, one day, shall come,
and shall take this harvest home,
from the field shall in that day
all offences purge away;
giving angels charge at last
in the fire the weeds to cast,
but the fruitful ears to store
in the garner evermore.
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Even so, God, quickly come
to your final harvest-home!
Gather all your people in,
free from sorrow, free from sin;
there for ever purified,
in your presence to abide:
come, with all your angels, come,
raise the glorious harvest-home.
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Prayer of Confession
Generous God, you call us to share: you call us to take risks for our faith; you call us to make You our highest priority. We confess that we have hoarded your blessings. We confess that we like to keep things the same and that we are afraid when someone asks us to volunteer, so, we say no. We confess that other things are often more important. Forgive us. Call us again. Challenge us and give us strength. Amen.
Assurance of Grace
Even though we try to limit God; God’s love, forgiveness, and grace are limitless.
Even so, we will be more attentive to the God who knows us, forgives us, and sets us free. Thanks be to God.
Hymn VU 226 For the Beauty of the Earth
For the beauty of the earth,
for the glory of the skies,
for the love which from our birth
over and around us lies,
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[Refrain:]
God of all, to you we raise
this our hymn of grateful praise.
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For the beauty of each hour
of the day and of the night,
hill and vale, and tree and flower,
sun and moon, and stars of light, [Refrain]
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For the joy of human love,
brother, sister, parent, child,
friends on earth and friends above,
for all gentle thoughts and mild, [Refrain]
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For each perfect gift sublime
to our race so freely given;
graces human and divine,
flowers of earth and buds of heaven. [Refrain]
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Hebrew Scripture Readings: Deuteronomy 26:1-11; Psalm 100
New Testament Reading: Philippians 4:4-9
Hear what the scriptures are saying to the church.
Thanks be to God!
Prayer of Illumination
Like autumn leaves as the season deepens, we come in all shapes and sizes, we come with your Spirit whispering to us, we come waiting to see your glory revealed to us. Just as autumn leaves shed their summer green, revealing vibrant colour inside, we come seeking your revelation in us, your law of love carved in our hearts. We come for new life restored in hope. We come that your Word may speak to us, in us, and through us—in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Reflection A Midrash Retelling: A Time for Giving Thanks (Thanksgiving)
According to Webster’s dictionary, midrash is Hebrew for an explanation. Such as any of the rabbinical commentaries and the explanatory notes on the scriptures written between the beginning of the Exile and about 1200 AD.
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Today’s scriptural reference is Deuteronomy 26:1-11.
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And so today I want to share, a Midrash Retelling: ‘A Time for Giving Thanks.’
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A long time ago, maybe even 3000 years, there lived an Aramean family in Northern Syria. Their language was that of Jesus, called Aramaic and therefore they were called Arameans. Their homeland was going through a tough time. The summers had been hot and dry, civil unrest had made many people homeless, and there was not enough food to eat. People were desperate.
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One young family member tells us that their family decided enough was enough. If they didn’t want to starve or get killed, they would have to move to a country where they had a good chance of finding work to support themselves. They sold off their ox, gave away any heavy furniture, packed up a few possessions, and said goodbye to their neighbours and friends. The journey was long and difficult, but they all agreed that moving to a new country was a lot better than staying put and suffering. On and on they travelled until they came to a new country, Egypt. Its borders still seemed to be open, although there were many other Aramean refugees flooding this place. The family felt quite optimistic. Egypt looked like a great place to start a new life and, with all the other Arameans, surely, they would never be lonely.
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So, our family set up camp at the edge of a small village. There was enough land to start a garden and there would also be room to graze a few sheep.
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At first things went well. Father dug in the new garden and planted what he hoped would be enough vegetables to keep them going through the winter. Mother used money from the sale of the ox to buy flour and baked bread. The children set about trying to learn the new language and culture by playing with new friends. Mother’s bread became so popular with the villagers that people stopped going to the local baker to shop and bought mother’s bread instead.
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However, the Egyptian locals soon became resentful. There seemed to be so many of these new families settling in the village. They worried they were becoming outnumbered and started to complain: “How come these foreigners are here any way? We didn’t ask them to come. Yes, and look, they are taking business from my brother-in-law, the baker. I don’t like living next to them, they smell. Why their children don’t even have the right kind of sandals. I don’t want my children to play with them.” The villagers decided to act before it was to late. They had to teach those foreigners a lesson. Even if they couldn’t get rid of them, why not just exploit them and get some cheap labour?
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Things got really bad for the family. People stopped buying the bread, and the garden was vandalized in the middle of the night. Both mother and father were forced to find jobs. Father went to work for a wealthy Egyptian farmer ad mother cleaned house for his wife. The children had to stop their studies and went to work in a carpet factory. Whenever father stopped for a rest, the farmer beat him. The other Egyptians took delight in ridiculing him and playing mean tricks. In the big farmhouse, things were no better. Mother worked long hours without rest, scrubbing and polishing. She too was abused and picked on by the farmer’s wife and the other women.
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Our family and their Aramean friends were desperate. What could they do to stop this persecution? They prayed to God, “O help us. Deliver us from this misery. Show us a new way. What can we do?”
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As if in answer to prayer, mother found she could not go back to work. A tornado had ripped through the farmhouse! There was nothing left to clean. When the farmer went to beat father, the farmer suffered what looked like a massive heart attack, he fell to the ground and died! The Aramean community all agreed, terrible things were happening to the Egyptians. Maybe they should take this as a sign that God was helping their plight and move on again.
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Once more they packed their bags and set off for a new land. God seemed to show them the way. The road was easy. All along the route were springs of fresh water and wild berries to eat, and this time the Lord let them settle in a good place, the land of Israel. The land was fertile. Crops and gardens grew well. People settled in new villages and were happy.
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At the first harvest the people remembered their journeys. They remembered leaving starvation in Northern Syria. They remembered being treated as slaves in Egypt. They were so grateful, that they ‘gave thanks’ in prayer to God for delivering them from oppression and for giving them a new land, but they did not want to forget the struggles of their ancestors.
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Let us take a time for silence. Thanks be to God!
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Hymn VU 234 Let Us with a Gladsome Mind
Let us with a gladsome mind
praise our God forever kind;
whose great mercies still endure,
ever faithful, ever sure.
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God, with all-commanding might,
filled the new-made world with light;
for God's mercies still endure,
ever faithful, ever sure.
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God has with a gracious eye
looked upon our misery;
for God's mercies still endure,
ever faithful, ever sure.
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All things living God does feed,
with full measure meets their need;
for God's mercies still endure,
ever faithful, ever sure.
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Let us with a gladsome mind
praise our God forever kind;
whose great mercies still endure,
ever faithful, ever sure.
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A New Creed
We are not alone,
we live in God’s world.
We believe in God:
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
“God loves a cheerful giver.” (2Corinthians 9:7)
There are many reasons to give—out of duty, love, obligation, in response to need. Perhaps the most important is out of a sense of joy and thanksgiving for all that is given to us by God who is generous. Let us present our offering in joy and thanks.
Prayer of Dedication
O God, we remember, in joy, all we have been given. We return those gifts to you in this offering of money and in the offering of ourselves and all that we have and are. May our gifts be used in joyful service, in our world. Amen.
Prayers of the People
Let us open our hearts and minds as we bow in prayer—
O God, you created a bountiful world and gave us charge over it, commanding us to care for it and for each other. We hold up before you today whose daily work is farming, for they carry in a special way the responsibility of sustaining human life and the fertility of the land.
We thank you for the passion and dedication they bring to their work, willingly weathering long hours, bad harvests, and gut-knotting uncertainty in order to bring crops we all depend on. We thank you for the sane, stable communities they create, and for the example they set for our society of the value of family and community relationships, and of a life where work and home are integrated to the benefit of both.
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Yet, Lord, these very things we value most about farming are under threat; and you know the pressures farmers live under as they stand at the intersection of national and international economic, political, and environmental concerns. Give to them grace, that in troubled times they may know peace: and wisdom, that amid competing concerns they make wise decisions.
Help them not to let independence become isolation, frustration, bitterness, or good business bad ethics. Inspire them with a spirit of confidence in you and service to your world, that they may continue, for generations to come, both to provide and to enjoy the good things the earth offers, through Christ our Saviour we pray. Amen.
The Celebration of the Sacrament of the Holy Communion
Invitation to the Table
In the name of the One who said, “I am the bread of life,”
I invite you to come and eat.
In the name of the One who said, “I am the true vine,”
I invite you to come and drink.
In the name of the One who said, “Love one another as I have loved you,”
I invite you to share together the table of Jesus the Christ.
Since Christ has opened his heart to us, let us open our hearts to one another,
The peace of Christ be with you all.
And also with you!
Communion Hymn VU 480 Let Us Break Bread Together
Let us break bread together on our knees,
let us break bread together on our knees.
​
[Refrain:]
When I fall down on my knees,
with my face to the rising sun,
Oh, Lord, have mercy on me.
​
Let us drink wine together on our knees;
let us drink wine together on our knees. [Refrain]
Let us praise God together on our knees;
let us praise God together on our knees. [Refrain]
The Gospel Concerning the Sacrament John 6:25-35
Herein is the Good News of Jesus the Christ.
Praise be to God!
The Consecration of the Bread and Wine
Let us Pray
Lift up your hearts.
We will lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right and proper that we should give thanks to God.
The Great Thanksgiving
May God be with us.
God is with us.
Let us open our hearts to God.
We open them to God and one another.
Let us give thanks to God.
It is right to give God thanks and praise.
We thank you God, remembering Jesus’ death and celebrating his resurrection we
await with hope his coming again to bring peace and justice to the earth. We share
the mystery of our faith together:
Christ has died. Christ has risen. Christ will come again.
And now let us share the prayer that Jesus taught us to pray saying, “Our Father…Amen.”
Breaking of the Bread and Pouring of the Cup
In the bread we break, we share in the body of Christ.
We who are many are one body, for we all share the one bread.
As we give thanks for the cup of blessing,
we share in the cup of salvation.
Hymn 466 Eat This Bread
Eat this bread; drink this cup.
Come to me and never be hungry.
Eat this bread; drink this cup.
Trust in me and you will not thirst
Sharing the Gifts of God for the People of God
The Prayer of Thanks for Communion
Through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all glory is yours, God most Holy,
now and forever.
And so, this is our prayer. So be it! Amen!
Amen!
Closing 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, O 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 love shall unite us
to work for the kingdom and answer its call.
With praise and thanksgiving to God ever-living,
the tasks of our everyday 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 honour to Christ and His name that we bear.
Commissioning
May the God of all giving, pour out blessings into every heart,
may the God of all mercy, soothe those who ache forgiveness,
may the God of all joy, anoint every brow with the oil of gladness.
And may these blessings be the source of thanksgiving everywhere.
Stay safe. Stay well. Keep a song in your heart.
God Bless
Rev. Janet
WEEKLY MESSAGE Oct. 3, 2021
Greeting
Let us worship God, the One through whom all communion is made possible, and Jesus through whom all our humanness is shown, and the Spirit that continues to call us into community.
Lighting the Christ Candle
In a world that can be chaotic and frightening and where the way is uncertain, may this light of Christ show us the Way.
Call to Worship
It is a new day and our cup of living waits to be refilled.
Take our cups, Lord. Fill them to overflowing, with patience and peace, strength and surprises, longing and laughter, rest and reassurance, acceptance and acting, tolerance and tears.
Come to the well of joy! Let us worship God!
Opening Prayer
O God, your changes touch our lives with mystery and hope. We come to this place today, ready to see your power working in and through us. Help us to be open to your Word, and to answer your call among us. Through Christ, we pray. Amen.
Opening Hymn: VU 296 This Is God’s Wondrous World
This is God's wondrous world,
and to my listening ears
all nature sings, and round me rings
the music of the spheres.
This is God's wondrous world;
I rest me in the thought
of rocks and trees, of skies and seas,
God's hand the wonders wrought.
This is God's wondrous world:
the birds their carols raise,
the morning light, the lily white,
declare their Maker's praise.
This is God's wondrous world:
God shines in all that's fair;
in the rustling grass or mountain pass,
God's voice speaks everywhere.
This is God's wondrous world:
O let me ne'er forget
that though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.
This is God's wondrous world:
why should my heart be sad?
Let voices sing, let the heavens ring:
God reigns, let earth be glad!
​
Prayer of Confession:
Eternal God, from the beginning of time you have called your children into communion with you. Yet we confess that like all the rest before us, we have turned to our own way and too often refused your love and grace. Restore us, we pray, to the joy of knowing you, and recognizing your reign over us, through Jesus the Christ. Amen.
Assurance of Grace
Through your gift of unconditional love, our hearts are opened and we embrace the wonder that we are truly worthy of love. We are called to witness to the world that all of creation is worthy of such love.
Hymn VU 639 One More Step Along the World I Go
One more step along the world I go,
one more step along the world I go,
from the old things to the new
keep me travelling along with you:
​
[Refrain:]
And it's from the old I travel to the new.
keep me travelling along with you.
​
Round the corners of the world I turn,
more and more about the world I learn;
all the new things that I see
you'll be looking at along with me. [Refrain]
​
As I travel through the bad and good
keep me travelling the way I should;
where I see no way to go
you'll be telling me the way, I know: [Refrain]
​
Give me courage when the world is rough,
keep me loving though the world is tough;
leap and sing in all I do,
keep me travelling along with you: [Refrain]
​
You are older than the world can be,
you are younger than the life in me.
ever old and ever new,
keep me travelling along with you: [Refrain]
Hebrew Scriptures Job 1:1; 2:1-10; Psalm 26
New Testament Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12
Hear what the scripture is saying to the church.
Thanks be to God!
Gospel Reading Mark 10:2-16
Herein is the Good News of Jesus the Christ.
Praise be to God!
Prayer of Illumination
Let us pray, wondrous God, you speak to us in a myriad of ways including story, scripture, and human life. Each offers a powerful lesson of your amazing presence in the world. Open us to the messages that are not as obvious, so that we might experience new revelations of your love and power. Be with us this day, and touch our places of deep longing. Amen.
Message Unconditional Love
As we read in Hebrews 1: 3 Jesus is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word.
As the exact imprint of God’s very being, the Jesus in the book of Hebrews shows us the path toward polishing and reflecting the image of God.
According to a commentary written by Susan R. Andrews, educator Rodger Nishioka has helped the contemporary church understand what our dropout young adults are yearning and searching for. A passionate Jesus is at the heart of their hunger. The book of Hebrews unveils this passionate Jesus ---one who is made perfect through excruciating sufferings of our human experience.
The all encompassed Jesus embodies a paradox---the authenticity of human life and the authenticity of divine love wrapped up in an incarnational reality. Jesus is the real thing----the authentic pioneer of God-filled living, reflecting the glory of God in the flesh and blood experiences of earthly life.
To the Jews, Christ crucified was just a scandal, because for them, the mysterious God, who has no name, could never be visible to human eyes.
And to the Greeks, Christ crucified was foolishness, because for them, God who feels, suffers, weeps, and dies was anathema, (or a curse most commonly applied to those who were heretics as seen in the eyes of the Hellenistic mind)
But Christ crucified, was for the writer of the Hebrew Scriptures, a tough, and tender grace of a God, who unconditionally loves us.
The comparison of Jesus in the text to the more imperfect leaders of history --the prophets and the angels and the luminaries of the Hebrew Scriptures --has all too often been twisted into an exclusive and anti-Semitic interpretation of God’s love. But the use in Hebrews chapter 2, the ode to the wonder and holiness of the human creation, connects all people to the glory of Christ and suggests that we too can grow toward perfection if we travel the Way of Jesus.
For me, the uniqueness of the Christian life is the radical way we are called to embrace paradox, things that are self-contradictory such as ---grace and truth, life and death, darkness and light, duty and delight. Jesus is the One who shows us how. Hebrews presents to us a Jesus who embodies glory and humiliation, power and suffering, authority and servanthood, radical grace and radical obedience. Each side of the paradox makes the other side possible. With dualism like this we have beautiful symmetry, as Hebrews presents a majestic and cosmic God coming to touch--up close and personal, in Jesus.
Not so many years ago a young man we all have heard about, Terry Fox, became quite ill with cancer. He set on a mission to raise funds by walking across this beautiful country of ours, but as he came to a small town of WaWa on the north side of Lake Superior he had to give up his walk for he was much too sick to continue, his cancer had recurred. Canadians today continue to raise funds for cancer after supporting Terry on his walk. In the Bible there is a story of man named Job. When we have bad things happen to us, when we suffer, we begin to ask, “Why me?” Both Job and Terry learned not to focus on that question. Terry decided to focus on helping others. That gave him a purpose. Even in the midst of our own sadness and grief, we can be doing what we can to make a better world. That’ how God’s love works.
When Terry’s cancer recurred, Terry became angry at his father’s crying out, “Why you?” Terry’s answer was, “Why not me?”
That is basically what Job said to his wife.
What is faith? Can our faith carry us through not only the goodness of life, but also the suffering? Terry was very moved by both the suffering and the courage of many of the kids who came to support him along his route. The children blessed him!
In the Hebrew text as in much of the New Testament, ‘perfection’ does not mean an excellence out of reach of the ordinary human experience, but in a gospel sense,--- it means completeness---fully carrying out the purpose for which we have each been created. We need to clear out the clutter and corruption of our living so that the ‘imprint of God’s very being,’ which is in each one of us, can be revealed.
The words of Hebrews were written to second-generation Christians---believers who were removed from the intensity, the intimacy, and the passion of the earlier years of Christianity.
In fact, it is a time not much different than our own, with pressures of materialism and violence bearing down on them from many sides. The disciples experienced burn out, and they were discouraged believers. Their lethargic faith resonates with our own contemporary Christian world. It is as if we are afflicted ‘by the spiritual version of chronic fatigue syndrome’ --- out of sync with the culture of our world that surrounds us --- wondering what it will take to fill our church pews and interest the younger generations. It is challenging sometimes to muster up either the discipline or the delight that daily discipleship can offer us. However, the electricity of the Hebrew Scriptures can reignite our faith, reminding us of the amazing grace of God’s very imprint in us, and assuring us that endurance through suffering---as well as joy—is the power of God in us for others, as we too can help lift up the spirit of others as well as for those in this very Sanctuary. As we are unable to share in the celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Communion due to Covid 19, it is still a time to reflect on ‘the imprint of God’s very being,’ through Jesus the Christ. Let us take some quiet time. Thanks be to God!
A New Creed
We are not alone,
we live in God’s world.
We believe in God:
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, let us present our offering of gifts of our time, gifts of our talents, your whole self, as well as our tithes and offerings and know that God will hold you in abiding love.
Prayer of Dedication
Living God: through the gifts offered we dedicate ourselves to Christ and will celebrate in joyful worship and consistent service. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Hymn VU 400 Listen to Your Children Praying
Lord, listen to your children praying,
Lord, send your Spirit in this place;
Lord, listen to your children praying,
Send us love, send us power, send us grace.
World Communion Sunday
This is an opportunity to reflect on what connects us with our siblings in Christ around the globe. The reading from Hebrews, especially the concluding three verses reinforces the familial relationship that we all share through Jesus. It also calls attention to our sanctification; that is, our “being made holy.” How do we live as the holy family of Jesus in the world today? What distinguishes us from the world around us? The specific details will differ according to our own local context, but it will always involve supporting one another, encouraging one another, and loving one another, even in the midst of family arguments. It will also entail holding up our siblings in prayer, especially those who are persecuted or suffer for their Christian faith.
Let us pray, Holy Mystery, your circle is wide and includes the most amazingly wonderful array of beautifully created folk. The languages we speak are like a chorus of every sound of creation. The gifts and abilities you have given to us are blessings of an unconditional love. May we be committed to being a welcoming people, inclusive and accepting. (Gathering 2021)
Since we are all masked this morning, and keeping the masks on, let us pray out loud the prayer Jesus the Christ taught us to say, “Our Father…Amen.”
Closing 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, O 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 love shall unite us
to work for the kingdom and answer its call.
With praise and thanksgiving to God ever-living,
the tasks of our everyday 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 honour to Christ and His name that we bear.
Benediction
We have been united with Christians around the globe, for a time to reflect as we remember, we are all made one body in Jesus the Christ.
As we go forth into our own communities may this foretaste of God’s grace assist us in breaking down divisions of prejudice across borders and closer to home (Taylor Croissant, Southminster U.C., Lethbridge, Alta. Edited Rev. J)
Stay safe. Stay well. Keep a song in your heart.
God Bless
Rev. Janet