Mercy and Compassion

Posted on August 24, 2025August 24, 2025 by John

Worship on the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
10:00 am      Aug 24, 2025
Minister: The Rev. Brad Childs     Music Director: Binu Kapadia
Vocalist: Lynn Vaughan     Welcoming Elder: Iris Routledge
Children’s time: Brad     Reader: Laura Patterson-Fortin

We gather to worship God

Music Prelude

Greeting
L: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you
P: and also with you

Lighting of the Christ candle
Welcome and announcements
Preparation for worship

Call to worship:
L: We present ourselves to God as living sacrifices
P: We will offer our time, talents, and treasures to God
L: We consecrate our lives to God’s glory
P: We will shine God’s light in the darkness
L: We proclaim God’s truth to all nations
P: We will be witness to God’s love and power

Opening praise: This is amazing grace

Prayer for inner peace
O God, our strength and refuge, we come to you with hearts lifted in praise.
You are our Maker, our Redeemer, and our Sustainer — in you we find shelter, hope, and the steady hand that holds all things.

We worship you for your loving‑kindness, for the gift of life, for Jesus who repairs what is broken, and for your Spirit who calls and equips us to serve.
In your presence we pause; we lay down the distractions that clutter our minds
and open ourselves to your quiet truth.

Creator, Christ, and Spirit, revive our hope and our energy; ready our hearts to answer your call and to live your love in the world.

Merciful God, our judge and our hope, we confess we do not always live the truth we sing.
We promise compassion in words and withhold it in deeds.
We worship and then ignore the needs of our neighbor; we speak of justice and fail to act.
Forgive our divided lives, our self‑centered choices, and our smallness of vision.
Awaken us where we have grown numb, and make us tender where we are proud.
By your mercy, soften our hearts; by your judgment, restore our direction.

Holy Spirit, breathe your peace into us now.
Quiet the anxious thoughts, steady the restless heart, and heal the inner wounds we carry.
Teach us how to rest in your presence, to trust your timing, and to walk in the freedom you give.
Fill us with the calm courage to lay aside the burdens that slow us, and grant us the inner peace that enables us to forgive, to mend, and to hope.

Lord Jesus, author and perfecter of our faith, accompany us as we go from this place: help us carry your peace into our homes, our workplaces, and our streets.
Let our lives be a testament to the renewing power of your love, so that others may see and be drawn to you.
We offer these prayers in the name of Jesus Christ, trusting your grace, now and always. Amen.

Response: We come to ask your forgiveness

Assurance of God’s peace
God is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Believe the good news of the Gospel. In Christ, God has offered us mercy and love. Receive God’s forgiveness this day and share it with each other for Christ’s sake. In him we find true peace that passes understanding. Amen.

We listen for the voice of God

Response: Open our eyes Lord (445)

Children’s Time

Story: Not long after the I.Q. test was developed, several studies were conducted to see how different groups might do in relation to each other. The tests were given to groups of younger people, older people, wealthy people, poverty-stricken people, ethnic groups and all kinds of things. In this context, someone presented the Hopi Indians with the test. When the Hopi received the test, they immediately started to ask each other questions and to compare their answer right in the middle of the exam. When the instructor saw this happening, he quickly intervened, telling them that they each had to take the test alone and without any help. You are not permitted to help each other or share answers among yourselves, he told them. When the Hopi heard this, they were outraged and they all refused to take the test, saying, “It is not important that I am smarter than my brother or that my sister is smarter than I. It is only important how smart we are together.”

I like that. God created us to live in community with each other – to work together to share resources with each other and to help each other. Now I’m not suggesting you share answers on your tests, but what I am saying is that God doesn’t want us going it alone, and if you can help someone else, you should. This week, I hope you think about the Hopi and maybe act a bit more like them, too.

Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer (535)

Song: Great is thy faithfulness (324)

Scripture readings: Psalm 103:1-8; Isaiah 58:9b-14; Luke 13:10-17

Response: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet

Message: Mercy and Compassion

Winston Churchill: “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.”

Because of the way creation is described in Genesis, the ancient Hebrews generally thought of the day beginning not at sunrise but at nightfall. As a result, the Shabbat or Sabbath starts at sundown on Friday evening and goes to Saturday night. By the way (and just as a fun fact), in many Christian traditions, Saturday is still the sabbath and meant to be a day of rest, but Sunday is The Lord’s Day (commemorating the resurrection) and the two are intended to be different (one for rest – Saturday, and one for worship, Sunday). We tend to think of Sunday as being both.

The Sabbath, a day ordained for rest, reflection, and later on for remembrance of God’s freeing of Israel from Egyptian bondage, arrived as it always did. It was a long time ago and the world was a different place. It was the Sabbath in a small community somewhere around what we might think of as the Syria/Israel/Lebanon border area. And just like any other day of worship, this particular woman showed up for the service.

In a way, this woman is not unique. She was bent over (probably with a fused spine) and had this medical issue for some time. Instead of tiny invisible germs or viruses nobody can see, she was thought to be harmed by spiritual entities nobody could see. The result is the same. And perhaps the truth is more in between than most people think. The physical and spiritual are perhaps more intertwined than we might like.

In any case, how many people today have shown up just the same? She was at worship because she always was, rain or shine, ill or not. And again, how normal is this – people suffering from something and they keep coming? I think this is a typical worship service.

At this particular time, opposition to Jesus was escalating, as was enthusiasm. Luke is written thematically and not chronologically but this was likely near the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. He had just begun to make some enemies. And Jesus had some people rather upset by this point, as well as others excited. As Jesus travelled from one place to another, he was very welcome in particular congregations and very much not welcome in others. But he was travelling and teaching in the Synagogues within a six-day walk of where he grew up.

He came as a guest preacher. Almost certainly, he made his way through Galilee to Jerusalem as a travelling rabbi who had made a name for himself as being uniquely wise. But remember: early in Luke’s own recollection, the people tried to murder Jesus on at least two occasions. He was not always welcome.

There was growing concern. He was rocking the boat quite a bit. And yet he still found welcome in some places of worship. Remember, the synagogues were created after the Babylonians destroyed the temple. The Only place to meet with the historic Ark and Aaron’s staff and the Ten Commandments had been destroyed. As a result, people built small meeting places to read and discuss scripture. By Jesus’ day, the Temple had been rebuilt, and yet Synagogues continued to exist and to be vital community centers.

It is here, in this setting… a seemingly random woman appears.

The original Greek uses a word that grabs our attention. Although it may be somewhat lost in English Bibles, the translators have done a reasonably good job of conveying its importance. It generally reads today as “Behold!” “SEE THIS THING”.

We are told that for eighteen years, this woman had been bound.

In the 1st century, a synagogue was primarily a local assembly house for prayer, Torah reading, teaching and communal life (not a temple). It could serve as a school, meeting hall, and court of local affairs as well as a place of worship.

Typically, these were very simple rectangular halls with one main room large enough for the congregation, with benches or stone seats built along the walls and facing the center. The entire community would chip in to have a copy of the first five books of the bible on a scroll kept in a niche in the limestone at the back wall.

Jesus would presumably be sitting on the “bema” or masonry platform.

Depending on the community, people could be in family groups, or the women and children might have been relegated to a separate area in the back. Contrary to popular belief, complete gender separation in Jewish communities wasn’t a standard until the Middle Ages.

I surmise, nevertheless, that because she is a SHE, and because SHE is INFIRM, and BECAUSE of her INFIRMITY, SHE is VISIBLY different, so I’m just going to go ahead and say I do believe she was probably at the very back of the congregation, where it might be hard to hear.

She’s bent over and suffering, and at the time, it’s important to note that for eighteen years, she had likely not seen the sun or the stars. Her world was probably made up of the dust at her feet. She walked as if searching for a grave. Yet, she came to the synagogue. I doubt she very often got a seat at the front. But this was surely her typical practice. I wonder how many times she came to the house of prayer to pray for healing?

The text just casually says, “When Jesus saw her, He called her forward.” I wonder if she stood out. I find this pretty interesting. She didn’t seek Him out; she probably couldn’t even lift her head to see Him correctly. But He saw her. And with a word of compassion and authority, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity,” and a touch, she was healed.

For eighteen years, she went to the synagogue in bondage until the day Jesus saw her there. It was a spiritual affliction manifesting physically, bending her double and preventing her from standing upright. For eighteen years, she was trapped, her gaze fixed on the ground. We should not assume every physical ailment has a spiritual root, but we also cannot deny that the spiritual can impact the physical. As Spurgeon said, “For eighteen years she had not gazed upon the sun… all the light of her life was dim.” If that is not a spiritual issue, WHAT IS??? Note that she made no request, had no expectation. Yet, Jesus saw her. He spoke a word – a word of compassion, a word of authority: “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” And He touched her. After eighteen years of bondage in the synagogue, she encountered Jesus, and everything changed.

In that moment, Jesus demonstrated His absolute power over sickness, deformity, and disease, regardless of their origin. He could have healed her from afar, but He chose to touch her, showing compassion for her suffering. The impact was immediate and profound. After eighteen years of being bent over, she stood tall. This was more than a physical healing; it was a restoration of dignity, a renewed ability to engage fully with life, and a restored connection with God. This is what love looks like. This is what the Sabbath should be.

The miracle itself is almost understated in the text. It’s a blip on the radar. It’s barely in there. Luke (who is our closest thing to a biblical-feminist) rushes past the details to get to the heart of the matter: the conflict to come. The miracle serves as a catalyst for the lesson that comes next.

The miracle is the spark that ignites the real focus of the passage.

It’s a heartwarming story. A woman is healed at a church service. But notice, it doesn’t seem that odd to anyone. It seems like the kind of thing the people saw and heard all the time. When the Leader of the Synagogue gets mad, he’s not angry about the healing. That was apparently totally normal. Nobody appears too fazed. He says, You can do that healing thing any other day, just not Sabbath – Rest Day. ‘You don’t work on REST DAY’.

And by the way, he’s not wrong. Jesus was a practicing Jew. He wasn’t supposed to work on the sabbath. What follows is simply a debate about what constitutes work.

It might seem shocking that the synagogue leader was upset, but strict adherence to Sabbath laws was held by many at that time. It still is. The core of the conflict is whether a miracle constitutes work. And honestly, that’s what this is all about.

Luke subtly undermines this notion. The miracle itself lacks fanfare. Jesus announces her freedom, and God acts with healing. The Greek text emphasizes the divine passive: she “was straightened up.” God both “set free” and “straightened” her on the Sabbath. Thus, God did the work and everyone else was passive. In other words, Jesus didn’t do work, the Father simply healed her.

The synagogue leader said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.”

He also doesn’t appear to be upset with Jesus. He doesn’t say “Don’t heal people”. He doesn’t even talk to Jesus. I noticed he lacked the courage to confront Jesus directly, instead addressing the crowd with his complaint. As the Barclay commentary notes, his words may have been meant for Jesus, but spoken to others. The imperfect verb tense suggests the leader repeatedly made this demand: “Six days are for this! Come back then!” Meanwhile, the woman “was praising God,” also in the imperfect tense, suggesting continuous praise. She’s jumping all over the place for the first time in years. And we are meant to see the two happening simultaneously.

Jesus didn’t respond with gentleness but with a sharp rebuke. Jesus’s response was not quiet, but forceful. “The Lord answered him, ‘You hypocrites!’” The Greek word for hypocrite implies a playactor doing a part or ‘wearing a mask’. Jesus sees this complaint as a “Rules for Thee but Not for Me” kind of problem.

Jesus continues, “Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? If that’s not work, then how is this? If it’s not work to care for your animals, then it’s not work to care for this woman.

Here we have a classic rabbinic debate. Jesus says if animals deserve care on the Sabbath, then how much more so should a suffering human being? This is basically the same argument he makes with the Lost Coin (people would look for), lost sheep (people would look for), and prodigal son (who people would not look for) stories. In essence, it argues that the crowd would care about money and animals, but not their own children. It is called the “light and heavy argument”. If something is suitable for this unimportant thing, then how much more so is it true for significant things.

Jesus’ argument cuts straight to the heart of the matter: if you show mercy to animals on the Sabbath, how can you deny it to a suffering woman?

By prioritizing a human being over animals, Jesus shows that he didn’t break the Sabbath law, but instead revealed the true meaning of the Sabbath: a day of mercy, compassion, freedom, and restoration. And then the story ends in a typical hero fashion. It reads “17 When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.”

And that’s it.

So what do we do with this information? We need to consider places where we Christians might be hypocritical or prioritizing rigid ideas over people. Have we used scripture to create exclusionary practices that elevate some people and denigrate others? Do we discuss poverty and justice, yet do little to address them? Do traditions make us resistant to change? Are we dogmatic when we could be helpful? Are we political instead of ecclesiastical? Do we build massive cathedrals out of gold and then ask the people in the pews to feed the hungry? Do we have rules for Thee and not for Me? I’m sure we do.

What do I do? What do we do? Where are we off target? Maybe you’re like me – I don’t always know. It’s hard to see sometimes with this plank in my eye.

In the end it’s hard to know what to say about this section of scripture. It doesn’t come with a command to do something or not do something. It’s left with us to stew.

I guess, for me, all I can say is that I want to be more like Jesus. I want to do better. I want to improve. I want to see those places where I’m acting like the leader of the synagogue and I’m wrong. I want to correct those errors. And for now, I guess I’ll just have to keep reading this bible and start asking myself some harder questions. And I’ll need to ask God to help me see those places where I am or have been wrong and need to change. Afterall,

“To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” — Winston Churchill

Song: Broken vessels (Amazing grace)

We respond to serve God

Our time of giving

Prayers of the people
O God, we place our hope and trust in your loving kindness. Because we want to praise you with more than words, we offer our gifts to support Christ’s mission in the world. Bless these gifts and our lives, so that all the world will know your loving kindness.

Lord God, loving God, gather us into your presence as we pray.

Silence our hearts and minds in these moments so that we may listen for the movement of your Holy Spirit who prays within us through our sighs too deep for words.

O God, we lay before you our thanks and our concerns as we remember those who have come to our attention through conversations or chance encounters this week.

We offer gratitude for moments of joy and goodness, and remember pleasures stirred by your Spirit.

We remember all those whose situations are very close to our hearts today, those facing stress or sorrow, those challenged by pain or illness, those making a new beginning or searching for a new path.

We remember the things in the news lately that concern us deeply: the stress on the environment and worries about its future, the pressures on those who have lost jobs or cannot find work, the pain of those who meet discrimination or hatred in daily life, tensions among nations who threaten each other.

And we remember one another, and needs known and unknown in this community.

Bless us as we make a new beginning together as summer turns to autumn.

Show us the paths of ministry you are opening before us. And show us those places where we have allowed for too rigid a stance.

We believe you hear our prayers and will be faithful to answer according to your will.

Song: I the Lord of sea and sky (592)

Sending out with God’s blessing

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with each one of you, and with all those whom you love, and with all those whom God loves, both this day, and every day. Amen.

Response: The blessing

Music postlude

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Numbers in brackets after a song/hymn indicate that it is from the 1997 Book of Praise of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Those and other songs are being used in accordance with the specifications of Dayspring’s licensing with One License (3095377) and CLC (A735555).

The Rev. Brad Childs retains the copyright (© 2025) on all original material in this service. As far as Brad Childs is aware, all of the material that has not been attributed to others is his own creation or is in the public domain. Unacknowledged use of copyrighted material is unintentional and will be corrected immediately upon notification being received.

Video recordings of the Sunday Worship messages can be found here on our YouTube Channel.

Marathon Runners

Posted on August 17, 2025August 17, 2025 by John

Worship on the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
10:00 am Aug 17, 2025
Minister: Rev. Brad Childs     Music Director: Binu Kapadia
Vocalists: Sam and Ann May Malayang    Welcoming Elder: Darlene Eerkes
Children’s Time: Lynn Vaughan     Reader: Jane de Caen

We gather to worship God

Music Prelude

Greeting
L: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you
P: and also with you

Lighting of the Christ candle
Welcome and announcements
Preparation for worship

Call to worship:
L: We draw near to God with humble spirits
P: We will confess our sins and seek God’s forgiveness
L: We receive God’s healing and restoration
P: We will extend God’s compassion to others
L: We commit ourselves to God’s kingdom
P: We will work for justice and peace in the world

Opening praise: Here I am to worship

Prayers for grace
God of majesty and mystery,
You call us together in your presence with that great cloud of witnesses who have worshiped you in song and service for centuries.
This morning we join with those in heaven as we sing your praises. Our praise joins theirs as we fix our eyes on Jesus and wait for your Spirit to guide us.
We praise you for your great love and mercy, revealed in Christ, at work in us through the Spirit.

Holy One, Three in One,
we offer you all glory and honour in our worship, seeking to renew our faith and commitment to serve you in the world that belongs to you.

Attentive God,
You care for us like a gardener tending a beautiful vineyard,
blessing us with what we need to be fruitful. The world you shared with us provides for our needs.
Yet we confess that, all too often, we fail to live up to your hopes for us.
Instead of love and kindness, we produce anger and resentment.
Instead of generosity, we produce greed and jealousy.
Forgive us, O God.
In your mercy, renew in us the fruit of the Spirit
through the grace of Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Response: We come to ask your forgiveness

Assurance of God’s grace

Hear the good news! Although we have not always been faithful to God, God remains faithful to us. In Jesus Christ, God offers us forgiveness. Through the gift of the Spirit, God renews us to live faithfully in Jesus’ name. Thanks be to God! Amen!

We listen for the voice of God

Response: Open our eyes Lord (445)

Children’s Time: Run with Endurance

Have you ever won a trophy or a medal for something? (Allow time for responses.) When we think of medals, we often think of the Olympics where athletes have a chance to win gold, silver, and bronze medals. One of my favourite things to watch in the Olympics are the track races where people run faster than anyone else in the world!

Several years ago, when the Olympics were held in Barcelona, Spain, the world saw one of the greatest moments in Olympic history. A young man named Derek Redmond had dreamed all his life of winning a gold medal in the 400 meter running race. He had worked hard and trained for many years to get to the Olympics, and his dream was within his reach. He was in the semi-finals and was running the race of his life. He could see the finish line just ahead as he rounded the final turn. Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain in the back of his leg and he fell to the track with a torn muscle in his right leg.

Derek struggled to his feet and started to hop toward the finish line on one foot in an attempt to finish the race. (Ask the kids to hop on one leg.) Suddenly, a large man came out of the stands, pushed aside a security guard and ran to Derek’s side. It was his father, Jim Redmond. “You don’t have to do this,” he told his son. “Yes, I do,” said Derek. “Well, then,” said his father, “we’re going to finish this together.”

And they did. They stayed in Derek’s lane all the way to the end. At first, the crowd watched in silence. Then they rose to their feet and cheered – and cried at such an act of love and determination.

Derek Redmond didn’t win the gold medal, but he walked away with the incredible memory of a loving father who, when he saw his son in pain and struggling, left his seat in the stands to help him finish the race.

Our scripture reading today describes a race that you and I are running that is even bigger and more important than the Olympics. In Hebrews, it says, “Since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses, let us run the race that God has set before us. Throw aside anything that will slow you down. Keep your eyes on Jesus.”

So, what is this race that we have before us? What are they talking about?
It is the race of living our LIFE, following the example that Jesus set for us and showing our obedience to follow God’s wishes.

Life is like a race that has been set before us. We may struggle and face many obstacles along the way, but we have a great crowd of witnesses who are cheering us on. We have family and friends who love us and want us to succeed. We have a Heavenly Father who watches over us and will help us when the pain is too great. And, we have a Saviour, who left His place in heaven and came to earth to show us how to run the race well. If we keep our eyes on Jesus, we will finish the race successfully.

Let us pray. This is a repeat-after-me-prayer:

Dear Jesus, sometimes life is difficult.
Help us to keep our eyes focused on You and to run the race that is set out before us, knowing that you are always there to give us your love and support.

And now, we pray the prayer that you taught us …

The Lord’s Prayer (535)

Song: Spirit of the living God (400)

Scripture readings: Jeremiah 23:23-29 and Hebrews 11:29-12:2

Response: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet

Message: Marathon Runners

U.S. runner Arla Runyon, competed in the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. She qualified for the finals in the 1,500-meter race and finished only seconds behind the medal winners. But here is the rub.

Runyon is, and had been, legally blind for 22 years before this…

legally blind.

And not just legally.

She was/is blind.

Runyon can’t see any colours. Yeah, technically, she does see some things vaguely. Nothing is what it is, though. All she can make out are rare and random formless blobs of grey popping in and out of her line of vision while concentrating. So when she races, she follows the large blob of figures in front of her, moving up and down and getting further away. It’s like following the darker smoke in a room filled with smoke. She follows the blur. The most significant challenge is rounding the final turn, where there are fewer runners, and then sprinting toward a finish line that she cannot see and does not know when she has crossed. But she does it. She won’t ever be the best because she needs someone to follow. But she can follow the best. And she does.

What better a picture of the Christian life has there ever been.

Like Runyon, many of us run by following what we can perceive rather than by clear sight. Her story becomes a picture for our spiritual race—when the finish line is hidden, we press on by faith. We may not always see Jesus exactly, but we know generally where we are going if we follow the picture we do have. And if we do. We too finish the race.

We may not always see Christ clearly, but if we keep following, we can finish the race. That’s precisely the problem Hebrews addresses: how to keep running when sight and certainty are lacking. The letter encourages followers of Jesus not to be crushed by the troubles of this world. That’s not to say the letter denies trouble—far from it. What it does insist is that, no matter what storms we face, we aren’t alone.

The trouble is, in the middle of suffering, that promise can feel distant. This world can be a challenging and lonely place, and when hard times hit, we often feel abandoned. Hebrews doesn’t deny that feeling; it meets it head-on by pointing to Jesus’ own suffering as both pattern and proof.

So the author turns our attention to the center of the Christian story—Jesus on the cross—not only as tragedy but as our guide. Hebrews points to the crucifixion as proof that hardship comes to all. People sometimes ask, Why do bad things happen to good people. Well, are you more of a “good person” than Jesus? Because if not, then I think we have to admit that the idea that only good things happen to good people got nailed to a cross 2000 years ago. It’s not a good argument. Instead, the writer says, “Look to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” That phrase asks us to see Jesus not only as one who suffered (so we’re in good company) but as the one whose faithfulness leads to redemption. It’s not simply, “You’re not alone”; it’s also, “You can get through this.” And more than that, “there is more to life than, well, life”.

One modern translation even renders the word often translated “author” as “architect” or “builder.” Jesus is out architect and builder of our lives. That image is powerful: if you’re worried about how things will end up, why not go to the one who designed the plan in the first place? If you believe in God and believe God has something planned for you, then when things get hard, to whom should you go? To the people and places that messed things up? Or to the one who designed things?

We go to the architect.

And yet acknowledging that truth doesn’t make the path easy (maybe it makes more sense, but certainly not “easy”). To say “look to Jesus” is not to pretend trials vanish. It’s hard. Real hard.

I love this little story. In it, a man got bored sitting at home, and so he walked across the street to the schoolyard where a kids’ baseball game was taking place. He watched a Little League game for a short while and then went to the fence and asked one of the youngsters playing ball what the score was. “We’re losing 18 to 0,” the boy answered. “Wow. That’s pretty serious,” said the man, “But you don’t look worried.”. “Why should I be?” the boy replied. “We haven’t come to bat yet.”

That little boy gets it. He knows the game isn’t over until you’ve taken your turn. Too often, we treat life as if the score at this moment, this very second, is the whole story of the game. But it never works that way. We forget that the race continues, that innings change, that turn follows turn. Richard Christian puts it well: “When faced with seemingly impossible situations, we see the wall and not the bricks… taken day by day, task by task, it’s built one brick at a time.”

That’s what faith looks like in practice—small, steady steps.

Hebrews gives us two important pieces of advice for that steady faith. First: “Let us throw off everything that hinders… and the sin that so easily entangles” (Heb. 12:1). And this means… think to see if you have any part in the problems in your own life. Maybe you are wholly innocent. But maybe not. Perhaps you have problems. Maybe they are of your making, and maybe they aren’t, but if they are – “Physician heal thyself”. Control what you have control over.

The Greek behind “hinders” (ὄγκος, onkos) pictures a heavy load—think of an extra traveller’s bag you carry for no good reason. It isn’t the coat you need for warmth or the purse with your wallet; it’s the extra, unnecessary weight that makes the trip harder. It’s something you carry but you don’t need to. So, drop it.

When I read this, my first thoughts go back to watching the 1989 movie Spaceballs with my cousins, which we watched on repeat. Do you remember that movie? It’s a Star Wars parody by Mel Brooks. And in one scene, Canadian John Candy and his Captain Loan Star are carrying spoiled Princess Vespa’s luggage. They realize that they are all about to die, and she is worried about her changes of clothes and her giant hair dryer. Fed up the two dump the contents of her trunk out into the desert sand. Because it’s a comedy, they close the luggage containers and start carrying them away empty. But there lies the joke. Why? Why carry useless weight? We go from one useless weight to another useless weight. But we all do it.

The writer is saying: drop the baggage. If something drags you down—an unhealthy relationship, a guilt you won’t lay aside, something that happened to you that you can’t shake, habits that sap your strength—pray about it, name it, and begin to unload it. It may take time. But drop the things that bring you down.

Second: persevere. The word Hebrews uses is ὑπομονή (hupomone)—steadfast endurance. It’s not blind faith. It’s not without reason. It’s based on past experience. This is not grim endurance only; it is a patient, hopeful perseverance that trusts God even when progress is slow. That’s the kind of endurance athletes train for.

Have you heard to Sir Roger Bannister. For years, the four-minute mile was held up as impossible. For centuries, the idea of running a mile in under four minutes sat firmly in the realm of the impossible. It wasn’t just a challenge—it was presumed to be a scientific certainty that it couldn’t be done. Experts in sports physiology believed the human body wasn’t engineered for such speed over that distance —until one man, focusing mind and body, chipped away at the barrier through disciplined training and changed the whole world’s imagination about what human beings can do. Bannister didn’t just run; he retrained his mind about what was possible. In Christian life, we train our hearts the same way: small disciplines, daily prayers, steady obedience. Over time, they change the race.

So ask yourself: what is your extra bag? What thoughts, habits, or relationships weigh you down? What sins keep tripping you up? Confess them. Bring them into the light. Lay them down and ask God to lift them from you. That’s not a one-time fling at a problem; it’s a daily practice of choice—choose to fix your eyes on Jesus rather than on the obstacle.

And remember you’re not running alone. Hebrews points to a “great cloud of witnesses.” This is not a distant roll call of names—we are surrounded now by people who ran the race before us and by those who still run beside us. The author goes through an incredible litany of heroes. Remember this is book by a Hebrew and for Hebrews and so the author asks, why do bad things happen to good people? And the answer comes, WAIT, bad things happened to all our heroes. And then he goes through the list until he gets to Jesus.

The ancients—Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham—show us steadfastness. They didn’t have perfect lives and they didn’t go without problems. But that’s also true for our parents, teachers, ministers, friends, and neighbours. We all go through things. We aren’t alone – not remotely. And did they have hard times because they were evil or bad? NO! Moses went through hard times, Jesus went through hard times. Hard times exists for everyone.

And yet those voices from the past call to us and they also remind us that we aren’t remotely alone. Those voices form an amphitheatre of encouragement: cheering, praying, and reminding us that endurance is possible. When you feel weak, picture that crowd. The author of Hebrews says, remember Moses, remember Rehab, remember Sampson, Gideon, David… Let their stories and their courage bolster your hope.

Well I say, remember that one faithful Christian who saw things to the end. Remember that one person who made it through harder things than you. That’s the point here. Remember, you aren’t remotely alone. But instead look to those people and to the greatest of those people. Look to Jesus. Be fixed on him.

How do we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus? Not by ignoring reality, but by looking where the race leader points. Read his life; practice his ways; pray like he taught us; trust the God who raised him from the dead. Jesus is both a pioneer—he went before us—and a perfecter—he brings our faith to its goal. We keep going, by doing the next faithful thing, and we do it one brick (not wall) brick at a time. As the old book says, “slow and steady wins the race”.

Faith isn’t finished in one grand leap; it is formed in thousands of small, faithful choices. Get up and pray. Read a verse. Make the phone call you’ve been avoiding. Sit quietly with someone lonely. Forgive one minor offence. Return a favour. Give away a little extra. Each act is a brick laid in the course God has for you.

Find a rhythm that anchors you. Runners train with a plan; Christians grow with habits. Commit to simple spiritual practices: daily prayer (even five minutes), regular scripture (a short passage read slowly), worship with others, and service once a week. These are not magic spells; they are the steady exercises that keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and keep your feet moving down the path.

Lean on the people around you. Ask for help. Tell a trusted friend where the weight sits on your shoulders and invite them to pray with you. We were never meant to run in isolation. Let others cheer you on, and be part of someone else’s “cloud of witnesses” by encouraging them when they stumble.

Be patient with yourself. Progress is rarely neat. You will fall; that is part of the race. What matters is getting up, learning, and getting back on track. Remember Paul’s image: athletes discipline their bodies for a short while to win an eternal prize (1 Cor. 9:24–27). Our training here shapes an everlasting hope.

Trust God’s provision one day at a time. When the finish line looks far, focus on the next step. When fear says you can’t…, remember the One who walks beside you. When doubt whispers, “you’re alone”, remind yourself of the Father’s voice at the river—“This is my Son, in whom I am well pleased”—and that same Father delights in you.

So what will you throw off this week? What baggage will you leave behind? What one concrete step will you take to run more closely in step with Jesus? Make one decision now, and ask God to help you keep it.

Go now in the peace of God. Run with steady feet, shed the weights that hold you back, and keep your eyes on Jesus. May the God of endurance and encouragement give you strength for this week, the love of Christ hold you close, and the fellowship of the Spirit keep you company—today and always. Amen.

Song: The Kingdom of God is justice and joy (787)

We respond to serve God

Our time of giving

Prayers of the people
Thankful for the good gifts God gives us in Christ and in creation, let us present to God the fruit of our labour for God’s work in the church and the world.
Faithful God, bless the gifts we offer to you today. Use them to plant seeds of faith, hope and love in the world, so that your goodness will grow among your people, and your name be honoured for Christ’s sake. Amen.
God in whom we live and move and have our being:
As we gather in your presence today, we give you thanks for your faithfulness to your people across many generations and in so many situations.
Thank you for the faithfulness we meet in the world around us,
In friendships that endure,
In communities that pitch in when someone is in trouble,
In workers who go that extra mile,
In countries who offer safety or sustenance when disaster strikes
and strangers are in desperate need.
Faithful God, hear our prayer,
And renew our faithfulness.

Compassionate God,
we are aware of many challenges in our own lives,
in the lives of those we care about, and in the world around us.
Show us how our care and concern can respond to the prayers of those we love:
In faithful silence, we lay before you the concerns on our hearts this day:
We pray for those who have been in the headlines lately,
whose situations concern us deeply, whose lives cry out to you for help…
Faithful God, hear our prayer,
And renew our faithfulness.

We pray for those who are suffering behinds the scenes in our community:
those who are ill or waiting on treatment;
those who are bereaved;
those struggling to make ends meet or find the right job;
those who are lonely,
those who are moving this summer & will need new friends…
Faithful God, hear our prayer,
And renew our faithfulness.

We pray for those looking forward to a new beginning this coming Fall:
those starting at a new school or in a new college or university program;
those beginning new work or new activities;
those settling into a new home and neighbourhood;
those welcoming new members into the family through birth, adoption or marriage…
Faithful God, hear our prayer,
And renew our faithfulness.

We pray for our congregation.
Gather us into new and renewed friendships.
Show us how to reach out with your love and generosity.
Equip us to meet every challenge we face with faithfulness and commitment.

Song: You are holy, you are whole (828)

Sending out with God’s blessing

“Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.” And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen.

Response: The blessing

Music postlude

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Video recordings of the Sunday Worship messages can be found here on our YouTube Channel.

The Second Coming of the Lord

Posted on August 10, 2025August 10, 2025 by John

Worship on the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
10:00 am August 10, 2025
Minister: Rev. Brad Childs     Music Director: Binu Kapadia
Vocalist: Fionna McCrostie     Reader: Courtney Vaughan
Welcoming Elder: Sam Malayang     Children’s time presenter: Brad

We gather to worship God

Music Prelude

Greeting
L: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you
P: and also with you

Lighting of the Christ candle
Welcome and announcements
Preparation for worship

Call to worship:
L: We come to worship God with reverence and awe
P: We will acknowledge God’s power and majesty
L: We surrender our will to God’s purpose
P: We will follow God’s paths for our lives
L: We dedicate our lives to God’s service
P: We will be God’s hands and feet in the world

Opening praise: How great is our God

Prayers for grace

Creator, Christ and Spirit. God of promise and purpose,

You have called us to be your people through Jesus Christ and given us meaning for each day. You made the world and everything in it, and you are always at work bringing healing and new life. We come together to praise you and to be renewed so we can live out your purposes in the week ahead. Give us your wisdom for the decisions we face and your strength for the challenges before us. You are our God—we give you our loyalty and our praise—so that others will see we belong to you as we follow Jesus.

Faithful God,

We admit we don’t always live the way you want.Too often we take the easy path or follow what’s best for us instead of following you. Forgive us when we forget your call on our lives. Help us to be kinder than normal, better listeners than we have been and open to others. By your grace, change our hearts and help us live more faithfully. Amen.

Response: We come to ask your forgiveness

Assurance of God’s grace

Friends, we all make mistakes, but God’s love in Jesus is stronger than our failures.

If you come to God with a humble heart, you are forgiven—completely forgiven—in Jesus Christ. Go in peace: be at peace with God, with others, and with yourself.

We listen for the voice of God.

Song: Open our eyes, Lord (445)

Children’s time

The story is told of a principal of a small middle school who had a problem with a few of the older girls starting to use lipstick. When applying it in the bathroom, they would then press their lips to the mirror and leave lip prints.

Before it got out of hand, he thought of a way to stop it. He gathered all the girls together that wore lipstick and told them he wanted to meet with them in the ladies’ room at 2 PM. The time came and they found the principal with the school custodian waiting for them.

The principal explained that it was becoming a problem for the custodian to clean the mirror every night. He said he felt the ladies did not fully understand just how much work it was and he wanted them to witness just how hard it was to clean the lipstick from the mirror.

The custodian then demonstrated. He took a brush with a long handle out of a box. He then dipped the brush in the nearest toilet, moved to the mirror and proceeded to remove the lipstick.

That was the last day the girls pressed their lips on the mirror!!! The girls had been kissing a mirror cleaned with toilet water. Yuck.

Sometimes it takes something disgusting for us to recognize the seriousness of a thing. When we sneak that extra cookie, try and hide the food on our plate we didn’t eat, say mean things to people, we are doing something gross. Bad things seem fun sometimes, but they’re actually gross. The good news is that when we do wrong, Jesus promises to forgive. And when we ask for forgiveness, he comes and cleans up our mess. But one thing is still important: we can’t just keep doing wrong. We have to mean to stop, to be better, and we have to stop kissing the mirror because it seems like fun. It’s gross.

The Lord’s Prayer (535)

Song: There is a redeemer (358)

Scripture readings: Psalm 33:12-22 & Luke 12:32-40

Response: Behold the lamb of God

Message: The Second Coming of the Lord

“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks, they can immediately open the door for him.” (Luke 12:35-36)

When I was in high school in Ellinwood, Kansas, we had this teacher named Mr. Strummel. And Mr. Strummel was a decent enough guy; he just didn’t have any time for things that weren’t math. Occasionally, he would go down the hall to a different classroom because the physics teacher would drink two pots of coffee by himself every day, and he had a pot of coffee on no matter what. Mr. Strummel would sometimes get a little annoyed with us, particularly the boys. There’s a reason for that. There is actually a picture of this in my yearbook.

But… One time, I got everyone in class photocopied masks of Mr. Strummel’s face, and we all did impressions of him; answering all his questions in his voice. Another time, I borrowed his keys and went down to the theatre, where I grabbed a bunch of ladies’ Victorian dresses from the drama closet. Then I got all the guys in his class to wear them. Anyway, sometimes Mr. Strummel would go down the hall and get a cup of coffee; probably as an excuse to take a break from us and maybe chat up another teacher for a little bit. He’d say, “Look out for number one, (he had a lot of these sayings, which made it simple to lampoon him), and I’ll be back in a few minutes. Do your work quietly at your own desks and on your sheets.” But as soon as Mr. Strummel left the room, a very different sort of lesson unfolded. A lesson of mischief and misbehaviour.

Now it was a pretty calm school, and everyone knew everyone else as well as their parents and grandparents, and what car they drove and exactly where they lived, so you really couldn’t get in much trouble. But my friends and I would quickly become lookouts at the door, eager to seize the moment when the authority momentarily went absent. Why? Because we knew that in his absence, chaos would erupt. People would often tamper with the grade sheet or write answers behind the pages covering the answers on the chalkboard. Erasers and paper airplanes soared into the lights, people pushed their heads outside the window, and other such nonsense ensued. It was a game of dare and a test of juvenile courage. And the thrill came from the risk that Mr. Strummel would eventually figure out who did what, we’d be caught, and the consequences might be heavy if we saw him in the wrong mood or we went too far.

Mr. Strummel’s presence was significant to the kids who weigh only about 130lbs. And his angry gaze was funny to us, but his disappointment could stop us in our tracks. His wrath was swift and memorable, and with nothing to do on Saturday, he was happy to watch over detention if it meant some punk kid got their just desserts. Obedience mattered. Yet, amid our mischief, there was one girl, Eva, who never worried about when Mr. Strummel might return. Why? Because she was diligently doing her work, faithfully and quietly. Always prepared. When the call rang out that our teacher had started back down the hall, and everyone else scurried into place, Eva was already at her desk, having completed her work and prepared for whatever was next. And she did it all with her fingerprints noticeably absent from the various schoolroom crime scenes. She was always ready.

How many of us live like Eva and how many of us act for the whole of our lives like 15-year-old me? How often in life do we find ourselves caught unready? So absorbed in daily routines, so distracted by the noise of the world, that we forget to stay spiritually vigilant. But Jesus gives us a clear warning: “Be dressed for action and keep your lamps burning.” (Luke 12:35)

Today, most translations say “be prepared” or “be aware”. But I prefer the more word-for-word translations of the ESV and the King James versions here. It gives the literal version, saying “Let your loins be girded about”. In ancient times, people wore long tunics. Think of it like a dress, but made with just one large piece of cloth. To “gird your loins” meant to pull up the parts that touched your ankles and bunch them up at the waist, and then to tie up your robe high with your belt so your legs were freer. This was done to prepare yourself for action—whether for work, travel, or battle. It was also seen as a symbol of readiness, alertness, and anticipation. Here Jesus says, be ready for action and keep the lights on.

Keeping your lamps burning represented vigilance, a readiness to serve or respond at any moment, especially in darkness. Think about it: in a world without electricity, a lamp wasn’t just a source of light but a symbol of hope and preparedness. Have you ever been in a place without electricity? It gives a different meaning to the words pitch black. Well, this used to be the norm: a world where everything is hidden at night and if your fire ever goes out, getting it started again can take an hour. Here, Jesus is urging us to adopt this mindset: to live with intentionality, with our spiritual lamps lit, our hearts alert, and our minds prepared for whatever may come because life—like the night—can be unpredictable. He says, I will return, so be ready. Now, today, I suspect that most of us at least don’t think it will happen in our lifetime. But for the first followers of Jesus, this was a worry. The old southern guilt trip might be worth some thought when they ask, “Is this where you wanna be when Jesus comes back?”

³⁵“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, ³⁶like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. ³⁷It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. ³⁸It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak. ³⁹But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. ⁴⁰You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

I don’t think this is something most Christians think about, let alone talk about, but it is a part of what we claim to believe in the Apostles Creed and at every communion service – that Jesus will return again.

I believe it will happen, but I also wonder if it might look very different from what we expect. The Bible has a habit of turning expectations on their heads.

We don’t know when Christ will return, just as the servants in the parable did not know the exact hour their master would come back from the wedding feast. And that’s the point.

In Jesus’ day, about 20% of households had servants. You can think this is evil, but honestly, unless you grow your own food and make your own clothes, you have servants too. We just do it differently today. Additionally, in the Bible, most servants were merely working off debt or very often simply working for free in order to learn a trade (today we might call this an internship or an apprenticeship program). They also had end dates, similar to a contract with a company. In any case, Jesus isn’t saying, “have servants,” he is just talking about something that exists in his world.

Imagine the anticipation of those servants, waiting with lamps burning, hearts eager to welcome their master, ready to serve, to honour, to be a good employee, and to please. They gird their loins and light the lamps just in case the boss comes back earlier or later than expected.

Jesus highlights that those who are found watching, prepared, and faithful will be blessed. This would be entirely normal for someone to say. But then things get pretty weird. Next, Jesus says, “When I come back and I find you ready to serve, I’m going to serve you instead.”

Verse 37 says, It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, He (THE MASTER) will gird HIS loins, have the servants recline at the table, and He (THE MASTER) will come to wait on THEM.

The imagery of the wedding feast and the servant’s readiness was familiar to Jesus’ audience. Weddings in Jewish culture were prolonged celebrations, often lasting several days, with no set ending time. Part of this is for good reason. With people scattered about and travelling between even relatively close locations, it took at least two days to get around 50 kilometres. I had to take this into account on my vacation last month. It takes three days’ drive to get to my mother’s house (24 hours of drive time), another 6 to get to my aunt Louise’s, one more to get to my brothers and another 6 to get down to southern Missouri where we were staying. If I’m travelling for around 10 hours for four or five days,

I want to make at least sure I’m in the vacation spot long enough to make it worthwhile. Nobody walks for days over rugged terrain to stay for a 2-hour event. And if people came that far to see you, it was a big deal and you wanted to make it memorable for them and “worth their while”. So, parties were often at least three-day events. Still, you never knew when the festivities would end. This generally depended upon when the wine ran out. When might the master of the house return? It could be at any moment. And when the master of the house returned, he would be tired and thirsty and hungry. What would a good worker do for their boss?

Servants had to be vigilant, prepared to open the door at any hour—whether midnight or dawn. They took turns and stayed awake for days, hoping they would be the one to welcome home their boss. Their loyalty and attentiveness demonstrated their devotion and trustworthiness. The imagery of the wedding feast and the servant’s readiness was familiar to Jesus’ audience. In fact, without the lamps lit, the master wouldn’t even be able to find his home.

But Jesus takes this familiar scene and turns it upside down. Instead of the servants serving the master, He says that He will serve His servants. This is the heart of the Gospel: Jesus, the Master, becomes the Servant. And His promise is that those who stay alert, who remain faithful [who make it to the end without giving up on him], will be rewarded with a special intimacy—reclining at His table, being served by Him.

Are we living in that expectation? Are we so committed to our daily routines that we forget the importance of spiritual vigilance? Or are we, like the faithful servant, watching, praying, and ready—so that when Jesus returns, we’re not caught off guard, but joyfully prepared to meet Him? I like the way Paul explains this in Galatians 6:9. He wrote, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Although I don’t feel as if this is likely to happen in my lifetime, that’s the point. We don’t know. And we shouldn’t forget that. And more to the point, you don’t have to think it’s likely – just possible. If you heard a rumour that people in your neighbourhood were being robbed every night around 11 pm, you might not think it would happen to you, but you certainly would consider it. Here Jesus emphasizes that His return will be sudden and unexpected. Just as a homeowner would stay alert if they knew exactly when a thief might be coming, believers are called to live in perpetual readiness. The “thief in the night” analogy underscores this. The thief’s arrival is unpredictable, and so must be our vigilance. Are we doing good? Are we ready to meet Jesus? Maybe we need to heed that old, often-disregarded warning, “Is this where you wanna be when Jesus comes back?” I think the world would be a far better place if we all asked ourselves that every once in a while.

The “second watch” and “third watch”—the late-night hours—were times of heightened vulnerability. The danger was real, and so was the need for constant watchfulness. Jesus is asking us to adopt that same posture in our spiritual lives: always prepared, never complacent.

Peter’s question—“Is this for us, or for everyone?”—reveals a common concern: does this call to readiness apply to all, or just the disciples? Jesus responds with a powerful illustration: the faithful and wise steward entrusted with responsibilities. This steward is a model of faithfulness—feeding those under his care at the right time, living righteously, and staying alert.

Are we faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us? Our time, talents, resources, and relationships are gifts from Him. Are we using them to serve others? Are we alert to opportunities to act with love and compassion? When Jesus returns, will He find us faithfully doing what we know we should?

In the next section, following our reading, Jesus’ words take a sobering turn. He warns that if a servant begins to think, “My master delays his coming,” and neglects his duties, becoming selfish, indulgent, or careless, he faces severe consequences. The image used is that of being “cut in two” and it is harsh, but it underscores the seriousness of neglecting our responsibilities. It should also be noted that this is a figure of speech, like my brother saying, “If you don’t do the dishes, Mom is going to kill you”. Trust me, Mom, Dad, they aren’t going to “kill you”. It just means you will be in trouble. But this is how Jesus speaks of those who aren’t ready. They will be in trouble for that. So “Don’t be that person”. Be ready.

Yet, for the faithful, those who are vigilant and obedient, there is a promise of reward: “Blessed is that servant whom his master will find doing so when he comes.” (Luke 12:43) Jesus emphasizes that faithfulness in the small things leads to greater responsibility, and ultimately, greater joy.

Finally, Jesus concludes with a vital principle: “To whom much is given, much will be required.” This echoes the Gospel’s call for stewardship. Every resource, opportunity, and gift is a divine trust. We are accountable for what we do with them.

This is not meant to evoke fear but to inspire love and responsibility. When we recognize that Jesus could return at any moment, our lives should reflect that expectancy—living with purpose, integrity, and devotion.

When Mr. Stremmel returned to his classroom, Eva’s faithfulness meant she could sit peacefully, knowing she was prepared. Similarly, Jesus, our Teacher and Lord, is returning. Will He find us watching, ready, and faithfully serving? Or will we be caught unprepared, distracted by the chaos of life?

The choice is ours. Let us live each day with our lamps burning brightly, our loins girded for action, and our hearts eager to serve. Because when Jesus comes again, we want to be found waiting—joyful, ready, and eager to welcome our King.

Two sayings come to mind:

Is this where you wanna be when Jesus comes back?
Or do you want to hear instead: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Amen.

Song: Be thou my vision (451: vss 1,2,4,5)

We respond to serve God.

Our time of giving

Prayer of gratitude, and for others and ourselves

Living God, we give you thanks for life and breath to follow you all our days. Thank you for the gift of faith that gives us courage when things are difficult, and for the encouragement we find in the faith of others we meet. Inspire us to remain loyal to you as our true Source of life and hope.

Faithful God, thank you for guiding us when we cannot see the path ahead. Thank you for showing us a way through our challenges when we cannot see a solution on our own. Renew our trust in you in these days when so much is confusing and uncertain.

We pray for those who wonder if they can rely on you, and for those who are afraid for the future. Give them courage to listen for your call and follow your leading.

We pray for those who doubt. Give them courage to explore those doubts and questions and so discover renewed trust in your promises.

We pray for those who are impatient. Bless them in times of waiting for what comes next and fill them with kindness.

We pray for those who have chosen a path that has led to trouble. Turn their hearts towards you and lead them in ways of goodness, justice, and generosity.

We pray for your Church in these days when so much is changing. Give us wisdom to discern ways to reach out to our community, and faithfulness to keep following Jesus into the future you hold in your hands.

Faithful God, we depend on you. Be gracious and bless us, so that our lives may be a blessing to others. Amen.

Song: Love divine, all love’s excelling (371)

Sending out with God’s blessing

“Do not be afraid,” Jesus said. “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Trusting in that promise, let us go out, without fear, to love God and to serve the world that God loves. And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen

Response: The blessing

Music postlude

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Video recordings of the Sunday Worship messages can be found here on our YouTube Channel.

Putting on the mind of Christ

Posted on August 3, 2025August 3, 2025 by John

Worship on the Lord’s Day, Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
10:00 am Aug 03, 2025
Minister: The Rev. Brad Childs, Music Director: Binu Kapadia
Vocalist: Fionna McCrostie Welcoming Elder: Renita McCallum
Reader: Heather Tansem

We gather to worship God

Music Prelude

Greeting
L: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you
P: and also with you

Lighting of the Christ candle
Welcome and announcements
Preparation for worship

Call to worship: Psalm 9 1-2, 9-11 ESV.
L: I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.
P: I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
L: The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.
All: Sing praises to the LORD, who sits enthroned in Zion! Tell among the peoples his deeds!

Opening praise: Great are you, Lord

Prayers of Approach and Confession

Holy God,

We come before you in humility. Great are the works of your hands, O Lord, and greater still are your deeds. When your people were lost in the desert, you led them with a pillar of smoke by day and a pillar of fire by night, and you led them to your Promised Land, fulfilling your promises to them. Lord, let us not forget that you are Truthful and you fulfill your promises.

Lord, as we approach you humbly, we must also confess that we have not perfectly lived up to being your lights into the world. When we should have loved our neighbours, we despised them, when we should have fed one of our brothers, we turned them away, when we should have visited one of the least of these, we stayed away. Fill our hearts with your Spirit, Lord, be a light unto our path. Hear our confessions that we humbly bring before you. …

Amen.

Response: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God

Assurance of God’s Pardon

If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful- for he cannot deny himself. (2 Timothy 11b-13) God has paid in full for our sins. We can trust in his ever-enduring promise!

We listen for the voice of God.

Song: Jesus, thou joy of loving hearts 366

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11

Response: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet

Message

The young man said, “I’m here to help you, ma’am. Why don’t you just wait in the car where it’s warm? By the way, I’m Bryan.” The two shook hands quickly, and then the woman climbed back into the car, feeling very thankful to be out of the cold.

She was an older woman and a widow. She was, for all accounts, very resourceful, but before he died, her husband had always been the kind of man who could fix anything. As a result, she’d never had to change a tire before. Ever the gentleman, he never would have let her. She had no phone to call for help, and she had no idea where to start.

Bryan had seen her standing out in the cold, wet snow with a look of utter confusion on her face as countless cars went speeding by.

Bryan (much like her husband would have) had the spare tire on and jack down in less than ten minutes. He knew exactly what to do. As he was tightening the lug nuts, the woman rolled down her window and began to talk. She told him that she was from St. Louis and was only passing through. She couldn’t thank him enough for coming to her aid. Bryan just smiled as he closed the trunk. She asked him how much she owed him. Any price would have been fine. She was just happy someone had stopped.

Bryan never thought twice about asking for money, even though he could have used a little help back then. Changing a tire, though, wasn’t really a job to him; it was just a neighbourly thing to do.

He told the kind woman that if she wanted to pay him back, the next time she saw someone who looked like they might need help, she could do something nice for them.

Bryan waited patiently in his old rusty truck as the woman started her car and drove off. It had been a cold and depressing day, but Bryan felt good as he headed home. A few miles down the road, the woman saw a small diner. She was pretty hungry and still a little cold, so she decided to grab a bite to eat.

Her waitress brought a clean towel for her to dry her wet hair. She smiled, and the woman wondered how hard it must be for a clearly pregnant woman to be on her feet all day serving meals.

Then the woman remembered Bryan. After she finished her meal, she gave the waitress a $100 bill. When the waitress went off to get the change, the older woman slipped quietly out the door. When the waitress came back to the table, she noticed a note written on a napkin. It was a poem: “You don’t owe me anything. I’ve been there too. Somebody nice helped me out the way I’m helping you. If you really want to pay me back, he is what you’ve done; don’t let this chain of love end with you.” As she picked up the napkin, the waitress discovered four more $100 bills waiting for her.

That night, when the waitress got home from work and climbed into bed, she was thinking about the money and what that kind woman had written. How could she have known how much she and her husband needed that money? With a baby due in a month, she knew how worried her husband had been. As he lay sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss on the cheek and whispered, “Good night. Everything is going to be alright. I love you, Bryan.”

By the time Paul delivered his letter to the Philippian Church, gatherings of believers had already begun writing hymns (as a way to praise God and teach theology). In our verses from Philippians today, the Apostle Paul (who wrote the letter to the Philippians) is not actually the author of this section. Instead, here, he appears to be quoting from one of the first Christian hymns ever written.

Although it doesn’t rhyme in English, most Bibles have this section formatted into stanzas so we can tell that it’s a song or poem.

In it, the earliest Christian church is taught that Jesus (though he is equal to the Father) chose to live life as a servant. The word used is not quite as subtle. In the Konie Greek, it says that Jesus gave up all the powers of heaven and made himself a δοῦλος (doulos), a word literally meaning “slave”. The hymn says that Christ made himself “a slave” and also “made himself nothing”; that he “humbled himself by becoming obedient to death–even death on a cross!” Though Konie Greek has no punctuation, most translations add an explanation mark here. Because for the early Jewish audience, this made no sense. In Deuteronomy, Moses wrote, “cursed is anyone who hangs on a tree”. For the first century Jews, this was no small thing. In fact, it was often referred to as “the offence of the cross” and many Jewish people could not get their heads around the idea that the Jewish Messiah was said to be “cursed”.

But others saw this as the ultimate example of sacrifice, and they wrote this song in response. The song is about just that – saying that not only did Christ humble himself to the position of a slave in total devotion, but more than that… this is what all Christians are called to do. Before the hymn begins, Paul writes, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus”.

Several years ago, a small group of students from Princeton Theological Seminary, as well as a group from Eastern University, started a new movement in the Christian Tradition. They are often called “The New Monastics” because seeing the poverty of the inner city led them to create a whole new kind of modern monastery of Christian communal living.

Shane Claiborne is perhaps this group’s best-known leader. His experience is unique. Not only did he serve at North America’s fastest-growing and largest church (Willow Creek Community, a congregation of some 25,000 people in weekly attendance), but he also served in Calcutta with Mother Teresa before her death. Interestingly, Shane says, they did some research, got the number and called Mother Teresa up on the phone. It was surprisingly easy to get a hold of her. They just called the number and asked to speak with her. They said, and she told them that he and his friends were welcome to come and help. No questions asked.

In one of his books, The Irresistible Revolution, Shane tells this story:

People often ask me what Mother Teresa was like. Did she glow in the dark or have a halo? She was short, wrinkled, and precious, maybe even a little ornery – like a beautiful, wise old granny. But there is one thing I will never forget – her feet. They were deformed. Each morning during Mass, I would stare at those feet. I couldn’t help it. I wondered if Mother Teresa had leprosy. But I wasn’t going to ask, of course.

One day, a sister asked us, “Have you noticed Mother’s feet?” We nodded, curiously. She said, “Her feet are deformed because we get just enough donated shoes for everyone, and Mother doesn’t want anyone to get stuck with the worst pair. So each time the new crates come in, she digs through the shoes until she finds the worst pair. She claims them. The worst pair is always her pair. After years of wearing the worst pair of shoes, her feet have become terribly deformed. She has trouble walking. Each step is filled with pain; pain she accepted so no child would have to.

That is the kind of love that places our neighbours’ needs above our own. That is how we put on the mind of Christ and humble ourselves like a slave to others. That is what makes Christ visible in this world and why His name is above all names and why every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

In the last section of the Hymn, the writer says “Jesus Christ is Lord”. In the Konie Greek it says Ἰησοῦς Iēsous Χριστός Christos κύριος kyrios. Jesus Christ is ku-re-os. Kyrios means “Maser”. Quite literally, it means “The owner”.

See in the Hymn, the early church was teaching that Christ humbled himself into slavery, but he was really the owner of everything. One week before his crucifixion, he was paraded into town by thousands of people praising his name and crying out Hosanna because they thought he had come to be the ruler or master of all. A week later, they cried Crucify him and handed him over to be beaten and killed. But he didn’t run. The master became the slave for our sake.

Paul sees this as the ultimate example, and he reminds the Philippian Christians of this hymn in his letter as an example for all of us to follow.

But what does that mean for us? Paul says, “⁵ In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus”… “who made himself a slave”. He says, “No, you cannot die on the cross for our sins; the true Master has already done that job.” But you can do your best to be like Him by serving others. The people expected a man of great fame and power to rule over them. That was the messiah they laid the palms before. But that’s not the messiah he was.

I want to give you a quick interactive quiz this morning. Although Presbyterians generally have steal-veins, I’m going to ask you to do a little exercise today. So don’t be shy.

Quiz one. If you can do these things please raise your hand.

Name the MVPs of the last World Series, Super Bowl, Stanley Cup finals and NBA finals?
Name the winner of the last 3 Heisman Trophies.
Name the winner of the last Miss Canada
Name the two largest lottery winners in history
Name the last winner of the Kentucky Derby.
Name the winner of the last Indianapolis 500
Name three recent Nobel or Pulitzer Prize recipients

Quiz two. If you can do these things please raise your hand.

Name someone who sat with you when you lost a loved one.
Name a friend who makes you laugh.
Name three friends that you can tell anything to.
Name three people you know who were role models for you.
Name two people who love you and pray for you.
Name a teacher or mentor who helped you become a better person.
Name someone who has given you something of great value but little monetary worth.

The world tells us that the famous and the admired are the owners and masters of this world. These are the people who deserve to have the palm branches laid before them. But the truth is, we can’t even name them. In reality, the true masters of this world (those who deserve honour) are the people who humbly serve others.

We can’t all die on the cross for the sins of the world (that job’s been done and quite frankly we don’t want it), but we can put on the mind of Christ, we can follow that example, we can be humble servants. Today, may we all come to know Jesus Christ, the master who became enslaved. May we all put on the mind of Christ. May we follow his example in service. We can pass it on. We can continue this chain of love. We can have a significant effect on other people’s lives. And may we all find a time to, in some way, take the worst pair of shoes so that no one else has to. -Amen.

*Song: You walk along our shoreline 753

We Respond to serve God

Our time of giving

As Jesus reminded his disciples in the Temple, what we give is of less consequence than how we give it. The older woman gave much more with her few copper coins than the wealthy man with his bag full of coins. Remembering this, that whatever we give, let us give it to His Glory, not for our own gratification.

Here at Dayspring, we receive retiring offerings or offerings via a machine in the back. Please talk to Marc or Adrian if you wish to give your offerings in that way.

Prayers of the People (Gratitude and prayers for others, and ourselves)

Almighty God,

Please accept the offerings that we humbly present to you. Let them be used to your Glory and for expanding your Truth here on earth.

Lord,

We thank you for the good you have given to us. For the friends, family, relatives, and neighbours who fill our lives with joy.

Help those facing times of trial, and deliver them from evil, just as you have delivered us.

Relieve those who are suffering from starvation. Relieve those who are dying of thirst. Soften the hearts of those with power, so that they might see your Truth and love their neighbours. Teach them to forgive their enemies, rather than destroy their neighbours.

Strengthen us when we are sick, imprisoned, shuttered, or kept out of the way. You are our refuge Lord, keep us together in our darkest moments.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Invitation

We gather from east and west, from north and south,
to meet at the table of our Lord.
Christ welcomes us all, and in His love, we are renewed.
Let us lift our hearts in gratitude and receive His grace.

Song: All who hunger, gather gladly 534

Before we partake together as a community of believers in Holy Communion, let us first confess our common faith.

The Apostles Creed-

I believe in God the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven. He is seated at the right hand of the Father and will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Let us pray.

The Communion Prayer–

Holy and merciful God,

You gave your Son for the life of the world, who, being truly and eternal God, took on flesh and became human for us and for our salvation. So we offer thanks, for his incarnation, for his life on earth, for his suffering, for his death upon the cross, for his resurrection, and for his glorious return to your right hand until he returns to us in glory.

O Lord and heavenly father, through the intercession of our great High Priest and Advocate, Jesus Christ, we come before your divine majesty to receive the eternal sacrifice of your Son, to remember Him and celebrate with the gifts that he gave to us.

By your Word and Holy Spirit,

Make these gifts of bread and wine your own, so that the bread we break may be a communion in the body of Christ, and the cup of blessing which we bless may be a communion in the blood of Christ.

In union with Jesus Christ and the whole church in heaven and on earth, we present ourselves to you, O God, to be a living and holy sacrifice.

Through Christ, by Christ, with Christ, in unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory is yours,

Amen

Words of Institution

Breaking of the Bread (Fraction)

“Therefore, I received from the lord what I also passed on to you: the Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took the bread and, when he had given thanks, he broke it and said This is my body, which is broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

Pouring and Revelation of the Cup

“In the same way after supper he took the top saying “this is the new covenant in my blood do this whenever you drink it in remembrance of me” , “for whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

Sharing of the Bread and Wine

Song: Eat this bread 527

Distribution of the elements:

Bread: The gifts of god for the people of god “take eat”

Wine: The gifts of god for the people of god “take eat”

Prayer after Communion-

Rejoicing in the communion of saints, we praise your name, most holy God Almighty. We give you thanks for all of your servants who lived for you, departed in faith, and are now at peace with you. We thank you for all the saints of every age and especially those who we knew and were dear to us, fathers in the faith, mothers in the faith, sisters and brothers in the faith, who led us to you. Believing that we are still at one with them we pray that we may follow their faith and example, until that time when we feast with them in your heavenly kingdom.

Our Father in heaven, hear our plea, for the sake of your only begotten Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ, to whom, in unity with you and the Holy Spirit, be all glory, power, and dominion, now and forever more. Amen.

*Song: May the God of hope go with us

Sending out with God’s blessing: Benediction

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Saviour, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

(Jude 1:24-25)

Response: Go forth into the world

Music postlude

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The Communion liturgy is based on the liturgies of the PCC’s 1991 Book of Common Worship. Some of the other prayers were written by Romulus Rhoad. Numbers in brackets after a song/hymn indicate that it is from the 1997 Book of Praise of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Those and other songs are being used in accordance with the specifications of Dayspring’s licensing with One License (3095377) and CLC (A735555).

The Rev. Brad Childs and Romulus Rhoad retain the copyright (© 2025) on all original material in this service. As far as they are aware, all of the material that has not been attributed to others is their own creation or is in the public domain. Unacknowledged use of copyrighted material is unintentional and will be corrected immediately upon notification being received.

Life in Scriptures (Shirley Simpson)

Posted on July 27, 2025July 27, 2025 by John

The Worship of Dayspring Presbyterian Church, Edmonton
10:00 am on 27 July 2025
Online & Onsite (Mixed Presence) Gathering as a Worshipping Community
Minister: The Rev. Brad Childs Music director: Binu Kapadia
Worship & Children’s Time led by Shirley Simpson
Vocalist: Lynn Vaughan Elder & Reader: Gina Kottke

We gather to worship God

Music prelude

Greeting
L: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
P: and also with you.

Lighting of the Christ candle
Welcome and announcements
Silent preparation for worship

Call to Worship
L: We come before God with thanks and praise.
P: We will praise God for God’s unfailing love and faithfulness.
L: We bow before God in worship.
P: We will worship God, for the glory of the Lord is great.
L: We lift up our prayers to God with confidence.
P: We have faith that God answers our prayers and increases our strength.

Opening praise: Bless the Lord, O my soul

Prayers of approach and confession

Ever present God,
we seek and you offer.
We ask and you give.
We knock and you open the door.

Ever gracious God,
you hear the requests of your people
and in your goodness, you answer.
In Christ, you offer the gifts of new life and hope
to all who seek your blessing.
Through your Spirit, you pray within us,
even when we cannot find words ourselves.
Receive our praise and our prayers this day, O God,
and draw us into your holy presence,
so that your love will transform us
to serve you in the world you love.

Ever faithful God,
quickly we forget the gifts we have received from your grace;
instead of giving thanks, we ask for more.
We complain about what we lack and fail to trust your generosity.
We refuse others the forgiveness we seek for ourselves.
Forgive us, O God.
Transform our hearts and reshape our desires
to reflect your goodness in the way we live. Amen.

Response: I waited, I waited on you, Lord

Assurance of God’s Pardon

Hear the good news: God is generous and merciful, ready to forgive, offering us new life in Christ Jesus. Accept God’s gift of forgiveness and share this gift with others.

We listen for the voice of God

Children’s time

Response: Jesus loves me (373)

Story: The Little Red Apple

A little red apple clung tightly to the tree branch as a gust of wind blew by. A bigger and older apple noticed and said to the little apple “you sure are hanging on to the branch for dear life”.

The little apple said “I am, I don’t want to fall to the ground, can’t you see all the rotten apples and worms and bugs all over them? That’s not for me, I want to be picked by a special family and taken home and be the brightest apple in their fruit bowl”.

The big apple said, “good things come from the ground and there’s more to life than shiny red skin.

“I know”, said the little apple, “but maybe one of the kids will take me to school and eat me for lunch. After then have tasted my tasty fruit and all that’s left is my core, she will….she will, throw me in the garbage. That might be worse”.

“Yes”, replied the older apple, “that’s what your life would be like if you decided to live for the moment and choose to reap quick rewards”.

“What do you mean, what other life is there?” asked the little apple.

“Well, when the wind comes up you may be shaken from the tree and fall to the ground. Your shiny red skin will keep you from splitting apart. Once you are on the ground a hungry bird or squirrel may take you and carry you far away. Once it’s finished with you, your real work begins. Once your fruit rots in the ground, your seeds will be buried into the earth and eventually something amazing happens. Your seeds begin to sprout breaking through the ground and the sun and rain helps the sprout grow into a small tree, eventually the tree will grow and produce apples of its own and from then on the tree will produce hundreds of apples. So you see little apple, there is a lot more you can be”.

All the little red apple could say was “wow” and as the wind picked up they were both hoping they would fall to the ground.

Our lives can be very much like the little apple. We could choose to live for the moment and fulfill our own plans and desires. The plan we have for our lives may be good but God always has a better plan for us if we are patient, take the time and listen to what he softly tells us. We could surround ourselves with many things to make us comfortable but they only last one season or we could use the time and talent God gave us for his purpose and glory. It is only then we can reach our full potential. Let us pray.

Prayer: Dear God, help us to take the time to listen to what you want us to be. Help us to slow down and even though we may not want to, do everything with the knowledge that you know best.

Now lets prayer the prayer Jesus taught us…..

The Lord’s Prayer (535)

Transition music

Song: Those who wait upon the Lord (662)

Today’s Message

Scripture: Psalm 13:1-6 & Romans 10:6-13

Response: Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet

Message: Life in Scriptures

I grew up going to Church. That is how I started a testimonial I presented at my previous Church about 8 years ago.

Jesus did tell his disciples to let the little children go to him, but this passage is not literally about children but rather about cultivating a spirit of humility, trust and openness to God similar to how children approach the world. It is a reminder that entering the Kingdom of God requires a change of heart and a willingness to rely on God’s grace just as a child relies on a parent.

My mom did take it literally though. Every Sunday, my mom and dad and my brother and I with our Sunday School books in hand and a dime for the children’s offering would go off to Church, didn’t know anything different. I always knew Jesus and God existed but didn’t dive deeply into what that meant.

After my youngest brother was born my dad announced he would no longer be attending church. Cleanliness is next to Godliness, he said. The term cleanliness is next to godliness is not in the bible, it is attributed to John Wesley who used the phrase in his 1791 sermon “On Dress” he said and I quote “let it be observed that slovenliness is no part of religion; that neither this, nor any text of Scripture, condemns neatness of apparel. Certainly this is a duty, not a sin. Cleanliness is indeed next to Godliness, end quote. Isaiah tells us to stop doing evil, but neither Isiah or John Wesley said anything about staying home to wash the kitchen floor but as kids who were we to argue.

After graduating from Sunday school my brothers quit going to Church but I went every Sunday with my mom and sat in the Simmonds Family Pew at McDougall United Church. There I sat with my mom, grandpa and uncle listening to what was being said but really not taking it in. Sure I thought there was a heaven and when you died you went to heaven and saw your loved ones that died before you. I was in a rut in my faith. We are reminded in Psalms how God’s strength is made perfect in weakness.

It is said when in the face of a tragedy you can either run to or run away from God and your faith. October 18, 1981 my family and I faced a tragedy. I was involved in a fatal car accident where the love of my life was killed and I was critically injured. We are told to love the Lord with all our heart and that means even when thing aren’t going well. My family did turn to their faith for help and as I lay in the hospital bed I was continually prayed for. The power of prayer does work and Isaiah 40 verse 29 says he gives power to the faint and strengthens the powerless. God gave me the power to learn to walk again and my family who were powerless got through this tough time.

At some point I had a vision. In this vision I was going down a hall towards a bright light. In that light were my 2 grandmas, my cousin who died of cancer, Tom, who was killed in the car accident and a man I didn’t know who could have been my dad’s dad as he died before I was born and Jesus. As I was going towards the light one of my grandmas said turn around go back we don’t want you yet, go back. Had I not turned back, would I have been dead? Psalm 139 speaks of God knowing all the days ordained for a person before they even exist. And Job tells us God has a predetermined plan for each life including its end. So, as the saying goes, it wasn’t my time. I had a lot more to do in my life. But what?

Eventually I married, had kids and my husband and I took them to church but was never really enthusiastic about my faith. Sure we were both involved in that Church. My husband sang in the Church choir and I was in charge of the Nursery as both my kids were in the nursery at that time. My husband had to leave for Church early to practice before the service so I was responsible for getting 2 toddlers and myself ready and out the door to sit in the church basement in the Nursery. It wasn’t the best place for me to be week after week when I was questioning my faith. It wasn’t long before I quit going to Church.

I continued on this way questioning my faith until March 23, 2010. My dad died and I was mad, I was mad at God. Not only did he allow my dad to die he allowed my dad to die and leave my mom alone. It was at that point I knew that God didn’t exist. That anger stayed with me for a long time. Psalms talks about people lamenting to God and questioning his actions.

I was mad for a long time and wouldn’t attend church. Eventually after much coaxing from my mom I went back. There I would sit in the back row listening to the minister not believing anything he said. But meanwhile at Church, I was chairman of the board and very much involved. As you could say I was great at putting on a Christian face. I spent many years having terrible doubts in my faith. It is said without faith it is impossible to please God for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. At that time in my life I definitely didn’t believe and didn’t seek him out.

It had been suggested to me that I attend Cursillo, a weekend retreat at Camp Kannawin to get back to my faith. I attended for a few years, presenting talks, helping with the planning of the weekend, again, wearing my Christian mask. While everyone there was on fire for the Lord, I sat looking at my watch waiting for the next break wondering what’s wrong with me?

The phrase God works in mysterious ways originated from a hymn by William Cowper “God Moves in a Mysterious Way”. Isaiah tells us God says your thoughts are not my thoughts nor are your ways my ways for as the heavens are higher than the earth so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.

Anyway, one Friday night I received a phone call that would change my life. I volunteer with the CNIB and have a couple of vision mates that I go visit. One of them, Therese, phoned me telling me she won tickets for I think it was Garth Brooks in Calgary and asked if I wanted to go. I can’t I said, I am going on a retreat which was the same weekend. Therese asked me what retreat and I told her Cursillo. What made me say that, I had no intention of going. Jeremiah says the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the Lord said to me “now I have put my words in your mouth”. For that brief moment I felt like Jeremiah having the Lord put his hand on my mouth and I spoke His words. I knew it was a sign and I had to go.

At some point during the weekend I renewed my faith and knew that God does exist. As soon as I recognized him as my creator and saviour I felt a load lifted off my shoulders. From then on I have no doubt there is a God. Paul reminds us that regardless of our station in life God is the one ultimately judging all we do and our service is really for him.

March 29, 2022 another sad day in my life, my mom and best friend died. Unlike when my dad died, this time I wasn’t mad at God. Sure I had my moments after all she was my mom, but this time I knew where she was going. John 14 verses 2 and 3 says “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you myself so that where I am you may be also.

As my mom lay in the hospital bed with my brothers and me gathered around her and her heart beating for the last time it was comforting for me to know that Jesus had indeed taken her home. Who knows whether her parents and brother were waiting for her telling her to go towards them.

Looking back at my life, I am now like that little child relying on God’s grace. God kept me alive after the car accident for a reason. Maybe it was to go out and share His goodness and mercy in all I do.

As you can see I do have a life in scriptures. I challenge you all this week to look back at your life, the good and the bad and find scriptures relating to those events. I am sure you will say “I have a life in scriptures as well”. Amen.

Song: O love that wilt not let me go (209)

We respond to serve God: Our time of giving

Reflection on giving: God responds to our needs and requests with great generosity. Such is God’s great love. Let us share God’s love with others through the offerings we present. May God bless the giver, the gift and it’s use.

Prayers of the people

Loving and Holy God,
we come before you in prayer,
trusting that your power works in the world in ways that we cannot imagine.
We thank you for calling goodness forward,
for supporting love and creating justice
even in situations which seem hopeless to us.
Draw on our prayers this day as signs of your Spirit at work in our lives:

God of the world and all its peoples,
we pray today for those who lift up their voices in troubled nations…
in Ukraine, Palestine, and Yemen.
Call the powerful to account, O God,
and inspire leaders with the courage
to listen to voices that cry out in pain and desperation.

God of our everyday lives,
we pray today for all those whose daily lives have been disrupted
by forces beyond their control:
those struggling with the effects of illness,
those burdened by the rising costs of daily needs,
those facing effects of climate change on their communities.
Inspire governments to combine compassion and good planning to respond to those who face such upheaval.

God of the courageous and compassionate,
we pray for those who live out their commitment to the well-being of others day by day, in health care, education, social work, public service and environmental concern. Support them in times of stress
and inspire them to speak out when they see needs being neglected.

God of our homes and families,
we pray for our friends and neighbours near and far, for all who travel and for those who find themselves strangers in new communities.
Draw near to each one in deep need, especially those on our hearts this day.
Equip us to support those lives that intertwine with ours,
for we are your people, embraced by your love.
In the loving name of Jesus our Lord we pray all these things and more. Amen.

Song: Amazing grace, my chains are gone

Sending out with God’s blessing

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. And may the grace of Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.

Response: Benediction (as you go)

Music postlude

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Shirley Simpson retains the copyright (© 2025) on all original material in this service. As far as she is aware, all of the material that has not been attributed to others is her own creation or is in the public domain. Unacknowledged use of copyrighted material is unintentional and will be corrected immediately upon notification being received.

The better choice (Lynn Vaughan)

Posted on July 20, 2025July 20, 2025 by John

Worship on the Lord’s Day
10:00 am       20 July 2025
Online & Onsite (Mixed Presence) Gathering as a Worshipping Community
Minister: The Rev. Brad Childs     Worship led by Lynn Vaughan
Music director: Binu Kapadia     Vocalists: Peter & Cheryl Sheridan
Elder: Sam Malayang     Reader: Renita MacCallum

We gather to worship God

Music prelude

Greeting
L: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
P: and also with you.

Lighting of the Christ candle
Welcome and announcements
Silent preparation for worship

Call to Worship
L: God is our light and our salvation! Whom shall we fear?
P: God is our stronghold. Of whom shall we be afraid?
L: Let us be strong and of good courage as we wait upon God.
P: God has called us together, and we have come.
L: Let us thank God forever for what the Lord has done.
P: We will proclaim God’s holy name, for God is good. Let us worship God!

Opening praise: Here I am to worship

Prayers of Adoration and Confession

God of majesty and mystery, your love and purpose embrace the whole world. You set us in a world of beauty and bounty and invite us to meet you in the midst of its wonders. You call us to love each other in the example of Jesus to make your world a place of justice and compassion. In this hour of worship, send us your Spirit of wisdom and grace so that we can live out the praise on our lips in our day-to-day living, which we offer to you, our one and only God.

Lord Jesus Christ, you were born one of us to show us God’s love for us. You came to teach us God’s truth and touch us with God’s mercy. We confess we sometimes try to push you away. We cling to what we think is important and resist your challenge to open our lives to others. We limit our generosity, convinced we can’t give any more. Forgive us, Lord Jesus, when we turn away from the example you set for us. Amen

Response: I Waited, I waited on you, Lord

Assurance of Pardon

Hear the good news! Who is in a position to condemn? Only Christ – And Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us. Friends, believe the good news of the gospel. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and set free by God’s generous grace.

We listen for the voice of God

Children’s time: Heather Tansem

Response: Jesus loves me (373)

Story

Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer (535)

Transition music

Song: Open my eyes (500)

Today’s Message

Scripture reading: Colossians 1:15-20 & Luke 10:38-42

Response: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet

Message: The better choice

In today’s gospel reading, we are introduced to Martha, who just might be the patron saint of this 21^st century. We are told that Martha was “distracted by many things” and “worried”, even though she lived 2,000 years ago. Before TVs. Before cell phones. Before social media. Before any of the things that distract us in our day and age, Martha was worried and distracted by many things. I can only imagine what it would be like for Martha today!

We live in a time of never-ending worries and distractions, don’t we? The distractions are obvious and include so many of the things I just mentioned. Plus more! The worries, though, are equally obvious. And they seem to grow all the time. And trying to distract ourselves from our worries just seems to wear us out all the more. In other words, we can all relate to Martha, who was worried and distracted by many things.

Pulled Apart and Re-Attached

There is a wonderful Greek word that Luke uses in this gospel reading to describe Martha’s distractions. The word is: Perispaou. And this word literally means “to be pulled away or to be pulled apart.” That’s what distractions do, don’t they? They pull us apart. And they pull us away from what really matters.

What really mattered for Martha was the presence of Jesus in her home. How many people can say they have had that privilege? But her worries and distractions pulled her away from that amazing experience. Distractions pull us away from what really matters, from what is truly important. And it happens to all of us.

There is another word, on the other hand, that means almost the exact opposite. It means to be re-attached. And that word is: Religion. From the Latin, re-ligare, which literally means to be re-attached. Re-ligare. Re-attached. That is what religion does, at its best. It re-attaches us to what truly matters.

So, while distractions pull us away from the things that matter, religion re-attaches us to what is truly important. And, in particular, it re-attaches us to Jesus.

In Christ All Things Hold Together

Here is another way to think about that, and it is from today’s first reading from Colossians, where Paul tells us that “in Christ Jesus, all things hold together.” And isn’t that a wonderful way to think about Jesus – He holds us together!

There is a great illustration of this from the world of science. And it has to do with a protein molecule called laminin. Laminin is a cell adhesion molecule. Now, I am not a molecular biologist, but I am told that what this means is that laminin is like the glue of the human body – it is what holds the molecules in our body together. But what I find so interesting about this particular protein molecule is its shape. If you go to Google Images and type in “laminin,” as I did, you get a bunch of drawings and pictures of this cell adhesion molecule. And you know what? They all have the same exact shape – the shape of the cross. Diagrams and pictures taken with powerful microscopes all reveal that the molecule that holds our bodies together is in the exact shape of the cross.

Imagine that – The stuff that holds our body together is in the exact shape of the cross of our Lord. I think that is a powerful symbol and a reminder to us that Christ Jesus is what holds all things together. He is what holds us to what truly matters. He is the glue that we need in times of worry and distractions.

Yes, worries and distractions pull us apart. But Jesus holds us together. His cross. His love. His grace. His mercy. These are the things that hold us together, that keep us close to him.

Sit or Serve?

But let’s also take the next step with this. Because for Jesus to do this, to hold us together, we need to give him our time and attention. When the distractions of life threaten to pull us apart and away from the important things, we need to re-attach ourselves to Jesus, by spending time with him in daily prayer, and weekly worship. We need to re-attach ourselves to Jesus to be re-attached to what truly matters in life.

That’s what Mary was doing in this reading – re-attaching herself to Jesus. She was sitting at Jesus’ feet, learning from him, listening to his stories. In the scripture passage, Jesus tells Martha that Mary made the better choice.

But we can’t end there. Because Martha was doing something important, as well. If everyone just sat at Jesus’ feet, all those people at the gathering in the house that day would have gone hungry. It is important to remember that there is a balance needed.

Last Sunday, we heard a gospel reading that takes place right before today’s story. It was the parable of the Good Samaritan and the person who helped a neighbour in need. And in that story, Jesus told the lawyer who initiated the conversation that he should go and do as the Samaritan did, that he should always be ready to help his neighbour in need.

So, let’s think about that: One week, Jesus tells someone to be like the Samaritan and “go and do”, and the next week, he tells Martha to be like Mary and “come and sit”. Sometimes, in other words, Jesus calls us to be like the Samaritan. And sometimes, he calls us to be like Mary.

So, which is more important? I like how the great preacher Fred Craddock put it. He says:

“There is a time to go and do; there is a time to listen and reflect. Knowing which is a matter of spiritual discernment. If we were to ask Jesus which example applies to us, the Samaritan or Mary, his answer would probably be: Yes.”

Sometimes, it is important for us to go and do – to serve others, to love others, to share our faith, to do all those things that Jesus instructs us to do. But after we do these things, it is equally important to spend some quality time with Jesus – to come to worship, to spend time in daily prayer, to attend Sunday School or Bible study, to just sit at Jesus’ feet and learn from him.

The Right Attitude

What Mary is doing is important, but what Martha is doing is also important. There is nothing wrong with what either is doing. But where Martha does go wrong, it would seem, is that she focuses on doing so much that she starts having a negative attitude about it. She starts being pulled apart.

We might be called to serve right now, or we might be called to sit at Jesus’ feet in prayer. Both are important. But the motivation behind our actions is even more important. Serving another will not be helpful at all if we do it in a distracted way, or if we are resentful about doing it, or feel forced to do it. That is not what God wants.

God wants us to do all things with love. Serving a dinner with love can be an act of worship; it can be a time of prayer; or it can lead to distraction and anxiety and worry and resentment.

But here’s the thing: Sitting at Jesus’ feet can also be either of those things. It can be a time of prayer. But it can also be an activity that leads to distraction and worry and resentment.

To show you what I mean, let me re-tell the Mary and Martha story, with a reversal of attitudes:

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home and happily started to prepare a meal. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and tried to listen to what he was saying. But Mary was distracted by many things; so she said to Jesus, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left us to prepare the meal? Tell her to come and sit with us.” But the Lord answered her, “Mary, Mary, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Martha has made the better choice, which will not be taken away from her.”

You see? Mary could just as easily have been the one worried and distracted by many things, even while sitting at Jesus’ feet. And Martha could just as easily have made the better choice, serving Jesus with joy and free from worries and distractions.

It’s not what they did; it’s the attitude with which they did it. So, what matters most, then, is not whether we are sitting at Jesus’ feet or serving Jesus’ dinner. What matters is why we are doing what we are doing, and the attitude we have while doing it. Are we doing it free from distractions and anxieties and hidden resentments? Are we doing it out of love?

Closing

We certainly do live in a time when the worries and distractions are all around us. It is all too easy to become bitter and resentful in our world today, and to let fear and worry crowd out love and forgiveness. It is all too easy to find ourselves being dragged down by what is around us, being pulled apart from all of these things.

Today’s gospel reading is a timely reminder to us to take time each day to re-attach ourselves to what truly matters. To spend time with God in prayer, to sit at Jesus’ feet. And take time each week to be re-attached to God through our Sunday worship. These are the things that will keep us from being worried and distracted by so many things.

But then, after we are re-attached to what matters, we are called to go and serve our neighbour in need, to go and show God’s love and mercy and grace and kindness to everyone we encounter. We can help the world stay connected to what truly matters, by bringing Jesus’ love to all those around us. We can make the better choice, whichever one that might be at the time. And we can do either of these for the glory of God. Amen.

Adapted from a seron written by Rev. James Laurence, First Lutheran Church of Albemarle, NC (used with permission)

Song: Suing them over again to me (498)

We respond to serve God: Our time of giving

Reflection on giving: The stories of Scripture remind us there are many ways to give of ourselves in gratitude for God’s goodness to us. Whatever we have to give, let us give joyfully and generously, trusting God to do more than we can ask or imagine, in the name of Christ, our Living Lord.

Living, Loving God, Martha offered the work of her hands to Jesus and Mary offered her close attention. We bring the gifts we have to offer to you. Bless and multiply them. Show us how they can best serve your purposes in our church, in our community and in your world. Amen.

Prayer of gratitude and for others and ourselves

Loving God, we come before you in prayer, trusting that your power works in the world in ways that we cannot even imagine, calling goodness forward, supporting love, and creating justice even in situations that seem hopeless to us. Draw on our prayers as signs of your Spirit at work in our lives.

God of the world and all its peoples: we pray today for those who lift up their voices in troubled nations, for those working to bring justice and negotiate peace, for those bringing aid to the vulnerable, and those offering shelter to anyone fleeing violence.

God of our everyday lives: we pray today for our community and our neighbours whose everyday lives have been disrupted by economic realities beyond their control. We remember neighbours whose livelihoods depend on undependable weather systems, and those fearing fire, flood or drought this summer. We pray for communities that lack safe drinking water or adequate medical care and places where there is high unemployment or a worker shortage.

God of the courageous and compassionate, we pray for those who live out their commitment to the well-being of others day by day, in public service, health care, education, social work, community organizations, and environmental concern. Thank you for their dedication. Support those who feel stress or exhaustion and inspire those who can speak out when they see needs being neglected.

God of neighbourhood and nation, we pray for friends and neighbours near and far, for all who travel this summer,

and for those who find themselves strangers in new communities. We remember in silence those on our hearts facing some kind of challenge this day:

Draw near to each one in deep need, O God. Equip us to support those lives that intertwine with ours, for we are your people, embraced by your love. Amen

Song: Jesu. Jesu. Fill us with your love (279)

Sending out with God’s blessing

May the grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with each one of you, with all those that you love, and all those that God loves, both this day and always. Amen.

Response: Benediction (as you go)

Music postlude

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Lynn Vaughan retains the copyright (© 2025) on all original material in this service. As far as she is aware, all of the material that has not been attributed to others is her own creation or is in the public domain. Unacknowledged use of copyrighted material is unintentional and will be corrected immediately upon notification being received.

Who is my neighbour? (led by Lynn Vaughan)

Posted on July 13, 2025July 13, 2025 by John

Worship on the Lord’s Day
10:00 am       13 July 2025
Online & Onsite (Mixed Presence) Gathering as a Worshipping Community
Led by Lynn Vaughan     Music director: Binu Kapadia
Vocalist: Loretta Lee     Elder: Jane de Caen     Reader: Courtney Vaughan

We gather to worship God

Music prelude

Greeting
L: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
P: and also with you.

Lighting of the Christ candle
Welcome and announcements
Silent preparation for worship

Call to Worship
L: Turn to God with confidence and expectation.
P: In you, O God, we place our trust.
L: Ask God to show us the road to follow.
P: Lead us, O God, in your truth and teach us your way.
L: Seek hope in the Lord, who is our salvation.
P: All day long, we will put our hope in the God who saves us. We will worship God in faith, hope and trust.

Opening praise: Love the Lord your God

Prayers of adoration and confession

God of all beginnings, we come today with praise on our lips and in our hearts. We stand in awe of all you have created: the vast expanse of a starry night and the tiny beauty of a raindrop together reflect your glory.

You have blessed creation with life and meaning. Your love makes a beginning in us, too, O God, in each new life born into the world, in each new friendship formed, in each kindling attraction, in each kind word and act for neighbour or stranger. We praise you, O God, for your love moving in the world around us, lived out in Jesus and by the Spirit at work in us. All praise and glory belong to you, Source, Saviour, and Spirit of Love, one God, now and always.

God of loving kindness, Jesus called us to love you above all else, and our neighbour as ourselves. Yet we often fail to act in loving ways. We are distracted by our own needs, and forgetful of the needs of others. We let differences divide us and excuse ourselves from reaching out. Forgive us, O God. Create in us new hearts, so we can live and love faithfully in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Response: I waited, I waited on you, Lord

Assurance of God’s love

Friends, hear and believe the good news of the Gospel. In Jesus Christ, God’s generous love reaches out to embrace us. In Christ, we are forgiven and set free to begin again. Let us give thanks for God’s mercy and be at peace with God, with ourselves and each other.

Musical Offering: Precious Lord, take my hand and Great is Thy faithfulness Warren Garbutt & Jack Brown (Piano & Clarinet)

We listen for the voice of God

Children’s time

Response: Jesus loves me

Story: Enactment of the Parable of the Good Samaritan using plush toys

Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer (535)

Transition music

Song: Make me a channel of your peace ((740)

Today’s Message

Scripture reading: Colossians 1:1-14 & Luke 10: 25-37

Response: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet

Message: Who is my neighbour?

The parable of the Good Samaritan is such a familiar story, isn’t it? We all know it so well. We have acted it out in youth groups, and we have taught it, or heard it taught, at various stages throughout our lives. It’s a story that seems to have a very simple meaning – that we should love our neighbour, no matter who that is. We should love all people, even those who are different from us, and even those that we don’t like very much. Of course, that is true, and that is ONE meaning of this story.

But the truth is also that this is a sneaky story, as many of Jesus’ parables are. It has layers of meaning. Which is why we still read it, and talk about it, and preach about it. So today, I want to look at some of the layers of meaning in this particular parable. And I want to start with a question that many people have had about this story – If it is told to teach us to love all people, EVEN Samaritans, then why is the person lying in the ditch not the Samaritan? Why is the person helping the one in the ditch the Samaritan?

By telling the story in this way, Jesus is not directly answering the lawyer’s question about who is our neighbour. He is, but he isn’t. Because clearly, this story is about more than loving our neighbour, even if our neighbour is a Samaritan. So, let’s look at this story again today, and ponder some other things that Jesus is trying to teach us.

What Must I Do to Inherit Eternal Life?

The story begins with a lawyer standing up to test Jesus. Now, remember that a lawyer in biblical times was an expert in religious teaching, not in civil law. So, this religious expert asks Jesus a question about religion; the big question about religion, you might say: “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Now, that’s not the only purpose of religion, but it is certainly one of the main ones. This life here on earth is so short. What comes next? And how do we get there?

But the way that the lawyer asks this question suggests that he believes that eternal life is his for the taking. He believes that there is something he can do to get eternal life; otherwise, he wouldn’t ask what it is that he must do. So, this question is one that most good Presbyterians would never even consider asking! What must we do?! There is nothing that we can do! There is only what God can do, and what God has done in Jesus Christ. This lawyer, by his very question, reveals a belief that eternal life is all about what we do, and not what God does. Jesus lets that go, for the moment. But we will come back to that.

Who Is My Neighbour?

Now, though, comes the question from the religious expert that directly leads to the Parable of the Good Samaritan. This lawyer knows that what he must do is to love the Lord, AND to love his neighbour. But to justify himself, he asks Jesus a follow-up question: “Who is my neighbour?” Or, to put it another way, “Who must I love?” If I am to love my neighbour, who is that? Who must I love? And who do I not have to love? Who is my neighbour, and who is not? And this is the question which Jesus answers with his story.

The story of a man going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, a very dangerous journey in that time. He is robbed and left for dead and, by chance, a priest and then a Levite passed by, but they both ignored this poor man. Both of them are religious experts, and they did nothing. And then, a Samaritan passed by. It is important to remember that Samaritans and Jews did not get along, and their argument was primarily a religious one. They disagreed over holy sites, among other things. And a Samaritan is the last person that a Jew would expect help from, or vice versa. But, this Samaritan not only helps the person left for dead, but he goes above and beyond what might have been expected. They proved to be a good neighbour to this man in desperate need.

Again, this story has an obvious meaning, which is that our neighbour is anyone in need. And, we should love them no matter who they are, no matter the risk, and no matter how uncomfortable it makes us. We should even love our neighbour regardless of whether we think that person deserves our help. Those are all layers of meaning in this story.

Who Is the Lawyer in This Story? Who Are We?

But today, I want us to think about one other meaning, which reveals itself to us when we look at the story from the point of view of the religious expert, the lawyer asking the question. Who exactly is he in this story of the Good Samaritan? Who does Jesus want him to identify with? Who does Jesus want us to identify with? The priest or the Levite? The Samaritan? Or the man laying half dead in the ditch?

There is a Lutheran pastor and seminary professor, Mark Allen Powell, who shares an interesting story about teaching this parable. He is a professor at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Ohio. He points out that whenever he teaches this parable, the students there invariably identify with the priest, the Levite, and the Samaritan. They feel challenged by this parable to be a neighbour to those in need, to learn from this Good Samaritan, and to do likewise. Okay.

But Dr. Powell said that he was surprised, when he taught this same parable at a Lutheran seminary in Africa, to discover that the people there did not identify with the priest, the Levite, or the Good Samaritan. They identified, instead, with the man who was beaten and robbed and left for dead on the side of the road. And the way that they understand this parable is that when we need help, we don’t always get to choose who helps us. We don’t get to choose our neighbour. This man on the side of the road was forced to receive help from the Samaritan, because the priest and the Levite ignored him. When we are desperate enough, we don’t worry about what our neighbour looks like. We are just grateful to be helped. Who is my neighbour? Maybe it is whoever is willing to help us. That can be a hard lesson for us Canadians, of course. We don’t like to think that we need help. We like to think that we are the helper, not the helpless.

So, who is the lawyer in this story? And who are we? Perhaps we are the one walking along who is called to help someone in need. But sometimes, we are the person in the ditch, left for dead. So, imagine for a moment being that person. And a priest comes along. Oh, thank you, Lord! But he passes by. And so does the Levite. And then, finally, a Samaritan comes along. Now, if you’re the man in the ditch, this is the worst possible person to help you. You might prefer to die in the ditch rather than be helped by this man. But you don’t have a choice. You’re half-dead, and there’s no avoiding it. This enemy of yours is moved with pity, and bandages your wounds, and puts you on his own animal and brings you to an inn. And this brings me to the question I began this message with: Why isn’t the person lying helpless in the ditch the Samaritan?

Who Is Jesus in this Story?

And to think about that, instead of looking at who the lawyer is in this story, or who we are in this story: think about who Jesus is in this story. If Jesus is anyone in this story, isn’t he the Good Samaritan? He’s not the priest or the Levite, who did nothing – but he’s the one who actually helps the man left for dead. He’s the one who risks his life doing so. Who becomes unclean doing so. And who doesn’t care, because it is the right thing to do. Jesus, when you think about it, is most like the Good Samaritan in this story.

So, let’s circle back to the question that started this whole conversation between Jesus and the lawyer: the question before the question of who is my neighbour – the question about how to inherit eternal life. To a religious expert who thinks that he knows what to do to obtain eternal life, Jesus tells the story of a man who can do absolutely nothing to save himself. A man lying in a ditch who is completely helpless. He can’t do anything to save himself. In fact, he ends up relying not on a priest or a Levite, but on an outsider, a Samaritan, to save him. He never would have accepted this offer of help if he thought that he could do something to save himself. He had to be completely desperate in order to accept the help of a Samaritan.

So, what will it take for this religious expert to realize that there is nothing that he can do to save himself, to earn eternal life? What will it take for him to realize that priests and Levites do not offer us eternal life, nor does obeying God’s law? Religion does not offer us eternal life. Religion cannot save us. Only Jesus, the outsider from Nazareth, can do that. Only Jesus can save that religious expert, or can save us, from the ditch in which we find ourselves.

Closing

I love this story, not because it is so familiar, but because it is so sneaky. I can imagine that lawyer walking away, thinking about this story, and what it means to love his neighbour. Feeling challenged to expand his notion of who his neighbour is. Feeling challenged to love without regard to the risk, or to who it is that needs his help. But then, sometime later, seeing the deeper meaning in this story. Realizing that he is not just the priest or the Levite or the Samaritan. But he is also the person in the ditch.

And so are we. All of us here today are that person in the ditch. Captive to sin. Helpless. Dying. In need of mercy. And Jesus is the one who alone can help us. This story turns out to be as much about being open to God’s mercy, as it is about helping a neighbour in need. And so, that makes it a very Presbyterian story. A story about the grace and mercy of our loving God, and about all the ways that we are called to extend that love to others. But before we can extend it, we need to receive it, and accept it, from the neighbour who stops to help us. And thanks be to God that our neighbour is none other than Jesus himself. Amen.

(Based on a sermon written by the Rev. James Laurence, First Lutheran Church of Albemarle, NC – used with permission)

Song: O for a world where everyone (730)

We respond to serve God: Our time of giving

Reflection on giving: God sent us Jesus Christ so that we would know God’s great generosity and compassion for us. May the gifts we offer God bear witness to the saving power of this extravagant love in our lives.

God of the Samaritan’s kindness, we offer our gifts in hope, trusting that you will bless them to bring such kindness to others in Jesus’ name. Make of us ‘good Samaritans’ with the courage to be generous to neighbours and strangers for Christ’s sake. Amen

Prayer of gratitude and for others and ourselves

God of abundant growth, as summer unfolds around us, we give you thanks for warm sunny days, for beauty in our gardens, crops growing in our fields, life swimming in oceans and lakes. Where the abundance of nature is at risk, we pray that your Spirit will work in and through us to restore the air, water and soil for the good of all creation.

God of peace and reconciliation, we thank you for the peace and freedom we enjoy and the many ways our lives are protected in this land. We remember before you those places torn apart by violence and hatred, those people who face discrimination daily, and anyone who feels unsafe this day or any day.

Inspire leaders in every country to lead with wisdom and mercy. Guide them in your ways of peace and justice.

God of creativity and community, we thank you for the many ways the Church can serve you in Jesus’ name.

Thank you for the unique voices that sing your praise and speak your comfort, all the hands that share in acts of service, all the prayers offered quietly for your will to be done. We pray for the Church and its many congregations as we seek to be faithful. Help us work together so that our unity bears witness to the possibilities for unity among diverse peoples everywhere. Amen

Song: What a friend we have in Jesus (746)

Sending out with God’s blessing

Give justice to the weak and the orphan; maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked. And may the grace of our sibling and Saviour Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all, both this day and every day. Amen.

Response: Benediction (as you go)

Music postlude

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Video recordings of the Sunday Worship messages can be found here on our YouTube Channel (select “Live” to play the video recording for this service during the week following).

Sent with Joy

Posted on July 6, 2025July 6, 2025 by John

Worship on the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
10:00 am July 06, 2025
Minister: Rev. Brad Childs Music Director: Binu Kapadia
Vocalist: Vivian Houg Elder: Heather Tansem Reader: Corrie Magdalene

We gather to worship God

Music Prelude

Greeting
L: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you
P: and also with you

Lighting of the Christ candle

Welcome and announcements

Brad: I start vacation tomorrow. Maddie, Cohen and I are going to Regina, through Fargo and to Omaha to stay with my mother. We then drive down to Kansas to see my great-aunt Louise and probably my cousin Lindsey, and to stay with my brother Chad (yes, kids think it’s funny, but we are named just like the meme of dumb frat boys, Brad and Chad). Then we are going to Branson, Missouri, to America’s PG-rated, family-friendly version of Las Vegas. We’re going to go to the Dolly Parton Theatre, the largest beach front property (rivers and lakes) in all of North America (larger beach than all of California and Florida combined) and to a place where they throw fresh-baked rolls at you, the home of Cabela’s and where they put country-gravy on everything available at every restaurant. Branson is heaven for poor or frugal Christians from the Midwest and the South.

While I’m away, pastoral care emergencies will be shared between John Dowds and Padre Ken McCrae. Worship will be led the next two Sundays by Lynn Vaughn, followed by Shirley Simpson and Rom. I want to say that I feel incredibly blessed to be able to leave things in the hands of people from our own congregation, and I thank all of them for being available.

Preparation for worship

Call to worship:
L: Come, all who are thirsting for hope and renewal.
P: We gather to worship the One who gives life and sustains us.
L: Lift up your hearts to the Lord, who is gracious and merciful.
P: We open ourselves to God’s presence among us.
L: Let us praise the name of the Lord, whose love endures forever.
P: Thanks be to God, now and always. Come, let us worship with joy and gratitude! Amen

Opening praise: I surrender all

Prayers of approach and confession

Heavenly Father, Source of all life and whisper of our souls, You crafted a world filled with beauty and provision—enough for all to thrive and find joy.

Your heart was revealed perfectly in Jesus—a love that seeks to tear down walls, to build bridges where there are divides, and to meet us messy and real.

You are not distant but present in our daily lives—walking with us through triumphs and heartbreaks, guiding us by Your Spirit into wisdom amid chaos.

God, meet us now in this moment. Be truly with us. Speak what we need to hear—words of comfort, challenge, and hope.

Remind us, Emmanuel—God with us—that we are never alone.

We honor You—the Creator who dreamed us, the Redeemer who pulls us from the depths, and the Sustainer who holds us through all.

Loving God, You call us to be Your hands and feet—agents of love, builders of peace, voices for justice.

Yet, we confess how often we fall short. We create division instead of unity. We prioritize comfort over courage. We ignore the needs around us, scrolling past the suffering, turning away from injustice, clinging to our own agendas.

Forgive us, Lord. Forgive our apathy, our silence, our blindness.

Open our eyes to the brokenness in the world and stir in us the resolve to act with compassion.

Help us follow Jesus—serving eagerly, listening sincerely, risking boldly to make a difference.

Grant us courage to challenge injustice, to uplift the marginalized, and to work tirelessly for a world where everyone is valued and loved.

May your Spirit lead us beyond ourselves, toward your endless love and justice. Amen.

Response: I waited, I waited on you Lord

Assurance of God’s forgiveness

The Apostle Paul declared that from now on, we regard no one from a human point of view. If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation. Everything old has passed away and everything has become new! Thanks be to God that by God’s mercy, we can all make a new start!

We listen for the voice of God

Song: We have this ministry (590)

Scripture reading: Luke 10:1-11, 16-20

Response: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet

Message: Sent with Joy

“The health of the church is directly related to its evangelistic activity.” — David Platt: “The church that does not evangelize is like a body —lifeless and irrelevant. Evangelism is the heartbeat of the church; without it, the church ceases to breathe.” – Unknown

I believe that to be true with every fiber of my being. But at the same time, I’m not very good at it. According to a recent study by the Barna Group, less than half of practicing Christians feel equipped to share their faith effectively. So, what’s holding us back? Well for one, I think in my lifetime, I’ve seen evangelism done so poorly by so many. As G.K. Chesterton said, ‘The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and left untried.’ Sometimes, I think we’ve made it too weird to even try. But why? I don’t have to go out door-knocking or hand out bible tracts or threaten people with eternal damnation. I can do it better than that as long as I keep in mind that effective evangelism is rooted in love, humility, respect, patience, and sensitivity and in modelling Christ’s love as we share His truth.”

Luke uniquely records the story of Jesus sending out messengers ahead of Him to prepare the way. Many people think there were only twelve of Jesus’ disciples. Still, a much larger crowd followed Him, with the twelve forming His inner circle—alongside Peter, James, and John—who were closest to Him in both relationship and mission. In fact, hundreds of people were drawn to Jesus, eager to hear and see His work. Following Jesus’ rejection by the people of Nazareth and Samaria, Jesus appointed either 70 or 72, depending upon your bible translation (it’s one of those few weird places where the majority text has one thing and the oldest copies have something else). In the end, it doesn’t actually matter at all because of what the number means. Anyway, Jesus appoints 70 disciples to go ahead of him to the towns and villages he would later enter, to see if people were receptive and if it would be worthwhile for him to spend his time there. And that sounds a little harsh but honestly, why go to a town that is going to try to kill you if the next one over is begging for you to visit? You know, it’s almost like Jesus was doing a little advance market research.

Jesus’s instructions to His 70 disciples were practical: stay in one home per town, appreciating the hospitality offered, and avoid seeking better accommodations elsewhere. He emphasized the importance of accepting care graciously and focusing on the mission, rather than material comforts. His command to eat what is provided tells us to be content and to embrace simplicity in our dependence on God’s provision.

Jesus chose the twelve to symbolize the twelve tribes of Israel, emphasizing the historic and spiritual significance of their mission. The seventy, similarly, reflect the biblical pattern of leadership established by Moses, who appointed seventy elders to share in guiding God’s people. At the time, 70 was the number of known nations, meaning they were intended to speak to every part of the world. The point here is much the same. These disciples are intended to go to every nation. And when Jesus said, “Do not greet anyone on the road,” again it sounds a tad harsh but as the Jewish New Testament translated note, this isn’t about pleasantries. Instead, he was encouraging His followers to prioritize their mission—avoiding distractions and idle chatter—so that the message might be proclaimed boldly and clearly. “Ultimately, what matters most is not how people receive us, but that we faithfully proclaim the truth of God’s kingdom. You can lead a horse to water but you can’t force him to be baptized. And frankly, if you can force a horse to be baptized, you’re probably doing something wrong.

In Luke 10:2, Jesus speaks of the harvest as a metaphor for the spiritual work of reaching people with the gospel. The imagery of a harvest suggests that many are eager and prepared to hear the message of God’s Kingdom. Just as farmers see ripe fields ready for gathering, Jesus indicates that there are countless individuals whose hearts are open and receptive to God’s truth. Opportunities to share the Gospel are abundant, which means evangelism should be easy because we aren’t supposed to waste our time trying to preach to people who don’t want to hear. If someone doesn’t want to talk about faith with you, then don’t. It’s that simple. But you don’t know until you do. A Lifeway Research study found that a significant percentage of unchurched people are open to having a conversation about faith, but few Christians ever initiate those conversations, resulting in a lack of opportunities for them to happen. But the idea that people don’t want to talk about faith is actually not accurate. They do. They just want to be able to share their views too, without feeling attacked or preached at. It seems the harvest is ready, but we’re not sending enough good workers to gather it. If you are talking to people you love and they love you – you can share, just as long as you also listen. In fact, almost nothing in life is more personal or intimate or caring than sharing faith… when done in love. And that’s the key.

In the passage, Jesus is more concerned with not having enough people to send out, not that there won’t be people who want to hear. His pressing concern is that “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few.” I can’t help but wonder, if every Christian in the world shared their faith story with just one person this year, what impact would that have? I think I’ve been a part of that problem before. I’ve been afraid of being seen as that pushy person shaming people into faith. If that’s the case, it’s an excuse. I’m not a pushy person, and talking about faith isn’t going to magically make me into one. And if you aren’t a pushy person you won’t be pushy either. You’ll do fine.

Despite the readiness of many hearts, there is a shortage of workers to bring in the harvest. Every Christian is called to be willing. The task cannot be accomplished by a few but requires the active involvement of the entire church. There is no unemployment in Christian Mission. Of course, to be fair, there’s also no dental plan, so maybe that’s why more people aren’t applying. But research indicates that younger generations are more drawn to authenticity and vulnerability than polished presentations when it comes to discussions about faith.

The Baptist Seminary located on 23rd Avenue and 116th is named for British Missionary Hudson Taylor (who ironically stated in his memoir that he didn’t particularly like Baptist theology). Taylor once wrote, “The Great Commission is not an option to consider; it is a command to be obeyed.” I mean… he’s correct, but it also shouldn’t be a chore. The good news here is that sharing faith doesn’t mean beating people over the head with a Bible or arguing your kids into faith; it’s about demonstrating something worth emulating and sharing News that’s actually Good and helpful. But God isn’t calling any of us to do the kinds of things that give us a bad name among those seeking a place of worship and reflection, such as leaving fake five-dollar bills with a ticket to heaven on the back for a tip – that’s a real thing by the way – as if stiffing someone on a tip is going to make them receptive to the Four Spiritual Laws

Jesus emphasizes the importance of prayer, urging His followers to pray earnestly for more workers to be sent out into the harvest. Prayer is vital because only through His strength can we effectively share the Gospel with others. It’s his harvest, and no evangelist has ever “saved” anybody. That’s Jesus’ job. But notice, too, we aren’t supposed to do it alone. Jesus chooses 35 groups of 2. While it’s tempting to think that we have a mission as individuals, and yes, we do, perhaps it’s usually better to believe that “we” as a community have a mission and to recognize that we accomplish our mission better when we do it together. And no, I’m not talking about going door to door in white shirts and black ties, 2 by 2. It doesn’t have to be that scary or awkward.

There are as many ways to evangelism as there are people. We can start by praying regularly for opportunities to share our faith with people we know who are hurting. Remember, we’re supposed to be sharing Good News. Did your faith help you get through a tough time, the loss of a loved one, a broken relationship or a moment of despair? That’s news worth sharing. Building relationships through acts of kindness and genuine presence is at the heart of effective ministry. Studies show that genuine friendships are a stronger indicator of someone exploring faith than attending church services. I am convinced that simply being kind is a form of evangelism. Supporting local outreach and missions, volunteering at church programs, and offering our time and talents are all tangible ways to participate. Ultimately, by being prayerful, intentional, and open to God’s leading, we can help gather the abundant harvest.

In Luke 10:3, Jesus sends out His disciples with the words, “Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.” Ministry and sharing the Gospel are not always easy or completely safe endeavours. As someone once said, ‘Going out to evangelize can sometimes feel like being a vegan at a barbecue. The path of following Christ can involve opposition, rejection, and even danger (though I think this part is more true for people in North Korea than in Canada).

Despite the hazards, Jesus encourages His followers to rely on God’s protection and provision. When He sends them out, He promises that He will be with them, giving them strength and courage. We can step out boldly, trusting that God’s hand is guiding and safeguarding us through every obstacle and opposition. True ministry requires a dependence on God. That’s why TV evangelists asking for money and hitting people with bibles tend to make us all look bad. They aren’t trying to bring Good News to people that need it, they’re usually just building up their own brand and their own bank accounts.

Throughout history, many Christians have overcome significant challenges in ministry—whether facing persecution, personal doubts, or logistical barriers—by trusting in God’s promises and relying on His strength.

In practical terms, this passage encourages us today to confront our fears and to take courageous steps in our faith. Whether that’s sharing our journey, volunteering for outreach programs, or simply showing kindness to someone in need, we can trust that God equips us to face any challenge. If we truly hold the Good News in our hands, most people won’t slap it away.

In Luke 10:4, Jesus instructs His disciples, “Carry no purse, no bag, and no sandals, and greet no one on the way.” By telling the 70 not to bring extra provisions or comforts, Jesus emphasizes that their focus should be solely on the mission ahead. When we let go of unnecessary distractions—whether material possessions, worries about possessions, or busyness—we create space to serve more effectively. Serving Christ is not about accumulating comfort or convenience but about surrendering our dependence on material things and focusing on the spiritual priority of loving others. Simplifying our lives allows us to be more available, more present, and more flexible for God’s purposes. When we loosen our grip on material things, we often find greater freedom to follow God’s leading, serve others, and prioritize eternal treasures over temporary comforts.

In Luke 10:5-7, Jesus instructs His disciples to enter each house with the words, “Peace to this house.” When we approach others with kindness and genuine goodwill, we set a positive tone that opens hearts and creates an atmosphere conducive to connection. Bringing peace into a home or a situation demonstrates a humble desire to serve with love, and it invites God’s presence into the exchange. The act of hospitality—receiving what is offered, whether food, a place to stay, or simply kindness—is a vital part of building relationships. Hospitality fosters a space of trust and openness, which is essential for forming meaningful connections. When we accept offers of hospitality graciously, we acknowledge the worth of the person offering it and show respect for their generosity.

There are as many ways to evangelism as there are people… What if the most effective form of evangelism wasn’t a program, a sermon, or a tract, but simply being a good neighbour? It’s what Lynn does with Dud’s, how Linda answers the phone, Pat and Bonnie decorate this space, and how members of Session make plans, and how the Board handles tasks, and how Adrian considers the whole, how the Media team shows up early and on and on. There are too many evangelists in this place to mention. The people behind our church sign are amazing evangelists! Move over John Stott and Billy Graham… Dayspring knows what to do.

It’s how I see you already living. And if you feel like you can do more that heh… Good on you.

We can start by praying regularly for opportunities to share our faith with people we know who are hurting. Building relationships through acts of kindness and genuine presence is at the heart of effective ministry. Sometimes the best evangelism is just mowing our neighbour’s lawn or asking someone how they are doing. I am convinced that simply being kind is a form of evangelism. Have you met Tandi? She makes me want to be a Christian and I already am one!

Often, it is not grand gestures but small, consistent acts—such as listening attentively, showing compassion, or simply sharing a meal—that pave the way for lasting impact. These acts open doors for more significant spiritual conversations and allow others to see Christ’s love in everyday life.

In Luke 10:9, the 70 are given a message to preach: “The kingdom of God has come near to you.” Remember the Kingdom of God isn’t just heaven. The message isn’t just about streets paved with gold. It’s about the perfection of heaven, where justice reigns, poverty is ended, and pain no longer exists, all being brought to earth. “Thy Kingdom come, on earth, as it is in Heaven”. It’s about the here and the now. God’s reign is not a distant future hope but is actively present among us through Jesus’s ministry and the lives of His followers – we participate in bringing the Kingdom here on earth.

Jesus’s ministry—His acts of healing, forgiving, and restoring—show that God’s kingdom is a realm where brokenness is made whole. When we participate in sharing the Gospel, we are part of bringing that same wholeness to others. Whether through physical healing, emotional restoration, or spiritual renewal, God’s kingdom is characterized by a process of ongoing healing and transformation that brings benefit to individuals and communities.

Today, I invite you to consider how you can get involved in God’s mission. Whether through prayer, sharing your faith, supporting outreach, or simply demonstrating Christ’s love in everyday acts, each one of us has a part to play in bringing His kingdom near. Let us commit to being active, intentional participants in this divine work, knowing that our efforts are vital and have a profound impact.

Perhaps the best way to begin is to pray and ask God to reveal to us who needs the Good News. And then after that, to ask ourselves what Good News we have to share. And maybe, just maybe, deciding to do one good thing for someone we know who is hurt, just once per week this month, is the best version of evangelism the world has ever known. Whatever you do, don’t do it alone. Share your plans with someone. Ask them for prayer support. And go out knowing that if everyone here at Dayspring is doing the same thing. Then, just like the 70 Jesus sent out, we have 35 groups of two sharing the gospel now, just as Jesus first did; ready to meet hearts in need of something we might actually be able to offer. Amen.

Song: Sing a new song unto the Lord (422

We respond to serve God

Our time of giving

Prayers of the people

God, Creator of all life, we come to you today with thankful hearts for your world—full of wonder and beauty—but also with deep need. We pray for all people, from many nations, cultures, and faiths, knowing that division can feel strong. Help us see what unites us and honor the good in our differences, knowing we all belong to you.

Loving God, you give us wisdom and truth. In a world where many are in positions of power, help us recognize that some use their influence for good, others for harm. Give us courage to speak out against injustice and falsehood, and help us trust your guidance. Shine your light into our own hearts—show us our weaknesses and biases—and teach us to follow Jesus, our guide.

Merciful Lord, our world often feels filled with hatred and violence that hurt innocent people. We feel powerless at times, but our hearts hurt for those caught in war, for those who have lost loved ones, and for those suffering trauma. We pray for refugees fleeing their homes just to survive. Open our hearts to welcome and protect those in need—those who stay and those who flee.

You see what’s inside us, Lord—our struggles, pain, and sorrow. We lift up those who are sick, grieving, anxious, or hopeless. Comfort those who mourn and strengthen those facing hardship.

Holy Spirit, fill us with your grace to live out our faith—showing love to our family and friends, to neighbors and strangers alike. Guide our steps, help us trust you in every moment, and live with compassion.

We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Invitation

Come, all who believe in Jesus Christ, and partake in the Lord’s Supper. This is a time to remember his love poured out for us—his body broken and his blood shed for the forgiveness of sins.

Come with open hearts and grateful spirits, and join in this sacred meal, symbol of his grace, hope, and new life. Let us draw near to Jesus, the bread of life, and the cup of salvation, and be refreshed by his presence and promises.

Song: I come with joy (530: vss 1-4)

The Apostles’ Creed 539
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth,

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body;
and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Communion Prayer

Gracious and loving God, we thank you for your endless love and grace poured out into the world through Jesus Christ. You are the Creator of all, the source of life and hope, and we come before you with humble hearts. As we gather around this table, we remember your faithfulness and your desire for us to be in relationship with you. May this meal be a visible sign of your mercy, calling us to live in love and unity as your children.

Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer, you willingly gave yourself for us—your body broken, your blood shed—to reconcile us to the Father and to one another. We remember your sacrifice, your obedience, and your eternal love that reaches out to us. In this bread and cup, we see the promise of new life, hope, and forgiveness secured by your sacrifice. Help us to receive your gift with reverence and gratitude, and to live as your faithful followers, sharing your love in every word and deed.

Holy Spirit, divine comforter and guide, breathe your presence into these simple elements. Open our eyes and hearts to recognize your work among us—transforming bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ. Strengthen us by your power, that we may be renewed and empowered to love as Jesus loved. Fill us with your peace and unity, binding us together as one body, and send us out to be your hands and feet in the world—bearing your hope, justice, and tender care to all, especially those in need. Amen.

The Words of Institution

On the night he was betrayed, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

In the same way, after supper, he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to his disciples saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. As often as you drink it, do this in remembrance of me.”

Sharing of the Bread and Wine

Song: One bread, one body (540)

Prayer after Communion

Gracious God, we thank You for this sacred meal, for the gift of Your presence among us and within us. As we have shared in the bread and cup, may Your love take root in our hearts and grow.

Fill us with the Spirit of Christ, that we may carry his grace into our daily lives. Strengthen us to live as Your body—showing kindness, humility, and compassion to those around us.

Help us remember that this meal is not just for us but for the world—a reminder of Your ongoing work of reconciliation and hope. Empower us to be instruments of Your peace, your justice, and your love, wherever You send us.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Song: I, the Lord of sea and sky (592)

Sending out with God’s blessing

May the love of God fill your heart and inspire your words. Go forth confidently, sharing the hope and grace you have received.

Be bold in your faith, gentle in your words, and gracious in your actions.

May your life be a light that draws others closer to Christ, and may the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen you every step of the way.

And may the blessing of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—be with you now and always. Amen.

Response: Go now in peace (620: vss 1,2)

Music postlude

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The Communion liturgy is based on the liturgies of the PCC’s 1991 Book of Common Worship. Numbers in brackets after a song/hymn indicate that it is from the 1997 Book of Praise of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Those and other songs are being used in accordance with the specifications of Dayspring’s licensing with One License (3095377) and CLC (A735555).

Video recordings of the Sunday Worship messages can be found here on our YouTube Channel (select “Live” or “Playlist” to access the message for which you are looking).

Freedom in the Spirit: Breaking the Yoke

Posted on June 29, 2025June 29, 2025 by John

Worship on the Third Sunday after Pentecost
10:00 am      June 29, 2025
Minister: Rev. Brad Childs
Music Director: Binu Kapadia     Guest pianist: Kimberly McMann
Vocalist: Lynn Vaughan     Welcoming Elder: Darlene Eerkes
Children’s Time: Brad     Reader: Jan Ray Moncada

We gather to worship God

Music Prelude

Greeting
L: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you
P: and also with you

Lighting of the Christ candle
Welcome and announcements
Preparation for worship

Call to worship:
L: It is good to give thanks to God;
P: Let us sing praises to God’s holy name!
L: We will declare God’s steadfast love in the morning,
P: And God’s faithfulness night after night.
L: Let us make a joyful noise in our worship!
P: For God is good and we know God’s blessings.
L: Let us worship God with grateful hearts;
P: We will give God thanks in our prayers and praise.

Opening praise: I give you my heart

Prayers of approach and confession
Loyal and bountiful God,
You made our minds to grow smarter.
You made our hearts to love more.
You made our voices to sing your praises forever.
We come to worship you happily,
Looking to Jesus for help and direction.
Fill us with your Holy Spirit
So that we show the good qualities you want from us.
Help us worship you truly,
And follow Jesus’ example..

Loyal and bountiful God,
You ask us to follow you, no matter what.
But we often choose to stay where we are.
You give us new chances,
Yet, we often repeat the same choices based on our own wants.
We make excuses to avoid changing.
Please forgive us, God.
Clean us with your forgiveness,
And give us energy to serve you, even when it’s tough

Assurance of God’s forgiveness

Through Jesus, we become a new creation; the old life is gone and the new life begins! Know that God loves you and forgives you. Don’t be scared to start fresh!

We listen for the voice of God

Children’s time

Story

The Lord’s Prayer (535)

Song: This is a story full of love (504: vss 1,2,5,6)

Scripture: Galatians 5:1,13-25

Message: Freedom in the Spirit: Breaking the Yoke

Have you ever felt trapped by a set of rules or expectations? Like you’re constantly trying to measure up, but never quite succeeding? That’s what it’s like to live under a “yoke” of legalism, where faith becomes a burden instead of a liberation. According to the Apostle Paul, Christians are supposed to live “yoke-free”. We are called to break free from that yoke and experience the true freedom God offers – a freedom not just from rules, but for a life of love, joy, and purpose.

When we talk about freedom here, it’s not just about escaping legalism—those religious rules and ordinances that were imposed from outside. Instead, it refers to the positive, essential spiritual liberty that God desires for each person. This liberty isn’t just some kind of freedom to do whatever we want; it’s the freedom that God purposes for all people, a freedom that is rooted in the renewal and relationship we have with Him.

Romans 8:2 reminds us that this freedom must be morally qualified. True freedom means acting responsibly—using our liberty to serve others, rather than simply indulging in self-interest or selfish desires. This points us toward love—care for others—as the natural and fitting fruit of faith in Christ.

In the context of Galatians, we see that Paul is addressing conflicts within the congregation, likely caused by the influence of Judaizing teachers who imposed strict religious rules. These disputes threaten to destroy their fellowship. The conflict in Galatia wasn’t just theological; it was deeply personal. People were arguing, judging, and even breaking fellowship over these issues. Paul knew this infighting was destroying their community. That’s why he emphasized that Christian freedom should lead to love—a love that seeks the well-being of others.

The trap is thinking we can earn God’s favour by following rules. However, Paul suggests that instead of focusing on external regulations, we’re directed to the internal transformation that occurs when we’re connected to Jesus. He contrasts “works of the flesh” (selfish desires) with the “fruit of the Spirit” (qualities that naturally flow from a life lived in relationship with God).

These aren’t qualities we can manufacture on our own. They are the byproduct of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives. We can’t create them, but we can nurture them. Think of it like an apple tree: you don’t have to try to make apples; if the tree is healthy and thriving, apples will naturally appear. As John 15:4-5 says, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.

The congregations in Galatia are at risk. They are on the verge of breaking apart. And really, this is not some old problem from long ago. How many churches today are being torn apart because people aren’t patient with each other or kind to one another? How many close because the people aren’t good to each other or loving? I’m reminded of an old minister from this congregation who once said something that has stuck with me. He said, “If we don’t care for our staff and our congregation, how can we even pretend to care for the world around us?” It’s a good point, and because of that, I’ve never been able to get it out of my head.

How many congregations die out because they lose their joy? How can a church be a light on a hill if it has no light? In Pentecostal circles, sometimes they refer to this as being a “dead church” (one with no real life in it). This is what Paul is talking about. Paul counters this threat by emphasizing that Christian freedom should produce the kind of love that seeks the well-being of others through benevolent action and mutual service.

This love is rooted equally in faith in Christ and manifests as a joyful, willing service to one another in liberty. This is the love that the Gospel gives us, one that overcomes division and fosters a sense of community.

In antiquity, the Greek Philosophers would often create what we call “vice lists”. These were short lists of unethical or immoral conduct used to promote ethical behaviours. At the time, especially among the Stoics and Epicureans, vice lists were a common shorthand for community expectations. Paul is well-read. In the scriptures, Peter pronounces a list of vices in 1 Peter 4:3. John of Patmos provides another in Revelation 21:8. And Paul gives us at least four different lists. One is in Romans 1, another in 1 Corinthians 6, one is in 2 Timothy and here in today’s reading, we have one more. However, much like in the works of Marcus Aurelius, some 100 years after Paul, the apostle also provides a list (not just of vices but also of virtues). It’s a virtue list. Rather than just a bunch of things to avoid, these are qualities to cultivate and develop. They are attributes the Christian community should embody as people, found in God’s grace. He calls them the “fruits of the Spirit”. These virtues are the fruits of the Spirit listed here: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

In verses 22 and 23, Paul makes clear that these fruits are works of the Holy Spirit, produced naturally within us when the Spirit is at work. They reflect the very nature of Christ Himself. They are the byproducts of Christian control—something we cannot produce simply by effort or rule-following, but only through connection with Jesus. As John 15:4-5 tells us, we must abide in Him, know Him, love Him, remember Him, and imitate Him. Only then will these fruits grow in us and allow us to fulfill God’s primary law: to love God and to love our neighbours.

I read this little story on Wednesday. A woman had a dream that she wandered into a shop at the mall and found Jesus behind the counter. “You can have anything here that your heart desires”, he said. Astounded but pleased, the young woman asked, “I’ll take peace, joy, happiness, wisdom and freedom from fear”. Then she added, “Oh and not just for me, but for the whole earth too!”. In her dream, Jesus smiled widely and then responded. “I think you misunderstood me, dear child. We don’t have fruits here; only seeds”.

The fruit of the Spirit has to germinate and be cared for into being. It’s not just something you pick off the grocery store shelf. It has to be lived and loved into existence. The growth of these qualities isn’t about legalism or effort but about trust. Jesus said in Matthew 12:33-37 that a tree is judged by its fruit. And the most convincing evidence of the Gospel’s truth isn’t just words or arguments but the visible fruit of the Spirit in our lives. Interestingly, some circles try to set the fruit of the Spirit against the gifts of the Spirit, as if one is more important than the other. But a balanced believer embraces both. The gifts empower us to serve more effectively, and the fruits show the character Christ is shaping in us.

Paul’s address here is both about individual character and community life. Remember, he’s speaking to a congregation caught in squabbles and infighting. Of course, these are good qualities for everyone to possess in their own personal lives, but ultimately, the virtues he lists aren’t just personal goals—they are meant to be nurtured within the entire church community. They help us serve one another and love our neighbours. And they are the things that make a congregation what it’s meant to be.

Here Paul lists: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control.

Love: There are three common words in Greek for Love. Eros is a passionate and romantic love. Philia is a love for family or a friend. However, here Paul uses Agape, representing an undefeatable benevolence—a kindness and goodwill that seeks the highest good for others, regardless of who they are or what they’ve done. Rather than a feeling, it is an action. It’s a giving love that asks for nothing in return and doesn’t consider worthiness. This is the kind of love that Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, which we hear quite often at weddings. It states, “Love is patient, kind, not envious or boastful, not proud or dishonouring, not self-seeking, not easily angered, keeping no record of wrongs, rejoicing with the truth, always protecting, trusting, hoping, and persevering. And because this Agape is always selfless and is an act and not an emotion, if it is lived out, the bible tells it “it can never fail”. A congregation must represent this type of love to bear fruit.
Joy: This isn’t just happiness, which can be fleeting. The joy mentioned here is more profound, rooted in God and coming from Him. According to Strong’s Greek Lexicon, the word chara encompasses gladness or a source of joy. This divine joy brings serenity and steadiness that is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in our relationship with God. Last week, I felt like a bit of a failure because we were walking through the mall as a family, and (I know they were joking, [though Maddie, I think, enjoys twisting the knife a bit more than most but), the kids were trying to think up high and lofty questions. And Maddie gave the old standby, “What is the purpose of life?” and hinted that human beings at times appear to be God’s playthings, as if God is a child in a sandbox with a bunch of toys. I know it probably goes in one ear and out the other, and it doesn’t help that I’m their father, but I have repeated the answer to this question countless times because I genuinely believe it’s the best answer to this question that has ever been given. It’s the first question and answer in the shorter catechism. Many people in this room probably memorized it for confirmation.

If you are a young person right now, this most likely sounds a little wild. However, many years ago, teenage kids in the Presbyterian Church would attend weekly meetings for between 2 and 3 years, where they would memorize a set of 196 different questions, along with their corresponding answers. When I do baptisms for young adults, there is only one catechism question I require people to read. It’s the only question I ask kids to learn when I do a baptism for a young person. It’s the first and in my mind the most critical question and answer among the lot. The question comes, “What is the chief end of man?” (In other words, what’s the purpose of life?) And the answer replies, “The chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.” A congregation bearing together the fruits of the Spirit must be grounded in a life that is not based on rules but upon glorifying God and enjoying God forever. But is that how we live? Is that what people think of when they think of Christians? It should be, if we embody these fruits together. It should be.

Peace: The Greek word eirēnē often refers to inner peace and to some extent forgiveness. After Peter and the other disciples abandoned Jesus to the cross and ran away, Jesus came and appeared to them in the upper room. And his first words to them were not, “Why did you abandon me?” He said, “Eirene [Peace], I give to you.” This peace is not just the absence of strife or war or argument within the congregation, but also a forgiveness. It’s prosperity through harmony, both internal and external. It also includes a trust that it will last forever, because God will bring about our salvation, both now and in the eternal future. It’s peace knowing that through forgiveness we will never be separated from Him or His Heavenly kingdom. It’s security for the soul itself. At almost every celebration of life service I do, I put these words as the call to worship. Who is in a position to condemn? Only Christ and Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, Christ prays for us. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Peace is the knowledge and faith that the only person worthy of judging us, wont.
(Patience) or, probably better said, Forbearance: Often translated as patience, this word means much more. Most accurately, it refers to the ability to endure or tolerate something for a long time. The Greek words makrothumia and hupomone describe a person’s ability to endure difficult circumstances, persecution, or injustice without losing composure or seeking revenge. What is being talked about here is how well we act while we wait for God’s promises to unfold, knowing that someday they surely will. Instead of reacting in anger or bitterness, this virtue embodies restraint and hopeful endurance, much like God’s own attitude described in Exodus 34:6—”slow to anger and rich in kindness and fidelity.” A congregation that grows fruit and lives in harmony is a congregation that will long-suffer through trials, knowing how the story ends. It will wait for things to come, trusting and without anger or resentment. And even when a person “knows” they are right, they can still live in friendship and care because they have forbearance and are assured that all will be revealed in the end.
Kindness: I’m sure you’ve deduced this already, but here, kindness isn’t just about being nice to people. It’s acting for the good of others without expecting anything in return. It involves being adaptable and mellow. In Greek, they often referred to old wine as chrestos, which literally means smooth and mellow. The longer the wine rested, the older it got the more the flavour mellowed. In a figurative sense, the word was also used at times to describe an elder – people with age and wisdom and a gentle approach. Have you ever noticed this in your own life? Have you witnessed someone mellow with age. There is a calmness to this sort of kindness. That’s what this fruit of the Spirit is. Rather than harshly demanding that others change to suit us, a believer’s kindness seeks to become flexible and responsive to others’ needs, showing wisdom and maturity. I’m working on this one. I’ve been far too ridgid in the past.
Goodness: This quality emphasizes moral excellence—living with virtue, integrity, and a genuine joy in doing what is right. It’s about having a heart that seeks to embody what is right. However, it’s not just a personal morality, such as righteousness. It’s an active virtue that cultivates the good of the community as a whole and above self, through the demonstration of consistent moral character. I am reminded of a retired minister I knew in Vancouver. He came to the congregation when they were very broken. The music director had held the majority of the power in the congregation and made everything divisive. And when he decided to leave to spent a lot of time building himself up and putting other people down. When he finally left, he took the choir and their families with him and started his own congregation. It broke the church to pieces. When this new minister arrived, his job was much like that of a medic trying to help heal wounds. When I asked him how he dealt with those early and difficult years, he told me in his rather sweet Irish accent: “Brad, I just loved them.” And then he repeated it, “I just loved them”. That’s more advice I will never forget. Goodness isn’t just about being moral, it’s about putting your time and focus where it truly belongs. If I can do half of what he did, I’ll die proud.
Faithfulness: Faithfulness is a trait that combines trust and reliability. It describes both our trustworthiness and our trust in God. Faithfulness entails a commitment to the congregation, loyalty, and an unwavering belief. This is what the author of Hebrews exemplified in Hebrews 12:2, when it speaks of fixing our eyes on Jesus as being “the author and perfecter of our faith,” who endured the cross for the sake of what was to come. It’s easy to give up on a church or complain about the inevitable “politics” that come with any organization. As the old saying goes, “This Church would be perfect if it weren’t for all these people”. People mess up. But the faithful live in hope and stay to see things through. This “faithfulness” Paul speaks of is a devotion to God but also to the local church, even when things don’t go your way (and they often don’t when we live in community). The fruit of the Spirit is a kind of sticktoitiveness. It’s taking the high ground without complaint and a lot of trust that (as 1 Philippians says), “He who began a good work in us will continue his work until his work in us is finished”.
Gentleness: Being gentle is based on finding a balance between strength and meekness in the biblical sense. It is a virtue whereby you do not exert yourself just because you can. It means relinquishing power that you might otherwise wield to get your way. And it’s also a disposition that is calm, even-tempered, and unpretentious. It operates through faith and tends to seek peace and understanding rather than dominance or aggression. It preserves harmony and shows respect for others. And when you have the ability to force change but work with gentleness instead, you bear this fruit.
Self-Control: Lastly, self-control (enkrateia) involves mastery over our thoughts and actions. It’s not just about resisting temptation but about living with discipline and strength—control in all areas of life. This virtue reflects an inner strength that stems from trusting in God’s power at work within us.

This is not just about willpower, but is about NOT living “according to the flesh” as Paul stated at the beginning of this section. Yes, it is about avoiding the things on Paul’s vice list. But more than anything else, it’s about living according to the Spirit’s leading. And it’s about not being mastered by something other than God. As that great prophet once said, “You gotta serve somebody”. But I would add to that – You only have to serve just One somebody to do life right. This is about controlling one’s impulses, finding inner strength, and it’s an ever-evolving and ongoing practice.

…..

When all these qualities are present and active, they provide a perfect picture of how the church, as a community, should function. It’s easy to say that the bible teaches us to love our neighbour as ourselves. However, truth be told, “love” is a loaded term that can mean many things to different people. Stalkers think they “love” their victims. They don’t. Here, the bible also teaches us exactly what “love” looks like within the walls of a congregation, and it’s not always easy. Here is where the bible describes love between fellow Christians. The fruits of the Spirit show us how to love our neighbour as ourselves and how to not just attend a church, but be the Church.

Paul concludes with a simple yet powerful statement: “Against such things, there is no law.” These virtues are universally good—they fulfill the law’s highest purpose, which is to love God and love others and they show us exactly how to do that.

Ultimately, the entire message invites us to embrace the freedom that the Spirit bestows upon us — a freedom rooted in love, guided by the fruits of the Spirit, and expressed in community through acts of service, kindness, and virtue. This freedom is not about doing what we please but about living out the way of Christ—believing in His Spirit and allowing Him to cultivate these qualities in us.

True freedom in Christ isn’t about doing whatever we want; it’s about allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out. It’s about walking in the Spirit, cultivating these fruits in our lives, and loving one another as Christ has loved us.

This is how we break the yoke of legalism and endless rules. It’s how we live in true freedom—by walking in the Spirit, loving one another, and allowing God’s virtues to shape us into the people He calls us to be. And it is how a congregation is intended to live together in peace and truly be a living church and a light on the hill for all to see.

And if I may be so bold, so far, in my life here with you, this is the congregation I’ve been with that best embodies the fruits. Maybe I’m just here at the right time. All congregations have struggles. But first, I praise you and thank you because He has clearly begun a good work in you. And second, I pray that we can all continue to stay connected to the vine, be a light on the hill, fulfill our purpose, truly “love” and nurture these fruits and allow God to build on the things God has already begun in us as He completes His work. Amen.

Song: Lord of all power (626)

We respond to serve God

Our time of giving

Prayers of the people
God of mystery and mercy,
God of our past and future,
We come to you with all our hopes, dreams, challenges, and blessings.
We bring everything on our hearts and minds to you today,
Thankful for the good things,
Seeking your comfort and strength,
Listening for your guidance.

God of purpose and promise,
Hear our prayers.

God of life and love,
You are with us in our lives when we need you most.
We pray today for everyone worried about their future,
And those facing challenges at work or home.
We think of those burdened by sickness or worry,
And those caring for people who need support.
Help us all face our fears and challenges with your love.

God of purpose and promise,
Hear our prayers.

God of courage and comfort,
When we struggle with any burden,
Your Spirit prays with us in deep ways no words can express.
We pray for those whose burdens seem too heavy:
For victims of violence or disaster, and their loved ones… (pause)
For refugees at risk in many places,
especially those who fled Ukraine and Palestine… (pause)
For those in despair and poverty in our community
and forgotten parts of your world… (pause)
Strengthen those facing challenges beyond their control,
And equip our leaders to support those in need.

God of purpose and promise,
Hear our prayers.

God of the world and its people,
We pray for our country and leaders as we prepare to celebrate Canada Day.
Help Canada be a force for justice and well-being.
Give our leaders wisdom and honesty to make good choices for everyone who lives here.
Open our eyes and hearts to serve each other.
Help us hear cries for justice around us
And guide us in fixing strained relationships.

God of purpose and promise,
Hear our prayers.

Song: Give me oil in my lamp (655)

Sending out with God’s blessing

Paul writes that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Go out, filled with the Spirit and guided by the Spirit, to bear the fruit of the Spirit to all whom you meet, both today and everyday. Amen.

Music postlude

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Video recordings of the Sunday Worship messages can be found here on our YouTube Channel.

Ships, anchors and purpose

Posted on June 22, 2025June 22, 2025 by John

Worship on the Second Sunday after Pentecost
10:00 am June 22, 2025
Minister: Rev. Brad Childs     Music Director: Binu Kapadia
Vocalist: Linda Farrah-Basford     Welcoming Elder: Gina Kottke
Children’s Time: Lynn Vaughan     Reader: Tracy Childs

We gather to worship God

Music Prelude

Greeting
L: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you
P: and also with you.

Lighting of the Christ candle
Welcome and announcements
Preparation for worship

Call to worship:
L: We come to worship God,
P: For God is compassionate. God is love.
L: Love is not God
P: But God is LOVE
L: Where will we find God?
P: God is among the hungry and thirsty, in the face of a stranger, reaching out to us.
L: Let us seek God so that we can serve God
P: Let us worship God and seek God’s healing, reconciling grace.

Opening praise: I lift my eyes up

Prayers of approach and confession

Creator God, You have made a world full of incredible variety — countless different creatures and plants, all connected in an intricate web that keeps life going. We thank you for the beauty and wonder of your creation.

You’ve also made humans wonderfully diverse — with different cultures, languages, traditions, and communities. We see Your creativity and compassion reflected in how people love, create, and care for each other. We praise You for this too.

In Jesus Christ, You have shown us the depth of Your love for all creation and taught us how to live by that love. Through Your Spirit, give us fresh eyes to see the beauty around us and inspire us to celebrate and share that wonder every day.

God, the amazing variety in your creation leaves us in awe, but we admit we’re often caught up in what’s familiar and comfortable. We want everyone to speak our language, share our customs, and see the world as we do. We struggle to understand why some people are treated unfairly just because they are different. Sometimes, we don’t realize how our own preferences and biases can hurt others and even harm the earth.

Forgive us for clinging to what’s familiar instead of opening ourselves to new understanding. Help us listen to the stories of people whose lives are different from ours. Break down the barriers of prejudice and indifference. Teach us to see and hear the suffering of others around the world and to respond with compassion and justice.

We confess that at times we judge others unfairly, or remain silent when we should speak out. We ask for your forgiveness for the ways we fall short of loving our neighbors as ourselves. Strengthen us to grow in kindness, humility, and understanding, so we can reflect your love more fully in all we do.

And lastly Father aid us in this complex and broken world as we attempt to discern what is right so that we will not repeat the mistakes of the past. We put our trust in You Lord. Hear our Prayer. Amen.

Response: I will trust in the Lord

Assurance of God’s forgiveness

The apostle Paul writes that in Christ Jesus we are all children of God through faith. Since we have been baptized into Christ, we have clothed ourselves with Christ, and we are all one in Christ Jesus. Therefore, be at peace with one another, be at peace with yourselves, and be at peace with God. Amen.

Musical offering: Godfrey and Linda

We listen for the voice of God

Song: Open our eyes Lord (445)

Children’s time: Recognition of Graduation

The Lord’s Prayer (535)

Song: At the dawning of creation (512)

Scripture readings: Galatians 3:23-29

Message: Ships, anchors and purpose

Paul writes to the Galatians. Historically, Galatia was a region in central modern-day Turkey. The Galatians were a Celtic people who migrated to this area in the 3rd century BC. They spoke a Celtic language and maintained a distinct cultural identity.

The Apostle Paul visited Galatia on his missionary journeys and founded several churches there. These churches were primarily composed of Gentile (non-Jewish) converts to Christianity. And tensions rose between orthodox Jews who kept Kosher and focused on the Law, and gentile worshipers who were being welcomed in. In this letter, Paul addresses a theological crisis that had arisen in the Galatian churches. Some Jewish Christians were teaching that Gentile converts needed to be circumcised and follow Jewish Law to be genuinely saved. Paul vehemently opposes this teaching, arguing that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by works of the Law.

In Paul’s eyes, before the coming of faith in Christ, the Law served as a guardian or custodian. It held people captive to a system of rules, but also kept them safe, revealing their sinfulness and their inability to measure up to God’s standards, showing the worshiper that works could not save and that only God can do that. But now that faith in Christ has come, the Law’s role as a guardian has ended for those who are in Christ. They see Jesus as the answer to HOW God saves. Why, then, Paul asks, would people continue to follow the law when its only purpose was to point to a saviour? Or put another way, we do not put up posters for concerts that have already taken place, and we do not follow the civil or ceremonial laws of the Old Testament because they were meant to point to a coming saviour. Because he has already come, we don’t need to “post” or proclaim them anymore. The big show has already come to us. Saying “look out, a saviour is coming” no longer makes sense. “Look our Saviour has come” is the message now.

We must be careful, however, as this was hard for the first Christians to understand as well. And some fell into the trap of antinomianism, whereby some Christians believed no laws mattered at all for any reason and even rejected the Ten Commandments. Jesus said in Matthew 5 that he did not come to “destroy the law but to fulfill it” and there is a significant difference.

I suspect at one point or another, you have heard someone critical of Christianity. It’s not uncommon for people with little biblical knowledge to think they have this great “gotcha ya” moment. They will say that Christians arbitrarily follow some law and pick and choose which ones not to follow. They love to point out laws about not wearing clothing of two different materials and the Levitical laws intended for the priests. They think of Christians as hypocrites for doing this. When you hear someone speaking this way, know that this person is no authority on scripture. They need to do a little more study.

As the reformers came to see this, the moral laws (such as the Ten Commandments) continue to apply to Christian people. Laws about how governments were once run in the ancient world, however, do not. Nor do laws intended for particular times and places, such as where to bury waste outside the ancient tent city (we no longer live in), so people won’t get sick. Nor do we follow laws about what to do with people who have certain contagious diseases (before cures came about) or where to tie your donkey up, or what type of sea creature to eat or avoid, as these no longer apply to us. The reformers thought of the law as being of three kinds: Moral (which are eternal), Civil (which applied to governments in different times and locations and clearly changed over time and within the scriptures themselves), and Ceremonial laws like the sacrifices (which point to a messiah to come and ultimate sacrifice).

So while “thou shalt not steal” is a moral law we are still to follow, the punishment an ancient government prescribed to someone guilty of stealing (a civil law), we do not, nor do we follow the sacrifice we were once required to offer in apology to God. In the same way, we do not follow dietary laws because they are not moral in nature, but rather a way for the Hebrews to present themselves as unique in the world and different from others (just as we are now called to be lights to the world through our deeds and words).

While Jewish followers of Jesus and Gentile followers of Jesus debated which parts of the law Gentiles might still be required to follow, Paul provides guidance to both. Most importantly to him, in Christ Jesus, all believers are all children of God through faith and not just because they were born to a particular tribe or nation. Through baptism (a demonstration of faith open to all people), they have “clothed themselves with Christ,” signifying their union with him and their participation in his righteousness.

Paul contends that in Christ, there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile, slave and free, male and female. All are one in Christ Jesus. This verse emphasizes the radical inclusivity of the Gospel and the dismantling of social and religious barriers. However, note that this has nothing to do with denying reality; categories still exist. Paul’s point is that no category of people is barred from coming to faith in Christ, which is open to everyone, regardless of their category, “male, female, slave or free, jew or gentile”.

Because they belong to Christ, believers are considered Abraham’s offspring and heirs to the promises God made to Abraham. This promise was always intended to extend to all nations, not just the Jewish people. In Genesis 22, God explicitly tells Abraham, “Through you, every nation on earth will be blessed.”

“Before the coming of this faith in Jesus,” Paul writes, “we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed.” (Galatians 3:23) Imagine a prisoner, confined within walls, bound by chains, awaiting a release that seems perpetually out of reach. This, Paul says, is our state before Christ. We are held “under the law,” a system of rules and regulations that, while intended to guide us, ultimately serves to highlight our shortcomings and our inability to measure up and thus points to the one who comes to save.

Think about the paradox of human effort, the struggle to achieve freedom through our means. It reminds me of the words, “Man has become irrational in an attempt to be. In defiance of himself, he has defaced himself. In an attempt to be free, he has made himself a slave. And like Alexander the Great, he has conquered the world around him, but has not yet conquered himself (which matters most). The reasonable person, striving for freedom, always becomes trapped in their own efforts, defacing themselves and becoming a slave to their own ambition. Like Alexander, they may conquer the external world but remain captive within themselves.” Or to be blunt, if you think the law saves you will slave away at attempting to keep the law, but never fully be capable of doing so. The scripture goes on.

“So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith.” (Galatians 3:24) Peter Gogos describes the law as a guardian and as being like a babysitter and a teacher. And because the law cannot justify, all with faith in God’s saviour are said to be children of Abraham (the chosen people). By adoption, the justified believer is a full heir in God’s family with all the attendant rights and privileges. The law, in this context, is not a path to salvation but a *pedagogue*, a guide, a teacher, showing us what is right and wrong, but ultimately unable to make us right with God. After all, there are 613 laws in the Hebrew bible and no one, even Moses, could manage to keep them all. This points us to our need for something more, someone greater. And that “something more, someone greater” is, of course, Christ. The entire Old Testament thus points to Jesus. The coming of faith in Jesus marks a turning point. It is the moment the prison doors swing open, the chains fall away, and the captive is set free. As Paul declares, “Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian” (Galatians 3:25). We are no longer bound by the law’s demands, but are instead justified by grace, through faith in the saving work of Jesus Christ.

Paul speaks of our identity in Christ, our inheritance, and the incredible unity we share as believers. In his mind, this new identity sets us free. As John Augustus Shedd once said, “Ships are safe in the harbour, but that is not where ships were made to be”. The law held us, but our ultimate purpose is in moving beyond it and into the world with faith rather than fear. And this is the anchor that holds us. It is grace that saves through faith.

The apostle continues, “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith” (Galatians 3:26). What does it mean to be a child of God? It’s not an ideal we strive for, but a reality offered by God in Christ. Identity as children of God is not an ideal which we must realize. It is rather a reality created by God in Christ in which we may participate. It’s a gift, freely given, that transforms our relationships with one another and with God.

And how do we receive this gift? Through faith. It’s not through our efforts, but through trusting in the saving work of Jesus Christ. And as such, the passage continues, “for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” (Galatians 3:27) We are given a new identity.

This reminds me of Max Lucado’s story from “Back Door” at the Masters. He writes, “I do not claim to be a skilled golfer, but I enjoy playing golf and watching it. And on good nights, I even dream about good golf. So, when I was invited to attend the Master’s golf tournament, I was thrilled. A pass to the Masters is the golfer’s Holy Grail. Mine came via pro golfer Scott Simpson. Off we went to Augusta National Country Club in Georgia, where golf heritage hangs like Moss from the trees. I was a kid in a candy store. It wasn’t enough to see the course and walk the grounds. I wanted to see the locker room and the clubs. Then Hogan and Paul Azinger appeared, and I wanted to go. But some men wouldn’t let me in. The guards stopped me at the entrance. I showed them my pass, but they shook their head. I told them I knew Scott, but that didn’t really matter. One said, “Only caddies and players”. “Well, He knew I wasn’t a player or a caddy. Caddies at the time were required to wear green hats, yellow buttons and white jumpsuits. So I left, knowing that I had made it all the way to the door, but then I was denied entry at the entrance. God has one requirement for entrance into heaven: that we be clothed in Christ. And because of this, we have No Fear of being turned away at the door to heaven.”

And that is where Paul continues in verse 28, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28) There is no barrier in faith in Christ.

C.S. Lewis once wrote, “We are all one in Christ Jesus. Race, social status, gender – these things no longer define us in the eyes of God. We are all equal members of His family. It is essential not to trust in what can be broken, for “Mankind is so fallen that no man can be trusted with unchecked power over his fellows. Aristotle famously suggested that some people were not fit to be citizens and appointed to be slaves for a reason, because they were unworthy. I do not reject that reality. In fact, none are worthy. But I do reject slavery. I reject it not because some are not fit for citizenship, I reject it because I see absolutely no men fit to be masters. But by grace, all people are given the chance to live without categories as to who is worthy and who is not.” And thank God for that, because all have sinned and need a saviour to show them mercy.

Finally, Paul concludes, “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:29). As children of God, we inherit the promises made to Abraham. We are heirs to a spiritual blessing, a relationship with God that transcends all earthly limitations.

If you visit Scotland or any area with a large sheep population, you will likely see a little lamb running around the field with what appears to be an extra fleece tied to its back. There are little holes in the fleece for its four legs and usually a hole for its head. If you see a little lamb running around like that, that usually means its mother isn’t around anymore. Without the protection and nourishment of a mother, an orphaned lamb will likely die. If you try to introduce the orphan lamb to another mother, the new mother will bud it away 9 times out of 10. She won’t recognize the lamb’s scent, and we’ll know the baby is not one of her lambs, so she won’t take care of it. But thankfully, most flocks are large enough to have an ewe that recently lost a lamb. The shepherd skins the dead lamb and makes. It’s fleece into a covering for the Orphan lamp. It’s gross, but then again, it happens. The shepherd takes the orphan lamb to the mother with the fleece on top of the baby who has just died. And now that lamb, when she sniffs the orphan lamb, she smells her own. So instead of bidding the lamb away, she accepts it as one of her own. In a similar way, we have become acceptable to God by being clothed with Christ. For those clothed in Him, when God looks in judgment on you, he see not you but His own. He sees Jesus and judges you accordingly.

May you find yourselves no longer bound by rules that cannot save, but liberated by grace as children of God as God showed his love to Abraham and made us ALL a part of his chosen people.

May you strive to be the ship leaving the harbour to sail into the world and proclaim the glory of God rather than hiding in the safe harbour.

May you break the chains that bind, stop enslaving yourself to law and discover, in Christ, the anchor for your souls. The world will change, trends will rise and fall, governments will succeed and fail, but may you find your true purpose, identity and lasting meaning in a relationship that is eternally there.

May you be clothed in Christ, finding yourselves as equals, never again turned away from the door, but welcomed into fellowship and love by a God who has made all things new and sees you as His own.

And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you now and forevermore. Amen.

Song: I have decided to follow Jesus (570)

Response: Glory to the Father

We respond to serve God

Our time of giving

Prayers of the people

God of wisdom and hope, Your Word has guided and healed your people for generations. Send us your Spirit now, that as we listen to the stories of your people, we may find wisdom and hope, guidance and healing through your Living Word, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray.

God Your Spirit equips Your followers to bring healing and hope to the world You love. The gifts we offer you are signs of that healing and hope at work in us and through us, for the sake of Christ our Lord.

Loving God, accept the sacrifices we offer you today and every day. Use our time, talents, and treasures wherever they are needed most.

God of the earth and all its peoples, in Jesus Christ, you proclaim that true life and peace are found in you.

Guide your church to loudly and clearly share this good news, not just in ways that please people but in ways that bring Christ’s reconciling love to divided communities and fractured lives.

Shine your light into the world’s hidden corners — exposing violence, injustice, bigotry, and exploitation. Reveal what dehumanizes the vulnerable and destroys your beautiful creation.

We especially pray for peace in places torn by conflict, Lord— for Israel and Palestine, for Iran and Israel, that they may find paths to reconciliation. Encourage leaders and communities to seek dialogue and understanding, and work toward lasting peace. We pray for the talks between our nations’ allies and Iran, that they may be guided by wisdom, patience, and a desire for true peace and better yet, long-lasting brotherhood and sisterhood of humanity. May your Spirit inspire honest conversation and mutual respect, bringing hope where there is despair.

Almighty God, in the face of escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly the conflict between Iran and Israel and the involvement of the United States, we humbly seek Your divine intervention.

We pray for restraint and wisdom for all leaders involved. Guide them to make decisions that prioritize peace, de-escalation, and the protection of innocent lives. May they be mindful of the consequences of their actions and seek peaceful resolutions through dialogue and diplomacy.

We ask for Your comfort and protection for the people of Iran, Israel, and all nations in the region who are living in fear and uncertainty. Grant them strength, resilience, and hope amidst the turmoil. May they find solace in Your presence and work towards reconciliation and understanding.

We also pray for the United States, that its role in this conflict may be one without hubris. Guide our leaders to act with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to justice. May their efforts contribute to a lasting and equitable peace in the region. While it is likely that enemies will remain enemies we ask as Jesus did, that all might pray for their enemies.

We lift up all those who are suffering as a result of this conflict – the injured, the displaced, and the bereaved. Grant them healing, comfort, and restoration. May Your love and mercy extend to all who are in need.

God of healing and hope, we pray for all those who are ill or in pain, for the anxious and discouraged, for those facing death or mourning the loss of loved ones, and for those struggling to make ends meet.

We pray for Presbyterian World Service & Development and its partners, as they work to bring healing and hope to places of conflict, hardship, and need.

Here, we especially lift up communities suffering from violence, displacement, poverty, and injustice — including those affected by recent conflicts and crises around the world.

May the mission we share in Jesus’ name shine your light into desperate lives.

God of the earth and all its peoples, let your light shine!

God of the faithful future, bless this community of faith and guide us as we look ahead.

Bless students and teachers as another school year ends, and lift the stress from their lives this summer.

Give us a time of rest and joy in the months to come, and restore our hope and energy to serve and love your world.

God of the earth and all its peoples, let your light shine!

We offer all our prayers, spoken and unspoken, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Song: Sent forth by your blessing (750)

Sending out with God’s blessing

May the peace that surpasses all understanding, a peace rooted in faith and nurtured by grace, fill your hearts and minds. May unity be your guiding principle, binding you together in love and understanding, transcending all differences. And may the grace of kindness and compassion overflow from you, touching the lives of all you encounter, creating a world more reflective of the divine. Go forth and be a beacon of peace, unity, and grace. Amen.

Response: Amen, we praise your name, O God

Music postlude

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Video recordings of the Sunday Worship messages can be found here on our YouTube Channel.