Power of Fear June 21 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 in other ways. 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
It is with deepest sympathy we inform the congregation of the death of Annie Lewin, mother of Grace Fischer. Our prayers and sympathies go out to Grace and her family.
Our Session has reviewed the guidelines provided by our National Church, the Huron Perth Public Health, and the Government of Ontario. 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. Check out our FaceBook page https://www.facebook.com/KnoxBayfield/ are regularly updated. Take a look and share your responses with your elder. We are actively investigating additional ways of reaching out to you. Watch for updates!
Your help is needed to create a Knox Bayfield Cookbook. Look through your favourite recipes and share your top choices with Deb Cosford. Include personal notes about the recipes, such as tips or when you enjoy the dish or how you discovered the recipe. Your comments 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.
You are encouraged to consider donating to a Special Collection for the church bell repairs. You may recall that we are currently unable to safely use the church bell. Estimates indicate the repairs will cost approximately $1,000. Your generosity is appreciated!
Year-to-Date Income and Expense Update Financial Update year to date May 31, 2020
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.
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. https://presbyterian.ca/gao/moderator/
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. Remember to keep your hands clean and wear a mask when you are out among others.
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).
In the Mission Moment this week, World Refugee Day (June 20) is recognized. No one chooses to be a refugee. Inspired by God’s promise of abundant life, Presbyterian World Service & Development (PWS&D) envisions a world where no human has to fear for their life or liberty. Refugee sponsorship has enabled refugees from all over the world to find peace, encouragement and stability in a new home. This World Refugee Day, we are thankful for the congregations and groups across Canada who, with support from PWS&D, make refugee sponsorship possible. Together, in 2019, we were able to welcome 77 people. Hand-in-hand we will continue to welcome those in need who are trying to find security and safety. PWS&D welcomes the stranger
Drop in and discover a virtual prayer community. There is a new day and time for the Coffee & Prayer group on Zoom. We will meet at 11:30am on Thursday. We will not meet on Monday or Friday. Also let me know if you would prefer to be removed from the invitation list. “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20
Section 2
Call To Worship
Just as the heavens burst forth in praise to God
We celebrate God’s abundant and powerful love
Day by day, and night by night
God watches over us, loving and healing us
Come, celebrate with joy the love of God
Let’s worship God, apart, and yet together
Assurance of Pardon
Friends, believe the good news. In Jesus Christ you are forgiven.
May the Lord guide you, strengthen you in all holiness, &
make you abound in love for one another and for all creation.
Prayer For Illumination
O God, you have the power to make a desert a place of renewal and a cross a sign of redemption. Send your Holy Spirit so that we can hear you and entrust ourselves completely to you, for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Reading: Psalm 86 and Matthew 10:24–39
Additional readings: Genesis 21:8–21, Jeremiah 20:7–13, Romans 6:1–11
Scripture readings online: https://www.biblegateway.com
Psalm 86 Supplication for help against enemies A prayer of David
Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Preserve my life, for I am devoted to you; save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God; be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all day long. Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call on you.
Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my cry of supplication. In the day of my trouble I call on you, for you will answer me. There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. All the nations you have made shall come and bow down before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God.
Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your name. I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.
O God, the insolent rise up against me; a band of ruffians seeks my life, and they do not set you before them. But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant; save the child of your serving girl. Show me a sign of your favor, so that those who hate me may see it and be put to shame, because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.
Matthew 10:23–39
Jesus speaking to the disciples, “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. A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household!
So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.
Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household.
Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.”
Message
During my time in seminary I discovered the challenges of learning Greek. One odd comment that stuck with me is the comparison of Greek with Yoda. Yoda is the ancient sage in the Star Wars films. One of his famous expressions seems to fit with our readings today. “Named must your fear be before banish it you can,” said Yoda. You may need to read that quote a few times in order to untangle it. Just as it takes time to untangle our fear. When we become aware of fear it is possible to name it. In doing this, we begin the process of disabling any power the fear may hold. The passages today speak of fear that is deeply rooted within the cultural context and daily lives of the disciples and Jeremiah.
In our faith communities there can be fear and confusion in unravelling the meaning of discipleship. Some will shrink inwardly when they hear the term. Images of door-to-door canvassing and street corner preaching may be visual images that linger with you. Discipleship can seem like a foreign and strange part of faith due to these misconceptions. One place to start is to unravel what the word disciple means. But first, there are some questions for you to ponder before we continue. How do you understand your part in being a disciple? How is this evident in your life? How do you observe others living out their sense of being a disciple of Jesus? Sit with these questions for a time and then continue. Here we have the advantage of the printed sermon and the video recording. You can pause to reflect and then resume.
When we look to a translation of the Greek μαθητάς [mathētēs], we discover that ‘disciple’ refers to a learner or pupil. Within the context of our Christian faith, disciples are learning to follow in the ways of Christ. This is an important premise of discipleship as we grow in our understanding of being life-long learners. This passage allows us to explore our curiosity about how Jesus teaches. Two broad questions seem to arise from this passage. What was Jesus teaching the disciples? What are we to learn from it?
You will recall from last week that the disciples were being sent as messengers to the twelve tribes of Israel. They were warned of the ill treatment, suffering, and persecution they would endure. They are sent out to embody his teachings without his physical presence. 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 the danger.
The disciples were warned of the opposition and struggle they would encounter. They were prepared for the days when they would question, “What are we to do when we are not strong enough on our own?” Even in times of fear, the gospel story brings strength in its truth. We discover that individual lives, family structures, and the whole of society thrives when the good news is embraced.
Jesus prepared his disciples for their mission to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. The disciples have courageously left their families and communities to follow him. Now, they are being sent out as apostles without him. He gave them authority over unclean spirits and the ability to cure disease and the ill. The disciples were to live simply, carry no supplies, and rely upon hospitality in their travels. Jesus describes the stark and realistic challenges they will face. This passage from Matthew illustrates how Jesus recognized that fear would impact the disciples and how he taught them to deal with that fear.
In naming the suffering, Jesus helps the disciples to free themselves from the grip of fear. Do not fear is a primary theme in this passage. They are warned that whatever hardship awaits the teacher also awaits the disciple. Secrets will be revealed as they continue on their journey. When they spread the gospel their simple lifestyle, vulnerability, and dependence on God would demonstrate the reality of God in their life.
Jesus addressed the fear of persecution and death when he speaks of those who could only kill the body, not the whole person. Although threat of violence and death are real concerns for the disciples, God alone could destroy both soul and body. Is it not God alone that we should fear? Yet we are not to fear God in the same way that we might fear powerful people and the systemic structures of the world. God knows and cares even for the sparrows that are sold for an ἀσσάριον [a-ssa-ri-on], a small coin equal to the tenth part of a drachma. God knows even the hairs on our heads better than we do.
We tend to think of power as control, rule, or dominant forces as understood in an authoritarian structure. Control and submission are two sides of this structure. Power tends to define relationships by the possession of power or the absence of power. The powerful appear to have knowledge and to be invulnerable, while the powerless are seen as unknowing and vulnerable. Yet, the passage today speaks against such authoritative structures. The power and authority is shared within humanity with the mystery of God. We are encouraged to share our knowledge of how we experience God in our hearts and souls.
Obedience to authority presumes that good order exists within the structure and that such good order is the priority. We have become aware that such structures do not tolerate change very well. The model relies on blindly following rules and directions. It becomes topsy-turvy with the rules and structure over ride the needs of humanity and creation. Where do we see evidence of this? We can look in the past decades when tobacco companies purposefully denied the documented impact that cigarette smoke caused harm. Their need for profit trumped care for humanity. More recently, news reports illustrate the devastating impact of emphasizing profit over care for the vulnerable. In the midst of daily reports of high deaths and military intervention in the care of residents, the owners of the private long term care facilities cited the potential cost of raising provincial regulatory standards. It is anticipated that regulatory standards will be changed to include reasonable care for residents, fair living wages, proper personal protective equipment for staff, and adequate staffing for the needs of the residents. Some owners and investors of the facilities seem to have a higher regard for profit than care for humanity. There are many caring and supportive facilities, however, some have followed an ineffective model that stressed corporate profit.
Although Jesus called his disciples to be peacemakers, he acknowledges that his mission will not bring peace, but a sword as long as those in power resist God. Jesus demonstrates that peacemaking may result in violence, yet it will bring healing and restoration. Discipleship places God as the priority and leaves all other claims on us as secondary. The disciples will turn away from the hierarchies that held individuals and groups within an oppressive and brutal structure. In this shift even family relationships may suffer. The disciples are instructed to identify with people on the margins, the slaves and rebels. Jesus promised that those who lost their life for him, would find it. However, those who found life within the world, would ultimately lose their life. It makes sense that the disciples would experience fear and anxiety in this new way of seeing the world. They were to give their fear over to the God who responds with mercy and compassion.
Following Jesus had real consequences. They could be shunned by their families for embracing their new faith and new ways of living. There are countless stories of martyrs, people who suffered or were killed due to their faithful discipleship. There are also those who suffered loss of family, social place, financial security, and respectability, because they embraced a faith that challenged social structures. Barbara Brown Taylor, theologian and author, reflects on this passage with, “I am a daughter, a wife, a sister, an aunt, and each of those identities has shaped my life, but none of them contains me. I am Barbara. I am Christian. I am a child of God. That is my true identity, and all the others grow out of it.“ When we love God above all other loves we may lose those we love. This does not mean we set aside healthy, interdependent relationships. It does mean that we must question our part in relationships that are unhealthy and relationships that do not nurture. Yet, we are not to fear. Buried in the demand to love God is the promise that what we lose for God’s sake we shall find again, returned to us more alive than ever before.
Jeremiah is able to let go of his fear as he laments and lashes out at God. It can be difficult to listen to someone in pain when they are angry at God. Some people struggle with their anger at God. In many ways anger has become a misunderstood emotion. It is as if we are afraid that such anger is profane and blasphemous. A closer look at this passage, however, may reveal a very different way of understanding anger. Fear and anger are often linked emotions. Anger can arise in a coping behaviour to deal with fear. Both are powerful motivators.
Jeremiah lived in a time of great social upheaval. In that time Jeremiah was called to warn Jerusalem that their city would be destroyed. Sharing this message did not make him popular. Jeremiah expressed his grief and anger at God because God had persuaded him to do this task. He faced hostility and rejection when compelled to speak against the actions of Jerusalem. Yet, when he stopped speaking the prophetic message he felt the word of God burn inside of him. Jeremiah seemed to be in a lose/lose situation. Would he find any sense of peace? When we continue in the passage, we discover that once he expressed his anguish, he was filled with praise for God.
The prophet struggled with the realities of living his faith in the prophetic message. Yet his anguish, doubt, and anger demonstrate the power of his faith. In the midst of despair and anger, Jeremiah knows the grace of God. Faithful living may bring struggle with God and God’s will. This struggle can lead to a deeper understanding of God’s love. In his sermon “You Are Accepted,” theologian Paul Tillich wrote that grace strikes us when we are in great pain and restlessness. Grace is most evident when we walk through the “dark valley of a meaningless and empty life,” when despair destroys all joy and courage. Jeremiah’s prophetic task takes him to the edge of despair and to the depth of his fear. It is there that he discovers the depth of God’s loving grace.
In closing, in the letter to the Romans, the book of Jeremiah, and the gospel of Matthew, we discover encouragement to faithfully live into our identity as followers of Christ. We are called to learn and grow. This growth allows us to responsibly engage in transforming inhumane systemic injustice. Disciples listen closely to the context of the teachings, first to understand and then to take appropriate action. The disciples and Jeremiah experience deep despair and fear as their faith became embodied with their actions. Perhaps their stories will provide comfort as we struggle with our own despair and fears. God will be with us. Praise be to God.
The Offering Of Our Life And Labour To The Lord
Quote: God loves each of us as if there were only one of us- Augustine of Hippo, theologian, philosopher, North Africa. (354 – 430)
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.
God of Creation, God of our ancestors, you are the God of our future. You showed mercy to Hagar and Ishmael in the desert, you answered Sarah’s prayers with the birth of Isaac. O holy One, we pray the church will be filled with the Holy Spirit. May the Word pierce our hearts and give us compassion for a suffering world.
We pray for leaders across this world will seek to make peace within their communities and with their neighbours. We pray for medical professionals especially in areas of poverty or violence. May your Spirit guide and nurture them.
We pray for teachers, school staff, and students. May they find strength in you to reach beyond themselves and embrace their ability to thrive in uncertain times.
We pray for your time to come, when conflicts will cease and your creation will be treated with respect. May courageous faith, hope, and love cast out hatred and poverty.
Almighty God, there are many within our church family in need of your care at this time. We lift up Grace as she mourns the death of her mother, Annie Lewin. Holy God, whose mercy is without end, look upon Grace and her family. May your Spirit linger with them in their need. We lift up Ron, Sandy and their family. O God, we pray your spirit will be with Ron as he continues his treatment in Toronto. Guide the medical team as they care for him. Be with Ron, Sandy, and their family as he continues on his journey of healing. Almighty Creator, we lift up Mark for your care. Be with him as he seeks a diagnosis and healing with the medical team in London. Be with Brenda and family as they wait for further details. We lift up Brenda, Mark and family as they mourn the deaths of Evelyn and George. Be with them as they mourn. 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 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. We lift up those who prefer to remain un-named. We lift up those who struggle with chronic illness and their caregivers. You are aware of their needs just as you are aware of the tiny sparrow in the orchard. May they find healing and compassion with you. May they reach out to their brothers and sisters for assistance in their time of need.
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
Trust in God… rejoice in your salvation by loving others.
Now may the Lord bless you, guide you, hold you, guard you, and make you bold to live a life of trust and deep joy. Go in peace.
May God feed you. May Christ protect you.
May the Spirit live in you & wash over you with the love of God.
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
If, like Jeremiah, you were to name the “burning fire shut up in my bones”—the calling you have been given—how would you name it? When you express your “burning fire,” what does it sound like? What are the words to describe it? Is it a color? or a dance? How many ways does it take shape in your life?
Section 3
Morning Prayer
In your good time, O Lord, in your great mercy, come to me with your never-failing help. As this day unfolds, let me see in my friends, family, and neighbors the face of your loving-kindness toward them; in my own face, let me see only what is yours. Be my strength and solace in these hours, and lighten the paths of all I encounter. I pray this in the strong Word that created and upholds the universe: in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Evening Prayer
For this day of familiar tasks and new responsibilities, I give you thanks, O God. You have shown me wonders, provided for my needs, helped me to navigate through conflicts and celebrations large and small, and stayed by my side. To you I give all of my self— body, mind, and heart— and I lay myself to sleep now trusting in your eternal care. Amen.
Daily Prayer
Holy and gracious God, your steadfast love abides with your people in every age. You teach us to trust in you and call us to live in peace with one another. Show us the way to live grateful lives, without fear, knowing the true worth of your creation, including ourselves; in Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Will you come and follow me
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zk6IUalJ3sk&list=RDzk6IUalJ3sk&start_radio=1&t=78
Lyric: Graham Maule, John L. Bell, Iona Community, Glasgow, Scotland
- Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?
Will you go where you don’t know and never be the same?
Will you let my love be shown, will you let my name be known
Will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?
- Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name?
Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same?
Will you risk the hostile stare should your life attract or scare?
Will you let me answer prayer in you and you in me?
- Will you let the blinded see if I but call your name?
Will you set the prisoners free and never be the same?
Will you kiss the leper clean, and do such as this unseen,
And admit to what I mean in you and you in me?
- Will you love the ‘you’ you hide if I but call your name?
Will you quell the fear inside and never be the same?
Will you use the faith you’ve found to reshape the world around,
Through my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me?
- Lord, your summons echoes true when you but call my name.
Let me turn and follow you and never be the same.
In your company I’ll go where your love and footsteps show.
Thus I’ll move and live and grow in you and you in me.
God of the sparrow, God of the whale
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSbB153VSoo
Lyrics: Jaroslav J. Vajda (1919; d. 2008) Composer: Carl F. Schalk (1929)
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
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
God of the rainbow, God of the cross
God of the empty grave
How does the creature say grace, how does the creature say thank you
God of the hungry, God of the sick
God of the prodigal
How does the creature say care, how does the creature say life
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
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