BULLETIN 31 October 2021 Knox Bayfield
Reformation Sunday 31 October 2021 Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson
May the grace of Jesus Christ be with you … and also with you. Welcome to worship at Knox Presbyterian Bayfield on Sunday October 31.
Announcements
Historically, this would be the day of the Remembrance ceremony at the cenotaph. The Clinton Legion has organized a gathering on November 11th at the Clinton Legion at 95 Kirk St. You are welcome to attend and should arrive by 10:45 am. The wreaths will remain at the legion.
Mission Moment: Relief Through Food Assistance
Mohammad and his family had to leave their home behind when COVID-19 made finding work difficult in their community in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, Mohammad and his father were seriously injured by a bomb blast on the journey. Mohammad’s right knee now causes him a lot of pain. Mohammad still worked hard to provide for his family through the harsh winter, but it was far from enough. Things improved when the family was selected to take part in a food assistance project. Five monthly cash distributions were made to 1,100 vulnerable households—allowing families to purchase much-needed food and essential items. “This assistance has brought relief in my life,” said Mohammad. This project is implemented by Community World Service Asia, a partner of Presbyterian World Service & Development.
Church Signs: Every day holds the possibility of a miracle.
During the weeks of week of November 1 Rev Lisa will be on holiday. You will be pleased to know that Rev Theresa McDonald Lee, Executive Director Camp Kintail, will preach at Knox Bayfield on November 7. She will be available for emergency pastoral care.
Our worship services are live streamed and recorded. Join Knox Bayfield Sunday Service on Zoom at 11 am Meeting ID: 837 2628 1962 Passcode: 358069
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83726281962?pwd=akx4NG9ZQS9WOExmWmJyWlRMK29LZz09
The videos are posted on our website https://pccweb.ca/knoxbayfieldpc/ facebook https://www.facebook.com/KnoxBayfield and YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUo3-FAL07sp0CcbUkEhVKg The worship services are recorded for people who are unable to attend due to health concerns, physical accessiblity and distance. The videos expand our outreach into the larger community. Please speak with Brenda McLean, Deb Cosford, or Rev Lisa if you are interested in volunteering to help on the Audio Visual Crew.
Are you receiving the weekly Knox Bayfield email? Share changes in your contact information including email, phone, and address with Brenda Mclean. 519-524-8645 brmclean@hurontel.on.ca
Do you have food to share? Your non-perishable donations can be left in the basket here at the church. Financial gifts are greatly appreciated. BAFB is a registered charity.
Bring your used postage stamps, unwanted spectacles, and empty outer milk bags (wash/dry first!) into church. So many ways to help others and reduce our landfill waste.
Your patience and co-operation is appreciated as we navigate COVID protocols – screening questions, masks, hand sanitizer, and a physical distance of 2 metres (6.5 feet) and the restriction on singing. We are thankful for the ongoing efforts to ensure we are able to worship in-person. Many thanks to our COVID Safety Group – Brenda McLean, Deb Cosford, and Jim Knox. Thank you!
Curious about the book study? Join in the discussion on Zoom; the link is included in our weekly worship email. Tuesday Nov 17th 2 pm The Women of the Bible Speak, Shannon Bream. Sundays 9:30 am study The Difficult Words of Jesus, A.J. Levine
The joint meeting of Session with the Finance/Maintenance committee witll be on Tuesday November 9 at 7 pm.
The people of Knox Bayfield acknowledge that our community worships, lives, plays, and works on the traditional lands of the Anishinabewaki, Attiwonderonk (Neutral), and Mississauga peoples within Treaty 29, of 1827.
Hymn Let there be light #727
Call to Worship [responsive][1]
One: Bless the Lord at all times
All: God’s praise will always be on our lips
One: Make great the name of God
All: We will lift up God’s holy name together
One: For the Lord is our God, the Lord alone
All: We will love the Lord with heart, mind, strength and soul, and praise God now and always
Prayer of Adoration and Assurance of Pardon
Mark 12:33
Join me in prayer
O God, your faithfulness nurtures humanity, yet we resist in loving you with our whole hearts. You show us how to love, yet we struggle to love our neighbors and ourselves. Turn us back to you, O God, that we may follow you. We pray all this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
God is loving, merciful, and just. We are reconciled to God and to one another when we walk in peace and love.
May the peace of Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you.
Prayer For Illumination
Ruth 1:16
O Holy One, you are our God. By the power of your Holy Spirit, teach us through your Word to follow after you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Readings
Scripture
Hebrew Bible Ruth 1:1-18 [B#241/ W#267][2]
Responsive Psalm 24 [B#502/ W#553]
Epistle Hebrews 9:11-14 [B#223/ W#240]
Gospel Mark 12:28-34 [B# 49/ W# 50]
May God bless our understanding of this, God’s holy word. The Word of the Lord.
Hymn Take time to be holy # 638
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Reformation Sunday
The readings this morning are likely familiar to many of you. We are just beginning the story of Ruth and Naomi. Although this brief beginning is filled with information. The gospel reading continues with Mark sharing the story of the scribe asking which is the greatest commandment.
This gospel teaching provides one of the foundational texts for our faith. When Jesus was asked to identify the most important commandment, he said, “you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” We are to live and worship with all of ourselves, heart, soul, mind, and strength. This is the lens through which our faith is put into action – to love with our whole self in relation to God and one another. We are to do this when we read scripture, when we interact in relationship with others, and when we practice self care. This leads to the important question, Do our words and actions embody our love of God and neighbor? How do we interpret our scripture readings with this question in mind?
Over the last few weeks I have heard a familiar expression repeated several times about preaching. It is a Karl Barth quote from a 1963 Time magazine article in which, “Barth recalls that 40 years ago he advised young theologians to “take your Bible and take your newspaper, and read both. But interpret newspapers from your Bible.” In the 21st century this advice holds true although our news sources are far different today. The traditional newspaper is now partnered with the internet, social media, and other news sources. The Presbyterian Church Connections newspaper proved to be a helpful resource as I prepared for today’s message for this Reformation Sunday.
The Presbyterian Church in Canada has deep roots as a reformed and always reforming tradition. The origins of this denomination developed during the Protestant Reformation, a major religious movement that began in the 1500’s when the Christian Church was split between the Eastern Church- Greek and Russian Orthodox and the Western Church- Roman Catholic. The Protestant Reformation began in Wittenberg, Germany on October 31, 1517 – 504 years ago when Martin Luther developed the Disputation on the Power of Indulgences, the 95 Theses.
The Protestant movement was led by Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox, Ulrich Zwingli, and Thomas Cranmer. They took great risk and were courageous in expressing their beliefs. Luther challenged the Catholic Church in its role as the intermediary between God and people. In particular, he objected to the indulgence system, which allowed people to purchase a pardon for their sins. Luther argued that salvation is a gift from God. Calvin and Zwingli developed new concepts with the practice of Holy Communion. Many of the Presbyterian Churches in Canada, rooted in the Church of Scotland and French Protestant settlers, are named after reformers. In particular, the French John Calvin and Scottish John Knox.
The act of being a reformed and always reforming church is evident within the process of the Presbyterian. The national church gathers in the General Assembly at the beginning of June each year. Well, most years. The only time it was cancelled was in 2020 -due to the pandemic. It is in the gathering of the General Assembly where matters affecting the ministry and mission of our denomination are considered. The commissioners, the elders and ministers from Presbyteries across Canada, unite in worship and discernment as decisions are made to shape our denomination.[3] Reports from committees, councils and agencies are sent to the commissioners so they can become familiar with the material and be ready to participate in decision making. The 2021 General Assembly had over 90 reports, overtures, pastoral letters, and statements to be considered. The church is blessed when commissioners embrace God’s love, the guidance of the Holy Spirit and discern the mind of Christ together.[4] The Connection newspaper reports on a few of the issues from the Assembly. It is important to consider the impact and implications of the decisions on the national church and the local congregation. There are changes to church polity that need to be discussed and understood. The General Assembly continues to guide our denomination through difficult issues. We will learn more about the important actions of the General Assembly in the weeks to come.
The love of God is evident in the book of Ruth. We entered into the story of Naomi and Elimelech, their two sons Mahlon and Chilion, and their wives Ruth and Orpah. Emilech died, leaving Naomi in the care of her sons. In the midst of a famine, the sons died and all three women have become widows. Naomi, in an effort to protect her daughters-in-law, urged them to return to their family of origin. The young women were told to seek out a life where they will be able to re-marry and have children. Orpah returned to her family. Ruth refused, declaring her dedication to Naomi and her God. Rabbi Joseph Telushkin wrote, “At first blush, one might think Ruth a peculiar candidate to become a biblical hero. She was a Moabite, and Moab was a long-time enemy of Israel. She was married to a Jew, but didn’t become one until after her husband’s death.” Telushkin goes on to write, “The friendship of the two women becomes as much a biblical model of friendship as that of David and Jonathon.”[5] Naomi and Ruth set aside the cultural and religious norms as their deep faith grew in relationship.
The scripture teachings provide us with ways in which to understand our faith and the premise through which our faith is put into action – to love with all of our heart, spirit, and soul. We must ask ourselves, ‘do our words and actions embody our love of God and neighbor?’ Praise be to God.
Hymn Be thou my vision #461
The Offering Of Our Life And Labour To The Lord
Quote: The one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 2 Corinthians 9:6
All that we have is a gift from God. In faith and gratitude, we return a portion of what we have so abundantly received. The offering plates are available at the entrance to the sanctuary before and after the service
Blessing Of Gifts & Prayers Of The People
Let us join in prayer:
Join your responsive voices, when you hear God, in your mercy hear our prayer.
O God, you are righteous and just as you watch over your creation. You faithfully provide all that we need. To you, O faithful One, we lift prayers for ourselves and our neighbors.
We pray for the church to actively seek justice, feed the hungry, and watch over those in need. God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for the world community. May leaders and politicians develop insight into their responsibility to free those who are oppressed. We pray for those who are captive, isolated, or oppressed. May awareness of your healing presence strengthen and nurture them in their need. God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Holy and mighty God, we lift up the silent prayers we hold in our hearts.
God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of hope, we lift up those who travel the long journey of grief and mourning: Sandy and family, and David and Sharon. Holy God, we bring before you the names of people on our hearts this day: Rudy and Grace; Cesare and Lynn; Bonnie; Rob; Courtney and Kyla; Jordan, Sarah and Hazel. We lift up all those who prefer to remain un-named as they face immense challenges of health and finances. We wait for you, Lord, in your word we hope. Merciful God, accept our prayers, spoken and unspoken, and strengthen us to do your will through Jesus Christ.
O Holy One, 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.
Hymn Give me oil in my lamp # 655
To Go Forth In God’s Name
Commissioning and Benediction
Deuteronomy 6:5, Mark 12:33; Psalm 146:8–9
Jesus and Moses taught to love your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. You are children of God, never alone, never forgotten.May God continue to watch over you, this day and forevermore. Amen
Postlude #623 Holy, holy, holy
Questions for Reflection
We serve a living God. What does it mean to love God with all your heart, mind, and soul? What does it mean to love your neighbor as yourself? What can you do to care for the oppressed, the widows, the orphans, or people less fortunate?
This week, look each day for the presence of God alive in the midst of God’s people and the creation God has made. Where is God at work, bringing people together for good?
Morning Prayer
Loving God, help me to live by your commandments as I strive to love you and my neighbors with all I have. I give you thanks for all that lies before me and for those I love.
Guide us and keep us on the path that you intend. Help me to see the journey you set before me when the way grows dim. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Evening Prayer
Gracious Lord, thank you for watching over me throughout the day. I thank you for the work I am able to do. I pray for those who have no work and struggle financially. Help me to meditate on your ways as I rest tonight. I pray for peace and quiet to come where it is most needed. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Daily Prayer
Psalm 146:3, 7–9
Dear Lord, you are our only hope. Teach us to put our trust in you. Teach us the path of righteousness. Turn us from the ways of the wicked. Help us to love and to seek justice.
We will forever praise you, now and forever. Amen.
Scripture readings next week November 7
Psalm 146; Mark 12:38–44
#727 Let there be light
Let there be light; let there be understanding; Let all the nations gather; let them be face to face. Open our lips; open our minds to ponder; Open the door of concord, opening into grace.
Perish the sword; perish the angry judgement; Perish the bombs and hunger; perish the fight for gain. Hallow our love; hallow the deaths of martyrs; Hallow their holy freedom; hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come; your spirit turn to language; Your people speak together; your spirit never fade. Let there be light; open our hearts to wonder; Perish the way of terror; hallow the world God made.
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
638 Take time to be holy
Take time to be holy; speak oft with thy Lord. Abide in him always, and feed on his word.
Make friends of God’s children; help those who are weak, forgetting in nothing his blessing to seek.
Take time to be holy; the world rushes on; spend much time in secret with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like him thou shalt be; thy friends in thy conduct his likeness shall see.
Take time to be holy; let him be thy guide, and run not before him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, still follow thy Lord, and, looking to Jesus, still trust in his word.
Take time to be holy; be calm in thy soul, each thought and each motive beneath his control. Thus led by his Spirit to fountains of love, thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.
461 Be thou my vision
Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart; naught be all else to me, save that thou art,
thou my best thought in the day and the night, waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.
Be thou my wisdom; be thou my true word, I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord;
thou my great Father, thine own may I be, thou in me dwelling, and I one with thee.
Be thou my breast-plate, my sword for the fight; be thou my armour and be thou my might; thou my soul’s shelter and thou my high tower, raise thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.
Riches I heed not, nor vain earthly praise, thou my inheritance, through all my days;
thou and thou only, thou first in my heart, high King of heaven, my treasure thou art!
High King of heaven, when the battle is done, grant heaven’s joy to me, O bright heaven’s Sun; heart of my own heart, whatever befall, still be my vision, O ruler of all.
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. Refrain
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
Knox Presbyterian Church, Bayfield
Box 565, 2 Bayfield Main St N, Bayfield, ON N0M 1G0
Website: www.pccweb.ca/knoxbayfieldpc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KnoxBayfield/
Church Office: (519) 565-2913 [messages checked weekly]
Ministry of Music: Jean Walker and Betty Lou Norris
Session: Deb Cosford, Jim Thompson, Brenda McLean Clerk of Session
Minister: Rev. Lisa Dolson (519) 955-2158 [call/text] revlisa.knoxbayfield@icloud.com
[1] Worship Planner October 31, 2021 Year B
[2] Page numbers shown for pew bibles with Blue or White edged pages
[3] PCC website: https://presbyterian.ca/gao/ga2021/
[4] PCC website: https://presbyterian.ca/gao/ga2021/
[5] Telushkin. Jewish Literacy