Spoil, Love, Pamper!

Posted on April 6, 2025April 6, 2025 by John

Worship on the Fifth Sunday of Lent
10:00 am April 6, 2025
Minister: The Rev. Brad Childs Music Director: Binu Kapadia
Vocalist: Rom Rhoad Welcoming Elder: Iris Routledge
Reader: Maddie 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 are here to follow Jesus
P: With halting steps.
L: And questioning minds
P: With ready hands
L: And pierced hearts
P: With joy for each other
L: And gratitude to God.
P: Let us follow Jesus,
L: And let us worship God.

Opening praise: Amazing grace (my chains are gone)

Prayers of approach and confession
Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer of all life,
We come before you today with hearts filled with gratitude.
We praise you for the beauty of your creation, for the dependable rhythms of nature,
And for the intricate relationships that sustain us.
We honor you for Christ and the ministry we strive to imitate,
For his teachings, his love, and his unwavering commitment to justice and compassion.
By the power of your Spirit, illuminate our hearts during this time of worship,
And inspire us to spread kindness and hope to those we encounter this week in Jesus’ name.
As we gather in your presence, we lift our voices in praise,
Acknowledging your greatness and your eternal goodness.
So we glorify you, O God,
Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer of all life,
Offering you our love, devotion, and service,
Today and every day, now and forever.
Lord Jesus Christ, as we gather in your sacred name today,
We are increasingly aware of your journey toward the cross,
Where love meets sacrifice and hope is born anew.
We confess that following your story is not always easy.
We acknowledge our struggles in deciding how to give, when to act, and whom to help.
At times, we find ourselves critical of those in need and dismissive of those who assist them,
Choosing comfort over compassion.
Forgive us for seeking reasons not to share our blessings,
And for holding back when we should be extending our hands in generosity,
As you have taught us to do.
Lead us to learn from your example, to embrace the call to serve with open hearts,
And to follow the path of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
May we embody your love and grace in all our actions,
Transforming ourselves and the world around us. Amen.

Response: We come to ask your forgiveness

Assurance of God’s love
Hear the good news! Who has the right to judge us? Only Christ—
And Christ died for us, rose for us, and now reigns in power for us.
He continually intercedes on our behalf, reminding us of God’s unending love.
Believe in the transformative message of the gospel.
In Jesus Christ, we find forgiveness and are set free through God’s boundless grace.
No matter our shortcomings or struggles, we are renewed and restored,
Embracing the hope and freedom that comes from being loved without condition.
Let us rejoice in this gift and share it with those around us.

We listen for the voice of God

Song: Praise I will praise (420)

Scripture: John 12:1-8

Response: Jesus remember me

Message: Spoil, Love, Pamper!

I’ve loved folk singer James Taylor’s music ever since the first time I heard it, and I’ll never forget how. I first encountered him in cartoon form. He was a guest star on the Television show The Simpsons in a famous episode where Homer (the father) becomes an astronaut. Trouble ensues as expected, and James is brought in to play a song for Homer to calm him down because Homer is almost certain to never return home again. If you know James Taylor’s music, you know why. He was chosen for good reason.

James Taylor’s got something so calming about him. I like, “How sweet it is to be loved by you”. I love “I’ve seen Fire and I’ve seen Rain”. My favorite is probably “Going to Carolia in my mind”. One of his lesser hits is called “Shower The People”.

These are a few of the lyrics:
Oh, Father and Mother
And sister and brother
If it feels nice
Don’t think twice

Just shower the people you love with love
Show them the way that you feel
Things are gonna work out fine
If you only will

Better to
Shower the people you love with love
Yes, and show them the way that you feel
I know things are gonna be just fine.
If you only will

Each word is a gentle nudge, urging us to embrace those we hold dear while they are still present. As time slips through our fingers like sand, I’ve come to appreciate this message more with each passing year. No, I may not always articulate my feelings as well as I wish, but the desire to express love is ever-growing.

I’ve officiated well over 100 funeral and memorial services at this point in my life, including the one for my father. And I have to say that there is a common theme at every single one of them without fail. Those tears of love, those pretty flowers we bought them, those hours and hours of diving into old pictures and sharing cherished memories and funny stories and amazing details, those deeply kind and heartfelt words we say while holding back the tears… there was always a better time for every one of them.

And while it’s always important to do and say these things as we say our goodbyes, it inevitably strikes us all – It would have been far better to look through those pictures together with the person we lost; to go over and over those favorite stories with that person present; to buy those flowers for that person when they could enjoy them most, to say “I love you so incredibly much” when the person could and most needed to hear it. At the memorial, we take those last moments to say what we didn’t say enough, to pamper and spoil and love them like we always wanted to but couldn’t do enough. At every service, that thought lingers in my mind like a distant melody.

When Mary used that pint of expensive perfume on Jesus, she was not worried about how much it cost. What Mary was doing was giving Jesus His flowers while He was still there by her side. And it’s a good reminder to all of us.

John’s chapter 12 is the turning point in John’s gospel. While John 1-11 deals with Jesus’ ministry, from chapter 12 on, he will deal only with Jesus’ final week of life.

These events took place in Bethany, a small town blossoming with sweet figs and aromatic dates, situated just east of Jerusalem on the gentle slopes of the Mount of Olives. It’s a comforting haven where Jesus and his disciples undoubtedly felt at home.

Bethany is in the West Bank, 2.5 km east of Jerusalem on the southeast slope of the Mount of Olives. Bethany was originally a Galilean settlement (ossuaries – ancient coffins or bone boxes from the time, reveal mostly Galilean names on them), meaning Jesus and his disciples would have felt quite comfortable there.

According to the Temple Scroll of the Dead Sea Scrolls, Bethany was the site of three separate care homes for the sick. At least one house reserved for the care of lepers was set up by the Essenes, and an almsgiving station that fed the poor. This is interesting because this seems to be the sole reason for the town’s existence. Bethany was and still is extremely small. To date, it only has around 3000 people.

In ancient times, Bethany was a sanctuary for the ailing, offering care to the sick and vulnerable. Here, the air would have been infused with the sweet scents of blooming fruit trees.

The town smelled of sweet figs, dates, date-wine and vineyards. Palm trees lined the roads. It was here where Jesus would begin his journey down the hill on Palm Sunday, and it was here that a close reading of scripture would suggest he returned the Bethany each night for rest, even after he had entered Jerusalem.

On several occasions, the gospels mention Jesus going to a “solitary place” up the Mount of Olives at the end of the day. This is the trail to Bethany. Lazarus’ home in Bethany was also, in all probability, where most (male disciples at least) would flee on the night of Jesus’ arrest. Because the soldiers led Jesus westward through the garden of Gethsemane, his friends no doubt would flee east, which once again leads to Bethany. Yet, beneath its serene exterior, this town was witness to profound moments, like Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, an act of love that sparked both wonder and ultimately conspiracy.

Verse nine in the previous chapter tells us that word got out that Jesus was staying in Bethany, and a host of people came out to see. Jesus had kept a low profile in the eyes of the authorities in Jerusalem and spent the last winter after Lazarus was raised from the dead in and around Jericho. The problem with this crowd in this case was not that they wanted to see Jesus but that they seemed more interested in seeing Lazarus, whom Jesus raised.

Jesus lived among sign seekers. They were more interested in the signs and wonders than the One who performed them. This crowd of sightseers wanted to see the sign. Here, the One who is the Resurrection and the Life was in their midst, but Lazarus was on their minds. The verse reads painfully, “They came to see Lazarus.” This is the crowd that would have followed Jesus the next day in the “Triumphal Entry.” If you have ever found it strange how quickly the crowd turns on Jesus from cheering at the triumphal entry to calling for his death just a day later, this is part of the answer. Many of them were not his followers at all, just people caught up in the excitement of an event and later, a parade.

To be blunt, the timeline for these events is more than a bit messy. Although each gospel mentions this account, the day and anointing don’t always appear to line up. John’s telling of the story relies heavily (as his whole gospel does) on comparative organization of stories that mirror one another, unlike Luke, who seems to present a more focused chronological order of events, as one might expect for a historian. In any case, John states that the day is six days before Passover. Some have argued this as a clear place where the bible contradicts itself. However, it is worth noting that the Romans believed the day began at midnight. The Greek day started at dawn, as most of us probably think of it. And the Hebrew reckoning of the start of the day was sunset because that is how the story of creation in Genesis begins. In other words, it’s hard to tell what version of “day” and “night” the authors use or intend for their audiences.

According to John’s timeline, dinner with Lazarus and his sisters would likely have been on March 28th in 33 AD. The next day, we celebrate as “Palm Sunday” would be the 29^th of that same year.

Just like in the previous story of Mary and Martha, while Mary is giving affection to Jesus, Martha works hard to serve her guests. In this case, Mary takes the job of washing Jesus’ feet with water as people would do for guests at the time. But Mary becomes distracted by his teaching and begins intently listening. All the while, Martha is working hard.

The text says, Martha was “doing many things” and picking up the slack. When Martha complains, Jesus lovingly uses her name twice, “Martha, Martha,” as was a custom of affection, and lets her know that it’s good for her sister to sit listening to him. Now, at this point, far too many sermons will tell the congregation that the point of the story is to be a Mary and not a Martha. But this is not fair, to be honest. Martha is said in the text to be (de-ok-a-neh-oh) for “serving,” but this word is also the basis for the word Deacon in the church. In other words, what she is doing is the work of the Church. Martha’s service is no less important than her sisters’. It’s just different.

Similarly to the previous story, Jesus and Lazarus are described as reclining at the table while Martha is hard at work, and Mary can be found at the feet of Jesus. But this time is very odd. And it’s very dark. John’s language recalls not a banquet but a funeral.

Mary goes to Jesus’ feet and pours half a litre of rare spikenard from a flower that grows atop the high mountains in northern India. It is described as being “undiluted” or pure. At the time, these jars were alabaster and sealed at the top. The only way to open one was to break the neck of the bottle.

The passage says that she “anointed” his feet with the perfume, but of course, anointing is done to a person’s head and not the feet. Anointings were done on the head before parties or on the heads of kings at coronations. But there is one time when people poured oil on a person’s feet. They did it during the burial preparations, beginning with the feet and working their way up the body to the head.

John’s storytelling is far darker than a first reading might suggest. In his telling, Mary breaks the neck of the jar and begins preparing Jesus’ body for burial. Next undoes her fair and wipes his feet dry with it.

Now you have to understand the culture a bit here. Jewish women never unbound their hair in public. Women untied their hair if they were undressing for a new husband, at the time of bathing and just for one other reason. Can you guess what that is? I suspect you might have picked up on this. It’s done at Funerals.

It seems as if Mary may have assumed what others had not yet deduced – that Jesus would soon enough be dead.

In response to this extravagant act of love. Judas protests that the perfume could have been sold and the money used to help people experiencing poverty. And at first glance, his objection seems not only fair but also very fitting, being that Bethany is the site of its very own house of almsgiving. He’s not exactly wrong. Though we know, there is more to the story. The year’s salary this perfume was worth wouldn’t have all made its way to the poor. Judas, it seems, was stealing a share of everything that came through.

Jesus’ response, “You will always have the poor,” is essential. This is a quote. It comes from Deuteronomy 15:11, which reminds us that our duty will always include care for the poor. In other words, though Jesus’ words seem a bit harsh at first, his comment isn’t that it must be one or the other. It is that “this too is good”. He notes, “You will not always have me”. Mary’s hunch that this is indeed a funeral is correct.

In the song “Shower the People,” Taylor beautifully encapsulates the importance of showing love while we still have the opportunity. As we gather to remember loved ones, we often realize a poignant truth—we tend to celebrate our loved ones’ lives most profoundly, without their presence.

In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to postpone expressing our feelings, believing we will have more opportunities later. But as life teaches us through bittersweet farewells, tomorrow is never promised. The clarity that comes from reflection, especially moments like those spent at memorials, can often reveal just how fleeting our time is with those we cherish. There’s a profound lesson in Mary’s unapologetic act of love—she understood the urgency and immediacy of affection and acted upon it.

If we harbor feelings of gratitude or love, let’s not wait. Speak them out loud. Let’s shower them with praise and acknowledgment if our friends or family have impacted our lives. The power of the spoken word is transformative; it can uplift, heal wounds, and forge deeper connections.

As James Taylor so beautifully illustrated in “Shower the People,” love is a gift that thrives in the present. It’s a reminder to celebrate those we cherish while they can still hear our words, see our smiles, and feel our embraces. Doing so creates a symphony of connection that sings long after the music fades.

Find the people you love and show them how you feel. Pamper them, say you love them, and spoil them while you can, and remember to do the same for the God who not only would but did die just for you. Amen.

Song: I give you my heart

We respond to serve God.

Our time of giving

Prayer of gratitude, and for others and ourselves
Gracious God, even as Mary poured out her love for Jesus,
he was preparing to pour out his life on the cross for her and for us all.
We are grateful for such love, given and received, then given again.
Accept the gifts we bring and anoint them with your Spirit
so that they will flow into the world, refreshing others with your mercy and love.
O God, in whom we live, move, and find our purpose,
We come to you in prayer, trusting that you are with us
Through the highs and lows, the joys and sorrows of these challenging times.
We give you thanks for every sign of your presence among us:
For every unexpected act of kindness,
Every word of comfort or encouragement,
Every display of courage in the face of injustice,
Every hopeful step toward reconciliation amid conflict,
And every moment of healing in the presence of danger or disease.
Thank you for your unwavering presence in all things.
In this unpredictable world, we lift up those
Whose lives are entrenched in chaos or oppression,
For those who live in fear, unable to walk freely,
And we remember all who feel overwhelmed by the uncertainty of our times:
May those living in fear find the courage to continue on,
Knowing they are not alone in your company.
As the stories of Jesus lead us toward the cross, O God,
We pray for those who walk the road of suffering.
We remember before you those
Whose lives have been plunged into sorrow or despair
Due to tragic loss, critical illness, or chronic pain,
And those facing complex problems that seem endless:
May all of these individuals know your comfort and compassion.
O God, the stories of Jesus remind us
That he faced the demands of many and the pressures of critics.
We pray for all who are exhausted these days,
Juggling more responsibilities with fewer resources at work or home,
For those who feel they can’t get anything right,
And for all facing unfair criticism and high expectations
In the burdens they bear on behalf of others:
May all of these be strengthened by your Spirit of justice and mercy.
O God, we seek to embrace your presence in our unique ways.
Anoint us with your Spirit of healing and hope, and bring peace to our lives and to this world you cherish. Amen.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Invitation
Friends in Christ,
We are invited to the table of grace, a sacred meal prepared for all who seek to know God more fully. This is not a table for the perfect, but a place for those who recognize their need for forgiveness, healing, and renewal.
Come, not because you must, but because you may.
Come, not to testify to your goodness, but because you acknowledge your need for God’s mercy and grace.
Come, as you are, and partake of this holy meal,
Knowing that in Christ, all are welcomed and loved.

Song: You satisfy the hungry heart (538: vss 1,2,3,5)

The Apostles’ Creed (539)
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, dead, and buried;
He descended to hell.
The third day, he rose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven,
and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From thence he shall come to judge the quick 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 gather at this table, united in our faith and need for your presence.

With hearts full of gratitude, we thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ.

Who walked among us, teaching us the ways of love, kindness, and humility.

He showed us the depth of your love and the promise of redemption in his life and ministry.

As we partake in this holy meal, we are reminded of the ultimate sacrifice he made for our salvation.

We are thankful for the bread, which symbolizes his body, broken for us.

And the cup, representing his blood, was shed for the forgiveness of our sins.

In this sacred moment, we pause to reflect on the grace offered to us,

And we acknowledge our need for healing and renewal in our lives.

May this bread and cup nourish not only our bodies but our souls,

Filling us with your Spirit and inspiring us to be agents of your love in the world.

Help us to carry this love into our communities,

To serve those who are marginalized, to comfort those who are hurting,

And to bring hope to those who are lost.

In the quietness of our hearts, we confess our shortcomings,

And we seek your forgiveness, knowing that you welcome us with open arms.

May we, in turn, extend that same grace to others,

Living out the call to be peacemakers and advocates for justice.

As we share this meal, draw us closer to you and to one another,

Strengthening our bonds as a community of faith.

May this communion transform us, renewing our commitment to follow you,

And empowering us to share the good news of your love with all we encounter.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, we pray. Amen.

Sharing of the Bread and Wine

Song: One bread one body (540)

Prayer after Communion

Song: O love, how deep, how broad, how high (205: vss 1,2,3,6)

Sending out with God’s blessing
As we depart from this sacred gathering,
May your hearts be filled with the promise of renewal and hope.
In this Lenten season, may you walk with courage in the path of compassion,
Embracing the call to serve with love and humility.
Let the light of Christ guide your steps
As you carry the message of grace into the world.
May you find strength in the journey,
And may peace accompany you in every moment.
Go forth, knowing you are held in God’s unwavering love,
Now spoil the ones around you. Amen.

Response: Benediction (As you go)

May the Lord grant you peace. May His love shine down, love shine down, and meet your every need, and keep your feet from stumbling. And fix your eyes on the mark, on the prize. As you go. May you rest in Christ
As you go, go with God, go in peace.

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).

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.

Ambassadors for Christ

Posted on March 30, 2025March 30, 2025 by John

Worship on the Fourth Sunday of Lent
10:00 am March 30, 2025
Minister: The Rev. Brad Childs     Music Director: Binu Kapadia
Vocalist: Lynn Vaughan     Welcoming Elder: Rom Rhoad
Children’s time presenter: Brad     Reader: Marilyn Nebat

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 exist because God made us.
P: We are here because Jesus calls us.
L: We are together because the Spirit binds us to each other.
P: Without God, where would we be? Who would we be?
L: Let us worship God who makes us a community of love.

Opening praise: The way

Prayers of approach and confession

God of Mystery and Mercy, we gather to worship in humility and hope because we trust you have the power to change the world for the better with your love.

We gather to worship you, trusting that no person or situation is beyond your concern, or your embrace.

Inspire us with a vision of love that will change the world and our lives through the love and mercy we meet in Jesus Christ, your Son and our Saviour.

God of love and mercy, when we pause for a moment in your presence, the daily details of our lives press in on us.

We recall things left undone, opportunities ignored.

We remember careless words spoken, disappointments that trouble our souls.

In silence we offer to you our misspent moments and missed opportunities:

……

Response: We come to ask your forgiveness

Assurance of God’s grace

Remember the promise that the apostle Paul declares:

What can separate us from the love of Christ? Hardship? Distress? Peril or sword?

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through the God who loves us.

Neither death nor life, things present nor things to come can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Thanks be to God for such a promise!

The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all.

Musical Offering (Brad): Thank you by Ray Boltz

We listen for the voice of God

Song: Open our eyes, Lord (445)

Children’s time

Once upon a time in a small town, there was a vibrant church known for its loving community and dedicated youth programs. At the heart of this program was Jake, a youth leader who brought fun, inspiration, and a deep love for God to all the kids.

Emma, a lively girl who had been in the youth group for several years, admired Jake greatly. He organized amazing events, led exciting discussions, and always made each kid feel special. But one day, the minister announced that Jake would be leaving to pursue a new adventure. This news left the children feeling a mix of sadness and gratitude.

Emma decided that they needed to express their appreciation for Jake. She gathered her friends after church and proposed an idea. “What if we each act like seeds?” she suggested, “We can plant seeds in the garden as a thank-you gift. Each seed can represent how Jake has helped us grow in faith!”

Her friends were excited about the idea and quickly agreed to contribute. They each brought different seeds: flowers, vegetables, and herbs—each one symbolizing something they had learned from Jake.

On the day of the planting, the youth group gathered in the church garden. Emma stood in front of everyone, holding a small basket filled with seeds. She said, “Today, we’re planting these seeds to show Jake how much he has helped us grow. Just like a gardener nurtures plants, Jake has nurtured our faith and friendship.”

As they planted the seeds together, each child took a turn sharing a memory of how Jake had impacted their lives. One child remembered a fun retreat where they learned about teamwork; another recalled how Jake had helped them navigate troubles with kindness and wisdom.

Then it was Jake’s turn to speak, he felt overwhelmed with emotion. He looked at each of their faces and said, “You all are the reason I love being here. Watching you grow in your faith has been the best adventure of all. These seeds are a beautiful reminder of what we’ve shared.”

In the weeks that followed, everyone took turns watering the seeds and watching them grow. As the flowers bloomed and vegetables sprouted, the children often talked about Jake’s teachings and the memories they had created together.

Finally, the day came for Jake to leave, but before he left, the youth group held a small celebration. They presented him with a beautiful pot filled with the flowers that had bloomed from the seeds they had planted.

Emma stepped forward and said, “These flowers remind us of you, Jake. You’ve helped us grow, and we will always remember the lessons you taught us. Thank you for everything!”

As Jake left, he took the pot of flowers with him, a symbol of their shared experiences and the growth they had all nurtured together. For years to come, the kids continued to tend to the garden, a living reminder of their time with Jake and the bonds they had formed.

Our own youth leader, Nahyeni is moving on to new things. Can we all join together now and sing her this little line.
Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was changed. Thank you, for giving to the Lord. I am so glad you gave.

Let’s pray: A Repeat After Me Prayer

Leader: Dear God,
Children: Dear God,

Leader: Thank you for our teachers,
Children: Thank you for our teacher,

Leader: at school and here at church
Children: at school and here at church

Leader: They help us learn and grow.
Children: They help us learn and grow.

Leader: Thank you, for all the patience they show,
Children: Thank you, for all the patience they show,

Leader: And the love they always share.
Children: And the love they always share.

Leader: Bless them with joy and peace,
Children: Bless them with joy and peace,

Leader: And thank you for all they do!
Children: And thank you for all they do!

And now we pray the prayer Christ taught us to pray saying,

The Lord’s Prayer (535)

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

Scripture readings: II Corinthians 5:16-21

Response: Jesus, remember me

Message: Ambassadors for Christ

John was born on July 24, 1725, in London. His mother was a devout Christian who raised him with a strong foundation in the faith, but sadly, she passed away when John was just six years old. His father, a merchant sailor, was often away, leaving young John without the guidance and support that nurturing parental figures could provide. Following his mother’s death, John was sent to live with relatives, but he grew increasingly rebellious and was eventually sent to work with his father. At a young age, he went to sea and was exposed to a rough maritime lifestyle. By the time he was a teenager, he had developed a hatred for authority and religion, rejecting the values his mother had instilled in him.

The ships’ environment and the crew’s culture contributed to John’s lifestyle of debauchery. His work on slave ships was filled with violent and immoral behavior, and he embraced the lawlessness that came with it even enjoying his own cruelty at times. While John had once been exposed to Christian teachings through his mother, his experiences at sea and the lifestyle he led distanced him profoundly from any faith he might have had as a child. He became increasingly indifferent to religion and spiritual matters, viewing life primarily through a hedonistic lens focused on personal pleasure and profit.

Despite this life of rebellion and depravity, a near-fatal experience during a violent storm at sea in 1748 marked the beginning of John’s spiritual awakening. Confronted with the possibility of death, he cried out to God for mercy, signaling the first hint of repentance and a desire for change. This moment of desperation sparked a gradual shift in his life, leading him to reevaluate his beliefs and ultimately to reembrace Christianity.

After his near-death experience, John began to read the Bible and learn about Christianity. His journey towards faith was gradual, but he ultimately experienced a profound spiritual awakening. He eventually left the slave trade and became a prominent abolitionist, dedicating his life to advocating for the end of slavery. This transformation also led him to pursue a career in ministry. John Newton’s journey from a life filled with vice to one of faith and service is a powerful testament to the transformative power of grace. His willingness to acknowledge his past and his commitment to change became foundational elements of his later ministry and writings, including the Hymn “Amazing Grace,” where he celebrated God’s redeeming love. A love that can turn a person from a wretched trader of slaves into the minister of the local congregation.

Newton became an Anglican cleric and served as a pastor. His faith deeply impacted his life and teachings, and he became known for his powerful sermons. He penned the famous hymn “Amazing Grace,” in which he reflected on his journey from darkness to light, emphasizing the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the power of God’s grace. While no person here is likely to have ever been a slave trader, Newton wrote this hymn knowing that every person possesses moments in their history they know to be vile. Like the scripture teaches, John knew that every person had moments where they acted terribly and out of character for how they wished to be and how God had asked them to be. He was a realist, and he looked back at his wrongs and saw the need for repentance. Yet he did not just see forgiveness; he also saw redemption. And this changed his life immeasurably.

The hymn begins with these words:

Amazing Grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

John Newton’s story is a remarkable testament to how a person can experience profound change through faith in Christ. His life went from one of moral degradation to one of profound service and dedication to ending the slave trade and promoting God’s love. John passed away in 1807, but that is no where near the end of his story. John leaves behind a legacy that continues to inspire countless individuals worldwide. And that’s where Paul’s next verse takes hold. He writes, “18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us.”

Not only can God turn lives around, but God can use that change to inspire others. Once John Newton felt the Love of God personally, he couldn’t help but seek it out forever. It spilled over and covered everything he did from that point on.

When we accept Christ, we are called to leave behind our old ways—our habits, our desires for worldly success, and our self-centered attitudes. And with this, God stimulates others into like action.

Thomas à Kempis was a Dutch monk and theologian. He was born in 1380 and is best known for his book The Imitation of Christ. The book consists of meditations and reflections focused on the inner spiritual life, the imitation of Christ, and the pursuit of holiness. It emphasizes humility, prayer, and detachment from worldly desires, and the intentional seeking of personal encounters with God through relationship rather than rituals. His impact is still being felt today, even in the language we use in modern-day churches, and Thomas à Kempis is often regarded as one of the greatest spiritual authors of the Middle Ages.

Thomas à Kempis encourages us that true joy comes not from fulfilling our desires but from seeking the heart of God. As we let go of the old, we open ourselves to the new creation that God has in store for us.

Just as Thomas à Kempis teaches us to imitate Christ in humility, love, and service, Paul’s message invites us to embody the change that has taken place within us. Imitation involves deliberately aligning our lives with the example set by Jesus—serving others, forgiving unconditionally, and living in the light of God’s truth. This is the essence of the new creation: a life transformed by love.

In our journey of imitation, we uncover a more profound joy—a fulfillment that transcends worldly pleasures. Kemis emphasizes that we cannot find peace and happiness in material success; instead, we find it when we pour ourselves out for others and seek to model our lives after Christ. As new creations, our purpose is rooted not in what we gain but in how we reflect Christ’s love to the world.

Paul writes, “20 So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Joe was an addict who was miraculously converted at a Bowery mission. Before his conversion, he had gained the reputation of being a terrible-smelling, foul and angry man for whom there was no hope, only a miserable existence in the ghetto. But following his conversion to a new life in Christ, everything changed. Joe became the most caring person that anyone associated with the mission had ever known. Joe spent his days and nights hanging out at the mission, doing whatever needed to be done. There was never anything that he was asked to do that he considered beneath him. Whether cleaning up the vomit left by some violently sick person or scrubbing toilets after careless men left the men’s room filthy, Joe did what was asked with a smile on his face and seeming grateful for the chance to help. He could be counted on to feed feeble men who wandered off the street and into the mission, and to undress, wash and clean, and tuck into bed men who were too out of it to take care of themselves.

One dinner, when the director of the mission was delivering his evening evangelistic message to the usual crowd of still and sullen men with drooped heads, there was one man who looked up, came down the aisle to the altar and knelt to pray, crying out to God to help him change. The repentant man kept shouting, “Oh God! Make me like Joe! Make me like Joe! Make me like Joe!” The director of the mission leaned over and said to the man, “Son, I think it would be better if you prayed, ‘Make me like Jesus.'” The man looked up at the director with a quizzical expression on his face and asked, “Is he like Joe?”

The greatest sermon we can ever preach, is not spoken. It is Lived! You are the best sermon anyone will ever hear. So let us be very careful what we preach.

If you are in Christ, you are a new creation. If you know reconciliation with God, you can’t help but work towards the reconciliation of all things. For you are an ambassador of Christ.

Paul writes, “16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. 17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. 20 So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of .” Amen.

Song: We lay our broken world (202)

We respond to serve God

Our time of giving

Prayer of gratitude: We place these gifts into your hands, O God. Bless them with your transforming grace so that they may become seeds springing up with new life in the world you love. Fill our hearts with that same grace so we can bring hope to weary and worried lives in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

Gracious God, you have called us together as your people,to be the church of Jesus Christ.

Make us one in faith and discipleship, breaking bread together and telling the good news, so that the world may believe you are love, turn to your ways, and live in the light of your truth.

Faithful God, embrace us with your hope.

Creator God, you made all things and called them good.

We pray for the earth in its vulnerability, depleted by our lifestyle choices and our economic expectations.

Inspire reverence for the earth in all people.

Guide us all to make wiser choices for the sake of your creation.

Help us use resources wisely, with future generations in mind, guarding the fragile balances you have set between many precious species.

Faithful God, embrace us with your hope.

Jesus Christ, Prince of peace, you taught us of God’s reconciling grace speak to the hearts of all your people

in this time when so many neighbours and nations sit in judgment on each other, provoking conflict and resentment.

Teach us how to seek peace on earth together.

Call those in positions of power and influence to work for the common good.

Turn us away from anger, fear, violence or vanity, which can turn neighbour against neighbour and nation against nation.

May all who claim your name be known as makers of peace.

Faithful God, embrace us with your hope.

O Christ, healer of hearts and hopes, you desire health and wholeness for each one of us.

We pray that those who have lost their livelihoods may find true abundance.

Give rest and renewal to those who are broken in body, mind or spirit, and bring comfort and hope to all who face loss and loneliness.

In silence we lift before you the names of those on our hearts today:

…

Faithful God, embrace us with your hope.

Spirit of power and promise, embrace us with hope this day so that we may live faithfully, encouraging each other by the commitment we see in Jesus Christ

Song: Love divine all loves (371)

Sending out with God’s blessing
Go in peace; be of good courage,
hold fast to what is good,
render no one evil for evil;
strengthen the fainthearted,
support the weak,
help the afflicted,
honour all people,
love and serve God, and may the blessing of God Almighty,
Creator, Christ and Spirit,
descend upon you and remain with you forever.
Amen

Response: Benediction (As you go)

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).

Thirsty

Posted on March 23, 2025March 23, 2025 by John

Worship on the Third Sunday in Lent
10:00 am March 23, 2025
Minister: The Rev. Brad Childs     Music Director: Binu Kapadia
Vocalist: Fionna McCrostie     Welcoming Elder: Sam Malayang
Children’s time: Heather Tansem     Reader: Noah Hehr

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 gather –
P: We gather together around a mystery.
L: We listen –
P: We listen for a voice we may not recognize.
L: We open –
P: We open our very souls to the Creator of All.
L: Then let us worship God.

Opening praise: Lord I need you

Prayers of approach and confession
God, our Creator and Sustainer,
In you, we live and breathe and find our purpose.
In your depths, we discover meaning; in your heights, we experience joy and light.
You are the source of peace and hope for everyone who turns to you.
You’ve supported and guided us, giving us strength and courage in tough times.
In you, we find rest and welcome along our journeys.
We praise you, O God, for your unchanging love.

Draw near to us again in this time of worship.
Show us your purpose for our lives and get us ready for what’s ahead,
So that our lives can reflect your mercy and grace as we follow Jesus.

Gracious God,
We admit that our thoughts don’t always align with yours;
Our actions often stray from your ways.
We let our tempers flare and neglect to show kindness.
We lose confidence and fail to treat others with respect.
Sometimes, our faith wavers, and we lose sight of you.

Forgive us for the many ways we fall short,
And inspire us to follow you more faithfully.

Sung Response: We come to ask your forgiveness

Assurance of God’s pardon
Hear the good news! Who can condemn us? Only Christ—
And Christ died for us, rose for us, reigns in power for us, and prays for us.
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. By His mercy, we have the chance for a fresh start as we follow him.

Musical Offering (Binu, Brad, and Fionna): I shall not want

We listen for the voice of God

Song: Open our eyes Lord (445)

Children’s time

Children’s Story
Good morning…how is everyone today?
Pretty beautiful sunny day out there… I actually want to talk about the what’s going on outside.
Two days ago it was March 21^st, do you know why that date is special?
It’s the first day of what? it’s officially the end of winter, so what is the next season?
Spring!
Now what’s so great about spring?
(winter is over, snow disappears, warmer weather)
What will you do now that it’s spring?
(play outside more, go to the playground, in a little while you might help your parents plant your garden)
What are some signs that it’s spring?
(grass starts growing, flowers will soon come up, trees will start to get leaves)
How does everything regrow? What does it need to

water
warmth or heat
sunshine
nutrients in the soil

Where do the flowers and trees and grass get all of the things they need to regrow?
God provides the water (through snow & rain), there’s more warmth
More hours of sunshine to help everything grow
In God’s whole creation, the earth… he has helped everything grow and
That’s one thing I want you to remember today… God helps everything grow on earth and what a big job that is!
Everyone stand up. Show me how tall you are? How did were you last year at this time?
The second thing I want you to think about today is what helps YOU grow?
(Water, food, place to live)
God supplies everything to help us grow. Our vegetables and fruits all grow because God supplies the good soil and the sun and warmth for the seeds to grow.
But how does this food get on your table? Who does that for you?
Your parents help you to grow… your grandparents, or any adults in your life keep you fed & watered and help you to grow.
Today I’d like you to be thankful for spring…for new things growing and for how you grow.
When your parent or grandparent feed you lunch today… make sure and say thanks for helping you grow.
Prayer: Let’s say a repeat after me prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for spring.
We’re excited to play outside
Thank you for helping everything grow
The flowers, the grass and the trees and the vegetables.
Thank you for helping us grow
Thanks for our parents and other adults
That give us what we need
to grow strong and healthy.

The Lord’s Prayer (535 )

Song: I hunger and I thirst (198)

Scripture reading: Isaiah 55:1-9

Response: Jesus, remember me

Message: Thirsty
Father Anthony DeMello was a Jesuit priest from India. He wrote a book about his time in Brazil titled Awareness. Spoiler Alert: I will ruin it for you on one particularly cheerful afternoon in Brazil. Among friends, Marta and Enrico set out for a glorious day in the sun, floating down the Amazon river near Macapa just north of its outlet into the Atlantic.

Somewhere among the splashing and laughter, short naps, under a hat, and the crowded nature of the local-built raft called a Tucanare, the paddle decided to embark on a solo adventure. Apparently, this had included a swim. What was once a carefree float on the river morphed into a haunting struggle for survival. While portions of the river needed little attention, other portions needed expert care. Without a paddle, they could no longer control the raft’s direction. Dangers build. As time passed, the river became faster and more expansive and finally carried them out into the ocean, unprepared for a new set of hazards.

With no food or water aboard, the current pulled them farther and farther into the Atlantic. In the sweltering heat of the sun, they suffered from dehydration, surrounded by water that they dared not drink. The one thing they knew for sure was that drinking the ocean’s salt water would only make them thirstier. In one of the terrible occurrences of life’s irony, Marta and Enrico, though surrounded by water, were dying of thirst.

But here’s the rub: they didn’t know that the force of the Amazon River estuary’s water colliding with the ocean water comes at such mass and with such a powerful force that the freshwater pushes back the saltwater. Typically, there is what’s called brackish water, and that’s a mix of the two, but here, it takes miles and miles before it begins to mix, let alone become salt water. The rush of Amazon River water that carried them out into the ocean still surrounded them. The first 160 kilometres of their uncontrolled craft rested on perfectly drinkable water. But they never drank it.

All too often, we are like Marta and Enrico. We know what we know, and we refuse to be disabused of our knowledge by the risk of being open to new alternatives. “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me!” Ah, yes, but we can also be brainwashed by the blinders that this platitude imposes. More importantly, David Foster Wallace encapsulated this best when he once noted, “The most obvious, important realities are often the ones that are hardest to see and talk about.” Sometimes just as with the lifesaving water that surrounded Marta and Enrico, the spiritual truths we seek are right in front of us all along but masked by our fears and misconceptions.

God speaks, “Attention, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat! Come buy wine and milk without money and without price”.

The invitation to “come to the waters” and “buy wine and milk without money” is odd. Buying things “without money” seems wrong. But that’s the point. It’s something of value. It’s not junk. It matters. It has worth. But no, it’s not your money God wants in exchange. There might be a proper response… but that’s very different. There is no cost.

And if this sounds familiar, in John 6:35, Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” In John 7:37-38, we find that “On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said loudly, ‘Let anyone thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.’” We don’t want to ignore good clean drinking water while we’re dying. We want to come to God and receive what is good and is without price. Moreover, he says, “Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread and you labour for that which does not satisfy?” In other words, did that bracelet or a new toy or whatever satisfy a deep or spiritual hunger? I doubt it. I think maybe Matthew 6:33 has it right. It says “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

The idea here is that if you satisfy the spiritual hunger, everything else falls into place. As famous Canadian comedian Jim Carrey once remarked, “I wish everyone could get rich and famous and have everything they ever dreamed of, so they would know that it’s not the answer.” There is absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying your life, mind you. Henry David Thoreau wisely said, “Wealth is not his that has it, but his that enjoys it.” I agree. I’d love a ride in your million-dollar car anytime if you have one!

Our passage next says, “Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good and delight yourself in rich food. Incline your ear and come to me, listen so that you may [truly] live.”

The call to “delight” in God’s provisions is significant. It suggests that our relationship with God is about sustenance, joy, and fulfillment, challenging the idea that faith is merely about obligation.

In Augustine of Hippo’s words, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.”

The scripture continues with, “See, I will make with you an everlasting covenant, according to my love for David whom I have made to be a witness to the peoples and a leader and commander for the peoples.” In other words, Look, God was faithful to your ancestor David, or you wouldn’t be here. But for me, what’s most intriguing here is that God is saying King David, King of the Jews, was actually meant to be a sign of a goodly King to all the world. He was meant to be so good that all the peoples, or “nations,” would be drawn to him and thus to his God. He was meant to be a beacon of light.

What does a witness do again, and who is he a witness to? Thus, who are the thirsty also supposed to be a witness to? Witnesses report what they see. In this case, to the people. People in the plural are not just his own people from his own land.

The use of “peoples” in the plural highlights the comprehensive scope of God’s plan. It is a prophetic foreshadowing of how blessings and salvation would extend to Gentiles and other nations through the coming Messiah, who, as understood in Christian theology, is Jesus Christ. This reflects the universal invitation to come to God, as stated in Isaiah 55, where all who are thirsty are invited to partake.

In Isaiah 55:1-5 God invites all people—regardless of backgrounds or status—to experience God’s grace and renewal, to listen to His word and to know that heavenly wisdom has value though it has no cost.

The text suggests that Israel—and, by extension, all believers—will serve as a witness to the nations. It highlights the idea of God’s people being examples and leaders for others because of their relationship with Him. In this way, God the Father in Isaiah and Jesus the Son sound precisely the same. Remember, Jesus gives us the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Moreover, Acts 1:8 reminds us, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Like a lighthouse standing firm at the edge of a rocky shore, its light cutting through the darkest storms. Ships in troubled waters navigate safely by its beam. Just as the lighthouse guides lost ships, so does the believer’s life, rooted in faith, shine light into the world, guiding others toward hope and safety in God, thus fulfilling our mission to be witnesses among all nations. But to be a witness, we have to go to the water to see first.

Implicit in these verses is the acknowledgment of God’s glory and power. When we respond to His invitation, we participate in His greater purpose and bear witness to His majesty and grace. Ephesians 3:20-21 reminds us: “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to the power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.”

Our passage culminates with a revelation that could surprise many. In verse 5: “Behold, you will call a nation you do not know, and a nation that does not know you will run to you, because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel; for He has glorified you.” I particularly appreciate this part, as it speaks more about us than for us. Looking around this room, you see proof that this prophecy has come true. Those who serve the God of Abraham are not solely those born in the ancient Near East. We, who come to the water, represent nations that Isaiah and his people could never have imagined.

Just as Marta and Enrico missed the freshwater surrounding them, we, too, can miss out on the abundant life available to us and right before our eyes, as the scriptures teach.

May we become vessels of His love and grace, sharing that living water with others who thirst for hope and fulfillment? And as we do, may we shine as beacons of light in a world that desperately needs it—a world longing for love, justice, and peace that flows as freely as the waters of the mighty Amazon.

Song: As water to the thirsty (688)

We respond to serve God

Our time of giving

God has given us life and breath, creating a world full of beauty.
In Christ, we experience God’s generosity.
Our gifts are tokens of gratitude for everything we’ve received.
May our offerings speak of our thankful hearts today.
Loving God, accept these gifts we bring.
Bless them and use them to spread peace in places of unrest,
Love in places of resentment, joy in places of fear, and hope in places of loss,
All for the sake of Jesus Christ, our friend and Savior. Amen.

Prayer of gratitude, and for others and ourselves
When the world feels confusing and overwhelming,
You bring light and hope.
We give you thanks for lessons learned, for changes of heart,
For discoveries and the paths we courageously follow.

We pray for those who are confused or afraid,
For those struggling with anger or despair.

O God, give us hope in our time.
Turn our hearts to you.
There is so much conflict and hostility around us and within us.
Relationships can be tense, and communities are often divided.

We pray for understanding to foster harmony
At home, in the workplace, our community, and throughout our country.
We ask for diplomacy to resolve conflict among nations,
Especially remembering (add specific conflict zones).

O God, give us peace in these times.
Turn our hearts to you.

We thank you for the moments of joy and celebration in our lives,
For the small pleasures we’ve received, even during isolation.
We remember those who feel left out or bitter,
Those who are anxious or in distress.
We lift those facing loss and hardship in these uncertain times,
And all who are experiencing sorrow and suffering,

Naming those who are on our hearts today.
O God, give us joy in our time.
Turn our hearts to you.
We thank you for your constant presence
Amid all that brings uncertainty and worry these days.

Bless our congregation;
Inspire us to explore new ministry and mission opportunities.
Reignite our love for one another
And our desire to worship and serve together in Jesus’ name.
Support leaders who are feeling exhausted by the challenges they face,
And renew our stewardship with gratitude for your love.

O God, give us strength in our service.
Turn our hearts to you. Amen.

Song: All the way my Saviour leads me ( 699)

Sending out with God’s blessing

May you carry with you the invitation from our God, the one who calls to all who are thirsty, urging you to come and drink deeply from the wells of His love and grace.

May your hearts be open to His abundant provisions, and may you find nourishment and fulfillment in the fresh waters of His Spirit.

May you walk through the days ahead and be a vessel of His light, leading others to the living waters that bring hope and healing.

May you go forth confidently, knowing that you are part of God’s everlasting covenant, a witness to His faithfulness, and a light to the nations.

May the Holy One of Israel guide your steps and fill your thirsting soul. Amen.

Response: Benediction (As you go)

Music postlude

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Cutting the contract

Posted on March 16, 2025March 16, 2025 by John

Worship on the Second Sunday in Lent
10:00 am March 16, 2025
Minister: The Rev. Brad Childs     Music Director: Binu Kapadia
Vocalist: Lynn Vaughan     Welcoming Elder: Renita MacCallum
Children’s time presenter: Brad     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

Call to worship:
L: We have started down a road that will take us to the cross.
P: It is a journey we take together, and a journey each makes alone.
L: We are invited to notice things on the way –
P: To notice the sharp stones, the uneven ground, the mercy of shade, the faithfulness of those who walk with us.
L: We carry little with us but that which is in our hearts:
P: Hope, trust, fear, apprehension, wonder, sorrow.
L: On this walk we rest and sing and pray and listen.
P: In our worship, we rest and sing and pray and listen.
L: Then let us worship God.

Opening praise: O praise the name of the Lord, our God (Anástasis[i])

Prayers of approach and confession
God of the universe, full of love and guidance,
When our world feels hectic, You bring us peace.
When we can’t find truth, Your word stays strong.
When we’re scared, Your presence makes us brave.
When we’re sad, Your love gives us hope.
We come to pray and praise You today,
seeing You in the beauty of nature,
in the kindness of Jesus, and the Spirit’s help and wisdom.
We worship You—the holy Trinity, forever three, yet always one.
God of kindness, we admit we often choose comfort, putting our plans above Yours.
We shy away from doing what’s right, and sometimes forget our promises to You.
Forgive us for complaining too much.
Have mercy on us.
Give us strength to do Your will and serve others, like Jesus did. Amen.

Response: We come to ask your forgiveness

Assurance of God’s forgiveness

Friends, though we have all made mistakes, the bigger truth is God’s love in Jesus forgives us.
For anyone who seeks God’s mercy, know this:
Through Jesus Christ, our sins are forgiven.
Be at peace with God, yourself, and each other.

Song: Open our eyes, Lord

Dayspring Singers

We listen for the voice of God

Song: Open our eyes Lord (445)

Children’s Time

In the middle of a group of chickens. There stood an eagle. He was full grown, king of all birds, eagle. But there he was, scratching around in the dirt, looking for tiny worms and insects. And little seeds. The seagull was clucking. Cackling and flapping his wings. And was flying one or two feet at a time, before returning to the ground. Understand this was an eagle.

He had a six-foot wingspan and could have flown around in the clouds, but instead, he just fluttered around inches from the ground. His eyes were keen and sharp. His talents and his claws were even sharper. They were supposed to make him a threat to every small bird and mammal that came near him. But the only thing that this eagle was a threat to was perhaps an unsuspecting bug. Why was the eagle acting like a chicken?

Well, here’s the story. A young boy found an eagle egg and didn’t know what to do with it and so he took it home and he put it inside the nest of a Prairie chicken. The baby eagle hatched and it grew up with the other little chicks. He never saw another eagle. He only saw chickens. All of his life he only saw chickens, and he thought he was one of them. The eagle learned from them and mimicked their every move.

One day, when the eagle was growing older, he looked up into the sky and for the first time in his life he saw a giant bird soaring on the wind far above him. What is that beautiful bird? The eagle said to the chicken standing next to him. What is it? Well, that’s an eagle, the king of all birds, the chicken said. But don’t give it a second thought. We’ll never be like him.

And so the Eagle did just that. He never gave it a second thought, and he lived the rest of his life digging around in the dirt, believing he was a chicken. Ephesians 210 says For we are God’s handiwork, and we are created in Jesus Christ to do good things. Those good things which God has prepared for us in advance to do. Rather than comparing yourself to those around you. Seek to understand God’s plan for your life. You may find out you’re way more eagle than chicken.

The Lord’s Prayer (535)

Song: The God of Abraham praise (331: vss 1,2,5,6)

Scripture: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18

Response: His truth is marching on

Message: Cutting the contract

Our Bibles have two main parts: the Old Testament and the New Testament. Testament is another word for Covenant, or perhaps simpler yet, Contract. The idea is that God made agreements with humanity.

Contracts were different in the past. And not to be too blunt, but blood is involved every time God strikes a covenant. Think, for example, about our communion services. Before we take communion together in any Presbyterian Church in Canada congregation, the minister will quote Paul, who is himself quoting Jesus, who said of the wine, “This is a New Contract with the Father, sealed (or more accurately CUT) in my blood. Drink this in remembrance of me. Making contracts with God is a bloody business.

Generally, most theologians agree that only a handful of significant contracts are cut in the scriptures between God and God’s people. The language of “cut,” sometimes translated as “sealed,” comes from using scrolls. At the time, you would write out the details of a contract on a scroll. When everything had been penned, the two parties would take a knife and cut the contract from the larger scroll. But again, it isn’t just that. It’s a bloody business, and the knife has multiple purposes.

God makes a covenant with Noah not to flood the earth again in the Bible. In the story, God places a giant BOW (not rainbow – that’s a different word). He puts a weapon intended for hunting and killing enemies, and God places that weapon in the sky. In the story of Noah’s Ark, God is like a hunter who hangs his bow on the wall. Regarding this, the more literal Lexham Bible translates thusly: And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I am making between you and me, and between every living creature that is with you for future generations. ¹³My bow I have set in the clouds, and it shall be for a sign of the covenant between me and between the earth. ¹⁴And when I make clouds appear over the earth, the bow shall be seen in the clouds. ¹⁵Then^[^a^] I will remember the covenant that is between you and me, and between every living creature, with all flesh. And the waters of a flood will never again cause the destruction^[^b^] of all flesh. ¹⁶The bow shall be in the clouds, and I will see it to remember the everlasting covenant between God and between every living creature, with all flesh upon the earth.” ¹⁷God told Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant I establish between me and all flesh upon the earth. (Genesis 9:12-17)

Now, here is another example of a covenant being struck. It’s found in Jeremiah 34:18-19 and is a little cryptic if you don’t understand what’s happening. It says, “¹⁸Those who have violated my covenant and have not fulfilled the terms of the covenant they made before me, I will treat like the calf they cut in two and then walked between its pieces. ¹⁹The leaders of Judah and Jerusalem, the court officials, the priests and all the people of the land who walked between the pieces of the calf-” are subject to it.

What’s happening is that a promise is being made. At the beginning, they take a calf and a knife, and they cut the animal right down the middle. Then, they set one-half to the left and one-half to the right. Then, both parties “walk between the two pieces of the calf. They are saying, If I break my deal with you, may I be CUT in half like this Contract is CUT from the document? And also, if I break my deal with you, may I be CUT in two pieces, just like this sacrifice. And remember, at the time, there were not a lot of diverse ways to show you meant what you said and that you were worth investing in. You couldn’t just go down to the local bank and get a credit check. Sacrifice, which went to nothing in particular for daily use, showed you meant business. In any case, cutting the covenant meant putting your “money where your mouth is.” It meant a sacrifice. It meant so much, blood and sweat and tears. It meant work.

In the same way, when even less severe contracts were CUT things are still very serious… well, let me read you example. In Genesis 24:1-4, Abraham was now ancient, and the Lord had blessed him in every way. ²He said to the senior servant in his household, the one in charge of all he had, “Put your hand under my thigh. ³I want you to swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not get a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I am living, ⁴but will go to my country and my relatives and get a wife for my son Isaac.” Think about what is taking place here! He makes a promise. And at the same time, the other person cups his hand “under the man’s thigh who is swearing an oath!

In reality, this is a not-so-vulgar way of saying, If I break my promise and tear up the contract we have made, you have the legal right to CUT off my… ability to have children (hench the hand under the thigh).

When God makes a contract with Moses and gives the 10 commandments, Moses takes a sacrifice and pours the blood over the altar to seal the deal. (Exodus 24:7-8)

God CUTS the contract with the people!

In Genesis 15, God establishes a covenant with Abraham through a ritual like the one I just talked about. Traditionally, it’s been called “passing between the pieces,” it involves cutting an animal in two and laying one on each side. One or both people walk between the pieces. According to the Hebrew Bible, the covenant of the pieces or Brit Bein HaBetarim is an essential element of the ancient Hebrew faith.

But here! Here, something rather unexpected takes place. It’s not just two people agreeing. In the story, the divine presence passes between them. In the Old Testament, God appears most often as fire and smoke. These occurrences are referred to as the Theophany (God’s Fire). The text reads, “¹⁰Abram brought all these to him, cut them in two and arranged the halves opposite each other”, “¹²As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness came over him.” And “¹⁷When the sun had set, and darkness had fallen, a smoking firepot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces. ¹⁸On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram-”. God told Abram that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars and that if He broke his promise, God would cut himself in two as punishment. Later in Genesis 17, God adds the sign of circumcision for Abraham’s descendants, marking them as His chosen people. And again, they cut the contract with a knife.

In Genesis 15:1-6, God reassures Abraham, telling him not to fear and affirming His protective nature. The promise of numerous descendants is reiterated, and Abraham’s faith in God’s word is credited to him as righteousness. And just as the animals were cut, Christ’s sacrifice on the cross defines the blood of the New Covenant. As Hebrews 9:22 reminds us, “Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins,” linking the sacrifices in Genesis to the sacrificial system and, ultimately, its fulfillment in Christ.

During the Last Supper, Jesus refers to His blood as the “blood of the new covenant.” This covenant fulfills and exchanges its place with the Old Covenant and is cut through His sacrificial death. Each covenant shows more of who God is and extends to more and more people in the process until, ultimately, God makes a contract with us through Jesus to be the end all be all of the contracts. It’s what all the other contracts were pointing to.

See, at the core of all these agreements in the Bible lies the overarching Covenant of Grace. This covenant undergirds all others, revealing that God’s salvation plan depends not on human effort but on His grace. Just like when God passed between the pieces while Abram slept or an infant at baptism, we too are passive recipients of grace.

Through grace, God extends His love and mercy to humanity, allowing us to participate in His redemptive story. The echoes of grace resonate through every covenant, showing us that God’s heart has always been to restore and reconcile His people to Himself. We find the apex of this covenant narrative in Jesus Christ, who established the New Covenant in His blood. In Luke 22:20, Jesus declares, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”

The New Covenant fulfills the prophetic words of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 31:31-34), where God promises a time when He will write His laws on our hearts, and no longer will God require sacrifice because the new one (Jesus) is perfect, and so never needs repeating. We no longer bound by the old covenant law; instead, we are given a new heart and spirit based not on birth but on God’s love for us an our response to that.

This new covenant invites us into rules and a personal relationship with the Creator. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we are offered forgiveness and the opportunity to dwell in communion with God, a relationship grounded in love and grace. The New Covenant also introduces the Holy Spirit—the Comforter who empowers us to live according to God’s will. But while we are free from the sacrifices and contracts of the old covenant, we cannot and should not forget why… covenants are bloody.

In the Book of Revelation, chapter 19, Jesus is described as wearing a white robe drenched in blood. And it is his own. The New Covenant is similar to the Old. It’s CUT. Fortunately, God has made our part of the contract pretty easy, relatively speaking. He already took all the cuts with the idea that even if we break our end and He keeps His end, He still meant it when He passes between the pieces. God is willing to die for those HE loves. The new covenant in His blood implies that although we have much to contemplate during Sunday communion, Jesus has already kept up not only His end but also kept up our end of the deal for us. The only thing left for us to do is accept the grace and believe that our Lord is mighty enough to bring up back into a right relationship with the Father… to know the Lord and Saviour.

he blood poured out by Christ not only cuts the New Covenant but also signifies a promise of relationship, redemption, and renewal. May we approach the communion table with thankfulness, recognizing the weight of this covenant and the grace that allows us to partake in it. Go forth, beloved, emboldened by the Holy Spirit, to live in the light of this truth, sharing the hope of Jesus’ love and sacrifice with a world longing for grace and peace.

Every Sunday, when we take up the cross or proclaim God’s forgiveness, we participate in the New Covenant. We proclaim Him Lord. We believe in an overarching covenant of Grace given to us. But if we are going to take our faith seriously, we must also remember that covenants are bloody business. Thanks be to Jesus Christ, the one who bled and died for everlasting peace. Amen.

*Song: O for a world where everyone (730)

We respond to serve God

Our time of giving

Prayer of gratitude, and for others and ourselves
God of strength and comfort, we pause to pray for Your world, even when we’re busy.
Today we lift up:
All people in their daily work—
our families, friends, neighbors,
the people we work with, and strangers too.
Be with anyone who feels stressed or tired.
We remember our church community,
our leaders, and everyone who helps our faith grow.
Help us support each other and focus on a hopeful future.
We pray for our community, country, and the whole world,
and for everyone fighting for justice and peace.
Send Your Spirit to protect those without a voice and to challenge wrongs.
We pray for those who suffer from hunger, fear, unfairness, and hardship,
those rebuilding from disasters,
and all facing danger, sorrow, or trouble.
Bring them comfort and neighbors who care. Amen.

Song: Amazing grace (670:vss 1,2,3,4,6)

Sending out with God’s blessing

Go in peace and be brave, hold on to what’s good, don’t repay evil with evil.

Help those who are weak, support the troubled, respect everyone, and love and serve God.

May the blessing of Almighty God— Creator, Christ, and Spirit— be with you always. Amen.

Response: Benediction (as you go)

Music postlude

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[i] The word “anastasis” comes from the Greek words “ana” (meaning “up” or “again”) and “histemi” (meaning “to stand”).

Tested

Posted on March 9, 2025March 9, 2025 by John

Worship on the First Sunday of Lent
10:00 am March 09, 2025
Minister: The Rev. Brad Childs Music Director: Binu Kapadia
Vocalist: Linda Farrah-Basford Welcoming Elder: Jane de Caen
Children’s time and Reader: Lynn 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
Preparation for worship

Call to worship:
L: Friends, let us worship God today, for God is great –
P: God has blessed us with life, with faith, and with community.
L: Let us worship God today, for God is good –
P: God forgives us, and encourages us, and loves us.
L: Let us worship God today –
P: Because we are God’s people.
L: Let us worship God.

Opening praise: Come now is the time to worship

Prayers of approach and confession
Holy and merciful God, you are our refuge and strength.
We rejoice in your grace and love which has called creation into being, and makes all life complete.
We praise you for Jesus Christ who reveals your loving purposes for all people;
in his face we glimpse your love;
in his life we see the pattern for our lives.
We bless you for the Holy Spirit who guides us and strengthens us, drawing us into the embrace of your tender love.

And so we praise you, O God, our eternal, creating father who loves us with motherly care, united with Christ, our Saviour, and your Holy Spirit, the breath of life, Three in One, now and always.

Almighty and most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you
in things we have done, and things we have neglected to do.
We have held back from giving to protect what we have.
We have not trusted in your goodness and instead relied on the world’s empty promises.
Forgive what we have done and direct who we shall become.
Please help us to serve you by serving your world with generous spirits.

Response: We come to ask your forgiveness, O Lord

Assurance of God’s forgiveness
Hear and believe the good news! Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation.
The old life is gone. The new life has come.
Know that you are forgiven, and so, in Christ, forgive one another.

Musical offering: Dylan Mohammed and Peter Sheridan

We listen for the voice of God

Response: Open our eyes Lord (445)

Children’s time

Story: Good morning, boys and girls. In about 40 days, we will be celebrating Easter. We call this 40-day time period Lent. Lent is a special season of prayer where we take a look at our own lives and make sure we are doing what God wants us to do … and becoming the people God wants us to be.

Now, everyone stand up and follow me; we’re going to do a demonstration. I want you to pretend someone has asked us to come and play in the park. Let’s go! (Make a little trip around the pulpit, past some chairs and get them to stop up front)

Ok, there is the park; it looks like they are having fun there. But first, let’s pretend there is a road right in front of us here. What should we do? Should we just go straight across? (Let the children respond.) That’s right. We need to STOP. (Have the children join you as if you were all lined up on the edge of a road ready to cross.) Then what should we do after stopping? That’s right, we need to LOOK to see if a car is coming. (Get them to look both ways.) Then what? That’s right, we need to LISTEN for vehicles on the road. (Put your hands up and cup your ears.)

OK, we took time to STOP, LOOK and LISTEN. It looks safe so now we can cross.

Children, what you have just done is very important. If we are going to keep safe while going to all the exciting places we want to go, we need to STOP, LOOK and LISTEN before crossing streets. In life, it is important to do the same thing!

We get so busy with activities and school and work and stuff, we are often in a rush. It’s very important that we take time to STOP and find time for God. We need to LOOK around and think about what we are doing. We need to look at ourselves. Are we doing what God wants us to do? Are we becoming the sort of person that God wants us to be? And finally, we need to LISTEN to God, by reading the Bible and taking time to pray. Speaking of praying, this seems like a good time to show our friends here at Dayspring the song we’ve been learning in Sunday School. (Children sing ‘Standin’ in the need of Prayer’, then sit down again.)

Children’s Song: It’s me, it’s me, it’s me, O Lord

So, remember: the season of Lent is when we should take time to STOP, LOOK and LISTEN to all the things that God wants us to do with our lives. Let us pray …

Prayer:

Dear God. Thank you for your love. Help us always remember to STOP being so busy, to LOOK closely at ourselves, and to LISTEN to the plans you have for us during this season of Lent.

The Lord’s Prayer (535)

Song: Come thou fount of every blessing

Scripture: Luke 4:1-13

Instrumental Response

Message: “Tested”

It was an incredible scene. To Him (Jesus), the river was not just another body of water. It was a special place in the hearts of the Jewish people. It was the water parted for Joshua. Crossing it after Moses died was his final step as he led the people out of 40 years in the wilderness. The place where heroes of the faith had walked was a sacred place where Elijah and Elisha had come and walked upon dry ground like a miniature parting of the Red Sea. In popular Jewish folklore, it was the place where a whole class of angels known as God sent down the Grigori[1] to observe the actions of His people.

It is where Naaham was healed from his affliction and pain. The river’s water flowed down from Mt. Zion, the Holy Mountain. The water feeds the plain, and the Hebrew Bible calls the ground he stood on “the Garden of God.” The snowy mountain peaks shot into the clouds just off the distance. The ground was a kind of hard clay his feet would sink into. The river was surrounded by lush vegetation and beautiful low-hanging trees. The sweet smell of poplars filled the air as white pups of seedlings floated around like cotton dancing on the wind.

The river itself served as the natural border between Syria and the promised land given to Abraham’s descendants. It was a scenic place. Wildlife came from all around to drink from its calm waters. The water flowed smoothly from the melted snow at the mountaintop, and the river fed the Sea of Galilee, thus nourishing the greatest source of income for the local people who fished the nearby lake.

Jesus stood there on no ordinary ground. He stood there with a man he respected, perhaps above all other mortals. It was his friend, his family. It was John the Baptist, and when Jesus stepped out into that water, he also stepped out into his ministry to his people. This is where it all began: the baptism of Jesus. As the Bible tells us, Jesus came out of the water and was greeted by the voice of the Father in Heaven as the Holy Spirit descended upon him like a dove. And this great voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, in whom I am well pleased.” It is perhaps the single most beautiful picture in our Holy Bible. And yet… it comes with a catch.

This beautiful story of Jesus’ baptism doesn’t stand alone. It appears in all three synoptic gospels, and every single one begins the story similarly. Right after the Spirit descends upon our Savior, the devil appears.

In our reading from Luke, it says, “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into (NOTE THAY IT IS NOT THE DEVIL WHO LEADS HIM BUT GOD’s SPIRIT) the desert to be tempted by the devil.” Directly after he is baptized, right after God looks down on Him with the proud and swollen eyes of a loving Father, the story tells us that the Holy Spirit takes Jesus into the wilderness to be tested by the Devil himself. Notice, the Bible doesn’t say, “Jesus went out into the desert too fast,” or Jesus “was to be tempted 3 times.” It says, “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.” In Luke, it says, “For 40 days he was tested”.

Now, I can’t count on all the hands in this room the times that I have faced temptation. Temptation is simply a daily struggle for every human being. As a wise man once said, “I wouldn’t be so tempted if temptation wasn’t so darn tempting.” It is an inescapable reality of the human condition. And it is inevitable. Right when we’re at our highest points, we stand at the river with the sun on our backs and feel the most like children of God… That’s often the very moment when our most significant challenges come. Because that’s the moment when God knows we are most capable of handling them. Jesus knew this. As Luke will later quote him, “Someone who does not know, and does wrong will be punished only lightly. But to whom much has been given, much more will be expected in return.” (Luke 12:48) If you face challenges, it’s because God believes you have the power to overcome them.

At the same time, I must confess this is one of those verses that I just plain don’t like. This is one I wish wasn’t in there. I’d like nothing more than to take a pair of scissors and cut that right out of my Bible. Because I don’t know about you, but I don’t much care for exams. I’ve never been too good at tests. And here Jesus says, the more I learn, and the closer the relationship I develop with my Lord, the more God is going to expect of me! I tell you, that is no easy pill to swallow. It seems the gift of knowing God’s love can be a bit of a two-edged sword. Because the closer we come to the Father, the more responsibility we have; the more he has the right to say, “You should know better.”

When I think about this story of the temptation of Christ, I feel the most profound concern and sympathy for Jesus. Because as much as we might think we know God, I can promise that when the devil appeared to Jesus, no other person on this earth had ever had the Father expecting more from him. To say that Jesus “was tempted” is a hopelessly weak understatement. It is a frail and puny shadow of the truth. I know temptation. But I have never been face to face with the adversary. And I don’t know about you, but I cannot fathom the level of temptation Jesus had dangled in front of his face. And yet, he just shrugged it off like it was the junk from a broken garburator. My struggle with whether or not to tell my waitress she forgot to include my dessert on my dinner bill seems so puny compared to what Jesus was offered.

After being tempted by the Devil for 40 days, starving, smelling of the desert heat and the wild animals, emaciated, in his most vulnerable state, the skin simply hanging off his skeleton – the Devil asks a famished Christ to turn stones into bread (something that doesn’t even appear to be a sin). Jesus waves his nearly lifeless arms and shrugs the very notion of it away. He quotes the bible (Moses from Deuteronomy 8), “Man cannot live on bread alone” [But only by every Word of the Lord]. Jesus does not need to prove that God will provide for him. And he doesn’t need to prove that he’s the Son of God. So when the Devil takes him up to the Temple and says, “Throw yourself off if you are the Son of God, and He will protect you,” Jesus again turns to the scriptures for his answer. He turns to Exodus 17, and quotes, “Do not put the (YHWH) LORD your (Elohim) God to the test.”

I’ve probably noted this previously, but in the story of Adam and Eve, the words YHWH Elohim for “The Lord God” are used for God’s title. It’s how God is referred to throughout that narrative. Elohim is the general word for God in Hebrew, but YHWH is the personal first name of God given to Moses – YHWH (meaning I am what I am). Throughout the story, God is referred to in this very personal way. And this (sometimes called the Sacred Name or Tetragrammaton) is God’s “first name” and is used in every instance the Father is referenced.

Well… accept for this one special time. See, the serpent in the story doesn’t do that. It’s the only time in the story it happens, only once. But in the story, the serpent simply refers to God as Elohim (as if God is some general deity who is largely unknown). But the serpent simply will not (or perhaps Cannot) speak the actual Name of God. And there is something very powerful about how that is communicated.

In our story of the temptation, something similar is going on. See, at the time, the Essene Community of Hebrews who lived in the desert generally held to the reading of 4 different Psalms used for the exorcism of evil spirits. Psalm 91, which we read from today, is one of those four psalms used to rid the world of the demonic. This is something that is missed by today’s average reader but would have made this story seem like an absolute horror movie to its original audience.

The Hebrews had grown up believing that the Devil and his minions could not stand to hear the word of God. But here, not only does the devil hear the words, but also speaks them himself as if they have no power over him.

And what’s worse yet, the devil actually speaks the very words of the Psalm that people used to exorcise evil. It’s like a huge red flag in the story to tell its listeners that this Devil cannot and will not be sent away. He’s here to stay, and there is nothing anyone can do about it.

For the original audience of this story, things seemed insane and terrifying. The very words they used to rid the world of demons mean nothing to this Devil. Not only do they not send him away or “cast him out,” but he is the one who speaks them.

But, much like that story of Adam and Eve, while the deceiver speaks the words of scripture, he twists them. “Did that Elohim (he wont say the name) really say not to eat of the fruit?” he says.

I think there may be a message that is not so hidden.

Similarly, here, the devil taunts Jesus. Quoting the exorcism Psalm, he adds a twist. Not only will God watch over you, as the scripture states, but the Devil also claims God will send his holy angels to swoop down and rescue Jesus for a later purpose. And again, the twist. That may have been correct. Still, the evil one uses the Bible but twists it, takes it out of context and adds things.

Remember, Jesus and all of his people lived in a country taken over, defeated by, and still occupied by a foreign empire. When the Devil shows him every kingdom in eye’s sight (even his beloved Jerusalem, at the very moment – oppressed by Caesar and his army) and says all you have to do is “bow to me,”… Jesus says No. When the Devil offers, “You can free the people, you can make this world the way you want it to be; you can fix it all – Just Bow down to me… Jesus says No! When the Devil says you can still be the Messiah, God has given me the power to give that to you; Jesus says, “No.” And all the while, knowing that he would suffer and die on the cross, a beaten and rejected man, Jesus was offered the Keys to the Kingdom, but again Jesus said, No! And again he for the third time quotes Moses from his period of 40 Years in the desert. He quotes Deuteronomy 6, saying, “You shall worship the LORD your God and Serve Him only.”

And there you have it. This seems like a natural ending to this story for many of us. Jesus defeats the Devil and proves that he will not abuse his power. He shows that he will do the Father’s will even if it might mean death. He teaches us all how we, too, can confront the work of the Devil and the temptations of our daily lives by holding on to the Word of God and not allowing it to be twisted. Everything is all tied up neatly in a package with a great big bow on top. But the truth is… that is Not where this story ends.

For me, the final verse in this story is perhaps the most revealing line. It is an eerily daunting verse. It says, “When the Devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until a more opportune time.” … Like a grenade from a fleeing army, this line flies at us and explodes as the Devil retreats his position but is still very much in the war. And I can picture him now whispering to himself under his breath… “Don’t get too excited. It ain’t over yet”.

Jesus has won the battle, but the war against temptation remains. It did for him, and it certainly does for us.

Humorist Sam Levenson once said, “Lead us not into temptation. Just tell us where it is; we’ll find it.” Few truer words have ever been spoken. The fact is that temptation is a part of what it means to be human. Temptation comes when we are at our highest points. It comes when we stand by the beautiful river banks, basking in the love of God. It comes, too, when we find ourselves in strange places, wandering around in the desert with the wild beasts. It comes in subtleties and asks us to make bread out of stones, little things that initially seem harmless enough. Temptation challenges us to question who we are and who we worship. And even when we think we’ve won, it will come again because we should know that “It is not over yet.”

In life’s journey, temptation is an inevitable companion, appearing when we least expect it and challenging our resolve and faith. Just as Jesus stood at the river, grounded in purpose and washed in divine approval, so must we anchor ourselves in the unwavering truth of God’s Word. Despite Jesus’ decisive victory over the devil, the narrative serves as a potent reminder that temptation is relentless, returning when we are most vulnerable or least prepared. But with each encounter, we can fortify our spirit, drawing strength from Jesus’ example and the scriptures that guide us. Temptation may lurk, waiting for the opportune moment, but we are assured that God’s presence and promises are an ever-present help. As we navigate the trials of life, let us uphold the integrity of the Word, resisting all distortions that aim to lead us astray. By embracing this divine wisdom and leaning on the community of believers around us, we can confront temptation not as lonely warriors but as guided souls, ever-mindful of the eternal victory that is ours through Christ.

But also, please keep in mind that your adversary twists the scripture, and the only way to combat that is to study it yourself. Amen.

Song: Forty days and forty nights (197)

We respond to serve God

Our time of giving

Reflection on giving: Dayspring is empowered to carry out our mission of worship, service, and care by generously given volunteer time, talent, and treasure. Many thanks to all who give so generously!

Prayer of gratitude, and for others and ourselves

God of grace, you are our Judge and our Hope.

Transform us with your love and harness our energy for your purposes in the world into which Christ came and for which he died. Hear us as we pray for the world, the church and our community:

We pray for your creation, staggering under human activity and expectation demands.

May this planet be held in reverence in every culture.

Where we are tempted to use resources carelessly, where human lifestyles endanger homes and habitats of other peoples or other species, where immediate gain tempts people to give no thought for the future, send your wisdom to guide citizens and decision makers to act responsibly.

We pray for the Church facing the challenges of rebuilding ministry and mission in times of uncertainties and possibility.

Where congregations are tempted to guard traditions and resist new possibilities,

where members magnify differences instead of celebrating our unity in Christ, where energy for leadership and community life has grown tired, send your healing and transforming grace.

We pray for relationships tested by conflicts and the lack of mutual understanding.

Where families are tempted to nurse grudges and harbour complaints, where friendships have been wounded by misunderstanding or neglect, where workplace tensions have arisen over clashing opinions or exhausting demands, send your reconciling and restoring mercy.

We pray for a world filled with increasing threats and conflicts.

Where countries are torn by unrest and persecution, where communities are diminished by prejudice and discrimination, where those with power and authority degrade or dismiss their critics, empower those who work for just solutions and advocate for the powerless.

We pray for all who are troubled and find it hard to face uncertain times. We pray for those who face illness or loss of any kind, for those challenged by economic hardship, and for those faced with the reality of death, their own or someone dear.

In silence, we name those on our hearts this day:

Keep a time of silence

Embrace each one with your compassion and courage.

Even as we remember the many challenges around us, we give you thanks for the blessings we know, for moments of pleasure, for laughter shared, for conversations that brightened a day.

Thank you for your steadfast love and the comfort we draw from your presence with us in all things. Amen.

Song: Lead us, heavenly Father, lead us (647)

Sending out with God’s blessing
Go in peace; be of good courage,
hold fast to what is good,
render no one evil for evil;
strengthen the fainthearted,
support the weak,
help the afflicted,
honour all people,
love and serve God,
and may the blessing of God Almighty,
Creator, Christ and Spirit
descend upon you and remain with you forever. Amen.

Response: Benediction (as you go)

Music postlude

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The Rev. Brad Childs retains the copyright (© 2024) 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.

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[1] – The Grigori are a group of angels who were created to shepherd humans on Earth

Not horns but rays of light

Posted on March 2, 2025March 2, 2025 by John

Worship on Transfiguration Sunday
Sacrament of Holy Communion     10:00 am      March 02, 2025
Minister: Rev. Brad Childs     Music Director: Binu Kapadia
Vocalist: Rom Rhoad     Reader: Godrey Esoh, Jr
Welcoming Elder: 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:
L: Well, here we are this day, gathered together so we can worship our God together.
P: Some of us here for the music, and some for the friends, and some for the cookies and coffee.
L: And we are all here because of God.
P: Now is the time to give thanks, to unload our hearts, to share our lives, and to hear the Story again.
L: So, friends, let us worship God.

Opening praise: I lift my eyes up

Prayers of approach and apologies

Loving God, you show Yourself to us in so many ways.

In bright sunlight and soft whispers,

on high mountains and flat fields,

in classrooms and hospital rooms,

in our homes and our churches,

in quiet moments in nature and the noise of the city.

Your presence comforts us, pushing away our fears, and Your touch helps us overcome our doubts.

We come to celebrate how good You are, to focus on Your light, and to give You all our praise and thanks, for You are our God, and we are Your people, now and forever.

In Your mercy, please hear us as we confess our mistakes:

Compassionate God, as we stand in Your light,

we admit the things that keep us from sharing Your goodness.

We often get distracted, wanting more than we need.

We focus on our own disappointments instead of trusting the bright future You have for us.

We feel disheartened by the struggles of this pandemic and sometimes miss the hope You offer us through Christ.

Change us with Your grace, and help us be followers of Christ each day. Amen.

Response: We come to ask your forgiveness

Assurance of God’s forgiveness

Do not be afraid. God’s forgiveness shines into our lives.

The light of hope rises in our hearts, and we are made new.

Know that you are forgiven, and in Christ’s name,

remember to forgive each other as well.

We listen for the voice of God

Song: We have come at Christ’s own bidding (187)

Scripture readings: Exodus 34:29-35 & Luke 9:28-36

Response: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet

Message: Not horns but rays of light

One of the people’s greatest tragedies would be living in darkness when they could live in the light …

Rose Crawford had been blind for 50 years. Then, she had an operation in an Ontario hospital. She said, “I just can’t believe it,” as the doctor lifted the bandages from her eyes. She wept – when, for the 1st time in her life, she saw a dazzling and beautiful world of form and colour greet her eyes, and she could now see.

As a side note, I remember my mother telling me once that as a child, she believed trees to be large green cotton-like amorphous blobs—until she received her first pair of glasses. With clearer vision, she saw individual leaves for the first time and understood the world in a new and more detailed way.

With that aside, the fantastic thing about Rose’s story is that about 20 years of her blindness was utterly unnecessary. Rose didn’t know, but recent surgical techniques had been developed and available for over two decades, which could have restored her sight much earlier. She had assumed that her condition was hopeless, and had resigned herself to living in darkness. And she’d been through quite a few physicians over the years, and what was perhaps most important had slipped through.

When Rose finally underwent the surgery, she experienced a profound transformation. Seeing the world in vivid colour for the first time, she was overwhelmed with joy, awe, and gratitude. Flowers, faces, skies, and everything she touched revealed life’s new and wondrous dimension.

Reflecting on her journey, Rose could not help but think of the many others living in similar darkness—physically and spiritually. Her story became a powerful metaphor for spiritual enlightenment and a reminder of how often we might miss opportunities for change because we are unaware of what is possible.

Just as Rose had been blind to the physical light available to her, many people go through life unaware of the spiritual light available through faith and belief.

In the reading from Exodus, we have this strange scene. It is the second time Moses has come down from Mt. Sanai with the tablets of the Ten Commandments. These are the replacements for the first set; Moses broke physically in response to people’s breaking of the first two literally as they bowed before the golden calf.

Now, the story says that the glory of God was reflected upon Moses’ face after meeting with the Lord. And the way it is put has confused and confounded people for years. A plain English reading clearly says that Moses had an encounter with God, and as a result, his face physically glowed with light. If you have ever seen a religious painting or a picture of an angel, that is what the Halo around their heads is supposed to be depicting. It’s supposed to be an emanating light from someone who has encountered God.

Now, the Hebrew words here are really and oddly specific. It says that the actual skin of Moses’ face glows and shines with Karen’s “radiance” or “rays of light.”

Now, in an odd twist of fate, this verse was translated from Hebrew into Latin for the Latin Vulgate edition of the Bible, which the Catholic Church deemed a perfect translation. This was the only official translation of scripture that they allowed to exist. Many early protestant leaders were executed because they chose to translate the Bible into English, French or German. That was a serious crime, you see, because God (they said) had already handed down a perfect edition to the Holy Roman Church.

But there is one big problem with that. When this verse about Moses was translated into Latin, the translator took the very literal meaning of Karan (for “rays of light”). And the exact word for word of that in Latin would be, “and his skin grew horns.”

The phrase Kanan figuratively describes the tops of the flickering flames (horns of light). When the phrase was written in Latin, it translated Karan as “Moses’ face grew horns.”

Unfortunately, this “perfect” translation of this morning’s text then led to the very rampant belief throughout the Middle Ages (and especially in France) that Jews had horns. Interestingly, if you have ever seen Michelangelo’s statue of Moses, you might recall seeing that Moses had two short horns atop his head; so much for God’s perfect Latin translation. Luckily, the Roman Catholic Church officials allowed another translation of this verse to be considered authoritative… after just 500 years.

Now, a little closer to the source, it might be worth noting that in ancient Mesopotamian literature, there was a concept called “fearless radiance,” which suggests that after meeting a deity, a person would shine with light and so have to hide their face. Thus, certain religious priests wore unique masks while meeting their gods. Because of this, some have suggested that this portion of the story exists as an anti-myth polemic… which is a fancy to say, “an insult.” See, if the other traditions in the Sanai area used masks in cultic worship to hide their faces as proof that they had met with God, the God of the Hebrews would prove their God better by making Moses’ actual face glow with a shockingly bright light for all to see as proof that Moses had indeed met the divine.

Some see this story as a compelling statement which was meant to say to the people, “God does not want statues of animals or people behind masks to represent his glory but rather… otherwise ordinary human beings are to show God’s glory in how they live out the commandments God has given.

In his Commentary, Dr. John Durham states that nobody knows the answer to the question of what’s going on here or how it is intended to be taken. He says, “In fact, we simply do not have enough information to enable us to form any clear understanding of what is meant by the use of קרן (Karan) to describe what happened to the skin of Moses’ face as a result of his close communion with Yahweh (the LORD), but the key must certainly lie in Yahweh (the LORD) and not in Moses… It is at least possible that קרן (Karan) was deliberately used [rather than [the much more common]word הֹאִיר for “shine or give light,”… because the narrator intended to suggest a light that was separate from Moses’ person, [something God did through His glory, and NOT something that came from Moshe.]

Whether you see the Karan of light God placed around Moses as an affront to masks or idols, as a trustworthy, literal physical and miraculous glow or even if you think the bit more exact word-for-word rendering (horns) is faithful, it is up to you. Moses was growing horns, whether figurative or literal; whatever you believe, the point is unchanged. Moses comes down from his very secluded time with God, having absorbed the brightness of Yahweh’s Presence, and thus Moses is visibly different in some way because of that. He is changed! And people can see it! THEY SEE IT ON HIS FACE!!!

The apostle Paul talks about Christ in this verse from Exodus. In 2 Cor. 3:16-18 he says, “But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the mask is taken away. Now, the Lord is the Spirit; where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all (with unmasked faces) contemplate the Lord’s glory and are being transfigured into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit”.

The Message Bible says, ” And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.”

The problem is we aren’t always very good at it. I’m not very good at it, at least.

Bonhoeffer was a German pastor and theologian who actively opposed the Nazi regime and its policies. He is best known for his book “The Cost of Discipleship,” where he explores what it means to follow Christ. He ultimately paid the ultimate price for his faith and resistance to tyranny, sacrificing his life for the principles he believed in. His story resonates with the call to “take up our cross” and follow Jesus, as he embodies self-denial and commitment to God’s mission.

C.S. Lewis warned us. He wrote, “The safest road to Hell is the gradual, gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, milestones, and signposts.”

In a small town, a girl named Lily had a medical condition that kept her in and out of the hospital. Despite her challenges, she radiated a contagious sense of joy. Each time she had a procedure, she would bring her bright red balloon, symbol of hope and happiness. The medical staff came to know Lily well, often greeting her with smiles and encouragement as she brightened their day, even when in pain.

One winter, after several weeks of treatments, Lily was at her hospital for one of her routine procedures. As she lay in her hospital bed, anxiously waiting for the doctor, she noticed a new nurse—Kim—looking visibly stressed and weary. Kim had been working long hours, and the holidays were approaching, making her feel overwhelmed and disconnected from the season’s joy.

Lily, recognizing that familiar heaviness decided to do something special. Determined, she took her red balloon, which seemed to glow brightly in the dim hospital room, and asked the nurse to come closer. Lily said, “Would you like to hold my balloon? It’s my favourite colour—it always reminds me that there’s light and hope even in the toughest times!”

Kim hesitated, a bit puzzled, but took the balloon. A smile broke through her exhaustion as she felt its softness and looked at the vibrant red against the stark whiteness of the hospital walls. “Thank you, Lily. I needed this today,” she said, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Lily shared stories about the things she loved—her family, the holidays, and her dreams for the future. She radiated hope and joy with each word, lighting the room around her. The hospital, often a place of sorrow and uncertainty, became a space of warmth, laughter, and light. Kim felt the weight on her shoulders lift as they chatted, finding a renewed sense of purpose in the simple connection with Lily.

A few days later, Lily was discharged, and before she left, she handed the balloon to Kim. “Keep this balloon. Whenever you’re feeling down or tired, remember that there’s always hope,” she said. Kim accepted it, tears of gratitude in her eyes, knowing that the light Lily radiated would stay with her long after the balloon floated away.

Months passed, and one day, Kim had a particularly tough day at work. Pulling out the red balloon on her desk, she reflected on the joy Lily had brought into her life during such a challenging season. Inspired by Lily’s spirit, Kim began to make small changes in her attitude. She started looking for ways to encourage other patients, knowing how important it was to share light during darkness.

In the same way, may we all seek to be red balloons to those around us, sharing joy and hope and radiating the light of God in a world that desperately needs it.

I don’t know exactly what happened to Moses. And I don’t care. The message is unchanged. Whatever it was, people saw him differently. Like a newly expectant mother, something was different. They knew he had an authentic encounter with God, and his light clarified that.

Not everyone is Moses. You may not reach hundreds of thousands with the light of Christ. That’s okay; likely, neither will I

As we prepare to leave this sacred space, may you go forth into the world with the light of Christ shining brightly within you.

May you be empowered to radiate hope to those lost in darkness, encourage the weary, and bring joy to the sorrowful.

May you carry the spirit of love and kindness, becoming beacons of light wherever you go, transforming the lives of those you encounter.

May your hearts be open to the whispers of the Holy Spirit, who will guide you to act with compassion and grace.

And as you share the light of God in your daily lives, may you be reminded that you are never alone; His presence goes with you, now and forevermore.

May peace and joy be with you all in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Song: You, Lord, are both lamb and shepherd (356)

We respond to serve God.

Our time of giving

Prayer of gratitude and for others and ourselves

Gracious God, we come before You with thankful hearts. Thank You for the gift of life and the blessings of family, friends, and community. We are grateful for the love and support we share with one another, which reflects Your caring nature.

Help us to appreciate the beauty in our lives, both the big moments and the small joys, and to recognize Your presence in every experience.

We also lift up those who are in need today—those who are struggling, lonely, or facing challenges. May they feel Your comfort and support through us and through others.

Guide us to be instruments of Your love, sharing kindness and compassion with everyone we encounter. Amen.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Invitation to the Lord’s Table

We gather at this sacred table to remember and celebrate the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who invites us to share in this holy meal. The table is open to all who seek Him. Come, not because you must, but because you may; not because you are strong, but because you seek to be strengthened in His presence.

Song: I come with joy (530)

The Apostles’ Creed (539)

The Communion Prayer (Words of Institution)

Gracious God, we thank You for this sacred moment. We recall the last supper that Jesus had with His disciples, where He took bread, blessed it, broke it, and said, “This is my body, given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In a similar way, after supper, He took the cup, and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, poured out for you. Whenever you drink it, do this in remembrance of me.”

As we partake in this meal, O Lord, may we experience the presence of Christ among us and know the depth of Your love and grace.

Sharing of the Bread and Wine

The table is now set. We invite you to come forward and partake in the body of Christ, represented by this bread, and His blood, symbolized in this cup.

Song: One Bread, One Body (540)

Prayer After Communion

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of this meal and the grace we have received. Strengthened by the body and blood of Christ, may we be empowered to live boldly in faith, reflecting Your love and light in the world.

Help us to carry this spirit of communion into our daily lives, embodying the unity we share as one body in Christ. May our hearts be open to Your leading, and our hands ready to serve those in need. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Song: Lord, the light of your light is shining (176)

Sending out with God’s blessing

As we prepare to leave this sacred space, may you go forth into the world with the light of Christ shining brightly within you.

May you be empowered to radiate hope to those who are lost in darkness, encourage the weary, and bring joy to the sorrowful.

May you carry the spirit of love and kindness, becoming beacons of light wherever you go, transforming the lives of those you encounter.

May your hearts be open to the whispers of the Holy Spirit, who will guide you to act with compassion and grace.

And as you share the light of God in your daily lives, may you be reminded that you are never alone; His presence goes with you, now and forevermore.

Response: The blessing

Music postlude

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God provides

Posted on February 23, 2025February 23, 2025 by John

Worship on the Seventh Sunday after Epiphany
10:00 am    February 23, 2025
Minister: The Rev. Brad Childs     Music Director: Binu Kapadia
Vocalists: Peter and Cheryl Sheridan
Welcoming Elder: Darlene Eerkes     Reader: Vivian Houg
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: In the light of this day, we have gathered;
P: We are a community that is one, bringing our questions and our joy
L: In the song and silence, we will listen –
P: What is it that God would have us hear this day?
L: In our praise and our prayers, we will remember
P: That God’s glory shines around us and within.
L: So let us worship God.

Opening praise: Here I am to worship

Prayers of approach and confession

Faithful God,

You have gathered your people faithfully throughout many generations.

You have offered your blessing to us through their examples and led the Church through many changes and challenges by your Spirit.

Draw near to us this day to guide us in these uncertain times.

Root our faithfulness in the compassion and courage we meet in Jesus.

Renew us through your steadfast love so we may dare to trust our future to you.

All praise and honour are yours,

O God: Source, Saviour and Spirit of Life.

You are with us, even in our failings. Hear us as we confess our sins so that we might be able to begin again with you.

Gracious God,

you test the mind and search the heart, so you know the thoughts and intentions we keep hidden.

Trusting in your wisdom and mercy,

we confess the ways we have failed to love one another, the times we looked the other way when someone needed help, and the ways our actions betrayed your goodness.

Forgive us for missing opportunities to share your love and for carrying grudges that keep us from offering the forgiveness we hope for.

Renew us with your mercy to become more merciful to others we meet;

we put our trust in the example of Christ our Lord. Amen.

Response: I will trust in the Lord

Assurance of God’s peace

Hear and believe the good news: anyone in Christ is a new creation.

The old life is gone, and a new life has begun.

Trust that you are forgiven by God’s generous love, and have the courage to forgive one another for Christ’s sake. Amen.

We listen for the voice of God.

Song: Open our eyes (445)

Children’s Time

The young man said, I’m here to help, ma’am. Why don’t you just wait inside the car where it’s warm? And by the way, my name is Brian.

The older woman breathed a sigh of relief, and there’s no way she could have changed her own tire. With her back out. It would be impossible. Brian had the spare tire on the Jack down in less than 10 minutes. And he was tightening the lug nuts when the woman rolled down her window and began to talk to him.

She told him she was from Saint Louis and was passing through. She couldn’t thank him enough for coming to her aid, but Brian just smiled as he closed the trunk.

She asked him how much she owed and if any price would have been good for her. But Brian never thought twice about asking for money, even though he could use the help. Changing attire wasn’t a job to him; it was just a matter of helping someone in need.

Brian told the woman that if she really wanted to pay him back the next time she saw someone who needed help, she should give that person help instead. And when you do, Brian added, think of me. Brian waited until the woman had started her car and driven off carefully. It had been a cold, depressing day, but he felt pretty good about himself heading home.

A few miles down the road, the woman saw a small diner, though the place didn’t look like much. She went in to grab a bite To eat. And to shake off the cold. A kindly waitress brought her a clean towel to dry her wet hair. She had a kind smile and appeared pregnant. Then, the woman remembered Brian. After she had finished her meal, she gave the waitress a $100 bill while the waitress went to get the change. The woman slipped quietly out the door.

When the waitress returned to the table, she noticed something was written on a napkin. When she picked it up to read it, she found four more $100 bills Underneath and hidden away. Her eyes showed tears when she read what the woman had written down.

The message says you don’t owe me anything. I’ve been there too. Somebody friendly helped me out, and now I’m helping you. If you want to pay me back, here’s what you must do. Don’t let the chain of love end with you.

That night, when the waitress got home from work and climbed into bed, she was thinking about the money and what the woman had written. How could she have known? How much she and her husband needed that money. She knew her husband was distraught with the baby due in just a month. As he lay sleeping next to her, she leaned over to kiss him softly, and she whispered softly. Everything is going to be all right. I love you, Brian.

Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given unto you.” The unselfish life is an abundant life. God blesses us whenever we’re willing to bless others. And like Brian in the story, Jesus says, “The next time you see someone in need, think of me.”

The Lord’s Prayer: (535)

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

Scripture readings: Genesis 45:3-11,15 ; Luke 6:27-38

Response: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet

Message: God provides

We know biblical books through chapters and verses. But those were not in the original text.

A group of rabbis called the Masoretes (or The Tradition Masters) added these to help readers find scripture sections more easily. However, the original organization was done through the repetition of words, patterns of stories, and story cycles to indicate the flow and design of the original Genesis scroll. For example, there are four cycles of exile (from Adam to Noah to Abraham and now Joseph). In each story, ONE of the sons (a second or last born) is chosen to carry God’s blessing onto the world. In this case, Chapter 37:2, for example, says, “These are the generations of Jacob.” This phrase appears 10 times in the book of Genesis. Each use of this phrase indicates a new “chapter” to the original audience. Subchapters are marked as well. See, in this story, each dream is a new section.

At its core, however, Joseph’s story is about two things: 1. how God uses even our worst circumstances to build God’s plan for us (no matter what gets in the way), and 2. it’s about a person who was kidnapped, vulnerable, sold, abused, and exiled. In other words, it’s a story happening worldwide, even today. It’s the story of human trafficking.

Joseph is a 17-year-old boy, and he is traded to passersby and sold as an enslaved person and shipped halfway across the known world to be a prisoner for a people he can’t even understand because he doesn’t know their language. This is a horrific story with a surprise ending. And it is not the story of some guy 4000 years ago. It’s the story of today.

When Joseph first arrives in Egypt, he doesn’t know the culture, the language, the customs, the money, or anything else! He is enslaved, then a prisoner, and later a saviour. But first, he is an outcast and a foreigner forced to live in a land that is not his own. This is a story even people in this very room have seen firsthand. But it’s not the end all be all. It seems God has bigger plans for Joseph, and Joseph isn’t the only one God has bigger plans for. Joseph sees exile. But so have you.

Dreams were frequently seen as messages from the gods, conveying important information for personal guidance or communal benefit. This was a standard view then and, quite frankly, still is. Dreams are a bit of a mystery, and many believe God communicates with us that way. I want to tell you that our dreams are merely the stories our minds invent, but truth be told, the bible seems to disagree.

For many people, dreams serve as a bridge between the human and divine realms. I’m not one of them, but maybe I should be. Dreams often carried prophetic significance in biblical narratives and other ancient Near Eastern texts. They were seen as a way to reveal future events, requiring careful interpretation by those believed to have insight, such as priests or prophets.

Various ancient cultures, including the Egyptians, Mesopotamians, and Israelites, shared the belief in dreams’ spiritual importance. Not all dreams, mind you. I’m reasonably sure my dream about being hunted down by a giant tuna fish submarine sandwich is probably not a message from God. But maybe some dreams are. I know a person who had a dream about Jesus, although he had never heard of Jesus before. God can use absolutely anything to speak to us.

In Genesis, Joseph’s dreams play a central role in the narrative.

Joseph is a bit of a braggart.

About three weeks ago now, I went to Kansas for my grandmother’s funeral. My extended family commonly calls me “Favorite, Favorite,” as my sister did when we found my grandfather’s old wallet. He had pictures of most grandkids, but when my sister went through it, she quickly noticed a theme. He had quite a few photos of me. But while I do believe I was very loved, I don’t think I’m the favourite. I’m the second favourite. My cousin Nathan (despite his significant legal troubles, was 100% the favourite of my grandfather and grandmother). And to be precise – he needed that to be the case. I honestly suspect that favourites in the family are usually just that – the ones that need some extra attention.

In this case, we are told the exact reasons for Joseph’s favouritism. Joseph was his father’s “favourite” child because he was born at a time in Jacobs’s life when he was sure he was too old for more children. It wasn’t Joseph so much as it was the blessing of having another child.

But Joseph was a braggart. He dreams about ruling Earth and the sky. And then he tells his brothers this! And I don’t know if you ever had a big brother, but Joseph’s big brothers do precisely what big brothers always do. They put the little guy in his place. They put him in the ground and under the ground as well… in a well.

Joseph is estranged from his brothers because he is his father’s favourite. This favouritism recalls Abraham’s favouritism toward Isaac and Isaac toward Esau and even Joseph’s father, Jacob. Honestly, one of the first things we learn about Joseph is his dreams of reigning over his brothers. The author carefully chooses his words in this section, employing phrases designed to call to mind Adam and Eve’s sin in Genesis 3, Cain’s murder of Abel in Genesis 4, and the wickedness of Noah’s generation in Genesis 6. Remember, this is the story of “The Generations of Jacob”. We are meant to see the basic theme of children sadly repeating the sins of their parents. We’ve heard this story before and it will end up the same way it always does.

In the story, Joseph has two very unusual dreams. In his first dream, Joseph sees himself and his brothers gathering bundles of grain called sheaves in the fields. Suddenly, Joseph’s sheaf stands tall, and his brothers’ sheaves gather around it and bow down to it. When Joseph tells his brothers about this dream, they get furious. They think, “Wait a minute! Are you saying we’ll have to bow down to you one day? It didn’t go over well. If you are a younger sibling, you can imagine this. To quote Prince Harry, younger siblings often feel like they are the “spare” child, especially if they are the second of the same gender.

This is my trigger warning for middle kids and more.

I apologize in advance. This is how I feel and how I’ve generally described myself regarding family systems. In my family, my brother Chad is the firstborn son. Then there is me. My sister Hannah is the first girl. My sister Amanda is the baby.

Now, I should say that I tested this line on Maddie and Wesley, my kids, last night, and the resounding answer was, “Dad, don’t say that in church.” So I will clean this up, though it’s just technical language. Chad is the first born and boy, Hannah is the first girl, and Amanda is a baby. Me… well I’m just the second kid with the same genitals as the first one. In other words, Hannah and I are both middle children, but she’s the first girl. I’m just… “Oh, another boy, congratulations” [whispers – “Oh, it would have been so nice to have one of each”.

Joseph has a second dream. And again, he isn’t smart enough to keep it to himself.

In his second dream, Joseph sees the sun, the moon, and eleven stars bowing down to him. The sun represents his father, Jacob; the moon represents his mother; and the eleven stars represent his brothers. When Joseph shares this dream, they get upset again. And that’s for good reason. His brothers become jealous and angry because they think he’s saying he will rule over them. And he is. Like all the heroes of the bible, every example is first a broken and flawed person God will work through. That’s how EVERY story in the bible works save one – Jesus.

For ancient Hebrews at this time, these dreams were like hints from God about Josuah’s future. But just so we are clear here, Jesus is a Greek pronunciation of the Hebrew name Joshua. Jesus’ family would have pronounced his name “Yeshua” or “Joshua.” Jesus comes out in English simply because of how one language transliterates into another.

That’s the fun fact for the day. Jesus is actually Josh!

Anyway, these dreams suggested that God had something important in store for little Jo, but this news made his brothers jealous instead of making his family proud.

This is odd and out of place. Still, this part of the story reminds me of when Baby Boomers (do we have some baby boomers here today?)… when baby boomers talk badly about more recent generations, noting that they are soft and lazy and have a relatively easy life. All of that is true, by the way. But I say, “Yes, we have it easier. And wasn’t that the whole point? Wasn’t it?” Isn’t that what we all want for our children—for things to be far less brutal than they were for us?

Jacob and Joseph’s older brothers don’t see it that way.

Joseph’s coat is interesting because it’s imbued with symbolic significance. In ancient cultures, clothing signified protection from the elements and status. Joseph’s multicoloured robe—perhaps a crafted quilt of various patches the way ancient Iraq made them—was a costly gift and a sign of wealth. Likely, it’s a patchwork tunic made of multiple coloured squares. In other words, it’s almost like a Scottish kilt with colours and patterns to signify status and family. So, maybe it’s not exactly how we generally picture it. Still, it is an elaborate gift for only one son. It turns out that playing favourites is how this whole mess starts.

At this point, the brothers are in too deep. There is no way out. (Have you EVER felt that way – it’s not true; there is no such thing; there is always a way out. And God is about to prove that).

Nevertheless, the brothers have made their choice and are sticking with it. And so they grab their little brother and throw him into a dry well. Next, they take Joseph’s fancy coat and smear it with animal blood to convince their father, Jacob, that he has been attacked and killed by some wild animals. Jacob, believing a wild animal has consumed his beloved son Joseph, is tragically deceived—an irony not lost on the reader. Jacob had done something similar to trick his father.

Here, the animals that consume Joseph are, in fact, his brothers, driven by jealousy and rivalry. Kidnapped, sold, and subjected to the harsh realities of the slave trade, Joseph’s story does not merely point a finger into history. It points a finger into today, asking how this can still happen.

As the story unfolds, Joseph’s brothers conspire against him, driven by jealousy and a desire to silence his dreams. They take pennies! This money exchange is nothing, especially for a wealthy family like Jacob’s. Remember, Jacob later changes his name to Isreal! The entire nation comes from Him. A country comes from this one guy! But it isn’t just about the money. They are jealous. And they sell their brother to slave traders for the modern equivalent of only 15 Canadian dollars. 15 dollars!

They hate their little brother. And they sell him for almost nothing because of it.

Now, at this point, I think it’s important to note that no person could be permanently owned in Israel. You may have heard that the bible never condemns slavery. I don’t want to be rude, but… That’s an argument from people with no inclination to investigate history. But it’s popular opinion and is often foolishly shared by people lacking a bit of knowledge.

What is missing is that you could have hired servants in scripture, but freedom was always possible. The Hebrew bible does not condemn all slavery, but it does put conditions on servanthood that no other nation did. In ancient Israel, no person was enslaved the way we think of enslaved people today. They owed money and worked for set periods or even at most 7 years but could always be free again. Make no mistake! In the Bible, God moves slowly sometimes, but God is always moving. And by the time we get to the New Testament Paul writes an entire book about a returned enslaved person who is forever to be treated as a brother despite his position (but we will talk about that in a couple of months).

By selling Joseph to non-Hebrews, the author clarifies that Joseph will never be free again by all non-Hebrew laws! He is in the hands of magicians and pagans now and is as good as dead. He will never return from the death his brothers believe he has suffered or the slavery pagan nations forced on people, making them less-than-human for the entirety of their lives.

Please note: Joseph is not just an enslaved person. He is sold at least four times before he is purchased by a man called Potiphar in the Egyptian court. Eventually, he ends up in the home of Potiphar, a high official in Egypt. Strangely, even in his low position, his capabilities shine through. Oddly, Joseph is called “attractive” in this story—a title only three men receive in the Bible, but many women receive it in the Old Testament.

It matters to the story. He’s handsome and Potiphers wife likes him and attempts to seduce him. When that doesn’t work, she claims Joseph attached her. She is a socialite, and Joseph is a slave. Potipher is forced to believe his crooked wife, and because of that, Joseph is sent to prison.

Joseph has been grabbed, thrown into a deep dry well (a wastewater cistern) by his brothers, sold to multiple parties and traded, doesn’t speak the native languages, doesn’t know the customs, and doesn’t have any money, food, clothes, family or friends. He is accused of a crime and thrown into prison. He is enslaved and trafficked to wherever his buyers want him.

But once again, we are told, “And the Lord was with Joseph.” This phrase repeats over and over again for good reason!

At this point, Joseph’s cellmates have their own confusing dreams and wonder if Joseph understands them. And he does.

Once again, Joseph uses his abilities while he is locked away. So Joseph tells one of the men to “remember me when you leave this prison, remember me.” But guess what? That other prisoner immediately forgets him as soon as he’s free. So, Joseph remains imprisoned for two more years before the story continues.

Eventually, the prisoner remembers Joseph when he absolutely must. He hears of a problem with Pharoah and Pharoah’s dreams. Joseph is the answer.

Finally, believing he can help Pharaoh, Joseph is given a chance to shine. He explains Pharaoh’s dream, telling him that a seven-year famine is coming. Because of this divine guidance, Egypt prepared and had food when the shortages hit. At this point, Joseph becomes a Hero of Egypt.

Joseph is granted not only freedom but authority. In his new role he is appoint the Prime Minister of Egypt.

What happens next can be described as the “just desserts” of every action movie ever; it’s a tale of revenge. Joseph’s brothers are starving, and unbeknownst to them, they come to the brother they sold into slavery for help. The brothers who betrayed him now stand before him, desperate for food. Just as in his dream, they bow down to him and what God said becomes reality.

Forgiveness is a central theme that emerges profoundly throughout Joseph’s journey. Despite the grievous wrongs committed against him, Joseph demonstrates an extraordinary capacity for grace. Genesis 45:3-5 captures the essence of this moment when he reveals his identity to his brothers, saying, “I am Joseph!” In that instant, the emotional weight of betrayal meets the possibility of reconciliation. But where the reader wants Joseph to condemn his brothers he does not. He sees God at work instead.

Joseph’s forgiving ability is rooted in his broader understanding of divine orchestration. He acknowledges his brothers’ actions: “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.” Joseph refuses to be defined by his circumstances or the malice of others. Instead, he sees the hand of God weaving a narrative that transcends human failures, ultimately leading to a great deliverance.

How often are we caught in cycles of bitterness, allowing past hurts to dictate our present? Joseph’s journey teaches us that forgiveness is not about dismissing the pain inflicted upon us; instead, it is a powerful choice to break the cycle of vengeance and extend grace. His story compels us to examine our lives and consider the moments where we, too, have been called to forgive—challenging us to reflect on the liberation and healing that such acts of grace can bring to ourselves and others.

As his father, Jacob, lays eyes on Joseph for the first time after many years, tears spill forth, bringing forth the weight of sorrow and joy. All the evil and all the bad in Joseph’s life have led to this moment. And every awful experience results in this: Joseph is in the perfect place to save the people who rejected him.

Ultimately, Joseph’s story is not just one of personal triumph; it illustrates the overarching themes of exile and restoration that resonate throughout Scripture. His rise to power is a shadow of more extraordinary redemptive acts, including the ultimate act of love through the suffering servant—Jesus Christ. In Joseph’s narrative, we see a foreshadowing of a redeemer who emerges from suffering to bring salvation.

What exiles have you faced, and how can you respond with grace? Just as Joseph chose to forgive those who wronged him, we, too, are called to extend that grace to others. Forgiveness does not negate the pain of betrayal; instead, it transforms it, allowing us to participate in God’s redemptive work.

The journey of Joseph does not unfold in isolation; it intertwines with the broader narrative of humanity’s encounter with God—a story that culminates in hope and restoration. Just as the Lord was with Joseph in Potiphar’s house and prison, we can find solace in knowing we are never alone in our struggles. Life may pull us into the depths, but God’s faithfulness assures us that we can emerge strengthened and equipped for the future.

Joseph’s imprisonment, for instance, could have easily led to despair, yet it was there, in confinement, that character and resilience were forged.

We may have experienced some form of exile—moments where we felt lost, alienated, or estranged from those we love or God himself. Seeing beyond our pain and hardship in those moments can be challenging. Yet, just as Joseph’s journey took him from the depths of despair to a place of authority and reconciliation, we too can emerge transformed from our trials.

The shared human experience of suffering invites us to recognize the interconnectedness of our stories. As we navigate our journeys, we must remember that many around us are wrestling with their struggles. Our collective challenges can bind us closer together, promoting empathy and understanding.

Just like Joseph needed the presence of his brothers, we thrive in the strength of relationships built on trust, love, and forgiveness. Let’s lean into our communities, supporting those wrestling with their exiles. Be an ear for someone who needs to share their burdens, remind them of hope when they feel hopeless, and encourage reconciliation where divisions exist.

Remember that you are not alone, no matter where you find yourself today. Just as the Lord was with Joseph in his darkest moments, He walks alongside you every step of the way. Embrace the journey, trust in His promises, and may you experience the transformative power of God’s grace in your life, enabling you to be a beacon of hope and reconciliation in a world that so desperately needs it. Whatever other people, the world, “fate,” situations, conditions, unhappiness, seemingly inherited, surroundings, circumstances, events or whatever else you feel wants to through you in a pit, wants to away, hate your successes, reject you are, where you are from, cast you out, sells you off, exiles you, mistreat you, abuses you, makes you “other,” whatever it is, I have news for you. You have no idea how far down the pit you can go and survive if you accept that God is still in control! You have no idea what heights God rewards the faithful for, remembering that everything and everyone else might bring about evil can still be used for good.

God is still and constantly working out good for you! If this is not your day to say “I’m Joseph,” “I still love you,” and it’s one of those, stripped of your dignity and down in a pit, sold into confusion times… Hope is here. What others have intended, even for evil, God can work out for your good. Amen.

Song: Let us sing to the Lord (412)

We respond to serve God.

Our time of giving

Prayer for ourselves and others

God of generous love, we bring our gifts with grateful hearts, for we have received so much through your kindness.

Bless our gifts, and use them to touch lives in situations we cannot even imagine with your love. Make us a blessing in our community for the sake of Christ, our friend and Saviour. Amen.

God of all life and each life, you created us and set us in relationship with each other

in families and neighbourhoods,

in communities and countries,

in cultures and nations.

Today we give you thanks for all the gifts of home life and community celebration

that bring meaning and encouragement to our lives.

Thank you for the blessings we know through the contributions of those who have gone before us.

Help us offer what we can to sustain the wellbeing of our community and country, so that all who make it their home will find security and dignity.

God of the whole human family,

Hear our prayers for your world.

God of our faith and our future, there are so many pressures we face today, so many problems without simple solutions.

Draw near to anyone who is struggling in economic difficulty, and all those burdened by challenges to their health and happiness.

Ease any conflict in homes and workplaces and inspire solutions that express mutual respect and deeper understanding.

Help us share with others the hope we find in your presence.

God of the whole human family,

Hear our prayers for your world.

God of mercy and forgiveness;

You call us to live together in peace and unity.

We pray for our neighbourhoods and the nations of this world.

Where people are divided and bitterness turns into resentment, show us how to work for reconciliation.

Where violence and fear turn neighbour against neighbour, or nation against nation, equip leaders to work for justice that will bring peace.

Help us build a world where children enjoy a future filled with good health and happiness.

God of the whole human family,

Hear our prayers for your world.

God, our hope and our help,

send your Spirit to equip our congregation with skill and resilience to weather whatever challenges and opportunities lie before us.

Strengthen friendships, new and old, and make us a source of encouragement and connection to each other.

Help each one find a place and a purpose in our mission and ministry. Amen.

Song: When the Poor Ones (762)

Sending out with God’s blessing

May God grant to the living, grace;
to the departed, rest;
to the Nation, peace and concord;
to the peoples, freedom
for all God’s servants the promise of everlasting life,
light to guide you on our way,
courage to support you,
and may Your blessing to unite us all
in service to our God and neighbour. Amen.

Response: The blessing

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Why we go to church here at Dayspring (Raymond Baker)

Posted on February 16, 2025February 16, 2025 by John

Worship on Heritage Sunday
10:00 am       15 February 2025
Online & Onsite (Mixed Presence) Gathering as a Worshipping Community
Led by the Raymond Baker     Elder: Lynn Vaughan     Reader: Nesta Sawdon
Music director: Binu Kapadia     Vocalists: Sam & Ann May Malayang

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: Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!
P: Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!

Opening praise: Forever God is faithful

Prayers of approach and confession

O most merciful God, we humbly acknowledge our transgressions. In thought, word, and deed, we have strayed from the path of righteousness, both in the actions we have committed and in the good we have neglected to perform. Our love for you has fallen short of the fervent devotion you deserve, and our compassion for our neighbours has been imperfect and incomplete. With contrite hearts and repentance, we turn to you, seeking your forgiveness. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

Response: I will trust in the Lord

Assurance of God’s love

O Lord you are the source of boundless compassion, whose grace flows like an inexhaustible spring, we stand in awe of your enduring love. As the heavens tower above the earth, so too does your merciful kindness transcend our comprehension. As the east is distant from the west, so completely do you absolve us of our transgressions when we repent and accept Christ’s sacrifice for us. This magnificent act of redemption is made possible through the sacrifice of Christ upon the cross, a testament to your unwavering love for humanity. Therefore, with hearts overflowing with gratitude, we offer our thanks for your steadfast love and forgiveness. May this same spirit of forgiveness reside within us, that we may extend it to one another with unwavering generosity.

We listen for the voice of God

Children’s time

Response: Open our eyes, Lord (445)

Story

Hi Kids,

Do you know where we are?

We are in Dayspring Presbyterian Church.

What do you do in church?

We learn about Jesus. We pray and sing to God.

What is your favorite song about God?

Mine is “Jesus Loves Me.”

Do you pray to God?

What kind of things do you Pray for?

Hey Kids! Guess what? The grown-ups are going to hear a story today, all about this Church! It is like a history story.

Do you Know what History is?

History is like telling a story about why this church was built. It’s about all the special things that happened a long time ago. Today is Heritage Sunday. Do you know how old this church is?

It is 51 years old and Presbyterian Churches Canada is 150 years old . Wow!

For you kids at Sunday school today Lynn has a super cool story about Jesus. It’s found in the Bible, in the book of Luke. In this story Jesus tells his friends that God loves and helps people when they are having a hard time. Sometimes, when we are sad or scared, or things are just though, we talk or pray to God and ask for help. Jesus wants us to know that God always hears us and loves us all very much. So, get ready for a wonderful Sunday school today!

Prayer: Lord God, please bless these kids as they go learn about the sermon on the plain. Bless Lynn and the other teachers as they teach the kids about praying when times are tough. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer (535)

Transition music

Song: I am the church! You are the church (475: vss 1-4)

Today’s Message

Scripture: Hebrews 10:23-25 & 11:4-11; Ephesians 2:19-22 & 1:22-23

Response: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet

Message: Why we go to church here at Dayspring

Throughout our travels in England, my wife Jacquie and I have been blessed to experience the beauty and majesty of its historic churches. Most recently, we attended a service at Westminster Abbey, a truly magnificent occasion, enhanced by the soaring voices of a choir singing in Latin. We were also privileged to visit St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, a place of profound historical significance and the final resting place of many of England’s royalty. During our tour, I inadvertently stepped upon the tomb of Henry VIII–the king that had six wives and had two put to death. I stood there for a moment thinking of those ladies.

Our journey even took us to a small church in the heart of England, near my ancestral home, a building dating back to the 15th century. The sheer weight of history in these sacred spaces was profound. All of this has led me to a question…

What is this building (Dayspring Presbyterian) we are in and why are we here? Why go to Church or watch this service online?

Let’s look at some history here:

The Enduring Story of Presbyterianism: From Geneva to Dayspring Church

Presbyterianism, a prominent Protestant denomination, that traces its roots to the 16th-century Reformation, specifically the teachings of John Calvin in Geneva, Switzerland. Calvin’s theological contributions, emphasizing God’s sovereignty and the authority of Scripture, formed the bedrock of Reformed theology, which is central to Presbyterianism. John Knox, a Scottish reformer, played a pivotal role in disseminating Calvinistic ideas in Scotland, leading to the establishment of the Church of Scotland, a cornerstone of the Presbyterian tradition.

At the heart of Presbyterian belief lies the profound conviction of God’s absolute sovereignty in all aspects of life. The Bible is revered as the ultimate authority of faith and practice and the divinely inspired guide for life. Salvation is understood as a gracious gift, freely given and received through faith in Jesus Christ—a doctrine beautifully expressed as justification by grace. While the concept of predestination invites diverse interpretations, it is generally understood as God’s foreknowledge and preordained plan for those who will be saved.

The name “Presbyterian” derives from the Greek word “presbuteros,” meaning “elder,” reflecting the church’s distinctive system of governance. Presbyterian polity emphasizes representative leadership through assemblies of elders, both lay and clergy. Elders, elected from the congregation, share in the spiritual oversight of the church. Local churches are organized into regional bodies called presbyteries, which offer guidance and support. The highest governing body is the General Assembly, which convenes annually and makes decisions for the denomination as a whole. Presbyterianism has a global presence, with churches established in numerous countries, and a strong commitment to social justice, evident in its historical involvement in movements for civil rights, peace, and equality.

While the Scottish influence ultimately predominated, the earliest Presbyterians in Canada were actually French Huguenots, Protestant refugees who arrived in the 17th century. However, the substantial growth of Presbyterianism in Canada began with Scottish immigration during the 18th and 19th centuries. Scottish settlers, particularly in the Maritimes and later across the country, brought their Presbyterian faith with them.

The late 18th century saw the formation of the first Presbyterian congregations in Canada. Notable examples include St. Andrew’s Church in Quebec City (founded in 1759) and First Presbyterian Church in Pictou, Nova Scotia (founded in 1786).

A significant milestone was achieved in 1875 with the unification of various Presbyterian groups to form The Presbyterian Church of Canada. This marked the formal beginning of the PCC.

The Presbyterian Church in Alberta also traces its origins to 1875, thanks in large part to the efforts of Reverend David George McQueen, who served as minister of the First Presbyterian Church in Edmonton for 43 years. McQueen was instrumental in establishing the Presbyterian presence in Alberta and was elected Moderator of the General Assembly in 1912.

The arrival of the railroad in Edmonton in 1881 sparked growth on the south side of the river, leading to the development of Strathcona. The subsequent amalgamation of Edmonton and Strathcona in 1912, along with the construction of the High Level Bridge capable of supporting rail and streetcar traffic, spurred a building boom. This growth necessitated the construction of a new Presbyterian church, Rupert Street Church, built in 1913.

Rupert Street Church served the community until the mid-20th century. In 1969, the congregation of Rupert Street Church merged with the Presbyterian Mission in Southwest Edmonton, forming Dayspring Presbyterian Church. Dayspring, which had begun as a mission of the Presbytery of Edmonton in 1966, became a congregation in June 1969. Shortly thereafter, at the end of June in 1969, Rupert Street merged with Dayspring.

Dayspring met in various locations before establishing a permanent home. Construction of the current building commenced in 1972 and was completed in 1974, with the first service held in December 1973. Continued growth necessitated expansions in 1992 and again in 2001-2003, resulting in the beautiful and spacious facilities that Dayspring enjoys today. The story of Dayspring Presbyterian Church embodies the enduring legacy of Presbyterianism in Canada, a story of faith, community, and adaptation to changing times.

Let me read from the Bible, Hebrews 10:23-25 “ Let us hold on firmly to the hope we profess, because we can trust God to keep his promise. Let us be concerned for one another, to help one another to show love and to do good. Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer.

The author’s exhortation resonates clearly: “Hold fast” to the unwavering faith we have in Jesus Christ. Let no doubt, no fear, erode the bedrock of your belief. This is not a passive clinging, but an active embrace, a vibrant commitment to the promises of God. Furthermore, we are called to “stir up one another”—to ignite within each other a passion for love and good works, inspiring and motivating your fellow believers to live out their faith with tangible acts of compassion. A major context of this passage is that Dayspring must not neglect the coming together because it will sustain you. Gathering together as a community is not merely a tradition, but a vital source of strength, a place where you can support, sharpen and encourage one another on your individual faith journeys.

I believe that, here at Dayspring, you echo this call. You hold fast to Christ, whose sacrifice on the cross is the very foundation of our hope. Your faith rests in the knowledge that Jesus gave Himself for you. Dayspring is more than just those present in this sanctuary; it encompasses all those who join you, whether in person or on Zoom. As brothers and sisters in Christ, you must never cease to uplift one another. Let Dayspring be a community of prayer, interceding for those in need, strengthening the bonds that tie Dayspring together in the love of Christ.

Also in the Bible, Ephesians 2:19-22 states: Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

At Dayspring, one finds a beautiful tapestry woven from individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and nationalities. For here, in this place, the unifying thread is faith: in the shared acceptance of Christ as Savior, you become brothers and sisters, bound together in the family of God. While this building rests upon a foundation of concrete and steel, its true cornerstone, the bedrock of your community, is and always will be Jesus Christ.

From the Bible Hebrews 11 is often referred to as the “Hall of Faith,” and with good reason. Within its verses, we find not only a compelling definition of faith itself, but also a rich tapestry of examples woven from the lives of those who embodied it most profoundly. From Abraham’s unwavering obedience to Noah’s steadfast belief and Moses’ courageous leadership, this chapter showcases a gallery of faith’s heroes, inspiring us with their unwavering trust in God.

Like Hebrews 11 the Presbyterian movement in Canada has been graced by the presence of many notable figures. From the realm of academia, G.M. Grant who led Queen’s University as its principal from 1877 to 1902. Politics saw Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King, Canada’s tenth prime minister, and Oliver Mowat, Premier of Ontario and a Father of Confederation, both shaped by their Presbyterian faith. The arts were enriched by the novelist Ralph Connor, while journalism benefited from the contributions of George Brown, publisher of The Globe. Even the Senate saw the influence of Presbyterianism through Cairine Wilson, Canada’s first female senator. These individuals, among many others, stand as testaments to the impact of the Presbyterian tradition on Canadian society.

Dayspring, and the broader Presbyterian movement of which it is a part, has been a cradle of unwavering faith and a source of profound contributions. From theological contributions to service to Canada and beyond, countless individuals have stood firm in their convictions, leaving an enduring impact on the world. Within these very walls, the legacy of faithful ministry unfolds in the names of ministers past, memorialized just outside this sanctuary on the framed pictures by Great Room entrance.. On the back wall of this sanctuary, you honor those who served their country in times of conflict. The banners that adorn this space, lovingly stitched by the women of this congregation, are a testament to their dedication. This building itself, a testament to the generosity and sacrifice of generations, stands as a symbol of faith—a structure built with love, and expanded not once, but twice, to meet the needs of a growing community. Every corner of this place speaks to the devotion of those here today and those who came before you, whose sacrifices have made our gathering here today possible.

Ephesians 1:22-23 states: And God placed all things under his feet and appointed Christ to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

Ephesians 1:22-23 beautifully articulates the profound relationship between Christ and the church, highlighting Christ’s supreme authority and the church’s vital role as his body in the world. Dayspring, please strive to keep Christ at the very center of all you do. Recognize that Dayspring is an integral part of the universal Body of Christ, a fellowship of believers across the globe united by their acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice. As members of this extraordinary body, Dayspring plays an integral part in revealing Christ’s presence and purpose to the world. This understanding of your place within God’s plan should remind you of your identity in Christ, and strengthen your bonds with one another, and clarify your purpose in the world. It should inspire you to live lives that reflect Christ’s authority and extend the fullness of his love and grace to those around you.

The rich tapestry of the Presbyterian movement’s history and its enduring legacy has been a source of immense joy for me to explore for this sermon. This is a legacy Dayspring shares should make you deeply proud. Happy Heritage Sunday! May you all cherish this connection and continue to let Dayspring shine brightly as a beacon of Christ’s love to a world in such desperate need. This, I believe, is the most compelling reason to be part of this community, whether gathering in person or joining online. For Christ is your foundation, and the very heart of Dayspring’s existence. May God continue to bless Dayspring abundantly, as I believe He already has! Amen!

Additional Dayspring History (Iris)

Thank you, Raymond, for that message.

You may remember a month or so ago we had 2 of our young people, Cole and Caliana Sheridan, standing here at the front of the church as they professed their faith in God and in his son, Jesus Christ. Not only was this a big deal for God and their relationship with Him, but it was a big deal for Dayspring Presbyterian Church as well.

As the current roll clerk for Daypring , I entered their names in this book, entitled “Historic Roll” as members numbered 801 and 802. That means there have been 800 people before them that also became members of Dayspring since it came into being in 1969 when Dayspring and Rupert Street Church came together.

If you look around the church, you may see small reminders of the history that has happened before us that we will be showcasing throughout this year as we celebrate 150 years of the Presbyterian Church in Canada and Dayspring’s place in it today

I’ll bring 4 items to your attention.

The first is located on the wall behind me. I have recently learned that this is called a chancel cross. There is a small memorial plaque by the side doors of the sanctuary, indicating the cross was dedicated in memory of Jack and Myrleen Fraser in September 1996. They were original members of Dayspring church in 1969 and they were the parents of Darleen Springstien, who passed away in 2022.

The second item that I want to mention is the communion set that we use for most of our communion services. If you’ve ever looked at it closely, you’ll see that it was dedicated on October 6th 1996 in memory of Robert Tod, who was a member and elder of Rupert Street Presbyterian Church as well as the father of Jack Tod.

In 1997 a small group of Dayspringers were tasked with making banners to decorate the beautiful tall walls of the sanctuary and to reflect the seasons of the church year. You’ll see them on the West wall of the sanctuary and they were designed and made by Eddie-Lee Smith, Andrew Burnett, Marlene Burnett, Pat Baird and Darleen Springstein.

The last item I wanted to draw to your attention is the lovely painting gracing the wall above the piano. This was painted by Dayspringer Kristen St. Cyr for the church in 2018. As mentioned, we will be celebrating our history throughout the year. If you know of something that we might share with the congregation, please let me, Andrea Gartrell or Renita McCallum know and we will add it to our list. Thank you so much.

Song: Lord of life and Lord of the nations (734)

We respond to serve God: Our time of giving

Offertory Prayer

O Lord, source of all creation, from the abundance you have bestowed upon us, we offer these gifts freely, that your church may flourish here and extend its reach to the ends of the earth. Amen.

Prayers for Heritage Sunday and gratitude for those who came before us

O Lord God, we give thanks for the rich legacy of the Presbyterian movement. We are grateful for the faithful individuals who, through their sacrifice of time, resources, and devotion, nurtured the spirit of Dayspring. We ask your blessings upon all gathered here in this sanctuary, and upon those joining us virtually. Amen.

Song: We are marching / Siyahamba (639:(sung 3 times: English/Xhosa/English)

Sending out with God’s blessing

The Lord is Dayspring’s shepherd; you shall not be in want.
He makes you to lie down in green pastures;
He leads you beside still waters–giving you peace.
He restores your souls.
He leads Dayspring in paths of righteousness for Jesus’ name’s sake. For He is your foundation.
He anoints your heads with oil and your cup runs over with blessings.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your lives and if you accept Christ’s sacrifice you will dwell in the house of the LORD forever here on earth and in heaven. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Response: The Blessing

Music postlude

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Raymond Bakers retains the copyright (© 2024) on all original material in this service. As far as he 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.

Grace

Posted on February 9, 2025February 13, 2025 by John

Worship on the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
10:00 am     February 09, 2025
Minister: The Rev. Brad Childs
Music Director: Binu Kapadia     Vocalist: Lynn Vaughan
Welcoming Elder: Gina Kottke     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: A voice beckons in the morning, saying,
P: “You are my Beloved.”
L: It is the voice of One we see dimly, we hear faintly.
P: We reach out for that voice, for the One who has claimed us in love.
L: In this time together, may we hear the voice of God who shepherds us with love and grace.
P: And let us worship God.

Opening praise: This is amazing grace

Prayers of approach and confession

God ever creating, ever loving, ever leading:

your presence is peace when we are frantic;

your Word is truth when we face deception;

our Spirit offers freedom when we are paralyzed by fear.

You give purpose in confusing times;

You call for justice when the world settles for inequality.

For all that you are, all that you have been, and all that you will be,

we worship you as the source of life, the promise of redemption, and the spirit of love in action, One God, now and always.

Hear us now as we confess to you our sins:

Merciful God, you call us to fullness of life, but we confess our shortcomings.

We have wandered from your ways and wasted your gifts;

we have ignored your grace at work among us, and focused on loss and complaint.

We have been suspicious of the motives of others, too quick to judge and too slow to forgive.

Give us the courage to see clearly who and what we are.

With your forgiveness, cleanse us from all our faults and failings, and inspire us to walk a new way. Amen.

Response: I will trust in the Lord

Assurance of God’s pardon
God is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.
As high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is God’s love;
as far as the east is from the west, so far has God removed our sins from us.
Rejoice that God has forgiven you and opens a new future this day.

We listen for the voice of God

Song: Open our eyes, Lord ( 445)

Children’s time

5 So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, 2 and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. 3 Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.

4 When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”

5 But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” 6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. 7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”

9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; 10 and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” 11 So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.

The Lord’s Prayer (535)

Song: Joyful, joyful we adore you (410)

Scripture (Nahyeni Bassah): 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Response: Behold the lamb of God

Message: “Grace”

The resurrection is not merely a historical event but a living truth that propels us forward, enriching our lives and guiding our actions. It stands as the bedrock of our faith, the pivotal truth upon which our hopes and beliefs rest.

Josh McDowell wrote, “As we reflect on these truths, we will explore three vivid illustrations: the unshakable foundation of a skyscraper, the compelling testimony of witnesses, and the miraculous transformation of a metamorphosed butterfly. Through these images, we will delve into how the resurrection serves as a foundation, a validation, and a catalyst for transformation in our lives.”

Imagine the skyline of a bustling city, where modern skyscrapers stand proudly, their heights reaching toward the heavens. These architectural marvels dazzle us with their curves and angles, their glass facades reflecting the sunlight in a myriad of colors. Yet, as breathtaking as their exteriors may be, the true marvel lies hidden beneath the surface—a solid foundation, deep and unyielding, anchoring each structure to the bedrock below. Without this foundation, no matter how beautifully constructed, the building would collapse under its own weight.

Much like these skyscrapers, our faith finds its strength and stability in the core truth of the resurrection. Paul begins this passage by reminding the Corinthians of the Gospel he preached: “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” These foundational truths are not merely historical accounts; they are the bedrock of our beliefs—the anchor that steadies us in times of trial and doubt.

The resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith, the essential element that ensures our beliefs stand firm. Without this core truth, everything else crumbles. Paul emphasizes that Christ’s death and resurrection are not only central to the Gospel but are what gives life to our faith. Without belief in the resurrection, without this foundation, our faith is hollow—a house built on sand, vulnerable to the slightest tremor of doubt.

Just two verses later or as I might put it – in the exact same sentence Paul says… “If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15 More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised.”

Have you ever noticed how much people love a good suspense movie? You know, the ones where there’s a big reveal at the end?

Well, Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15, is basically saying: ‘If there’s no resurrection, then the biggest suspense movie of all time ends in a total flop!’

He says,” If there is no resurrection of Christ than there is no resurrection for us.”

So let’s be thankful that the tomb is empty—because who wants to settle for a series finale that leaves us all scratching our heads and saying, ‘Well, that was disappointing!’?”

Just as architects invest countless hours ensuring a building’s foundation is solid and secure, so we need to devote ourselves to rooting our lives in the fundamental truth of the resurrection. This is not a passive endeavor but an active pursuit, requiring immersion in Scripture, prayer, and reflection. Let the truth of the resurrection seep into every aspect of your life, and consider how this foundation influences your decisions, your values, your understanding of the afterlife and of where your loved ones now reside as well as considering your own simple daily actions.

When challenges and doubts arise—when the storms of life attempt to shake us—return to this cornerstone, assured that your faith is securely anchored.

Over the last few years I have been rather blessed to have a friend. He did a sermon here once for me. John owns a Highrise condo over looking Mount Rainer, Washington. I’ve stayed there a few times and there is something really calming about looking out over the city and seeing the mountains in the distance. But what makes it calming is the knowledge that where I stand is secure.

For the Christian, the resurrection is that secure foundation.

This foundation calls us to align our lives with the teachings and mission of Christ. Are we building our lives on this truth? Do our daily actions, thoughts, and words reflect the hope and power of the resurrection? As we walk in faith, let us remain mindful of our foundation—strong and sure.

Shift your gaze from the skyline to a packed courtroom, where the air buzzes with anticipation. Witness after witness steps forward, their consistent testimonies weaving together into a tapestry of truth. Each voice adds weight and credibility to the case at hand. In the courtroom of faith, the resurrection is validated by the transformative testimony of a multitude. Paul names them. And he names people that his audience knows. He says Jesus came back from the dead and Peter (you know him) saw Jesus. He says, you know John, John saw him. Is John a lier? Matthew saw him, ask him! All Jesus’ closest friends saw him. His bother James saw him, ask him. In fact 500 some different people saw him. Go interview them. Go ask! There are people all over the country that saw him back from the dead.

And then finally Paul says, Oh and I saw him too. And this is kind of odd but here Paul calls himself an abortion. He says, Even I saw him, though I was born at the wrong time. By this Paul means only that he wasn’t one of the original 12 disciples.

These encounters with the risen Christ are not mere anecdotes; they are life-altering moments that resonate with authenticity and conviction. And remember, you could be arrested or even killed for claiming to have seen Jesus’ resurrected body.

The significance of these witnesses cannot be overstated. In a time when the testimony of multiple witnesses was necessary to establish truth, the vast number and diversity of people who encountered the risen Jesus provide compelling evidence of the resurrection’s historical reality. People are not generally in the business of making claims that get you killed if you have nothing to gain from lying.

Their lives were not just touched; they were radically transformed by these encounters. The Gospel they proclaimed was based on their very real experiences of the risen Lord.

Our faith today is strengthened by these testimonies, and we are invited to join this chorus of witnesses.

Reflect on the moments in your life when you have encountered God’s presence—those times of grace, peace, or powerful love that have shaped your journey. Write these experiences down, cherish them, and when the time comes, share them with others. Engage with the stories of fellow believers, recognizing that this sacred exchange enriches our faith and deepens our connection within the community.

Picture yourself in that courtroom, not as a passive observer but as an active participant. Your voice, your story, adds depth and dimension to the collective testimony of the living Christ.

In a world searching for truth, your testimony becomes a beacon of light, bringing warmth and assurance to those who hear it. Together, we build a community grounded in shared faith, each story a vibrant thread woven into a beautiful tapestry of belief.

Our stories of faith become the bridge that connects past to present, drawing us into a deeper understanding of God’s work in our lives and the world. As we share our stories, let us listen with open hearts and ready minds, eager to learn from the experiences of others and be inspired by their journeys. We are part of a great cloud of witnesses, united in our commitment to live out the truth of the resurrection each day.

Finally, let us marvel at the wondrous transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly. Picture the caterpillar, earthbound and unassuming, as it enters a chrysalis, concealed from view. Inside its cocoon, a miraculous change is taking place. When it emerges, it is not merely a changed version of its former self; it is a new creation, adorned with vibrant wings that carry it skyward, a testament to the transformative power of nature.

Paul’s life serves as a vivid example of this transformation. Once a zealous persecutor of Christians, Paul encountered the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. In that moment, God’s grace reshaped his heart and future, turning him from an adversary of the Gospel into one of its most passionate advocates. His transformation, achieved by God’s grace alone, not only altered his journey but ignited a mission that changed the early church and continues to impact us today.

God’s grace continues its transformative work within each of us, shaping and renewing our lives. Are we open to this miraculous change? Reflect on the areas of your life that yearn for the touch of grace—wounded relationships, burdensome past mistakes, priorities in need of realignment. Acknowledge and surrender these to God, allowing the resurrection to infuse them with healing and hope. Embrace the invitation to emerge renewed, and as you do, become an instrument of grace in the lives of others, offering them a glimpse of God’s transformative power.

Picture yourself as the butterfly, delicate yet resilient, basking in the sunlight of God’s grace. As you take flight, let your life be a testament to the beauty and possibility of transformation, inviting others to embark upon their journey of change. The resurrection empowers us not merely to be recipients of grace, but channels of it, extending hope and renewal to those we encounter.

In the transformation lies the promise of new beginnings and endless possibilities. Just as Paul’s life was radically altered, so too can our lives be reshaped by the power of the resurrection. Let us open our hearts to the work of the Holy Spirit, welcoming the change that He brings with humility and joy. As we embrace this transformation, let us encourage and support one another on our faith journeys, celebrating each step of growth and discovery.

As we stand on the firm foundation of Christ’s resurrection, buoyed by the testimony of countless witnesses and transformed by God’s grace, let our lives be a beacon of light in a world that so desperately needs hope and healing. Today, we are not mere observers of an ancient story, but active participants in the living reality of the resurrection, called to reflect its truth and power in our everyday actions, decisions, and relationships.

May we leave here today emboldened by the power of Christ’s resurrection, ready to share the Gospel with a world searching for purpose and joy. Let our words and deeds reflect this light, illuminating hope and drawing others to the love of God. In this way, may we each become a living embodiment of the resurrected Christ, breathing life into the world around us, one grace-filled moment at a time. Amen.

Song: Follow me the Master said (645: (vss 1, 2, 4)

We respond to serve God

Our time of giving

Offertory Prayer

God of surprising generosity, Jesus encouraged his disciples to keep fishing when they thought their nets were empty. Encourage us to keep giving even when needs seem overwhelming and resources scarce. We entrust our gifts to you with the faith you can surprise us and others through all they can accomplish in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prayers for our world

God, our creator and our redeemer, you have given us a universe that is full of wonders that we cannot begin to understand.

Thank you for all of the blessings of your creation.

Ruler of the nations, we thank you for the country in which we live, a country where we can live in freedom, a country where we can worship you when and as we choose.

Head of the church, we thank you for our denomination and for this congregation.

We thank you for all of the people who give so much of themselves in support of your ministry in this place and around the world.

God, our parent and our friend, we thank you for the families into which we were born, or adopted, or married, or accepted, and for the circles of friendship that surround us as we move through life.

God, our healer and our comforter, we ask that you would be with all those who are sick, all those who are suffering, all those who are grieving, all those who are lonely.

We ask your blessing also on those whom we now name in our hearts ….

Keep a time of silence.

God, who calls us to follow, we ask that you continue to inspire us on our journey of faith. May this congregation be a source of hope and light in this community.

May you give us strength to carry on as your faithful ones, sometimes lost and sometimes found, always in your care and keeping.

We pray for your church in all places around this world, that it might be healed and renewed.

God of peace, we ask that you would use the leaders of our nation to help bring peace to all nations.

Grant that we might help to bring justice to all your people in this your earth.

We pray especially this morning for the people of ….

God of creation, we need your help to look after the world that you have made.

Grant that we might be faithful stewards of your universe, so that those who come here after us will also enjoy its beauty.

Grant that we might learn to control our use of the world’s resources, so that our impact on this planet might be lessened and your glaciers and icefields might not be destroyed by us.

Loving God, your son promised that our prayers would be heard by you.

Remind us of your will for us, and encourage us to live in your light. Amen

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

Sending out with God’s blessing

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 15:5-6)

Response: The blessing

Music postlude

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Godly Love (Raymond Baker)

Posted on February 2, 2025February 2, 2025 by John

Worship on the Lord’s Day: February 2, 2025 10:00 am
The Sacrament of Holy Communion
Online & Onsite (Mixed Presence) Gathering as a Worshipping Community
Led by the Raymond Baker
Communion presented, via videotape, by the Rev Brad Childs
Music Director: Binu Kapadia Vocalist: Vivian Houg
Elder: Iris Routledge

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: Who made this beautiful day?
P: We believe the God, the Creator, made this day –
L: God made this day so we can rest, and reflect, and enjoy;
P: God made this day so we can open our eyes and see beauty,
L: And see pain, and see opportunity,
P: And see hope.
L: So let us go into this day with our eyes and hearts wide open,
P: And let us worship God.

Opening praise: Love the Lord, your God

Prayers of approach and confession

Lord God, you are an amazing and loving God, we come to you humbly and in awe. You are greater than we can imagine, and your creation fills us with wonder.

God, receive our praise and prayers today. Prepare us to hear your Word and receive its wisdom and guidance. Show us what we need to do and the gifts you’ve given us. Holy Spirit, move within us, awaken our gifts, and inspire us to act.

We come to you through Christ. We accept His sacrifice for our sins. Confident in your forgiveness, we desire to start fresh with you as Lord of every part of our lives.

Thank you, Lord, for your love that fills our lives. Help us to share that love with others. Forgive us when we fail to show love. Forgive us when we give in to temptation, and help us to turn to you instead. Renew us and make us new.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Response: We come to ask your forgiveness, O God

Assurance of God’s forgiveness

God is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is God’s love; as far as the East is from the West, so far has God removed our sins. This is all done through us accepting Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for our sins. Thanks be to God, whose love and forgiveness are steadfast. May we be steadfast in our forgiveness of one another.

We listen for the voice of God

Song: Saviour, teach me day by day (698)

Scripture readings (NRSV): Jeremiah 1:4-10; Luke 4:21-20; and I Corinthians 13:1-13

Response: Glory to the Father

Message: Godly Love

Years ago, as I prepared to officiate the wedding of my niece and her fiancé, the fiancé made a particular request. Having attended numerous weddings, he asked if I could omit the familiar passage from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. This presented an interesting challenge. While crafting my message, I sought to truly capture the essence of love, and in doing so, I came to a renewed appreciation for those very verses. I ultimately felt compelled to ask their permission to include them, for I realized that they weren’t simply a common reading; they beautifully encapsulate the very heart of godly love.

Some time ago, I unfortunately succumbed to watching one episode of “The Bachelor.” I was rather dismayed to witness several contestants, after mere two encounters with the supposed object of their affections, profess to have fallen in love. This fleeting and superficial notion of love, so prevalent in our society, made me ponder. It underscored the critical need for us, as Christians, to cultivate a truly godly understanding of love. And so, today’s sermon will explore this Godly love in: our relationship with one another, our love for the Church, our love for God, and, of course, God’s boundless love for each of us.

In the tapestry of human existence, amidst the myriad emotions and experiences that shape our lives, there lies a thread that binds all Christians – love. Not the fleeting infatuation often portrayed in today’s society, but a love that is profound, enduring, and transformative.

The Bible, employs a variety of Greek words to express the concept of love. In 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, the passage we explore today, the word used is agape. This agape love, as revealed in the Bible, is not merely a passive sentiment, but a selfless, unconditional, and active force. It is a conscious choice, a deliberate act of will to benefit others, rather than a feeling that simply arises within us. Indeed, Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, offering himself for our sins, stands as the ultimate and most profound expression of agape love.

Corinthians 13 is between two Chapters about spiritual gifts. It’s as if we’re privy to a letter Paul addressed to a church in turmoil, a community grappling with the question of which spiritual gift reigns supreme. In this chapter, Paul, with the urgency of a bold, all-caps email, delivers a resounding message: without love, these gifts, however impressive, are ultimately devoid of meaning.

Without love, the most eloquent speech (tongues of men and angels), deep spiritual knowledge (prophecy), and profound faith are meaningless.

I spent years and tens of thousands of dollars on my seminary education. If I preached to you out of anger and not love. This sermon would be useless.

I truly believe that God is all powerful but if I treated my neighbours with distane and not love. I believe I would not be acting like a believer.

Agape Love is Godly love for others.

Just a few weeks ago, I attended a funeral service led by a minister named Terry, whom I’ve had the privilege of knowing for years. I’m consistently struck by his genuine love and sincere care for others. He possesses a remarkable ability to be fully present with each person he encounters, offering them his undivided attention and heartfelt loving compassion. This particular funeral was especially poignant, as it was for a young man who tragically succumbed to an overdose. The grief in the room was palpable, a heavy blanket of sorrow. Yet, as Terry moved among the mourners, greeting each one with his characteristic warmth and love, a subtle shift began to occur. His presence, a beacon of Godly love, seemed to lighten the oppressive atmosphere, offering a glimmer of comfort amidst the devastation. This is a powerful testament to how our godly love for others can ripple outwards, impacting not only individuals but entire communities.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 contains attributes of love. These are the verses that I used for our niece’s wedding. Let me read them out and as I read them imagine a person that shows these attributes:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

This is the kind of person we are all drawn to, the kind of person who reflects the very image of God.

A person who is patient with you. A person who is kind in all their dealings. This person also would not be competitive or boastful and is not prideful. This person would not speak ill of others but thinks well of others. This person rejoices in seeking God’s will in all he does. This person is level headed and not easily angered. This person has grace and does not hold grudges.

I was watching YouTube videos on success in life. This was from a secular point of view. Jamie Dimon the CEO of J. P. Morgan Chase, the largest bank in the United States and Ray Dalio, CEO of Bridgewater and Associates, both said the problem with most people that they meet is they do not have principles.

If we had Godly principles found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 the world would be a better place.

I truly believe the Holy Spirit can help us become people like this.

In a world obsessed with success, where principles are often sacrificed at the altar of ambition. Let us remember that Godly love for others is the foundation upon which the Kingdom of God is built. Godly Giftedness, talent, or Godly Wisdom without love hinders our progress to help a hurting world.

The Holy Spirit empowers us to cultivate these virtues, to become beacons of Godly love in a world desperately yearning for compassion and understanding. Let us not use our gifts for self-glorification, but to edify and uplift one another, reflecting God’s love in all that we do.

From an eternal perspective, our earthly achievements will fade, but the Godly love we share will endure and have a lasting impact. Let us, therefore, embrace agape love, not only in our personal relationships but also in our service to the church and our communities. For it is through love that we truly experience the divine, and it is through love that we leave a lasting legacy that transcends time itself.

As I said before, Jesus died on the Cross for our sins because God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. God showed us His love. Now it is our time to show our love through loving service in our church and to show love for others.

I pray to God that we all have faith, hope and love but we can’t forget that Agape or Godly love is the foundation for all.

May God grant us the grace to love as He loves, unconditionally and sacrificially, that we may be His instruments of peace and healing in a broken world. Amen.

Song: There is a Redeemer (358)

We respond to serve God: Our time of giving

PWS&D Sunday

This is the special Presbyterian World Service and Development Sunday. Your session, elders and Reverend Brad would invite you to give a special offering today to PWS&D. This is not in place of your regular offering.

Presbyterian World Service and Development is the international development and relief agency of The Presbyterian Church in Canada. PWS and D responds with programs in food security, health, livelihoods, human rights, and emergency relief to ease the pain of want and build more sustainable futures. The agriculture programs in developing countries rely on small-scale subsistence farming for survival. Soil erosion, prolonged drought and the rising price of seeds and commercial fertilizers make it difficult for farmers to increase crop production or purchase a variety of foods to balance their diets. This leads to high rates of hunger and malnutrition. Working with partners in Guatemala, Haiti, Malawi, Tanzania, Nicaragua and Pakistan, PWS and D is helping farmers increase crop yields, grow crop varieties, improve nutrition and build resilience to environmental changes.

Now let us pray for PWS & D

Holy God, Creator of all that is good, grant us the wisdom and compassion to be faithful stewards of this world and its people. Our hearts are heavy for those whose lives are marked by famine, poverty, and war, for all who suffer the injustices of oppressive governments and inequitable economies.

Today, we offer special thanks for our community of faith across this nation and for our global partners in ministry. We lift up those working through Presbyterian World Service and Development (PWS&D), whose dedication empowers local communities in developing nations to build a better future. We pray for PWS&D, that their efforts may be fruitful and bring relief to those in need.

We are grateful, Lord, for organizations like PWS&D, which extend your love and compassion to the most vulnerable. May PWS and D’s work be blessed and may it inspire us to greater acts of service.

Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, we pray. Amen.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Invitation

This is not a Dayspring Table. Neither is it a Presbyterian Table. It is a Table for all humankind – for men and women, girls and boys, who are seeking, or who have found, a relationship with Jesus Christ, whose Table this is. Do we believe that we are not in charge of the Table – rather that Jesus is? Yes – and Jesus says that all are welcome.

Song: Let us break bread together (548)

Communion Prayer

As we partake of this bread and wine, we honor Creator and creation.

As we bless and share these gifts, we celebrate the Table fellowship of Jesus.

All are made worthy by Jesus – adults, teenagers, children. All are welcome!

We celebrate the communion and community of all humankind.

And we join with the universe to lift our hearts in joyful praise.

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

O God, we give you thanks and praise.

You brought the universe into being, instilled all creation with life, and shaped us humans as Your people.

In Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life and the True Vine, You feed us with the Word. You nourish us with Your Love poured out in abundance upon us.

O present Spirit, help us recognize the risen Christ in the breaking of the bread.

You feed us and all the world with this bread.

You bring joy with this wine and grape juice.

Bread and Wine are leaven, salt, and life in us – a community of faith strengthened by this symbolic meal.

We pray in the name of Jesus who came among us – a deep mystery of faith.

Christ has died,
Christ is risen,
Christ will come again.

Come, Holy One, come.

Bless and prosper this community of faith and service.

Bless and prosper our lives, that justice and love may be the measure of our individual and community witness.

Bless us as we sing the prayer which Jesus taught.

The Lord’s Prayer (469)

Offering of the Bread

“The Bread of life is for all who come in faith.”

Offering of the Wine

“Christ’s love is poured out for all of us.”

Song: One bread, one body (540)

The prayer after Communion

Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy mystery in which you have given yourself to us symbolically and we have experienced your Real Presence.

We thank You for all those who have shared in this mystery, and thus in You – here and in many places through two millennia.

Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit, to give ourselves for others in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn: Come let us sing (706)

Sending out with God’s blessing

May the Lord grant you peace. May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all. In The Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit Amen.

Response: Benediction (as you go)

Music postlude

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Raymond Baker retains the copyright (© 2024) on all original material in this service. As far as he 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.