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

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 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

————————————————————————-

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 (© 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.

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

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!

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

————————————————————————-

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 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.

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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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 (© 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.

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. ²⁴ Five times I received forty lashes minus one. ²⁵ Three 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, ²⁶ I 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. ²⁷ I 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, “¹⁸ I 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, “²² We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. ²³ Not 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. ²⁴ For 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

————————————————————————-

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 (© 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.

Worship on the Lord’s Day
Christ the King Sunday      10:00 am       26 November 2023
Online & Onsite (Mixed Presence) Gathering as a Worshipping Community
Led by the Rev Brad Childs
Music director: Binu Kapadia     Vocalist: Linda F-B
Elder: Iris Routledge     Children’s Time: Lynn Vaughan

We gather to worship God

Music prelude

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

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

Call to Worship
L: We come from all walks of life: the rich, the poor; the struggling and the secure.
P: And God calls us all.
L: We bring our hearts to this time and place – hearts holding joy and sorrow, questions and wonders.
P: And God knows us.
L: We offer what we have to give: our talents and our imperfections, our faith and our doubt, our hope and our hands.
P: And God loves us. Let us worship God.

Opening praise: I lift my eyes up

Prayers of approach and confession

You our God are worthy of all praise. Like a refiner’s fire, you purify your people, temper their desires, and point them back to you. In fact, sometimes in life, the heat we feel in life is often just your love for us, even when uncomfortable. You are the shepherd, and you are the God of mercy and care.

Like children, often we believe that what we want, and what is best for us, are the same thing. Yet rarely are they. When you Father tells us not to touch the stove we find you controlling. When you want only to keep our fingers out of the light socket, we get upset, get mad at you, and blame you for our troubles or for your rules that do not make sense. But of course, they do not. How could we understand your ways? And so, we submit and call not ourselves but You Lord of our lives.

Lord today we come and admit that we do not always know what’s right for us. We ask you to lead us by your word. And we ask for the fire from above to judge us rightly and cleanse us of impurity.

Lord, fill us with fire. Fill our worship with fire. Fill our souls with fire. Clean us and make us nothing but on fire for you, your love, and the other people of this world you have given us to care for.

God help us to do the things we should do even when we do not want to, even when we’re too scared to, or aren’t even quite sure what’s right to do.

Lead us on and help us through.

Help us to turn from the things that harm us, move us away from you, or lead us to ignore our fellow travelers in this world or judge them too quickly.

In short, our Heavenly Father, help us know better, to do better, and to be… better versions of ourselves… not because you do not love us just as we are, but because you love us too much not to show us better ways.

Forgive, forget, and bring us peace. Amen .

Response: We come to ask your forgiveness, O LOrd

Assurance of God’s grace: God’s love for us is so great that all who humbly repent. and trust in the good news of Jesus Christ will be forgiven. Thanks be to God. – Amen.

Musical Offering: Here comes heaven (Binu, Linda & Brad)

Reception of New Members
Presentation
Introduction
Renunciation
Affirmation
Apostles Creed
Thanksgiving
Blessing
Right hand of fellowship

We listen for the voice of God

Children’s time

Response: Lord, listen to your children (449)

Story: The Giving Tree. Lynn shared the basic elements of the story that can be found in the book by Sel Silverstein connecting the love of the Giving Tree with the love of God and with the ways that we love other people.. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Giving_Tree .

Prayer: Dear God, help us to be your hands in this world, bringing food to the hungry, clothes to the poor, and shelter to those without a home. Just as You are generous to us, we strive to be generous and sincere in our giving to all those others as You are generous to us. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer (535)

Transition music

Song: Great is Thy faithfulness (324)

Today’s Message

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:3-4; Ephesians 1:15-23; Matthew 25:31-46

Response: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet

Message: At least we tried

Richard Warren was born in San Jose, California, the son of Jimmy and Dot Warren. His father was a Baptist minister, and his mother was a high school librarian. In high school Richard founded the first Christian club on the school’s campus, The Fishers of Men Club.

Warren received a Bachelor of Arts degree from The California Baptist University, a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1979) in Fort Worth, Texas, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological in Pasadena.

During his time at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Warren worked at the Texas Ranch for Christ, a ministry facility of Billie Hanks, Jr., where he began authoring books. Rick co-wrote two books there.

In April 1980 Warren founded a church that he called Saddleback Church (inspired by his time at the Ranch). It had its first public service on Easter Sunday at the Laguna Hills High School Theater. 200 people showed up that first day. Warren’s church-growth methods led to rapid expansion, with the church using nearly 80 different facilities in its now 37-some-year history. Which is pretty amazing considering Saddleback did not build its first building until it had 10,000 weekly attenders. They have just over twice that for their average weekly attendance today. For the last few years, they have held their Easter and Christmas Services at the Los Angeles Angels Stadium both with a packed house in a place that seats 68,000 people. At each Easter service nearly 1,000 people dedicate or rededicate their lives to Christ.

Due to the success of his book sales, (particularly The Purpose Driven Church and The Purpose Driven Life) in 2005 Warren returned his 25 years of salary to the church and discontinued taking a salary from that point on. Today he and his wife are “reverse tithers”, giving 90% to charities and living off of 10% of their income. Don’t feel too bad though, because he’s sold over 90 million books at about $20 a pop. He will be all right.

All of this makes Warren a bit of a celebrity pastor. And that is why Fox News had Warren on T.V. for a feature broadcast in August of 2006. The feature was titled, “Can Rick Warren Change the World?” Reverend Warren was interviewed about his books, his church, his work with President Obama and his leadership in the church growth movement. The interviewer also highlighted Warren’s attempts to move outside the continental United States with a global network of churches to revolutionize how to manage what he considers the five biggest problems on earth: poverty, disease, illiteracy, spiritual emptiness, and egocentric leadership. 233

Jesus had his own list of six things to address.

Jesus began talking to a group of listeners about the “Day of Judgment” exactly what Ezekiel had written about hundreds of years earlier when he proclaimed the time that, “the Son of Man will come in glory”.

In the semi-parabolic story of today, Jesus says that the Son of Man will divide up the sheep and the goats based upon his own 6 criteria. In the story His sheep are the ones who: [not feed] fed Jesus when he was hungry, gave Jesus something to drink when he was thirsty, invited Jesus in when he was a stranger, gave Jesus clothes when he needed them, took care of Jesus when he was sick and visited Jesus when he was in prison. ³⁷ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

And Jesus will answer, “Whatever you did for the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did for me.”

Next in the story; in the same way, The Son of Man will divide the goats to his left hand and by the same 6 criteria he judges them: In opposition to the Sheep, The goats did not fed Jesus when he was hungry, they did not give Jesus something to drink when he was thirsty, they did not invite Jesus in when he was a stranger, they did not give him clothes when he needed them, take care of Jesus when he was sick or visit Jesus when he was in prison. And like the “righteous” the goats too are confused. And very interestingly, they also call out in the exact same way. And they call Him Lord! They are His followers… or at least they think they are.

And they cry out, “When Lord, did we see you hungry and not feed you, or thirsty and not give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and not invite you in, or needing clothes and not clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and not go to visit you?’

And conversely Jesus said, ⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did not do for me.’”

Ouch.

It is interesting because it is a story many of us probably know very well. But it’s also a story we all pretty much agree with in principle.

Some of the things Jesus says are (while usually my favorite) actually very outrageous. Some of the things he says are just wild and shocking. This… well I think we would all pretty much agree that we should be feeding the hungry and giving water to the thirsty and clothing the naked and on and on. Helping people seems second nature to us… doesn’t it?

Sebastian Junger is an author. You might know him from his most famous book. It is also a movie and in fact Tracy and I watched it just a few nights ago. The film and the book go by the same name – The Perfect Storm.

But long before Sabastian became a famous writer, he decided to hitchhike his way across the United States as an interesting experience. The following story occurred while he was making his way through the aftermath of a blizzard in Gillette, Wyoming:

After two or three hours I saw a man working his way toward me along the on-ramp from town. He wore filthy canvas coveralls and carried a black lunchbox, and as he got closer, I could see that his hair was matted in a way that occurs only after months on the skids. I put my hand on the pepper spray I kept in my pocket and turned to face him.

“You been out here long?” he asked. I nodded.

“Where you headed?”

“California.”

“Warm out there.”

“Yup.”

“You got enough food?”

I thought about this. Clearly, he didn’t have any, and if I admitted that I did, he’d ask for some of mine. That in itself was not a problem, but it would mean opening my backpack and revealing all my obviously expensive camping gear. All the sudden I felt alone and exposed and ripe for pillage, and I just did not want to do that. Twenty years later and I can still remember my answer to him as clear as day: “I got some cheese”, I said.

“You won’t make it to California with just a little cheese,” he said. “You’ll starve.”

At first, I didn’t understand. What was he saying, exactly? I kept my hand on the pepper spray.

“Believe me,” he said, “I know. Listen, I’m living in a car back in town, and every day I walk out to the mine to see if they need any extra help for the day. Today they don’t, so I won’t be needing this lunch of mine.” “So, I’ve got just the right ticket for you.”

All a sudden I began to sag with understanding. In his world, whatever you have in your bag is all you have, and he knew “some cheese” would never get me all the way to California.

He didn’t ask because he needed something. He asked because he had something to give.

The guilt of that truth washed over me.

“I’m fine, really,” I said. “I don’t need your lunch, [but I do thank you for the offer.]”

He shook his head and opened his box. I remember thinking that it was a typical church meal—a bologna sandwich, an apple, and a baggie with chips—and I kept protesting, but he would not hear of it.

In the end, I finally took his lunch and then I watched him walk back down the on-ramp toward town.

Sometime later, I’m not sure I remember when, it hit me… I was his Jesus. Not because I was his savior, but because to him I was the least of these.

I learned a lot of things in college, I thought, and I learned a lot from books on my own. I had learned things in Europe and in Mexico and in my hometown of Belmont, Massachusetts, but I had to stand out there on that frozen piece of interstate (so that I, a person with a lot of safety nets to catch me) to learn true generosity from a man who owned nothing but a sandwich and then gave that away too, so a person he’d never met could eat.  487

No doubt we should be just like that man on the cold, frozen road… trying to care for people in need. And yet as Mother Teresa very rightly pointed out, it’s generally “the least of these” that do the best job of caring for others.

Now I’m not, not saying that the so called “poor” care for each other and we don’t. That is just not true.

The truth is, we all believe we should be doing these things, right? But we are also busy people. In an era when many of us feel that time is our scarcest resource, hospitality falters… In the words of a Benedictine Monk, “In a fast-food culture, you have to remind yourself that some things cannot be done quickly, Hospitality takes time.” 184.

We care… I think we’re the sheep on the right. Sometimes we’re just too rushed.

Or is it worse?

Are we apathetic? Have we gone numb?

I’m going to beg some forgiveness for this before-time, and I’ve toned it down a bit for you. But I’m going to do it anyway because I think there is a lot of power in this quotation.

Easily one of my favorite theologians and someone I’ve quoted many a time is Tony Campolo. He is a pastor and a professor at Northeastern University and Pittsburgh theological Seminary and he is a truly amazing speaker with his finger on the button of modern life.

In fact, Tony Campolo and his wife did a tour where they debated each other on the issue of same sex relationships in the church. Tony saw no biblical justification. His wife said differently. But they were both so wonderful in how they disagreed. Tony has since come to agree with his wife.

But Tony Campolo first garnered significant media attention several years ago because he went to a very famous and very large and very conservative church and there Tony preached a sermon on the Sermon on the Mount, (just like I am right now).

He began like this: “I have three things I’d like to say today. First, while you were sleeping last night, 30,000 kids died of starvation or diseases related to a simple lack of clean water. Second, nobody in this room gives a damn about them. Third, what’s worse is that most of you are more shocked right now by the fact that I said a certain word, than by the fact that I said 30,000 human beings/little kids! died! last night! of something easily preventable.”

People say kids are desensitized due to video games. Well… then what was my excuse the first time I heard this quote? Tony got me. I suspect he just got some of you too.

Do you think that sometimes we followers of Jesus get our priorities a little mixed up?

Did you know that 7.66 million human beings (mostly children) will die of nothing but simple lack of food this year? Where is our outrage? Where is our righteous indignation!?! The true cry for justice?!?

Last year, 1.7 million people died from runny stool.

Don’t we care???

I do

… but I also feel like one of those goats Jesus’ story, right now.

Honestly, this world is so huge and so out of control. More people will be hungry or thirsty or naked or wrongly imprisoned or ill or alienated in the next 24 hours than most of us will even ever meet in our lifetime; let alone be able to do something for. I don’t mean to be a downer, but I think sometimes (it’s not that we don’t care it’s that) we don’t get shocked about the “least of these” anymore because there are too many of them and too few of us. And unless you are one of the 1.12% of the word’s population holding 45.8% of the money, it feels like spiting in the ocean.

Yes, Jesus told us to take care of the poor, to feed and clothe and consider the needs of everyone.

But quite frankly, I think at this point, we’re all just overwhelmed. I mean, really … What can we do to put a dent in things?

—

This world is complex. And the truth is, it’s hard to know exactly what to do, when and how. Brilliant minds and thousands upon thousands of social workers and community organizers have tried massive projects.

But bear in mind that this same Jesus also told us that we would always have the poor among us. We could all give away everything we have and barely put a dent in things, so that can’t be the answer, can it?

As the story goes, one night a woman dreamed that she was having a conversation with God. She was angry about all the suffering and evil she saw around her, so she complained to God like a lot of us do. And with streams of salted tears pouring out her eyes, across her cheeks and even dripping from her chin… she called out in agony, “God, why don’t You do something about all this?”

And across God’s face came a sense of deep and utter disappointment as God gently whispered “I did do something. I gave them you.”

You know the truth is, I believe we have been called to care for each other in very literal ways and that this is exactly what Jesus meant. I suspect most of us would agree on that. I suspect that most of us would agree also that the job just seems too big to handle for us as individuals, us as a community, us as a church, as a network and even for us a nation. But I also suspect that you would agree as well that there are things, we can do to make a difference for someone (or many someone) else’s lives.

Back in California, throughout that slightly awkward interview Rick Warren found himself haunted by the question continually thrown his way: Can his plan really work? Can one nation or one network or one church or one person really heal the hurts of the world? Does Warren have the golden ticket?

At the closing of the program Warren did not shy away from the question any longer but met it with the words that he has asked to be the sole inscription on his tombstone: It is to read, “At least he tried.”

I do not know what you can do.

I do not always know what I can do.

You and I will have to figure that out for ourselves.

But know this… Somewhere out there; on that highway that is your life, Jesus is there waiting for you. He is cold, unkempt, sick, suspiciously imprisoned, in a country torn by war, a place where poverty rules, or just simply in need of water and a sandwich.

For the least of these:

Go out this week and change the world.

Do not empty your bank account.

Remember that tomorrow there will still be more to do.

Do not be overwhelmed.

Find some small way and keep doing it.

And though we cannot feed and clothe them all,

BUT if someone ever asks you if you cared for the goats, you can say, “I don’t know if it’s the golden ticket, but at least I tried.” Amen.

Song: When the poor ones (762: vss 1,2,4)

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!

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

Prayer of gratitude and for others and ourselves

Your kingdom is among us, and you are always at work, bringing good out of bad and life out of death.

Open our ears to the cries of those who seek your kingdom’s justice,

open our eyes to situations where the reign of your kingdom appears absent, open our hands so that they might help build your kingdom in your world.

You came as one who was hungry and thirsty.

Where people are without homes, suffer drought and unjust economic practices, where people gather to make the world a better place.

where they use their skills to improve the quality of life and society.

Your kingdom comes.

Your will be done.

You came as a stranger in need of welcome.

Where there are people who wander and live lonely lives and are      strangers in a strange land, or who feel that love is missing, or they experience pain because of the loss of love or friendship; and where people are warm and extend friendship and are inclusive and welcoming.

Your kingdom comes.

Your will be done.

You came as one who was naked.

Where people do not have enough clothing, shelter, or the basic resources of life, where people live without dignity and are exposed to every kind of pain and hardship, and where people work in shelters and   through the government, courts, and churches to ensure that people are well cared for.

Your kingdom comes.

Your will be done.

You came as one who was sick.

Where people feel pain in their bodies or in their minds or spirits; where people seek healing or help those in pain; in places where illness has done its worst and desperation and death have moved in, and where people work with science, medicine, prayer, and counseling to improve life and health.

Your kingdom comes.

Your will be done.

You came as one who was in prison.

Where people are inhumanly treated and the law is unjust and where         people work within the legal and political systems to ensure that          justice is done and wherever new life has begun, where hope flickers, where there is laughter and joy, where there is healing and positive change, wherever there is good news to celebrate.

Your kingdom comes.

Your will be done.

Amen.

Song: The love of God comes close (474: vss 1,2,5

Sending out with God’s blessing

And now, go with the love of God behind you. With Christ as your instructor. And with the Holy Spirit leading you on. Go forever. Amen.

Response: God to enfold you

Music postlude

————————————————————————-

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 (© 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.

Worship on the Lord’s Day
10:00 am       19 November 2023
Online & Onsite (Mixed Presence) Gathering as a Worshipping Community
Led by the Rev Brad Childs
Music director: Binu Kapadia       Guest Pianist: Yvonne Boon
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: In the morning, as the clouds gather and break,
P: We open our eyes and stretch our arms to a new day.
L: As we gather, and the papers rustle and the pews creak, and old friends whisper together,
P: We become the beloved community again.
L: In our words and songs and silence and prayers,
P: We open ourselves to wonder, and gratitude, and praise.

Opening praise: Reckless love

Prayers of approach and confession
Transforming God,
you take the night and give us day.
You take our strife and give us peace.
You take our sadness and give us joy.
You take our fear and give us courage.
You take death and give us new life.
O God, you give and you give and you give.
So we come to praise you
and offer our love and loyalty as your willing servants
in the name of Christ who enriches our lives with grace
and in the power of the Spirit who prays within us
when we cannot find the right words to honour you,
God most kind and generous.
Trusting God,
you placed your mission in our hands
and gave us gifts to accomplish amazing things in Jesus’ name.
We confess sometimes we’ve taken credit for what your love has done.
Sometimes we’ve called our own desires your will.
Sometimes we’ve stepped back and let others carry responsibilities.
Forgive us when we’ve failed to honour your trust in us.

Response: Glory, Glory, Hallelujah

Assurance of God’s grace: 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.
So trust God’s promise.
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and given a new start by God’s generous grace.

Musical Offering: Yet not I but Christ through me

Warren Garbutt (piano), Linda F-B, Lynn Vaughan, Brad Childs (guitar)

We listen for the voice of God

Children’s time

Response: Jesus loves me (373)

Story: It said that in this small country church in a little village, there were 2 young boys who worked in the church for the priest. They were called altar boys and they would go and set up some of the things like putting the candles up – that kind of stuff. And so they helped out in the church.

One day, before the Sunday Church Service, the 2 boys bumped into each other and they accidentally spilled the wine out of that big cup and it went all over the place.

Now, the priest really liked the one boy, but didn’t really care too much for the other.

So he told the one boy that dropped the wine: “Leave and don’t come back again.”

And then to the other boy. He said: “It’s OK. In fact, I think someday you’re going to be a priest.”

Now that seems very, very unfair, doesn’t it?

Well, a few years go by and the one boy actually does become a famous priest. He becomes a man named Archbishop Fulton Sheen who was a great Catholic theologian.

The other boy grew up to be General Tita, the commander of the Yugoslavian Communist Party who took his country to war.

You know, one little sentence. 2 different people.

In our book for today in Thessalonians there’s a verse from chapter 5 and it says Therefore go out and encourage each other and build each other up. Just as in fact you are in the habit currently of doing. Whatever you do in life, remember, this week, you’re going to encourage somebody.

If you want to say something bad, don’t. Encourage them instead because you might just change somebody’s life forever.

Prayer: God, we thank you for our friends, our families, and for our loved ones everywhere, for teachers and mentors and grandparents and everyone else who cares for us and loves us.

We pray that we would be encouraging to our friends and even to people we do not know. God make us encouragers. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer (535)

Transition music

Song: Follow me the Master said (645)

Today’s Message

Scripture reading: I Thessalonians 5:1-1 & Matthew 25:14-30

Response: Glory to the Father

Message: Love others into being

Presbyterian Minister, the Reverend Fred Rogers was the creator of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” a children’s television show that began airing in 1968 and ran until 2000—that’s 895 episodes. In 1997, just before retiring his show, Mr. Rogers won the Emmy’s Lifetime Achievement Award. This is an excerpt of his speech.

So many people have helped me to come to this night. Some of you are here. Some are far away. Some are even in heaven. All of us have special ones who have loved us into being. Would you just take, along with me, 10 seconds to think of the people who have helped you become who you are? Those who have cared about you and wanted what was best for you in life. 10 seconds of silence. I’ll watch the time.

Whomever you’ve been thinking about, how pleased they must be to know the difference you feel they’ve made.

In the video recording of that event, you can see actors and actresses tearing up during and after those ten seconds of silence.

All of us have special ones who have loved us into being children of God; helped us along the way and encouraged us. Some here. Some far away. Some are even in heaven where they join the saints around the throne still praying and offering intercession for us. We all have had spiritual parents. Will you be that for someone? Will you be a spiritual parent that raises children to follow Jesus and invite others to follow him or gently nudge someone else along?

1 Thessalonians was written around 51-52 A.D. and was the first letter Paul wrote to a church.

Paul arrived in Thessalonica in the winter of 49 A.D. after a very difficult experience in the city of Philippi (as in the book of Philippians). Paul stayed just a short while in Philippi and then was forced to leave by government officials. This meant that the church in Thessalonica would be without support just a few months after its very first Christian gathering in the entire city had begun.

It was almost doomed not to survive. How could it.

It was young, had no organizational structure and was worried about death, very worried about being killed for their interest in Jesus, and obsessed with the “end times” (which they thought would come so soon that they quit their jobs believing it pointless since Jesus could arrive at any time!).

Paul’s young student Timothy (as in the books of 1^st and 2^nd Timothy) joined Paul in; Athens relieving Paul of his loneliness. BUT Timothy was almost immediately sent to Thessalonica (as in the book of Thessalonians) to encourage them in a difficult time. After a short visit, Timothy once again joined Paul. This time Timothy met Paul in the city of Corinth (as in the books of 1^st and 2^nd Corinthians). And in Corinth, young Timothy gave his mentor Paul very good news. The Church was still alive and more than that, it was thriving. The people were still sharing the gospel. Yes, the church in Thessalonica had some worries but they were doing unexpectedly well.

They were doing astonishingly well and for a very simple reason, the two ministers agreed: They didn’t pick on each other. They didn’t complain. Not even a little complaining. They did the old, “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all” deal! They seemed to have also thought of saying negative things like we might consider an exceptionally contagious virus. And they were right! People die from physical viruses; congregations die from negativity and gossip and bickering (we’ve all seen that at some point) and often from an otherwise absolutely beautiful human being who somehow came to self-justify a “helpful critique” that’s just “food for thought” yet also just so happens to be mentioned to everyone but the person being secretly evaluated and being given the supposed “help”.

We have all encountered this behavior at some point in our lives. Most people grow out of it by the end of Jr. High School but not everyone. We all know the person that tells you all the stuff they don’t like (which is probably about 10% of things) while neglecting all the stuff (probably around 90% or so) that they do like but regrettably and disappointingly and inauspiciously somehow also failed to mention.

In every church from this one, to the clandestine congregations meeting in North Korea (a consequence of which visiting demands a penalty of public execution). Negativity breeds negativity. And it’s poisonous to communities.

In its place, the Thessalonians tried encouraging each other. And to boot, it’s not like they all thought the same things about everything, or they all loved the same things. I am certain they had disagreements. They just appear to have largely conversed about those matters which coincided most between congregants. In other words, they spoke about what they agreed upon rather than what they were unhappy about.

I rather think of this like they are discussing a metaphysical Kindness Virus. The congregation is doing great. They are “full of joy” from what Timothy told him. They’ve replaced a disruptive virus with a spread of congruence and praise. They replaced the virus with encouragement.

1 Thessalonians is intensely personal. Instead of the typical focus on adjudicating between Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians, or correcting doctrine that didn’t fit with what the witnesses said happened: instead of impressing upon people the importance of freely accepting forgiveness rather than foolishly rejecting that gift while we simultaneously try to work off that same debt that’s already been paid. Instead, In 1 Thessalonians, Paul speaks almost entirely about interpersonal relationships. He’s not philosophizing so much as he is chatting.

It’s only in the final chapter (the part that we read from today) that Paul in conclusion addresses the people’s big questions and concerns about what happens to people to die before the return of Christ and their obsession with the end times. Still, this is caged within Paul’s point about the importance of the community.

Fundamentally, everything in Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians is about how Christians relate to one another in the community. How we are great and how we are less than at times.

In verses 10-11, Paul wrote, “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, (dead or alive) we may still live together with him. [Death and life are nothing.] 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are already in the habit of doing.”

In a nutshell, Paul says, ‘that other stuff, isn’t that big of a worry. The stuff you fight over and the worrying about what a Just and Loving God will do with people who seek Him out and die before His return. Things that may happen someday don’t change anything that has to do with how we live as the church in the very present here and now. Our job isn’t to worry about death or fire from below, golden streets and harps above or the “end of days”. We are just meant to be spiritually preparing for any possibility believing that someday God will shake things up again and bring about a conclusion.

From Paul – to the congregation meeting in Thessalonica – he says that no matter what else until such a miraculous event takes place (and it could be 5,000 years away just like it could be tomorrow so, go get a job already you mooches). And then basically he just says that people should spend whatever time they have (be it a day like the Thessalonians fear, or 10,000 years away) encouraging each other and building each other up.

William Arthur Ward said, “Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will never forget you.”

Encourage me… and I will never forget you.

The importance of encouraging each other simply cannot be overstated. Who wants to be around a bunch of people who tear each other down or whisper about one another in secret or fight over the 10% instead of celebrating the 90%?

In one of his sermons on this very text, Charles Spurgeon wrote the following words, “Fault-Finding is dreadfully catching: One dog will set a whole kennel howling.” What’s that old line about “Judge not” again?

By contrast, building each other up is a major theme in the bible. The word for encourage here is (Pa-Rocka-Le-Oh) “parakaleo” in koine Greek. It appears 114 times in the New Testament. Encouragement, 114 times. The word most literally means, “to come beside”. This is a variation on the word most often used to describe the Holy Spirit. Again… Encourage each other… 114 times!

To me, it sounds like God is pretty serious about the encouragement thing. I’d perhaps go so far as to say that if we are not encouraging each other… then we’re not being the church.

In agreement, at one point the author of the book of Hebrews writes similarly, “Encourage one another daily, as long the day is called Today-” (Hebrews 3:13.) In other words, never stop encouraging each other. Never stop.

The beauty of it is threefold:
1) It’s easy.
2) It’s free it costs you nothing and
3) Everyone needs it.

For the moment I’ll remind you that I’m American so maybe this story has more weight with me, than you but I’ll tell it anyway. The night Second term Republican President, Abraham Lincoln was assassinated at Ford’s Theatre, he had on his person several small items. These were:
-Two pairs of glasses.
-A small velvet eyeglass cleaner.
-An ivory pocketknife.
-A large handkerchief with “A. Lincoln” stitched on it; in red.
-A tiny pencil nub.
-A brass sleeve button.
-The same simple pocket watch given as a “standard issue” to everyday soldiers (my grandmother has one of these).
-And a brown wallet with a Confederate five-dollar bill inside.

And one more thing. President Lincoln (perhaps the most important leader in American History) also carried with him 8 tiny newspaper clippings that he had cut out and kept for safekeeping. All those clippings praised him for one act or another. I love that. And I think we all do that. I think we all carry words of encouragement with us written down or not. And everybody needs encouragement, from the youngest child to the immensely powerful. We all need it.

Now that doesn’t mean we’re all good at it. And I get it, some people are good at it. Some people couldn’t be forced to say something bad to somebody else if you put a stick of dynamite to ‘em or threatened to tie them to the railroad track. Others not so much.

One day 2 men were talking as they saw a woman walking down the road. One of the men said, “That’s Mrs. Jones. She always has something good to say about everyone.” The other man decided to test her, so when she got close he hollered, “Mrs. Jones, what do you think about the devil?” Mrs. Jones thought for a second and then answered, “He sure keeps busy doesn’t he; hard worker that one?”

Encouragement may not be everyone’s gift but If Mrs. Jones can find something nice to say about the devil then I promise you, you can find something nice to say to the people in the pews next to you or even the person you’ve just met. So why not start now. Encourage someone. Encourage everyone. (Pa-Rocka-Le-Oh) Parakaleo (come up beside someone).

In the fall of the year, Linda, a young woman, was travelling alone up the rutted and rugged highway from Alberta to the Yukon. Linda didn’t know you don’t travel to Whitehorse alone in a rundown Honda Civic, so she set off where only four-wheel drives normally venture. The first evening she found a room in the mountains near a summit and asked for a 5 A.M. wakeup call so she could get an early start. She couldn’t understand why the clerk looked surprised at that request, but as she awoke to early morning fog shrouding the mountaintops, she understood.

Not wanting to look foolish, she got up and went to breakfast. Two truckers invited Linda to join them, and since the place was so small, she felt obliged. “Where are you headed?” one of the truckers asked.

“Whitehorse,” she said.

“In that little Civic? No way! This pass is DANGEROUS in weather like this.”

“Well, I’m determined to try,” was Linda’s gutsy, if not very informed, response.

“Then I guess we’re just going to have to hug you,” the trucker suggested.

Linda drew back. “No offense but no thanks!” she said.

“Not like THAT!” the truckers chuckled. “We’ll put one truck in front of you and one at the rear. In that way, we’ll get you through the mountains safely.”

All that foggy morning Linda did what everyone in Alberta does from time to time.

She didn’t so much drive as she just followed the two tiny little red dots in front of her (and luckily too, had the reassurance of a big escort behind her) as they made their way safely through the mountains.

Life is messy. We all have issues. Everyone in this room, has some secret worry; some desperate hope. Caught in the fog of our dangerous passage through life, everybody needs to be “hugged” from time to time. And so together we move forward, with fellow Christians who know the way and can lead safely ahead of us; with others behind for us to lead the way. We too can be imitators of Christ, who come beside each other and constantly encourage each other.

And then who knows, maybe someday, when someone else takes 10 seconds to think about the special ones who were their spiritual parents, who helped “love them into being”, they’ll think of you. Amen

Song: Father, we love you (300)

We respond to serve God: Our time of giving

Reflection on giving: In the Church that bears Christ’s name, we receive the legacy of faithfulness offered to us across many generations. Our gifts continue to build up the inheritance we share in for generations we will never meet, so that they will meet Jesus and reach out to others in his name.

Prayer of Dedication: Faithful God, we offer humble thanks today for your generosity to us through the Church that bears Christ’s name. Receive our gifts as tokens of our love and loyalty. Use them to sustain the mission of the Church in ways we cannot yet imagine, in a future that you are creating through Christ, our Saviour and Lord. Amen.

Prayer of gratitude and for others and ourselves

God of all life and each life,

We thank you that you are with us every day, in each challenge and opportunity.

In our weakness, you are strength.

In our confusion, you light the path ahead.

In our questions, you offer wisdom for our choices.

Stay with us in these days when so much seems uncertain, and help us to serve you faithfully, when and as we are able.

God of loving kindness,

Thank you for each moment of joy and celebration in our lives: for love given and received, for friendships which bring meaning and happiness, even from a distance, and for family members who show us glimpses of unconditional love.

In all our relationships and interactions, keep us mindful of your call to see you in each another.

God of the nations,

we worry for the world filled with conflict and division, when the earth itself is put at risk by destructive human actions.

Guide diplomats and politicians to look beyond short term interests, and keep the well-being of vulnerable people and the planet in focus.

Open our leaders’ minds and hearts with wisdom to develop more equitable ways of ordering our common life.

God of healing,

we pray for those who are suffering in these days when winter is closing in.

Draw close to all who fear the future.

Comfort those with pain or problems that seem overwhelming.

Shine the light of your love into our sadness and sorrows and show us how to comfort and support each other.

God of life,

We thank you for your saints of every age who continue to inspire us, and for all who have meant the world to us and now live with you.

Keep us in communion with them and, at the last, bring us all to dwell together in your light. Amen.

Song: We are one in the Spirit (471)

Sending out with God’s blessing

Be a kingdom builder this week. Find a way to offer your time and talent to a project worthy of God’s hope for the world God loves!

And so may the blessing of God, Creator, Christ and Spirit, fill you and overflow through you to touch others with God’s renewing love.

Response: God to enfold you

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 (© 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

Worship on the Lord’s Day
10:00 am       12 November 2023
Online & Onsite (Mixed Presence) Gathering as a Worshipping Community
Led by the Rev Brad Childs
Music director: Binu Kapadia     Guest Pianist: Yvonne Boon
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: We gather to worship on this, the Lord’s  Day.
P: What will God accomplish among us in this time?
L: We have come together for Sabbath rest and renewal.
P: What will God accomplish among us in this place?
L: We are here to offer our praise and thanksgiving.
P: What will God accomplish among us in our hearts?
L: Confident of God’s work among us at all times and in all places, let us worship God.

Opening praise: Great are you, Lord

Prayer of Lament

O God, we cry out to you from the depths.
Hear our prayers and our longings.
Lord, have mercy.

We are tired with grief, a sorrow sometimes too deep for words.
Christ, have mercy.

We see conflict and devastation all around us, on a scale that we can’t comprehend.
Spirit, have mercy.

The poor and needy cry for help.
The love of God and neighbor has grown cold.
Mothers and fathers weep for their children.
Power and division maim the Body of Christ.
Lord, have mercy.

Nations are rocked with war and violence.
Christ, have mercy.

Disease and destruction plague our world.
Spirit, have mercy.

How long, O Lord? Hear us as we silently lift our prayers to you.

….

O God, we believe that you are our shelter and strength.
You never leave us in our time of need.
Grant us your peace.

Your love is compassionate and faithful, never-ending.
You are near to the broken-hearted.
You comfort those who mourn and work justice for those who are oppressed.
Grant us your peace.

We put our whole trust in you.
Full redemption is in your hands.
Make us instruments of your peace.

You teach us to walk humbly with you,
following faithfully where you lead.
Send your Holy Spirit to renew us to proclaim the gospel with word and action.
O God, we cry out to you from the depths.
Have mercy on us, grant us the peace of Christ, and transform us by your Spirit to follow in Christ-like service to the world.

Make us instruments of your peace. – Amen.

Response: I waited, I waited on you, Lord

Assurance of God’s love: To turn to God is to trust. In His word, it says that when we confess our sins become as far away from us as the east is from the west. In Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.

Special Music: This little light of mine (Clare Johnson)

We listen for the voice of God

Children’s time

Response: Open our eyes, Lord (445)

Story: John was a boy about the age of some of you. One day he was playing with a friend who let him ride his new bicycle. It was a very nice bicycle — probably a lot like this one that we have here today. After riding the bicycle for a while, John got off and parked it behind a car in the driveway. John and his friend got so busy playing that they forgot all about the bicycle. After a while, the woman who owned the car came out of the house and got into the car. She started the engine and began to back out of the driveway. You can probably guess what happened. “CRUNCH!” The sound was unmistakable. Without looking, both boys knew what had happened. The woman had backed over the bicycle. All that remained was a pile of twisted metal.

The woman jumped out of her car and began to apologize. “I am so sorry. I didn’t see the bicycle. I will gladly pay for a new one.”

What a relief! John’s worries were over—except for having to tell his father. John didn’t want to tell his father what had happened, but he knew he would find out anyway. When he told his father what had happened, he forgot to mention that he had left the bike in the driveway. He just said that the woman had run over the bicycle, and she was going to buy his friend a new one. When his dad asked him where the bicycle was when the lady ran over it, he confessed that he had left it in the driveway. “No way is she going to buy a new bike” John’s father said. “She didn’t do anything wrong. You are the one who left the bicycle in the driveway, so you are the one who is responsible.”

John’s heart sank. He didn’t have the money to pay for the bicycle. He only had a couple of dollars in his piggy bank.

John’s father looked at him and said, “Son, we all make mistakes. I know you are sorry for what you have done and that you don’t have the money to buy your friend a new bicycle. I will pay for the bicycle.”

John ran to his daddy, put his arms around his neck, and with tears running down his cheeks, he whispered in his daddy’s ear, “Thank you, daddy. I love you!”

That is a good picture of what our Heavenly Father has done for us. We all make mistakes—it is always a mistake to disobey God’s Word. The Bible calls that sin, but the Bible tells us that our Father loved us so much that he sent his only Son to die on the cross to pay for our sin. There is no way that we could ever repay him for what he has done for us. All we can do is say, “Thank you” and try to show him how much we love him.

That is what today’s Bible lesson teaches us. (Luke 7:41-47)

How often do you tell your heavenly Father that you love him? How do you show it?

Prayer: Dear Father, we love you and we just want to say, “Thank you.” You paid a debt we can never repay. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer (535)

Transition music

Song: Give me oil in my lamp (655)

Today’s Message

Scripture reading: John 10:1-10 & I Thessalonians 4:13-18

Response: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet

Message: Danny’s ears

Guy Dowd tells this story I really love. It could be an elaborate parable for all I know but I love it and I tell it with this caveat.

Danny was born with no ears. He could hear all right, but he didn’t have ears like most people. Times were a little different even just a few years ago. All his life, Danny endured ridicule and rejection because of his deformity, but he learned to live with it. Thankfully, he had loving parents and a strong family to sustain him.

When Danny was in high school, his doctor told him of a new procedure that made it possible to transplant ears from one person to another. While today a person can actually grow their own ears on the forearm with the help of stem cells that certainly wasn’t always the case. That meant Danny could get new ears, but only if someone who was compatible with his physical make-up donated theirs.

Still, this was exciting news! After all, people donate body parts to science all the time—hearts, lungs, kidneys… whatever. However, Danny soon found that donors for ears were extremely scarce. Danny didn’t give up hope, however. He believed that someday he would get new ears.

Danny didn’t really have friends, but he had time to study. He graduated from high school with honors and was accepted to a private university thousands of miles away from home. And so when the day came, he kissed his parents good-bye and began his life as a college student. He got to start over in a whole new place. But again, Danny found it hard to make friends and fit in because of his ears, or lack thereof. It’s not that the other students were rude; it’s that they generally seemed uncomfortable and so just pretended not to see him.

One day he got a phone call from his father. “Go to the hospital tomorrow, Danny. A donor has been found. And it’s all set up.”

The very next day Danny checked into the university hospital where doctors were ready to perform the surgery. A few hours later, Danny had new ears. When the bandages came off, Danny gazed into the mirror for hours. He finally had ears like everyone else. For the first time in his life, he wasn’t ashamed of the way he looked. He felt like a whole person. He not only had new ears, he had a new life.

A few weeks later, Danny received another phone call from his father. “Son, your mom was in a car accident today, and she may not live through the night.”

Danny was on the first plane home. But when he arrived, his father gave him the sad news that his mom had died just after Danny had boarded the plane. Together they cried at the airport gate. Later that night the father and son pair went to the funeral home, where Danny was able to see his mother for the last time. She’d never seen him with his new ears. He knew she wasn’t really there, but he wanted to “show her” anyway.

In just a few weeks Danny had experienced the highest pleasure of his life and now he felt the lowest depths. With tears in his eyes, he showed his mother his new ears and told her about the procedure. And then he leaned over to kiss her cheek and say goodbye. And brushing her hair back from her face, he noticed that she had no ears.

It was a mother’s incredible love that provided Danny with a suitable match and a new life, and it is our Heavenly Father’s incredible love that provided us with our new life. (Hot ill. Red 178) And it should never be wasted.

Romans 5:8 says “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Our God would literally do anything for us and has. He would give up not just his ears but his life so that we might know what it is to live.

The simple fact of life is that – Life is not always easy. It’s filled with amazing highs and devastating lows alike. Much of this is out of our control. No one knows what tomorrow will bring, what storm will come, what car will run a stop sign or what illness we might get or find out we’ve already had for some time. And when hard times come there are reasons to be sad. But not everything is beyond our control.

The islands around Indonesia are among the most beautiful in the world – crystalline tropical water, beautiful reefs with fish colored in every hue of the rainbow, powerful waves, and tranquil bays.

Tourists, surfers and most popular of all – scuba divers from around the world have discovered these hidden jewels and pay massive sums of money to enjoy this unspoiled aquatic playground.

But most of the locals won’t swim. Neither will they dive, surf, wade, bathe, or do anything else that places their bodies in the warm, inviting water. Their fear of the water is so powerful that even though they are surrounded by amazing oceanic scenes, they despise even the fishing that must be done on their waters as a necessary evil to sustain life. Although things are starting to change, almost none of the native islanders ever learn to swim.

Why do they deny themselves the pleasure of exploring the natural wonders all around them?  Because a long time ago, someone told them a lie. Someone told them that the ocean was full of demons and that swimming in it would bring hardships and curses upon them and their families. To this day many of the Indonesian islanders still believe it. (H Ill.114)

For centuries the island people have missed out on the joys of ocean water, the surf and exploring the underwater world that surrounds them. The kind of life most people can only dream of is right before their eyes but they are too afraid to accept it.

So too do many Christians today live in fear rather than in the freedom we are called to live in. Many believe the old lie that God is some kind of cosmic killjoy who wants to take away our fun and make our lives dull and boring and put steal in our veins where blood and life should be.

Don’t believe the lie. Nothing could be further from the truth. In 1 Peter 1:8 it says, “Though you have not seen him, you love him, and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and this is why you are so filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.”  Christians are in fact, supposed to be joyful. John (10:10) in his all-too-familiar letter writes that God wants us to “have life” and to what? “Have it abundantly”.

Is that the life you’re living today? One filled with abundant joy? Not are you problem-free. That’s a whole different thing. But Are you living a life filled with abundant joy? If not… Why not? What’s stopping you? What takes away your joy? And more importantly, why do you let it?

Don’t let it. That’s not how we are called to live.

My grandmother (My Dad’s mother – Grace Childs) died back in 2013. She lived in the same town of about 100 people for her entire life but in three different houses. The third house was a trailer which was put up right next to the second house (which was also a trailer). The reason? Grandma Grace’s second house was filled to the top with her very “special treasures”. Boxes and cases of Diet Pepsi lined the walls as tall as me. She had three terrifying old dolls with thinning hair that stood 4 feet tall, and knickknacks and magazines along with many other things. Especially treasured though were two things, a strange collection of frog figurines (a tribute to her family Maiden name “Hopper” as she was born Golie Grace Hopper) and of course… She loved jewelry.

And although she never had much money, she did have a significant amount of costume jewelry. It was everywhere. Most every year since I’ve been in Canada I’ve bought both grandmothers a piece of jewelry for Christmas. Grandma Childs would always say (or write to say) thank you and she always added that she “planned to wear it for some special occasion”. And so she would carefully take it out to admire it and then place it back in the box and put it away in one of her drawers, filled with similar little items in similar little boxes, for that special occasion.

When my aunt went through her bedroom after the funeral she found box after box of bracelets, necklaces, and broaches… and I guarantee that everyone was a “special treasure” that she truly cherished. But almost none of them had ever been warn. Most boxes had gift receipts inside the boxes or still had price tags on them. Though I am completely certain that she dearly loved each one. But after that first glance, she had probably never looked at them again.

All those boxes… They all just sat there, hidden inside a drawer waiting for some imaginary “special occasion” that never came.

—-

This is a short story about the Wells family.

After Jan Wells died, her husband found a box in her top drawer. It was a beautiful article of clothing she had bought on a trip to New York, 9 years before she died. But she’d never wore it. Like Grandma Grace, she was waiting for a special occasion, but for whatever reason, nothing was ever quite “special” enough.

After finding that box her husband gave this pointed statement to Jan’s sister, “Don’t ever save anything for a special occasion. Every day you’re alive is a special occasion.”

Jan’s sister never forgot that. It changed her life. Ann writes, Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not endure. I’m trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them. I’m not “saving” anything; we use our good China and crystal for every special event–such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, the first fall of snow or the first flower blossom. I wear my good blazer to the market. My husband and I wear a suit and a fine dress to MacDonald’s for date night. You can’t imagine how much fun that is!

Since my sister died, I’ve stopped saving my good perfume for special parties; clerks in hardware stores and tellers in banks have noses that function as well as my party-going friends. “Someday” and “one of these days” are fighting a losing battle to stay in my vocabulary. If it’s worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now while I can. I’m trying very hard not to put off, hold back or save anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives. And every morning when I open my eyes I tell myself that this is a special occasion.”

Christians, hear this: Christ didn’t die for us so that we can all be sinless and living forever in paradise. That may be a part of it but that’s not the here and now of it. Christ didn’t die for the dead. He said he “came for the living”. He said he died so that we might “have life and have it abundantly;” full of meaning and purpose and joy. TODAY.

Christ didn’t give his life up just so we could all walk around being dull and miserable all the time. Frowny face on Sunday Morning like we don’t know the God of the universe who rescued and still cares for us. He gave it up to show us a new way to live… a joyful way.

That’s the life we were called to.

But while we should be living joyfully, we tend to let troubles get the better of us.

We worry about all manner of things. But the truth is pretty simple. If it’s out of your control then worrying about it isn’t going to change it. And if it’s in your control, stop letting it steal your joy away! It doesn’t have that power.

Stop letting whatever it is that steals your joy, dictate who you are, or who you are being called to be… and LIVE a new life; not tomorrow TODAY! This the day!

We were called to live lives full of meaning and purpose and to do so with joy.

He gave us ears. So let’s hear his words.

Jesus said, “I came that they [that’s every one of you] might have life and have it abundantly.” So, let’s do it. Amen.

Song: May the God of hope (726(

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!

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

Prayer of thanksgiving

God of infinite mercy, we offer thanksgiving for your goodness. You have not forsaken your people. When our tables are laden, it is due to your grace. Our lungs are filled with the life you breathe into us’ our limbs move with purpose because of the strength you impart. When anxieties engulf us, you hide no compassion from us. If we are afflicted with pain you are present.

We give you thanks for Christ Jesus who fulfills all that you promised. In him, we have confidence that you accept who we are. It is he who redeems us despite our rebellions and offers salvation when we stray from your will. He tempers judgement and brings intercession and stays His anger. We approach you Lord with the assurance that you hear.

We give thanks to our loved ones who are now at rest with you. Their faith in Christ helped transform ours. We thank you as well for saints of each age and prophets of old. We join their pilgrimage. Thank you for your kindness and commitment to us. Aid us as we continue our journeys in obedience and in Joy with a story for of love to tell. Amen.

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

Sending out with God’s blessing

Let us depart in peace, and in love and charity with our neighbors. May we be joined together in the common goal of service to God and Country. Let us drive safely and carefully to our homes and may God’s blessing be with us all and forever. Amen.

Response: God to enfold you

Music postlude

————————————————————————-

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 (© 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.

Worship on the Lord’s Day
Remembrance Sunday     05 November 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    Guest Pianist: Yvonne Boon     Vocalist: Linda F-B
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

Procession of Veterans’ pictures and laying of wreath

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields. (John McCrae)

Prayer:  O God, we remember . . .

We remember today that you are the giver of every good gift, and one of your gifts is peace. You have blessed us with freedom, and you have met all our needs. We live in a country where we are not judged for our beliefs, where we may gather without fear, where we have mutual respect, shared rights.

O God, help us never to forget your gifts. They have not always come so easily.

We remember those who gave their lives in two world wars, the Korean War, and other countless conflicts. We remember them and also the families they left behind.

O God, help us never to forget the prices paid.

Lord, your son, said that people have no greater love than to lay down their life for their friends. You laid down your life for us, and you call us your friends. Those who were killed or maimed or scarred in wars laid down they’re or the pieces of their lives for us.

O God, help us to live lives worthy of their sacrifices and also yours.

We remember that you alone are the source of peace and justice. We pray with all our hearts for peace in our times. Bring true peace to those places where conflicts continue to smolder.

God, we beg you that you may find ways bring an end to hatred and senseless violence and give peace in our time that last long after we are gone.

We remember, God, that homes and workplaces, schools and streets are not always places of peace. Yet you have offered us the way of peace through the love of Jesus Christ.

God, help us to accept your offer and to find another way, the way of Love, the way of the Healer and Great Physician – Jesus Your son.

We hold up before you, all those who work for peace: For you have said, “Blessed are the peacekeepers”.

O God, help us to be peacemakers in our homes, our communities, and our world.

. . . may we ever pray: Lord God of Hosts.

be with us yet,

Lest we forget; Lest we forget. Amen.

Each day, a bugle was sounded in military camps to begin and end the day;
this was called the “last post” and was also sounded for those who had died.
We will now hear the “Last Post” and have a minute’s silence to remember.

Last Post

Silent Reflection

Reveille

Call to Worship
L: Let us bless the Lord at all times.
P: God’s praise will always be on our lips.
L: Magnify the Lord in all ways.
P: We will lift up God’s name together in worship and in service.
L: God, send your light and your truth as we gather to worship.
P: May they lead us into your holy presence.

Opening praise: O come to the Altar

Prayers of approach and confession

God, we come before you this day as we do every day. Many of us come before you as one of the wealthiest, and safest people that have ever lived.

We come to you not from substandard housing or a place of malnourishment.

We have reliable electricity and public services.

We come to you from many places but also from a shared world where the same number of people have HIV as a university education.

God, we know that there is nothing wrong with being fortunate. But Lord we to easily forget just how fortunate we are. Remind us of our many blessings and help us to see the face of your son on all those we meet just as we ask you to help others see his face in us.

For our errors we seek forgiveness. For ignoring the blessing, we have. For a world and people taken for granted.

Forgive us for our errors and remind us how blessed we are in you.

Response: I waited, I waited on you, Lord

Assurance of God’s forgiveness

Our God is a God of Love and Mercy: who gives us infinite chances. This is the good news… in Jesus Christ we can be forgiven. -Amen

Song: Blest are they (624)

We listen for the voice of God

Scripture readings (NRSV): I John 2:1-3 and Matthew5:1-12

Response: Behold the Lamb of God

Message: Things known

Sergeant Kenneth E. Neu was stationed with a U.S. Airborne unit in Germany, where the parachute drop zone is located right next to a Mercedes-Benz sport test track. One windy day, a gust of wind blew Sergeant Neu’s parachute off course and over the speed track. Knowing how hard landing on asphalt can be, he braced himself in fear. As the rock-hard track came up at him faster and faster, he tucked in and prepared to roll hoping to break only his legs in the process. Just then Sergeant Neu landed, rolled, and lay sprawled out on the track. Amazingly he felt unharmed… he was fine.

But suddenly the wind inflated Neu’s parachute once again and it began dragging him down the length of the track. He hit the chute’s canopy release and dropped again. Once more he checked himself and felt unharmed.  Then the young man looked up just in time to see a car speeding toward him (he couldn’t report on which one it was). Acting quickly, he dove out of its path; narrowly escaping death and rolled of the edge of the racetrack. Out of breath but uninjured, he blurted out, “How lucky can I be?”

Relieved, he turned, stepped into a gopher hole, and twisted his ankle.

(Today in the Word, March 19, 1995)

Wayne Sharpton of Georgia is something of an interesting case. In 2005 Wayne won $350,000.00 on a Vegas Nights Scratch Lottery ticket. When asked how he felt about winning the lottery Wayne said the same kinds of things most people say… like “It’s a blessing” and, “I’ll still go to work in the morning just like every other morning”. But Wayne did it. And he kept on doing it. He kept his job as a service technician saying that $350,000.00 wouldn’t be enough to make him leave his job.

Then in April of 2006 Wayne stopped in for his morning coffee… and also Wayne bought two more scratch lotto-tickets. Only this time something different happened. This time… he took home 1Million. As always, the reporters came and they asked him once again, “what does it feel like to win the lottery?” And just as before Wayne said, “I’m blessed” and then, “I’ll still go to work in the morning just like every other morning”. And again, He did.

Wayne Sharpton is something of an interesting case. In less than two years he won the lottery twice. So… You’d think he’d be used to it when three months later he won another 2.5 million.

“Lucky” is what sergeant Neu called it. Wayne Sharpton: “Blessed”. Very few people, I think, would disagree. But what exactly is it to say someone is “blessed”?

The story of the beatitudes is told by two different New Testament authors. People (particularly non-Christian people) love to point out the differences between the two descriptions Luke and Matthew make. As with any account this could be due to several reasons including themes, imagery being employed, the genre being used, the kind of audience the gospel wants to address or even the way the author wants to order the events. In any case both Matthew and Luke deliver Jesus’ Beatitudes… or Blessings within their own unique perspective and context.

In Luke Jesus presents this message in The Sermon on the Flat Plain. In Matthew however, Jesus pronounces these blessing to the 12 disciples in the Sermon on the Mount. When Luke the Physician and Historian recounts the message, he has heard, his Jesus on the level plain speaks more about the immediate physical needs of the people saying, “Blessed are the starving, for they will be feed”. And “blessed are the poor, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven”. But when Matthew tells the story, Jesus speaks in a more spiritual nature. He tells the disciples “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven” and “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

Personally, I agree with the critics that think these accounts in Matthew and Luke are a little too different to be harmonized. But I don’t think that makes them untrue. I just think that that if Jesus happened to have a few very good sermons then perhaps he might have used some of the same material more than once.

What is most interesting for me though are not the differences in how Jesus and the writers of these gospels used these teachings. Rather it is the commonality and agreeability one finds regarding these sayings. If I asked most people what they thought of these blessings, my guess is that most people would have no difficulty with them. The people outside those doors having brunch today don’t particularly know or like the Jesus who overturns tables and chases people with a whip (reference?). The one who appears in Revelation wearing a robe that’s drenched in blood and has fire in his eyes is not exactly secular friendly. BUT the Jesus of the Beatitudes? Now that’s a Jesus people can really get behind. The Jesus that says, blessed are the poor is cool. He’s nice and unthreatening and seems sort of like a lovable hippy. The beatitudes have somehow become commonplace, and sterile; cute and friendly.

But that is what’s odd about it. For the original audience these blessings were shocking. They disturbed people. Biblical scholar and author Andrej Kodjak says, “the intent behind these blessing was to provoke offence by his words and to capsize all common understandings of God”.  And it worked, not long after this as Jesus is preaching, he feels anger and unrest of the crowd boiling up so much he begins an attempt to calm his listeners down and says, “Do not think that I have come to abolish all of the Law of Moses”. In fact, both Mathew and Luke constantly describe the crowd’s reaction to Jesus’ words as being one of astonishment and shock.

If what Jesus says is so offensive, so shocking so astonishing? Why is it that we have such an easy time accepting these blessings? Why do they seem so nice?

What’s wrong with “Blessed are the poor, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven” or “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted”?

Well, the first problem is our understanding of what blessing meant to the Jews at this time. We are not just talking about “happy” although that could be a part of it. And we are not just talking about being “lucky” either.

You see, Blessed is at its core, the opposite of cursed. Blessed was the intended favor of God visited upon the righteous in the form of wealth, stability, family, and health. But that’s not who Jesus is talking about?

The people he’s talking about are cursed. Right?

On the one hand “blessed is the perfect translation” that’s why almost every translation of the bible uses it. On the other hand, there is really no word in English quite like this “blessed” because it’s kind of like saying fortunate, without need, or lucky but more like “chosen by God to be lucky”.

Today we use this word in a very haphazard sort of way “I’m so blessed”, but they thought of it is a direct action of God. And the other side to the coin was where God directly cursed you. You know, the poor, the hungry, the ill.

The Common English Bible has Jesus using the word, “Happy”. So does Young’s Literal Translation.

Once oddity here is that Matthew records these blessings in Greek and Jesus may have pronounced them in Greek but probably not. Considering the ethnic group listening to Jesus, he may well have spoken these blessings in Aramaic and then Matthew translated this for his audience. In this case Jesus would have used the word Asher for “blessed” and Asher is closer to gifted or fortunate.

In the Amplified Bible the Translators write:

“Blessed [spiritually prosperous, happy, to be admired] are the poor.

“Blessed [forgiven, refreshed by God’s grace] are those who mourn.

“Blessed [inwardly peaceful, spiritually secure, worthy of respect] are the gentle.

“Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger.

“Blessed [content, sheltered by God’s promises].

“Blessed [anticipating God’s presence, spiritually mature].

“Blessed [spiritually calm with life-joy in God’s favor].

“Blessed [comforted by inner peace and God’s love].

“Blessed [morally courageous and spiritually alive with life-joy in God’s goodness].”

No matter exactly how this word is translated, this “blessing” Jesus pronounces upon the downtrodden is said to be the intended will of God for them.

Seeing the lack of proper shock in the reaction of modern-day readers, one commentator tries to put this into a more contemporary context. He says, “You must imagine Jesus saying these words, ‘Without need are those who lose their homes in a flood. Lucky are those who have just lost a loved one. Fortunate are those who have been beaten and abused. Blessed…, Blessed are those with cancer.”

Jesus’ words here just seem to roll off our tongues and out the door without our ever really thinking about them, but they were far from commonplace. These blessings were shocking.

Jesus says, “Blessed are the poor”.

It’s important to note here that Luke also uses this same word “poor” in his account and that it is used elsewhere in Luke where it is translated “impoverished”. In one place where Matthew uses this same word it’s translated as “a cringing beggar”. We’re not talking about someone who’s short on pocket change here. “Blessed by God is the cringing beggar”. He says, “blessed are those who weep” those that lost their wives, husbands, parents, children / “blessed are those who morn”. He says, blessed are the meek, those whose land has been taken from them; whose homes are no longer truly their own. People whose God and who’s scriptures are slowly been replaced by Caesar: People who have been made subjects (without a true King of their own). “Blessed are the meek”: the victims of war and poverty paralyzed and unable to react in the face of troubles.

The second reason why we don’t take proper offense at these words, is that in some cases we tend to think of these blessings as a call to become like these people, as in “Blessed are those who show mercy” or “Blessed are the peacemakers”. And then we assume that we are being told to show mercy or make peace. And of course, that’s not offensive. But the problem is simple. Here Jesus is not asking us to become merciful and he is not asking us to become peacemakers. What he is doing is simply pronouncing blessings upon those who are already merciful and already are peacemakers. He doesn’t say, “blessed are you who will soon try to become merciful or peacemakers.”

In fact, if these beatitudes were things, he was calling us to be, then we would have to say that Jesus is calling us all to be in mourning, to be persecuted and starving.

To be blunt. The blessings are not about calling us into action. Our actions, our attempts to be merciful and our attempts at peacemaking are a byproduct at best. The beatitudes tell us who is already blessed.

We sometimes want Jesus to tell us what to do so we can do it. We want it to be simple. We want easy rules to follow and so we look for them even where they are not. In reality these sayings don’t really give us anything to do. They are not a way for us to earn God’s blessings. They simply tell us who is blessed. And the answer is jarring, because it is completely different from what the world tells us.

They tell us that lucky, that fortunate, that being “blessed” is not what we think it is.

No matter how you feel. No matter what circumstances you face. No matter how beat down you’ve been. No matter what you’ve done, not done, or has happened to you. God has blessed you and still have more blessings for you.

Whether you are hungry, living on the streets and poor as in Luke’s gospel or you are hungry and thirsty for righteousness, or poor in spirit as in Matthew… Whether you are mourning or weeping… whether you are lonely, ill, in financial turmoil, worried about you children, parents, loved ones. grieving… whether you are abused or persecuted… Jesus is saying to you. You will laugh again, you will be comforted again, because in Him, you too are blessed and Yours is the Kingdom of Heaven.

Thanks be to our God.  -Amen

Song: Shall we gather at the river (797)

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!

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

Dedication of Offerings: For the blessings of this and all our days, we thank you, gracious God. Accept, we pray, not just this money but also our lives freely offered in gratitude for all you have done for us. Use them both, in this place and wherever you might take us. Amen.

Prayer for the persecuted

We pray for those suffering because of their Christian faith; that the Holy Spirit will guide and protect them and nurture courage and faith, giving them the grace to forgive those who persecute them.

We pray also for those who follow your Son in bearing their cross, that they may, in every trial, glory in the name of Christ and that they may be given courage, hope, and perseverance.

For our sisters and brothers who, like your Son our lord, had to flee persecution from dangerous political powers, we pray for safety, strength, and guidance. Let those who flee persecution and war in [name of place] find safety and protection, and the ability to rebuild their lives in dignity and contentment.

For those who provide assistance to refugees and people suffering persecution and violence, we pray that they may be safe and see the face of Christ in the most vulnerable people in your world. We pray also for guidance for those who help refugees. We recognize that people who have experienced trauma often have pressing physical and mental health needs.

We pray that those assisting refugees and people suffering persecution and violence find the necessary resources to help address and care for the trauma that the people they help have faced.

We pray for those who persecute Christians and other religious minorities, that Love, and mercy will illuminate their hearts, that they will come to see the common humanity of all peoples, and that they will cease committing acts of hatred.

We pray for government leaders around the world, that they may recognize the grave responsibility that comes with power, and form and keep just laws that protect the persecuted and work for an end to violence and war.

We pray also recognizing we have at times limited the religious freedom of others and have failed to protect others from religious persecution.

God of mercy and of grace, we confess that we have not protected others when they have faced religious persecution.

God of the migrant, the minority, the oppressed, and the outcast, we humbly confess our silence, our ignorance, and our complicity in the plight of religious minorities in Canada and around the world. We pray that people everywhere will respond to the work of your Holy Spirit to build better communities and nations for all people, not just the majority or the powerful. It is in this work that we meet Christ and his reconciling love. Amen.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Invitation
We are all guests invited to this table.
This is the Lord’s Table
and it belongs by right to all his people.
It is the gift of God for the people of God.

Song: Put peace into each other’s hands (560: vss. 1,3,4,5)

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 Communion Prayer

Our Compassionate Father we thank you for existence; for the creation of all that is and more importantly for your continued creative acts.

Your involvement in the world has not ended. You continue to create with constant collisions in space, in the expansion of our universe, by providing rain and seeds, and in the birth of each new child.

You continue to create in us: new ideas, new identities, new ways of growing and learning, new connections, new marriages, new disciples, new friendships.

Isaiah the Prophet wrote, “I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. ² Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. ³ And they were calling to one another:

“Holy, holy, holy Lord: God of Power and Might. Heaven and earth are full of his glory.”

God is Hosannah in the highest. (The one to be praised above all others)

Precious Lord, we thank you for the gift of salvation sent through your son Jesus Christ. We thank you that you loved us so much that you came to be not just with us, but one of us. You the God of all power became infleshed, skinned knees, learned, grew, suffered, witnessed the deaths of those you loved and even gave your own life up in our place.

Now God, we ask – Pour out Your Spirit here and now in new ways on Your people. Let none of us remain in conflict with one another, none eat or drink in judgment upon one another, but instead bring us peace that passed understanding… both now and forever. Amen

Sharing of the bread and wine

Institution (1 Corinthians 11:23-26 ESV) “For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, ‘This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

The Fraction: Minister breaks the bread.

When we break the bread, it is a sharing in the body of Christ.

The Pouring of the Wine: Minister pours the wine.

In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’

For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” When we bless the cup, it is a sharing in the blood of Christ.

The Revelation: Minister holds up the bread and cup.

“The gifts of God for the people of God”.

Song: One bread, one body (540)

Serving of the Bread and Wine

The prayer after Communion: Make us always aware of our abundant blessings. And so, make us ready and willing to bless others. And be with us always on our way, no matter where our journeys take us. – Amen

Hymn: Crown him with many crowns (274: vss. 1,2,4,5)

Sending out with God’s blessing: In this place, we have met the God who will never abandon us.

Now we go out into a world where it can be easy to feel alone. As we go out, we carry with us the promise that God is with us always. In the laughter and tears of life, in our triumphs and our struggles, God is there. Indeed, when we walk through the storms of life we never walk alone.

And now,

May God the Creator, the Redeemer, and the Sustainer of all that is, be with you on all the paths of life and strengthen you as you go.

Response: The Blessing

Music postlude

————————————————————————-

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 (© 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.

Worship on the Lord’s Day
Reformation Sunday      10:00 am       29 October 2023
Online & Onsite (Mixed Presence) Gathering as a Worshipping Community
Led by the Rev Brad Childs
Music director: Binu Kapadia     Vocalist: Rom Ehoad
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

Brad: I once heard a fictitious story about the Pope who was on a visit to the US for a period of time. On his last day of the visit, he was delayed due to meetings and was unable to break away to catch his flight.

Since he couldn’t depend on his bullet-proof Pope-Mobile to get so far, his handlers phoned for a limousine. When the limousine arrived, the limo driver was joyfully stupefied that it was the Pope who had called on him. Obviously, the limo driver became nervous and was beside himself. He proceeded to drive very slowly. The Pope became nervous and told the driver to hurry up. It did not make a bit of a difference. The driver went slower; he wanted to keep the Pope in his limousine as long as he could. It was like a dream combined with a blessing the driver thought. But the Pope could not be delayed any longer, so The Pope asked to drive the limo himself. 

What could be done? The driver had no option. He wouldn’t say no to The Pope. And so, after a brief swap, the Pope sped off and quickly reached a speed of 175km/hr. The officer who stopped him was shocked when she discovered the famous personality behind the wheel of that limousine. She was so shocked that she frantically phoned her police chief and said, “Chief, I have stopped a very important figure for speeding. I don’t know what to do?”

“What do you mean? Give them a speeding ticket!” 

“Ma’am, in all honesty, I can’t.”

“Why can’t you? The law is the law. Who is it anyway?”

Silence

“Well… Is it the mayor?” –“No, Ma’am.”          

“Is it the Governor?” –“No, Ma’am.” 

“A senator?” Nope.

“Is it the President?” –“No, Ma’am.”

 “Well, then, who is it?!”  

“That’s the thing Chief, I don’t know who it is! All I know is that the Pope is driving them to the airport.”

Now… just so you know. That has nothing to do with this servise. I just thought it was a funny joke. 

Silent preparation for worship

Call to Worship
L: In the beginning, God called the world into being, saying,
P: “Let there be light!”
L: In the fullness of time, Jesus came from God to us, saying,
P: “I am the Light of the world.”
L: In our everyday life, we see the work of the saints,
P: The ones in whom God’s light shines.
L: So let us give thanks for the saints this day,
P: And let us worship God.

Opening praise: Love the Lord your God

Prayers of adoration and confession

God, our God, You are gracious and loving, holy and eternal.

Your love is steadfast.

Your presence ever near.

Your wisdom is older than time and as fresh as the morning dew.

Your name has come to us through the centuries, yet you can always do a new thing to draw us back to you.

God, Creator, Christ, and Spirit, we offer you our prayers and praise this day in humble expectation.

Surprise us in this time of worship and refresh our readiness to serve you.

God, our God, You know our hearts, the times we truly loved one another. and the times we merely tolerated each other.

You know our minds, the times we truly focused on you, and the times we pursued our own purposes.

Forgive us those times we went our own way, and renew our commitment to live lives marked by your grace.

Response: Glory, Glory, Hallelujah

Assurance of God’s grace

Our Lord became sin for us. Our sins have been suffered for and they are our no more. There could never be greater news than this. We are forgiven. We are free. We belong to God. Amen.

We listen for the voice of God

Children’s time

Response: Open our eyes, Lord.(445)

Story

Brad: Who knows what this is?

Kids: A nail.

Brad: Yeah, what do you do with a nail?

Kids: You can hang something on the wall?

Brad: Like a picture? … OK. … What about this one? What’s this do? … It’s a clip and it’s for holding stuff together. Like paper. … What else can hold something together?

Kids: Tape? Paper?

Brad: Paper holds things? I don’t know if paper holds things together. … I know what might hold things together. How about these? You know what these are?

Kids: Staples?

Brad: Right. Staples hold things together. … What else holds things together?

Kids: Paper clips? … What else?

Adult: A belt?

Brad: Yes, a belt holds things together. True. …What else? Maybe glue. …  Glue holds things together really well, right? Well There’s a lot of stuff that holds things together.

Brad: What holds people together?

Kid: Jesus?

Brad: Yeah, that’s a good answer. I like the Sunday school answers where it’s either God or Jesus or Holy Spirit, right? But what else holds people together? What do you think? I love the Sunday school answer, But what do you think? … No guesses from the people? … What is it? Handcuffs? Well, those do hold people together.

Brad: However, I think the answer is love. Love is what binds human beings together. It’s the ultimate glue or staple or paper clip, or tape or anything else that you can think of when it comes to other people.

In the book of Proverbs in 1,717 it actually says: “A true friend loves you at all times.

You’re going to make lots of friends at school and you’re going to do your absolute best to be a true friend and to do that you have to do to stick together like glue.

Prayer: God, we thank you for our friends. We thank you for the people that come in and out of our lives. We thank you for our families. We want to hold together. So, God, send us the love that can embrace all of us and bring us together.

The Lord’s Prayer (535)

Transition music

Song: The Church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ, our Lord (479: vss1,2,4,5)

Today’s Message

Scripture reading: Psalm 1; I Thessalonians 2:1-8; Matthew 22:34-

Response: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet

Message: Shema Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Echad

Shema Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Echad.

The literal word meanings are roughly as follows and without much if any debate:

Shema (A three-part word) — listen/hear news and “act on this.“

Yisrael — Israel, (the descendants of Jacob/Called Israel) and/or a “gathering”, (in Greek translated as Church or more accurately “a crowd”) in the sense of a people or congregation of “the chosen”.

Adonai — often translated as “Lord”, this word is not usually in the written form of the prayer. The prayer originally used the Tetragrammaton[1]. The people did not dare misuse the name YHWH and so did not ever say it. Instead, they used Adonai (and at other times, other words) in place of the Tetragrammaton so as not to accidentally offend God.

Eloheinu — our God, the word “El” or “Elohei” signifying God (a general term for Devine as typical in Hebrew scripture commonly as Elohim. It was originally used for all God(s)/god(s) in this area including by the Canaanites who like Israel had taken the land from more brutal nations before them. The plural possessive determiner suffix “nu” or “einu” signifying “our” and so this doesn’t mean a god (small g – a different god) and it doesn’t mean one among many. It suggests a High God of Gods (if any such other gods dare claim to exist).

Echad — Echad is the Hebrew word for “1” (the number)

As you can imagine it could be very hard to think of God as Triune the way that we do after meeting Jesus, for earlier Hebrews and even later Jewish people. The single most important verse then says that God is the number 1. And that One and Only God created, chose, punished, bought, and owns Israel forever.

“Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God! The LORD is One!”

Listen up God’s People. Hear this! Act on these words!

Shema Yisrael!

The Shema prayer is named after the first word in this prayer and can be found in the Hebrew Bible in Deuteronomy 6:4-9. It is a section of scriptures that is thought to comprise the whole of the Law (or Ten Commandments) and is the central teaching of the Jewish faith. When one asks a Rabbi even today “What is the most important verse in the whole of scriptures?” the response will almost inevitably come… (the Shema) “Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God! The LORD is One!”

This is common knowledge to all of Israel throughout most of its existence. Few if any statements hold as much meaning. These words have been and currently are memorized along with only a few lesser portions of scripture by the majority of Jewish children at the age of 13. As soon as one is said to be an adult this prayer is intended to become a part of their daily lives.

Over time the Shema has been added to with two other major sections of scripture and is repeated more often than any other prayer in the scriptures within even today’s synagogues. Sadly, for many of us Christians however, we know only a portion of the prayer. The first half of this verse is, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD is One… BUT the second half is… Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. It continues “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Remember when we talked about this in Revelation when the Beast wanted to put its number on the hands and heads of the people?

Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” The Shema is taken very seriously. As verse 7 indicates it is recited “when you lie down” and as it states, “when you get up”. The verse is prayed in the morning before you begin your day and then again at night just before you retire to bed. It is said at least these two times each day. For most a third prayer took place as one “walks along the road”. But this is only the minimum. In other words, it’s sort of ingrained in folks and likely also, for many, rote.

What’s more, these truths are intended to be written on your hearts (memorized) but also on your heads and your hands. This prayer is about hearing God’s call and knowing God listens. That God is One and also yours.

Orthodox and conservative Jews take these verses quite literally. Not only should they do these things symbolically but also literally. And so, they would attempt to remember God with their hearts and with their deeds but at the same time Physically and Literally wear the scriptures on their bodies during their prayers. As the verse says, “Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and your gates.”

Because of this, many Jewish men will often wear two small leather boxes on their bodies during the prayer: one strapped to their hand with a long leather band, and the other strapped to the head much like a tiny hat worn just off to one side. The boxes contain these scriptures written in almost minuscule letters on a small scroll rolled up and kept safely in the box. The mezuzah prayer scroll is also affixed to the doorposts of the home and symbolizes the immanent presence of God with his people.

It begins… Shema Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Echad

“Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God! The LORD is One!”

Though the tradition of the Shema as a morning and evening prayer is sometimes said to have found its origins in the time of Moses himself, it has no doubt gone through numerous adjustments as each new generation came to identify its centrality and importance and then incorporate it once again into its customs. Even at the time of Jesus the Shema was in heavy circulation. The Shema was the primary prayer recited during worship in the Synagogues and is said to have been used at every gathering including being used as the opening prayer at all funeral services. The Shema is recited constantly and is generally the first prayer learned and it is generally the last one said and last one heard.

It is no wonder that when Jesus is confronted with the question “Which is the greatest commandment” Jesus promptly responds with the Shema. In Matthew (our reading), the gospel author cuts the first line out thinking it is inconsequential. The second part is the shock. But in Mark’s telling of this story Mark recounts the entire comment of Jesus. It reads, “Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God! The LORD is One!”

The confrontation is unique. Today most of us tend to think of the Pharisees and Sadducees as being essentially the same. But this was not the case. The Pharisees and Sadducees were the two major sects of Judaism in Jesus’ day, and they were constantly at odds with each other; both of them were routinely attempting to see which group people belong too. And because Jesus had a crowd, they wanted to know if he belonged to them. Was this renegade rabbi a respected but strict Pharisee or an educated liberal Sadducee? Or maybe he wasn’t even one of the two larger groups. Maybe he was a Zealots (like Simon) who wanted a war? Or maybe he one of those separatist Essenes living out in the desert with their own temple system? They want to know.

In our reading of today, the two most prominent groups come to confront Christ at the same time. First, the Sadducees come to him with a question about the resurrection hoping that like them he will deny the existence of an afterlife and therefore align the crowd with the Sadducees and with the Romans they happily worked with. OR would he show his lack of knowledge of the scriptures to be dismissed along with his teachings and crowds?

Jesus is not lacking in knowledge, and he is not about to agree with the Sadducees. When confronted with the question he quickly shuts them down by quoting from Exodus 3:6 and what’s more he shows the people how foolish the Sadducees have been. In this, he proves both not to be a part of the Sadducees but also quotes the texts so that he will not be seen as a heretic that they can easily condemn. And after he has proven himself to them it seems that it has become the Pharisee’s turn to take a crack at him.

The Pharisees were happy with this Jesus fella for a short moment, because Jesus had just put their competition (the Sadducees) in their place. Perhaps at this time, the Pharisees hoped that Jesus was one of them or perhaps they merely had a tricker question to test him with.

In Matthew 22:34-40 “Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

But this is where the surprise comes in. It is after all an easy question. The question had been heavily discussed among learned Jews long before (and the answer was thought to be quite clear). But this was all a part of the Pharisee’s plan. It was a rather ingenious question. If Jesus answers with the Shema, then the Pharisees show the gathered crowds that Jesus is nothing special and that he merely teaches the exact same things the Pharisees do. If on the other hand, Jesus is teaching anything else other than the Shema then they can consider him either a heretic who wishes to contradict all Orthodox teaching or a buffoon who can’t answer even the simplest of questions. The Pharisees have him in a “Catch 22. “

At first, the Pharisees are no doubt exceedingly happy with the response that Jesus gives. He doesn’t say anything out of the ordinary. “Jesus replied: “Shema Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Echad” Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One.” And he continues on with this same section of scriptures… As Matthew says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Duet 6:4 (The Shema Prayer). They had him.

For three years now he had been a thorn in their sides. Where he had repeatedly put them down for not caring enough about their fellow people; where he had insulted them for their extremism, and their love for the law more than the people it was written to help. Jesus had just said it all. He played right into their hands. For the crowd, it probably seemed for the moment that Jesus was no different; that he knew nothing extra, that he was nothing special, that everything he had ever said against the Pharisees was only a part of some insignificant variance; some negligible detail. Essentially, they thought the same thing!!!

But the joy of the Pharisees didn’t last for long. Jesus turns the question on its head and throws it right back at them. He gives them the Shema. It would be a standard answer that showed everyone that he is not a lunatic but a careful steward of scriptures. But Jesus wasn’t done.

He keeps going. But not with the same verse. Instead, he quotes a second section of the Torah. He plucks a verse out of Leviticus 19:18 a verse that was not that well known, a verse that was not highly discussed; a verse that nobody debated or recited in prayer, a verse that wasn’t used in weekly readings at the synagogue, a verse nowhere near as esteemed or valued as the Shema. And Jesus just quotes this second verse to them as if it is completely connected to the Shema; as if you cannot do the one without the other, as if the two commands are codependent and really just one command. He says, “The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment (singular) greater than these (plural).”

Instead of the standard answer (singular), ONE! Jesus gives them (plural) TWO answers and instantaneously assumes that they are co-equals. There is no way to describe the shock! Jesus takes the single most important verse in the entire Bible: a verse that all the people knew; a verse that the Pharisees talked about constantly, a verse with pages and pages of historical commentary written about it, a verse that the Pharisees held in the highest regard – and then this wandering Rabbi from who-knows-where with a country bumpkin accent and adds some random verse to it???

Yeah, it’s from Moses’ Torah but it was one that had gone relatively unnoticed. But it shouldn’t have. As many have noticed the ten commandments themselves are made up of two tablets. The first is all about God (don’t take the Lord’s name in vain or make idols). The second tablet is all about people (don’t steal from each other or kill each other). The two tablets are about loving god and loving neighbour.

For Jesus the two are seamlessly connected: to truly love your God, you must truly love God’s image – and God’s image is found in all humanity. Loving God and Neighbour are one and the same thing.

Shema Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Echad.

May you love the One. May you passionately call him your own. And may you love all His children as much as you love Him. The world will be a better place for it. Amen.

Song: I give you my heart

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!

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

Offertory Prayer: Generous God, you are both faithful and fruitful as you embrace each new generation. Bless our gifts and make them fruitful beyond our imagining. Keep us faithful in this generation so that the inheritance we have received in Christ will continue in generations yet to come.

Prayer of gratitude and for others and ourselves

Faithful God and Holy Friend, we do not have enough words to thank you for all you have given us and the love you share with us in Christ Jesus.

In the silence of this time, help us review the week just past, remembering the ways we encountered you: in the beauty of creation, the support of friends, the wisdom of books, the joy of music, the energy of exercise, through study and prayer.

A time of silence is kept.

God of comfort and challenge, we are grateful for your presence in these uncertain times, at home, at work and at school.

We give you thanks for your attention to the small details  and the large responsibilities we face.

Make us attentive to the needs of those around us.

In silence we name before you those finding these days especially difficult.

A time of silence is kept.

God of persistence and inspiration, we remember before you the many who struggle to recognize your presence or fail to hear your voice amid all the competing voices in our world.

We pray for those feeling depressed or anxious, those facing grief and loneliness, and those who are worried about their health or their future.

A time of silence is kept.

Do not forget these people even if they forget you.

Comfort them and fill them with peace.

God of justice and leadership, we pray for our country and nations of the world facing immense challenges.

Guide decision-makers in these complex times and keep the hearts of those with resources open to those who do not have enough.

We pray for places where justice is lacking, where violence threatens or where leaders are untrustworthy.

A time of silence is kept.

Strengthen voices of wisdom and acts of courageous compassion to tend to the needs of people most at risk.

God of grace and guidance, You call us to be your hands and feet,  your voice and comfort in the world, following the example of Jesus.

Equip us to respond to the needs around us in his name and make us bold to get started right here and right now.

And in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, we pray along with all mysteries and honours. Amen.

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

Sending out with God’s blessing

Go with love for God filling your hearts, to show love to each neighbour or stranger you meet in the week ahead.

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

Response: Amen, we praise your name, O God

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 (© 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.

[1] The Hebrew word for God, consists of the four letters yod, he, waw, and he, transliterated consonantally usually as YHWH, now pronounced as Yahweh.

Worship on the Lord’s Day
10:00 am       22 October, 2023
Online & Onsite (Mixed Presence) Gathering as a Worshipping Community
Led by the Rev Brad Childs
Music director: Binu Kapadia     Vocalist: Lynn Vaughan
Elder: Iris Routledge

We gather to worship God

Music prelude

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

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

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

Opening praise: Lord, I need You

Prayers of approach and confession

Almighty God, as we gather in Your name, we are filled with awe and wonder that You love us and have called us to be Your people.  We indeed have no higher calling than to offer the worship that belongs to You, O God.  For You and You alone are God, and worthy of our praise.   We want to worship You with our whole lives, Lord; not just Sunday by Sunday, but day by day; so that others will see and know Your glory, grace and love through us.

Loving and Merciful God, as we bow in Your presence we come with the realization that Your giving to us knows no ending.  And yet, Lord, if we are honest, we will confess that we are hesitant, sometimes even resentful, to give back to You.  With our money, with our time and with our resources, with our Sunday morning, we are stingy and withhold the best of what we have and release to You only what is left over.  And yet, You have blessed us in abundance.  Everything we have and enjoy is a gift from You.  And so we pray and ask You to forgive us for our selfishness.  We pray that You will help us to be as willing to give and share as we are to receive.

Gracious God, we thank You that Your mercy is as endless as Your gifts to us, and so we pray to You now and ask forgiveness for all the ways we have sinned against You and each other.  Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence to You.  (Silent Prayer)

Loving God, we give thanks that You hear all of our prayers, whether they are spoken or unspoken, for we pray them all in the name of Jesus our Saviour and our Lord. Amen.

Response: We come to ask Your forgiveness, O God

Assurance of God’s love

The Holy Spirit enables us to receive the good news of Jesus Christ and to repent of our sins. When we hear and respond to the Gospel and turn to Christ, we are assured that we are forgiven of our sins.  Thanks be to God! (Living Faith)

Musical Offering: Lynn and Binu

We listen for the voice of God

Children’s time

Response: Jesus loves me (373)

Story: I invite the children to come to the front.

Well, good morning!

Have you ever been tricked by somebody? Yes? No?

Everybody gets tricked from time to time.

There’s a story about when people were trying to trick Jesus. They were trying to get him in trouble no matter what he would say. So they asked him this question about paying taxes and Jesus said: “Well, give me a coin. And they handed him a coin. Their penny looked like this.

See? It was kind of like our coins. Not, not very different. There’s a picture of a lady on this side and there’s a picture of Caesar on the other side and it says Caesar here and it says Son of God there.

So they handed it over to Jesus and he took it.

Jesus said: “You want me to pay taxes? Whose picture is on this?”

And the tricksters said, “Well, Caesar’s picture is on it.

So Jesus said, “Well then give to Caesar that which is Caesar’s and give to God that which is God’s.”

So here’s the lesson in that story: ”Pay your taxes.” But there’s a follow-up question, isn’t there.

Yeah, you know what it is.

If we give unto God that which is God’s, then what is God’s?

I think Jesus would have said “Everything.”

That’s a very different story, isn’t it.

If we get money from grandma or grandpa or from your cousins or a birthday party or somebody gives you a gift. We have a responsibility to share a little bit of that. But most importantly, we have a responsibility to remember whose money it really is.

Because there is nothing that exists that doesn’t already belong to God.

Prayer: Our God, we thank you for our families. We thank you even for the government systems in our world as long as they’re functioning right. We pray that we would know that what we have is from you nd that we could share it because of that.

The Lord’s Prayer (535)

Transition music

Song: For the healing of the nations (736)

Today’s Message

Scripture reading: Psalm 99 and Exodus 33:12-23

Response: Glory to the Father

Message: The “Behind” of God

Some time ago I was reading John Shelby Spong’s Book Rescuing the Bible from the Fundamentalists. Spong is a great intellect, a previous Bishop of the Anglican (or as it is called in the United States the Episcopal Church). His departure was mutual in the end but forced as well, to be sure. For a time Spong was the go-to guy for CNN or the History Channel whenever Easter or Christmas came around and they asked “What really happened”, and so brought in the most liberal pop theologians they could find as those programs always do. He does represent an extreme perspective as evidenced by his case which threatened to remove him forcibly from the church office (which was in the end, never to be).

Now just so we are clear, Spong denies a literal interpretation too every single portion of the Apostle’s creed (which was written VERY specifically for the purpose of exposing those who were not “orthodox”.

Spong has called the substitutionary atonement (the idea that Jesus takes our place on the cross as “an example of divine child abuse”. Spong is a provocateur. His books are challenging, blunt and rude. I disagree with about 90% of what he says and I just love him. In any case, I came across this section where Spong lays down a challenge to his readers saying that there are a lot of verses in the Bible that you will absolutely never hear a sermon on (that’s been honestly written). According to Spong, most ministers are too chicken to point them out and most congregations are too unprepared to hear them anyway.

Well, I’ve got news for John Shelby Spong. That’s just my bag. I happen to like the very same verses Spong calls “texts of terror”. One of the first sermons I did here was on a psalm where the writer calls out for the blood of his enemy’s infants. Last year we did a Bible study where several readers preferred not to read the assigned verse out loud and most people snickered in surprise at the graphic details the scripture has at times. Sometimes it’s an “R” rated book people. Even today orthodox Jews aren’t allowed to read Song of Songs until they are at least 13 (and then it’s only males that are supposed to read it). Lucky for you today’s verses aren’t all that risqué. Still one of them makes Spong’s list of verses he says no minister will ever honestly preach on. It’s our reading from Exodus 33 and really, it’s not that scathing. It just might not be exactly what it first appears to be.

The truth is that this verse has caused some confusion at times. Here’s a good part of the problem. If you would pick up those pew bibles and find Exodus 33:11 and read this with me. In the pew bibles, it’s on page 80 in the Old Testament. Now let’s take a look at verse 11 first.  “¹¹ Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.” Now just jump down to Exodus 33 Verse 20 with me. Just down a little bit on the same page. It says, “²⁰ But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”

Now at first, it seems that we’ve got a bit of a problem here. Two verses basically right next to each other disagree with each other. One says Moses speaks face-to-face with God, the other says nobody can do that. To be honest, though, it’s a bit of a “to-do about nothing”. The book of Leviticus spends chapter upon chapter describing the rituals done in the “tent of meeting” where vs. 11 (Moses talking face to face) takes place. The “Tent of Meeting” or the “Tabernacle” as it’s sometimes called is actually the original Temple for the Hebrew people. Because they had no land of their own and they had no permanent temple. Instead, they had a cloth-tent version so it could be moved with them in the desert. It existed in three distinct sections.

The outer tent, the inner tent and the Holy of Holies. The outer tent was an open space and contained a sacrificial alter.

The inner tent contained the Golden Lampstand, the Table of Showbread and the Altar of Incense. The Holy of Holies was where the chest of the Arc resides. It contained the 10 commandments as well as Aaron’s staff which was used at the crossing of the Sea of Reeds. Here these were kept and no person was allowed entry into this space. The idea was that the Shekinah (Glory of God) was present somehow in the Holy of Holies and that God sort of sat on the Arc.

But the Holy of Holies was behind a large dividing wall; the inner tent (was where Moses went) and was filled with the smoke of incense intentionally “just to make sure he couldn’t see God”. The whole point of the alter of increase was to make sure it didn’t even happen accidentally.

In short, no ancient Hebrew would have taken this line (that he spoke “face to face” with God) literally. Moses was in a different room and the one he was in was filled with smoke so he couldn’t see anything.

Instead “face to face” was meant to be a figure of speech.

But with all that said, that’s not really why Spong thinks I won’t preach this text. See there is something else odd about it.

With the rise of conservatives in the Western world, it’s fair to say that bible translators often tone down or selectively (and very carefully) choose their words when translating certain text in order to avoid a backlash. Specifically with respect to translations intended for the U.S. and Canada a number of – I guess – “slightly off colour” allusions in the bible were … toned down for more sensitive ears. The original Biblical writers however are not toned down at all. In all truth, the Bible… it’s gritty. In fact, the New Testament form of Greek (Konie) was a kind of street Greek or slang; the kind of talk you might hear in an alleyway or ancient market. It’s almost like the New Testament was written in graffiti.

One great example of the grittiness of the Bible comes from Isaiah 6:1. Most of us here know at least part of this one. We often use these words on Communion Sunday, or we sing the words. And I am sorry you are never gonna look at communion quite exactly in the same way after this one. It says “Holy, Holy, Holy the Lord God Almighty” But it also says “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated high upon the throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple.”

While Isaiah is explaining the Glory of God to his Hebrew listeners, he uses a common phrase in Hebrew to describe a man’s… “virility”. In English it doesn’t really come across but the allusion in Hebrew is pretty undeniable. Isaiah is making a reference to extraordinarily large genitals (which must then be covered by a “large train” for his “inner coat”). Modern commentators generally give a more word-for-word rendering of this verse rather than translating the expression itself and thus making the verse less clear and somewhat confusing. And so it remains, “I saw the Lord seated on the throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe (most people not knowing what really means) filled the temple.” Technically it’s an accurate translation of the specific words used and let’s face it… less people get offended that way. Isaiah though is particularly “colorful”. In chapter 16 he says his guts “sound out like a trumpet”. For some reason, Isaiah loves to talk about bodily functions.

Another good example can be found in Psalm 78:66. It states, “and he [The Lord] smote his enemies in their hinder parts” KJV Now there’s a term in English for smiting someone in their hind parts don’t you think?

Anyway, the point is that the language of the Bible is not always quite what we make it out to be. And sometimes when we try to see things so simplistically and so literally, we can actually lose what is really being said.

In this story of Moses and God – Moses asks to see the “Face of God”. He’s asking to know God; to have a personal conversation with Him like never before; to understand Him. Moses says, “Show me you’re Glory” Let me know the Mind of God. Moses says something simple and yet arrogant. And yet he says just what we have all said to God at one time or another. Exhausted from his work and the world around him Moses says, God, Let me see where you’re going! Show me you’re here. “Show me your face”.

Moses says in Verse 13 “Show me the way that I may know you, that I may find grace in your sight” And God responds just as he does to us. Exodus 33:14 “And God said My Face (or “My Presence”) is with you, and I will give you rest.” In short Moses says, show me your face and God says, “I’m right here!” Everything is alright.

But (once again – like us) feeling as if he is still missing something Moses cries out to God again feeling slighted somehow, “Now show me your glory!”

And God Replies “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. But, you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”

Then the LORD said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove my hand and you will see my (And this is another one of those things…) (you will see my-) ‘back’; but not my face.”

Now the word here for “back” is אָחוֹר ‘achowr. It has a verity of meanings and implications. Usually the word means back, the back side of something, or back parts. Many commentators however believe that the word is often used to describe a person’s buttocks.

Now let’s not deny the comedy here. God may have invented mooning.

Moses asks to see the face of God and God tells him “My presence is already with you” Moses asks to see God in all His glory, and God says, “You can’t see my face, but you can see my behind if you really want.”

Now to be fair, there is another word for buttocks in Hebrew it’s שֵׁת  (Shathah) (shA-th) and I actually disagree with Spong and other commentators on this. I don’t think God moons Moses. I think in this case it means something a little different – “back parts”. For me, God is essentially saying. “You can’t see my face, but I’ll show you my back. You can’t see all of my presence right now but I’ll show you where I’ve been”.

All around the world, people everywhere are looking for the face of God; for where He is, for where He’s going: for what He will do next: all the while wrongly assuming that he is absent; somewhere else… when really his Presence is already here right in front of them.

The Face of God isn’t always easy to see. Sometimes like in the tent of meeting it’s covered in smoke. But it’s there. It’s in the booming clouds, in the opening of a flower, in the smile of a child, the falling leaves, in the comforting words of a stranger. It’s at the top of Mt. Sinai but it’s also here in the prairies. It’s in the Temple and the Tabernacle but it’s in the pews of this church and at the tables in the great room. It’s in the kind word and a gentle embrace ‘case its most fully found in the Body of Christ. You may not always be able to see the presence of God with you – but it’s there – and if you really need a good look, don’t look for what God will do next in your life, don’t demand to see his face… you might get mooned. Instead, if you need a good look at God, just look back on your life, at where God’s already been.

Song: Sing a new song unto the Lord (422)

We respond to serve God: Our time of giving

Reflection on giving: Jesus reminds us to give to God the things that are God’s. God has been so generous to us, that truly we owe God our lives. Let us return to God what God has shared with us, so that God’s goodness can spread in the world in the name of Jesus.

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

Prayer of Dedication

God of abundance, we bring what we have to share, a portion of your goodness to us. Bless our gifts and our lives, so that generosity and justice will join hands, and your goodness touches those in need.

Prayer of gratitude and for others and ourselves

God of all creation, we praise you for your goodness and give thanks for your mercy.

We give thanks that through Christ Jesus you hear us when we call to you, and that you delight to listen and help us in our need. We give thanks for the Holy Spirit who beckons us toward faithfulness and leads us along true paths. We are grateful for the guidance you give us daily through the scriptures and in prayer.

You, O Lord, care about each of us and give us your time, for that we give you thanks and praise.

In your mercy, hear us now as we offer prayers for others…

In this time of global unrest, grant us wisdom and courage to seek what is pure and true and just….Bless our world governments; direct their ways so they govern with justice and fairness.

Bless us with hearts that care for others as you care for us.

Challenge us to use our wealth to bring healing and freedom to other people. Give us wisdom to use our gifts wisely in all that we do.

We pray now, O God for those known to us who are in need. We pray for who are ill or in hospital – bring healing where it is needed, relief from suffering, and comfort where there is fear. We pray for those who are walking alongside one who is ill. Give them strength and courage to meet the challenges before them. Lord comfort the comforters among us.

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

Sending out with God’s blessing

As God sent Christ to us, so Christ sends us into the world.  We are to go forth into the world and proclaim Christ in word and deed, knowing that God goes with us, this day and always. May you know his glory and may you see his footprints as you look back. ((Living Faith 9.1.1)

Response: God to enfold you

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 (© 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.