Worship June 7 2020

Knox Presbyterian Church, Bayfield Rev Dolson June 7 2020

Greetings to my church family and friends. May the grace of God be with you.  Although we are unable to gather as a group it is good to reach out to you with the printed word. Yet the printed word, whether on a computer screen or on paper, requires action on your part. The following material is broken out into two sections. The first section will include announcements; the second section will include scripture, the worship message, offering, prayers, and benediction; and, the third section includes hymns.

Section 1

Announcements

         Walk and pray with the Moderator! You are invited to join the           Rev. Amanda Currie, Moderator of the General Assembly, this summer as she walks 1 km for each ministry of our denomination and ecumenical partner in the Canadian Council of Churches. That’s about 10–11 km per day. She will be praying as she walks, and you can follow along using the prayer schedule. Talk with the Moderator! Presbyterians in a variety of ministries will join the Moderator by video conference over the coming weeks. They will discuss the challenges and successes in these difficult times. The videos will be posted as they become available. https://presbyterian.ca/gao/moderator/

Did you know that a small group gathered again this week on Monday morning and Friday afternoon for Coffee & Prayer? “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20 I appreciate the courage of those who have taken the leap into virtual connections.  We will continue to explore prayer with the ancient art of Lectio Divina. Drop in and discover. Have you received your invitation to the gathering? If not, contact me 519-572-8529 and we can check your email information. Also let me know if you would prefer to be removed from the invitation list.

Have you heard that a new initiative is underway? Your help is needed to create a Knox Bayfield Cookbook. Look through your favourite recipes and share your top choices with Deb Cosford. She is asking for ten recipes from each of you. Send your recipes by email: deb.cosford13@gmail.com or Canada Post:  PO Box 1594, Clinton ON N0M 1L0. A church cookbook offers years of experience and great cooking.

Do you have food to share?  The FoodBank continues to accept food donations during the COVID crisis.  Take your food donations to the bin outside at Trinity St James Church, on the south side verandah of the parish hall (opposite side of church from parking lot). Cheques can be sent to Bayfield Area Food Bank, 10 Keith Cres, Bayfield N0M 1G0  Donations [cash & cheques] accepted in drop boxes at the Bayfield Garage & Esso Station and the Bayfield Convenience store (next to Renegades Restaurant). On-line donations at www.canadahelps.org

Keep calling! Many people have shared how their day is brightened by a phone call or email from within our church community. Would you like to receive a call? Contact Brenda and she will help! Remember to reach out during this challenging time.

Stay home & keep moving! It is important that we keep moving about as much as we are able during this time of social isolation.

Jim Knox has volunteered to ‘safely’ pick up your offering envelopes. If you would like Jim to come to your house in the Bayfield area, call him to make arrangements. His home number 519-565-4214. The envelopes can also be dropped off at his home mailbox at 12 MacTavish St, Bayfield. Brenda will do bank deposits about once a month during the COVID 19 restrictions.

Are you dealing with food insecurity? Reach out to the Bayfield Area Food Bank if you are struggling to put food on your table. Make a confidential call to: 519 955-7444 (area manager) or 519 565-2790 (alternate contact).  Leave a message with your information. All messages answered by a designated person to ensure privacy. Food will be delivered to your home on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.  Help is available!

Kintail Camp Executive Directors announced the disappointing news that 2020 Kintail Camps have been cancelled. The Knox Bayfield 2020 KOTR daycamp has also been cancelled, along with the spring plant sale and the yard sale/BBQ. Although we will miss the opportunity to work together at these events, plans are in the works for other ways to reach out to the community (once the restrictions are lifted). Watch for more information in the near future.

Do you know who your elder is? Our Session has 3 elders. Your elder will be Brenda McLean, Jan Sloane, or Deb Cosford. Brenda, our Clerk of Session, has the district master list, so contact her if you are unsure. Call her at (519) 524-8645 or email brmclean@hurontel.on.ca to ask, “Who is my elder?” Your elder would love to hear from you.

We are here for you! Are you aware of the new ways in which we are reaching out to you? Perhaps you have read the weekly sermons in your email inbox or on our website pccweb.ca/knoxbayfieldpc  Would you prefer to receive a paper copy? The printed sermons are also being delivered each week. My route takes me from Kitchener through Huron Perth including Stratford.

Thank you to everyone who has provided feedback about the weekly message!  Your comments & reflections about the weekly service are always helpful but are especially important to me during this unusual time. Just call or send a quick note (email or paper) to say share your reflections on the service. You would be doing me a great service by sharing your comments.

 

How many creatures do you see? Answer in the sermon…

Section 2

Call To Worship          Psalm 33

All who are righteous, shout with joy to our God! Let us sing a new song! Praise God and give thanks, with organs, with guitars, with all kinds of instruments! Play your best with joy! Because our Creator’s word is right, and everything God does is done for our good. Let your faithful love surround us, O God!

 Assurance of Pardon

God’s forgiveness shines into the world and the darkness scatters.

Jesus knows our every strength and our every weakness, and loves us still.

We are called to the promise of God’s amazing grace

Thanks be to God. Amen.

Prayer For Illumination  (Psalm 33)

By your Word, O God, everything was made. Your Word is powerful and  transforms the hearts of men and women. Speak to us today, O God. Open our hearts and minds to your renovating Word, and give us guidance and strength. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

 Reading:  Psalm 8, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26

Psalm 8

O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouths of babes and infants you have founded a bulwark because of your foes, to silence the enemy and the avenger. When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?

Yet you have made them a little lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honor. You have given them dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under their feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field,  the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas. O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

 Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he [Jesus] said to him [Matthew], “Follow me.” And he [Matthew] got up and followed him [Jesus].

And as he [Jesus] sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they [Pharisees] said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

But when he heard this, he [Jesus] said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.”…

While he was saying these things to them, suddenly a leader of the synagogue came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.”

And Jesus got up and followed him, with his disciples.  Then suddenly a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, for she said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well.”

Jesus turned, and seeing her he [Jesus] said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well. When Jesus came to the leader’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, he [Jesus] said, “Go away; for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. And the report of this spread throughout that district.

Message             

Perspective or viewpoint is an interesting thing. Artists use perspective to shape what is seen on paper or canvas. It creates an illusion of space and depth on a flat surface in a way that looks natural and realistic. To illustrate perspective, take a look at the creature at the end of the announcements. You will likely see one but if you look closely you will see two. It demonstrates, in a simple way, that there is often much more to see than what initially meets the eye. Perhaps this calls our own perspective into the forefront as we reflect on the readings from the Psalms and the gospel of Matthew. [Yes, you will need to keep reading to find the answer about the creatures in the drawing].

In the gospel reading, we discover that Jesus eats, sits, and travels with people from all walks of life. He demonstrates time and again that no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy. Matthew tells us of his own calling and stories of Jesus touching or being touched by the untouchables.  One was dead. One was bleeding endlessly. Others were powerful and privileged.  No one was excluded from his mercy and love. All were called to follow in the ways of Jesus Christ.

How do we follow in the way of Christ? Do we follow his teaching to reach out to others? It can be challenging to set aside the cultural teachings that each of us were taught. Perhaps you were raised with the message that you will be judged by your friends. Yet, the scriptures teach that we are all called together as God’s children.  Perhaps, in some way, this text is nudging us to explore who we welcome into our churches with our outreach efforts. To reflect on the ways in which we reach out to the sick, the isolated, those with challenging mental illness, and those who struggle with addiction.

The Psalmist speaks to an overwhelming recognition of God’s love. The text demonstrates the human struggle to comprehend God and our place in creation. In a way, when we attempt to understand the divine it may be similar to a young child who is learning their numbers. The child proclaims that two plus two equals four and the parents are thrilled. Then the child asks what a two is. Perhaps this simple example helps us to understand how we struggle with understanding God.  How do we understand the Trinity of God, Jesus, and the Spirit.  There are many theological explanations however it is beyond the scope of this sermon to attempt that discussion. Perhaps one way to grasp the Trinity is to recognize that we experience God in diverse ways. Our language reflects our attempt to describe our experience.  The Psalmist reminds us of the importance of recognizing that we are not God. Yet, there is a  connection between God and humanity. Jesus helps us to better understand God from a human context. Jesus, God with us – Immanuel.

The Psalmist notes that we are different from God and that we have responsibilities within creation. When we consider the concept of dominion over other creatures we can learn from history. This concept has led to the invasion of nations, religious wars, and colonization. Segments of humanity have celebrated being only a “little lower than God” by setting themselves higher than others. The results have led to global warming, human trafficking, racism, and genocide. When we read the Psalm again we discover that we are not the owners of creation but stewards serving God’s creation. In an effort to be better stewards we learn, collaborate, and reach out to one another with understanding.

Our national church provides current and helpful resources to assist us as we learn. You will find materials for prayer, worship, children, stewardship, mission, plus resources for current issues, such as COVID 19 and ways to undo racism. A recent posting^[1] states:

“The horrific death of Mr. George Floyd at the hands of police in the United States, and the circumstances surrounding the death of Ms. Regis Korchinski-Paquet (currently being investigated) in Toronto, are calls for racial justice.

Anger, rage and helplessness have been expressed along with calls of lament and for action and for justice. Together, in Living Faith, we affirm that, “God’s justice is seen when we deal fairly with each other and strive to change customs and practices that oppress and enslave others. Justice involves protecting the rights of others. It protests against everything that destroys human dignity.”

It is our collective task and responsibility as followers of Jesus to witness to the truth of the Gospel, to speak clearly against evil in this and all of the forms and to continue Christ’s ministry of reconciliation in the world. Black lives matter, and to say anything other rejects the biblical affirmation that all are lovingly made in the image of God. …”

During this time of increased awareness about racial and gender discrimination, you may sense a new perspective when you reflect on the scripture readings. It is necessary to ask whether we are taking action to call for justice, or do we perpetuate any form of racism? We do this with the knowledge that if we are willing to ask, perhaps we are willing to grow in our understanding. We can develop a better understanding of the needs of others.

When you read the gospels, ask who among us might be counted in the group with the outcast, the sinner, the tax collector? Who is unwell? Who is financially wealthy and in need of God’s love? Some are visible, some not. Who among us suffers silently with the belief that we may not fit if others really knew us? Many people are often afraid to share their vulnerabilities. Addiction, mental illness, the homeless, criminals, the working poor, and many others are seeking a sense of community in their faith journey. Jesus reached out to the margins and calls us to follow him in this mission. To whom do we minister?

In Matthew’s account, Jesus does not reprimand or criticize those who seek him out. He simply eats and drinks with them. Jesus gathered the outcast, the reviled, the ill and the wounded. Crowds follow him to witness his healing and to be healed. Matthew, a tax collector, was called to follow.  Tax collectors were often considered corrupt because of their commitment to the Roman imperial system. Their efforts worked to sustain the empire, the elite in society, and to oppress the marginalized. Their margin of profit was often made by collecting more money than what was legally due for their own personal wealth. They were considered disloyal and were shunned by most other Jews. We do not know Matthew’s perspective as the text does not indicate whether he was satisfied with his work or if he did so out of necessity to support his family. Matthew made a major shift when he committed to Jesus. He turned away from the Roman system and committed to God’s expectations.

This passage calls our attention to the tax collector, the unclean, the social and moral outcasts are called to be with Jesus. Jesus responds to the insignificant in the eyes of their culture.  Jesus touches the dead girl, restoring her to life. He risked his own social isolation by touching a dead body. The hemorrhaging woman approached Jesus and touched his garment. The woman who had been bleeding, perhaps with menstrual issues, would be considered unclean. She had been isolated for eighteen years! Perhaps we have a better understanding of the impact of her physical isolation after a few months of COVID 19. The social isolation has created significant issues for many of us. Imagine the long term impact of year after year of being untouchable. In her faith, she reached out to Jesus for healing and was told that her faith made her well.

The bleeding woman was healed because she recognized her own need, had faith, and sought healing. She courageously crossed the boundary between purity and impurity. Greg Carey, a New Testament professor, wrote that this woman, along with Jesus, proves that purity is more contagious than impurity. What a thought provoking concept. Purity is more contagious than impurity.  It gave me pause to reflect on what we consider pure and impure. What are your initial thoughts on this? How often do we struggle when we go down a path of wrongdoing? Yet, when we choose to do what is good and righteous, that struggle ceases. How often do we struggle alone, yet gain strength in community? As you reflect does something seem to shift in your perspective?

Jesus heals people in many ways. Their healing is physical, relational, and social. The ostracized were able to be touched, to be hugged, and to re-join their community. They were no longer alone, even in death. Throughout this passage, Jesus seeks and is sought. He found Matthew and Matthew followed. The crowd gathered and a woman is healed. The father sought Jesus and Jesus sought to heal the dead girl. In what ways do we follow this symmetry in our lives and in our church communities? How do we see with a wider lens, a deeper perspective? In the drawing did you see two creatures? Were you able to see the rabbit and a duck? In this time of scattering as our buildings sit empty and we are physically restricted from joining together, perhaps we can discover new ways to connect with people. Perhaps we can discover a deeper understanding of the issues that concern others. Perhaps we can find new ways to connect with those we do not yet know. Our perspectives can deepen when we try to see one another through the loving eyes of ‘God in three Persons, blessed Trinity’.  The scriptures remind us that we are all children of a richly diverse and divine Trinity. Praise be to God.

Resources that may be helpful in responding to the call for racial justice are available at https://presbyterian.ca/resources/resources-od/  Look for:

• The church’s policy on dealing with allegations of racial harassment
• Resources on undoing racism from the Canadian Council of Churches 

The Offering Of Our Life And Labour To The Lord

Quote:   When one tugs at a single thing in nature, one finds it attached to the rest of the world. John Muir (1838 –1914), Scottish-American naturalist, author, environmental philosopher

 

God is so good to us. We offer to God our thanks for such goodness by returning a portion of our blessings, in time, talent, and treasure.

Donations can be made to the church in several ways during the COVID restrictions:

• The traditional method of Canada Post mail, just be sure to include the post office box: Knox Church, Box 565, Bayfield, ON N0M 1G0
• This is a good time to consider the consistency of postdated cheques or PAR. Both are easy to set up and easy to change.
  • All cheques can be sent to the church by Canada Post. We would greatly appreciate monthly cheques, if possible.
  • Jim Knox is willing to ‘safely’ pick up your offering envelopes. If you would like Jim to come to your house and do a pick up, his home number is 519-565-4214. The envelopes can also be dropped off at his home mailbox at 12 MacTavish St, Bayfield.
  • Bank deposits will be done less regularly, likely about once a month
  • PAR, the Pre-Authorized Remittance, is an automatic monthly withdrawal from your bank.
  • Contact Brenda McLean (519) 524-8645 or email brmclean@hurontel.on.ca She is an expert at setting up PAR
  • Adjustments to postdated cheques and PAR can be easily made by contacting Brenda. All financial information is confidential.

With thanksgiving for God’s gifts to us, we offer ourselves and the fruits of our labor for God’s work in the world. During the worship service, we sing the doxology, a song of praise. You may actually hear an echo of the tune that Jean and Betty Lou play each week.

We give thee but thine own, whate’er the gift may be;

all that we have is thine alone, a trust, O lord, from thee.

 Blessing Of Gifts *

Take a moment to pray for blessings on the gifts of time, talent, and financial offerings received by the church. Your generosity does much good within the local community and the larger world.

God of our salvation, receive the gifts we offer and bless them for the work of your creation. We pray all this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prayers Of The People

You are encouraged to share your concerns and celebrations with the congregation. Your requests will be shared in the prayers of the people and kept in my daily prayers and the prayers of our congregation. Let us pray for all people and all of God’s creation.

Loving God, your light reveals the need of this world and your salvation offers hope to the lost. We lift up our prayers for all of creation.  God, we pray for the nations of this world and their leaders.   May they be just and faithful in their duty and serve the good of all. May leaders broaden their perspectives to include the respect for all people. May your unifying message of love be heard in their language and recognized in each culture.

God of love and compassion, all of humanity is in need of your guidance and healing. We lift up our prayers for all of creation. We pray for your holy church, that we may live in harmony.

God, we pray for those who hear your calling to take action but are fearful of the first steps. God, we pray for those who feel like they are dying, emotionally or physically and are unable to find peace or comfort. May your Spirit guide them to peace. God, we pray for those who are have reached a time when their choice of home and lifestyle is changing. May your Spirit comfort them as they navigate new beginnings.

Holy and reconciling God, we pray for an acceptance of all people. We are broken hearted as we mourn the loss of those who suffer and die because of the horrors of racism. We lift up the families and communities of all people at risk. God, we see the hatred around us and wonder what to do with this infection of hatred. Help us to recognize the wrongs against our brothers and sisters. We pray you will help us to courageously stand up and speak against those who incite hatred.

May your Spirit guide our efforts to renew the earth. We pray that we will grow as good stewards of the resources your provide. We pray for the farming community. We lift up farmers, their families, and farm workers during this challenging time. May they find hope and support in their struggle to cope with the issues facing them during COVID. We pray you will move those who are without work to shift their focus to working in the agricultural communities. We pray the Canadian people will recognize the adversity within the farming communities and the importance of their work. May we all seek ways to better support their efforts.

We lift up those who experience insecurity with food and housing. May they find support for the necessities of life. May those with abundance feel moved to share with those in need.

We pray for those in need of healing. Send your healing Spirit upon those who are sick in body, mind, or spirit. Loving God, your heart overflows with compassion for your whole creation. Pour out your Spirit on all people living with illness. Help them to know that you claim them as your own. We pray you will deliver them from pain and fear.

O God, teach us to be good neighbors, to live in peace with one another, and in friendship share the joys and burdens of daily life. We pray for your Spirit to linger with those who are struggling with the restrictions imposed by COVID. Be with those who are alone and those who struggle to live with others. We seek your guidance with our efforts to reach out to our sisters and brothers.

Almighty God, we are grateful for your everlasting and faithful presence. We pray for all people of this earth. May they turn toward you and find peace. Loving God, we lift up our people who are in need of your special care at this time. We lift up those who are un-named. May they find healing and compassion with you. May they reach out to their brothers and sisters for assistance in their time of need. We lift up Ron, Sandy and their family. Be with him and his family as he continues on his journey of healing. We lift up Brenda, Mark and family as they mourn the deaths of Evelyn and George. Be with them as they mourn in isolation, with family near yet so far out of reach. We lift up Jan Meyer’s sister, Peggy, as she slowly heals from extensive heart surgery. Be with Peggy, Jan, and family. We lift up Ron Sangster, family, and friends as they mourn the death of Jean. We lift up Betty Lou’s daughter, Bonnie, as she continues treatment for breast cancer. We lift up Susanne and family as they mourn the death of Susan. Be with them as the family mourns in New Zealand and Canada. We lift up Gayle’s granddaughter Courtney and great granddaughter Kyla. Be with them as they heal and grow together. We lift up Rob, son of Jane and Jim. Be with him as he lives with the impact and consequences of a brain tumor. We lift up Lisa, daughter of Grace, in her duties as nurse & caregiver. We lift up Marlene, daughter of Jessie, as she heals from her injuries.  We lift up Bonnie Heath as she heals from a recent fall. Be with Bonnie and her family. We lift up those who struggle with the impact of isolation. We lift up families struggling with the impact of health concerns, aging parents, disharmony, and distrust. May your spirit linger with them. Strengthen us with your presence of love.

Oh holy God, be with your people as they suffer and seek your peace. We pray for those who live in situations of violence. May they find protection. We pray for residents and care givers in retirement homes and long term care facilities. We pray for those who are in hospital and hospice. We pray for all who are suffering financial hardship and uncertainty at this time.

O Holy One, although we are apart and cannot lift our voices together, we speak the words aloud 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.  

Where hope has grown tired and thin, Gracious God, lift our sights, so that we may see hope beyond hope, life beyond death, and you, lifted up before us. We pray all this through Christ, with Christ, in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor are yours, almighty God, forever and ever Amen.

Benediction Romans 4

Do not waver in unbelief regarding the promise of God.

Be strengthened by God’s faith and give glory to God.

Be fully persuaded that God has the power to do what God promises.

May God our Father bless you so that you can be a blessing to others.

May Christ bless you so that you can be healers of a world that is hurting. May the Holy Spirit bless you so that you can spread the hope that only the triune God can inspire and give to this world.

Closing Chorus

May the Lord, mighty God bless and keep you forever, Grant you peace, perfect peace, faith in every endeavor  Lift your eyes and see His face, and His grace forever, May the Lord, mighty God bless and keep you forever.

Questions for Reflection

How are we called to be a blessing to this world? How can you be a healing presence in your home, in your community, and in your church? How can we live and work to share the message of faith with those who live without it?

Morning Prayer

The sunlight of the morning sometimes reminds me that I ache, that I’m sick, that I hurt. Remind me to think about how my experience can help me to compassionate with others, in your name. Amen.

Evening  Prayer

O Holy One, I have tried to live as your child today. I have tried to let your voice guide me through the day and to find comfort in you during times of trouble. Allow me to find the rest that I need, and thank you for all the faith and hope that you provide. Amen.

Holy, Holy, Holy [2]      #299          Lyrics: Reginald Heber, Music: JB Dykes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sI6ZkTbUgW4

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!

Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;

Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!

God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,

Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;

Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,

Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.

Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee,

Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;

Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,

Perfect in pow’r, in love, and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!

All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;

Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty!

God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

 All things bright and beautiful[3]           #435        

Lyrics: CF Alexander  Music: M Shaw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZNt4avXVcI

Refrain:      All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small

All things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all.

Each little flower that opens, each little bird that sings

He made their glowing colors, He made their tiny wings

[Refrain]

The cold wind in the winter, the pleasant summer sun

The ripe fruits in the garden, He made them every one

[Refrain]

The rocky mountain splendour, the hunting curlews call

The great lakes and the prairies, the forests in the fall

[Refrain]

God gave us eyes to see them, and lips that we might tell

How great is God Almighty, who has made all things well

 

[1] https://presbyterian.ca/2020/06/02/pcc-anti-racism/

[2] Lyrics: Reginald Heber, Music:  JB Dykes

[3] Lyrics: CF Alexander  Music: M Shaw