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Compassionate Response June 14 Rev Dolson Knox Bayfield
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 daily prayers and hymns.
Section 1
Announcements
The government has declared the start of Phase Two of the COVID restrictions, which includes the ability to partially re-open places of worship. The recent meeting of the Presbytery of Huron Perth included a discussion of how we will approach the re-opening our churches. Our Session has reviewed the guidelines provided by our National Church, the Huron Perth Public Health, and the Government of Ontario guidelines. For more detailed information, resources are available on our website: https://pccweb.ca/knoxbayfieldpc/2020/06/13/covid-resources/ The resources include important information about Social Circles. At this time, our worship will continue with our current methods. The weekly sermons are sent by email, posted on our website https://pccweb.ca/knoxbayfieldpc/ and printed sermons are also being delivered each week. My route takes me from Kitchener through Huron Perth including Stratford. Contact Rev Lisa if you would like a copy. We are actively investigating additional ways of reaching out to you. Watch for updates!
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/
Our church website https://pccweb.ca/knoxbayfieldpc/ and FaceBook page https://www.facebook.com/KnoxBayfield/ are regularly updated. Take a look and share your responses with your elder.
Did you know that a small group gathered again on Zoom 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. Personal notes about the recipes are appreciated and will provide a delightful tidbit for the readers. Deb 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).
You may recall that we are currently unable to safely use the church bell. Estimates indicate the repairs will cost approximately $1,000. You are encouraged to consider donating to a Special Collection for the church bell repairs. Your generosity is appreciated!
Year-to-Date Income and Expense Update
The following chart illustrates the current year-to-date income, expenses, and deficit. You are encouraged to share your questions and concerns with your elder.
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 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.
Section 2
Call To Worship Matt. 10:1, 7
Jesus Christ summons us to answer God’s call of mercy.
Christ gathers us and gives us power to be healed and to heal,
to be forgiven and to forgive, to be freed from sin and to set others free,
to tell one another and the world: God’s presence is at hand.
Let us worship 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
God of wisdom, soften our hearts and direct our minds as we discern your holy scripture. May we be like fertile soil in which to plant your living Word. Amen.
Reading: Psalm 100 and Matthew 9:35-10:23
Additional readings: Genesis 18:1–15, 21:1–7, Romans 5:1–8,
Psalm 100
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.
Know that the Lord is God. It is he that made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him, bless his name.
For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
Matthew 9:35-10:23
Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he [Jesus] said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him.
These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions:
“Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment. Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for laborers deserve their food. Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave. As you enter the house, greet it. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.
See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.”
Message
We continue to worship apart during the restrictions imposed by the COVID pandemic. Many changes have occurred over the last few months. Imagine yourself back at the beginning of Lent. Imagine someone telling you about the coming events, the extent of restrictions, and that the first phase would last into the summer. It is likely that you might have been skeptical. When the churches closed in mid-March, there were many who believed the safety precautions were an over-reaction. In many ways, only time will tell if we were cautious enough or overly-cautious. The pandemic has provided an opportunity to compassionately consider the needs of others and the cost of doing so.
I wonder how the disciples reacted when Jesus spoke of the coming events. They did not have the luxury of the hindsight that we enjoy. We can look back through the scriptures and through the history books to trace the impact of their actions and those who followed through the centuries. We have lived through decades of quickly changing cultures, science, education, and technology. Some of you may have been born in a time when outhouses and ‘party line’ telephone conversations were common. If nothing else, over the last 100 years, we have discovered that change is inevitable. Just when we get comfortable, new technology creates a significant shift. Just as we grow accustomed to one way of being, we discover a new perspective that changes everything in our lives.
The world has experienced tremendous change over the last few months. Some who were struggling with health or financial stability have been devastated by the impact of COVID. Others are struggling to understand the impact on the economy, their work, and their investments. Many of us have settled into the reality of physical distancing, hand sanitizing, and wearing masks when we are in public. We have developed the habit of avoiding common surfaces, such as public door handles and crowded areas. Each of these actions are intended to protect others and ourselves. I find myself looking for the directional arrows on the floor in the grocery store? Somehow it feels similar to not wanting to drive the wrong way down a one way street. Does that happen to you?
Now, as we have settled into this routine, we discover a shift into new restrictions. Some geographical areas are able to meet, some people are able to gather, some able to hug, and others must continue to practice physical distancing. The change may bring confusion and perhaps some fear. Your thoughts may wonder whether the restrictions are being eased too quickly or too slowly. While we ponder our current situation we reflect on how God is calling the church to respond. In our reading from the gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells of need among the people. This passage begins by describing the crowds as “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd”. They are lost with no-one showing them the way. Their explicit need of a shepherd is met by the mercy and compassion of Jesus. He takes action with a compassionate response to their needs.
How do we respond when we see the needs of others. The need for clothing, food, shelter, and safety. The need for respect, employment, and healing. The need for physical, emotional, and spiritual care. Do we see that we are not alone in our response? God equips us to be in this world, to reach out with compassionate response to those in need. Do we respond with an expression of faith – with words coupled with action? Are we willing to risk the journey to meet the physical and spiritual needs of others? The disciples travelling with Jesus were more than twelve when he chose a small group to send out as apostles. The twelve disciples were sent to proclaim the good news and offer healing within the Jewish community.
This is the only time that Matthew describes the disciples as “apostles”. The term apostle refers to a messenger, one sent out on a mission. The twelve apostles were sent as messengers among the twelve tribes of Israel. Jesus gave them authority over unclean spirits and the ability to cast them out, cure disease and the ill. The disciples were to live simply, carry nothing with them, and rely upon hospitality in their travels. They are warned of the ill treatment, suffering, and persecution they would endure. They would be sheep among wolves and the Spirit of God would speak through them. They are also not assured of safe travel. However, they are assured that God would be with them through the challenges and in the danger. The disciples began a new part of their journey in following Christ by going without him. They are sent out to embody his teachings without his physical presence.
Perhaps in this time of our lives we can better understand some of the difficulties they faced as they walked into the unknown and discovered a new way of being. Who among us have not lived the challenges of the unknown? Right now, we are living with an uncertainty that has an impact on most aspects of our lives. Yet we have experience this newness and the fear with the context of our faith. In some ways, perhaps we can understand this as living within the ‘bubble’ of God’s love and faithfulness. We, too, are not assured of physical safety and we are also assured of God’s presence. Indeed, we can look to many of the faithful who have struggled with the reality of failing bodies, poverty, unjust political systems, racism, and systemic disorder. This writing from Matthew assures us that living into our faith allows us to grow in our understanding of God’s love within this unjust world. Do you imagine the disciples going into their journeys emboldened by this assurance of God’s love? Did they boldly speak of their faith, despite the persecution as they travelled through new communities?
It seems that many struggle to express their faith, even within faith communities. One of my favourite parts of talking with people is the opportunity to learn about their faith and their life journeys. I discovered in seminary that people have a real desire to share their story and their struggles. In the role of minister, I am able to provide the safe space for people to share the ways in which they seek to understand how God is at work in the world and in their lives. It is common for people to struggle to find the words that express their faith. It is often in the struggle of this exploration that a deeper understanding is found. We are encouraged to share our faith journey with others, to find comfort in our shared stories, and to develop a growing awareness of our differences. In understanding our differences we better understand one another. We are each part of God’s beloved creation.
Thankfully, most of us are not called to leave our worldly possessions behind and journey into new towns and cities to proclaim the gospels. We are able to do so from the comfort of our homes and within our known communities. We share our faith with our words, our actions, and in the many ways in which we reach out to one another. We face different challenges than those of the first century. How do you relate this passage to the ways in which you live out your faith?
When we look into the recent past we see the impact of remarkable actions by people of faith. People who took the risk of developing faith communities as their took action. Did you realize that this little church in Bayfield was built during the depression? Did you know that faith communities had been broken apart a few years before the building began? During the first world war chaplains and ministers worked with the troops according to their denominations. The ministry teams recognized the similarities in how they cared for the troops and brought that experience back to Canada following the war. From their shared experience, the United Church was formed in 1925. The Methodist Church, the Congregational Union of Canada, the majority of the Presbyterian Church of Canada, and the General Council of Union Churches joined together as one United church.
The remaining Presbyterians re-formed in their communities to continue within their faith traditions. The Presbyterians in Bayfield worshiped in homes for several years, then in 1931 they created the current building. Imagine, in the midst of the depression, their focus was on building the church as an expression of their faith. In hindsight, and perhaps at that time, it may have seemed like an impossible venture. Yet, a small group of people persisted. Our reading from the gospel of Matthew directs us to the challenges and opportunities of living out the teachings from Jesus. Many have been inspired and encourage by these verses.
In part, our response is demonstrated through Presbyterians Sharing and Presbyterian World Service & Development (PWS&D). During our weekly worship service, our bulletin would usually include the Mission Moment. This week, A Light in the Community shares information about the Kenora Fellowship Centre. It is “one of nine Indigenous ministries supported by generous gifts made to Presbyterians Sharing. Known in the community as “Anamiewigummig,” meaning House of Prayer in the Ojibway language, the drop-in centre offers basic essential services such as food, shelter, showers, clothing, laundry and transportation. They also offer skills training courses and health and wellness programs. Even more, the centre offers a place of hope, encouragement and safety for those who come through its doors. Many of whom are displaced, living in poverty or struggling with addiction and mental health issues. Please pray that this ministry would continue to be a light in the community and a safe space where people can find the healing love of Christ. This mission moment demonstrates one way in which Presbyterians Sharing reaches out with the love of Christ”
We look out into the world and see that there is the ongoing need to gather and care for the lost sheep. Our faith is freely received and it is to be freely shared in diverse ways. Shared among the lost who have no shepherd. Shared among those who are in need. Our eyes are opened with compassion to see the needs of others. The gospels demonstrate that Jesus compassionately responds to the needs of the people. He sees the need and he responds. He sees the need and sends apostles into the world. Praise be to God.
The Offering Of Our Life And Labour To The Lord
Quote: The church is not a group of people who believe all the same things; the Church is a group of people caught up in the same story, with Jesus at the center. Rachel Held Evans (1981-2019)
God’s goodness inspires us even in times of suffering so that we endure in faithfulness and find hope even amid difficulty. We present our gifts to God in gratitude that God’s love never lets us go.
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, our Good Shepherd, we are so grateful that you guide us through even the most difficult times. Bless our gifts and make them signs of your presence at work in the world for those who need to be embraced by your love and your strength through Christ our Lord. 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.
Eternal, birthing God, you bring all things visible and invisible into being. Blessed Trinity, we yearn to sing together to express our joy and to cry out for those who are filled with sorrow. We are thankful for your presence among us as we are scattered in our communities. We are thankful for your faithfulness to our ancestors and to us.
We pray for the earth you created. Your Spirit brooded over creation like a mother bird. We pray for the healing of wounded oceans and rejuvenation of the slashed rain forests. Lead your people to be good shepherds of life within your creation.
May your Spirit guide our efforts to grow as good stewards of the resources you 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 their adversity 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 the whole of 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. May we share the joys and burdens of daily life with one another in relationship. 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. 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 enjoys the peace of remission. 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 Annie Lewin, mother of Grace. Holy God, whose mercy is without end, look upon Annie and her family. May your Spirit linger with them in their need. We lift up Marlene, daughter of Jessie, as she heals from her injuries. We lift up Bonnie Heath as she heals. 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 them 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
Live without fear in the love of God. Live in the peace of Christ. Live in the hope of the Spirit. May the Trinity surround you. May the hand of God give you strength; the Spirit of God guide you; the Son of God deliver you to eternal life.
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.
Question for Reflection
How is God’s presence experienced in your life?
Section 3
Morning Prayer
Holy Presence, let me be with you today. Awaken my senses to the wonders of your creation, and fill me with compassion for every person I meet. Fill my being with the love of Christ and let others know your presence through me. In this way let me glorify you, Holy One, Holy Three. Amen.
Evening Prayer
Maker of day and night, creator of sun, moon, and all planets and stars, thank you for your presence during the hours I have passed in your light. As I settle into sleep, may I recall the blessings you provide. May I rejoice in your goodness. Grant me peace, rest, and renewal. If it is your will to speak to me in dreams while my mind is quiet and still, grant that I may be attentive to your Word and guided by your Spirit when I awake. Let me arise and join my voice with all the faithful in giving you thanks and praise through Jesus Christ, the Light. Amen.
Daily Prayer
Genesis 18:1, 2 Col. 1:19 Romans 5:1, 5, 9
God of wonder, you appeared to Abraham as three persons; you reveal your fullness in your Son Jesus Christ. Your Spirit fills your people with hope through the peace of Jesus. Gather us as Christ’s faithful disciples and empower us with his good news, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Who’s goin’ to tell the story #761 (3rd verse to different tune)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNmh33UYkYE Words /Music: Natalie Sleeth (1930-1992)
Who’s goin’ to tell the story? You and I!
Tell of the Lord’s great glory? You and I!
Who’s goin’ to let the whole world know?
Help his disciples grow and multiply?
You and I!
Who’s goin’ to bring the kingdom? You and I!
Who’s goin’ to spread the gospel? You and I!
Who’s goin’ to do the kindly deed?
Comfort the one in need and help supply?
You and I!
Jesus came to bring us good news, sent to earth by God above!
And the good news that he brought us is the word of love!
Who’s goin’ to feed the hungry? You and I!
Care for the sick and lonely? You and I!
Who’s goin’ to let the whole world see people can live in harmony? Let’s try! You and I!
I, the Lord of sea and sky #592
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcxOkht8w7c Words/Music: Isaiah 6. Daniel L Schutte (b 1947)
I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard My people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin, My hand will save.
I who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear My light to them? Whom shall I send?
Refrain Here I am Lord, Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have borne my people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them, they turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone, give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak My word to them Whom shall I send?
Refrain
I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them, My hand will save
Finest bread I will provide, Till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give My life to them, Whom shall I send?
Refrain