Keep the fork – Dayspring Presbyterian Church

Worship on the Lord’s Day
5th Sunday of Easter Sacrament of Holy Communion
10:00 am May 07, 2023
Onsite & Online (Mixed Presence) Gathering as a Worshipping Community
Led by Rev. Bradley Childs
Music director: Binu Kapadia Vocalist: Vivian and Clare Houg
Guest musicians: Rob Hryciw, Thomas Schoen
Elder: Heather Tansem

We gather to worship God

Music prelude

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

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

Call to Worship
L: God is our Rock and our Fortress.
P: In God, we find refuge and strength.
L: God’s house has many dwelling places.
P: We will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
L: Christ himself has gone to prepare a place for us.
P: For us, Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.
L: So let us worship God in Spirit and in Truth.

Opening praise: O come to the altar

Prayer for those seeking refuge

God of life and freedom.

When Abraham’s family wandered, when Moses took refuge in the desert, when the Hebrew people fled into the wilderness, when the Israelites lived in exile, you called them and gave them words of comfort and promises of hope.

In Christ you crossed the border.

You put on frail flesh, were born and lived your life always on the move in a dangerous world.

From your first night you slept in a bed and a place that was not your own.

You and your family fled terror and found refuge in foreign lands.

You were always the guest in the homes and tables of strangers.

You were not always sure of your next meal.

This day we remember before you:

those who lives are more like yours than we can imagine or care to acknowledge;
those who are without homes, who have been uprooted from their communities and countries;
who have had to flee for their lives;
who have left families and friends;
who live precarious lives.

We pray for your protection and care for those who suffer and must take refuge because of war, politics, natural disaster, status, race, gender, sexuality, and faith.

We mourn, we are moved, and we are angered by the loss that marks the lives of so many: the loss of dignity, of respect, of security, of community, of family, and of stability.

You have called us to be citizens of your kingdom.

We pray for the people of this country and of the church, that we may not be indifferent or naïve, afraid or overwhelmed, discouraged or blind to hope and options to help or silent in the call for justice.

Open our hearts and our doors – to the stranger, to the widow and the orphan and all that are dear to you, to your presence that we may encounter in the foreigner, and strengthen us to witness to the love of God for all people. Amen

We listen for the voice of God

Music Offering: Concerto in D Minor for 2 violins by J.S.Bach (Largo, ma non tanto) presented by Rob, Thomas, Binu

Scripture readings (NRSV): I Peter 2:2-10 & John 14:1-14

Response: Glory to the Father …”

Message: “Keep the fork”

Loretta Fields was 87 years old when she was diagnosed with Terminal Cancer. She had grown up in the small town of Evanston and married a local boy and attended the same three room church her whole life. Within only hours the whole town had heard the news. Everyone loved Loretta. Right away the minister called to see if he could come by to visit her. The phone rang four then five times…but no answer. Just then all five feet and one half an inch of Miss Fields rounded the corner in a big Easter hat. She knocked on the door and smiled at the young pastor through the crack in his door.

Loretta was there to talk about her funeral arrangements. The Minister tried at first to talk about her feelings (rather than the structure of the service) but as usual Loretta could not be persuaded from her intentions. She carefully went over all the scripture readings, making sure to note that the Bible must be a King James Version of 1611. She talked about the Hymns she loved, made mention of the dress she wanted to wear, that she wanted an open casket and even which plot outside the old country church she would like to arrange for herself. It seemed as if she had planned this all out years ago; right down to the most minute detail. But at the end of the arrangements, she said something slightly odd. “Reverend” she said, “I need a favor and you absolutely cannot say no.” Knowing the character of Miss Loretta Fields the minister didn’t hesitate to agree. “Reverend” she said, “before the memorial service starts, I want you to place a plastic fork in the palm of my hands.”

Seeing the confusion in the Ministers eyes Loretta explained, “After Kenneth died, the greatest times in my life were the times I had right here at the Church potlucks. I loved to sit and talk with friends; I loved the variety of all that food and all those choices. For me that is what life is all about. But then, as soon as I was done eating, I’d find myself walking up to put my dishes away and inevitably (without fail) one of those sweet young ladies from the kitchen would always smile, look back at the dessert trays (soon to be presented) and say, “Keep the fork. The best is still to come.”

“Now Reverend, you tell that story when people ask about the fork in my hand.”

The minister knew that the fork was more than just a story about church dinners; it was more than a story about the great things in life. It was a story about heaven.

At the funeral service a few months later, the minister did just as he had promised. And he told Loretta’s story to all the inquisitive people wondering about the fork and he always ended by saying, “Loretta was right, keep your fork, the best is still to come.”

In the verse from John today, we have a very interesting scene. Jesus and his closest friends have huddled together in the upper room. The last supper has been eaten, Jesus has predicted one disciple’s betrayal; has told Peter that he will deny ever knowing him; and Jesus has made sure his friends know that his life will soon be taken from them.

The disciples, who had finally come to understand the true identity of Jesus as the Messiah, were now once again confronted with the idea that Jesus wasn’t going to be leading them into battle or into a new political era, and that what God had in mind was not the glorious overturning of Rome. The kingdom of God is not about the city of Jerusalem; it is not about a holy city but instead, a holy people. In the confusion and the disbelief there is arguing and defiance. But Jesus steps in with some of the simplest words we find on his lips in the entire bible. Seeing the confusion in the eyes of those he knows best of all he looks at his friends and says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; and so also in me.”

It’s interesting, Jesus never says, “Do not let you hearts be troubled… the world is full of puppy dogs and roses!” He doesn’t demean pain or say that it’s not valid. He doesn’t say that everything is perfect. In fact, knowing the road that lay ahead of Him, Jesus even prayed that the cup [the pain] be taken from his lips. But despite it all, He just says “Trust in your God”… Trust me.”

There is an old story where I’m from about two hunters. One is a glass is “half-empty’ kind a guy. Everything is always in the negative.

The other guy is more of half-full type guy and for him you just have to have a little faith.

Well one day the optimist decides he can show his friend that there are great things in the world. He gets this hunting dog and trains him all year and this dog can do anything. And I mean anything.

So finally, it’s duck hunting time again and two men go out with their dogs. Almost right away, the optimist sees his shot over by the pond. He takes aim and fires and hits a duck on the first shot and the duck falls right in the middle of the pond.

“Everyone’s bound to get a lucky shot once in a while” says the friend. But the optimist just looks at his dog… “Go get ’em boy.” The dog stands up on two legs, whistles as he strolls up to the pond. Then the dog pauses for a second and looks back at the two men; smiles, and then walks on water all the way out the duck. Then the dog picks up the duck, throws it over his shoulder and happily begins walking back. Then the optimist looks over at his friend and says “Now is that glass half empty or half full?” to which his friends replies, “How much money’d you waste on a dog ‘at can’t swim?”

The reality is that all of us, no matter what we see, will at times be overwhelmed by the negative things in life. We’re all like this sometimes. The disciples are just like the rest of us; they’re human. And sometimes worries just seem to overwhelm them just like they do us. And that makes sense. These worries aren’t fantasy. They’re real. Pain, death, suffering, disease, loneliness… these things are real. There are lots of legitimate things to worry about.

I mean, here they are (the first disciples) sitting around with Jesus Christ himself, having a glass of wine when he tells them that he’s come to suffer and die. When Jesus says, the messiah is not going to conquer Rome, He’s going to suffer for the sins of the world, Peter jumps up and tells the messiah not to talk like that. When Jesus tells them that the disciples have a place in heaven… they’re either confused or they don’t seem to believe a word he has to say. They’re worried! And why shouldn’t they be. They’re worried about what’s going to happen tomorrow, what will happen to Jesus, what will happen to themselves and what will happen to their cause.

Sad days are coming. Jesus just told them that he is going to be killed. And then Jesus says something so strange. He says, “Don’t worry,” He says. I will be killed but that doesn’t mean that everything in the world is all wrong. That doesn’t mean that they have all been wasting their time. That doesn’t mean it’s all over.

“Don’t worry?” What is he talking about? Jesus says, “Do not let your heats be troubled.” But he doesn’t mean that there aren’t real worries out there.

See, when Jesus says “troubled” the word he uses is tarasso. The thing is, this word was also used to describe what happens to water when you drop a rock or a paddle into it. There is a ripple effect and it keeps growing out from the center. It keeps spreading all the way to the edges. It stirs things up. It affects the whole system. It’s not that Jesus is denying the existence of real worries. It’s that Jesus doesn’t want them to let their worries take control of them. He says, “Do not let your heart be troubled”, “Don’t let worries take over your heart.” Instead, He says, “Trust in God; so trust also in me. … Don’t let it get to your heart. Your heart, belong to me.”

Jesus tell his friends just as he is telling us… that no matter what happens, we cannot be separated from the Love of God. No army, no cross… no death can take us from Him. He says, “In my Father’s house are many dwelling places…” and “I am going to prepare a place for you.” It’s an interesting picture. Their friend Jesus, the carpenter from Nazareth says, “Don’t worry about this home. I am going to build you a new home.”

I don’t know what real and serious issues you might face. I don’t know what troubles pull at your heart; what worries seek to overtake you. But what I do know is this… “Do not lose heart, it’s not yours to lose. Do not let the troubles of tomorrow blind you to your real future and your ultimate joy.”

The world is not perfect. Things don’t always go the way we want them to… but don’t let the troubles of this world take over your whole life. Loretta was right … no matter what worries you, “Keep your fork; the best is still to come.”

Song: Those who wait on the Lord (vss 1-5) (662)

We respond to serve God

Reflection on giving: We have been giving faithfully since the beginning of the pandemic and we are committed to continuing the ministry and mission that define Dayspring – using the ways described below. Thank you all for your support of our shared vision and mission.

Prayers for those seeking refuge

Generous God, we bless you for life renewed through Christ’s love and through springtime growth in fields and gardens. Use the gifts we offer to bring hope and renewal to the world you love in the name of Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord.

Holy One, God with us, we give you thanks for the promises Jesus gave to all his followers, that in him we see your face.

He has shown us the face of your mercy and compassion so we thank you for understanding us better than we know ourselves.

He has shown us the face of your peace and justice so we thank you for calling us to make a difference in the world for his sake.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Invitation

This is the joyful feast of the people of God!
According to Luke, when our risen Lord was at table with his disciples, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.
Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him

This is the Lord’s table.
Our Savior invites those who trust him to share the feast which he has prepared.

Song: You satisfy the hungry heart (538)

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, God’s 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 Lord’s Prayer (469)

Communion Prayer (with responses)

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts!
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is right and our greatest joy, Gracious and Loving God, to give you thanks and praise for your works are great and your ways are just and true.

At your loving word all things were made and the beauty of creation was called from chaos. Through your word, you formed us in your image and gave us life. By your word, you called us to love and to serve you and to live in peace with you and all that you have made.

Though we turn from you, you do not turn from us. When we are captive, you liberate us and give us freedom. When we are confused and stray from you, you give us faith to go in search of deeper understanding. When we are tempted to find easy and false comfort in idols, the challenging truth of your presence draws us into deeper relationship.

And so we join our voices with your people of every time and place in joyful praise of you:

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!

We praise you and give you thanks for sending your loving and beloved son into the world. Conceived by the Holy Spirit, he brings new life. Born of Mary’s flesh he knew joy, pain, love, and loss. Touching the sick, he heals us. Breaking bread and sharing the cup with those on the margins, he shows his love and welcome for all. Dying on the cross, he is with us in our suffering. Rising from the grave, he brings new life.

In him, you have reconciled us and you lead us out of fantasy into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life. Remembering all these things, we gather at his invitation to break bread and share the cup and to proclaim the mystery of our faith:

Christ has died!
Christ is risen!
Christ will come again

Gracious and giving God, pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered around your holy table, and on these gifts of bread and wine, that they may be for us the body and the blood of Christ, and that we, being nourished by them, may be for the world the body of Christ, made strong, made new, and redeemed by his blood.

And now through Christ, with Christ, in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, and with all who stand before you in earth and heaven, we worship and adore you, now and forever. Amen

Institution: And now from what I received from the Lord to what I now pass on to you. That on the night he was betrayed Jesus took the bread and when he had blessed it, he broke it and said “This is my body given for you, this do in remembrance of me. In the same way after supper Jesus took up the cup saying This cup is a new covenant sealed in my blood, drink this in remembrance of me.

As Paul says, “Whenever we eat this break or drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death – until he comes again!”

These are the gifts of God for us, the children of God. Amen.

Sharing of the bread and wine

Song: Eat this bread (527

The prayer after Communion

Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members
of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood.
Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn: With the Lord as my guide (574)

Sending out with God’s blessing

The very God of peace sanctify you wholly, and preserve you blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

Response: The blessing

Music postlude

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