My fellow Ducks

Posted on February 4, 2024February 4, 2024 by John

Worship on the Lord’s Day
04 February 2024 10:00 am PWS&D Sunday
The Sacrament of Holy Communion
Online & Onsite (Mixed Presence) Gathering as a Worshipping Community
Led by the Rev. Brad Childs
Music Director: Binu Kapadia Vocalists: Sam & Ann May Malayang
Elder: Darlene Eerkes

We gather to worship God

Music prelude

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

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

Call to Worship
L: We see light, hope, and joy;
P: We bring heart, soul, mind, and body;
L: We share blessings and fears;
P: We bring doubts that are real and faith that triumphs over them.
L: With all that we are, and all that we have, let us worship God: Father, Saviour, Companion. Amen.

PWS&D (Presbyterian World Service) is not just a charity; it’s a beacon of hope, a testament to the power of compassion and collective action. Rooted in the Presbyterian faith, our mission transcends boundaries, embracing people of all ages and faiths in a shared commitment to combat poverty, injustice, and oppression worldwide.

We are more than an organization; we are a force for sustainable transformation, partnering with churches and organizations to promote compassion, justice, and genuine partnership. Our approach is holistic, encompassing development, emergency relief, and refugee activities that not only alleviate immediate needs but also empower communities to stand on their own.

Inspired by the teachings of Jesus, we believe in doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God. Our work is a symphony of love and action, echoing across diverse regions:

Through education, income generation, and women’s empowerment, we are crafting success stories that resonate through communities, fostering resilience and sustainable growth in **Guatemala:**.

In the face of malnutrition and climate change, we stand with communities, offering not just aid but awareness, education, and resources for a future of sustainable development in **Haiti:**.

In **Nicaragua:** Our focus on adolescents in urban markets is a commitment to holistic growth, where families are engaged in nutrition, sexual and reproductive health, and rights, ensuring a brighter future for all.

In **Ghana:** Advocating for human rights, we empower marginalized women and those with disabilities, imparting essential skills for a life of dignity and fulfillment.

Addressing hunger, climate change, and health issues, our programs go beyond immediate relief, addressing root causes through agricultural training, healthcare, and unwavering community support in **Malawi:**.

Despite challenges, our commitment to empowering vulnerable communities, especially women and girls, shines through, providing essential services, education, and economic opportunities within **Afghanistan:**.

In **India and Nepal:** Partnering with CMAI and INF, we become the agents of change, supporting hospitals, promoting health education, and empowering communities affected by tuberculosis and leprosy.

In the face of climate change impacts, our project in Sindh province **Pakistan:** is a testament to resilience, offering humanitarian assistance, early recovery, and development to support food-insecure populations.

In 2022, the heartwarming success of PWS&D, fueled by $3.7 million in YOUR contributions, resulted in $8.2 million worth of development and relief programs. This success story, made possible by the generous donations from the people of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, speaks to the transformative power of love in action. Together, we are not just changing lives; we are weaving a tapestry of hope that stretches across the globe. Thank you to anyone who has ever even considered making an additional donation to PWS&D.

Opening praise: Love the Lord you God

Prayers of adoration and confession

Gracious Creator, the Source of all life, in your infinite wisdom, all creatures find connection, and every aspect of creation is redeemed and made new. Each day, you unveil yourself to us, revealing your glory in the beauty of the heavens, expressing your generosity through the bounty of the earth, and infusing our bodies and minds with your energy. As we delight in all that we have seen, heard, and known, we gather in worship before you – one God, encompassing Creator, Christ, and Spirit, eternally holy and loving.

In our busyness, we confess our shortcomings to you, O Source of love and mercy. At times, the rush of our lives causes us to overlook those we hold dear. Sometimes, we allow ourselves to become so occupied that we neglect essential commitments and make excuses. In these moments, we may even forsake the quiet spaces where we find you. Forgive us, and in your mercy, calm our minds and hearts. Grant us the clarity to set priorities that honor both those we love and, most importantly, you.

O Lord our God, Creator and Ruler of the universe, your greatness surpasses all things. Clothed in honor and majesty, wrapped in light as a garment, you stretch out the heavens like a tent. Your chambers rest on the waters; clouds become your chariot, and the wind carries you on wings. The winds themselves become your messengers, while fire and flame serve as your ministers. We lift our voices in praise, giving glory, honor, and eternal praise for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Messiah, and the Holy Spirit, our Helper and Comforter.

Compassionate and merciful God, who sent Jesus Christ to free us from injustices and inequalities, we confess our failure to love our neighbors as ourselves. We have, at times, looked down on others due to their race, class, or color. Forgive us for these transgressions, and in your grace, mold within us new hearts and minds. Grant us enlarged visions to recognize your image in everyone, irrespective of background, race, or ethnicity. Help us love as Jesus loved and foster communities where humanity flourishes in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Response: I will trust in the Lord

Assurance of God’s forgiveness

Beloved friends, immerse yourself in the profound truth echoing through the ages: while we were still sinners, Christ, the embodiment of divine love, sacrificed for us. In Christ, forgiveness flows abundantly — let us not only accept this boundless grace but become vessels of it, extending the transformative power of forgiveness to others. Thanks be to God for this incomprehensible gift.

We listen for the voice of God

Hymn: The Church is wherever God’s people are praising (484)

Scripture readings (NRSV): Isaiah 40:21-31 & I Cor 9:16-23

Response: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet

Message: My fellow Ducks

The book of Isaiah is divided into two parts. The first 39 chapters deal with impending judgment, and the second part deals with forgiveness and deliverance.

There is a distinctly different tone and message beginning here in chapter 40. The first 39 chapters had warned of the destruction of the nation and the deportment of the people to foreign lands. The people had abandoned their God and he would now abandon them (at least, that’s what they thought). The first part of the book is heavy and plodding, but the second part beginning with this chapter read today, the language soars with majestic eloquence and wondrous hope. Because of this and a few other reasons many scholars believe the book of Isaiah to originally have been two or perhaps three books written by a school of prophets comprised of Isaiah and his students. In the first part of Isaiah, disaster had not yet come to the nation. People had grown tired of Isaiah’s warnings and his constant talk of their need of repentance and a return to God. No one listened.

But when the second half of Isaiah was written it was written to the people of Israel and Judah in exile — taken away to Babylon by its massive army. Jerusalem and its beautiful temple were lying in ruins, and the people were in captivity. In captivity they wouldn’t need to hear about impending judgment: they would be living it. By chapter 40 Isaiah is largely done talking about judgement. If you read his book, you know he’s rude, he’s blunt and he uses very colourful language. But one thing he doesn’t really do is gloat. By chapter 39, everything Isaiah said would happen – did. But you’ll never stubble across him saying “I told you so”. What the people needed to hear… was grace. They needed to know that they weren’t alone, that God was still with them, that He wasn’t done with them yet. They just needed to be patient.

When I was 13 years old, Dennis Byrd was an up and coming defensive superstar for the New York Jets. He was expected to help turn the team around. He was supposed to be a game changer. But on November 29, 1992 when the Jets were playing the Kansas City Chiefs, Byrd was about to sack the quarterback when he collided with his own teammate unexpectedly. His spinal cord snapped.

Dennis Byrd awoke in the middle of the night at Lenox Hospital in a halo brace, not knowing where he was, why he couldn’t move, or what had happened. Suddenly lying on that hard bed in that hospital room with the smell of disinfectant all around, he went from dreaming of making the Pro Bowl and living in a mansion; to just hoping he might be able to hold his daughter again some day.

From a worldly perspective Byrd was no longer able to reach his potential. He’d peaked. He’d done all he was ever going to do. As the world watched and listened, the very recently injured Byrd gave an interview stating, “Jesus Christ is my source of comfort in this tragedy. For now, we just have to wait and see what God will do”. The Doctors told Byrd the bad news. He would never walk again. (355 1001 ill).

For Dennis it wasn’t that simple. His career, his body, his life as he knew it was over. But he just knew God wasn’t done with him yet. He just said, “For now we just have to wait and see what God will do”. But he didn’t wait alone. Bryd had a lot of encouragement from his friends and family. Sometimes life is hard and we all need that push.

It’s hard to take that help sometimes. For some people it doesn’t matter how much people encourage them. They know things are bad and that’s that. And you could tell them everything that is good and true in this world and it would just never sink in.

Tony Campolo tells this great story about churches. He said: Every Sunday the ducks in a certain town waddle out of their houses down Main Street to the duck church. They waddle into the sanctuary and squat in their proper duck pews. The duck choir waddles in and takes its place, and the duck minister comes forward and opens the duck Bible. He reads to them, ‘Ducks! God has given you wings! With wings you can fly! With wings you can mount up and soar! No walls can confine you! No fences can hold you! You have wings. God has given you wings and you can fly!’ And at that all the ducks shout ‘amen’. And then they all waddle home again.”

Some people just cannot seem to believe the truth … and even if they did believe it, they still wouldn’t reach out and claim it. Others just need a little nudge.

A young boy once asked his father (an ex paratrooper) how many times he had jumped out of the plane while he was in the military. The father said, “None.” “What do you mean, ‘none,’ ” said the son. “I thought you were a paratrooper?” “I was” said the father, “but I never jumped. Not even once. I never had the option. I was pushed several times… but I never jumped.” That is what the United States military calls giving paratroopers “encouragement”.

The truth is that the world is often a cold dark place that breaks your back and shatters your spirit. The truth is that the first 39 chapters of Isaiah are not just something of the past but often something of the present. But the truth is also that we have a chapter 40 too. We are not at all a people without hope. And sometimes we all just need that little push to see it.

Sometimes we all just need a little shove in the right direction.

In life you can be that duck with wings to fly that screams “amen” and then waddles home with wings unused, or you can take that little push and use it.

Back in Babylon the Israelites had lost everything they had ever known. It was all gone. Imagine a foreign country coming in a taking over Canada and demolishing all your homes and tarring down every place of worship and then shipping the few survivors of the lost war off to every far corner of the world. That’s what happened to them.

Those in exile lost hope, and because of that they lost their strength and desire to go on. They just fell into their own sadness. Even the youngest among them were beaten down, weary and defeated. There was no joy left. And it’s understandable. They had legitimate reasons for their sorrows and their worries, just as we do. But God was not done with them yet, and he sent Isaiah to remind them of that (and through them – us as well).

He said, Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. (not just Israel)

He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;

but those who wait in the LORD will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-31)

The Hebrew word used here is Qavah (Ka-Vah) and it means “to wait” or “to look for” or “to wait on” or “to expect” or “to hope for”. See it doesn’t just mean to wait. It means “to anticipate” and to “hope”. It means to be prepared… not because things can change, but because things will change.

In verse 31 it say, but those who Ka-Vah in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. Those who “hope.” Those who anticipate his action! Those who trust in Him, will be renewed in strength!

I don’t know what’s going on in everyone lives. But I know I have had some of those moments in life that felt like the first 39 chapters in Isaiah. We all have those “39-chapter” moments when the writing is on the wall and things are at the bleakest. I don’t know all the details of what’s happening in your life. But I’m going to go out on a limb though and say not every single second of it is going perfectly.

Pain and frustrations happen. Life is hard. For some it is seemingly unbearably hard.

The Israelites had been massacred. Their homes were torn down and burnt, their Temple was turned to rubble. It was horrible.

But in the end, they would go home. They would not be forgotten. They would rebuild the Temple; they would build new homes, start new families. They would start again. They would flourish because they would hope in the one worth hoping in. They just needed a little encouragement first. They needed someone to remind them about their hope and where it truly lay. They needed someone to remind them… to say “put your hope [not in the things you want to happen] but in the Lord” [who ultimately controls all things that can happen]. They needed someone to say “we just have to wait and see what God will do” with the expectation that God does move.

The doctors told Byrd that he would never walk again. But on opening day of the 1993 football season, less than a year after his injury, Byrd walked to the middle of the Meadowlands Stadium without assistance; to the cheers of 75,000 fans.

A miracle happened. He waited on the Lord and God worked an absolute miracle. But it’s not what you might think. I think … the miracle in Byrd’s life is not that he broke his spine and walked again. It’s not that he defied all odds. It’s not that he got his life back. It’s not even that he got what he wanted. For me, the miracle – the true; undeniable miracle is clear… it’s that the injury that destroyed Byrd’s career didn’t destroy his hope, his patience or his faith. Why? Because his hope was not in the power of his back or in his ability to move his legs. He put his hope in the God heaven and earth; waited on the Lord. (355 1001 ill).

Maybe God will renew your strength the other side of paradise. Maybe God will renew your strength tomorrow. But first you need to put your trust in Him.

Whatever you do today my fellow ducks, no matter what you face in life or death… do not ever waddle home from this place. With your faith firmly fixed on Him, wait on the Lord to renew your strength, stretch your wings and soar just like you are supposed to. – Amen.

Song: Seek ye first the kingdom of God )625)

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

Eternal and ever-present God; You are beyond the confines of time and place….yet intimately involved in and concerned for all that happens.

We have become increasingly aware of the generous blessings given to us. Hear our prayers of thanksgiving: For the gift of time, and the possibilities of each new day; For the give and take of a relationship that revealed to us our hurtful behavior; the slow recovery that taught us trust; the death that led us to appreciate life: the challenge that affirmed our beliefs: the habit overcome that led us to new self-respect; the answer to the question that changed our lives; the friend who will never stop praying for us. Lord thank you. For good time and bad, for hard times and easy. Thank you in all we do and all we have for every good gift comes from you.

As others have prayed for us, we offer to You our prayers for others; for those having difficulty choosing the right path; for those dominated by guilt or shame; for those lost in sin; for those overcoming grief; for those suffering from pain or loneliness or alienation, or the darkness of depression; for all those experiencing illness and disease.

Remind us Lord. You are not just the God of Earth Your are the God of Heaven and You are not just the God of Heaven, You are the God of Earth.

For all who trust and wait and hope in you. You will heal the broken hearted and you will bind all wounds.

Lord we also pray for those who are doing well. May your blessing continue to show through their lives. May all of us, this day and every day, be shaped by Your love; may our hearts be sensitive to Your spirit’s leading in this time and place; and may we keep our eyes on Your son Jesus our Savior.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Invitation

This communion is not just a ritual; it is a celebration of our shared journey, a moment where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. As we break bread together and share the cup, let us reflect on the profound mystery of God’s love and the unifying power of Christ’s sacrifice.

Whether you have been with us for years or are joining our community for the first time, your presence enriches the tapestry of our fellowship. Bring your joys, your burdens, and your gratitude to the table, for here, in communion, we find solace, strength, and a deep connection with our Lord.

Song: Let us break bread together (548)

We affirm our faith: 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
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

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

Communion Prayer

Gracious and loving God, as we gather around this table of communion, we come with humble hearts and grateful spirits. We thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice binds us together in the bonds of love.

In partaking of this bread and cup, may we be reminded of the depth of your grace and the unity we share as one body in Christ. May this sacred act nourish our souls and strengthen our commitment to love and serve one another.

As we remember the words spoken at that last supper, we echo them now in our hearts: “Take, eat; this is my body. Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the new covenant.”

May this communion deepen our connection with you and with each other. In partaking, may we experience the transformative power of your love and leave this table renewed, forgiven, and filled with your peace.

We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

Sharing of the bread and wine

Song: The Communion Song (Bj Collins – used with permission)

Take Eat, The Body of Christ given for You

Take Drink, The Blood of Christ given for You.

The prayer after Communion

Gracious and merciful God, we bow in gratitude for the sacred moments we’ve shared at this communion table. As the taste of bread and cup lingers on our lips, may the essence of your love linger in our hearts.

In partaking of this holy feast, we have glimpsed the profound mystery of your presence. May this experience resonate within us, shaping our actions, thoughts, and interactions in the days ahead.

As we depart from this sacred space, may the communion we’ve shared be a catalyst for compassion, understanding, and unity. Let the spirit of Christ, whose sacrifice we’ve remembered, guide us in extending grace to others and living out the principles of love and forgiveness.

Empower us to be living testimonies of your transformative grace, echoing the profound truth that we are one family bound by the threads of faith and love. In the name of Jesus Christ, who unites us, we pray. Amen.

Hymn: Lord, the light of your love is shining (376)

Sending out with God’s blessing

Go now to will and to work for God’s purposes.
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.
Be filled with the same love and look to the interests of others.
With reverence for God, work out your salvation.

Response: The Blessing

Music postlude

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

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.

Princess Alice

Posted on January 28, 2024January 28, 2024 by John

Worship on the Lord’s Day
10:00 am 28 January 2024
Online & Onsite (Mixed Presence) Gathering as a Worshipping Community
Led by the Rev Brad Childs
Music director: Binu Kapadia Vocalist: Linda F-B
Elder: Gina Kottke

We gather to worship God

Music prelude

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

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

Call to Worship
L: God’s praise endures forever, and eternity meets us in fleeting moments.
P: God’s praise endures forever, and glory bursts into ordinary activities.
L: God’s praise endures forever, and faith is steadfast in the midst of change and challenge.
P: Let us worship the Eternal God who calls us to this time and place.

Opening praise: Forever God is faithful

Prayers of approach and confession

Loving God, you are the wisdom behind all mystery, the glory hidden in all that makes us wonder, the strength in all that nourishes.

With eyes open and spirits alert, we experience your glory around us.

Scattered throughout the earth, smoldering deep inside us and radiating in acts of love, sparks of your glory reside.

We feel joy each time we encounter you.

So, we gather to express our praise and gratitude for all the good we have experienced, knowing it all comes from your hand, for you are Creator, Christ and Spirit, Ever Three and Ever One.

Gracious God, we confess there are many times we forget you.

We focus on what troubles us and ignore the help you offer.

We seek wisdom and meaning in the wrong places.

In thoughtless moments, we harm the earth and each another.

Forgive us.

Remind us to live each day focused on your purposes revealed in Christ who loves us. Amen.

Response: We come to ask your Forgiveness, O Lord

Assurance of God’s grace: Hear the good news: Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. The old life has gone. New life has begun. Thanks be to God that we can make a new start, forgiven and set free.

Music Offering: Pie Jesus (Binu & Linda)

We listen for the voice of God

Children’s time

Response: Jesus, we are gathered (514)

Story: Is it True or False

Quiz

A penny dropped from the top of the Empire State Building will embed itself in the pavement. (F)
The bubbles in bubble wrap contain a toxic gas. (F)
You can send a coconut through the mail without wrapping it. (T)
If the entire population of all of China jumped up and down at the same time, the Earth’s orbit would be disturbed. (F)
Welding while wearing contact lenses will cause the lenses to stick to your eyeballs, semi permanently. (F)
Unless marked “dairy,” all fast-food shakes are not made of milk but contain a cardarine gel. (T)
Albert Einstein did badly in math. F)
A woman adopted a tiny dog in Tijuana, Mexico later to discover it was a very large sewer rat, true or false. (F)
Some Oregon highway workers blew up a whale and showered the town with whale blubber in order to get rid of it. (T)
A mime, my once had a heart attack in France in the middle of his act. The audience thought it was a part of the act did nothing and the mime died. (F)
Bubble gum is made with spider eggs. (F)
You can tell if a big operation is underway at the White House by the number of pizza deliveries there are. (F)
Twice in the state of Kansas in the last 200 years it has rained small frogs. (According to the Harvard professor who wrote Do Fish Drink Water? and the Library of Congress in the US, what happens is that small tornadoes can pick up small ponds. They can move them to a certain level of the atmosphere. Larger winds can then pick them up and carry them a distance. So, they’ll carry these light little tadpoles or small frogs for 100 miles and then drop them and all of a sudden it looks like it’s raining frogs.) (T)

Truth: “The word of the LORD is perfect, reviving our souls.” (Psalm 19:7)

The testimony of the Lord is sure and it is trustworthy. We get confused a lot of the times and we may not even always understand what’s in the Bible or read it correctly. But I dare you to say otherwise. It is trustworthy and true. And it will keep you on a good path all through life.

Is that True or False? … It’s True.

Prayer: Help us accept the Truth and reject lies and give us the ability to know the difference.

The Lord’s Prayer (535)

Transition music

Song: To show by touch and word (763)

Today’s Message

Scripture reading: Mark 1:21-28 and Mark 1:40-45

Response: Jesus, remember me

Message: Princess Alice

Princess Alice (Alice Maud Mary – the second daughter of Queen Victoria) was born on April 25^th, 1843. Considering her family, of course, it would be silly to assume that she had a normal childhood, but from the stories that have survived of her, she is often described as being the kindest and most sensitive of all the children in the family. By 19, little Alice had grown up and married Prince Louis. After leaving Buckingham Palace, the two took up residence in Hesse and started their own family. The couple had seven children. Alice was happy, but her compassionate nature led her down a new path beyond homemaking, and by her 33rd birthday, she had become exceedingly concerned about the nursing conditions of wounded soldiers.

Seeking to make a difference in people’s lives, Alice founded The Women’s Union to train nurses to care for the needs of injured soldiers. But one year later, tragedy struck. Alice’s husband, Prince Louis, and all but one of their seven children fell ill with Black Diphtheria. In only a few days, the deadly disease tightened its grip on the life of the youngest child, Marie. Diphtheria closed her throat (literally taking her breath away). The tiny girl died. For a time, Alice attempted to keep Marie’s death a secret from the other sick children. But after much questioning from the youngest boy, Ernest, Alice eventually broke down and told her son that his sister had died from the very same illness that had struck his father, himself and all but one of his sisters.

Being a nurse herself, Alice knew full well the massive rate of infection caused by diphtheria. But at a time when many communities lost up to 80% of their children from the disease, the tears of her son compelled her to cast off all sense of self-concern. When young Earnest cried out to his mother for a hug, Alice grasped the boy tightly, kissing his cheerless face until his cries subsided.

No amount of knowledge, no amount of doctors and no amount of warnings would keep her from her child in need. The boy needed to feel his mother’s gentle touch, and Alice had to touch him.

Three days later, on December 14^th, 1878, the 35-year-old princess died. Earnest, as well as all of the other children except for Marie, survived. It was later recorded that Alice never regretted reaching out to touch her son. How could she have done any different?

In reading our Bibles, we sometimes forget that they had many writers and compilers and that they span a huge amount of time and locations. Often, we think rather naively as we read it (and take for granted that it is plain and simple). While a word may appear 50 times in the bible, the meaning of that word might be slightly different in each occurrence. Our language (just as the language used in the bible) always evolves with our culture and understanding.

Simply because Moses is said to have contracted leprosy around 1,400 BC, this does not mean that this is the same thing that the 10 lepers in Luke are said to have. In reality, the word leprosy in the bible meant very different things at very different times as people slowly began to see other types of skin diseases and determine which were serious and which were not. As such, the word “leprosy” in the bible can include a massive variety of skin and flesh diseases (including everything from ringworm to what modern science defines to be Hanson’s disease – the deadly form of leprosy we know today).

By the time of Jesus, however, many commentators believed that the word “leprosy” was used only in the most serious of conditions. Doctors had long since discovered the signs of more critical cases. The catholic encyclopedia tells us that leprosy (in the case of today’s reading) would most likely be “any case whereby the exposure of raw flesh spread through the body.” In other words, this is a terrible affliction. While we cannot give an exact concrete and modern medical diagnosis to the individual in Marks’s gospel, we can assume that it is horrific in nature and similar, if not precisely, to what we think of as modern leprosy.

Leprosy is a nervous system disease that causes its victim to lose all sense of touch and pain; initially, this is the case in only the fingers and toes, but then it spreads up the arms and legs. Without a sense of touch, a person eventually damages his toes, fingers, and feet. When I stub my toe, I jump back in pain, preventing further damage, but when someone with leprosy stubs their toe, they continue with full force, unaware that they have broken it or worse. If a person sawing a board cuts her hand only slightly, she will stop, but a person with leprosy will not notice until she has dismembered himself. She will knock body parts off accidentally, cut them, get infections — and not notice.

Dr Paul Brand, a Christian missionary who conducted some of the most influential research on the disease, relates his investigation of why lepers in his colony in India were missing so many fingers and toes. There were isolated incidents of these digits being knocked off or lost — but many seemed to lose them at night with no explanation for what had happened. When one of his attendants volunteered to stay up all night to observe this mystery, he found that rats were chewing off fingers and toes while the victims slept. They did not wake up; they did not feel anything.

As leprosy spreads, many lepers go blind — not because of the disease itself, but because, without feeling in their eyes, the body loses even its uncontrolled responses like blinking and finally breathing. So, as leprosy advances, the leper begins to look less and less human. No fingers. No toes. Face disappearing. Isolated from others, no one wants to draw near; no one would come even close. It is perhaps the loneliest existence a human being can suffer.

The Old Testament law required a kind of quarantine to protect the people from catching the disease. It demanded that a leprous person stay away from the temple, from the public and even from the city’s outer gate (with only a few exceptions). Leprosy causes the person to live outside the camp to be cut off from the congregation. Many times, the person would not only be evicted from their church, family and home but would have their house burned to the ground as well (in a time where no one understood just exactly how the disease spread, this was deemed the safest course of action).

Lepers could approach no one, touch no one, could barely speak with anyone but fellow lepers. By the start of the first century, some rabbis even taught that leprosy was a curse from God for heresy and said that even the shadow of a leper could make a person unclean and unfit to worship with the congregation. They were outcasts and vagrants. Between this man in Mark and the rest of the world was a six-foot chasm of contaminated space across which no person would pass. He would have no job, home, family, money, or food – no place to buy food and no friends. While his body was wasted away, he would beg for scraps at a distance, which people might throw at him or roll to him on the filthy ground. Even the most straightforward task, such as drinking water, would be challenging.

And so begins the story of the leper from our reading today. It is only a few sentences long, but it is powerful. Isolated and alone, dying and rejected by his people, this unnamed man defies all social order as he storms into the presence of Christ. No doubt, sending the crowd running in fear, casting off all doubt and rejection, this lonely and disfigured cast away came to Jesus.

No longer would he be looked down on, pitied, belittled, or talked down to. No longer would he be rejected and alone. And as he appears before Christ, he falls to his knees. And the first words to come upon his lips, the first words he can bear to speak, are not “Why me?”; they are not even “Can you heal me?”; … they are “If you are willing.”

Interestingly, this leper/this man never strayed… he didn’t burst onto the scene because he was unsure of Christ’s ability or who Jesus was. Instead, he emerges in humility and shame. And as he looks to the Christ he had heard of in anticipation, he says one critical and compelling word…“if.” Feeling the judging eyes all around him, the gazing eyes of the world upon him and seeing himself with the same loathing the world has taught him to feel (his self-worth in bankruptcy), he begs and cries out, “IF you choose to, make me clean.”

And that is when Jesus does something interesting, something unheard of, unfathomable. I look down at a man who is literally falling apart, begging on his knees. He does what no one in the world would ever do. Verse 41 says he reached out his hand and “touched” him. Like Princess Alice, Jesus saw a child needing the most simplest form of care. No amount of knowledge, no amount of doctors and no amount of warnings or laws would keep him from this child in need. The man wanted to be clean, yes, but more than that, he needed to be treated like a human being.

When Angus Darcy first began his famous mission to street people in Inner-City Detroit, he heard a loud commotion as he walked along the wall handing out sandwiches. An intoxicated man, it seems, had intentionally broken a jar of mustard over his head, leaving him bleeding and covered in yellow. When Angus asked the man what he was doing, he screamed, “You walk around here acting as you care about us, but in six weeks, you haven’t once looked me in the eye, and you dropped that food in our hands as quickly as possible like you’re trying to keep our stink off of you… I can get food anywhere… I came here to get dignity”. Fifteen years later, both Angus and his now fully sober Director of Missions hand out sandwiches together each day, pausing to look each person in the eye and gently placing the food in their hands, utterly unafraid of touch.

May you reach out your hand to others as He has reached out and touched your lives. Amen.

Song: Jesu, Jesu, fill is with your love (229)

We respond to serve God: Our time of giving

Prayer of gratitude and for others and ourselves

Holy God, Lord of heaven and earth,
Your energy fills the cosmos and enlivens every cell of our bodies.
You are around us, within us, and beyond us.
Thank you for the simple pleasures of each day,
and for the strength to meet the challenges that arise.
When it feels like we have come to the end of our own resources,
replenish us with the energy of your Spirit
so that we know you are there for us.

In these uncertain times,
we are grateful for prayer in its many forms
which lead us to communion with you –
through word and silence, music, and movement,
feeling the Spirit’s breath within us.

Draw close to us whenever we need you,
and renew our spirits to continue serving you as best we can.

Hear us now as we pray for the earth, this precious, fragile home to all living things:
For declining species of plant and animal life;
For the earth’s climate and places with too much or too little water;
For the oceans and rainforests, the skies and the air we breathe.
Teach us how to be more faithful stewards of your earth and live more respectfully in your creation.

Hear us as we pray for the economy:
For those whose decisions shape it;
For employers and business owners;
For workers and those who cannot find work’
For all who seek economic justice, fairness and the common good,
and those who struggle to discern what this means in a complex world.

Teach us how to care for our neighbours in these days of economic uncertainty.
We pray for our own circle of family and friends.
Heal, bless, lead and encourage them.

We pray for neighbours and strangers in our community
who face struggles and sorrows we can’t even imagine.

Remind us that we belong to each other and to you and help us respond to one another with compassion and kindness.

Finally, in silence, we bring to you the cares and hopes on our minds today. [Silence]

Thank you for hearing the prayers of every heart. Amen.

Song: To God be the glory (350)

Sending out with God’s blessing
The season of Epiphany celebrates God’s light breaking into the world in Christ Jesus, and so:
May the light of the Father lead you,
the light of Christ embrace you,
and the light of the Holy Spirit enliven you
So that you know both peace and hope
this day and all eternity.

Response: God to enfold you

Music postlude

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Smelly FIshermen

Posted on January 21, 2024January 22, 2024 by John

Worship on the Lord’s Day
10:00 am 21 January 2024
Online & Onsite (Mixed Presence) Gathering as a Worshipping Community
Led by the Rev Brad Childs
Music director: Binu Kapadia Vocalist: Vivian Houg
Elder: Jane de Caen

We gather to worship God

Music prelude

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

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

Call to Worship
L: I will give thanks with my whole heart.
P: Your work is full of honour and endures forever.
L: The works of Your hands are just.
P: Let us worship the Lord.

Opening praise: Her I am to worship

Prayers of adoration and confession

Gracious and loving God, we are drawn by your presence in this place and time of worship. You are our strong rock and our refuge. You are our hope and our salvation. All power and greatness belong to you alone. With humble and obedient hearts, we place our trust in you alone. You encircle us with your love. You bless us with your presence and surround us with your grace. We gather this day to honour your name and proclaim your greatness.

God of grace and mercy, and hear us as we confess. Through your Son, Jesus Christ, you have called us to repent of our sins. You call us to believe the good news and celebrate your kingdom’s coming. We confess that there are times when we hear Christ’s call, but we fail to respond. We say we obey you, but our actions betray us. We cling to our old ways instead of immediately dropping our nets and following Jesus. Forgive us for not listening and responding to your invitations to follow you. Forgive us for the doubts and problems we do not take to you and for not reaching out to the world’s needs with the good news of Jesus Christ. We pray all these things in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. –Amen

Response: I waited, I waited in you, Lord

Assurance of God’s love

Hear the good news: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Hear then the word of grace and the assurance of pardon: “Your sins are forgiven.”

We listen for the voice of God

Children’s time

Response: My lighthouse

Story: The Lighthouse

Do you guys know that song? The original is Irish and they play a banjo in it. I love that song. Where does it come from? Do you know?

No? Does anybody?

Well, what’s the song about?

The lighthouse. Who’s the lighthouse? What does that mean?

You do know? No? Well, what is a lighthouse? I mean, it’s something that shines a light out and it gives direction and tells people where to go.

There, but also it’s the safe harbor. It actually comes from Psalm 46.

I have a version of it here. But I’m going to read this one, I think. It goes like this, and most of you will probably know some of it.

The Lord is our refuge and strength. Always ready to help us in times of trouble. So I won’t fear even if there are earthquakes that come. Or mountains crumble into the sea. Just let the oceans roar and foam, let the mountains tremble, the waters surge. The rivers flow. God Himself lives in the holy city and cannot be destroyed God protects those to the break of day even though nations are in uproar and fall and crumble. God thunders the earth. He is here and then it’s Be still and know that I am God.

Be still and know that I am God. The song My Lighthouse and the psalm are about the same thing It’s about where you turn to when there’s nowhere to turn.

And where do you turn? You follow the light to the lighthouse. Let’s say a little prayer.

Prayer

Lord, we thank you for our wonderful time together for our families and our teachers. We ask that You would help us remember that you’re the lighthouse that you’re the ever-present help.

In our times of trouble and that when the world seems to be falling apart we can still turn to you and trust.

The Lord’s Prayer (535)

Transition music

Song: I rest in God alone (36)

Today’s Message

Scripture reading: Jonah 3:1-5, 10; Psalm 62:5-12; Mark 1:14-20

Response: Behold the Lamb of God

Message: Smelly Fishermen

Before joining the Presbyterian Church in Canada, I served at Millwoods Community Church, Moravian. Although there are few Moravian churches in existence today (9, in fact, in all of Canada), they are actually the oldest living protestant denomination in the world. The Moravian Seal features a lamb encircled by a Latin phrase, “Noster Agnus Vincit; Sequamur Eum.” In English, it says, Our Lamb Has Conquered; Let Us Follow Him.

As Joseph Jay once wrote, “The church is not a sheltered sanctuary for the saints. Rather, it is a survival station for sinners.”

Once celebrated English preacher Charles Spurgeon was asked by a woman in his congregation about how one might find the “perfect church”. Reportedly, Spurgeon replied, “You will not find it, Madam, this side of heaven, and if you do find it, don’t go near it; you’ll spoil it.”

North America has become a very different place spiritually in the last few years. Most people think Christianity is an old, outdated religion.

But as it turns out, it is neither outdated nor a religion.

It’s safe to say that when most of us read words like “Christianity” or “Church,” we read “religious institution.”

Many young people these days hear “Church” and think of “organization” or “crusty,” “old,” “outdated,” or “arrogant religious institution,” and a lot of other things that come to mind as well.

For a lot of people, those words “Church” and “Christianity” scream out visions of the crusades, power or war-hungry men, inflexibility, fundamentalism, the Vatican machinery, pews, steeples, organs, praise bands, cheesy evangelists with too much makeup, or moneygrubbers with personal jets.

That is what people say is Christianity. That they define as the “Church”.

But to truly understand Christianity… to honestly know the Church, we have to go way back to the beginning to put first things first.

For starters, Jesus the Christ was not a Christian.

What’s more, Jesus never asked anyone to become a Christian, never built a steepled building, never drew up a theological statement, never personally took an offering, never wore priestly religious garments, never incorporated his faith for tax purposes… and never indented to create a new Religion (to explain one).

He called people to follow him. That’s it. That, despite its simplicity… is it. He called people to follow him.

The first two were the ones we read about this morning… two brothers, Simon and Andrew.

Regular guys. Simply fishermen. The first two Christians ever. Those brothers didn’t consider becoming Christians or adopting a new religion.

Here was this thrity-year-old man (son of a carpenter) who said “follow me”.

And they did. They believed he was something special. They believed in him. So, they followed him. Not his rules or tradition or way of doing things or even his beliefs but Him. Honestly and physically, with their hands and work and words and dust-covered soar, callused, blistered feet – They followed him.

Our heritage had begun. What was handed down to the person who shared faith with you has either a miracle of revelation (hearing about Jesus through a dream, for example) or else it’s an absolute direct line from person to person, through countless others and yet always and ultimately leading back to this one moment with these two Labradors.

In faith, these two brothers gave their lives to him, literally, putting down their family-owned fishing nets and following him. They left home, a solid family company, security, a mother and father, probably marital prospects, extended relationships, practices, and their whole lives so that they might be this one thing (His follower) more than they had been before or ever would be anything else again – the choice that defined everything forever after.

Here was the birthplace of the way of life, a reality that would change the world forever. It was on the edge of the water, with the drying catch of the day, crisping in the sun with the flies. As Is. the prophet said, “How beautiful are the feet of the one who brings peace and good news.” How true that is to a world with a sinful, sick soul and where medicine is scarce and illnesses abound.

The passing momentary fear of what we think could happen, trembling and yet, much more closely aligned with the lives His first followers lived within. In the coming weeks, there will be chances for us all to serve others. Remember that the tired and aching foot of the follower of Jesus, worn out from her work, is the apple of God’s eye.

Before hurrying on with words and centuries of theology, we should pause at the cradle of what we call the Church, which is actually a gathering of people called into a relationship with one man, struggling to care for the world like Him.

It was then and has never been more than that. Not a building, not a faith, not a just tradition… but a simple relationship between the one who loves and the one being loved.

Jesus called, “Follow me”. And people respond by dropping familiar nets and following, in faith, a sandaled Jewish man.

Two thousand years of words can do nothing to that simple fundamental reality – this is true Christianity. This is the Church.

Our beginnings lay with two blue-coloured, dirty, finger-nailed brothers who probably never quite shook the smell of fish from their skin. And if all this topples to the ground, we can still be that again, which we perhaps most are.

Those first steps, dropping nets and following Jesus, are the birth of Christianity, not choirs or praise bands, Bible studies, prayer, and it’s long before Peter will ever declare “Jesus is Lord.” But he follows, nevertheless.

Like those first few men long, long ago, to us, Jesus too said, “Follow me,” and we did. Everything else has come out of that. Some are good, some are bad, some are neither.

But it all goes back to that one moment in time (not frozen or static but living and moving just as we do).

From there, they (a gathering of people called) went about a new kind of ministry As Jesus went about his business, people responded to him in many ways: many crowds became intrigued by him and his healing and miracles. Some became dead-set against him and his teachings. But a few, hearing something undeniable in his call, left their lives to walk with him… to follow.

People sometimes reverently use the word “disciples.” But disciple means follower. The first were a tax collector, a revolutionary guerrilla, a kind of lawyer and a bunch of fishermen. Yet, all of them people who left their homes to walk some dust-covered streets in a small section of the Middle East all because… they believed in Him.

Those we call disciples with great admiration were nothing more or less than simple people (like us) responding to Jesus’ call. They were just as the authorities accused of being… “Untrained, ordinary men”.

At times, they followed, listened, questioned, obeyed, walked with, learned from, doubted, and yet ultimately gave their lives to and, according to tradition also, all gave their lives FOR Him as well. However, I would argue that it should be tough to differentiate between them.

If, after all, one has entirely given their life over to their God, then what possible area of life could not be changed by that?

This following of Jesus proved to be such a thrilling adventure, proved to be so worth it that the initial Jesus followers couldn’t help but tell others all about it. And it didn’t matter that they didn’t fully understand it or have all the answers to go with it.

It had been news to them (what they heard from Jesus), But once they realized just how good that good news really was, they just had to tell someone else. They had to say to others; they had to share the εὐαγγέλιον euangélion (evangelism) good news. It spilled out from them, and they couldn’t help but do it. It was done with no malice, judgment, or contempt but because they were excited and simply because they couldn’t help but do it.

And so this first band of followers told others, and when those folks believed and followed Him, they too told others. “Follow Him,” they said.

When the small band became larger, people had to refer to them somehow.

People started calling them “the Way” because the first followers of Jesus claimed to follow The Way, The Truth and The Life. It was He they followed.

To the surprise of others, The Way was to abandon themselves to drop their literal safety nets (they used to make a living) to follow this Jesus, who they unflinchingly believed was the long-awaited Messiah their people had hoped for.

Since the Greeks translated the word Messiah as Christ, some Greeks in Antioch started calling the followers of “the way,” “Christ-ones,” or “Little Christs’” as an insult. But when followers of The Way heard this taunt, they didn’t take offence. It was, for them, an honour to be likened to Christ (even a little version of the one they followed was a term of great joy to hear). They started calling themselves that, and the name stuck.

Still, Christianity… the Church was not a set of dogmatic principles, not a life philosophy, not an outdated religious institution, just a people… a people that followed Christ.

The Greek word Ekklesia (Ek-Lay-Sea-A) appears 118 times in the New Testament in 115 different verses. We translated the word “Church”. The references range from the Church being reminded that they are built on Christ, to them being told that they are the Temple, to being asked for funds to help gatherings of Christians in other cities. But not once… not one single time out of 118 mentions does the word “Church” in the New Testament ever refer directly to a literal building or even a structure of any kind… not once.

The word Ekklesia or Church literally means “Gathered ones.” The church is and always has been a gathering of believers and nothing more. This is why our Lord himself said, “Wherever two or three gather in my name, I am there.”

For the authors of the New Testament, a Church could never be anything more than that. We are intended to be the Temple. There are no longer special Holy Places; there is instead a Holy People called to be like Him.

When Paul writes to the church (the gathering in Corinth), he writes, “The gathered ones in the province of Asia send you greetings from our group. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.” The Church isn’t the house. The Church… meets at their house. Because the Church is a collection of people trying to follow “The Way.”

Over the years, we have built great things of beauty: cathedrals and chapels, comfortable sanctuaries, liturgies and traditions, beautiful and worshipful art, music and many other great things that aid us in our worship, but these things are not themselves the church. The wood, the brick, the strings, the sounds the font – They never will be. They are expressions of The Church. The church has always been and always will be those who heard Jesus’ call and dropped our nets to Follow Him: a people.

As my friend, the Rev. Jared Miller, is fond of joking, “The church would be perfect if it weren’t for all the people.” It’s a clever take on Groucho Marc’s famous resignation from the Friers club, where he sent a wire reading, “I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member.”

And they are both very suitable. The Church is the last place you find hypocrites. This is the first place you will see where everybody admits openly to being a sinner, a mistake maker and a trying to do better attitude. We are imperfect, but He is not, so we’re here. Besides, the people are the only Church we have. There is no other. Yes, that means it’s sometimes messy. But it’s always been messy. The Presbyterian Church in Canada defines the Church as “Christ together with His people.” I will be a little more forthcoming to put a bit of spin on it. I say, “The church is Christ together with his screwups.” Of course, we don’t do him justice. We are aiming at perfection. But… we try, don’t we?

When the Church first began on earth, its first Minister was being executed as a criminal; the Clerk of Session (the Great Apostle Peter) was swearing he’d never been a part of the organization. Most Session members were missing or hiding. His Treasurer had just committed suicide. The rest of the congregation just went running away. The only two people who showed up on Sunday morning were a few dear women from the church support group, covered in tears.

Are you trying to follow him but abandoning him for easy outs and self-preservation sometimes? Probably the answer is yes but. If not, you should know you may be tested in the coming weeks. Your day is coming. We all have them.

Chances to follow Him are everywhere, even if we aren’t sure how best to do it. And that means chances to miss following him also abound.

It, us, and life are messy, and the Church is imperfect because we are the Church, and let’s face it, we’re all messy sometimes. The Church isn’t perfect, and how could it be? The church is the people, and people are not perfect. Although just like Will Smith in the film I Am Legend, we might respond to such comments likewise with “Well, you know, there was once this One Guy.”

It may sound odd and sometimes hard to remember, but you did not attend church today. You have never come to church. And you never will. If you follow Jesus, then You are the church.

This week, as the days go by, remember that you are the church in all you do. As you gather together after the service… You are the Church. As you walk across the street together… You are the Church. As you gather with friends for a meal… You are the Church. When the people in the booth next to you at the restaurant overhear you talking… You are the Church. As you gather with friends, talk to friends between classes, pay your taxes… or drive the frozen roads with people who probably shouldn’t arrive here “on time.” And when you are dealing with something painfully big, trying to, or sitting patiently with someone who needs nothing from you but your presence. You are always part of the Church. And every moment can become a “gathering of the imperfect.” As you ride the bus, visit your physician, stand in line for groceries at the store… whatever you do, good or bad. “Noster Agnus Vincit; Sequamur Eum” “Our Lamb Has Conquered; Let Us Follow Him.”

Because to all who follow Him, here or away… You are, and forever will be The Church. All you need to do is act like some old, smelly fishermen did years ago. Follow Him! -Amen.

Song: Lord of the dance (250)

We respond to serve God: Our time of giving

Prayer of gratitude and for others and ourselves

Creator God, since the beginning of time, You have called Your people to repent. We thank You for giving Jonah a second chance, and time and time again, You also give us a second chance.

We thank You for Your saving grace that came into the world through Your Son, Jesus Christ, for the promise that if we turn from our sinful ways and follow Him that we will be given new life.

God, our rock and our salvation, give us a heart to love and serve You and help us show our gratefulness for the many ways in which we have been blessed by You.

Bless our congregation gathered here today. Give us a sense of purpose and a deep desire to worship You. Strengthen us and help each of us to become more faithful.

Lord, bless also those who are not able to be with us here today. We lift up our prayers of intercession for those who are in the hospital; we pray for those who are sick and unwell at home. We remember in prayer those who mourn and grieve the death of a loved one.

We pray for people who are lonely, and people who are hungry and homeless, for those who are afraid, puzzled or anxious. We pray also for those who cannot believe that they matter or that anyone cares about them.

We want them to know Your love, and we ask You to use us to bring assurance of your hope to all in need.

Guide us by Your Holy Spirit.

Grant us wisdom when we lead.

Grant us strength when we serve. – Amen

Song: Who’s goin’ to tell the story (761)

Sending out with God’s blessing

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17)

Response: Amen, we praise your name, O God

Music postlude

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Signs from God (Jennifer de Combe)

Posted on January 14, 2024January 15, 2024 by John

Worship on the Lord’s Day
14 January 2024     10:00 am
Online & Onsite (Mixed Presence) Gathering as a Worshipping Community
Minister: The Rev Brad Childs
Today’s Worship Leader: Lynn Vaughan     Message by: Jennifer deCombe
Music director: Binu Kapadia     Vocalist: Rom Rhoad
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
Silent preparation for worship

Call to Worship
L: God of all times and places, we gather to worship you.
P: We turn our eyes to you and rejoice in your presence.
L: God of all life and love, we gather to sing your praise.
P: We turn our eyes to you and marvel at your power and your promise.
L: God of all wisdom and wonder, we gather to learn from your Son.
P: We turn our eyes toward Christ and wait for your Word to lead us.

Opening praise: I lift my eyes up

Prayers of Adoration and Confession
God ever creating, ever loving, ever leading,
You are stillness when we are frantic.
You are truth when we are perplexed,
You are warmth when we are cold!
You give us freedom when fear takes hold.
You send light when we have lost our way.
You are love when we feel lonely and empty.
You give us energy when we are ready to reach out.

We praise you, Creator, Christ, Spirit, for all that you are, all that you have been, and all that you will be for us. In our worship, we offer you our love and loyalty, here and now, now and always. Amen.

Assurance of God’s Grace
Believe the good news! In Christ, God has offered us forgiveness for all our sins and shortcomings. Trust that this forgiveness is for you and know that God’s steadfast love and grace endure forever.

We listen for the voice of God

Children’s time

Response: Jesus loves me (737)

Story: I need help from the congregation today. I would like everyone here, including the kids, to holler or shout about something. I want you to keep going until I wave at you. If you don’t know what to shout, then read the bible or a hymn and shout it real loud. If there is someone on the sidewalk outside, I want them to hear your noise. That’s how loud I’d like you to be.

When the people start shouting, start talking with the kids and tell them a story. Use the story of God calling Samuel; maybe 10 seconds long. Wave at the people to quiet down.

To the kids; what was my story about? Kids respond, hopefully indicating they didn’t hear it. But I was saying it loud. Why couldn’t you hear me? Kids respond. (Everyone was making so much noise.)

It was kind of noisy in here, wasn’t it? It was hard to hear anything. Sometimes, listening to God can be the same way. Are you wondering what I mean by noise making it hard to hear God? Well, let me explain.

There are a lot of things that make it hard to listen to God.

There are people who tell us that God isn’t real. There are people that tell us we don’t ever need to go to church. There are people that tell us we are wrong in the way we worship God. There are TV shows that show kids who believe in God being pushed around. There are TV shows that show us being tough and strong is better than living like God wants us to.

Sometimes, we can’t hear when God is trying to tell us something.
Sometimes, we hear things and don’t quite understand them. Then, we ignore them and go and play.

The story I told you this morning was hard to hear because of all the noise. Let me tell you the story again now that everyone is quiet.

In Sunday School today, you’ll be learning about a young boy named Samuel who was personally called by God. Luckily, he was listening and not distracted by other things. He was able to hear the messages and, eventually, grew up to become a great and respected prophet.

In our sermon today, we will hear about a group of people who heard what God was telling them to do, but they didn’t quite understand the instructions. They took some convincing to believe that it would work. They had to listen to God and trust that He knew what was best for them.

Basically, we need to listen to God. We know that God does exist. We know we are going to a good church and are worshiping God in a way that pleases Him. We know that living like God instructs us to is the best way to live. So, we need to ensure that we are ready to hear from God and put all our faith and our trust in Him to follow the best path for our lives.

Prayer
Dear God – We live in a noisy world. Help us to always listen for you. Help us to trust in you.

The Lord’s Prayer (535)

Transition music

Song: Guide me. O thou great Redeemer (651)

Today’s Message

Scripture reading: Psalm 78:1-7 & Joshua 3:1-17

Response: Glory to the Father

Message: Signs from God (Jennifer de Combe on video: Click here.)

Video Sermon Preamble: For this morning’s worship we have a special guest: Jen de Combe, who was the Associate Secretary for Canadian Ministries with the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Jen led a workshop for the Presbytery last fall right here at Dayspring. For today’s sermon, Jen will preach for us about the moment the Israelites cross the Jordan River in Joshua, chapter 3.

Some question for reflection as you watch this video: what are some moments in your life where the way ahead looked terrifying and you didn’t know what you would do, but somehow, by the grace of God, you got through it to the other side? How did that moment shape you? How do you tell that story and share it with others? As you’ll hear from Jen in today’s sermon, the Israelites were facing that sort of moment. How they remember it and how they retell it was an essential part in their formation as the people of God.

Song: Will you come and follow me (634:1,2,4,5)

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, talents, and treasures. We ask God to use us and the gifts we offer to create new possibilities for those who are uncertain about what the future holds, just as He holds the future for us all. Many thanks to all who give so generously!

Prayer of gratitude and for others and ourselves

God of all life and each life, each week our prayers combine with those of others in many different places.

We face different challenges and yet we long for many of the same things, things you offer in your grace and mercy. Thank you for honouring all our prayers with the gift of your Spirit, so that we can find both strength and wisdom to serve you.

Today we remember before you people living face to face with war and violence, in places where hatred has been stirred up and fear stalks people on their own streets.

We pray for all those displaced by conflict, seeking refuge among us or in camps and communities around the world.
God, speak to us a word of peace.
Embrace us with your love.

We remember before you people struggling in these uncertain economic times, those who have lost their jobs or worry about making ends meet.

God, speak to us a word of reassurance.
Embrace us with your love.

We remember before you people facing discrimination and social prejudice every day, those who are bullied at school, at work or at home, and those who are made ashamed of who they are.

God, speak to us a word of dignity.
Embrace us with your love.

We remember before you people facing illness and suffering in their lives or in the lives of those they love: those struggling with disability and lack of access or needed resources, and those who know grief or anxiety.

God, speak to us a word of healing.
Embrace us with your love.

We remember before you your whole creation and its many vulnerable facets and faces.
Teach us how to care for the world you love, so we may live together wisely.

God, speak to us a word of wisdom:
Embrace us with your love. Amen

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

Sending out with God’s blessing

Thank you for joining us in worship today. I hope the Holy Spirit spoke to you in some way.

And as you go forward this week, keep your eyes open. Stay alert for signs of God’s Spirit at work and invitations to share in the work of the Spirit wherever you find yourself. And may the God who made us, the Christ who mends us, and the Spirit who brings us life bless you and sustain you in every challenge and commitment.

Response: Go forth into the world

Music postlude

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Jennifer deCombe and Lynn Vaughan retain the copyright (© 2024) on all original material in this service. As far as they are aware, all of the material that has not been attributed to others is their own creation or is in the public domain. Unacknowledged use of copyrighted material is unintentional and will be corrected immediately upon notification being received.

Celebrate

Posted on January 7, 2024January 7, 2024 by John

Worship on the Lord’s Day
07 January 2024    10:00 am
The Sacrament of Holy Communion
Online & Onsite (Mixed Presence) Gathering as a Worshipping Community
Minister: The Rev. Brad Childs
Service led by Lynn Vaughan     Communion led by: The Rev. Dr. John Carr
Music Director: Binu Kapadia           Vocalist: Linda F-B
Elder: Sam 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: The day is new, the church is here!
P: We gather to celebrate.
L: We come to share and learn and grow.
P: We come with joy to love and serve the Lord. Amen

Opening praise: This is amazing grace

Prayers of approach and confession

God of possibility and power, on this first day of the week, you began creating, bringing light to shine and bringing order out of chaos.

On this first day of the week, you began your new creation, raising Christ out of death, breathing new life into the world.

On this first day of the week, you call us to waken from sleep and gather in your holy name.

So, we come to listen and wonder, to sing, pray, and be fed.

By the gift of your Holy Spirit, make us your instruments of hope in a hurting world, in answer to the prayer and praise we offer this day in Jesus’ name. Amen

Response: Glory, glory, hallelujah

Assurance of God’s love
Hear the good news! Who is in a position to condemn?
Only Christ, and Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us.
Believe the good news of the Gospel!
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and set free to make a new start.

We listen for the voice of God

Children’s Time

Song: My lighthouse

Story: Balloons

Compare the two balloons:
The empty balloon represents us – on our own without God inside our hearts – All floppy and flat – we are pretty useless, certainly not as beautiful. Really not much good for anything.

What does this balloon need?
If I wanted to change this floppy good for nothing balloon, I could try to do so by filling it up with my own air (blow up balloon) – like trying to tell others how good I am. This puffed up balloon can represent ME — trying to look great by filling myself with my own ideas, my best behavior, my self-appointed attitude. There are all kinds of things that we can do to try and look good for others.

BUT – things we are able to do on our own can never ever compare to what God can do. Hard as we try, we can never lead a life that would honor and please God if we’re doing it on our own. So, the best thing I can do with a puffed up balloon (puffed up self-inflated me) would be to:
Let it go – See: I really would fly off in all directions with what was inside of me! I certainly do need to empty my balloon (ME) of all of my own air or “self-inflating” attitudes, self-structured behaviors, and pre-planned ideas.
Show the balloon that represents God and talk about the difference. This balloon is much better in many ways.

It is more beautiful and nicer to look at than the deflated empty ME balloon.
It is more powerful and can do lots of things:
messages can be attached –
it can fly so high, ride the winds
it can fly alone, even without wind
it can go higher than I could ever go.

Think about how the helium gives this a power within the balloon that makes these things possible. Now, think of the helium in this balloon as the Spirit of God. With God’s spirit inside us, we can do great things for God.

Before a balloon can fulfill its purpose, someone must breathe some life into it. You and I need the Holy Spirit to fill us, so we can be all that God wants us to be. A balloon filled with helium can represent my life filled with God’s Power, God’s strength, and the Holy Spirit. It is only because of His power, His Spirit and His strength that I can do great things for God in my life.

With God’s Spirit, like the helium in the balloon, we too can go far … doing things that God will give us the power to do – giving us strength to overcome problems and difficulties and sadness in our lives – and telling others about Jesus without fear. We can be filled with HIS spirit, HIS power, HIS might, and HIS Truth.

Prayer
Thank you, God
For filling us up so much
With your power | your strength | your spirit | and your love.
Help us to honour you
In everything we do.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Song: We three kings (173)

Scripture readings (NRSV): Ephesians 3:1-12 and Matthew 2:1-12

Response: Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet

Message: Celebrate!

Today, I’m just going to share with all of you a bit about my faith journey and some of my own experiences and beliefs. It’s not so much a “journey” though, as you will see, as the church has always been a part of my life.

I have chosen to highlight the Epiphany this week, which takes place officially on January 6^th. The scripture readings we heard just now told of the time when the Wise Men arrived to see this mystery baby that was said to be set to change the world. Up until that point, the only ones witness to the birth of Jesus were a handful of stable animals, a few shepherds and probably a number of local villagers in Bethlehem. Obviously, rumours had spread and news had made it all the way to Herod. But it wasn’t really until the magi arrived and saw everything for themselves, that it all changed! Once these three special visitors saw Jesus with their own eyes, they then believed and celebrated the arrival of this new king – this light of the world. They left Bethlehem and started to tell everyone about their experience. Now, the whole world was hearing about this new baby, our saviour, and it was a cause for great celebration.

So, that is what I’m going to focus on for my talk today: celebration! Celebrating our faith.

As many of you know, I grew up as a PK – a “preacher’s kid” – so coming to church was part of my life since I was born. My father, Rev. George Johnston, ministered to a few different congregations across Canada throughout his long career with the Presbyterian Church. He had a special way of presenting his sermons – we’ll talk more about that in a bit. At various stages in my life, the church meant different things to me, and I experienced it differently. Here are some examples:

When I was very young, it was a BIG deal to attend church. I remember my dad rising early on Sunday mornings to meticulously polish his shoes before the service. He wanted them to sparkle below his long, heavy robe. We all had to get dressed up and look our best, and we had our special ‘Sunday clothes’ that we wore only for that purpose. My mom, my two sisters and I often wore matching dresses that mom had sewn herself and my two brothers always wore suits and ties, so we could really shine together as a family!?! I’m sure that most of you who attended church way back in the day remember dressing up in your very best outfits on Sunday mornings. Even through all the pomp and circumstance that it seemed to be, it ingrained in my young mind that church was a celebration. I mean, we were all dressed up and surrounded by a bunch of other people: it felt like a party to me! (balloon)

Sunday School, of course, was a staple in my life. It was pretty regimented, but I still remember it as being fun. We saw the same group of kids each and every week – nobody was ever absent! We had booklets full of study materials that we had to fill out and a constant stream of verses from the scriptures that we had to memorize. The annual Sunday School Christmas pageant was a huge event, and we practiced for months in advance. The audience was always made up of the families from the congregation, of course, plus lots of members of the general community. It was a very exciting event, for sure, and it was a great celebration for all who attended. (balloon)

Some of my fondest memories still, during that elementary school age, were being in the Junior Choir at our church in Ontario. Although I did like to sing – still do – the absolute BEST part of the weekly practices for me was when the music director gave each of us a large, purple, sour grape gumball at the end of the evening. That is the part I remember the most – well, that and the fact that my brother got a solo in the pageant one year when I didn’t!? – but that gumball was what kept me coming back. Whatever the reason, it was fun, I looked forward to attending every Wednesday night. I just remember it being a super enjoyable experience of church life during more of those formative years. (balloon)

As a teenager here at Dayspring, I was fortunate that we had a good number of young people attending church. We had quite a big Youth Group, and nobody seemed too shy about inviting their friends from the neighbourhood or from school to come to events at the church. I remember having some pretty big Halloween costume parties and dances here over the years, plus even the bible studies had quite a few kids in attendance. The Synod hosted an annual Youth Conference that brought a hundred or more young people together for a weekend, and Camp Kannawin was bursting at the seams every summer with kids’ camps. I was involved in so many wonderful events and experiences as a young person, being a Christian or coming to church was always a positive time for me. Maybe I was lucky or maybe it was my rose-coloured glasses, but I truly enjoyed all of these times. (balloon)

Now, the only real hiccup along the way in my faith journey probably happened when I was a young adult. It had to do with my dad and his preaching style and/or what seemed to ME to be his philosophy on church services and how we were to experience them. Here is where we get a little disconnected in our thinking, but I believe it is one of the reasons I feel so strongly about this whole idea that church, that our faith, should be a cause for celebration.

Maybe it’s an age thing – I don’t know – but I had trouble understanding some of my dad’s ways of thinking and his preaching style. As I mentioned earlier, he was a bit hard core and old-school in the way he presented his sermons: I would call it ‘bible thumping’. (Remember: this is MY own recollection of how I personally related to his style at the time and at my age. I mean no offense to him or to anyone who loved his preaching.) As far as I remember, he would quote the scriptures and then he very seriously and solemnly would lay it all out there about how we were to follow along with our lives. I’m not sure that he ever smiled during his sermons. I can’t recall that he ever told a joke in the service. And heaven forbid that anyone clap their hands in church, do anything to show that they were happy to be there OR were in any kind of a celebratory mood for any reason. Coming to church was serious business!!

As you can imagine, if you know me at all, this is pretty much the exact opposite of how I feel about church and faith and what our experience should be as we build our relationship with God. I’m not saying that I’m completely carefree with how I express myself in the sanctuary, but I believe from my very core that we should be celebrating what it means to have God in our lives! Because of God and the sacrifices that Jesus made in taking all our sins upon himself, dying on the cross for us, and ensuring that we have a life beyond what this world provides, church should be one of the happiest places to attend and it should allow us to experience the biggest celebration in our lives that we can imagine!

I got married right here on this platform 25 years ago. Of course, that was a wonderful day and a cause to celebrate. But I have also said good-bye to each of my parents and to my dear sister right here in this sanctuary, not so very long ago … yet I still believe that even in those sad times, there is a reason to celebrate in our faith. We know that our loved ones are no longer in pain and they are now embraced in God’s loving arms. But we need to remember that WE are also embraced in God’s loving arms, as we forge ahead and continue on with what will ultimately be our short stint here on earth before an eternal life of glory. God is here with us now to support us and love us through the good times and the bad. (balloon)

I hope that when you walk through the doors of Dayspring’s sanctuary – or ANY time that you are speaking to God, whether that’s at church, kneeling beside your bed at night, camping in the great outdoors, driving in your car, wherever – that you are able to find that sense of celebration that is meant to be here in our hearts. Because of our faith and our belief in Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, we can lay our troubles, our worries, our sadness, our brokenness at the foot of the cross. Right here. God will then lift those things up and take those burdens away from us. We can give our troubles to God and allow Him to embrace us with His never-ending support and His all-encompassing love.

If we allow ourselves to be, we can be filled with the Holy Spirit and feel light and free, like this balloon. Now, THAT is something to celebrate!!

Finally, I’d like to end with just a small excerpt from a poem written by a well-known Presbyterian named Ann Weems that I first read when I was a teenager, and it really hit home with me. Her full poem was handed out with your bulletin, and I encourage you to take it home and read it through completely … maybe even a few times, to let it really sink in.

Where did we get the idea that balloons don’t belong in church?
Where did we get the idea that God loves gray and sh-h-h-h-h?
And drab and anything will do?
I think it’s blasphemy not to appreciate the joy in God’s world.
I think it’s blasphemy not to bring our joy into God’s church.

Life is a celebration, an affirmation of God’s love.
Life is distributing more balloons.
For God so loved the world …
Surely, that’s a cause for joy.
Surely, we should celebrate!
Good News! That God should love us that much.
Where did we ever get the idea that balloons don’t belong in church?
Amen

Song: Christ, whose glory fills the skies (177)

We respond to serve God: Our time of giving

Prayer of gratitude and for others and ourselves

God our Maker, we offer our gifts to you in thanksgiving for your gifts to us in Christ and in creation. Bless what we bring and who we are, so that our gifts will bless the world you love in Christ’s name. Amen.

God of Grace, we turn to you in prayer with open and hopeful hearts.

We thank you for the work of your church in all its expressions and for all that brings your love, healing and justice into the world.
We thank you for the healing we have known in our lives:
for times we have been forgiven;
for relationships repaired and strengthened;
for comfort in times of grief;
for pain eased and recovery from illness.

While Covid 19 and other illnesses still haunt our communities, we pray for those struggling with lingering effects or fresh infection.

And we pray for those in health care coping with challenges that have no easy solution.

Give each one the hope and courage they need to face this new year.

We pray for people around the world and those in our own community or congregation who must confront challenges conflict daily; for those working for justice in the face of oppression; and for all who know hunger and homelessness after drought and disaster and unexpected circumstances.

Give them hope and courage to face this new year.

Strengthen us to serve you not only with our words, but also with our actions.

Help us to see others with your eyes, and reach out with your compassion, especially where differences divide.

Teach us how to work together and show what it means to follow you in changing times. Amen.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Invitation

When our risen Lord was at table with his disciples, he took bread, blessed it, broke it and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. Luke 24:30, 31

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.

We affirm our faith: 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
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Peace of Christ be with you.

Song: Jesus calls us here to meet Him (528)

The Communion Prayer

M: The Lord be with you.
P: And also with you.
M: Lift up your hearts.
P: We lift them up to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give God thanks and praise.

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!

As we receive the fruits of Spirit, we celebrate the communion and community of all humankind.

Creator, Christ, and Spirit dance as one. So may it always be.

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

All: 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, our Mother and Father, bread baker and wine maker, 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. And 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.

Feed the world and us with this bread.

Bring joy with this wine.

May Bread and Wine be 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.

ALL: 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 that Jesus taught.

The Lord’s Prayer (469)

Sharing of the Bread and Wine

The Bread
Minister: Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. (I Cor. 10:17)
(The Elder breaks the Bread as the Minister says the following.)
Minister: When we break the bread, it is a sharing in the body of Christ. (I Cor. 10:16)

The Wine
Minister: When we bless the cup, it is a sharing in the blood of Christ. (I Cor. 10:16.)
(The Elder pours the wine from the Cruet into the Cup)
Minister: The wine, like Christ’s blood, is poured out as a declaration that we can have life and have life more abundantly.

Minister

The Bread of Life … available for all of us. …

Christ’s love poured out … for all of us. …

Prayer of Gratitude

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, and throughout 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.

Song: With the Lord as my guide (574)

Sending out with God’s blessing

The season of Epiphany celebrates God’s light breaking into the world in Christ Jesus, and so:
May the light of God lead you,
the light of Christ embrace you,
and the light of the Holy Spirit enliven you
So that you know both hope and peace
this day and each coming day. Amen

Response: The Lord bless you, and keep you, make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord turn His face toward you, and give you peace.

Amen, amen, amen. Amen, amen, amen.

Music postlude

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The Rev. Dr. John Carr (Communion liturgy) and Lynn Vaughan (messages and prayers) retain the copyright (© 2024) on all original material in this service. As far as they are aware, all of the material that has not been attributed to others is their own creation or is in the public domain. Unacknowledged use of copyrighted material is unintentional and will be corrected as soon as possible after notification is received.

No Charge

Posted on December 31, 2023December 31, 2023 by John

Worship on the Lord’s Day
Christmas 1 31 December 2023 10:00 am
(Mixed Presence) Gathering as a Worshipping Community
Led by the Rev Brad Childs
Music director: Binu Kapadia Vocalists: Peter & Cheryl Sheridan
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: Praise the Lord!
P: Praise the Lord from the heavens!
L: Praise God in the heights and the depths!
P: Praise God, all creatures of earth and sky!
L: Praise God, young and old, together!
P: Let us praise the Lord and worship God’s holy name!

Opening praise: Holy id the Lord

Prayers of approach and confession

God of grace and glory, we praise you from the heights and from the depths; from the courts of power and from the sidewalks of our lives.

Your splendour shines from a manger, where the Light of the World was born for us.

In fragile flesh, you are revealed to us face to face reaching out to claim our love.

And so we gather with those who have glimpsed that love to rejoice that you have claimed us in Christ.

We offer you our praise, Creator, Son, and Spirit; Source of life, Glorious light, and Wisdom of the ages.

God of our lives, we know you are with us through thick and thin, in times of great joy and at moments of disappointment.

Yet we can feel let down when the joy of Christmas Day has passed.

Our hope gets folded away with the gift wrap, our energy for the future feels a bit tattered.

Forgive us when our faithfulness flickers like a candle burning down. Amen.

Response: I waited, I waited on you, Lord

Assurance of God’s love

Hear the good news of the Gospel: Jesus Christ is our light and our salvation. In him we are made new. Let us give thanks to God, and be at peace with ourselves and with one another.

Musical Offering: Warren G, Jack B, Peter S and Cheryl S

We listen for the voice of God

Children’s time

Response: Resus loves me

Story

When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” Matthew 2:13 (NIV)

I’m sure that most of you have read the story of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” If you haven’t read the story, perhaps you have seen the movie. If so, you will remember how everyone in Who-ville loved Christmas. Everyone, that is, except the Grinch. The Grinch hated Christmas and made up a plan to spoil the joy of Christmas in Who-ville. His plan was to dress up as Santa Claus and go into Who-ville and steal all of their Christmas presents, all of their Christmas trees, and even the food for their Christmas dinner.

What a terrible thing to do! Do you know why the Grinch hated Christmas so much? Well, according to the story, it was because his heart was too small! He was so selfish that he hated to see anyone else who was happy and enjoying themselves. But, as you know, the Grinch’s plan did not work. Why? Because the people in Who-ville knew that the real joy of Christmas does not come from the presents, decorations, and food — it comes from a heart filled with love.

I want to tell you a story of another “Grinch” who tried to steal Christmas. In fact, he tried to steal the very first Christmas. This “Grinch” was a king by the name of Herod.

After baby Jesus was born, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem and asked where they could find the child who had been born to be the king of the Jews. “We have seen his star in the sky and want to worship him” they said. When Herod heard about this, he told the men that when they found the child, they should come back and tell him where the child was so that he could worship him too. The truth is, Herod didn’t really want to worship Jesus, he wanted to kill him. Why? Perhaps his heart was too small! Herod was so selfish that he was afraid Jesus would become more popular than he was and perhaps even take over his kingdom.

Well, Herod’s plan to kill Jesus didn’t work. After the wise men found Jesus and gave him gifts, an angel told them about Herod’s plan and they went back home without telling Herod where they had found Jesus. An angel also appeared to Joseph and warned him of Herod’s plan and told him to take Mary and the baby Jesus to Egypt where they would be safe.

And so, we see that since the very first Christmas, Grinches have been trying to steal the joy of Christmas. There may be some “Grinches” that are trying to steal your Christmas joy. It will never work — unless your heart is too small. Make sure that your heart is big enough to share the love and joy of Christmas with everyone you meet — not just at Christmas — but all year long.

Prayer

Dear Father, we thank you for the joy that Jesus brings. Help us to share that joy with everyone we meet.

The Lord’s Prayer (535)

Transition music

Song: See amid the winter’s snow (168: 1, 4, 5)

Today’s Message

Scripture reading: Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:22-40

Response: O come let us adore him

Message: No Charge (Galatians 2:1-21)

2 Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also. ²I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain. ³Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek. ⁴This matter arose because some false believers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. ⁵We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.

⁶As for those who were held in high esteem—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism—they added nothing to my message. ⁷On the contrary, they recognized that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the uncircumcised,^[^a^] just as Peter had been to the circumcised.^[^b^] ⁸For God, who was at work in Peter as an apostle to the circumcised, was also at work in me as an apostle to the Gentiles. ⁹James, Cephas^[^c^] and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised. ¹⁰All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along.

Paul Opposes Cephas

¹¹When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. ¹²For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. ¹³The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.

¹⁴When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all, “You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs?

¹⁵“We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles ¹⁶know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in^[^d^] Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.

¹⁷“But if, in seeking to be justified in Christ, we Jews find ourselves also among the sinners, doesn’t that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! ¹⁸If I rebuild what I destroyed, then I really would be a lawbreaker.

¹⁹“For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. ²⁰I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. ²¹I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” (NIV)

Two well-dressed Jewish fathers came to their rabbi. “Rabbi, I do not understand my son,” said the first father. “I spent $25,000 on his bar mitzvah. I sent him to the finest Hebrew school. Just last week he tells me he is a Christian.” “Funny you should ask,” said the second father. “I am here for the same reason. Rabbi what can you tell us?” “Funny you should ask,” said the Rabbi. “I, a Rabbi, and my own son came to me and said he became a Christian.” “What did you do?” asked the two men. “I talked to God,” said the Rabbi. “And, what did God say?” God, he said to me, “Funny you should ask!”

When the Apostle Paul wrote to the Church in Galatia, he seemed to have just the opposite kind of problem. For Paul, Jesus Christ set all people free from the intricate rules of the Hebrew tradition. And yet wherever he went he was forced to confront disbelief. Though Jesus Christ himself claimed to offer freedom from the law, many of his follower who had grown up under strict guidelines had enormous difficulty letting go and this meant also that they had great difficulty accepting the freedom and grace that they had been gifted with.

The Judaizers’ were a group of Jewish Christians who taught that to become a Christian one must first continue to follow all of the Old Testament codes. They insisted on circumcision, that all of the Jewish calendar be followed, and holidays be observed. They insisted that Christians must be Jewish first and followers of Jesus second. Where Jesus had spoken of the Greatest Commandment and the fulfillment of the Law, the Judaizers spoke of dietary laws and cleansing rituals. They said who you could eat with and who you could not. They told you when and where men were allowed to speak with women. They wanted genders separated during worship. They said who you could talk to at all and who you could not. They said who you could help and who you could not and who you could tell the gospel to and who you could not. They wanted people to follow the whole law of Moses… but also additional laws that they had added to the Bible as well (as if the Bible wasn’t big enough already). Although Christ had offered freedom from the Law, they could not accept this. And … whenever Paul went to start a new church, the Judaizers would swoop in just after he left and start changing all his teachings and making demands of their own.

Nothing could have made Paul angrier. And with that in my mind, this is where we get some of the most interesting sections in the entire Bible. Most people after all don’t generally think of the bible as being something that contains debates or insults. But case in point … In 2 Corinthians Paul sarcastically refers to the Judaizers as, “Super-Apostles” as a joke. But he also calls them “false teachers”, worst yet, “mutilators of the flesh” and with his usual tongue in check way about him, Paul even tells them that that if they insist on circumcising people that he hopes they cut off more than they bargain for.

But Paul is not only at odds with the Judaizers. He seems to find their influence wherever he goes. He seems to find people that are unwilling to accept the free gift of forgiveness and instead finds people who are attempting to work themselves into a relationship with God.

This is no more apparent than in the book of Galatians read from here today. In Galatians tells us that while he was meeting with the apostles in Jerusalem he saw the Judaizers influence there as well, and so he spoke with the apostles about what he saw. In defense of his faith and in anger at the influence of the Judaizers Paul even attacks the Apostles in Jerusalem themselves. He says of the apostles their, “those who seemed to be important” and more sarcastically yet (as if he were laughing while he said it, as, “those who are said to be pillars of the faith” (2:6, 9). And perhaps even more insulting than this in the reading just prior to what was read here today, Paul says (And I have to say, I really love to picture this – because it is so interesting) “11But when ⁽^A⁾Cephas (The Apostle Peter) came to ⁽^B⁾Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For prior to the coming of certain men from ⁽^C⁾James, he used to ⁽^D⁾eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, ⁽^E⁾fearing the party of the circumcision. 13The rest of the them, then joined him in that hypocrisy, with the result that even ⁽^F⁾Barnabas (one of Paul’s best friends who helped establish some of these churches) was carried away by their hypocrisy. 14But when I saw that they ⁽^G⁾were not straightforward about ⁽^H⁾the truth of the gospel, I said to ⁽^I⁾the Apostle Peter in the presence of all, ” Peter, you are a Jew, but you live like a Gentile. So how can you force Gentiles to live like Jews?”

Paul standing in front of everyone (without argument, the most important people the church has ever known outside of Jesus Christ himself), he tells us that he “opposed [the Apostle Peter] to his face”. I can’t help but get this picture in my head of Paul standing nose to nose with Peter (all of the other apostles standing in awe with their jaws on the floor) while Paul is saying, “You’re not fooling anybody! I’ve seen how you live”.

What’s sad about this incident is that Peter had begun to put aside his bias’ and accept people who were not born Jews. He had begun to eat with us. He had begun to worship alongside us; to treat us as equals. And now because of the Judaizers he has started reverting back to his old ways.

Peter knows the free gift of grace from God perhaps better than anyone else on earth and yet he simply can’t believe it. Paul wants to know, Why are you letting yourselves be influenced by these people? Why do you want to subjugate yourselves to these rules? Why do you want to revert back to a system that excludes people and piles guidelines upon guidelines when the law is already fulfilled? Why would these men demand that people become “slaves to the law” when as Paul says, “there is freedom in Christ”?

Now don’t get me wrong, Paul does not see the laws of the Old Testament as useless. He says, in 1 Tim. 1:8 “The law is good, if one uses the law lawfully! The problem he has with the Judaizers is that Christ himself said that he came to fulfill the law. In Matthew 5:17 Jesus says, “Do not think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets but to fulfill the law.”

Now I’m going to explain the entire Bible to you in one paragraph:

In the opening chapters of the bible we see all of creation in perfect harmony with God. And then sin destroys that harmony separating God’s people from Him. In order to be made acceptable to God again; to be allowed back into His presence, a person had to be forgiven of his/her sins. Animals were used in this way as sacrifices by people who believed in God’s grace (that he would accept true repentance). These were innocent creatures that were thought to take the blame of the offending sinner. By the time of the prophets however God began to reveal to his people that there was to come a perfect sacrifice “a lamb of God”. He himself (the most innocent) would suffer the punishment on all of our behalves and serve as the final sacrifice for all time for all who believed. These restrictions of who could know God, these dividing peopling into the categories of Jew and Gentile, Slave or Free, Male or Female – that they would all be washed away. And Christ fulfilled that law.

A mother tells this story about her young son. She says: My little boy came into the kitchen one evening while I was fixing supper and he handed me a piece of paper he’d been writing on. After wiping my hands on my apron, I read it, and this is what it said:

For mowing the grass, $5. For making my own bed this week, $1. For going to the store when I didn’t want to $.50. For playing with baby brother $10.00 For taking out the trash, $1. For helping in the yard, $2.

The mother looked down at her beautiful son, standing there expectantly, and a thousand memories flashed through her mind. She calmly picked up the paper he had given me, and turning it over, and on the back she wrote:

For the nine months I carried you, growing inside me. No ChargeFor the nights I sat up with you, doctored you back to health and prayed endlessly for you to get better. No Charge. For the time and the tears, and all the bills I’ve struggled to make. No ChargeFor the nights filled with dread, and the worries that will never stop. No Charge.For the advice I will give, whether you take it or not. No Charge. For the toys, clothes and the food, and for wiping your nose and changing your diapers. No Charge.For anything you ever need. No Charge.

This is what Paul is telling the Galatians. This is why he is angry with Peter and why the Judaizers anger him so much. After everything they have seen and done… after everything Christ had done for them – they still could not believe the free gift of salvation He offered them. They were still trying to earn their way into heaven with just one more ritual or just one more good deed.

Paul stood up in anger and said, “What is wrong with you?” He said “We were born Jews, We should already know this”. He says “Why do you want to return to the rules and confinement of a system that has already been fulfilled?” He said, “I have died to the Law so that I might live for God”. “I have been crucified with Christ” and so “Christ lives in me”. The Law has been fulfilled. It has already happened – We are already Free! And then like a spear to the chest he says “if righteousness comes from following the law and not by grace then Christ’s death means nothing”. If we can earn our way into God’s good graces then the death of Christ did nothing.

And that is where the readings for today come in:

15″We are ⁽^K⁾Jews by nature and not ⁽^L⁾like those from among the Gentiles; 16nevertheless knowing that ⁽^M⁾a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by ⁽^N⁾faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since ⁽^O⁾by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.” (vs17-18 Omitted) 19″For through the Law I ⁽^S⁾died to the Law, so that I might live to God. 20″I have been ⁽^T⁾crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but ⁽^U⁾Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in ⁽^V⁾the Son of God, who ⁽^W⁾loved me and ⁽^X⁾gave Himself up for me. 21″I do not nullify the grace of God, for ⁽^Y⁾if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.”

But this is what makes Christianity unique. It says that you cannot earn your way into Gods favor. It says, God simply forgives by His own grace; by His own works, by His own sacrifice and His own son.

For everything you ever do in life… for the free gift of salvation for all who believe our Father in heaven declares to you this day, No Charge.

Song: O Lord, our Lord, how majestic (409)

We respond to serve God: Our time of giving

Reflection on giving: Christmas isn’t over for us! We celebrate God’s gift in Christ Jesus again and again. Grateful for all we have received, we express our love for God in our gifts this day and affirm our commitment to share God’s love with others in the year ahead.

Prayer of Dedication

Good and gracious God, your love overflows in the goodness we have met even in challenging times. As one year closes and another begins, help us trust your goodness. Bless these gifts so that they may provide others with the hope we know in Christ Jesus and the love you share with the world through him.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

God of love, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Saviour, we are filled with thanks that he has shared human life, and knows well both our joys and heartaches.

We bring our prayers for the world you love, grateful that Jesus walks ahead of us into the year ahead.

We pray for all children for they embody our future.

Protect them from danger, strengthen their characters, and give them joy.

Help them look to the future with hope and trust.

God of the ages,

Hear our prayer.

We pray for the most aged among us, those whom Simeon and Anna bring to mind.

Protect them in these days of rising costs and rising tensions, and reassure them of their value to you and to the whole community.

God of the ages,

Hear our prayer.

We pray for those whose hearts are filled with pain and fear and for those whose Christmas has been touched with loss or grief.

Surround each one with your comforting embrace.

God of the ages,

Hear our prayer.

We pray for those who cannot afford enough to eat, and for those who lack adequate shelter here and in desperate corners of the world.

We pray for those who fear violence in their daily lives here and in so many regions of conflict.

And we pray for those whose are anxious about the year ahead for whatever reason,

Grant each one the courage and strength to face the days ahead.

God of the ages,

Hear our prayer.

As this year draws to a close, we surrender to you, O God, the challenges it has held for us so that they will not remain as burdens.

Remind us of the good things that have offered us encouragement and pleasure.

Give us wisdom to navigate whatever the coming year brings.

God of the ages,

Hear our prayer.

In the new year, grant our leaders the wisdom and generosity of spirit to collaborate on decisions they face for the wellbeing of society and of the earth itself.

Inspire us all with the hope, joy and peace we find through trusting you,

Song: Standing at the portal (811)

Sending out with God’s blessing

Rejoice this day that Christ is born for us, lived as one of us, died for our sake, and is risen to walk beside us through whatever the future holds.

So may the tenderness of God enfold you, the promise of the Christ uphold you, and the strength of the Spirit lead you on, to greet the year ahead, filled with grace and truth. Amen.

Response: Auld lang syne

Music postlude

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The Rev. Brad Childs retains the copyright (© 2023) 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.

Love

Posted on December 24, 2023December 24, 2023 by John

Worship on the Lord’s Day
Advent 4 10:00 am 24 December 2023
Online & Onsite (Mixed Presence) Gathering as a Worshipping Community
Led by the Rev Brad Childs
Music director: Binu Kapadia Vocalist: Fionna McCrostie
Elder: Gina Kottke

We gather to worship God

Music prelude

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

Welcome and announcements
Silent preparation for worship

Lighting of the Candle of Love
Voice 1: The prophets call and the psalmists sing to announce that God is love.
Voice 2: “For the mountain may depart and the hills may be moved, but my steadfast love shall never depart from you…and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the Lord who has compassion on you.” (Isaiah 54)
“Give thanks to the LORD, who is good…give thanks to the Lord of lords, whose steadfast love endures forever.” (Psalm 136)
Voice 1: From the mystery of God’s love came our creation and we are nurtured daily by it. The power of God’s love is transformative; because we have received God’s love, we cannot remain the same. Love means seeking the best for others. Love is compassion for all creation. Love speaks the truth with kindness. Love is the way of seeing others as God sees them.
Voice 2: Holy are you, Source of all new life among us.
All: Jesus Christ is the love of God come into the world.
Voice 2: We join with all creation and lift our hearts in joyful praise.
All: We light this candle to burn for love. (The Advent candle is lit)

Opening praise: Hope is a star (119)

Prayers of approach and confession

Our Lord the world is often messy.

But life is also beautiful and full of surprises.

At this time of year, there is great anticipation and people far and wide come to celebrate with us.

And while not everyone celebrates the coming of your son, we also recognize that as He said, “Those who are not against us are for us” and so we welcome any and all to experience some measure of your love this season even if they don’t worship as we do.

We thank you that peoples all over are being inspired to think beyond themselves, to be charitable, to spend more time with family, to think more about those they love and to present friends and neighbors with gifts to show they care. We celebrate you and and they with us.

Lord your name is praised.

And yet, Father we must also admit our corner of the world is more joyous than many others.

And we must admit that the Christmas peace, hope, joy, and love that we experience is too often temporal and based on the whims of our feelings.

As we come together this season remind us that we should do it more often.
As we seek to more charitable we asks that you make charity a more regular offering for us.

As we attempt to be more friendly remind us that nothing stops us from friendlness the rest of the year.

As we give to those we love, reminds us that we don’t need reasons to lavish praise and presents on people we truly cherish.

God too often we forget how blessed we are. And too many things we have taken for granted.

Forgive us and lead us forward as we seek to bring Christmas blessings to the world all year round.

Response: I will trust in the Lord

Assurance of God’s grace

You like Mary have found favor with God. For all God’s people… You are forgiven. Be blessed and be a blessing. Amen

Musical Offering: O come all you unfaithful (Binu and Fionna)

We listen for the voice of God

Children’s time

Response: Open our eyes, Lord (445)

Story: Mary had a little lamb

Many years ago, a woman named Sarah Hale wrote one of the best-known and best-loved children’s poems ever written. Most of you probably know that poem. It is “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” It goes like this:

Mary had a little lamb,
Its fleece was white as snow.
And everywhere that Mary went
The lamb was sure to go.

Christmas will be here soon — the day we celebrate the birthday of Jesus. In our Bible reading today, we read about an angel who appeared to Mary and told her that she would have a child and that she would name him Jesus. Sometimes, Jesus is called “The Lamb of God,” and since Jesus’ mother was named Mary, I thought I would read a new poem called “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” It may never be as popular as the original poem, but it might help us to remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Mary had a little Lamb,
He was born on Christmas day.
She laid him in a manger bed
To Sleep upon the hay.

Angels filled the night-time sky
And they began to sing.
Shepherds heard them all proclaim
The birthday of a King.

Wise men saw a blazing star
Up in the sky that night.
They followed it until they found
The King of love and light.

Mary had a little Lamb,
But He wasn’t hers, you know,
He was the very Son of God,
The One who loves us so.

The Father of this little Lamb
Loved the world so much
That He sent his only Son to earth
So we could feel His touch.

He came to give us joy and peace
And take away our sin.
So when He knocks on your heart’s door,
Be sure to let Him in.

Why do I love this precious Lamb?
What can the reason be?
The answer is quite plain to see,
It’s because He first loved me!

Source: https://livelaughrowe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Mary-Had-a-Little-Lamb-Printable-Bookmark-for-Kids.-Christmas-Poem-from-Live-Laugh-Rowe.pdf

It’s a beautiful little poem and a good reminder about what this season is really about. So when you hear Mary had a little lamb the next time wonder about the other Mary and the other lamb.

Prayer : Our God, we thank you for life. We thank you for our families and our homes and the people that we love back. Our God, we pray that you would make us more caring and kinder with the people that we say we love. And that we prove it with our actions.

The Lord’s Prayer (535)

Transition music

Song: To a maid whose name was Mary (130)

Today’s Message

Scripture: Romans 16:25-27 and Luke 1:26-38

Response: My Lord, he is a comin’ soon

Message: Love

It’s Christmas time, & Lucy comes in where Charlie Brown is standing & says, “Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown. `Tis the season of peace on earth & good will toward men. Therefore, I suggest we forget all our differences & love one another.”

Charlie Brown, whose face lights up at this idea immediately, says, “That’s wonderful, Lucy. I’m so glad you said that. But tell me, do we have to love each other only at this season of the year? Why can’t we love each other all year long?” To which Lucy quickly retorts, “What are you, a fanatic or something?”

You know, I have to say… If wanting to love one another all year round is what makes a person a religious fanatic, then I hope this church is filled with religious fanatics every day its doors are open.

It’s a shame that Christmas is a season at all. I wish it were a normal. I pray that everyone like Scrooge at the end of A Christmas Carol might also say, “I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year.”

But the problem is simple. It’s easy to be nice when everyone else is also trying to be nice.

Now I’m guessing maybe not a lot of you know about the Ozarks. But that was the family vacation hot spot when I was a kid. The Ozarks are an extremely gorgeous highlands region in the central U.S.A. They cover the extreme southeastern ridge of Kansas, north Arkansas and about half of southern Missouri. Silver Dollar City and Branson Missouri are right in the heart of it. One is a theme park and the other was built to be a kind of family friendly Las Vegas. In the 1980’s when conservative Christians in the U.S. were boycotting Disney for being too liberal the Ozarks were like a mecca for the uptight. At the time, my parents fit right in. I spent a good chunk of my summer childhood in the Dolly Parton Theater. And I must admit I would love to take my kids to see the live action old west. It was pretty cool. It’s like a whole town filled with actors carrying on like they are back in Dodge City, Kansas with Wyatt Earp. This is because Disney was evil but gun fights were just fine – I guess.

Anyway they have this huge Passion Play that runs year round. And a number of years ago a certain actor was named to play the role of Jesus.

As he carried the cross up the hill a tourist began heckling, making fun of him, & shouting insults at him. Finally, the actor had taken all of it he could take. So he litterally threw down. I mean he threw down his cross, walked over to the tourist, & punched him out.

After the play was over, (in other words right then and there) the director told him, “I know he was a pest, but I can’t condone what you did. Besides, you’re playing the part of Jesus, & Jesus never retaliated. Surprisingly the man was not fired (this is true story by the way).

The director understood but he told the actor, “Don’t do anything like that ever again.” Well, the man promised he wouldn’t. But the next day the heckler was back worse than before, & finally the actor exploded & punched him out again.

Very understandably the director said, “That’s it. I have to fire you. We just can’t have you behaving this way while playing the part of Jesus.” The actor begged, “Please give me one more chance. I really need this job, & I can handle it if it happens again.” So the director decided to give him another chance.

For some insane reason (I cannot imagine why) he got another change. The next day the actor was carrying his cross up the street. Sure enough, the heckler was there again. You could tell that the actor was really trying to control himself, but it was about to get the best of him. He was clinching his fists & grinding his teeth. Finally, he stared the man down, marched up to that heckler and said, “I’ll meet you after the resurrection!”

Prophetic?

The weird thing is… in a way we all do the same thing.

We call ourselves Christians, that word literally means “little Christ’s”. We are in fact called to play the role in Christ in this world in every single thing we do. Do we really do much better?

I must confess, I think we fail so often to bring love into the world and peace on earth, not because we are bad people, or even because we’re pushed too far but because we are largely apathetic. In other words, though we should be fanatics our enthusiasm fades because if you hear them enough, even the greatest stories ever told start to seem old and worn.

It doesn’t mean we aren’t loving people or are bad Christians it just means that we actually take love for granted so much that we forget to be loving. And we all do it.

This week I read this little assessment titled The Stages of a Cold. It goes like this:

“How does a typical husband respond when his wife comes down with a cold?

In the first year of marriage: Sugar Dumpling, I’m really worried about my baby. You’ve got a bad sniffle and there no telling about these things with all the terrible viruses that are going around these days. I’m talking you to the hospital, Dear where I’ve reserved a private room for you. And I know the food’s lousy, so I’ll bring all your meals from your favorite restaurant. I’ve already made the arrangements.

Second year of marriage: Listen Darling, I don’t like the sound of that cough and I’ve called the doctor to rush right over.

Third year of marriage: Maybe you’d better lie down, honey. Nothing like a little rest when you’re feeling lousy. I’ll bring you something. Do we have any canned soup?

Fourth year of marriage: Now look dear, be sensible. After you feed the kids, do the dishes and mop up, you should get some rest.

Fifth year of marriage: Eh, that sounds bad. Why don’t you take a couple aspirin?

Every year of marriage after: For Pete’s sake, stop all that sneezing. What are trying to do give me pneumonia? (Hot ill green, pg155)

There’s actually a lot of truth in that assesment. Maybe not quite that bad but what if you treated your spouse every day like you did the day you proposed or what if you treated your friends every day like you did the day you found out they needed you the most?

See, It’s not that we don’t love our spouses but being that we are around each other so much, we all tend to take each other for granted.

It takes special occasions like, anniversaries and birthdays to shock us back into reality about how we should really be treating each other every day.

Christmas does that for us too.

In December of 1999 Glen Zander of Portland Organ was writing for his local paper when one day out of the blue he received a very interesting call and immediately went out to conduct and interview.

It seems the owner of a drive through coffee bar in Portland was surprised one morning when a customer not only paid for her mocha but also paid for the person behind her in line. Now that’s not terribly odd as it happens from time to time. But then that second customer was so pleased that she bought a coffee for the next customer. According to the barista, this string of kindnesses – one stranger paying for another, continued for two hours and twenty seven customers in a row. What’s more, apparently it only ended because the last person had actually forgotten his wallet. (1001 ill, pg504) If that hadn’t happened, I wonder how long it might have gone on?

About this time of year we start hearing a lot of about people trying to take the Christ out of Christmas. Interestingly I got a thing from a friend on Facebook from the Catholic Press that said “Protestants, taking the Mass out of Christmas for 400 years.” Fair point.

But maybe the problem isn’t that other people are trying to take the Christ out of Christmas (though that happens). Maybe the bigger problem is that we take the Christ out of the whole rest of the year.

1 John 4:9 says that “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world so that we might live through him”. (That our lives might be loving – like his.)

So maybe the best way to put Christ back into Christmas is to live like Christmas is every day!

My prayer for us today is that we might be that very thing for the world, which we claim to be all year round, “Little Christ’s”. “My prayer is that peace and good will towards men”, might be something we can strive for as much in July as we do the last two weeks of December. My prayer is that we all wake up on December 26^th and discover that… (According to Lucy at least) we’re all still a bunch of fanatics.)

Song: Come, Thou long-expected Jesus (110)

We respond to serve God: Our time of giving

Prayer of love

Child of Bethlehem, as your birth draws near,
may we draw near to you. May we kneel with
the shepherds and the wise men in the humble
stable and give thanks.

Child of Mary, born in us today, make us mindful
of your presence through the Christmas season.
Help us to remember that it is your birth that we
celebrate and it is for your life that we give you praise.

Child of us all, we give thanks today that you
were born to us. In the darkness of long ago
you came to bring food to the hungry, justice to
the oppressed and a home to the homeless. Help us to do the same.

You are with us still, bringing to fulfillment your
order of love. May we do likewise.

Wherever we can be of use, put us to use,
Where there are phone calls to be made,
Where there are prayers to be offered,
Where there are gifts to be given,
Where there are lonely people in need of company
Where there are sick in need of comfort
Where there are leaders that need prayer
Where there is food in want
Where clear water in need
Let us share your love,

Let us be an answered prayer,
Let us be your hands we pray

And in all things we give you praise. Amen.

Song: O little town of Bethlehem (164)

Sending out with God’s blessing

May you live within the light of love in these coming days. May love call forth the songs you sing. May love enliven your celebrations. May love be within you, and may love surround you. May you know – deeply know – the abundance of God’s steadfast love.

Response: Gloria in excelsis

Music postlude

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Joy: A Christmas Pageant

Posted on December 17, 2023December 17, 2023 by John

Worship on the Lord’s Day
Advent 3 10:00 am 17 December 2023
Online & Onsite (Mixed Presence) Gathering as a Worshipping Community
Led by the Rev Brad Childs
Music director: Binu Kapadia Vocalist: Glynnis McCrostie
Elder: Darlene Eerkes

We gather to worship God

Music prelude

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

Welcome and announcements
Silent preparation for worship

Call to Worship: Joy

Voice 1: The prophets call and an apostle writes to announce that joy comes from God.
Voice 2: “The spirit of the Lord God is upon me and has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, to comfort all who mourn; to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning.” (Isaiah 61)
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice.” (Philippians 4)
Voice 1: Grief, pain and loss are inevitable. But woven into life is the joy of living in a universe that reflects God’s beauty. Advent provides time to nurture joy in our lives and in the world God loves. Advent calls us to share with others the good news that comes into the world with the birth of Christ.
Voice 2: Holy are you, Source of all new life among us.
All: Jesus Christ comes as joy to the world.
Voice 2: We join with all creation and lift our hearts in joyful praise.
All: We light this candle to glow for joy. (while lighting the candle of joy)

Opening praise: Hope is a star (119:vss; 1-3)

The Candy Cane Legend

The Shepherd’s Staff: He chose to make the candy cane in the shape of a shepherd’s staff. After all, Jesus is the shepherd to his followers and the Bible notes that the “sheep” would hear His voice and follow him (Psalm 23:1, John 10:11, John 10:27-30, Isaiah 40:11).

The Letter J for Jesus: Not only was the candy cane in the shape of a staff, but when held upside down, it formed a “J,” which stood for Jesus (Luke 1:31, Matthew 1:21).

He is A Rock: The candy maker chose hard candy for the candy cane, which was done to remind children that Jesus was our “rock,” dependable and strong (Psalm 31:3).

By His Stripes: Wide red stripes were added to the candy cane, representative of the crucifixion and the blood Jesus shed for our sins.

Red-His Shed Blood: Through his blood, we are given salvation and life (Revelation 1:5, John 3:16, Luke 22:20).

White-Purification from Sin: There are also white stripes on the candy cane, which represents the holiness, and purity of Jesus, who was sinless (I John 1:7).

Sweet Fragrance of Christ: Peppermint was the flavor that the candy maker chose for the candy cane. Peppermint was very similar to hyssop, which was used for sacrifice and purification in the Old Testament, reminding us of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. It also reminds us of the spices brought by the Wise Men when they came to visit Jesus (Psalm 51:7, John 10:29, Matthew 2:11).

Broken For Us: Of course, when the candy cane is eaten, it is often broken, which the candy maker meant as a reminder that when Jesus was crucified, his body was broken (I Cor. 11:24).

Love of Christ: The candy cane was also made to be given as a gift, representing the love of Jesus when he gave us the gift of salvation.

Although no one is quite sure if the legend of the candy cane is really true, the beauty of the legend is such a reminder of God’s love for us around Christmas. In this legend, it was a way that the candy maker could tell the children the story of Christmas and still today, we have candy canes as a reminder of the real reason we celebrate Christmas.

Source: https://www.thebettermom.com/blog/2013/12/13/teach-about-jesus-with-the-legend-of-the-candy-cane#:~:text=As%20a%20candy%20maker%2C%20this,shape%20of%20a%20shepherd’s%20staff

Christmas Pageant

It would be impossible to adequately present, in writing, the story enacted in the Pageant by the Dayspring congregation. Many people participated in making it happen. So we are presenting the opening and closing remarks. If you want to know what happened in between, please use the following link to the videorecording of the pageant.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gUz6HRHToHr2Lfk1ef-Srr9JLvfN8mgq

Pageant Introduction

Welcome to our Dayspring Christmas Pageant! We would like to present a unique, inclusive, and relevant retelling of the Nativity story, engaging both the actors and the audience in a contemporary exploration of the timeless themes of Christmas. Today, we find God in unexpected places. Characterizing Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and the wise men as contemporary figures facing issues of homelessness, community support, and societal responses, we hope to add depth and relatability to the story. The scenes incorporate carols as transitional music, comedic moments, playful angels, and hopefully a touch of charm. Our angel is a street corner preacher. Hope, Peace, Joy and Love are his messages. Be aware the congregation is not just “watching a show.” You may be involved! And finally, the conclusion is put as an invitation for introspection and personal reflection on how to respond to the message of the Nativity. We ask that you please remain seated during the carols, so you don’t miss any of the action happening on and around the stage. Let’s begin with the carol O Come, O Come Emmanuel.

> > > > >

And now we’ve come to the end of our play. Or maybe it’s the beginning. Where did we start and where did we end up? The real ending is what happens next. And what happens next is up to you. You’ve heard and seen the story from many perspectives: a tent community, young and old angels, some cowboys, local citizens, a politician, and an Encampment Response Team. This is Advent. It’s a time for Hope. Peace. Joy. Love. Those are action words. Which ones describe your Advent? Which ones have been slumbering and need to be woken up? What are you waiting for?

We respond to serve God: Our time of giving

Sending out with God’s blessing

We are not what we have.
We are not, what we do.
And we are not what people say.
We are, in fact, the children of God and no one takes that away.
There’s nothing we can do to make God love us less.
Or more.
We don’t have to hurry or worry.
Christ has settled the score.
Rest in him this Christmas season.
Go to love and serve the Lord – and also his image everywhere.

Response: Go tell it on the mountain (133)

Music postlude

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The pageant text was developed by Andrea Gartrell with input from several others and they retain copyright (© 2023) on all original material in this service. As far as we are aware, all of the material that has not been attributed to others is their own creation or is in the public domain. Unacknowledged use of copyrighted material is unintentional and will be corrected immediately upon notification being received.

Peace

Posted on December 10, 2023December 10, 2023 by John

Worship on the Lord’s Day
Advent 2     10 December 2023      10:00 am
Online & Onsite (Mixed Presence) Gathering as a Worshipping Community
Led by the Rev Brad Childs
Music director: Binu Kapadia     Guest Violinist: Rob Hryciw     Vocalist: Linda F-B
Elder: Heather Tansem     Advent Liturgy: Iris, Sarah, and Ruth

We gather to worship God

Music prelude

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

Welcome and announcements
Silent preparation for worship

Call to Worship
Advent Liturgy for the Second Sunday in Advent: PEACE
Voice 1: The prophets call and an apostle writes that peace comes from God.
Voice 2: “For a child has been born for us…and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. …and there shall be endless peace.” (Isaiah 9)
“The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4)
Voice 1: The world, our relationships and our lives are all too often torn by conflict and injustice. Advent calls us to pray and work for peace—shalom—in the world God loves and to which Christ came. But God’s shalom is not simply the absence of conflict. Shalom is the peace that comes when we live life in the balance, loving God and one another.
Voice 2: Holy are you, Source of all new life among us.
All: Jesus Christ comes as the Prince of Peace.
Voice 2: We join with all creation and lift our hearts in joyful praise.
All: We light this candle to shine for peace. (while lighting the candle of peace)

Opening praise: Hope is a star (119: vss 1-2)

Prayers of approach and confession

God of purpose and promise, you love the breadth and depth of your creation and care for us like shepherds tend their sheep.

You set pathways for us to follow, clearing the way in the wilderness of the world.

And yet we break your heart by wandering off, pursuing our own purposes.

Still, you keep calling us back.

You call us by name in our baptisms.

You set us in the world to serve you, each one with a purpose you imagine for us.

And so we come to worship you, O God, knowing that in you, we will find our true purpose, and the path you set will lead to peace and well-being in your deep love, revealed for us in Christ Jesus.

God of mercy, we confess that we resist change, even when your Word compels us to reconsider our actions or opinions.

We are set in our ways, and prefer to consider the changes others should make.

Forgive us.

By the power of your Holy Spirit, give us new eyes for seeing, new ears for hearing so that we follow Jesus more faithfully day by day.

Response: Glory, Glory, hallelujah

Assurance of God’s grace

Friends, trust that peace and forgiveness are God’s gift to you this day through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Receive the renewing power of the Holy Spirit and be at peace with God, with yourselves and with each other.

Special Music: Piano and Violin (Binu Kapadia & Rob Hryciw)

We listen for the voice of God

Children’s time

Response: Open our eyes, Lord (445)

Who knows what this is? Yes – it’s the Christ Candle.

Why do we light the Christ Candle?

We light it as a sign that the light of Christ is with us in this worship period.

During Advent, we have these 4 candles around the Christ Candle, and we don’t usually light the regular Christ candle during Advent.

Why to we light these four candles – three purple and one pink? Hope, peace, joy, love, right? And we light them every year at this time.

The 4 candles of Advent remind us that we’re waiting for Christmas morning when the baby Jesus arrived.

Then we light the Christ Candle all year long as a sign that Christ is present with us. And here’s the weird thing though.

We do this pretty much every Sunday, right? We can’t just light these candles and leave them lit. We have to re-light them every Sunday.

We’d burn the church down. In the old temple in Solomon’s temple, they let it burn all the time. But we blow them out for safety reasons. And then we come back the next Sunday and relight them.

In our scripture readings, it talks about how God takes the remnants of the old and repurposes them for the new. God actually takes the broken or what’s left and makes something amazing from it. He does what we do with the lights.

God lights your lives. He lights up countries, nations, everything again and he takes what was used a long time ago but was snuffed out and re-lights it.

What we do with these candles, God does with our lives.

Prayer: Our God, we thank you for your presence with us. We know that even if we blow that candle out, you’re still here. We know that as we are lighting candles of waiting, you’re already here.

Our God, we know that you take the things of old and you make them new again, that you relight lives and you change the world.

God bring hope and bring peace to this world.

The Lord’s Prayer (535)

Transition music

Song: There’s a voice in the wilderness crying (128(

Today’s Message

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:8-15a & Mark 1:1-8

Response: My Lord, he’s a-comin’ soon

Message: Peace

Montreal is both wonderful and an absolute pain to get around. To McGill, it’s pretty straightforward no matter where you are: you take the train to the metro and walk the underground malls up to school. On the surface, if you’re a pedestrian or a bike, you do whatever you want; whenever you want, you just accept that horns will honk. But that’s up to the University. The rest of the Island is… insane.

The drivers are pretty spectacular. They aren’t the issue. See, the problem is the signs. There are stop signs everywhere that nobody ever stops for. In Montreal, people press on the horn and run right through the sign instead of pushing on the brakes. No matter… they still keep putting signs up. They put a stop sign up in the middle of the street two blocks from our home, where there was no intersection. They put them on both sides of the street, too, right and left. Coming home from Wesley’s school, there was a road… I kid you not… with nine four-way stops on it. Also, for some reason, each area gets to design their signs – sometimes they are on the right, sometimes hanging overhead or sometimes on the left. In Lavalle, the stop signs are plastic, 3 inches thick, with glowing white sides lit up by light bulbs. In Mount Royal, sometimes the stop signs say Stop, sometimes they say Arret and sometimes they say Stop and then angry French-speaking youth graffiti over the “Stop” with “Arret.”

They use stop signs for everything, too. In Pointe-Claire, where we lived, they put them up instead of yield signs or speed bumps. But that’s not all that’s crazy. They also have oddball signs like double reds or reds with white outer flashing rings (I still don’t know what those mean). And there are double green arrow left turns (but posted on the right side of the road for some reason).

As you cross the bridge and enter the island, there is a huge sign telling everyone that it is illegal to turn right at a red light while in Montreal. As a result, when people come to a four-way stoplight… each side gets its turn at a green, making many stoplights a 6-minute wait or more. Crosswalks, too, are a pain. On West Island, if someone pushes the crosswalk button, all traffic stops in all directions, and pedestrians get a two-minute countdown clock and then walk diagonally across all four lanes to get where they’re going. On top of this, there are “no left-hand turn” signs and “no U-turn” signs all over the place. As a result, our family often had to drive 10-12 blocks past the place we wanted to go before we could legally turn and work our way back to the desired destination. We would have to drive six blocks out of our way to a place only seven blocks from our home—six blocks in a row with no left turn and no U-turn signs. We had to take this route often, which I would’ve given for a simple “U-turn” sign.

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mark has this great way of starting his gospel: he says, “The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” And then, after saying that, Mark promptly does not talk about “Jesus Christ, the son of God.” Instead, Mark points to John the Baptist. And he does this by quoting John, who himself is quoting Isaiah. John’s words come from Isaiah 40:3: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness ‘prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.’” But then John also quotes from Malichi. 3:1 (mashing the two quotations together into a single one). He says, “I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me.” Interestingly (for at least), both quotes refer back to the angel sent to the Israelites in the desert who led the people into the promised land in Ex. 23:20). And yet, at the same time, both quotes and John’s use of them, were all also understood to be about (not the past but) the future. Everything about John said something about the future.

John the Baptist’s message is filled with images and words that resonate with the people. For example, Mark says, “John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.” Why do we need to know this? This was really important for John and Mark’s first listeners and readers. John appeared on the scene exactly where Elijah was taken up into heaven. John came where the people expected him to return. John came wearing the same clothes Elijah did and eating the same food. Every year at Yom Kipper, Jewish families put out a plate and a chair for Elijah. They wait for the one to come, bringing the message “prepare the way,” “repent and be forgiven.” Mark… Mark says in subtle terms that John is the Elijah everyone has been waiting for.

At the time of Jesus and John, the desert was a sacred place for escape. It was also a place to flee to in times of trouble because it was beyond the military control of the cities. No matter what was happening in the world, the desert may have been the best place to find peace if you wanted peace.

The desert also held a lot of memories for the Jewish people. It was the place where the people wondered before entering the promised land, and the river Jordan (where John did his baptism) was the border they had crossed to get there.

Just by standing in that spot and saying those words, John conjured up a lot of feelings for a Jewish people living in that very same promised land but now run by the Romans. Mark says, “John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.”

Now, it’s important to note that baptism was nothing new to the Jews.

Traditionally, Judaism used immersion (the Greek says “Baptizo” or “to plunge”) as a purification ritual. Baptizo is the same word used for washing clothes (you Baptizo or “plunge” them into the water). But the tradition of baptism goes back to the construction of King Solomon’s temple. Outside the Temple was the sacrificial altar where the people gave an offering for their sins, but there was also this gigantic bowl called “the brazen sea” where the priests were to bathe before religious ceremonies. In a sense (as with most of Christianity), baptism is a Jewish tradition first and as much as it is a Christian one. And that makes sense; Christianity is, in fact, a form of messianic Judaism. But John’s Jewish baptism seemed very different somehow.

In traditional Judaism, baptism was done for new converts, but it was also done before any formal worship rituals began. This meant that the priests bathed very often. Others… not so much. Yet, even for the ordinary person, this ritualistic washing was done at least thrice a year before each of Jerusalem’s three major pilgrim festivals. In John’s day, however (in the city), baptism became a fashion accessory or symbol of high status. Wealthy Jewish people living in Jerusalem had begun baptizing themselves all the time. Archaeologists have discovered over 150 early 1st-century baptismal pools. This is because wealthy Jewish families had immersion pools put into their homes. It became so popular that the Jewish religious leaders even had to come up with strict rules to follow to consider the pool to be “legitimate” and not just toys for the wealthy. To be an official immersion pool for ritual cleansing, the pools had two steps and a drying spot. They also had to hold at least forty seahs of water or 75 gallons (a large whirlpool tub holds 80). In short, what began as a rare religious rite (where people made themselves clean on the outside before asking God to make them clean on the inside)… well, it had pretty much just turned into bathing.

Now that’s not all bad. Bathing more than three times a year was probably a good thing.

In any case, ritual cleansing was certainly nothing new to first-century Jewish people. So what was so special about John then? Why did the whole city come out to be baptized by him in a river that, quite frankly – is pretty dirty?

What John was doing was very noticeably different.

John wasn’t concerned about a simple purification ritual. It was way more significant than that. His baptism was a one-time deal. John came “preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” He claimed to be able to do something only God could do… forgive.

For John, once you repent (and indeed mean it) (spiritually speaking…), you’re clean, so why would you ever need to do it again? This word he uses for “repent” says just that. The word he uses is μετάνοια metanoia meta-noi-a, and quite frankly, “repent” is not that great a translation. In classical Greek, the word is slightly different, being made up of both after and mind, but in the Konie form of Greek from Mark, the word means meta (turned) and noia (mind)… a turned… mind. The Greek lexicon refers to it as “a complete change of heart” and “a spiritual conversion.”

When John preaches repentance for the forgiveness of sins, he’s not talking about remorse. He’s not talking about feeling sorry. He’s talking about a complete about-face. He’s talking about an absolute change in direction. He’s talking about making a complete, life-changing U-turn. He’s talking about a clear and intentional shift in thinking and in actions. See, it’s not remorse, it’s not an apology he’s after… it’s turned mind.

A .W. Tozer once said, “A thousand years of remorse over a wrong act would not please God as much as a single turn in conduct.” I once heard it put this way, “Values are what we say we believe. Behaviour is a reflection of what we believe.”

To truly repent is to change one’s mind and change it so much so that we cannot help but change our very deeds as well. It’s a metanoia (a spiritual u-turn).

For all this talk of repentance, John sees it not as his primary point but rather as a means to an end. Don’t get me wrong, John wants to see repentance. It’s just not an end in and of itself. He says, “Repent for the forgiveness of sins.” This is what he cares about. It’s not people’s wrongs he cares about. It’s their forgiveness. John’s baptism is, at its heart, a mission of forgiveness. He wants people to know the grace of God. And what’s more, this forgiveness doesn’t come from him. John doesn’t want the accolades. John says he’s not even necessary. He wants people to repent, turn to God, and know His grace. John is just the messenger boy. He’s the “voice in the wilderness.” He cries out, “Make straight the paths” because you need to “Prepare the way for the Lord.” John says, “It’s not about me.” It’s all about Him.

Though Mark describes John’s fame vividly, fame was not what John wanted. Mark writes, “The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him,” but John didn’t like the attention. He was just the sign pointing people in the right direction; he wasn’t the destination. Yeah, he preached repentance, and yeah, he preached forgiveness, but Mark says, “And this was his [central] message:” “After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. ⁸ I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

John didn’t bring the message. He just pointed to it. He was the messenger saying, “Something big is about to happen,”; “Something great is coming,” “so get ready for it,” and “Make straight the paths” (make straight the roads that lead out from slavery and into the promised land, repent and be forgiven) get ready! You cannot imagine what’s coming! In the words of that great hymn, “Let every heart prepare him room.”

There were beautiful things about living in Montreal. But the signs I will never miss. Driving around for block after block in the wrong direction (my destination slowly disappearing in my review mirror), I’d have given anything for a U-turn.

And that is what John was. He was a voice calling in the wilderness. In a world where the religious symbols and rites were becoming void of their true meaning and commercialized… He was a big giant neon sign pointing the way to Christ and telling people to get ready.

This year, as the advent season progresses and we move closer and closer to our destination, closer and closer to the coming of our Lord, let us make straight the paths in our lives. Let us all metanoia. Let us turn our minds towards him, knowing that our deeds will surely follow.

God bless you as you turn, make straight the paths and prepare him room. Amen.

Song: People in darkness (124)

We respond to serve God: Our time of giving

Reflection on giving: This Sunday in Advent celebrates God’s gift of peace. When we look around the world, we see so many places where peace is missing, in neighborhoods and nations. But because we know the gift of God’s peace, we can trust that our gifts will help restore true peace to souls and situations by the power of the Spirit.

Dedication: God of promise, we offer our gifts in Jesus’ name, for we know peace through his forgiveness and faithfulness. Bless our gifts and our lives. Help us share the peace you offer with lives that touch ours throughout the world you love. Amen.

Instrumental Music

Prayer of peace

God in whom we live and move and have our being: As we gather our thoughts in prayer, we are aware of so many challenges – in our own lives, in the lives of those we care about, and in the world around us.

We wonder how you will reveal yourself in response to so many different needs.

We trust that your heart is moved by the pain and potential in each precious life for you never give up on situations which we find overwhelming…

We pray for those who are in the headlines this week, for situations that concern us deeply, and for all who cry out to you in the face of overwhelming odds:

Keep silence for 15 seconds.

Draw near to them with courage and wisdom

We pray for those who are suffering in quiet corners of our community, remembering those who are ill; those who are bereaved; those who struggle with poverty or unemployment; and all who face barriers through discrimination or disability:

Keep silence for 15 seconds.

Draw near to them with compassion and support.

We pray for those who are waiting for something significant – for a birth or a death, for diagnosis or treatment, for important news or a new opportunity:

Keep silence for 15 seconds.

Draw near to them in peace and faithfulness.

We pray for those struggle with their faith and those who have given up on you because of actions taken in your name that betrayed your love;

Keep silence for 15 seconds.

Draw them back to you in this season of wonder and love. AMEN

Song: Lord whose love (722)

Sending out with God’s blessing

Go in peace this day, ready to bear fruit worthy of your commitment to Jesus Christ and his kingdom of justice and peace.

And may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit and the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Response: Amen, we praise your name, O God

Music postlude

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Hope

Posted on December 3, 2023December 4, 2023 by John

Worship on the Lord’s Day
First Sunday in Advent 03 December 2023 10:00 am
The Sacrament of Holy Communion
Online & Onsite (Mixed Presence) Gathering as a Worshipping Community
Led by the Rev. Brad Childs
Music Director: Binu Kapadia Vocalist: Lynn Vaughan
Elder: Jane de Caen

We gather to worship God

Music prelude

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

Welcome and announcements
Silent preparation for worship

Call to Worship
Voice 1: The prophets call and the psalmist sings to announce that hope comes from God.
Voice 2: “O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence.” (Isaiah 64)
“We shall see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” (Psalm 27)
Voice 1: The world cries for justice and transformation. Advent summons us to watch, to wait and to hope. In the destruction of the current order is the promise of a new order beyond our imagination. Signs of hope are all around us if we have the patience to wait and to see them.
Voice 2: Holy are you, Source of all new life among us.
All: Jesus Christ comes as the hope of the world.
Voice 2: We join with all creation and lift our hearts in joyful praise.
All: We light this candle to bear witness to hope.

Lighting the candle of Hope

Opening praise: Hope is a star (119:vs 1)

Prayers of approach and confession

Creator God,
You made the heavens and the earth.
You set the planets in their courses, lit the sun with fire, caused the stars to shine and the world to turn.
Life springs up wherever your breath moves.
In Jesus Christ, you brought hope into a world full of fear and despair.
You sent your Spirit to enliven our hope and guide us on the way.
Now we wait in anxious times for the world to be made new.
Move in us and in all your creation to bring forth new life, while we wait with hope in your grace and goodness.

Redeeming God,
We confess that waiting is difficult when the world around us is on edge.
We are impatient with each other, waiting for someone to make a difference.
We are impatient with you, O God, waiting for a sign that things will improve.
Forgive us, O God.
Turn our hearts to you again and again, and show us how to act in hope for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Response: I waited, I waited on you, Lord

Assurance of God’s grace

Hear the Good News! There is nothing we have done, nothing we will ever do, that can separate us from the love of God made known in Jesus Christ. Take hope in this love, and live as forgiven and forgiving people.

We listen for the voice of God

Song: All earth is waiting (109)

Scripture (NRSV): I Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:24-37; and Romans 8:18-25

Response: My Lord, he’s a comin’ soon

Message: Hope

A prominent speaker in the United Kingdom tells this story that carries us back to his boyhood. When he was six years old, his mother explained that if he ever needed help, he should dial “0” for the operator and ask for Information. One day, when the boy’s mother was away, his pet canary, which always sang for him seemed to be sick and unable to sing. He remembered what his mother had told him, dialed “0” for Operator and asked for Information just as he was told. Then he explained that his canary was ill. The operator, who just happened to know a lot about canaries, gave him some constructive advice and it was not long before the canary was happy and up singing again.

Thereafter, because of the success he had, the first time he called the boy began to believe, in his young impressionable mind, that the Operator was there to help him with all his life’s problems. And so, every time the boy was alone and needed help, he would dial for Operator. Since he lived in a very small town, it was the same operator who answered each time.

Sadly, one day the boys canary died, and the boy called the operator, who had become his closet friend, and asked if there was anything he could do to bring the canary back to life again. The kind woman simply comforted him and told the boy, “Remember this, no matter what becomes of life, there are other worlds in which to sing.”

I think Paul says essentially the same thing.

As the story goes, an older man goes to his doctor and says, “I don’t think my wife’s hearing is as good as it used to be. What should I do?”

The doctor replies, “Try this test to find out for sure. When your wife is in the kitchen doing dishes, stand 15 feet behind her and ask her a question. If she doesn’t respond keep moving closer, asking the question until she hears you. Then come back and see me with the results.”

So, the man goes home and sees his wife preparing dinner. He stands 15 feet behind her and says, “What’s for dinner, honey?” No response. He moves to 10 feet behind her and asks again “What’s for dinner, honey?” No response. Five feet… Not a sound.

Finally, he stands directly behind her and asks, “Honey, what’s for dinner?” And at that the man’s wife dropped her ladle. “For the fourth time Carl, I SAID CHICKEN!”

Like Carl and his hearing loss, we all face struggles in this life. Sometimes it’s something we can solve with a hearing aid. Sometimes it’s not.

Woody Allen once said, “Life is full of misery, loneliness, and suffering – and it’s all over much too soon.”

In a way, it’s the catch-22 of life. It’s beautiful and it’s glorious. But it’s also hard. As writer, Chuck Palahniuk writes, “On a long enough timeline everyone’s survival rate drops to zero.”

Facts are facts… Suffering is universal. It’s one of the many things that every human being on earth has in common.

When the Apostle Paul wrote to the Church suffering persecution in Rome, he was not oblivious to the reality of hardships himself. When we talk about Paul sometimes, we forget that he was a real man. He’s even found in Jewish writings in the first century because he was a student of a very influential Rabbi (named Gamaliel). And like everyone Paul had struggles. In fact, he bragged about it saying in 2 Corinthians saying, “I must be out of my mind for saying so”. Later he wrote to a group of people that bragged to him about how blessed they were saying, “I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. ²⁴Five times I received forty lashes minus one. ²⁵Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, ²⁶I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. ²⁷I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked (2 Cor. 11). And he has more. But I think you get the point.

He suffered quite a lot.

In preparation for flogging, the person’s two hands were bound, one on either side, to a pillar, and his clothing was torn to expose the chest and back. The lashes were administered with a strap consisting of three long leather hide thongs. Twenty-six blows were given to the back and thirteen blows to the chest (This according to the Hebrew writing m. Makkot 3:10-14). This was done for the most severe of non-capital crimes 39 times – because 40 was considered a death penalty. But truth be told, people died all the time from 39 just the same (though that person doing the whipping was technically supposed to get in trouble for that). When Paul writes that he was beaten with rods he talks about the Roman punishment of using Birchwood staff to break bones and permanently cripple the criminal. At a time when infections couldn’t be fought off, people often died from this too.

In Acts, Luke also tells us that Paul and Silas were both stripped and beaten.

In Lystra during his first visit, a mob of people followed him from Pisidian Antioch and Iconium and started a riot because he suggested that God had blessed people from every part of the world. They stirred up the crowd and eventually stoned Paul, drug him into the desert and left him for the animals to eat (Acts 14:8-20).

Yeah… he got better. But no doubt Paul understood what it was to suffer.

The thing is he didn’t let that become the thing that ruled his mind. He wrote, “¹⁸I consider that our present sufferings are not even worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

In Why We Can’t Wait, Martin Luther King Jr. put it this way, “Quietly endure, silently suffer and patiently wait.” It may not always feel like it… but there is a glory to come. If only more people lived that out today!

Paul continues saying, “²²We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. ²³Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. ²⁴For in this hope we were saved.”

Ruby and Arnold had adopted a baby boy after five years of trying unsuccessfully to conceive. To their surprise, and before the adoption had been finalized, Ruby discovered that she was finally pregnant. Ruby and Arnold decided to go ahead with the adoption anyway and she had a boy of her own only months after receiving their child from the adoption agency.

One day when her boys were both 8 years old a childhood friend came by to visit Ruby and her family. The friend hadn’t seen Ruby in years, but she understood Ruby had adopted one child. Sitting on a bench outside the old farmhouse the friend asked, “Which child is yours Ruby?” Taken aback a bit by the question, “Both of them” Ruby answered. “Oh, I’m sorry that must have sounded incredibly rude” said the friend with great apologies. “I didn’t mean it that way of course, what poor choice of words; forgive me.” “What I meant was, they both look very similar – which one was adopted?” “You know” said Ruby… “I’ve forgotten”. (From 750 Illustrations pg13)

Paul says, “you have received a spirit of adoption and are called children of God.”

And Paul’s understanding of adoption is different from ours. When we speak about adoption today, we are talking about taking a child that is not our own flesh and blood, and legally making them our own. And that happened in Paul’s day but that’s not what he means here.

Understand that the Romans and the Greeks had a ceremony called adoption or “the placing of the son” where a boy was declared a legal heir to an inheritance, called a man and given a toga as a sign of status. But the child was generally the father’s own flesh and blood being “adopted.”

I think Paul is making a very interesting point that is unfortunately lost in English translations. That being: In the Kingdom of God, there are no orphans; there are no stepchildren. God adopts his children… but we were really His to begin with anyway.

That’s why Paul also writes, “And if we are his children, then we are also his heirs, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ.

See, it’s not that people become Christians and all a sudden the world is made from ice cream and lollipops. Suffering is universal. But Paul writes to remind us that ultimately, we are under God’s care because we are His children.

The great Albert Einstein was on a train leaving Princeton Junction in New Jersey, heading north. When the conductor came to his seat, Einstein was unable to find his ticket. He searched through all his pockets and looked in his briefcase, becoming extremely disturbed. The conductor tried to comfort him, saying, “Dr. Einstein, don’t worry about the ticket. I know who you are, and you don’t have to present your ticket to me. I trust that you purchased a ticket.”

About twenty minutes later, the conductor came down the aisle of the train once again and saw Einstein, still searching wildly for the misplaced ticket. The conductor again said to him, “Dr. Einstein, please don’t worry about the ticket. I know who you are!”

Einstein stood and said in a gruff voice, “Young man, I know who I am, but I am trying to find my ticket because I want to know where I am going!”

Ever found yourself staring into the refrigerator trying to remember what you needed just two seconds earlier. Have you ever found yourself wondering if you are going up the stairs or coming back down? Get outside to the car and think “Where was going again?”

Not to put too fine a point on it but, Paul’s answer is “Heaven”.

Now it’s important to note that Paul is not all about the “sweet by and by” he very much had a theology of the here and now. But he also recognized that sometimes suffering goes unchecked on this side of life. The harsh reality is that for some people there just seems to be no justice.

And in the end no matter how well you are, what you’ve accomplished or who you have become, suffering will get you in the end.

Years later, after the boy now a young man, returned from his university studies, he remembered the kindly operator and decided to call her again. A woman answered and he explained who he was and gave his name and told the new operator how helpful her predecessor had been whenever he had needed help. He told her how she had become his friend and about how he’d missed their little chats.

The woman on the other end of the phone, said “I was told by Mrs. Jones about you”. “Mrs. Jones… the boy knew her. She was the sweat older lady with the garden down the street. That was the operator”. The new operator continued, “Yes, Mrs. Jones – She was the operation here for 56 years. And she told me that someday you might call again – perhaps even with a problem to help solve. She told me about you when she was very sick, and she knew she wouldn’t be long for this life. I’m sorry to be the one to tell you this, but Mrs. Jones passed away about three months ago. But she told me that if you ever called again, I should tell you something. I’ve been wondering what it means for a long time. “What did she tell you to say,” said the boy. At that there was a pause and then the voice on the other end of the phone said, “She told me to remind you that: There are other worlds in which to sing” (Stories to feed the Soul 125).

I don’t know what you are going through, what your kids, your families, your parents, neighbors, grandkids, friends, coworkers are going through. I don’t know what illness or hardships you sit with today. But I do know that everyone suffers. And I know that sometimes, drugs take kids’ lives, family break up, people get abused, suffering happens, people starve, homeless freeze, little boys get shot mistakenly for playing with toy guns, not everyone recovers from cancer, and there is not always justice this side of life.

And while I wouldn’t want you to focus too much on a world beyond this one and I do to remind you that we are a people of hope. And even if things go horribly array… There are still other worlds in which to sing. Amen.

Song: Here comes Heaven

We respond to serve God: Our time of giving

Reflection on giving: The first Sunday in Advent celebrates God’s gift of hope. It is not easy to be hopeful in stressful times. But God’s steadfast presence gives us the courage to hope. So we offer whatever we have to share, knowing our gifts can spread hope in the world God loves by touching lives in Jesus’ name.

Prayer of Dedication

God of hope, we offer you our gifts, knowing you can do with them more than we can ask or imagine. Bless what we offer as tangible signs of your love at work in a world on edge, and as symbols of the hope we share in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Friend. Amen.

Response: Praise God from whom all blessings flow (830)

Prayers of hope

Father God by whose hands the universe was created,
Through whose wisdom all mysteries are revealed
And by whose love Jesus Christ our Savior was sent into this our world.

We who claim fellowship with that same Jesus, ask that you hear our prayers and move our hearts to respond in whatever way your purpose is fulfilled, and your name glorified.

We pray for your world-wide Church, that its message of hope and salvation through Christ is proclaimed with boldness and clarity, with sincere faith and without malice or prejudice.

We pray for the church’s influence on the legal and civil life of our country; that its influence for the good of all citizens is not further eroded but expanded.

We pray for our denomination, for our leaders at various levels of governance that the Holy Spirit will guide them in all decisions.

We pray for our other local churches in our neighborhood… For Enjoy Life and Greenfield Baptist and others. We pray that people in need might find the help they deserve and the hope they need between these many walls and far beyond.

We pray for organizations throughout Edmonton who care for the abused and the disenfranchised.

Our world, Lord, is not all that it could be. It is amazing and yet also filled with hatred, injustice, and greed in its people and within and between the various nations. We pray for a time when all peoples will live in mutual respect and co-operation.

We pray for centers of open armed conflict, thinking of Afghanistan, Syria, Somalia, South Sudan, Ukraine, the Near East and many others – that negotiation will be seen as the only solution and that leaders may stand up to the challenges of brokering peace deals with their former enemies.

In most modern conflicts the divisions are compounded by ethnic, tribal, or religious differences and so we pray that the warring factions reassess their grievances and focus on those things which they have in common as a first step on the road to peace.

We remember our own armed forces both those active today and those who served in days gone past. We pray for safety and respect and calm heads.

We pray for people across the world whose access even to basic healthcare is limited and who fall victim to diseases that, with modern medicines, are both readily treatable and preventable.

And we give thanks, for despite what the news might accidentally project, we are living in the most peaceful period in human history. But it is not stable.

Despite the way it may appear on T.V. gun violence has been in decline for almost 20 years. But it is not stable.

And we thank you that even though things are expensive we are some of the most privileged people the world has ever know… just by living where we do.

Lord, we pray for our own country and society. We pray for our members and our government and people around our city.

Lord be on the minds of your people. Change the world and make us instruments of that change whenever and wherever possible. Make us children of your Hope until the very end and then beyond. Amen

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Invitation

If you are a baptized person from any congregation anywhere you are invited and if you have not been baptized, we can fix that.

Here is the table of the Lord, we are gathered to his supper, a foretaste of things eternal.

Song: I come with joy (530: vss 1-3

The Lord’s Prayer (469: sung)

The Communion Prayer

Our Father, You have called us to be a people for Your own self, and so help us to unify in spirit and in purpose, to do the things You have appointed us to do (Eph 2:10), and this includes partaking and participating in the Lord’s Supper, as a body, which we are commanded to do.

Since this is Your body, the church (Matt 25:34-40), we know that You are present with us, and that You are in each and every one of us; You are all and in all. Let us remain quiet in spirit and in movement God, showing deep reverence for such a sacrament.

Help us stay focused on the bread and wine, and to think about these symbols, Lord. The body and the blood, both poured out as a drink offering, for a once-and-for-all sacrifice (Heb 10:10). We are overwhelmed by such amazing grace God, that I cannot even express it in a words or prayer!

How wonderful are Your ways and awesome are Your blessings; we thank You Lord for the bread and wine and what these mean to us, and what they tell us about our eternity. But more so, what these meant for Christ (John 3:16), as there was no greater love ever shown Lord, in all of human history, and so in a spirit of unity we all now partake of the wine and the bread, and give You the glory for Your amazing grace, in Jesus’ most beloved name I pray, Amen.

Sharing of the bread and wine

Song: One Bread, one Body (540)

Take and eat. The body of Christ broken for you.

The blood of Christ … poured out just for you.

The prayer after Communion

Lord Jesus Christ, we thank you with all our heart for your mercy and grace. Give us now and in the days to come a living hope in you; and as we serve you in the world, help us look and work for that day when at your name every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess you Lord to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Hymn: Lord of all power (626)

Sending out with God’s blessing

May God enrich you in speech and knowledge of every kind;
May Christ Jesus strengthen you to the end;
And may the Holy Spirit guide you in faithful living until he comes.
And when darkness tries to overtake you
Remember there is always hope in this life and the next
For there always are other worlds in which to sing.

Response: The Blessing

Music postlude

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