Doubts Sunday April 19 2020 – Knox Presbyterian Church Bayfield

Doubts Second Sunday of Easter April 19, 2020 Rev Dolson

Greetings to my church family and friends. May the grace of God be with you.

It is wonderful to have this opportunity to reach out to you with the printed word. We are investigating other ways of connecting. Look for the announcement about a new Coffee & Prayer time. We are going to embrace new technologies in an effort to connect more within our community. Let’s start with a few announcements this week.

Brenda M sent an email this week encouraging you to reach out to Jim K. He has volunteered to ‘safely’ pick up your offering envelopes. If you would like Jim to come to your house and do a pick up, 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 emergency measures of COVID 19.

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). Monetary donations can be made in several ways. Cheques can be sent to Bayfield Area Food Bank, 10 Keith Cres, Bayfield N0M 1G0 Cash donations & cheques are accepted in drop boxes at the Bayfield Garage & Esso Station and the Bayfield Convenience store (next to Renegades Restaurant). On-line donations accepted at website www.canadahelps.org

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!

Keep calling! Many people have shared how their day has brightened by a phone call or email from others within our church community. 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.

Join together virtually! We are starting a new Zoom Coffee & Prayer at 10 am. Will you volunteer to get us started with this new way of getting together? Send me a quick email so we can get the kinks ironed out before the official launch. revlisa.knoxbayfield@icloud.com

Did you know that your feedback is important? Your comments and reflections about the weekly service always helpful but are especially important to me during this unusual time. Just call or send a quick note (email or paper) to say that you do (or do not) read this weekly message. If you are able, include your reflections on the service. You would be doing me a great service by sharing your comments.

During the next two weeks the weekly sermons will be ‘paused’ as I take two weeks of holiday (April 20^th – May 3^rd). I will continue to be available for pastoral care so do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Call To Worship

In moments of anxiety, God leads us to still waters.

In moments of confusion, God leads us in right paths.

In moments of isolation, God is with us.

In all moments, God is with us.

Let us praise the one who restores our soul.

Assurance of Pardon

Dear friends, the risen Christ is in our midst, speaking words of peace and forgiveness to us. Receive this gift of forgiveness. Be at peace with yourself and with one another. Amen.

Music is one of our most beloved aspects of worshiping together. The lyrics and webpage links for several hymns are included. Note the additional hymns listed at the end. Unfortunately, some of the music links begin first with an advertisement despite my search for ad-free videos. Perhaps, for the more courageous among you, we could begin with a familiar hymn. If there are others at home with you, they may want to join in.

Hymn Thine be the glory^[1]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXzmjNE-yLA King’s College Choir

Thine be the glory, risen, conqu’ring Son: endless is the vict’ry thou o’er death hast won; angels in bright raiment rolled the stone away, kept the folded grave-clothes where thy body lay.

Refrain Thine be the glory, risen, conqu’ring Son; endless is the vict’ry thou o’er death hast won.

Lo! Jesus meets us, risen from the tomb; lovingly he greets us, scatters fear and gloom; let the church with gladness, hymns of triumph sing, for her Lord now liveth, death hath lost its sting. Refrain
No more we doubt thee, glorious Prince of life; life is naught without thee: aid us in our strife; make us more than conqu’rors, thro’ thy deathless love:
bring us safe thro’ Jordan to thy home above. Refrain

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. Amen.

Many of you will be familiar with today’s reading from the gospel of John. 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.

Reading: John 20:19-31 NRSV

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side.

Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he [Jesus] breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.”

But he [Thomas] said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”

Then he [Jesus] said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.”

Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”

Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

Message

This is the Second Sunday of Easter. It is a joyful continuation of the Easter celebration. Typically, certainly not this year but typically, there are fewer people at church today. The churches remain empty on this Sunday. The church is empty yet we continue to worship. Surveys indicate that more people are tuning into online worship at many churches.

When we read this account from John, it can be helpful to remember the events in our reading last week. Mary Magdalene and Mary, mother of James, saw the empty tomb and recognized the risen Christ when he spoke her name. When Mary told the disciples about her encounter, they did not believe her and went looking for evidence. Their fear of persecution continued and the disciples locked themselves away. Their faith was restored when Jesus appeared in the locked room and showed his wounds.

There are two events that are very similar in the reading this week. In the first event, Jesus appeared in the locked room with the disciples without Thomas. In the second, Jesus arrived in the locked room with the disciples including Thomas. It is the same setting where Jesus appears in the room where the disciples are locked away, Jesus greets them in the same way, and Jesus identifies himself in the same way.

In the first event, the disciples are in the house with the doors locked when Jesus comes and stands among them. He says, “Peace be with you.” He shows them his hands and his side where it was pierced by the guard. Then, he repeats his greeting, “Peace be with you,”. He then breathes the Holy Spirit onto them. Thomas was not in the room with them and has not shared in their experience. “We have seen the Lord,” the other disciples told Thomas when he returned. I wonder if they were empathetic with Thomas. It seems they would be kind. Thomas stated, “Unless I see him, too, I will not believe.”

In the second event, the disciples, including Thomas, are in the locked room when Jesus stands among them saying, “Peace be with you.” Then he showed Thomas his hands and his side, inviting him to touch and see. Jesus shows his hands and his side to his disciples that they may see him. They rejoice when they recognize him. Seeing is believing. Believing creates rejoicing. When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

You may witness this event a little differently this year. It may seem a little odd to hear of Jesus breathing on the disciples as we practice physical distancing with one another. In the Greek text, ἐνεφύσησα is translated into blow or breathe on. The Greek πνεῦμα is defined as wind, breath, spirit. Jesus, in the tradition of the Hebrew prophets, performs the symbolic act of breathing upon the apostles. This is the Holy Spirit shared with them. You may recall the first chapter of Genesis where the Spirit of God breathed upon the waters.

When you were reading the passage John’s gospel, did you notice the room was locked and shut up? It would seem that the fear and the locked doors could not deter Jesus. The disciples had gathered together and the risen Christ went to be among them. His presence assures them and his words, “Peace be with you”, allow them to hear the same message that the angel told Mary, “Do not be afraid.” Jesus went to them and showed them what they need to see, hear, and experience. This experience allowed them to process all that had occurred and to reconcile their faith.

Our minds tend to search for order. We want to make sense of life, to understand the world, to organize all that comes to our awareness. This tendency may appear differently within each of us. For some, it will result in scientific research and discovery. For others, it may be the premise behind legal arguments and forensic exploration. It is one of the reasons that we enjoy good mystery stories. One of my favourite activities, especially when I need to distract myself, is to put things into order. I enjoy structure, especially where structure is lacking or is in disarray. Organizing is a good past time because it is useful. Give me a jar of mismatched buttons or coins and I will create little piles of sorted items. Let me rummage through a junk drawer and in short order the contents will be organized. When I am struggling with a situation or a task I find it useful to sort and sift. This can happen with the church kitchen or my junk drawers. I am finding it particularly helpful right now to be in the midst of reorganizing and purging twenty-two years of living in my home as I prepared for selling the house. I find it becomes less about what to keep and more about what is useful and for whom it might useful.

Our cultural and societal beliefs and structures often need to be adjusted and re-organized. When this need rises up it will cause much to be shifted and re-organized. It can be a messy and emotional process. We struggle to understand what needs to be kept and what is no longer necessary or helpful. We look to history for examples of major shifts, such as the recognition of human rights for all peoples. Many of us are struggling to make sense of this pandemic. Perhaps we have simply grown accustomed to the benefits of modern medicine. We look back on previous centuries where it seemed that many major health issues were resolved. The flu outbreak in the early 20^th century increased our awareness of the impact of epidemics and pandemics. The devastating impact of polio, leprosy, sexually transmitted diseases, and the flu have been studied over the years. Significant advances continue to take place in the medical community.

Did you know that the annual flu shot is available to everyone in Canada? There are about 4,750 flu related hospitalizations with over a 1,000 deaths related to the flu each year in Ontario. Are you surprised that only 34% of Ontario residents receive the flu shot each year. We have the technology and the knowledge, however, we seem to be hesitant to use it. In the last few months I was marvelling over the ability to be inoculated against pneumonia and shingles. Yet, even with the medical advances, humanity seems to cling to old and odd behaviours. Although we are well aware of the immense benefits of moderate exercise and good nutrition, we live in a nation where the rate of obesity has doubled since 1970. Are we are lulled into inaction by 24/7 screens and indigestible, unhealthy food. It is a puzzle, which leaves us to sift through the pieces. Puzzles are often pulled out when we have time on our hands. Time is something that some of you may have right now.

Sometimes our need for order conflicts with established rules that don’t work very well. It is messy to reconsider ineffective rules or a limiting perspective through which we see life. Perhaps now is a good time to reconsider how we experience life. Perhaps now is a time to look anew at the teachings of Christ, to seek renewal of our perspectives. Jesus teaches us to see the world, to see our neighbours, and to see creation through the eyes of our loving God. Faith is a mystery that we seek to understand.

During this time of the Easter season we celebrate the biggest mystery of faith. We look to the scriptures and discover that Jesus was crucified, died and resurrected. We find that the original disciples were confused, afraid, and hiding behind locked doors. We are able to look back and see the series of events as they occurred. The disciples were living though the events without the knowledge of how it would be resolved. In his death, Jesus was able to physically demonstrate his resurrection and his divinity, even to the most skeptical among his followers. We are looking back at their accounts of the events. Events that have encouraged people through the centuries to see Jesus clearly. Events such as healing miracles, walking on water, knowing people he has never met, and the resurrection. Nothing in life is more certain than death. The disciples were astounded when Jesus was resurrected.

When Thomas heard of the extraordinary event, that Jesus was resurrected, he was not convinced. He wanted proof. It sounded too good to be true and Thomas was hesitant to believe. In our reading this morning, the first time Jesus was in the room with the disciples, Thomas was not. A week later, however, Thomas was present when Jesus appeared. He said nothing. Can you imagine his mind racing as he searched for clarity. It seems that Jesus already knew of his doubts, of his search for evidence in which to ground his faith. So, Jesus directed Thomas to touch his wounds. Proof is there. Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God.” Jesus seems to give us what we need.

In this account of the resurrection, Thomas and the others provide us with reassurance that faith can include questions and doubt. Isn’t this the way that many of us have come to our faith? We were not there two thousand years ago to see the events as they unfolded. We did not see or touch. We heard, read, and experienced that which allowed our faith to blossom. We heard the stories of Jesus in a way that invited us to explore our faith. Something spoke to us, as if calling our name. There was a sermon, a passage, a prayer. We heard when our ears and our eyes were opened.

Jesus said, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” What is it for you to see and to believe? We are invited to the Lord’s Table, to open our empty hands, to touch and taste for ourselves. The elements of communion – ordinary bread, wine, juice – the elements of life. Such elements represent the body and blood of Christ. All of life is provided by God for us to see and taste and for our faith to blossom. Praise be to God!

The Offering Of Our Life And Labour To The Lord

Quote: Remember the words of our Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ Acts 20:35

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.
- 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 (and many other things too).
- Adjustments to postdated cheques and PAR can be easily made by confidentially 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 *

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 community and the world.

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 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.

Almighty God, we pray for the church in its many forms throughout the world. Breathe on us your Holy Spirit[2], that we may honor and share

the great inheritance we have received.[3]

We pray for Mother Earth, may you heal her wounds with tender love. Open our eyes to see new ways of living in harmony with nature.

We pray for the nations of this world, their leaders, and diverse people. May they seek your guidance so your wisdom and peace will flourish throughout the lands.

We pray for all those in need, the suffering, the oppressed, the ill, the dying,

and all those who care for them. We lift up the essential workers within our world. We pray for the doctors and caregivers, the emergency first -responders, the grocery clerks, transport drivers, police officers, custodians, politicians, clergy, and all others who continue to work through this pandemic. Be with them, strengthen them, and keep them under your care.

Almighty God, we are grateful for your everlasting and faithful presence. We pray for all the families and all the nations of the 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 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 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 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.

Oh holy God, be with your people as they suffer and seek your peace. Allow your Spirit to linger with them. We pray for those who live in situations of violence. May they find protection and peace. We pray for the residents and care givers in retirement homes and long term care facilities. We pray for those who are in hospital and hospice. Be with those in isolation and quarantine. Be with all who struggle with physical distancing. We pray for all who are suffering financial hardship at this time.

Almighty God, we live in a time that is fraught with uncertainty at every level of society. The most vulnerable among us are the most at risk. Show us the ways in which we can find new ways of reaching out to people in need. Help us to continue our generosity of sharing our abundance with those who have little. 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.

We pray for all who wrestle with their faith. 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.

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.

Question for Reflection

According to the gospel, Christ’s wounds were visible after the resurrection. Jesus invites Thomas and the other disciples to touch his wounds to help the disciples embrace their faith. How might we in the church use our wounds to help others with embracing their faith?

Benediction

Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again.

Trust and love the Christ you cannot see. Let your faith bring you joy.

May the grace of God, the love of Christ and the joy of the Spirit surround 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.

Additional hymns include:

Morning has broken, Be still my soul, Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and Shine Jesus shine.

Hymn Be still my soul[4]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pV3DEtJtho8 with David Archuleta

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side, Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain, Leave to thy God to order and provide. In every change He faithful will remain. Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend, through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake to guide the future as He has the past. Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake. All now mysterious shall be bright at last. Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know the voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.
Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on when we shall be forever with the Lord. When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone, sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored. Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past, all safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

Hymn: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet[5]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RBc188biCs with Amy Grant & Michael Smith

Refrain Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path [x2]

When I feel afraid think, I’ve lost my way, still you’re there right beside me

Nothing will I fear, as long as you are near, please be near me to the end

Refrain

I will not forget Your love for me and yet, my heart forever is wandering

Jesus be my guide and hold me to your side, I will love you to the end

Refrain x 2 (plus) And a light unto my path, you’re the light unto my path

Shine Jesus Shine[6]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-Fe7wCdrSw with Graham Kendrick

Lord, the light of your love is shining, in the midst of the darkness, shining

Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us, set us free by the truth you now bring us

Refrain Shine on me, shine on me

Shine, Jesus, shine Fill this land with the Father’s glory

Blaze, Spirit, blaze, Set our hearts on fire

Flow, river, flow, Flood the nations with grace and mercy

Send forth your word Lord, and let there be light

Lord, I come to your awesome presence from the shadows into your radiance by the blood I may enter your brightness, search me, try me, consume all my darkness Refrain
As we gaze on your kingly brightness, so our faces display your likeness

Ever changing from glory to glory, mirrored here may our lives tell your story Refrain x2

Hymn: Morning Has Broken[7]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZAsfB1Np-8 Cat Stevens

Morning has broken like the first morning, blackbird has spoken like the first bird. Praise for the singing, praise for the morning, praise for them springing fresh from the world
Sweet the rain’s new fall, sunlit from heaven, like the first dew fall on the first grass. Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden, sprung in completeness where his feet pass
Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning, born of the one light Eden saw play. Praise with elation, praise every morning God’s re-creation of the new day
Repeat first verse

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

Finance Convener: Jim Knox 519 565-4214

Session Elders: Jan Sloane, Deb Cosford,

Clerk of Session: Brenda McLean (519) 524-8645 brmclean@hurontel.on.ca

Minister: Rev. Lisa Dolson (519) 572-8529 [call/text] revlisa.knoxbayfield@icloud.com

[1] Songwriters: Georg Frideric Handel, Source: Musixmatch

[2] John 20:22

[3] 1 Pet. 1:4

[4] – Kathrina von Schlegel, c. 18th century; trans. Jane Borthwick

[5] Songwriters: Amy Lee Grant / Michael Whitaker Smith Thy Word lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc, Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol Christian Music Group Source: LyricFind