Palm Sunday April 5 2020 Rev Dolson
Greetings to my church family. May the grace of God be with you.
We will be gathering together again in the near future. Until then I will continue to prepare my weekly sermons and post them on the website. If you prefer, the sermons can be sent to you by email.
Note: The message will be emailed to everyone on the congregational list for Easter Sunday.
Although most of the music is not included, for obvious reasons, we will attempt to lift up our voices with the familiar tunes. Music is one of our most beloved aspects of worshiping together. Perhaps, for the more courageous among you, we could begin with one of our most familiar hymns. If there are others at home with you, they may want to join in. If nothing else, remember that it is joyful for others to hear you sing, regardless of your ability. In my home, others often find it amusing to hear me singing hymns. So, let’s keep our spirits up and our voices strong.
Great is Thy faithfulness
- 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.
Chorus: 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!
- 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.
Chorus
- 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![1]
Chorus
Prayer For Illumination
Let your Word, O God, break open our hearts this day through the power of the Holy Spirit. 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. May we enter into the Holy Week following in the way of Jesus the Christ. Amen.
Many of you may be familiar with the following reading from the gospel of Matthew 21:1-11. It has been slightly altered to better identify the speaker and the shifts in the story. Take a moment to read through and reflect on the passage.
Matthew 21:1-11
When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them. ‘And he will send them immediately.”
This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, “Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”[2]
The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
When he entered Jerusalem, the [people of the] whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?”
The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Message
Today is Palm Sunday. We are living with traditional events within an unfamiliar setting. The season of Lent is following the traditional correlation of winter shifting into spring. The sunshine and warmth of the last week has certainly provided a breath of spring air into our lives. The changing seasons always make me mindful of the many gifts provided by God. This gift of spring is enriched by the plants and birds that are slowly making their presence known. The birds, in particular, have been quite chatty lately. Perhaps I am noticing their song more now that traffic is much quieter.
It has been reported that the skies cleared of their usual heavy smog and that many bird species not seen in years have returned to the certain areas of China. The usual heavy smog abated while the residents were kept in isolation. A bright note amidst the damage as CORVID-19 continues to have a grip in all parts of the world. There are many helpful resources that provide an understanding of this pandemic and the impact of the virus. It is important to search out reputable resources that are affirmed by other reputable resources. The World Health Organization provides important information. The government of Canada provides a variety of resources that can be helpful for your immediate area.[3]
There is much that has changed, yet the seasons continue in their cycle. Our weekly gatherings are temporarily cancelled, yet the weekly sermons are available at www.pccweb.ca/knoxbayfieldpc/ Many of you are linked to computer and internet resources and some of you will receive the paper version. There is much confusion and fear in the world, yet we see evidence of God walking among us. Our experience within this crisis relies heavily on how we choose to respond. God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.[4]
Many of you are volunteering in different ways within your community. You are making phone calls, sending emails, picking up groceries for a neighbor, and sharing your supplies when someone is in need. Most importantly, you are washing your hands and keeping a physical distance from others to ensure good health for everyone. I encourage you to continue your efforts to safely reach out to one another. Stay in social connection while practicing physical distancing. Share your concerns, celebrations, and hope during this challenging time. Do not hesitate to reach out to me by phone or email. My contact information is at the bottom of each page and on our website.
Our worship together has recently have reflected on the diverse stories of Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman at the well. Their encounters with Jesus changed their lives in amazing ways. The story of Lazarus points to the amazing power of God and the coming resurrection of Jesus. Today, we enter in the scripture as Jesus prepares to enter the city of Jerusalem. Have you wondered why he rode in on a donkey? There is great significance to this small detail. The ancient scripture[5] tells of the restoration of Israel with the image of God as the peaceful king entering the city on a donkey. The donkey was traditionally used by the kings and rulers in the ancient Near East.[6] The gospels of Matthew and John point the reader toward the fulfillment of this scripture.
The image of a king on a donkey entering Jerusalem signified the arrival of the Messiah. The crowds witness the event as Jesus enters Jerusalem like the victorious king who will redeem God’s people. Jesus chose to utilize this image as the Messiah. The use of the donkey signified that this would be a peaceful kingdom. When the crowd spread their cloaks before Jesus they were demonstrating their understanding of Jesus as the prophesied Messiah. The spreading of the cloaks was an act of homage to royalty. This continues the message from the beginning of Matthew’s gospel when Jesus is described as the Messiah.
Imagine being part of that crowd. During this time of physical distancing you may have a heightened awareness of the close proximity within crowds. The physical sense of being jostled, squeezed, maybe even lifted off your feet a little. If you are tall, you can imagine looking over the tops of heads or looking between heads and shoulders to see what was happening. If you are short, you might imagine the struggle to catch a breath of fresh air. Imagine the blur of backs, shoulders, and moving arms. Add in the sense of being lost in the crowd as it shifts and moves about. Now, imagine the odours of the street and the many odours from the people around you. A bright spring day, the excitement and the awe expanding within you and around you as the Messiah enters into your city. Eventually, it would seem that the crowd had become one, moving and breathing in tandem. Imagine the surge of ‘hosanna’ from the supportive crowds as they respond to the reality of Jesus as the Messiah.
Perhaps this can help us to understand why Matthew chose to use the image of the crowd rather than seeing it through the perspective of an individual. The visual image and vocal response of the crowd is significant within the gospel of Matthew. The crowds gather around Jesus throughout his travels in the region. They listened at the Sermon on the Mount. Would you have travelled up the hill to listen to this radical Rabbi? The crowds listened to his teaching, were astounded at his authority and his ability to heal the sick, cast out demons, and feed the masses. The crowds also responded in anger when their way of life and worldviews were threatened. Then, the ancient scriptures were embodied in full view of the crowd. They had been taught that the Messiah would appear at the Mount of Olives and enter the city on a donkey. Imagine the excitement as the details of his journey spread through the crowd. Jesus enters the city and the crowds line the streets. They treat him as royalty when they spread their cloaks and branches on his path.
Can you imagine the confusion that occurred as the crowds gathered? Today, we understand the impact of misinformation from an early age. The childhood game of telephone helped us with this concept. The details get twisted around, the story changes, and each person takes the information in differently. In our age of high technology and constant news, we continue to play the childhood game of telephone. Misinformation spreads, details get confused or eliminated, and the result can be disastrous. Examples of misinformation abound in this time of COVID. What is allowed? Why are people not complying? How can we be better informed? Scepticism and disbelief continues to battle with scientific evidence. The science can also shift depending on the variables. Are we looking at current science or outdated information? Today, many long-held beliefs are being shaken and a new sense of insight is developing. Has your viewpoint shifted in the last few weeks? It would be good to hear from you about how the impact of the virus has changed your perspective.
Perspective shapes our view within our lives and it shapes our worldview. Perspective shapes how we see and experience the world around us. Our perspectives are changing by the impact of the virus on health, economic systems, income, and social relationships. Many are starting to understand the reality of living without stable income and insecure food supplies. The impact will differ within nations and within individuals. We cry out for relief from illness, uncertainty, and isolation. We also praise God for the many blessings we enjoy.
We lift up our prayers of appreciation for the gift of strong leadership within our communities, for the workers in essential services, and for the volunteers who ensure people are connected with supplies. We are thankful for those who diligently phone and email their friends and family to maintain social connections. We are thankful for those who follow the rules of physical distancing. We are thankful for those who stay home, particularly those over the age of 65 years. We are thankful for the gift of scientific research and evidence-based practices. We are thankful for shifting perspectives.
The impact of perspective is evident within the scriptures but can be difficult to discern. The people in the streets were calling out for the Messiah to save them. They called out for relief from the restrictive religious authorities, the oppression of military rulers, and freedom from slavery. They call out to him, imagining he will use power and strength to defeat the oppressors. They risk publicly supporting the Messiah. Our world history provides rich resources with stories of those who have taken the risk to oppose the unjust powerful. They include those who provided safe passage and new communities for people seeking freedom through the Underground Railroad in the USA. During WW2, many risked their lives to fight the German army and the oppression enforced by the Nazis. The written work of Dietrich Bonhoeffer provides insight into the challenges faced. We look to the work of many in the fight against apartheid in South Africa, including the leadership of Nelson Mandela. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. shared his dream of a people united and a world seeking justice for all people. Rev King urged people to shift away from wallowing in the valley of despair. He urged them to dream in the face of insurmountable odds. During challenging times, we must recognize our challenges and seek the courage of finding hope in a better future.
Although we live in uncertain times, we can be certain of many things. We will gather together again. Knowing that we will gather may be small comfort when you miss church next weekend. This may be your first time away from the church sanctuary on Good Friday or Easter Sunday. Recall the teachings from the scriptures that tell of the origin of our Easter celebration as it is rooted in the Jewish Passover. Our traditions honour the history of the Passover meal shared by Jesus and his followers.
In closing, there are other ways to stay active and live into your purpose. Go for a walk in your community. Perhaps you prefer to get out in your yard or on your balcony for some fresh air. Maybe shout a ‘hello’ across the way at your neighbours … just keep that seven foot distance between you! I wonder if, in the future, people will believe that the expression ‘wouldn’t touch it with a ten foot pole’ came from the time of this pandemic. Do not wait for others to contact you. Call and talk with people. Reach out to those you haven’t spoken to in years. In a special effort to draw on our sense of connection, you are encouraged to phone others in our congregation on Friday April 10th and Sunday April 12th. Share your favourite Easter memories and family traditions. Speak to one another about your yearning and your hope to gather together again, rejoice in the many blessings in your life, and reflect on God’s grace.
Praise be to God.
The Offering Of Our Life And Labour To The Lord
Quote: The Bible uses the word believe 273 times. It uses the word pray 371 times. Love appears 714 times. Give appears 2,172 times.
Herb Miller (1936-2018), minister, author, editor
There is a bit of confusion about the process of donating to the church during this time of cancelled services. Donations may be made in several ways:
- 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.
- 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 (and many other things too).
- Adjustments are made to postdated cheques and PAR by contacting Brenda. All financial information is confidential.
All that we have is a gift from God. In faith and gratitude, we return a portion of what we have so abundantly received. During the worship service, we sing the doxology, a song of praise. You may actually hear an echo of the tune that Jean Walker 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 *
Let us pray to bless the gifts received by the church.
Gracious God, we dedicate these gifts with deep gratitude. We are thankful for your call on our lives, for your guidance, and for blessing us that we may be a blessing to others. We pray you will multiply what we offer for your own good purposes. In Christ we pray. Amen.
Prayers Of The People
You are encouraged to share your concerns and celebrations with me, Rev Lisa Dolson. My contact information is at the bottom of the page. Your requests will be shared in the prayers of the people and kept in my daily prayers and the prayers of others in our congregation. Let us pray for all people and all of God’s creation.
In this prayer, when you see God of mercy, you read hear our prayer aloud. To begin this prayer, speak aloud the prayer Christ taught the 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.
Almighty God, we pray that all leaders – church leaders, political leaders, and community leaders – hear your call for justice, safe-keeping, and peace. God of mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray that all people will learn to live with gratitude for the gifts of nourishment, friendship, family, trust, patience, and hope. We pray for the courage and wisdom to shift away from that which fails to be life-giving. We pray for those who see the cross revealed in their lives. May they gain strength from your Spirit. God of mercy, hear our prayer.
We lift up all who nurture us in mind, body, and spirit. We lift up those who work to provide food from farm to fork. We lift up scientists, health care providers, emergency services, and all who labour so that our societies are able to function. God of mercy, hear our prayer.
O holy One, we lift up our need to live in gratitude for our ancestors whose faith nourished us. We ask that all who mourn may be comforted. May all your children find the way to the freedom through the love of Jesus the Christ. God of mercy, hear our prayer.
Loving God, we lift up our people who are in need of your special care at this time. We lift up Ron, Sandy and their family as they continue to deal with the impact of Ron’s treatment. We lift up Brenda, Mark and family as they mourn the death of George and care for his widow, Evelyn. We lift up Ron Sangster, family, and friends as they mourn the recent death of Jean. We lift up Betty Lou’s daughter, Bonnie, as she continues treatment for breast cancer. We lift up Susanne’s extended family in New Zealand as they heal. We lift up Gayle’s granddaughter Courtney and new 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. God of mercy, hear our prayer.
Oh holy God, be with your people as they suffer and seek your peace. Allow your Spirit to linger with them. We pray for the residents and care givers in retirement homes and long term care facilities. Be with those in isolation and quarantine. Be with those who struggle with physical distancing. God of mercy, hear our prayer.
We are thankful for the gifts you provide to those who care for your people. We pray that you will continue to bless the work of PWS&D, Presbyterian Sharing, and all others who devote their efforts to walking alongside those in need. God of mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for people who are seeking you this day, for those who are searching for new meaning and purpose for their lives. Guide and direct them in their spiritual journey. Give them the vision to see signs of your promise, the wisdom to discern what is false and what is true, with courage and curiosity in all their searching. May the joy of Christ surprise them and lead them to a place of welcome. God of mercy, hear our prayer.
Where hope has grown tired and thin, 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
May God bless you with discomfort at half-truths, easy answers, and superficial relationships, so that you will live deeply & from the heart.
May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and the exploitation of people, so that you will work for justice, freedom, & peace.
May God bless you with tears to shed for those in pain, so that you will reach out your hand to them and turn their pain into joy.
May God bless you with just enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this old world, so that you will do those things that others say cannot be done.
May the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the resurrection and the life, bless and keep you in this life and the life to come. Amen
Knox Presbyterian Church, Box 565, Bayfield, ON N0M 1G0
Website: www.pccweb.ca/knoxbayfieldpc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KnoxBayfield/
Ministry of Music: Jean Walker and Betty Lou Norris
Session Elders: Jan Sloane, Deb Cosford,
Brenda McLean (519) 524-8645 brmclean@hurontel.on.ca
Minister: Rev. Lisa Dolson
(519) 572-8529 [call/text] revlisa.knoxbayfield@icloud.com
[1] all rights reserved. Used by permission. Source: musixmatch Songwriters: dp / rice christopher m Great is thy faithfulness lyrics © clumsy fly music, hope publishing company, so essential tunes, hill and range songs,inc.
[2] Zecharia 9:9
[3] https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html
[4] Timothy 1: 7
[5] Zechariah 9:9
[6] Judges 10:4, 12:14, 2Samuel 16:2