Bootstraps August 2 2020 Rev Dolson Knox Bayfield
Section 1
Greetings to my church family and friends. May the grace of God be with you.
Mission Moment – Making Space for a New Generation of Believers
The Well Church in Mississauga, Ont., started with a group of only 13 people. They were drawn together by their deep love of Jesus and a desire to share that love with others. Inspired by a vision to become a welcoming space for second-generation immigrants, they developed a style of evangelism and worship that spoke to those they desired to reach. Since the congregation started worshipping together three years ago, their community has grown and has become a home for many young people who had strayed from the church. Please pray for the Well Church and the many other churches in The Presbyterian Church in Canada that are making space for a new generation of believers. Presbyterian Sharing supports new faith communities
Time to get cracking! The call has gone out for your recipes for our new Knox Bayfield Cookbook. Include personal notes about the recipes, such as tips for serving, when you enjoy the dish, or how you discovered the recipe. Your comments will provide a delightful tidbit for the readers. Be sure your recipes are complete with ingredients and directions. Deb is asking for up to ten recipes from each of you. Send your recipes by email to: deb dot cosford13 at gmail dot com or Canada Post: PO Box 1594, Clinton ON N0M 1L0. A church cookbook offers years of experience and great cooking.
Do you have food to share? Take your food donations to the outside bin at Trinity St James Church. Are you dealing with food insecurity? Reach out to the Bayfield Area Food Bank if you are struggling to put food on your table. Make a confidential call to: 519 955-7444 (area manager) Help is available!
The sermon is on our website https://pccweb.ca/knoxbayfieldpc/ and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTYgIPqvkMsDNal0b1gCiPg
There are three parts to this service. This first section includes announcements; the second section contains the worship service; 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.
Section 2
CALL TO WORSHIP
Gen. 32:22-30; Ps. 17:15; Matt. 14:16–20
God meets us in our greatest need and
satisfies us with divine presence and provision.
In gratitude, let us worship the Lord our God.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Matt. 14:19
The God of steadfast love is our refuge and Savior.
In Christ, we are healed, forgiven, filled, and transformed.
Alleluia! Amen.
# 651 Guide me, O Thou Great Redeemer
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Isa. 55:1, Matt. 14:20
Providing God, by your Holy Spirit feed us with your Word,
that we might be filled with the bread of life. Amen.
READINGS: Genesis 32:22–31, Psalm 145:8–9, 14–21
Romans 9:1–5, Matthew 14:13–21
Did you know the bible is free online! https://www.biblegateway.com/
Genesis 32:22–31
The same night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two maids, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. He took them and sent them across the stream, and likewise everything that he had. Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket; and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him.
Then the man said, “Let me go, for the day is breaking.”
But Jacob said, “I will not let you go, unless you bless me.”
So the man said to him, “What is your name?”
And Jacob said, “Jacob.”
Then the man said, “You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed.”
Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.”
But the man said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved.” The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip.
Matthew 14:13-21
Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick.
When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.”
Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” The disciples replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.”
And Jesus said, “Bring them here to me.”
Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
May God bless our understanding of this, God’s holy word. The word of God.
# 348 Tell me the stories of Jesus
MESSAGE Bootstraps
This is the worship service for Sunday August 2nd, 2020. Today is the 9th Sunday after Pentecost. Time has been wonky for the past few months. Wonky in the sense that many have struggled to keep track of the day and even the current month. Traditionally the passage of time is marked in several ways within the church. Our week is marked by our Sunday morning worship. There are preparation periods that lead to a flurry of activity for significant events. Advent leads to Christmas and lent to Easter. For others, the church year is further marked by regular communion with the Lord’s Supper, social events, and annual fundraisers. Our connections develop into relationships and form a community as we progress through each year. Currently, we mark time with the lack of events, the lack of connection. We mark this week as the 20th consecutive Sunday of 2020 that we have not met in the Bayfield sanctuary. It is an odd and unusual time. It is a time that will be remembered and shaped by the circumstances in which you live.
Many are struggling during this time. Some struggle with social isolation, inadequate resources, fear and anxiety, too much time on their hands, and too little structure in their daily lives. The phrase ‘pull yourself up by your bootstraps’ may be a recurring thought in response to this high level of need. The phrase has different meanings. First, I want to explore the visual image you may have. Cowboy boots often have loops at the top of the leg so the boot can be pulled on. Footwear brands like Doc Marten’s and Blundstone have prominent bootstraps. But this expression has little to do with real bootstraps. Initially the expression mocked a fellow about his claim regarding a scientific discovery. When I hear this phrase my thoughts go to the story of the Good Samaritan.
There are negative and positive ways of understanding the phrase. It can also mean that you are expected to succeed without any outside help. In other words, self reliance is the expectation. Some might say, don’t try to pull yourself up by the bootstraps, suggesting the challenges in trying to succeed on your own. When this way of thinking becomes part of the general perspective it can cause much harm. Those with financial security may wonder why low-income people can’t “pull themselves up by their bootstraps.” At the same time, people struggling to make ends internalize this judgment. It may become entrenched within us. This expectation that we should be able to do it all on our own. Yet, it is challenging in the midst of struggle to “pull yourself up”, whether in economic security or personal wellness. The expression demonstrates how such expectations fail to take into account the reality of the challenges. Importantly, this concept contradicts the basic teachings within Christianity where we are encouraged to live in relationship within community.
The journey of our lives and our faith often take us to places we could never foresee. It is in the journey that we discover who we are and who we want to be. We may discover how struggles in life and in faith allow us to see more clearly. The scriptures include many stories of how people dealt with struggles.
This passage in the gospel of Matthew occurred immediately after the disciples learn of the brutal murder of John the Baptist. They buried him and then they told Jesus of the murder. After retreating for a time of prayer, Jesus walks among the large gathering crowd in the desert … he sees their need —for health, for truth, for nourishment, for peace of mind—and he is deeply moved. He has compassion for them.
As the day was ending the disciples encouraged Jesus to turn them away, to send them out to find their own food. The disciples were concerned for Jesus and for themselves. They had little to eat even for their small group. Yet, Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.” In a place far from fast-food outlets and grocery stores, mercy appears as fish and bread. At first there appears to be little food—the five loaves and two fish.
Imagine all the people from these towns, from their farms, from their homes… suddenly gathering to hear Christ speak, to be healed by him. Staying despite a growing physical hunger…knowing they were in the presence of the divine. Imagine Jesus walking through the crowd, approaching you and your loved ones. He would know the needs of each person before a single word is spoken.
Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over — twelve baskets full. There was sufficient food to feed the gathered 5,000. And remember … that only counted the men so the crowd was likely at least 12,000. Imagine. Imagine leaving your homes in the early morning because you heard that Jesus had been sighted. Imagine the people of Bayfield, Grand Bend, Clinton, and Goderich gather together.
The disciples were surprised —but we have to remember that they were often surprised by Jesus. He was not what they anticipated, although he looked like any other man – he was completely outside the realm of their experience. The miraculous power of God’s love goes beyond the spiritual –it includes everything- including the food we eat. I wonder about the fear experienced by the disciples in this passage. Perhaps they were afraid of the immense need within the crowd. The spiritual and the physical need. Perhaps they were afraid of their own hunger and dwindling resources. Perhaps they simply wanted time with Jesus, away from the crowd.
In our reading from Genesis, we hear of a different struggle. Jacob’s physical struggle illuminates his struggle within himself and with God. As often happens, the struggle left a mark, a physical limp. The Hebrew scriptures tell of the continuing story of Jacob. This is the Jacob who cheated his brother and father, then ran away in fear. In this passage, Jacob is on the journey to seek reconciliation with his twin. After 20 challenging years in Haran with his growing family … Jacob sets out to re-unite with his family of origin. Jacob has placed his family and household in a safe location for the evening. He crossed back over the river where he wrestles with a man, an angel, or maybe even God through the night. During the struggle Jacob claimed his faith and his new sense of self.
I wonder how the passages resonate with you? Dwindling resources, or even the potential of having less, can initiate a sense of self preservation. Sharing your resources may be a struggle. Asking for help may present challenging barriers. Perhaps, there is a yearning for deeper connection with God. Perhaps you could feel the spiritual hunger as a member of the crowd. Perhaps Jacob’s struggle in the night touched you. This yearning for connection with a loving God.
You may recall that Jacob is the son of Isaac & Rebecca- twin brother of Esau. Jacob swindled his brother, and with the help of his mother, he deceived his father. Jacob fled his angry brother who had been cheated out of his birthright. In his journey … Jacob met God in a dream … he listened to God and his life changed. He went to live with his uncle Laban… eventually marrying both his daughters. The oldest, Leah had eleven sons, while her sister Rachel would have one son with the help of her handmaid. In today’s passage, Jacob and his family were crossing the Jabbok River, a tributary of the Jordan River… that flowed through a deep gorge. It would have been challenging to cross the river with two women , eleven children, and all they owned. Jacob was taking his family to his homeland … in hope of repairing his relationship with his brother
Generous gifts were sent ahead to Esau… in the hope of assuring him of good intentions. Yet, Jacob was concerned that Esau would seek to harm him. So he sent his wives, children, and everything he had across the River. That evening, Jacob wrestled with a man, or perhaps it was an angel, perhaps God. He persisted through the night … During the struggle, Jacob was injured when his hip was touch and dislocated. This left him with a limp. It is here that he accepts his blessing of a new name, Israel. It means “one who has struggled with God and prevailed.”
Psychologically, this might be understood as Jacob wrestling with an internal struggle. Perhaps the anticipation of owning his deceit created a deep panic or an anxiety attack. He was facing the reality of meeting his brother for the first time since he tricked him out of his birthright. Was the struggle in Jacob’s mind? Was he wrestling within himself? Traditional Jewish commentators argue that Jacob wrestled with an angel in human form. The Talmud suggests that he may have been Jacob’s guardian angel. Can you imagine wrestling with an angel? Physically wrestling with God? Perhaps the struggle and the wounded hip were a way to remind Jacob of his blessing. Perhaps this indicates that God is willing to participate in our struggle for change within ourselves. Jacob’s understanding of blessing has changed. In the past he seized the blessing … he manipulated others. To be blessed, he used cunning and trickery. It happened with his brother over a bowl of soup. It happened again with his nearly-blind father, Isaac.
While in the darkness of the story we cannot see clearly; we cannot tell who- is- who in the struggle. This wrestling match goes on all night. The Greek word for a wrestling match is agon, the basis for our word “agony,” meaning “great pain” or “great struggle’.
We can gloss over stories that we have heard over and over again. Yet it is important to remember the struggles, the assistance received or given, and the new way of being. It is important to remember the details, the enormity of the crowd, the initial tiny amount of food. It is important to remember the people and their experiences.
Such stories help us to comprehend God’s compassionate love. Not an abstract compassion but in real terms of healing and feeding. God, the ultimate power of the universe, encourages peace in the world, to find an end to perpetual hunger, and to develop spiritual connection for all people.
We also discover the responsibility that God has entrusted to us. Jesus told the disciples to feed the thousands. God does not work alone, but through people, you and me. To follow Jesus is to express our faith in action… with love, justice, and compassion toward others. The gospels tell that we will meet Jesus in reaching out to the “least” of our brothers and sisters, our siblings in Christ—the hungry, the thirsty, the imprisoned, the lonely.
When Jesus told the disciples to feed the five thousand, the disciples thought it was impossible. The need was so great and they believed their resources were so limited. Have not we felt the same? When the disciples worked together and followed Jesus, they realized the resources were plentiful. The events that took place on that hillside in Galilee two thousand years ago were a miracle that is repeated today in the actions of the faithful.
In closing, we must remember that Jesus did not say, “Give me those fish and that bread, and I will feed them.” The disciples discovered that they were able to do more than they thought possible. We are often urged by the Spirit to, “Give them something to eat,” but we turn away feeling powerless or fearing that our resources are too limited. We struggle to act in faith. We struggle in our relationship with God. In the dark, in the wrestling, we hear our true name spoken; in the darkness, in the agony, a new identity can be born. It is God who called the patriarchs and matriarchs…. Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob … It is God who sent the Messiah. It is God who called Saul on the road to Damascus. God calls to each of us by name, knowing our needs, providing all that is necessary, nudging us to do our part. Nothing can separate us from this love of God. … praise be to God, the Spirit, and Jesus the Christ … Amen
#648 I’m gonna live so God can use me
THE OFFERING OF OUR LIFE AND LABOUR TO THE LORD
QUOTE: Give what you have. To some one, it may be better than you dare to think. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882), poet
Your donations to the church are greatly appreciated. The expenses for our faith community continue even though we are not gathering in the church building, the work of the church continues in so many ways. Thank you for your ongoing support!
God has been generous in providing for our needs. Let us give back a portion of what has been given to us.
BLESSING OF GIFTS *
Ps. 145:15, Isa. 55:5
Loving and generous God, you provide for us and bless us in more ways than we can number. We give to share our blessings. May these gifts be multiplied to tell of your wondrous and steadfast love, 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.
Compassionate God, you are good to all. Help us to trust in you and to share what we have with a hungry world. We pray for your church universal, that our relations with other religions, may be respectful and abounding in steadfast love. Enable us to join with people of all faiths to work for the well-being of all your children.
We pray for the earth and all the creatures who look to you for their food in due season. May we do our part in restoring the balance of your creation and deepen our commitment to follow Jesus in ministries that feed and serve others.
We pray for all the people of the world,for their ethnic groups, nations, and leaders, that wars will cease, that the hungry will be fed, and that refugees will return home in safety and peace.
We pray for all those who suffer from physical and mental illness. For all who who wrestle with you for personal identity and spiritual peace. May they find their truth without money and peace without cost.
Almighty God, there are many within our church family in need of your care at this time. We lift up Ron, Sandy and their family as Ron continues his treatment. We lift up Mark for your ongoing care. We lift up Brenda, Mark and family as they mourn the deaths of Evelyn and George. We lift up Grace as she mourns the death of her mother, Annie. We lift up Jan’s sister, Peggy, as she slowly heals from extensive heart surgery. We lift up Betty Lou as she deals with health concerns. We lift up her daughter, Bonnie, as she enjoys the peace of remission. We lift up Jessie as she deals with chronic back pain. We lift up Jessie’s daughter, Marlene, as she continues to heal. We lift up Susanne and family as they mourn the death of Susan. We lift up Gayle’s granddaughter Courtney and great granddaughter Kyla. We lift up Rob, son of Jane and Jim. We lift up Bonnie as she heals.
Gracious and merciful God, abounding in steadfast love, we join our voices with all that you have made in speaking your praises and blessing your name, for, with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, you are just in all your ways and kind in all your doings. Amen.
O Holy One, although we are apart and cannot lift our voices together, we speak the words aloud that Christ taught his disciples, Our Father who art in heaven, hallow’ed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
# 496 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
BENEDICTION
Gen. 32:24–25, Matt. 14:14–20
Touched, changed, called, and empowered, go now in the power and provision of Christ to heal the sick, feed the hungry, and serve the world. Christ himself, who holds you in his hands, has blessed you, broken you, and given you as his gift to the world. May the grace of Christ be multiplied to you and through you, now and forever more. Amen.
CLOSING CHORUS
May the Lord, mighty God bless and keep you forever, Grant you peace, perfect peace, faith in every endeavor Lift your eyes and see His face, and His grace forever, May the Lord, mighty God bless and keep you forever.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
“Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak” Genesis 32:24
Why do you think God allows times of struggle in our lives?
How have times of struggle affected your walk with God?
How does your relationship with God affect your view of overwhelming problems in the world, such as hunger, poverty, racism, violence, or injustice?
The disciples were amazed at Jesus’ feeding of the multitudes. Matthew 14:13–21
How have you seen him make a way when there was no way?
Section 3
Morning Prayer
God of daybreak, thank you for holding me through the night and awakening me to behold your likeness in this brand-new day. Go with me now as I walk with you. Show me the world and its people through your eyes of compassion. Bless me, break me, and move through me to heal and feed those who hunger for you. Amen.
Evening Prayer
O God, tonight I lay my failures, anxieties, struggles, and unfinished business at your feet. Hold me, bless me, and change me as I rest in you. Amen.
Daily Prayer
Gen. 32:25, Matt. 14:16-20, Ps. 17:5
Life-changing God, you have touched us and transformed us to reach out to all who hunger for what only you can give. Keep our feet in your paths and bless us to multiply blessings to others, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
651 Guide me, O Thou Great Redeemer
Lyrics: William Williams
William Williams, called the “Watts of Wales,” was born in 1717, at Cefn-y-coed, near Llandovery, Carmarthenshire. He originally studied medicine, but abandoned it for theology. He was ordained Deacon in the Church of England, but was refused Priest’s Orders, and subsequently attached himself to the Calvinistic Methodists. For half a century he travelled in Wales, preaching the Gospel. He died in 1791. His two principal poetical works are “Hosannah to the Son of David,” and “Gloria in Excelsis.” www.hymnary.org
1. Guide me, O thou great Redeemer, pilgrim through this barren land
I am weak, but thou art mighty; hold me with thy powerful hand
bread of heaven, bread of heaven
feed me now and evermore, feed me now and evermore.
2. Open now the crystal fountain, whence the healing stream doth flow
let the fire and cloudy pillar lead me all my journey through
strong deliverer, strong deliverer
be thou still my strength and shield; be thou still my strength and shield.
3. When I tread the verge of Jordan, bid my anxious fears subside
death of death, and hell’s destruction, land me safe on Canaan’s side
songs of praises, songs of praises
I will ever give to thee, I will ever give to thee.
348 Tell me the stories of Jesus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRHltbRz7mI Lyrics: William H. Parker
WH Parker was born at New Basford, Nottingham, in 1845. Early in life he began to write verses. He joined a General Baptist church and become interested in Sunday schools. He was led to compose hymns for use at anniversaries. www.hymnary.org
1. Tell me the stories of Jesus I love to hear
Things I would ask Him to tell me if He were here
Scenes by the wayside, tales of the sea, stories of Jesus, tell them to me.
2. First let me hear how the children stood ’round His knee
And I shall fancy His blessing Resting on me; words full of kindness
Deeds full of grace, all in the love light Of Jesus’ face.
3. Into the city I’d follow, there take my stand
Waving a branch of the palm tree high in my hand; One of His heralds
Yes, I would sing loudest hosannas, “Jesus is King!”
648 I’m gonna live so God can use me
Lyrics: African-American spiritual
1. I’m gonna live so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime!
I’m gonna live so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime!
2. I’m gonna work so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime!
I’m gonna work so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime!
3. I’m gonna pray so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime!
I’m gonna pray so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime!
4. I’m gonna sing so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime!
I’m gonna sing so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime!
496 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
Lyrics: Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith
Refrain: Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
1. When I feel afraid, think I’ve lost my way
Still you’re there right beside me
And nothing will I fear as long as you are near
Please be near me to the end
Refrain
2. 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