July 5 Rev Dolson Knox Bayfield

July 5 Rev Dolson Knox Bayfield

Section 1

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 connect with you in other ways. This worship service has been sent out by email and delivered to those without access to email. You can find it posted on our website  https://pccweb.ca/knoxbayfieldpc/ The video recording is available anytime on YouTube. Use Google to search for YouTube Knox Bayfield or https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=knox+bayfield

There are three parts to this service. This first section includes announcements; the second section includes scripture readings, the worship message, offering, prayers, and benediction; and, the third section includes daily prayers and hymns. 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.

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.

The bell repairs have been fully funded!

We express our deep appreciation to the donors.

Drop in and discover a virtual prayer community. There is a new day and time for the Coffee & Prayer on Zoom at 11:30 am on Thursday. “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20 Let me know if you would prefer to be removed from the email reminder list.

Year-to-Date Income and Expense Update

The chart illustrates the current year-to-date income, expenses, and deficit. At May 31, 2020 the income is $18,880 and expenses at $28,431. Our current deficit is $9,551. The chart is illustrated in the attached document You are encouraged to share your questions and concerns with your elder.

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.

Keep moving! It is important that we keep moving about as much as we are able during this time of physical distancing. Remember to keep your hands clean and wear a mask when you are out among others.

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!

Mission Moment –  Sharing in Mission and Ministry Together

Presbyterians across Canada share in the mission and ministry of The Presbyterian Church in Canada through gifts to Presbyterians Sharing. These gifts equip congregations, ministries and presbyteries; create and support new faith communities; embrace local, national and international mission; engage in healing and reconciliation, live out God’s call to justice; support biblical and theological reflection and dialogue; encourage and empower children and youth—and so much more! All of this is made possible by generous gifts to Presbyterians Sharing. When we work together, we can accomplish far more than we ever could individually. Together, we are making a difference. Presbyterians Sharing puts faith into action, in Canada and around the world

 Section 2

Call To Worship           Psalm 145:8-14

The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made. All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your faithful shall bless you.

They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom, and tell of your power, to make known to all people your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations.

The Lord is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds. The Lord upholds all who are falling, and raises up all who are bowed down.

Assurance of Pardon Psalm 145:8–9

Friends, hear the good news of our faith. God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, with compassion to all. Forgiven and freed, let us live with joy and peace.

 

I danced in the morning, Lord of the dance         #250   

Prayer For Illumination

Comforting God, by your Holy Spirit, through the reading of your Word may we discover freedom of living in a loving relationship with you. Amen.

Readings:  Genesis 24:34-67; Matthew 11:16-30

Additional Readings: Psalm 145:8–14; Romans 7:15–25a

[pronouns and names adjusted for clarity]

 Matthew 11:16-30

Jesus speaking …

“But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”

Then he began to reproach the cities in which most of his deeds of power had been done, because they did not repent. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, on the day of judgment it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven?  No, you will be brought down to Hades. For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you that on the day of judgment it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom than for you.”

 

At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

This Is My Father’s World                   #328

Message             

I have been listening the audio book, The Cost of Discipleship, written by  Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He writes of the dangers of cheap grace and encourages the reader to consider the impact of their actions on the community.  Bonhoeffer was a German pastor and theologian known for his opposition to National Socialism. His part in a conspiracy to overthrow the Nazi regime led to his execution in 1945. He lived out his conviction that Christians should not retreat from the world, rather they should step forward and take action.

He encourages the reader to imagine Jesus sitting with us as we reflect on our faith and as we go about our daily lives. I have heard it said that there is only the illusion of coincidence. I reflected on this saying as I listened to the  mid-20th century writings by Bonhoeffer and linked them to the teachings of Jesus from the 1st century.

Just a few weeks ago we explored our understanding of discipleship. I hope your reflections on being a disciple have been fruitful. Have you discovered new ways of how discipleship is evident in your life? You may recall 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 as we develop as life-long learners.

To actively live as a disciple involves integrity and faithfulness to God. In doing so, we develop greater understanding of ourselves as we discover our identity in God. We develop as disciples in the ordinary ways of living and in our greater purpose. This is not an easy route through life, yet Jesus calls us to lay down our burdens and rest with him.  Our learning occurs when we hear the gospel within its place in time and we try to understand how it applies in our place in time

Learning occurs differently at different stages of our life. It takes on new ways of seeing and understanding. Yet, at all ages, much is learned simply in the doing. This raises the question … how do we take the teachings from Jesus and develop a type of discipleship memory similar to the muscle memory developed by athletes.

Our faith community is an important aspect of discipleship. We have the safety of learning and developing in a nurturing community. A community that recognizes that learning includes failing. Failing in the safety of a supportive community allows us to develop a courageous vulnerability. It is difficult to try new ways of being and almost impossible to learn in a hostile and judgemental environment. Our interactions can challenge us to embody the ways of Christ. In community our actions speak louder than our words. In community, we nurture the truth within ourselves and one another. In community we are able to witness the impact of our actions. Our actions create ripples within the fabric of our lives and the lives around us. This can be similar to the ripples on water when a pebble is dropped or sometimes it can be like a tidal wave after a tsunami or earthquake.

In our readings from the gospel of Matthew over the last few weeks, Jesus prepared his disciples and they were sent out on their mission to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.  He continued his teaching to the crowds that would gather. During this time, John the Baptist is in prison. John sent word to Jesus asking whether Jesus was the Messiah. In response, Jesus sent the disciples back to John the Baptist quoting Isaiah 61. Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

Our readings today begin when Jesus turned to the crowd.  The passage begins by describing children who are not understood. When they played a glad song, no one danced; when the song became a lament, no one was moved to tears. They were not understood just as John the Baptist and Jesus were not understood.

This failure to understand and respond is directed at the community, the society … all who have failed to respond to God.

Perhaps during this time of COVID we can relate to this passage in a more concrete way. There continues to be a clear message of the need to physically distance, to practice good hygiene, to wear masks, and to avoid large gatherings. Yet, many fail to hear the message and maintain safe practices. The COVID restrictions are intended to protect the most vulnerable. Perhaps the most difficult to reach with the hazards of COVID are those who are healthy. They fail to understand the consequences of their actions. Perhaps this example can help us to understand how the restrictions reflect the ancient teachings that seek to protect the weak, the vulnerable, and the oppressed.

Karl Barth spoke of the need to act on behalf of the “threatened innocent, the oppressed poor, widow, orphans and aliens…. God always stands unconditionally and passionately on this side and on this side alone: against the lofty and on behalf of the lowly; against those who already enjoy right and privilege and on behalf of those who are denied and deprived of it”

How does this passage speak to our community today?  How do the words of Christ settle into your heart and soul? How do you connect with those who live on the edge? Are you able to connect with the needs of those who live just beyond the edge of financial security? Can you imagine the uncertainty of living primarily on the goodwill of others?

We can look to the good work of the church. The Knox Bayfield contributions to PWS&D and Presbyterians Sharing help to provide for those in need across the world. The weekly tidbit of information from the Mission Focus serves as a simple reminder of how our actions impact others. WE are reminded that a small financial donation demonstrates the love of God.

There are many in our community who embody action to ease the suffering of food insecurity. Volunteers contribute their time, talent, and financial resources to the local foodbanks in Bayfield and Goderich. Egg cartons and milk bags demonstrate that you are mindful of the impact of your actions. Each item diverted from landfill reduces the impact on the environment. Each egg carton donated allows a local farmer to share his eggs with the Bayfield foodbank. The eggs in re-used egg cartons provide protein to those in need locally. Rather than discarding the outer milk bag, effort is put into collecting and donating the bags. The bags are transformed into mats for those who have very little. Simple actions with far reaching impact.

In closing … There can be deep misunderstanding of what it means to live as a disciple and be part of a faith community.  In his parable he tells of the difference between him and John the Baptist. He also tells of their rejection.

Jesus compared the response from people to children who keep changing the rules of the game. Have you tried to play a new game with a child who is intent on winning. Suddenly the rules will change depending on how well they are doing. When John the Baptist preached the people rejected him because he was too demanding. Then Jesus arrived, ready to dance and eat with all who would gather. He was rejected as a glutton and drunkard.

We may experience a similar reaction. It may seem that God is too much or too little. It may seem that faith requires too much of us. It may seem that we understand too little of what Jesus teaches.  We cannot know exactly what God wants of us. We may feel moved in certain ways. We may experience insight into ways of being.

The more we try to contain God and create structure around our faith, the less we seem to attain. When we release the need to control and contain, we discover a new way of being in Christ.  The easy yoke promised by Jesus seems to contradict the commitment as disciples. Or does it? The easy yoke allows us to find our purpose. This purpose calls out the best in you. It is often motived by a passion driven by deep insight. When the yoke of the gentle and humble Jesus is embraced, it puts the soul at ease. Praise be to God

I heard the voice of Jesus say            #671

The Offering Of Our Life And Labour To The Lord

Quote:   For it is in giving that we receive. St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226)

Sisters and brothers, all siblings in Christ. God is faithful and gracious to us. Let us show our thanksgiving by giving generously to support ministries that ease burdens and give rest to those in need.

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.
  • 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 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 *

Compassionate God, we ask that you bless and multiply these gifts, that they may be used to proclaim the glory of your creation.

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.

Compassionate God, we pray for the earth and all you have created and love. May all things come back into the ecological balance that you intend.  We pray for all people, their nations and leaders. May we do our part to ease the burdens of disease, war, poverty, and hunger before they are too much to bear.

We pray for all those who suffer violence in the streets and in their homes. May they find safety and healing. We pray for those who are sick, those suffering mental illness, and those who struggle with moral dilemmas; We pray your Spirit will uphold them and grant them peace.

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. 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 treatments. Guide the medical team as they care for him. Be with Ron and family as he continues on his journey of healing. Almighty Creator, we lift up Mark for your care. Be with him as he heals. 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’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 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. May they find healing and compassion with you. May they reach out to their brothers and sisters in Christ for assistance in their time of need.

We pray for the world as COVID continues to cause harm. Be with 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.

 What a friend we have in Jesus  #746

 Benediction

A Franciscan Blessing

May God bless you with discomfort at half-truths, easy answers, & superficial relationships, so that you will live deeply & from the heart.

May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, & 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 & 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.

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

What misplaced burdens are you carrying?

Where might God be offering you a more well-fitted yoke?

Where are your expectations of God and the church unmet?

Where do you sense God moving in hidden ways?

Section 3

Morning Prayer

As the darkness recedes, open my eyes to the gift of this day; help me to trust you with all that it will hold. In the hours to come, as my plans are interrupted, tune my ear to the sound of your voice, my eye to the movement of your Spirit, my heart to the strength of your desire, that I might glimpse your hidden graces and be strengthened in your service, for I would be your instrument. Amen.

Evening Prayer

Merciful God,  I come weary, grateful for the chance to meet you in the silence, eager to be washed again in your claim. Lift from me the burdens I do not easily yield. In your gracious provision, fit me with a better yoke that I might rest as a child secure and rise with a teachable spirit. Amen.

Daily Prayer  

Holy God, you cast your glory all around; you are with me in my sleep; you reveal yourself in ancient stories and in every part of life. By the power of your Spirit, allow me to walk with you today. Amen.

 I danced in the morning, Lord of the dance         #250   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bf93gp-HafA        Lyrics: Sydney Carter

1. I danced in the morning when the world was begun

And I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun

And I came down from heaven and I danced on the earth

At Bethlehem I had my birth

Refrain:    Dance, then, wherever you may be

I am the Lord of the Dance, said he

And I’ll lead you all wherever you may be

And I’ll lead you all in the dance, said he

2. I danced for the scribe and the Pharisee

But they would not dance and they would not follow me

I danced for the fishermen, for James and John

They came to me and the dance went on         Refrain

3. I danced on the sabbath when I cured the lame

The holy people said it was a shame

They whipped and they stripped and they hung me high

And they left me there on a cross to die           Refrain

4. I danced on a Friday and the sky turned black

It’s hard to dance with the devil on your back

They buried my body and they thought I’d gone

But I am the dance and I still go on                          Refrain

5. They cut me down and I leapt up high

I am the life that’ll never, never die

I’ll live in you if you’ll live in me

I am the Lord of the Dance, said he                          Refrain

 This Is My Father’s World                  #328

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5rZx-iogyg

Lyrics: C. B. Robertson, M. Babcock

 

1. This is my father’s world and to my listening ears,
   All nature sings, and round me rings, the music of the spheres

This is my father’s world, the birds their carols raise
The morning light, the lily white, declare their maker’s praise

2. This is my father’s world, I rest me in the thought
   Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas, His hand the wonders wrought

This is my father’s world, Oh, let me never forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet

3. This is my father’s world, why should my heart be sad?
   The Lord is king, let the heavens ring, God reigns, let the earth be glad

This is my father’s world, He shines in all that’s fair
In the rustling grass, I hear him pass, He speaks to me everywhere

In the rustling grass, I hear him pass, He speaks to me everywhere

I heard the voice of Jesus say            #671

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZrIP7Dl2vs Lyrics: Horatius Bonar pub.1846

1. I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Come unto Me and rest.

Lay down, thou weary one, lay down thy head upon my breast.”

I came to Jesus as I was, weary and worn and sad.

I found in Him a resting place, and He has made me glad.

2. I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Behold, I freely give

the living water, thirsty one. Stoop down, and drink, and live.”

I came to Jesus, and I drank of that life-giving stream.

My thirst was quenched, my soul revived, and now I live in Him.

3. I heard the voice of Jesus say, “I am this dark world’s light.

Look unto Me, thy morn shall rise, and all thy day be bright.”

I looked to Jesus, and I found in Him my Star, my Sun.

And in that light of life I’ll walk, till trav’ling days are done.

What a friend we have in Jesus  #746 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEnHfvyqXOo

Lyrics: J Scriven      Music: C C Converse

1. What a friend we have in Jesus

All our sins and griefs to bear

What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer

O what peace we often forfeit

O what needless pain we bear

All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer

2. Have we trials and temptations?

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged

Take it to the Lord in prayer

Can we find a friend so faithful

who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness, take it to the Lord in prayer

3. Are we weak and heavy-laden

Cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior, still our refuge

Take it to the Lord in prayer

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?

Take it to the Lord in prayer

In His arms He’ll take and shield thee

Thou wilt find a solace there