Priorities Oct 18 2020 Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson
Section 1
Greetings to my church family and friends. May the grace of God be with you.
Announcements
Mission Moment – Investing in the Future of the Church
Presbyterians Sharing supports the Near East School of Theology (NEST) in Beirut, Lebanon. For over a century, NEST has been a powerful witness in the Middle East, training nearly 90% of the Protestant ministers in the region. Students come from some of the most difficult places in the world to be Christian: Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Palestine. NEST’s President, Dr. George Sabra, shared, “The main concern of the church in the Middle East is how to remain here… We are preparing people to minister in situations where it is becoming very difficult for Christians to live.” In faithfully partnering with NEST, we are investing in leadership development for the future of the church in the Middle East.
Please pray for NEST as it repairs its badly damaged building and navigates the political unrest following the August explosion in Beirut.
This worship service is on our website https://pccweb.ca/knoxbayfieldpc/ and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTYgIPqvkMsDNal0b1gCiPg
We are thankful to Jean Walker, organist, for her efforts in performing the hymns for the YouTube video. Remember to go to the end of the printed material for the lyrics to the hymns.
Remember … the bible is free online … https://www.biblegateway.com/
Knox Bayfield now has the opportunity to use e-transfer for your offerings. For more information contact Brenda McLean and she will guide you through the process.
We will be exploring an online group discussion of the book “Light of the World”. You can order the book as a paperback or audio book. Light of the World: A Beginner’s Guide to Advent, author Amy-Jill Levine. https://villagebookshop.ca/ We will plan to meet via Zoom. More details about our meeting time will be available soon.
Section 2
CALL TO WORSHIP
Sing to the Lord and bless God’s name. Tell of God’s saving power from day to day. Worship the Lord in holy splendor. Tremble before God, all the earth.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON Exod. 33:19
The Lord says: I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. Let us now confess our sin, casting ourselves on the promised mercy and compassion of God.
The Lord said to Moses: There is a place near me where you may stand upon a rock. When my glory passes by, I’ll put you in a cleft in the rock. I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by.
Beloved ones, God has shielded us, covered our sin with the hand of protection, as we hide ourselves in Christ, the rock of our salvation.
#290. Immortal, invisible. God only wise
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION 1 Thessalonians 1:5-9
Holy one, true and living god, through the message of the gospel and the power of your spirit help us to follow in the way of Jesus the Christ. Amen.
READINGS: Exodus 33:12–23 1, Psalm 99
Thessalonians 1:1–10, Matthew 22:15–22
Matthew 22:15–22
Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap Jesus in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?”
But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. Then Jesus said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?”
They answered, “The emperor’s.”
Then Jesus said to them, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.
We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of persons we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place your faith in God has become known, so that we have no need to speak about it. For the people of those regions report about us what kind of welcome we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath that is coming.
# 767 Lord speak to me
MESSAGE
The increased restrictions due to the pandemic has many people shifting their priorities. It seems that setting priorities in recent months has proven to be quite challenging. The carefully constructed structures or paradigms that we were accustomed to now seem to be inadequate. Who could have anticipated that we would be preparing youtube videos on Saturday afternoon, rather than gather on Sunday morning? Simple actions like greeting one another have become complicated, and that is only when we are able to be together. Anticipated family gatherings are cancelled or significantly changed. Last week a few of my family gathered. We ate our Thanksgiving meal outside on the patio wearing our coats and shivering. Did you know that cold Brussel spouts lose their appeal quite quickly? We are in the midst of re-thinking most aspects of our lives. We can make light about family gatherings and we can mourn the loss of immediate church funerals. We can mourn the loss of gathering with one another in the here and now when we most need the support of gathering.
I was mindful of the significant changes the people in these stories were experiencing. Moses was called to implement significant changes for himself and for the many, diverse people he led. Jesus was teaching a different way of understanding God and the scriptures. Paul was writing to the Thessalonians about the many changes they were experiencing as they embraced the gospels. Each of these leaders and the people they led were in the midst of significant change. Change that shifted the paradigms of their lives.
The issue becomes especially complex and important when religious beliefs clash with the rules of the state. And, more complex when the teachings of Christ clash with religious rules.The gospel of Matthew shares the account of the Pharisees and the Herodians as they attempted to trap Jesus with questions about taxation. This account leads us to wonder about the right relation between obedience to the state and obedience to God?
Looking back into that earlier time, the Roman general Pompey took control of Palestine in 63 B.C. The Roman domination of the people of Palestine continued throughout the New Testament period. Herod the Great and his family were allowed to rule Palestine because they co-operated with the Romans. Many of the Jewish people resented Roman occupation and resented the Roman taxation. Those who supported Herod, supported the tax. Others, such as Pharisees, did not. The tax was paid with a special coin that carried the image of Caesar. The Pharisees saw the use of this coin as a violation of the first and second commandments.
Although they had mutually exclusive objectives, the two groups were willing to co-operate in their efforts to discredit Jesus. This led them to pose the question about the taxes, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?”
It was, they thought, a no-win situation for Jesus. If he said, pay the tax- the Jewish people would view him as a Roman sympathizer. On the other hand, if Jesus opposed the tax to Caesar, then he could be accused of treason against Rome. No matter which way Jesus answered their question, it seemed to Jesus was trapped.
The answer Jesus gave them was confounding: “Render … to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s” .
Does this mean there is a dual allegiance to God and to the government? Are there duties and obligations to both? Challenges in this debate rise up with decisions over what is owed and to whom.
Stated another way, it is a question of what to do when conflicts arise. When it becomes difficult to determine which priority is stronger.
The Greek word for “render” is apodote, which means to “give what is due by obligation.” It seems that we are to render what is due, yet… we still may discover conflicting priorities. Jesus answered in a way that places believers in the position of finding balance with their responsibilities within society and to God. So where is the dilemma? The dilemma occurs when there are conflicting priorities.
The issue now, for most people, is not a conflict over whether to pay taxes. The challenge may be our willingness to pay attention to the actions of the government and the corporations. The challenge is to recognize our responsibility to be mindful of what we support with our votes and our purchasing power.
The recent groundswell against systemic mistreatment of different groups bring to the forefront our individual responsibilities of safeguarding human rights, fair wages, and fair treatment.
There are many issues where this passage challenges the church today. A significant question relates to the expectations between the people and the government. How do we engage in our democratic process? How are we engaged in the needs within our community and the greater needs of the world?
Jürgen Moltmann in his Theology of Hope, identifies three roles for the church in society: personal, communal, and institutional.
personal faith is connected to personal decisions. Faith becomes a an inner un-burdening and a spiritual re-adjustment.
The second is faith as fellowship where loneliness and isolation are deterred. The congregation functions best by creating a sense of community with warmth and authenticity.
The third is faith within institutionalization which provides balance within societal change.
Moltmann argues the pastoral church meets the untended needs within society regardless of the societal expectations. “The Christian life no longer consists in fleeing the world and in spiritual resignation from it, but is engaged in an attack upon the world and a calling in the world.” The church will continue its role as a revolutionary force.
We see evidence of this in Paul’s writing. He wrote to the Thesalonians about the living and true God who creates community filled with expectation. This God has chosen you, he wrote. We hear echoes of God speaking with Moses.
Do you hear the vibrancy in Paul’s letter? Paul cared deeply for the people in the faith community at Thessalonica. We can hear his gratitude for the work that Paul and the Thessalonian community do together to carry gospel message into places like Macedonia and Achaia
He has great affection for them and praises their ability to continue their faithful practices in the face of great challenges and persecution.
We live in a distinctly different time, yet, we continue in our efforts to connect people with the gospel message. We continue to care for one another within our faith communities. Paul sent word by the handwritten letter in order to connect with people across great distances. We connect in a variety of ways today. I am encouraged to hear that several of you reach out to others as this pandemic drags on. You are reaching out by phone, email, notes, and cards. You are connecting in person using the safety protocols of wearing masks and keeping a physical distance between you. Bonds are being created and strengthened. I wonder … have you been hesitant to reach out to someone in particular? Or, just hesitant to reach out? It can be a little intimidating, particularly now that isolation has become so normalized. I wonder whether each of you hearing or reading this message … I wonder if you would be up for a challenge. The challenge is to reach out to someone you have not talked with or written to since at least the beginning of September. Reach out and just say hello. If you are at a loss of what to say … just talk about the amazing fall colours, the early morning frost, or the ways in which you recognize the blessings in your life. Ask how they spent their summer. Tell them how you spent your summer. You may be surprised by how easy the conversation becomes. You may be delighted by the warmth of their response and thankfulness for the call.
Congregations are bonded to one another in Christ by a spirit of thanksgiving for one another. A spirit of thanksgiving can motivate us as believers to be more intentional and thoughtful in the ways we communicate. A spirit of thanksgiving can motivate us to forgive and seek forgiveness. The spirit of Thanksgiving is not restricted to a certain time or weekend. During this time of shifting priorities and changed structures, reach out and encourage one another… in the name of Christ.
Praise be to God.
# 299 Holy holy holy
THE OFFERING OF OUR LIFE AND LABOUR TO THE LORD
QUOTE: Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. 1 Peter 4:10
Jesus invites us to render to God the things that are God’s. Trusting in God’s infinite care, we gratefully present our offerings. Your generosity contributes to the ongoing expenses of this congregation. A portion of our budget supports the efforts of Presbyterians Sharing and PWS&D. Do good and share what you have, for such gifts are from God and are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16
BLESSING OF GIFTS *1 Thess. 1:5
We trust you, Lord God, to multiply the blessings these gifts represent, as we pour out your love and grace on those who long to hear your word to them, to see your power at work within them, to feel your comfort beside them, through the generous gifts of your Spirit. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
You are encouraged to share your concerns and celebrations with the congregation. Your requests will be shared in the prayers of the people and kept in my daily prayers and the prayers of our congregation. Let us pray for all people and all of God’s creation.
Loving God, you are steadfast, forever enfolding us into your care. May your Spirit empower us to follow in your ways by receiving those who feel judged and rejected, by walking alongside those who despair, by encouraging those who tend to the broken, by affirming those who labor in love.
We lift into your tender care all who have been weakened in body, mind, or spirit.
We lift up to your compassionate grace those with burdens, guilt, or fears that seem too massive to bear.
We lift before your expansive mercy those who suffer with hatred, rage, or vengeance.
Loving God, we know that you walk with us, and you answer when we call. There are many within our church family in need of your care at this time. We lift up Ron, Sandy and their family as Ron continues to heal. We lift up Peggy, Betty Lou, Jane, Bonnie, Jessie, Marlene, Rob, and Courtney. We lift up all those who prefer to remain un-named. We pray that your Spirit will linger with your people during this challenging time. A time of isolation that has left many feeling fragmented and in despair. Gather them to you as a hen gathers her chicks. Protect them in your love. We pray you will receive all these cares, loving God.
O Holy One, although we are apart and we join our voices together across space and time to speak the words that Christ taught his disciples … Our Father who art in heaven, hallow’ed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
# 314 God is love: come heaven adoring
BENEDICTION
Brothers and sisters, siblings in Christ, the gospel has come to you in the living word and in the power of the Holy Spirit! Live with joy. Be empowered to love the unlovable and forgive the unforgivable in the grace-filled name of Jesus Christ.
May God tuck us securely within the rock of our salvation, Jesus Christ. May we sense the inexpressible awe of God’s glory. May we rest in the peace that passes all understanding, now and forevermore.
CLOSING CHORUS
May the Lord, mighty God bless and keep you forever, Grant you peace, perfect peace, faith in every endeavor Lift your eyes and see His face, and His grace forever, May the Lord, mighty God bless and keep you forever.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
What does it mean to be an “imitator of Christ” (1 Thess. 1:6)? Who has influenced your life by the way that person “imitates” Christ, and how? What needs to happen within you to help you become an imitator of Christ?
This week, set aside some time to take inventory of your life. Consider your spiritual gifts. How do you use them in the service of God and others?
Section 3
Morning Prayer
I listen quietly, God, and the morning sounds of creation draw me to you. It is then that I hear your voice, “I am pleased with you and I know you by name.” Sometimes it is difficult to fully receive your pleasure in me, to grasp that you are fond of me, even when I have nothing to show for myself. May I remember that I am yours today. Amen.
Evening Prayer
I fold up this day with gratitude, holding close to my heart those whose faith helped carry me through this day. Amen.
Daily Prayer Exod. 33:12–23
Faithful God, you are here. Tuck us into the cleft of the rock; cover us with your hand when we are anxious, that we may be courageous to do your will, through Christ, who calls us by name. Amen.
Hymns:
290 Immortal, invisible. God only wise
767 Lord speak to me
299 Holy holy holy
314 God is love: come heaven adoring
290 Immortal, invisible. God only wise
Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.
Unresting, unhasting and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;
Thy justice like mountains high soaring above
Thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.
To all life thou givest, to both great and small;
In all life thou livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish like leaves on the tree,
And wither, and perish, but naught changeth thee.
Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,
Thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;
All laud we would render: oh help us to see
‘tis only the splendour of light hideth thee.
767 Lord speak to me
Lord, speak to me, that I may speak
In living echoes of your tone;
As you have sought, so let me seek
Your erring children lost and lone.
Oh lead me, Lord, that I may lead
The wandering and the wavering feet;
Oh feed me, Lord, that I may feed
Your hungering ones with manna sweet.
Oh teach me, Lord, that I may teach
The precious truths that you impart,
And wing my words, that they may reach
The hidden depths of many a heart.
Oh fill me with your fullness, Lord,
Until my heart shall overflow
In kindling thought and glowing word,
Your love to tell, your praise to show.
Oh use me, Lord, use even me
Just as you will, and when, and where,
Until at last your face I see,
Your rest, your joy, your glory share.
299 Holy holy holy
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God almighty!
early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty,
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
Holy, holy, holy! all the saints adore thee,
casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea,
cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
who wert and art and evermore shalt be.
Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide thee,
though our eyes in sinfulness thy glory may not see,
only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,
perfect in power, in love and purity.
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God almighty!
all thy works shall praise thy name in earth and sky and sea.
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty,
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity.
314 God is love: come heaven adoring
God is love: come heaven, adoring;
God is love: come earth, rejoice.
Come creation, voices soaring,
Sing exulting with one voice.
God who laid the earth’s foundation,
God who spread the heavens above,
God who breathes through all creation–
God is love, eternal love.
God is love, whose arms enfolding
All the world in one embrace,
With unfailing grasp are holding
Every child of every race,
And when human hearts are breaking
Under sorrow’s iron rod,
All the sorrow, all the aching
Wrings with pain the heart of God.
God is love, and though with blindness
Sin afflicts all human life,
God’s eternal loving-kindness
Guides us through all earthly strife.
Sin and death and hell shall never
O’er us final triumph gain;
God is love: so love forever
O’er the universe must reign.