Seeking connection 18 July 2021 Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson
The Lord be with you … and also with you.
Welcome to worship at Knox Presbyterian Bayfield on July 18th 2021.
Announcements
Your Session met last week to discuss the work of the church. The significant decisions on how to remain safe and when to re-open the building has been pondered for 17 months! Yes, we began this discussion in March 2020. Knox Bayfield will be open for in person worship on Sunday, September 12th. More details will be available closer to that date.
Mission Moment … Camping from Home
For many children, Camp Douglas in British Columbia is their safe space away from home. These young campers have little to no connection with a congregation or other Christian community outside of camp. They come each summer with a hunger for God and a desire to reunite with the loving Christian community they experienced in past summers. Last year, Camp Douglas staff adapted the camp’s programming using an online platform that enabled their important ministry to continue throughout the summer. Staff ran weekly Bible studies and campfires, as well as other traditional camp activities that could be done at home. Camp Douglas was able to provide this wonderful experience in part through regional resourcing grants, supported by Presbyterians Sharing.
Anniversary Sunday August 22 will soon be upon us. Although we will continue to worship across space and time, we continue to be a vital worship community at Knox Bayfield. Do you know the number of years this Bayfield community has gathered? We will celebrate the ? anniversary! What? Watch for more details in the weeks ahead.
We are thankful to Jean Walker, organist, for her efforts in performing the hymns for the YouTube video.
Do you have an interest in acquiring a basic familiarity with Indigenous/non-Indigenous relationships? Indigenous Canada is an online course from the University of Alberta. This course explores Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada from an Indigenous perspective. Registration is free.
www.ualberta.ca/admissions-programs/online-courses/indigenous-canada
Church Signs: Noah was a brave man to sail in a boat with termites!
Have you noticed an interesting or amusing church sign or bulletin blooper? Share with the congregation by adding to our collection. Send in or call Rev Lisa (contact information at bottom of page)
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. Our updated financial reports indicate June income $4,837 and expenses $6,005 with a year-to-date deficit of $5,685.
Faith Expressed Through the Arts. Submit your artwork for the 2022 PCC Wall Calendar. Art can nourish our souls and bring us closer to God. Presbyterians are invited to submit high-resolution photos that showcase their creative expression, including (but not limited to): drawings/paintings, sculpture, stained glass, seasonal arts and crafts, Sunday School artwork, quilting/knitting/sewing, culinary/baking, gardening, photography, performance art, poetry, and more.
Deadline August 20, 2021 https://presbyterian.ca/2021/07/05/2022-wall-calendar/
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 # 588 A prophet woman broke a jar
Call to Worship
Mark 6:31
Christ says, come away to a deserted place and rest a while. God calls us to quiet and rest, even as we continue to minister to those in need.
Hymn # 588 A prophet woman broke a jar
Assurance of Pardon
Join me in prayer Psalm 23
God of green pastures, we confess that when we can get busy and distracted we lose sight of your love and care for us. We forget to live in gratitude and fail to live lives of goodness and mercy. Forgive us, heal us, and lead us down gentle paths
that restore our souls. Amen.
We are sisters and brothers, siblings in Christ. Remember that you have been restored to the grace of God. When we encounter one another share a sign of peace, for this congregation is a feast that God has prepared.
May the peace of Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you.
Hymn# 479 The church’s one foundation
Prayer For Illumination
Ephesians 2
May the reading of your Word draw near to you those of us once far off. May the hearing of your Word break down the dividing walls between us, for Jesus Christ, your living Word, is our peace. Amen.
Readings
2 Samuel 7:1-14; Psalm 89:20-37; Ephesians 2:11-22; Mark 6:30-56
May God bless our understanding of this, God’s holy word. The Word of the Lord.
Hymn # 588 A prophet women broke a jar
Seeking connection
I wondered what it was like to be present when Jesus walked among people. Would you join the crowds and seek him out? There are several passages that speak of people gathering in great numbers just to get a glimpse of him. Can you imagine getting a phone call from a friend and they proclaim, “ Dennis saw Jesus walking down highway 21 toward Bayfield. I’m going to see if I can get close. Are you coming?” Would you go? 2000 years ago the brave and the desperate would walk many miles and work their way through the crowds to touch him, to talk with him, or to seek his attention. In the reading today, there are 5,000 men, probably a crowd of 12,000 with women and children, roughly the population along the coast from Goderich down to Grand Bend. Can you imagine that many people getting up and walking in a crowd to follow him? There would be 24 hour news coverage tracking the movements of Jesus and the disciples.
As my thoughts wandered with this scenario I thought of the number of taken photos when my youngest son was a toddler. Digital photography was still a little novel. The cost of photography shifted away from the cost of film and allowed for a steady stream of photos. This resulted in excessive photo taking, especially at family gatherings. My daughter would jokingly raise his little hand in front of his face, teaching him to say, ‘no papparazi, no papparazi’ when the attention became too much. She recognized the intrusive nature of too much attention and that it is difficult to deal with. I wonder, when does attention become too much? When is it not enough? During the pandemic we developed an increased awareness of the harm caused by isolation. We re-discovered the deep need for relationship, connection with others, and physical contact. Many are feeling a need to express their vulnerability in this new way of being. The need for physical distance as we learn more about the impact of the vaccines. The need for closer physical connection as vaccinations take effect. The vaccination against COVID has provided the ability for people to hug – once they have both vaccinations and wait at least 2 weeks. Ah. The re-connection with others is delightful. Yet, some may not be quite ready to drop the mask and embrace.
It is important that we do not push this significant and complex experience away in an effort to resume old habits. The last 18 months have re-shaped an entire world to have a deeper understanding of our need for connection. Perhaps, for some, this experience has provided an opportunity to recognize that people have basic needs that must be met. The need for connection, food, security, and rest. The scriptures tell of Jesus praying and resting and encouraging the disciples to do so.
Mark’s account draws our attention to the people seeking an encounter with the divine. Often, when we think of healing, it is in connection with the medical community of doctors, nurses, therapists, and medications. In our faith community we are attentive to the importance of spiritual healing. Each week we lift up our collective concerns for the world, the local community and our congregation in our prayers of the people.
Jesus and the disciples do most of their work outside of buildings, in the community. Healing occurs when we reach out to one another in mutual need. God’s grace becomes embodied when the faith community seeks to live in the ways of Christ. The body of Christ is present in the world as God repairs and heals. How have you experienced God’s grace and healing during the pandemic? Do you reach out to others to make connections and strengthen relationships?
Jean-Pierre de Caussade, an 18th century Jesuit priest and writer, taught that God is revealed in each moment. It is necessary to pay attention to God’s presence and surrender to God’s will. De Caussade writes, “Everything turns to bread to nourish me, soap to wash me, fire to purify me, and a chisel to fashion me in the image of God. Grace supplies all my needs.”
In our reading from 2nd Samuel, we continue with King David’s story. His life has been tumultuous. His youth was spent as a young shepherd with his father’s flock. After his defeat of Goliath, he became a part of King Saul’s court. Saul’s son Jonathan became like a brother to him. Then, he was thrown out of the King Saul’s court and then later returned as the newly appointed King. David’s relationships were complicated. When he was settled and given rest from his enemies, David created a home for his family, a solid and substantial house of cedar. David talked to the prophet Nathan about his intent to build a house for God. It seemed only right that a house be provided for the Ark of the Covenant now that David was secure in the house provided by God. God spoke to Nathan that night to clarify God’s intent. Nathan was to talk to David to ensure he understood that God’s plans differed from his plans. David’s task was not to establish a home for God, God established David’s kingdom. God, Nathan, and David worked together to create a deeper understanding of God’s expectations.
We witness the importance of relationships in the scriptures. In scripture we look beyond the words on the page to comprehend the depth of the stories we read. In a similar way, we look beyond the words and gestures in our relationships. When friends and family are troubled, we stand ready to journey with them through whatever circumstances arise. Sometimes that means giving them more space, sometimes that means staying closer. Our lives are intermingled. Our stories are not ours alone.
The concept of individuality depends on the premise of self-sufficiency. Too often the message that we are to be self-reliant undermines God’s call for us to be in relationship. Our readings today remind us of the importance of being with one another in the difficulties, the awkwardness, the vulnerability, and the joy.
Ubuntu is a South African (Zulu) philosophy that recognizes the importance of our inter-connection. Nelson Mandela describes Ubuntu as, “I am because we are”, and, “a person is a person through other persons”. Ubuntu recognizes the power of shared humanity within community and the interconnected nature of creation. Many religious traditions capture the essence of Ubuntu.
Our readings today reveal insight into our deep need for connection. The supportive relationship between David and Nathan. The diverse needs of the gathering crowds as they sought Jesus. The physical and spiritual needs of Jesus and the disciples. Reach out to one another with the peace of Christ. Peace be with you.
Hymn # 348 Tell me the stories of Jesus
The Offering Of Our Life And Labour To The Lord
Quote: Giving is more than a responsibility—it is a privilege; more than an act of obedience—it is evidence of our faith. William Arthur Ward (1921–1994), American educator
God spreads a table of blessings before us. Let us express our gratitude by giving a portion of what has been given to us. Psalm 23
Blessing Of Gifts & Prayers Of The People
Ps. 23 Jer. 23 Mark 6:34 Ephesians 2
Join me in prayer:
Holy, everlasting God, we are all part of your creation. In Christ we are joined together. We lift up in prayer those called or elected as leaders. May your voice guide them to care for your creation and care for their people. We pray for the leaders within the church, may they faithfully tend to those entrusted to them.
We pray for those who are poor and in need of assistance. May we take action to tenderly care for them. We pray for the victims of war and other forms of violence, that we may be good news for them both in word and in deed. We pray for all who have been abused by anyone associated with the church. May we be quick to care for them and steadfast in our efforts to build systems of accountability.
Good Shepherd of righteousness, bring us together through the love of Christ. May we strive to dissolve the walls that divide us. Be our peace, and by your Holy Spirit
renew our sense of place within creation.
We pray for the sick and those who are spiritually hungry, that we may be a message of compassion. There are many within our church family in need of your special care at this time. We lift up Sandy and family, Judith, Earl and Ruth, Nicole, Rudy and Grace, 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 #682 Just as I am
Benediction
May God grant you peace in your sleeping and waking. May Christ fill you with joy in your work and your play. May the Holy Spirit infuse you with passion in your love for God. This day and forevermore.
Postlude #623 Holy, holy, holy
Questions for Reflection
God promised to build King David into a “house.” Paul told the Ephesians that in Christ they would be built into “a dwelling place for God.” How is the Holy Spirit living in you?
Morning Prayer
Holy One, thank you for the gift of this new day. Please help me to stay mindful of your creation and your teachings as I travel through it. Empower me to see and spread the good news of your grace for all people. Amen.
Evening Prayer
Holy One, thank you for the gift of today. Thank you for all the ways that I saw your glory and learned your teachings beyond speech and words. As I drift to sleep this night, may the meditations of my heart draw me closer to you, my Rock and my Redeemer. Amen.
Daily Prayer
Holy One, we want to be the sheep of your pasture. Care for us, feed us, and lead us, we pray. Once we are strengthened by your presence, raise us up to be shepherds ourselves who tend to those who fear and dismay so that our lives may reflect our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Scripture readings next week
2 Samuel 11:1-15; Psalm 14; Ephesians 3:14-21; John 6:1-21
Hymn # 588 A prophet woman broke a jar
A prophet-woman broke a jar by Love’s divine appointing.
With rare perfume she filled the room presiding and anointing.
A prophet-woman broke a jar, the sneers of scorn defying.
With rare perfume she filled the room, preparing Christ for dying.
A faithful woman left a tomb by love’s divine commission.
She saw, she heard, she preached the Word, arising from submission.
A faithful woman left a tomb, with resurrection gospel;
she saw, she heard, she preached the Word, apostle to apostles.
Though woman-wisdom, woman-truth, for centuries were hidden,
unsung, unwritten and unheard, derided and forbidden,
the Spirit’s breath, the Spirit’s fire, on free and slave descending,
can tumble our dividing walls, our shame and sadness mending.
The Spirit knows, the Spirit calls, by Love’s divine ordaining,
the friends we need, to serve and lead, their powers and gifts unchanging.
The Spirit knows, the Spirit calls, from women, men and children,
the friends we need, to serve and lead. Rejoice, and make them welcome!
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
479 The church’s one foundation
The church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ our Lord; we are his new creation by water and the word; from heaven he came and sought us that we might ever be
his living servant people, by his own death set free.
Called forth from every nation, yet one o’er all the earth, our charter of salvation, one Lord, one faith, one birth, one holy name professing and at one table fed,
to one hope we are pressing, by Christ’s own Spirit led.
Though with a scornful wonder the world sees us oppressed, by schisms rent asunder, by heresies distressed, yet saints their watch are keeping; their cry goes up, “How long?” But soon the night of weeping shall be the morn of song.
‘Mid toil and tribulation, and tumult of our war, we wait the consummation of peace forevermore; till with the vision glorious our longing eyes are blest, and the great church victorious shall be the church at rest.
We now on earth have union with God the Three-in-One, and share, through faith, communion with those whose rest is won,— O happy ones and holy! Lord give us grace that we, like them, the meek and lowly, on high may dwell with thee.
348 Tell me the stories of Jesus
Tell me the stories of Jesus I love to hear, Things I would ask him to tell me if he were here: Scenes by the wayside, tales of the sea, Stories of Jesus, tell them to me.
First, let me hear how the children stood round his knee, And I shall fancy his blessing resting on me: Words full of kindness, deeds full of grace, All in the lovelight of Jesus’ face.
Tell me about the disciples from far and near, And I will listen among them eager to hear. Whose loaves and fishes did Jesus bless, Showing the people God’s tenderness?
Tell me, in accents of wonder, How rolled the sea, Tossing the boat in a tempest on Galilee, And how the Master, ready and kind, Chided the billows and hushed the wind.
Into the city I’d follow the children’s band, Waving a branch of the palm tree
High in my hand; One of his heralds, yes, I would sing Loudest hosannas: Jesus is King!
682 Just as I am
Just as I am, without one plea, But that thy blood was shed for me, And that thou biddest me come to thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, though tossed about With many a conflict, many a doubt, Fightings and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind; Sight, riches, healing of the mind, Yea, all I need in thee I find, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, thou wilt receive, Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve; Because thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, thy love unknown Has broken every barrier down. Now to be thine, yea, thine alone, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am of that free love The breath, length, depth and height to prove,
Here for a season, then above, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.Seeking connection 18 July 2021 Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson