Worship on the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
10:00 am August 31, 2025
Minister: The Rev. Brad Childs Music Director: Binu Kapadia
Vocalists: Peter and Cheryl Sheridan Reader: Matt Jafarijam
Welcoming Elder: Shirley Simpson Children’s time: Fionna McCrostie
We gather to worship God
Music Prelude
Greeting
L: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you
P: and also with you
Lighting of the Christ candle
Welcome and announcements
Preparation for worship
Call to worship:
L: We approach God with hearts full of gratitude
P: We will thank God for the beauty of creation
L: We seek God’s wisdom and understanding
P: We will learn from God’s Word and teachings
L: We offer our praise and adoration to God
P: We will sing God’s praises with joy and enthusiasm
Opening praise: Forever God is faithful
Prayers of approach and confession
Eternal God, Creator of all that is good and beautiful, we come before you with grateful hearts, acknowledging you as the Source of life and the strength that sustains us. You know our innermost thoughts, our hopes, and our fears, for you have created and cherished us from the very beginning. Through the boundless love of Jesus Christ, you entered our world, embodying hope, compassion, and endless generosity.
Your presence among us opened our eyes to the true path of kindness and love. Each day, your Holy Spirit breathes life and inspiration into our being, guiding us to acts of hospitality, compassion, and understanding towards all whom we encounter. As we gather in your name, we ask you to fill us with your living and powerful spirit, refreshing our weary souls, and renewing our faith. May we become vessels of your love, spreading the blessings we have received, and serving joyfully in the name of Jesus Christ, our compassionate and loving Savior.
Loving and Gracious God, who welcomes us with open arms and an open heart, we humbly come before you, aware of the times we have failed to mirror your kindness and compassion. Though you have laid a bountiful feast of grace before us, we often hesitate to extend that welcome to others, especially the strangers or those different from ourselves. In life’s rush, consumed by fears and distractions that veer us off your path, we lose sight of what truly matters. We focus on fleeting concerns instead of eternal truths, missing the chance to embrace your love and share it with those around us. Forgive us, Lord, for our moments of inadequacy and short-sightedness. By your guiding light, teach us to honor you in every word, action, and intention. Help us to live in a way that reflects the love and grace we have found in Christ, our Lord and Savior, leading us ever closer to your heart. Amen.
Response: We come to ask your forgiveness
Assurance of God’s forgiveness
While it is true that we have sinned and fallen short of God’s hope for us, it is a greater truth that we are forgiven through God’s amazing love. To all who humbly seek the mercy of God I say, in Jesus Christ our sin is forgiven. So be at peace with God, with yourself, and with one another.
We listen for the voice of God
Song: Open our eyes Lord (445)
Children’s time
Good morning. Have you ever seen one of these?
(Hold up the Welcome mat.)
Where have you seen something like this?
Usually we’d see a mat like this outside the door to our home, wouldn’t we? A mat such as this usually has two purposes. Do you know what those two purposes are?
Well, for one thing, it is a friendly reminder for people to wipe their shoes off so that they won’t track dirt or mud into your home. And secondly, it is placed outside your door as a sign to let people know that they are welcome in your home.
Welcome — what does the word “welcome” mean?
It means to receive and greet people in a warm and friendly way. Are people always welcome in our homes? Do we welcome people into our home if their skin is a different color from ours? Do we welcome people into our homes if they don’t have as much money as we do?
How about in our church? Do you think that we make everyone feel welcome in our church? Do we speak to those people who are visiting Dayspring that we do not know? If someone comes to our church and they are not dressed the way we are dressed, do we make sure that they are made to feel welcome?
Jesus said, “He who receives you, receives me.” If we turn that around, we will understand that if we do not welcome others into our homes and into our churches, it is the same as if we are refusing to welcome Jesus. We wouldn’t do that, would we?
As you start a new school year, we should also remember to open our hearts and be welcoming to new friends and experiences we might have over the next few months. We need to welcome people into our lives, sometimes, and into our caring circle.
That’s how we make new friends and make them feel welcome.
Well, let’s put the welcome mat out — and let’s be sure that we mean it!
Let us pray:
Dear Father, help us to remember that when we refuse to welcome others to our homes and to our church, it is the same as refusing to welcome you. In Jesus’ name we pray. (And now, we say the prayer that Jesus taught us, saying … )
The Lord’s Prayer (535)
Song: The love of God comes close (474)
Scripture readings: Proverbs 25:6-7; Hebrews 13:1-8; Luke 14:1, 7-14
Response: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
Message: Serving with Grace
It’s a natural human instinct to seek out the best seats. In sports arenas, it’s the luxury of the skybox, the prime view from the 50-yard line, the thrill of sitting directly behind home plate, center court or the excitement of being ringside. These coveted spots not only offer the most breathtaking views but also carry a prestige that can enhance our social standing. We often take pride in sharing stories of having those exclusive seats with others. We say, “There we were, right on the 50-yard line when” as listeners wait with bated breath. This quest for the ‘best seat’ extends beyond sports. In parking lots, you’ll notice the scramble for spots closest to the entrance. In theatres, most sit in the center of the screen and halfway up.
This fascination with prime seating isn’t new. In ancient times, Jews had their own prized seats in synagogues. Jesus highlighted this when referring to the Pharisees’ preference for prominent places at feasts and in the synagogue; special seats typically located on a raised platform, reserved for leaders and honoured guests, while others sat on the floor at the back.
Turning to Luke chapter 14, Jesus is at the home of a prominent Pharisee for a Sabbath meal, as described in verse 1. This gathering was no ordinary event—it seems to be a gathering of Jerusalem’s religious elite, a “who’s who” of the time and place. In the portion just before today’s reading, Jesus was brought a man seeking healing. Much like last week’s reading, despite some objections to healing on the Sabbath, Jesus healed the man anyway, demonstrating His disregard for their rigid traditions and highlighting mercy over ritual.
As the meal progressed and guests began to find their seats, Jesus observed a tussle for the most prominent positions at the table. The seats of highest status were quickly being claimed, likely those nearest to the host. Recognizing a teaching moment, Jesus shared a parable about choosing seats at a wedding feast. He advised against claiming the seat of honour at first, to avoid the possible embarrassment of being asked to relinquish the place to someone of greater honour. Instead, He suggested starting at the lowest seat, and then allowing the host to possibly invite you to a more esteemed position, thus gaining even greater honour in the eyes of all present. What’s worse than having to give up your seat for assuming you are more important than you are or better than being asked to move to the front of the line because you are more A-lister than you thought you were. Jesus concluded with the timeless lesson: “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:7-11).
What Jesus teaches here contradicts common beliefs about success and achievement. It’s not an easy lesson to live by, because it’s the opposite of what seems right.
Verse 10 says, “But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place…”
Jesus isn’t only talking about seating arrangements at a wedding feast. Luke tells us that this was a parable—a story with a deeper meaning. The point is, if you demand the place of honour, you risk being humbled. But if you humbly take the lowest seat, the host may invite you to a higher position, and you’ll be exalted in due time. This teaching challenges the grain of our culture, which often encourages us to seek out prominence and status. Jesus calls us instead to humility, trusting that God will elevate those who serve with genuine humility.
There’s a quote from Red Sanders, often falsely attributed to Vince Lombardi: “Winning isn’t everything — it’s the only thing.” In the world of sports, that mindset has a great deal of value. In sports, aiming for the top — being number one — is the ultimate goal. It’s what drives athletes, coaches, and fans alike.
But here’s where the problem arises. When we try to apply that same philosophy to our everyday lives, it’s no longer a game. Some people become so obsessed with being first that they accept nothing less. Nothing else is good enough. Like race car driver Ricky Bobby in the film Talladega Nights, we think “If you ain’t first, you’re last”. And yet, in Mark 9:35, Jesus offers a very different perspective: “If anyone wants to be first, they must be last of all, and servant of all.”
Sammy Morris was a Christian from Liberia. He was born a prince, kidnapped, beaten and kept for ransom, who, after his escape, came to the United States at the age of 14 to pursue an education and to become a Liberian missionary. The path he chose was challenging, yet he never let anything stop him from making progress. When he eventually arrived at Taylor University in Indiana, the president asked what room he wanted. Sammy replied, “If there is a room nobody wants, give it to me.” Jesus’s words, “Sit down at the lowest place,” remind us that the highest seat in His eyes—the best place in the house—is often the last seat. Sammy knew it, and Sammy lived it.
Interestingly, Jesus doesn’t comment on the competition for the seats with the most honour—those are usually the first to be filled. Instead, he speaks about the seats that are left over when everyone else has taken their fill—the ones no one wants. It’s one of those seats Jesus says, be willing to take the lowliest.
Renowned orchestra conductor Leonard Bernstein was once asked which instrument he found the most difficult to play. He replied, “Second fiddle.” He explained, “It’s easy to find talented first violinists, but to find someone who plays second violin with the same enthusiasm and dedication—that’s the real challenge. And yet, if no one played second, the harmony would fall apart.”
There is a story that during the American Revolution, a group of soldiers was struggling to repair a fortress wall. The work was hard, and their commander was giving instructions but wasn’t providing direct help. Just then, a man in civilian clothes, riding past, asked why their leader wasn’t assisting. The officer proudly replied, “Sir, I am a Corporal!” As you may have guessed, the stranger turned out to be General Washington, who immediately got off his horse and began helping.
Most people, like that corporal, are hesitant to humble themselves or get their hands dirty. They prefer to focus on their rank, status, and being noticed for their importance. They want to push themselves to the top, stepping over others if necessary—living by the law of the jungle, where survival of the fittest means eat or be eaten. But that’s not the way of Jesus. His teaching emphasizes the importance of choosing humility, service, and love over pride and self-interest.
The Apostle Paul echoes this same idea in Philippians 2:3-4, where he instructs us: “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests but also for the interests of others.”
The thing is, the best seat in the house might actually be the worst seat. Most of us would prefer to take the quick route to the top. The problem with that approach is that it often means skipping the valuable lessons that come with the journey. We want to wear the graduation cap and tassel without having to go through the hard work, the setbacks, and the lessons learned along the way. We dislike the idea of starting at the bottom and earning our way up through perseverance and humility. It reminds me of my favourite author, David Sedaris, who once wrote: I want to be known for saving a whole family from a burning building. I don’t actually want to do it. That’s dangerous, but I want to be known for doing it.”
I recently heard about an extensive Christian organization that always asks new hires to spend two weeks cleaning the toilets as their first job. It doesn’t matter what their qualifications are or what role they’ve been hired for—if people refuse to do that task, they can’t get the position. It’s a reminder that authentic leadership and humility involve serving others, even in the humblest ways.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if more people in the world displayed such an attitude? If you see a widow or divorcee struggling to care for five young kids, roll up your sleeves and help out. Want to grow spiritually? Offer to support her, maybe by babysitting one or two children so she can get a breather. Older believers who have already raised their children—think about mentoring a younger parent or volunteering with children in need. Your experience and time can make a difference. Or consider a person who has difficulty getting around and feels lonely. Spend time talking, listening, or just sitting with him. Sometimes, the most valuable thing we can give is our presence.
In all that I’ve been sharing, it might be tempting for some to think, “Since Jesus is saying that climbing the ladder of success isn’t what I should aim for, then I’ll just settle for the lowest place and do nothing more.” But that’s not what Jesus is teaching here. He’s not condemning effort, progress, or ambition. Instead, He’s warning us against a prideful attitude; the idea that we are more critical than others and that we deserve special treatment. There’s nothing wrong with working hard, progressing, or being promoted. The key is to let others recognize your efforts, rather than boasting about them yourself. The goal is that the host at the banquet notices your humble service and, in response, invites you to a higher level. God expects us to use what He’s given us, to grow and develop our gifts, our resources, talents, and opportunities. This passage in Luke isn’t about avoiding work or ambition; it’s about the right way to pursue growth. If you want to rise to the top, start at the bottom, serve diligently, and let God do the increasing.
Now, you might wonder—where was Jesus sitting as He told this parable? Where do you think he was sitting? I read one answer to this question that I really like. The answer: Jesus sat in the most excellent seat in the house because he sat upon the throne of humility.
Maybe that’s always the case.
Philippians 2:5-8 beautifully describes this humility: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the very form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant, and coming in human likeness. And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Jesus took the lowest seat of all—humbling Himself to death on a cross. And because He willingly descended to the shameful depths for us, God has exalted Him to the highest place, His rightful place as Lord over all. The most excellent seat in the house isn’t a throne of power or privilege; it’s the throne of humility, modelled perfectly by Jesus Christ.
John Brodie, the former quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, was once asked why, as a millionaire superstar, he would need to hold the ball for field goals and extra points after touchdowns. Anyone could do it. His response was humorous and straightforward: “Well,” he said, “if I didn’t, it would fall over.” Brodie’s humility kept him from taking pride in his accomplishments, despite the fame and greatness he achieved. I believe it was that humble attitude that truly contributed to his greatness.
Jesus teaches us that the highest place isn’t the front row or the top of the ladder; it’s the humble seat. Jesus Himself modelled this when He, though fully God, humbled Himself to serve and even die on a cross—the ultimate act of humility. Scripture affirms, in Philippians 2:8-9, that because of His humility, God exalted Him to the highest place.
Stories from history and everyday life—such as General Washington helping soldiers or Sammy Morris choosing the least desirable room—remind us that true greatness comes from serving others. The most excellent seat in God’s eyes is the “learning seat,” the place of humility and service. It’s where the Father lifts up those who, like Jesus, lower themselves.
So, whether you see yourself as a CEO, a student, or a person seeking significance, remember: don’t fight for the front – earn it. Take the last seat in trust that God will elevate you in His time. Let humility rule your heart, and you’ll find that the greatest place of honour is the one where you serve others with a humble heart. A CEO is impressive, but the CEO who used to scrub the toilets… now that is the CEO people want to follow. Amen.
Song: Come thou fount of every blessing
We respond to serve God
Our time of giving
Prayers for our world
God of all times and all people, on this Labour Day weekend, we thank you for all the skill and talent with which you bless your people.
Thank you for what we have accomplished through the work we do, and for what each one of us contributes to the wellbeing of our community.
Inspire us to work together on the challenges we face and surprise us with the solutions to problems that once seemed overwhelming.
God, in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
Today we pray for all those who labour in difficult situations:
for children who work in terrible conditions and are paid very little.;
for migrant workers who must labour far away from their families;
and for all those who are underpaid or unjustly treated in their workplace.
God, in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
We pray for those who cannot labour:
for those who are unemployed or underemployed;
for those who have become injured on the job or too sick to keep working;
for those who are denied the opportunity to earn a living because of war or discrimination.
God, in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
We pray for those who labour in our community:
for those who must work today and tomorrow instead of enjoying this long weekend;
for those who must work several jobs in order to care for their families;
for those who work at jobs we wouldn’t to do ourselves because they are messy or unpleasant.
God, in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
And on this Labour Day, O God, we offer gratitude for laws that protect children, for health and safety practices that prevent tragedies in the workplace, and for generations before us who advocated for vulnerable employees, fair wages and equal opportunities.
Thank you for the work that goes on behind the scenes, delivering things we enjoy and services we rely on.
Help us to look beyond these things to picture the faces of those whose work provides for all our needs.
Through their faces, let us see your face, Creator and Sustainer of all that is.
God, in your mercy
Hear our prayer. Amen.
Song: Lord, I want to be a Christian (571)
Sending out with God’s blessing
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. So let us go out to love and serve him in all whom we meet. And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with each one of us, both this day and every day. Amen.
Response: The blessing
Music postlude
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Numbers in brackets after a song/hymn indicate that it is from the 1997 Book of Praise of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Those and other songs are being used in accordance with the specifications of Dayspring’s licensing with One License (3095377) and CLC (A735555).
The Rev. Brad Childs retains the copyright (© 2025) on all original material in this service. As far as Brad Childs is aware, all of the material that has not been attributed to others is his own creation or is in the public domain. Unacknowledged use of copyrighted material is unintentional and will be corrected immediately upon notification being received.
Video recordings of the Sunday Worship messages can be found here on our YouTube Channel.