Have you not heard 7 February 2021 Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson
The Lord be with you … and also with you.
CALL TO WORSHIP Isaiah 40
Have we not known? Have we not heard? Has it not been told to us since the beginning? Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Come, let us worship God together
CALL TO CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE OF PARDON
We fool ourselves if we think that our ways are hidden from God. Let us confess our sin, trusting in the mercy of God our Maker.
Join me in prayer
God, you are everlasting, the creator of all that is. Your understanding is beyond measure. We confess to you that we have sinned against you and our neighbors. In your compassion, forgive us, for we place our hope in your steadfast love.
Praise God who heals the brokenhearted and binds up our wounds. God takes pleasure in those who place their trust in God’s grace. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
May the peace of Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you.
Hymn # 290 Immortal, invisible, God only wise
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Join me in the prayer for illumination.
Holy God, speak to us what has been told from the beginning, your Word that is the foundation of the world. Send your Spirit to move in us and among us. Focus our attention as we listen, so that we may absorb your Word more deeply, come to know you better, and serve you with greater purpose. Amen.
READINGS
Isaiah 40:21–31; Psalm 147:1–11, 20c
1 Corinthians 9:16–23; Mark 1:29–39
May God bless our understanding of this God’s holy word.
Have you not heard?
We are in the midst of an extreme cold snap, even the name is extreme… a polar vortex. I find the bitter wind and cold are accentuating the sense of isolation caused by the pandemic. Even walking the dog is isolating as my head in tilted down to keep the icy snow away from my eyes and to prevent the cold from sneaking down into my neck. When shovelling this week, yet again, I wonder whether there was any purpose in shoveling the porch steps. It is so unlikely that they will be used any time soon. Then, as I was breaking up the icy pile at the end of my driveway, my new neighbour pulled up in his ATV snowplow. He kindly cleared out the heavy ice before retreating to the warmth of his home. Our brief exchange in the bitter cold and the kindness of his action lifted my sense of isolation.
The reading from Isaiah speaks to the painful reality of the exiles in captivity in Babylon. They were physically scattered when their temple and their city was destroyed. They were refugees who longed for Jerusalem as they wept by the rivers of Babylon. Their lament speaks of being abandoned by God. They were afraid that God was beyond the struggles of humanity? The prophet spoke to his people, reminding them of the magnificent God who cared for them. Isaiah proclaimed the God who sits above the earth is the Shepherd who claims, gathers, and carries us. We are encouraged to lift up our eyes on high so that we see the One who numbers and names us all. The one God, transcendent and immanent.
Isaiah twice asks, “Have you not known? Have you not heard?” His questions shake our memory and questions our perception. Isaiah asks, “Have you not known? Have you not heard?” and answers “The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth” Isaiah makes it all sound obvious yet there are doubts and questions. There is skepticism about God with the problems facing the world. How much does God really care? Perhaps we are “grasshoppers” to the God who “sits above the circle of the earth”. We seek to understand this God who cares for us, this God who provides for us, the God who nurtures us. What do we learn in the scriptures? We discover that God does care. We discover that we are meant to return that care toward God and God’s creation and toward one another.
Evidence based research tells us that positive regard and positive recognition is an important part of developing a healthy psyche. Positive regard not only for our achievements, but primarily in recognition of our existence. This is a good reinforcement of celebrating our inherent self worth. Those who do not learn of their self worth often have difficulty connecting in relationship as adults. Scriptures remind us, again and again, that God calls each person by name.
We are shaped by memories that are formed by our individual and collective experiences. Memory is an important aspect of how we are deal with crisis in life. Our life experience and memories shape how we make it through the pandemic and social isolation. Selective memory can be helpful with pain. When the memory of pain fades it allows us to live without the fear of its return. Memory has an ongoing impact. When our efforts have produced good results, when life has been fair and made sense, then our life experience teaches us that good things will come. Yet, this doesn’t always play out the same way for everyone. For many, despite their good efforts, life is a constant struggle. Perhaps that is part of an equalizing factor of the pandemic. So many are struggling at the same time. Yet the struggles are different. One consequence of struggle is the potential of developing resiliency. Resiliency develops when we recognize the courage necessary to weather the storm. Resilience develops when we are able to find and hold onto hope in the midst of devastation. Resiliency develops as we make it through the challenges and see the strength within our vulnerability.
This sense of selective memory impacts our understanding of our faith. During difficult times, we may wonder where God is. Have we been forgotten? Or is it that we are forgetting to turn to God?
It seems to work at both extremes. When things are going particularly well many forget about God and believe that they are responsible for all the good in their lives. Alternately, when things go badly, we blame ourselves for the harm that occurs. It seems we forget to look for God in these times. We forget that God is with us in the good, the bad, and the tedius. The scriptures help us to recognize our fears in stories from others. Elijah hiding in a cave, scared to death of Jezebel. The word of the Lord comes to him, saying, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Isaiah reminds us that God reigns over all nature and history, the one “who brings princes to naught, and makes the rulers of the earth as nothing” . Isaiah helps us to recall the memory of God’s presence in our life. God has not forgotten you. Have we forgotten God’s love for us? Have we forgotten the teaching that when we gather in relationship, Christ is present with us?
Our reading from Mark’s gospel begins where we left off last week. After driving out the demon at the synagogue, Jesus healed Simon’s mother-in law plus many who are sick and possessed. Early in the morning while it was still dark, Jesus went to a deserted place to spend time in prayer. When the disciples found him, he announced that they would continue their joureny and then leave the area to continue his teaching and healing. The ministry of Jesus – teaching, healing, and prayer in the synagogue, the home, and the community.
After Simon’s mother-in-law was restored to health, she served. This theme seems to repeat again and again for followers of Christ. In many of our faith journeys we are healed as we seek to understand our faith. We discover the inherent lovable self that God created. We often make this remarkable discovery through our understanding of Jesus. Spiritual healing often leads to the discovery of an impetus to serve Christ in ways that share this good news. It is in this discovery of serving that we find ways to reach out to one another in fellowship. It is in this discovery of our inherent God given worth that we find the courage to volunteer. We discover the courage to work within the premise of our faith traditions. It is in this deep knowing that we see and recognize the inherent worth of others as seen through the eyes of the loving Creator God.
Gerald May, an American medical doctor who practices psychotherapy, shares the importance of community in the healing process: “God’s grace through community involves something far greater than other people’s support and perspective. The power of grace is nowhere as brilliant nor as mystical as in communities of faith. Its power includes not just love that comes from people and through people but love that pours forth among people, as if through the very spaces between one person and next. Just to be in such an atmosphere is to be bathed in healing power.”
God knows the human need for nearness. The ministry of Jesus continues to teach us the everyday power of relationship in the church, the community, and the home. The power of touch, of intimacy, of nearness, is something that eludes us right now. We are becoming more creative in reaching out to one another so we can stay connected, if not by nearness and touch, then by simply staying connected. We are re-discovering the many ways of connecting that allow us to share ourselves with one another. We are discovering new ways to create nurturing memories. God knows our need and equips each of us to connect.
Praise be to God.
# 307 God of the Spirit, God of the whale
THE OFFERING OF OUR LIFE AND LABOUR TO THE LORD
QUOTE: We are surrounded by God’s benefits. The best use of these benefits is an unceasing expression of gratitude.
John Calvin (1509–1564), theologian, pastor, reformer
Jesus’ ministry brought healing and hope to many who reached out to him. Our offering supports ministries of healing and hope here and around the world. Know that your gift matters and give as God has blessed you.
Let us pray.
Generous and loving God, we bring our offering to you, trusting that you will bless our gifts and use them in ways we cannot even imagine. Jesus touched so many lives in so many different ways. We ask that these gifts will touch many lives, too, with your healing and hope in these difficult days. Amen.
HYMN: # 626 LORD OF ALL POWER
BLESSING OF GIFTS & PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Join me in prayer:
God of the universe, you sit above the circle of the earth that you have created. We pray for the oceans and mountains, the lakes and streams, and the air we breathe. Since the beginning, we have looked to you to gather the outcasts, heal the broken hearted and the wounded. We pray for the poor of the world, the sick and the lonely. We pray for the leaders of nations and communities. May they see the goodness of your creation and seek to protect all who are vulnerable.
We pray for your church, here and around the world. Empower us to serve you in this world by living out the ways of Christ.
Everlasting God, Creator of the ends of the earth, we bless you, for you are gracious.
Almighty God, you have made us for a holy purpose, to comfort and care for each other. There are many within our church family in need of your special care at this time. We lift up all those who prefer to remain un-named as they face immense challenges of health and finances.
O holy One, we pray for clarity, passion, and true fellowship to awaken us to your presence. May your face shine upon the church and all this weary world. We pray
in the name of Jesus the Christ, who taught his disciples to pray…
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.
Hymn #635 Brother, sister, let me serve you
BENEDICTION
Let us spread the gospel freely in this world. May the Spirit of Jesus take your hand and lift you up so that you may be of service to others. May the love of God surround you this day and forevermore. Amen
Postlude Let There Be Peace on Earth
Questions for Reflection
What does Paul mean when he says that he became all things to all people so that he could save some (1 Cor. 9:22)?
Scripture readings next week
2 Kings 2:1-12; Psalm 50:1-6; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6; Mark 9:2-9
Morning Prayer
In the morning, while it was still very dark, Jesus got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. As I turn to you in prayer this morning, God, bless me with a sense of purpose. As I go out into this day, show me what I am to do. Amen.
Evening Prayer
Everlasting God, you have been here from the foundations of the earth. I give to you this day now ending, with all its gifts and failings. As I rest through the night, renew my strength and, in my dreams, lift me up on the wings of eagles. Amen.
Daily prayer
Gracious God, you call us to follow Christ and spread the good news of your love for all people. Help us to become all things to all people that we might reach many with your good news. Amen.
623 Holy, holy, holy Words: traditional Music: F Schubert
Refrain: Holy, holy, holy, God almighty, Lord!
Holy, holy, holy, everywhere adored!
God without beginning, God eternal One
reigns and rules forever all beneath the sun [Refrain]
Power and love and wonder circling round God’s throne
Praise our God most holy, Lord of Life alone [Refrain]
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.
307 God of the sparrow, God of the whale
Lyrics: Jaroslav J. Vajda (1919; d. 2008) Composer: Carl F. Schalk (1929)
1. God of the sparrow, God of the whale
God of the swirling stars
How does the creature say awe, how does the creature say praise
2. God of the earthquake, God of the storm
God of the trumpet blast
How does the creature cry woe, how does the creature cry save
3. God of the rainbow, God of the cross
God of the empty grave
How does the creature say grace, how does the creature say thanks
4. God of the hungry, God of the sick
God of the prodigal
How does the creature say care, how does the creature say life
5. God of the neighbour, God of the foe
God of the pruning hook
How does the creature say love, how does the creature say peace
6. God of the ages, God near at hand
God of the loving heart
How do your children say joy, how do your children say home
626 Lord of all power
Lord of all power, I give you my will
in joyful obedience your tasks to fulfil.
Your bondage is freedom, your service is song,
and, held in your keeping, my weakness is strong.
Lord of all wisdom, I give you my mind,
rich truth that surpasses our knowledge to find.
What eye has not seen and what ear has not heard
is taught by your Spirit and shines from your word.
Lord of all bounty, I give you my heart;
I praise and adore you for all you impart:
your love to inspire me, your word to obey,
I walk in your freedom to the end of the way.
Lord of all being, I give you my all.
If e’er I disown you, I stumble and fall;
but, sworn in glad service your word to obey,
I walk in your freedom to the end of the way.
635 Brother, sister, let me serve you / The Servant Song
Brother, sister, let me serve you;Let me be as Christ to you;
Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant too.
We are pilgrims on a journey, And companions on the road;
We are here to help each other Walk the mile and bear the load.
I will hold the Christ-light for you In the night-time of your fear;
I will hold my hand out to you, Speak the peace you long to hear.
I will weep when you are weeping; When you laugh I’ll laugh with you;
I will share your joy and sorrow, Till we’ve seen this journey through.
When we sing to God in heaven, We shall find such harmony,
Born of all we’ve known together Of Christ’s love and agony.
Brother, sister, let me serve you; Let me be as Christ to you;
Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant too.
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.
307 God of the Spirit, God of the whale
Lyrics: Jaroslav J. Vajda (1919; d. 2008) Composer: Carl F. Schalk (1929)
God of the sparrow, God of the whale
God of the swirling stars
How does the creature say awe, how does the creature say praise
God of the earthquake, God of the storm
God of the trumpet blast
How does the creature cry woe, how does the creature cry save
God of the rainbow, God of the cross
God of the empty grave
How does the creature say grace, how does the creature say thanks
God of the hungry, God of the sick
God of the prodigal
How does the creature say care, how does the creature say life
God of the neighbour, God of the foe
God of the pruning hook
How does the creature say love, how does the creature say peace
God of the ages, God near at hand
God of the loving heart
How do your children say joy, how do your children say home
626 Lord of all power
Lord of all power, I give you my will
in joyful obedience your tasks to fulfil.
Your bondage is freedom, your service is song,
and, held in your keeping, my weakness is strong.
Lord of all wisdom, I give you my mind,
rich truth that surpasses our knowledge to find.
What eye has not seen and what ear has not heard
is taught by your Spirit and shines from your word.
Lord of all bounty, I give you my heart;
I praise and adore you for all you impart:
your love to inspire me, your word to obey,
I walk in your freedom to the end of the way.
Lord of all being, I give you my all.
If e’er I disown you, I stumble and fall;
but, sworn in glad service your word to obey,
I walk in your freedom to the end of the way.
635 Brother, sister, let me serve you
Brother, sister, let me serve you; Let me be as Christ to you;
Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant too.
We are pilgrims on a journey, And companions on the road;
We are here to help each other Walk the mile and bear the load.
I will hold the Christ-light for you In the night-time of your fear;
I will hold my hand out to you, Speak the peace you long to hear.
I will weep when you are weeping; When you laugh I’ll laugh with you;
I will share your joy and sorrow, Till we’ve seen this journey through.
When we sing to God in heaven, We shall find such harmony,
Born of all we’ve known together Of Christ’s love and agony.
Brother, sister, let me serve you; Let me be as Christ to you;
Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant too.