Keep Awake Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson Nov 29
Greetings to my church family and friends. May the grace of God be with you.
Announcements
This is the first Sunday in Advent. It is hard to believe that the last time we gathered in this sanctuary was mid-March during Lent. It is wonderful that technology allows for taping and posting the video online. 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. Jean and I get together on Friday afternoons to record. I apologize for the wonky camera angles that happen despite my best efforts. Hopefully no one has a sore neck from last weeks’ video.
The focus of the Mission Moment is the PWS&D, Presbyterian World Service & Development, response as COVID-19 continues to affect people around the world. PWS&D helps provide long-term food relief through Canadian FoodGrains Bank and ACT Alliance. PWS&D helps ensure access to clean water and sanitation, plus they provide psycho-social support to cope with the effects of the pandemic.
It was a good start to the Advent book study last Sunday! We discovered new faces and new Zoom skills. Are you able to participate this week? We will explore the first chapter of the book “Light of the World, A beginners guide to Advent”. We will meet at 2 pm Sunday on Zoom. Join in the conversation regardless of whether you’re reading the book. The Zoom link will be re-sent on Sunday. Questions? Contact Rev Lisa (519) 572-8529 [call or text]
Income and Expense Update
Your contributions to the church and its ongoing work are appreciated. Your regular offerings allow the church to continue its good work. The Knox Bayfield Session and Finance committee are diligent in their efforts to minimize expenses and meet financial commitments. The chart illustrates the October income $5,703 and expenses in $5,287 with a year-to-date deficit of $4,982.
Call To Worship
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Grace to you and peace from God and Jesus Christ. I give thanks to God for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind— just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you— so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of Jesus Christ.
First Sunday in Advent: HOPE
Reader: The season of Advent begins, and we celebrate the hope we find in the good news of the Gospel.
All: Through the birth of a tiny and helpless child, God comes to save the world.
Reader: While we watch and wait for Jesus, we join God’s mission by bringing grace and mercy to those who need it most.
All: We engage the poor and the poor in spirit, letting Christ’s light shine through us.
Reader: We speak words of comfort and love to a world in need of hope and healing, as we share our stories of God’s transforming Spirit.
All: Together, we are a sign of God’s hope for the world.
The candle is lit
Reader: Let us pray:
All: God of surprising grace, when we least expect it you bring fresh new life; and where we feel that all is lost, you bring redemption. Give us courage as we share all you have done, all you are doing, and all you will accomplish through Jesus Christ. Amen.[i]
Prayer For Illumination
God of grace, you speak words of hope in the midst of our fear. Send us your Holy Spirit to open our ears to that hope. O God, send your Spirit to open our hearts, so that that we may discern your Word in and through the words that we are about to hear
Readings:
Isaiah 64:1–9, Psalm 80:1–7, 17–19
1Corinthians 1:3–9, 26, Mark 13:24–37
The gospel of Mark 13:24-37 Jesus is speaking to the disciples…
“But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.
Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.
“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
“But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.”
Paul’s epistle to the churches in Corinth, from 1Corinthians 1:3-9, begins …
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind— just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you— so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
1Corinthians 11:23-26
For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” ln the same way he took the cup also, 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.
# 119 Hope is a Star
Keep Awake
There was heavy snow in Kitchener earlier this week. The trees, roads, and lawns were covered in the beautiful splendour of freshly fallen snow. When I went for a walk I had to be careful and attentive. The snow covered the usual path and it was challenging to see where the ground was uneven. I was mindful of the readings for this week as I carefully walked in the fresh snow. It is easy to hear the familiar readings and not pay much attention. We are familiar with the passages that we have heard over the years. Familiarity may even allow us to tune out a bit since we know the words that will be spoken. Yet, we are called to be attentive. To hear with open ears. To see with wide open eyes.
Advent is a time to open ourselves to see God’s creation in new ways. This season of advent begins in the midst of the pandemic. It would be lovely to hold onto our traditional gatherings but that seems unlikely at this point. Most of us enjoy the calming effect of tradition. It seems we become accustomed to repetition. Change can be challenging. The initial sound of crashing waves on the beach or the noise of trains on a nearby track can seem loud at first. Yet, later, that same noise can lull you to sleep.
The scriptures this week remind us that traditions and familiarity can lull us into not hearing and seeing. This brings to mind the lull that can happen to drivers on the highway. The long stretches of familiar roadway can lull the driver into a trance. Major highways have rumble strips along the side of the road to startle the inattentive driver. The driver becomes more alert and makes a course correction. Rumble strips ahead of stop signs also alert the driver.
During this season of advent we have the opportunity to see our world with fresh eyes. COVID has helped us to be alert to things that we once took for granted. We have been reminded of our individual impact on others. Perhaps we can become even more aware of how our everyday decisions affect others in the world. The readings this week can lead into being more aware.
The gospel of Mark tells of Jesus responding to questions from the disciples about the time to come. Jesus foretells of how they would stand as witnesses about their time with him. He speaks of the time when he will return to them and shares that the time in between will be difficult and challenging. Jesus foretells that things will get worse before they get better. And… and that we just need to hang on until God intervenes.
How can we hear this message? It can truly be a struggle to wait when things seem to be falling apart. Yet, God does keep this promise time and again. Can you remember when it seemed that it would only get worse, and then things did get better. A helping hand, a kind word, a gift of much needed supplies.
My mind turns to the mission efforts of our churches. Efforts led by volunteers. Financial donations that provide much needed supplies at the local foodbank. Volunteers that pack and deliver boxes of food. Such generous service translates into food appearing to fill an empty cupboard. Do you have a memory of being hungry. Not peckish or hungry for your next meal. But … really hungry? A hunger that faces the reality of an empty cupboard and an empty wallet? A deep hunger that sees no relief in sight. Such hunger goes beyond the physical. It reaches down into your soul and creates a sense of isolation and desperation. In this land of abundance there are many who face such hunger. Some must choose between having a space to live or providing food for their family. It is in the sharing of our gifts of time, money, and talent that these needs can be better met. It is in the sharing that the face of Christ becomes more evident to those in need.
In this world of abundance those with privilege are urged to be awake to the needs of others. Paul writes to the followers in Corinth about their inappropriate behaviour in celebrating the Lord’s supper. He has become aware of the segregation in their faith communities. Paul’s frustration is evident in the previous section of the letter where he describes how the Lord’s Supper has lost its intended meaning in their gatherings. The wealthy are enjoying abundant food and drink to the point of gluttony and drunkenness. Others with few financial resources and lower social standing had very little. Some ate with abandon, while others went hungry. The division within the church was increasing. Paul reminds them to aware and follow the teachings of Christ.
Today we share communion in a different and new way. Rather than joining together in one place, we are spread apart by space and time. You are in your home with your own communion elements as we gather by virtual means. Allow yourself to be mindful that some may have more and some may have less. Be mindful of the need to share resources within our communities, within the towns that we live in and within the world that we share.
In his warning to be watchful, we are to live as if we expect Jesus to arrive right now. Indeed, he is here among us now. He is already here, just not quite yet … in our relationship with God, as we join in communion with Christ with everyday elements of bread and wine. In living our lives as prepared and waiting we are able to experience a taste of what is now and what will be in the time to come.
Praise be to God.
# 122 O Come, o come Emmanuel
The Offering Of Our Life And Labour To The Lord
Quote: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21
The earth is God’s and all that is in it. God has given many good gifts and calls us to respond. From the fellowship of Jesus Christ, we are sent out to share with thanksgiving what we have received. Do good and share what you have, for such gifts are from God and are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16
Blessing Of Gifts & Prayers Of The People
Isa. 64:3-9, Psalm 80, Mark 13
Join me in prayer:
Generous and gracious God, we give you thanks for your persistent love and faithfulness. May our offering be used to lift up those in need within your world.
Creator God, we remember your amazing presence through the ages, and the many times you have saved us. Yet, we also remember when we felt alone and afraid. O God, we are your people, the work of your hand. Look upon us with your love and grace, especially in the time of need.
O holy One, at the beginning of Advent our hearts turn to the children of your world. Today we lift up the Palestinian people. We lift up the children in Hebron that walk through soldiers and armed checkpoints to attend school. We pray for the children in Gaza who live without so much. They yearn for good schools, proper medical care, or reliable electricity. Creator God, we pray for all Palestinians that cannot live on their land and cannot lay claim to citizenship in their homeland. We pray that your love shines on them today and always.
We pray for those who look to you for healing and hope. We pray for those who are sick or recuperating, those who are lonely and isolated, those for whom the holidays bring sorrow or pain, and for those with deep sadness that overshadows joy. Let your face shine upon us, O God.
We pray for people in need of restoration and reconciliation. We pray for those battling addictions and those in recovery, for people estranged from loved ones, and for those who are lost in grief. Let your face shine upon us, O God, that we might be saved.
We pray for you to renew the spirit of a world weary of illness and conflict. We pray for wars to end and for illness, hunger and poverty to be resolved.
Loving God, we know that you walk with us. 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 struggle in his healing. We lift up Peggy, Betty Lou, Jane, Bonnie, Jessie, Marlene, Rob, Courtney, and Grace’s daughter Lisa. We lift up all those who prefer to remain un-named as they face immense challenges of health and finances. We lift up the care-givers and those who receive care during the pandemic. 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. May they sense your protective love.
O holy One, we pray for clarity, passion, and true fellowship to awake us to your presence. May your face shine upon the church and all this weary world. We pray
in the name of the One born in a manger. Amen.
Invitation To The Table
#530 I come with joy
Affirmation of Faith
#539 The Apostles’ Creed* [in unison]
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, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and 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.
Advent Communion Prayer
(Responsive in Bold)
As we are called to come to The Table, we remember that this is the table of Jesus Christ, who has prepared a banquet for everyone.
All who seek to be nourished and sustained in the journey of faith, all who seek wholeness and compassionate paths to peace and justice, and all who walk in love and charity with your companions on the Way are called to gather around the Table.
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Blessed and holy are you, O God, creator of all things. In the beginning, you spoke… and at your word your Spirit moved over the waters, bringing order, light, and life out of chaos. You knit together our inward parts, made us in your image and breathed breath and life into us. When we turn away from you and our love fails, your love remains constant. When we wander off and follow ways of sin and death you call us from our scattered lives to repentance, unity and peace.
Therefore, with choirs of angels and archangels and with those of every time and place, we give you praise and glory:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
Holy, mighty and tender God, in time you sent word to Mary that she would conceive a son and call him Jesus and in him we saw your promises made flesh. Dwelling among us we heard and saw Good News: he preached reconciliation and the Kingdom of God, he healed the sick, fed the hungry, and ate with sinners. In his suffering, death and resurrection, he delivered us from sin and death and revealed your living and redeeming hope for all people. And when he ascended into heaven, your Holy Spirit came to be our Counsellor and Comforter.
And so, remembering Christ’s life, love, death, and resurrection, we proclaim the mystery of faith
Christ was promised. Christ was born.
Christ has died. Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
Gracious God, pour out your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these your gifts of bread and wine, that the bread we break and the cup we share may be the communion of the body and blood of Christ. Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor are yours, almighty God, world without end.
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..
Words of Institution and Invitation
Jesus, in the night in which he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you: this do in remembrance of me.’
In the same way, he took the cup, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood: as often as you drink of it, do this in remembrance of me.’
We break this bread, the communion in Christ’s body once broken.
We drink this cup, communion in Christ’s blood once shed.
These are the gifts of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
Prayer after Communion
Join me in prayer…
Eternal God, we thank you for this holy mystery in which you have given yourself to us and we praise you for breaking into the world. Send us out in peace for we have seen, have heard, and been fed by your grace.
Keep us faithful and alert for signs of Christ’s coming and lead us to live lives
marked by truth and light, in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
HYMN* # 556 Now Let Us From This Table Rise
Benediction Isa. 64, Mark 13, 1 Cor. 1
Beware. Keep alert. Keep awake. God is doing awesome things we do not expect. And Christ is coming near with great power and glory, and with tenderness. May faithfulness spring up from the ground and righteousness look down from heaven as you walk in the way of peace. May the blessing of God, Living Word, and Holy Comforter be with you now and always. Amen
Postlude
Let There Be Peace on Earth
Questions for Reflection
The reading from Mark encourages us to be awake and pay attention to God’s presence among us. During this time of Advent how will you “keep alert” for God in the midst of daily responsibilities and distractions?
Morning Prayer
Psalm 80, Galations 5, Mark 13, Isa. 64:8
Thank you, God, for the gift of life today. I give thanks that your face shines upon me—for you are my salvation. Lead me like a shepherd through this day. Strengthen me for whatever lies ahead. Grant me the spiritual gifts of peace, patience, kindness, and gentleness, for I want to show your love, in word and deed, to others. In Christ’s name. Amen.
Evening Prayer
Though you have told us to keep awake, O God, you have also blessed us with rest and sleep. Grant me such rest in the hours ahead that I awaken with eager longing for a new day, ready for you to be revealed in mundane moments and ordinary encounters. By your grace prepare me, whether awake or asleep,
to greet you: in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn. All times are in your hands, and I, too, am in your hands, faithful God. In Jesus’ name I rest and pray. Amen.
Daily Prayer
Isa. 64, Mark 13, 1 Kgs. 19, Luke 2, 2 Cor. 12
God of power unexpected, we want you to tear open the heavens and come down;
to make mountains quake, water boil, and stars to fall until all nations tremble at your presence! But you, you will not perform according to our wants and whims.
Instead you come like the sound of sheer silence: Thin. Quiet.
Instead you are born among us as an infant.
Instead you show us how love is made perfect in weakness.
So we will stay alert, or at least we will try, because we are your people and there is no other God besides you. Amen.
Scripture readings next week:
Isaiah 40:1–11, Psalm 85:1–2, 8–13, 2 Peter 3:8–15a, Mark 1:1–8
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#119 Hope is a Star
Hope is a star that shines in the night, leading us on till the morning is bright.
Refrain: When God is a child there’s joy in our song. The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong, and none shall be afraid.
Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth, giving a promise of safety and worth. Refrain
Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn, telling the world that the Saviour is born. Refrain
Love is a flame that burns in our heart. Jesus has come and will never depart. Refrain
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122 O Come, o come Emmanuel
Oh come, oh come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lowly exile here, until the Son of God appear.
Refrain: Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
Oh come, oh come, thou Lord of might, who to thy tribes on Sinai’s height,
in ancient times didst give the law in cloud and majesty and awe.
Refrain
Oh come, thou Wisdom from on high, and order all things far and nigh;
to us the path of knowledge show, and cause us in her ways to go.
Refrain
Oh come, thou Branch of Jesse, free thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
from the depths of hell thy people save, and give them victory o’er the grave. Refrain
Oh come, thou Key of David, come and open wide our heavenly home;
make safe the way that leads on high and close the path to misery.
Refrain
Oh come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by thine advent here;
disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death’s dark shadows put to flight. Refrain
Oh come, desire of nations, bind all peoples in one heart, one mind;
bid envy, strife and discord cease, and be thyself our source of peace.
Refrain
530 I come with joy
I come with joy, a child of God, forgiven, loved and free,
the life of Jesus to recall in love laid down for me,
In love laid down for me.
I come with Christians far and near to find, as all are fed,
the new community of love in Christ’s communion bread,
in Christ’s communion bread.
As Christ breaks bread and bids us share, each proud division ends.
The love that made us, makes us one, and strangers now are friends,
and strangers now are friends.
The Spirit of the risen Christ, unseen, but ever near,
is in such friendship better known, alive among us here,
alive among us here.
Together met, together bound by all that God has done,
we’ll go with joy, to give the world the love that makes us one,
the love that makes us one.
| # 556 Now let us from this Table Rise
Now let us from this table rise Renewed in body, mind and soul; With Christ we die and live again, Whose selfless love has made us whole.
With minds alert, upheld by grace, To spread the Word in speech and deed, We follow in the steps of Christ, At one with all in hope and need.
To fill each human house with love, It is the sacrament of care; The work that Christ began to do We humbly pledge ourselves to share.
Then give us grace, companion-God, To choose again the pilgrim way, And help us to accept with joy The challenge of tomorrow’s day.
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Let There Be Peace on Earth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGoEJyV7Snw
Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Chet Akins, Michael McDonald
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let There Be Peace on Earth
The peace that was meant to be
With God as our Father
Brothers all are we
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.
With ev’ry step I take
Let this be my solemn vow
To take each moment and live
Each moment in peace eternally
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
[i] Written by the Rev. Kristine O’Brien (Director of Crieff Hills)
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