August 9 2020 Walking in Faith Rev Dolson Knox Bayfield
Section 1
Greetings to my church family and friends. May the grace of God be with you.
Mission Moment – Building Healthy Communities
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
In Guatemala, 30-year-old Marta Crisóstomo didn’t know what having a clean kitchen and a balanced diet had to do with her son’s development and her family’s health. But an unclean kitchen meant that Marta’s family could be exposed to diseases such as diarrhea and intestinal infections. PWS&D-supported workshops are empowering Indigenous communities like Marta’s to improve their diets and health by sharing knowledge about cleanliness and how to prepare the nutritious food they are growing. The project has given Marta and the women in her community a sense of improved self-esteem. They now use the skills they have learned in their everyday lives—boosting their confidence and improving their families’ overall health. PWS&D empowers Indigenous communities
Do you have food to share? Take your food donations to the outside bin at Trinity St James Church. 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) Help is available!
The sermon is on our website https://pccweb.ca/knoxbayfieldpc/ and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTYgIPqvkMsDNal0b1gCiPg
Jean Walker will perform the hymns on the organ for the YouTube video. Remember to go to the end of the printed material for the lyrics to the hymns.
Income and Expense Update
The following chart (see attached pdf) illustrates the July income $5,566 with expenses $4,266. The current year-to-date deficit $4,400. You are encouraged to share your questions and concerns with your elder.
Section 2
CALL TO WORSHIP
Gen. 37:28; Ps. 105:17; Matt. 14:30–31
God lifts us from death to life and for God’s purposes through the compassion of Jesus Christ our Lord and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. With thanksgiving, praise the Lord!
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Gen. 37:15–17, 28, Ps. 105:16–22, Rom. 10:13
God sees all, knows all, forgives all, and restores all through Jesus Christ. No one who believes in him will be lost, for everyone who calls on the name of God shall be saved. Amen.
# 307 – God of the sparrow, God of the whale
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Ps. 105:3–22; Matt. 14:22-29;
O Holy God, open our eyes to see you in the midst of our struggles. Open our ears to hear your words of invitation and assurance. Open our minds to recall your wonderful works and miracles. Open our hearts to seek strength in your Word, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
READINGS: Genesis 37:1–4, Psalm 105:1–11, 45b
Romans 10:5–15, Matthew 14:22–33
Did you know the bible is free online! https://www.biblegateway.com/
Genesis 37:1–4, 12-28
We continue in the story of Jacob …
Jacob settled in the land where his father had lived as an alien, the land of Canaan. This is the story of the family of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was shepherding the flock with his brothers; he was a helper to the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives; and Joseph brought a bad report of them to their father. Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his children, because he was the son of his old age; and he had made him a long robe with sleeves. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him…. Now his brothers went to pasture their father’s flock near Shechem.
And Israel said to Joseph, Are not your brothers pasturing the flock at Shechem? Come, I will send you to them.
Joseph answered, Here I am.
So Israel said to him, Go now, see if it is well with your brothers and with the flock; and bring word back to me. So he sent him from the valley of Hebron.
Joseph came to Shechem, and a man found him wandering in the fields; the man asked him, What are you seeking?
l am seeking my brothers, Joseph said; tell me, please, where they are pasturing the flock.
The man said, They have gone away, for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’
So Joseph went after his brothers, and found them at Dothan. They saw him from a distance, and before he came near to them, they conspired to kill him. The brothers said to one another, Here comes this dreamer. Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits; then we shall say that a wild animal has devoured him, and we shall see what will become of his dreams.
But when Reuben heard it, he delivered him out of their hands, saying, Let us not take his life. Reuben said to them, Shed no blood; throw him into this pit here in the wilderness, but lay no hand on him—that he might rescue him out of their hand and restore him to his father. So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the long robe with sleeves that he wore; and they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it.
Then they sat down to eat; and looking up they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, with their camels carrying gum, balm, and resin, on their way to carry it down to Egypt.
Then Judah said to his brothers, What profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and not lay our hands on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh. And his brothers agreed. When some Midianite traders passed by, they drew Joseph up, lifting him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt.
Matthew 14: 22–33
Following our reading of last week after Jesus and the disciples fed thousands …
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when they saw him walking on the sea, the disciples were terrified, saying, It is a ghost! And they cried out in fear.
But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.
Peter answered him, Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.
Jesus said, Come.
So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, Peter cried out, Lord, save me!
Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, You of little faith, why did you doubt?
When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, Truly you are the Son of God.
May God bless our understanding of this, God’s holy word. The word of God.
#631 Jesus hands were kind hands
MESSAGE
Our readings today speak of fear and faith within the individual and the community. Could there be a more appropriate reading during the midst of COVID19. Many are concerned about the impact of the pandemic, about the possibility of being ill, and the risk to others. We may discover more about fear and its impact as we explore the scripture readings.
The passage in Genesis began with this is the story of the family of Jacob. It is a story about individuals, their family, their culture. It is a continuing story of Jacob. You may recall that he stole his brother’s birthright and deceived his father. Now he is deceived by his own children when they send his favorite son away. I wonder, at this point, if memories of your siblings and family interactions are bolstering your understanding of the different pieces of this story.
Edwin Friedman and Murray Bowen studied the multi-generational nature of family systems. They found that relationship patterns are repeated from generation to generation. They also found that a change made to the patterns will impact future generations.
There are many patterns to this story of Jacob/Israel. His struggles with faith and faithfulness. The pattern evident in the divine dreams shared by Joseph with his father. Change happened within this ancient family, when individuals make change … when they put their faith and trust in God… significant change occurs. The brothers are fearful of Joseph’s favoured place in the family structure and they are fearful of the actions that some are willing to take. Joseph is trusting that his father, the man along the journey, and his brothers will provide a safe place for him. This is the beginning of our journey into Joseph’s story and it is filled with imagery of family conflict and poor intentions. It is also filled with faith and trust.
Images that come to mind as we hear these stories often provide a greater depth of meaning. There are key images in our reading from the gospel story. At the start of the passage, there is the image of Jesus, at the end of a long day, taking intentional time to be in prayer with God. Jesus sent his disciples away in their boat, he dismissed the crowds and spent time in prayer. The image of their boat out on the water in the early morning, far from land. The image of the boat ‘being tormented’ by the sea when Jesus appeared, walking on the sea toward them. The image of the disciples, disturbed and terrified, when they saw him. They cried out that he was a ghost Even when they recognize him he was afraid. The image of Peter stepping onto the sea, the image of him slipping into the water, and the image of Jesus reaching out to save him. All of the images are set in a scenery that is familiar to you. This story is set by at the sea, a great body of water that is influenced by wind and stormy weather.
The power and majesty of large bodies of water is familiar to you. The majority of people in Ontario are aware of the magnitude of the great lakes. You have the experience of knowing the specific majesty and power of Lake Huron. In your experience, the lake effect often plays an important role in daily life throughout the seasons. The term ‘lake effect’ seems to take on unique characteristics depending on which part of the shoreline is discussed. Water is prominent within the scriptures. It begins with the creation of the world, in the covenant with Noah, and then with the remarkable parting of the Red Sea during the exodus from Egypt. The sea and the rivers play an important role in the stories told of Jesus.
I wonder if some of you found it reassuring to hear that the disciples did not recognize Jesus when they first saw him. They were afraid that he was something that would harm them. Some of you have shared how you there have been times when you struggled to experience the presence of God at times. Can you relate to this passage? Have there been times in your life when fear or other strong emotions clouded your vision? Perhaps you could not see God in your life, perhaps you felt trapped in a sea of trouble. Yet, here, we are told that Jesus will calm the troubled waters. Peter discovered that Jesus reached out to him.
‘Do not be afraid’ is a recurring message throughout the bible, particularly when people respond with fear to the incredible power of God. In this passage, Jesus simply states, Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid. Did the disciples hear him stating divine assurance and his connection to God? Were they able to connect this to the scriptures where God reveals his presence and calms the fears? Peter recognized Jesus and boldly stepped out onto the water. In the midst of his courage, he seems to be distracted by his surroundings, distracted by his fear. When he started to slip into the water, Jesus reached out and held him up. In this event, the disciples are able to develop a deeper insight into their faith. They witness the divine identity of Jesus, saying, Truly you are the Son of God In this event, perhaps you experienced the image of Jesus reaching out to lift you up in difficult times. The gospels remind us that Jesus calls to us into uncharted waters and he never abandons us.
These images provide powerful ways of understanding the love and grace of God. We are able to draw on these complex images during challenging times. Can you recall courageously stepping out in faith and then faltering? You may have wondered whether you were being faithful or foolish. Perhaps, in your courage, you hesitated because of other powerful distractions. We are called to step out in faith, to step into the chaos of the storm and the troubled waters of life. Peter did not do this with a shrug of his shoulders and then jump into the water. He asked Jesus if he would call him and then he responded in faith. Peter did so with courage and fear. But then, how can there be courage without fear? Our faith does not remove all doubt or trouble from our lives. Our faith helps us to recognize Jesus in the midst of trouble, to see his light shining into the darkness. Our faith allows us to take in the reassuring divine presence, knowing that we are not abandoned, that we are not alone.
William H. Willimon, in his sermon, How Will You Know If It’s Jesus? wrote, ‘If Peter had not ventured forth, had not obeyed the call to walk on the water, then Peter would never have had this great opportunity for recognition of Jesus and rescue by Jesus. I wonder if too many of us are merely splashing about in the safe shallows and therefore have too few opportunities to test and deepen our faith. The story today implies if you want to be close to Jesus, you have to venture forth out on the sea, you have to prove his promises through trusting his promises, through risk and venture.’
An important recurring part of Matthew’s gospel is the consistency of prayer for Jesus. There is a connection between Jesus praying and the amazing miracles that he initiates. Within this short story we heard of Jesus praying to God, then walking on water. We heard of Peter calling out to Jesus to save him. Peter’s cry, or his prayer, may resonate with you. How have you experienced something similar. Have you gathered up your courage to take action in faith … only to discover that your courage falters as the fear takes hold? How have you experienced responses to your prayers? Are you able to take the hand that is offered?
Stepping out in courage is challenging. Members of our community do this often in unseen ways. You step up within the church community and you step out in faith to the larger community. There are some among you who gather up their courage to lead within the congregation, taking on the responsibilities of decision making, organizing, and nurturing. There are some among you who gather up their courage to lead important campaigns. Campaigns to help others who are in need of assistance, to run events, and to organize fundraising efforts. You gather up courage to deliver clothing, food, and other supplies to those in need in unfamiliar surroundings. You gather up your courage to provide soup for competitions and chili and spaghetti for fundraisers. You gather up your courage to volunteer to help in these events. Several of you have stepped up with courage to reach out to one another during the pandemic. Each of these stories of courage in faith tell of a deeper complexity of stories within our faith community. It is important to share and to hear of the challenges and joys of stepping up with courage.
Why? Why is it important to hear of the courage and faith of others? In hearing the stories, we discover the deep meaning and significance of individuals taking the risk for the benefit of others. We discover how the entire community is impacted by their actions. When it becomes a simple story of what people do, then we lose the significance of the challenges faced in the doing. When the risk and courage are recognized, then we develop a deeper understanding of how God is at work in our lives. We are called in many ways to embrace our courage, to lean into the calling from God, to trust in our faith, and to trust that we will be lifted up when we fall. Fear need not hold us in frozen inertia. We need not fall and stay fallen. The fears within the disciples becomes calmed by their trust in Jesus. It is calmed and it resurfaces, it is calmed and resurfaces, it is calmed.
After Peter cried out, Lord, save me! and Jesus reached out his hand and caught him, Jesus said, You of little faith, why did you doubt? Why did Peter doubt? Why do we doubt? It is simple and easy to say, in hindsight, that our faith holds us secure. In the midst of trouble and deep fear, it is more challenging to take a deep breath, to allow our faith and trust to calm us. Yet, it is in that very moment that our faith is strengthened.
What did you hear when Jesus said, … ‘O … you of little faith, why do you not trust me?’ When I hear this passage, I hear the voice of Jesus infused with love and patience, with nurture and understanding. I think of the parable of the mustard seed. A little faith, a little faith can be nurtured and it can grow. Is Jesus gently reminding Peter of his potential, the potential of a little faith to grow into a faith that will help to shelter and nurture many others?
We are called to step out in our faith, to be courageous in recognizing our fear while embracing our purpose and the challenges we will face. We are called to do all this with the belief that God will be there, in some way or another, to lift us out of the turbulent chaos.
Praise be to God.
#324 – Great is thy faithfulness
THE OFFERING OF OUR LIFE AND LABOUR TO THE LORD
QUOTE: Remember, recycling is an act of worship! Christians for Environmental Stewardship
Your donations to the church are greatly appreciated. The expenses for our faith community continue even though we are not gathering in the church building, the work of the church continues in so many ways. Thank you for your ongoing support! Christ has freely given the gift of grace and salvation. Let us freely bring our generous gifts of gratitude to him.
BLESSING OF GIFTS *
Gen. 37:28, Ps. 105:16–17, Rom. 10:12-15
We give thanks to you, O Lord, for your sustaining presence and abundant grace. Receive now these gifts we bring, that we first received from you. May these gifts help to ease hunger, relieve the oppressed, and proclaim the good news of your amazing grace. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
1 Kings 19:13 Ps. 85:10 Matt. 14:31-33
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.
God of power and love, we are thankful for your faithfulness. We thank you for the gift of your peace which is with us, particularly during chaos, fear, trouble, and doubt. We are thankful for your mercy that catches us when we stumble. You coax us even when we are hiding and afraid. We put our trust in you, for you alone can save us.
We ask for you to calm the chaos of the nations. Where there is war, may your shalom embrace, restore, and repair all that is torn and broken. May divisions be dismantled and reconciliation be accomplished. May love cast out all fear.
We ask for your Spirit to guide us into a deeper sense of community in this congregation, in our communities, and throughout the world. May your Spirit bring healing where there is discord and pain.
Almighty God, there are many within our church family in need of your care at this time. We lift up Ron, Sandy and their family as Ron continues his treatment. We lift up Grace as she mourns the death of her mother, Annie. We lift up Jan’s sister, Peggy, as she slowly heals from extensive heart surgery. We lift up Betty Lou as she deals with health concerns. We lift up her daughter, Bonnie, as she enjoys the peace of remission. We lift up Jessie as she deals with chronic back pain. We lift up Jessie’s daughter, Marlene, as she continues to heal. We lift up Rob, son of Jane and Jim. Gracious and merciful God, abounding in steadfast love, we join our voices with all that you have made in speaking your praises and blessing your name.
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. Amen.
# 675 Precious Lord, take my hand
BENEDICTION
Step out in faith. Trust that the God who has called you … will keep you and hold you in love.
May the faithful love of God surround you may the peace of Christ enfold you and may the Holy Spirit encourage you now and forever more. Amen
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
Why did Jesus send the disciples ahead while he stayed to pray alone?
How do times of turmoil and anxiety affect your trust in God?
How do you hear the question that Jesus asked Peter when he caught him falling into the water, You of little faith, why did you doubt? Do you hear this as a reproach? Do you hear this question posed with loving curiosity?
When you are facing a great difficulty, do you doubt God’s patient love? Do you doubt yourself?
Can you recall biblical stories, or a story from your own life, when God reached out with the gift of increased faith to rescue or to overcome doubt and fear?
Section 3
Morning Prayer
Holy God, the new day begins with promise. Help me to enter into this day with joy and confidence in your goodness. When I face challenges, may I trust in your presence, remembering that you are stronger than any difficulty. May your Spirit surround me with the embrace of love and faithfulness, of righteousness and peace, then I will be lifted up and strengthened to follow you. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.
Evening Prayer
Gracious God, I pray for the peace of your presence at the end of this day. Quiet any voices of fear and doubt that would trouble me. May I find rest as I sleep. In the name of Christ, Amen.
Daily Prayer
Matt. 14:22–31, Ps. 105:5
Son of God, you walk on the waters of turmoil to meet us in the midst of your purposed journey for our lives. Help us to recognize your presence, remember your promise, rely on your power, and receive your peace through every storm. Amen.
Hymns:
307 God of the sparrow, God of the whale
631 Jesus hands were kind hands
324 Great is thy faithfulness
675 Precious Lord, take my hand
307 God of the sparrow, God of the whale
Lyrics: Jaroslav J. Vajda (1919; d. 2008) Composer: Carl F. Schalk (1929)
1. God of the sparrow, God of the whale
God of the swirling stars
How does the creature say awe, how does the creature say praise
2. God of the earthquake, God of the storm
God of the trumpet blast
How does the creature cry woe, how does the creature cry save
3. God of the rainbow, God of the cross
God of the empty grave
How does the creature say grace, how does the creature say thanks
4. God of the hungry, God of the sick
God of the prodigal
How does the creature say care, how does the creature say life
5. God of the neighbour, God of the foe
God of the pruning hook
How does the creature say love, how does the creature say peace
6. God of the ages, God near at hand
God of the loving heart
How do your children say joy, how do your children say home
631 Jesus hands were kind hands
1. Jesus hands were kind hands, doing good for all
Healing pain and sickness, blessing children small
Washing tired feet, and saving those who fall
Jesus hands were kind hands, doing good to all
2. Take my hands, Lord Jesus, let them work for yo
Make them strong and gentle, kind in all I do
Let me watch yu, Jesus, till I’m gentle too
Till my hands are kind hands, quick to work for you
324 Great is thy faithfulness
Songwriters: William M. Runyan / Thomas O Chisholm / Eric Allyn Schrotenboer
1. Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
Refrain: Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
2. Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Refrain
3. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Refrain
675 Precious Lord, take my hand
Songwriters: Thomas A. Dorsey
1. Precious Lord, take my hand, Lead me on, let me stand
I’m tired, I’m weak, I’m lone
Through the storm, through the night, Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home
2. When my way grows drear precious Lord linger near
When my light is almost gone
Hear my cry, hear my call, Hold my hand lest I fall
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home
3. When the darkness appears and the night draws near
And the day is past and gone
At the river I stand, Guide my feet, hold my hand
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home
4. Precious Lord, take my hand, Lead me on, let me stand
I’m tired, I’m weak, I’m lone
Through the storm, through the night, Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home