Boundaries and Visions 9 May 2021 Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson
The Lord be with you … and also with you.
Welcome to worship at Knox Presbyterian Bayfield on the sixth Sunday of Easter.
Announcements
Mission Moment … Ministry of Hope and Care
Fernando’s dream of becoming a police officer seemed out of reach when he and his brother were children living on the streets of Miscke, a rural village in Romania. Twelve years later, he attends university and is closer to fulfilling his dream thanks to Samuel House, where Fernando and his brother found a welcoming home. Samuel House is a Christian social ministry of the Reformed Church in Romania, Királyhágómellék District, providing nutritious food, education and after-school care to children from disadvantaged families. Presbyterians Sharing has been supporting this important ministry of hope and care since 2014.
We are thankful to Jean Walker, the Knox Bayfield organist, for her continued efforts in performing the hymns during the pandemic.
Remember… if you need to access the church building be sure to follow the pandemic protocols using face masks, hand sanitizer and include your name on the Contact Tracing List.
We will join together in a virtual Communion in the May 23rd worship service. You are encouraged to participate with your communion elements of grape juice or wine and bread. If you are able, you may wish to include a candle, a cross, and of course, your bible. Although we are apart across space and time, we will join together virtually to share the Lord’s supper.
Church Signs: Acting perfect in church is like dressing up for an x-ray.
Have you noticed an interesting or amusing church sign in your journeys? Share with the congregation by sending them to Rev Lisa.
A church cookbook is a treasured snapshot in time especially when it holds memories. Remember to dig out your favourite recipes for the new Knox Bayfield Cookbook. Include personal notes about the recipes, such as tips for serving, when you enjoy the dish, or how you discovered the recipe. Your comments will provide a delightful tidbit for the readers. Be sure your recipes are complete with ingredients and directions. Do it now as time is running out! Deb is asking for up to ten recipes from each of you. Send your recipes by email to: deb dot cosford13 at gmail dot com or Canada Post: PO Box 1594, Clinton ON N0M 1L0. A church cookbook offers years of experience and great cooking.
The Knox Bayfield Session will meet in Zoom on May 10th.
Your contributions to the church and its ongoing work are appreciated. Your regular offerings allow the church to continue its good work. The Knox Session and Finance committee are diligent in their efforts to minimize expenses and meet financial commitments.
Are you aware that financial offerings are provided in many ways? Post-dated cheques, PAR (Pre Authorized Remittance), and e-transfers allow you to give intentionally, proportionally, and faithfully to the church. When you provide a dependable flow of contributions it helps significantly with budgeting and reduces paperwork. It is easy to set up and easy to make changes. For more information contact Brenda McLean (519 dash 524 dash 8645 or brmclean at hurontel dot on.ca) and she will guide you through the process.
Join the conversation on Zoom! Our spring book discussion will focus on The Book of Joy-Lasting Happiness in a Changing World Douglas Abrams captures a seven-day conversation between the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu as they discuss, ‘How do we find and cultivate joy, even in the face of suffering?’ All are welcome May 11 – June 29 Tuesday 2–3 pm. Contact Rev Lisa 519-572-8529 revlisa dot knoxbayfield@icloud dot com for details. Book available at the Village Bookshop Bayfield https://villagebookshop.ca/
Land Acknowledgment
The people of Knox Bayfield acknowledge that our community worship, live, play, and work on the traditional lands of the Anishinabewaki, Attiwonderonk (Neutral), and Mississauga peoples within Treaty 29, of 1827.
Hymn # 389 Breathe on me, breath of God
Call to Worship
Psalm 98
Sing to our God a new song. God has done marvelous things! Make a joyful noise to the Lord! Break forth into joyous song and sing praises. Let the sea roar and all that fills it. Let the world and its people sing together for joy!
Hymn# 528 Jesus calls us here to meet him
Assurance of Pardon John 15
Join me in prayer,
Loving God, Christ calls us to follow the commandment to love one another as he has loved us. We confess that we have fallen short of that love. We have not loved you or each other with our whole hearts. Forgive us, we pray, and lead us toward wholeness, that we may be filled with your joy. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Friends in Christ… hear the good news! Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation.
The old life has gone and a new life has begun. Believe the gospel in Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
May the peace of Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you.
Prayer For Illumination
Acts 10:45
Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us, O God, in the reading of your Word, that we may hear what you have to say to us today. May your Holy Spirit be poured out upon us through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Readings
Psalm 98; Acts 10; 1 John 5:1-6; John 15:9-17
May God bless our understanding of this, God’s holy word. The Word of the Lord.
Hymn # 422 Sing a new song unto the Lord
Boundaries and Visions
Boundaries are an important part of our everyday life. We have all discovered new boundaries during the pandemic. We have become familiar with social distancing and face masks – intentional physical boundaries. Other boundaries are such an integral part of life that you may not even notice them much anymore. No-trespassing signs, floating ropes that separate areas in a pool or lake. The lines on the hockey rink and basketball court. Political borders that define provinces and countries and fences that separate your property from the neighbour are all boundaries. Some are visible, most are not. There are personal boundaries that might be crossed inadvertently because they are invisible. We have discovered that some are less able to shift their boundaries, even when mandated by extreme circumstances.
One persistent and significant impact during the pandemic has been our inability to gather in the sanctuary. We mourn the loss of seeing our friends and neighbours on Sunday morning. I yearn for the day when you are here with me in the sanctuary. Many of you sit in the pew, gather your thoughts, and let go of the outside busy-ness. There is a certain stillness that seems to be more conducive in the sanctuary. The experience of connecting with God on Sunday morning when we allow ourselves to let go, to breathe deeply, and to fully exhale. To some degree you can experience this where you are now. Try this with me. Close your eyes, deeply inhale, hold, and fully breathe out. And again.
This practice of measured breathing can be part of your prayer practices. You may experience the presence of the spirit as you let go and allow yourself to be more aware of God’s realm, more aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence. Spiritual practices teach us to recognize and experience the divine. Listen carefully with your minds and your hearts to better discern the Spirit.
The readings from the book of Acts provides intertwined accounts of the Spirit with Cornelius and Simon Peter. This poignant story connects individuals within God’s earthly family as the Spirit guides them to deeper understanding. Acknowledging our spiritual connection with God enables us to be fully present in our spiritual lives. To find our way, to step into the person that God intends us to be. To fulfill our role here, in this place, at this time. It can be difficult to discern when our lives are stressful and difficult. We may lose sight of the signs. Often our culture encourages us to ignore spiritual signs, to compartmentalize our lives, and create barriers within our selves. It is helpful to set time aside for prayer and contemplation. Even just a few moments spent in prayer, seeking direction from God.
In our reading from the book of Acts, Peter and Cornelius have both set time aside for prayer. We find that Peter is a Jewish Christian who practices a kosher diet while Cornelius is a Roman Centurian and Gentile. The two men are strong voices in this passage. Yet, I wonder if the story is really about them. William Willimon wrote: “The real ‘hero’ of this story, the ‘star’ of the drama is not Peter nor Cornelius but the gracious and prodding One who makes bold promises and keeps them, who finds a way even in the midst of human distinctions and partiality between humans.” The Holy Spirit transforms the lives of both men. It is not an easy process, which is demonstrated as Peter struggles to understand the extravagance of the Spirit and the wideness of God’s grace.
We, the readers, encounter Cornelius in Caesarea, a devout man who fears God, prays regularly and provides for the needy. Cornelius has a vision where the Spirit tells him to send for the apostle Peter. Meanwhile, Peter in Joppa is on the rooftop praying where he has a vision of a great sheet of creatures being offered as food. He is told … ‘what God has made clean, you must not call profane.” Peter’s hunger grew as this vision happened three times. The messengers sent by Cornelius went to Peter as he continued to reflect on the visions. Peter began to understand as they arrived at the home of Cornelius. The pieces were fitting together – the great sheet, the unclean animals, and the Gentile household. When he arrived, he said, “You know that it is unlawful for a Jew to associate with or to visit a Gentile; but God has shown me that I should not call anyone profane or unclean.”
Peter then preached about Jesus of Nazareth, appointed with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. Then Peter asked a question that astounded them even more: “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” Perhaps you can hear the echo of the question posed by the Ethiopian eunuch in our readings a few weeks ago. The Ethiopian asked Philip, “Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?”
Discerning the movement of the Spirit in our lives can be challenging when we are encouraged to understand aspects of life differently. There can be good and sound reason to follow tradition. There are also good and sound reason for change, especially when traditional practices harm, exclude, and oppress. Jesus modelled the necessity of mindful change. He taught inclusion which went against the traditions of the church. Our faith within the reformed tradition is premised on the belief that the reformed church is always reforming. The passage reminds us that Peter and Cornelius did not cross over the traditional boundaries on their own. It was the Spirit who empowered them and encouraged them to see life differently. The Spirit broke down the barriers between this Jew and Gentile encouraging them to experience God’s grace. Peter noted, “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him” God does not discriminate. God is a God of justice. Paul wrote, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galations 3:28)
We discover that the Holy Spirit can be disruptive. Jesus taught about the Spirit and prepared the disciples as he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. He told them to stay in the city until the power from on high was shared by the Spirit. Church historian Rosemary Radford Ruether says that the church must be organized to do two things. First to pass on the traditions and, secondly, to be open to the winds of the Holy Spirit by which the tradition comes alive in each generation.
In the book of Acts, the disciples share the gospel story with those who have not yet heard. The Holy Spirit surprises many, including Philip and Peter. Sometimes, the Spirit surprises the church and is received despite the potential and actual disruption. Sometimes tradition has become so deeply entrenched that the Spirit is rebuffed and pushed away. Sometimes the Holy Spirit has a hard time getting through to us. Too often we persist with known ways, resisting the nudging of the Spirit. How can we be open to the Spirit? God is at work in our relationships, our occupations, and all the matters in our lives. God is present in all the great and the mundane elements of life. God is part of all that we do. Listen for the nudging. Hear the Word of God in the quiet moments of your day.
Peace be with you.
Hymn # 476 Amigo de Cristo / Friends of the Lord
The Offering Of Our Life And Labour To The Lord
Quote: And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
Let us demonstrate our friendship with Christ and our love for our neighbors
by generously contributing to the lasting fruit of Christ’s love.
Blessing Of Gifts & Prayers Of The People
Psalm 98; John 15; Acts 10:45
Join me in prayer:
We sing for joy, O God, for you judge the world with righteousness and fairness between nations and between people. We pray for the poor and the desperate and for those who abuse and oppress. Comfort those who suffer and correct those who cause suffering, that your justice may be known in all the earth. We pray for families, communities, and nations torn apart by violence. Heal the broken places and imbue your earth with peace.
Holy God, in Christ you have chosen humanity to know your will in the world. We humbly offer a portion of what you have provided to us so that your love may be known both near and far.
We pray for the sick and the dying, for those who are friendless and lonely,
for those living with grief or depression. Bring them your friendship and renew their joy. We pray for ourselves, your church, that we may bear fruit of peace, hope, and love, fruit that will last.
There are many within our church family in need of your special care at this time. Many are struggling with the impact of the pandemic, particularly a deep sense of isolation. We lift up Ron, Sandy, Rudy, Jane, Bonnie, Rob, Courtney and Kyla. We lift up all those who prefer to remain un-named as they face immense challenges of health and finances.
O holy One, we desire to hear your voice of love, to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, and to see you clearly. By your Spirit who breathes within us, strengthen our faith, use our gifts, and work in our lives to bear witness to 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 #655 Give me oil in my lamp
Benediction
John 15:11, Psalm 98:1
Live in the joy of Christ’s love and in all the marvelous things that God is doing! May the righteous fairness of God, the loving friendship of Christ, and the gift of the Holy Spirit go with you all. Amen
Postlude #623 Holy, holy, holy
Questions for Reflection
In our Gospel lesson this week, Jesus speaks of his extreme love for us, calls us his friends, and says that he makes known to us everything that he hears from God. How does thinking of Christ as our friend, Lord and Master—affect our daily living?
Morning Prayer
Holy One, I begin today breathing in your love for me, for others, and for the world. Keep me mindful of all the marvelous things you are doing around and within me today. Help me to feel my friendship with Jesus and his confidence in me. Maintain in my heart the image of myself as a tree, bearing the fruit of Christ’s love everywhere I go today. Amen.
Evening Prayer
God, you are both judge and friend. Even as I review my day, I give it over to you. I let go of the good, the bad, and the in-between, trusting in your care for me. I am content this night to abide in your love. I breathe in your joy and your peace. Whatever I need, I ask of you in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Daily Prayer
Loving God, help us to love others as Christ has loved us. Bring us into the spiritual joy of living our lives as your friend, and teach us to abide in your love, that we may show that love to the world. Amen.
Scripture readings next week – 7th Sunday of Easter
Acts 1:1-26; Psalm 1; Ephesians 1:15-23; Luke 24:44-53
389 Breathe on me, breath of God
Breathe on me, breath of God; fill me with life anew,
that I may love what thou dost love and do what thou wouldst do.
Breathe on me, breath of God, until my heart is pure,
until with thee I will one will, to do and to endure.
Breathe on me, breath of God, till I am wholly thine,
until this earthly part of me glows with thy fire divine.
Breathe on me, breath of God, so shall I never die,
but live with thee the perfect life of thine eternity.
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
528 Jesus calls us here to meet him
Jesus calls us here to meet him as, through word and song and prayer,
We affirm God’s promised presence where his people live and care.
Praise the God who keeps his promise; Praise the Son who calls us friends;
Praise the Spirit who, among us, To our hopes and fears attends.
Jesus calls us to confess him Word of Life and Lord of all,
Sharer of our flesh and frailness saving all who fail or fall.
Tell his holy human story; Tell his tales that all may hear;
Tell the world that Christ in glory came to earth to meet us here.
Jesus calls us to each other: Found in him are no divides.
Race and class and sex and language: Such are barriers he derides.
Join the hands of friend and stranger; Join the hands of age and youth;
Join the faithful and the doubter In their common search for truth.
Jesus calls us to his table rooted firm in time and space,
Where the church in earth and heaven finds a common meeting place.
Share his bread and wine, his body; Share the love of which we sing;
Share the feast for saints and sinners hosted by our Lord and King.
422 Sing a new song unto the Lord
Refrain: Sing a new song unto the Lord; Let your song be sung from mountain’s height. Sing a new song unto the Lord, singing hallelujah!
For God’s people dance for joy. Oh come before the Lord,
Play for the Lord on glad tambourines, and let your trumpet sound. Refrain
Rise, O children, from your sleep; your Saviour now has come.
He has turned your sorrow to joy, And filled your soul with song. Refrain
Glad my soul for I have seen the glory of the Lord.
The trumpet sounds; the dead shall be raised I know my Saviour lives. Refrain
476 Amigo de Cristo / Friends of the Lord
Refrain: Amigos de Cristo; we’re friends of the Lord;
Amigos de Cristo; we’re friends of the Lord.
For we’ve been forgiven and we’ve been restored;
Amigos de Cristo; we’re friends of the Lord.
Friends of the covenant renewed each morn baptized and loving it, we’ve been reborn. Gift of the dove is ours forevermore. Amigos de Cristo; we’re friends of the Lord. Refrain
Born of a family, the young and old, we’ll be on hand to see new life unfold.
We understand the need to be made whole. Amigos de Cristo; we’re friends of the Lord. Refrain
655 Give me oil in my lamp
Give me oil in my lamp; keep me burning; Give me oil in my lamp, I pray.
Give me oil in my lamp; keep me burning; Keep me burning till the break of day.
Refrain: Sing hosanna, sing hosanna, Sing hosanna to the Servant King;
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna, Sing hosanna, let us sing!
Give me joy in my heart; keep me praising; Give me joy in my heart, I pray.
Give me joy in my heart; keep me praising; Keep me praising till the break of day.
Give me peace in my heart; keep me loving; Give me peace in my heart, I pray. Give me peace in my heart; keep me loving; Keep me loving till the break of day. Refrain
Give me love in my heart; keep me serving; Give me love in my heart, I pray. Give me love in my heart; keep me serving; Keep me serving till the break of day. Refrain