Take up your cross August 30 2020 Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson
Section 1
Greetings to my church family and friends. May the grace of God be with you.
Announcements
Session will be meet on Zoom – Monday August 31st.
Mission Moment – Sharing the Good News with Each Other
In only three years, the Presbyterian Connection newspaper has become a much-loved resource for the national denomination. The newspaper is distributed four times a year to churches and individuals across Canada. The mission of Presbyterian Connection is to equip leaders, connect congregations and missions, facilitate communication, and highlight denominational work. Sharing our successes and celebrating our ministries through stories, reflections, interviews and articles not only keeps congregations and Presbyterians continually informed and connected, but also strengthens our denominational ties across the country. Support from Presbyterians Sharing helps to ensure this important ministry continues. Presbyterians Sharing shares the good news
The Moderator Issues a Message of Encouragement Prior to School Re-Openings https://presbyterian.ca/2020/08/27/moderator-message-school-re-openings/
All summer I’ve been walking and praying for the church, and Presbyterians across the country have been sharing this pilgrimage of prayer with me. Our focus has been on congregations, their members and their leaders, and we have prayed for every Presbyterian church from the West coast to the East.
Foremost in our prayers has been the concern for congregations coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, finding new ways to worship, provide pastoral care and continue their mission work in this new context. We’ve also been praying for one another as we make decisions about re-opening our churches, asking God for wise answers to the questions of if, when and how to gather in person again in our churches.
Over the last few weeks, however, my prayers have shifted a little to focus on the students and families in our churches and communities. After what has been described as “the longest March break ever,” schools across the country are preparing to re-open. Many students, parents, teachers and administrators are feeling worried and anxious about how this is going to work.
What will it be like to teach and to learn wearing masks all day? How will physical distancing be maintained with so many students in small spaces? How will health screening happen so that students who are sick do not share their illness with others? What will happen if there is an outbreak in one or more of our schools?
In the midst of all this uncertainty, I see Presbyterians across the country asking questions and raising concerns to governments and school boards. Many of you are not only worrying but also advocating for clear and practical plans so that schools can keep students, teachers, families and communities safe while providing education for all. You are in my prayers, friends, especially those of you who are parents, and especially those of you who are teachers.
Perhaps in these days leading up to the new school year, you might keep
Philippians 4:4–9 nearby and read it again whenever you are feeling anxious, overwhelmed or negative about this continuing pandemic situation and its impact on our children and families:
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
As schools across Canada prepare to re-open soon, let us pray for all students, teachers, parents and administrators, that they may have peace in their hearts, wisdom in their minds, and all the resources required for a safe and fruitful school year for all. —The Rev. Amanda Currie, Moderator of the General Assembly
This worship service is on our website https://pccweb.ca/knoxbayfieldpc/ and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTYgIPqvkMsDNal0b1gCiPg
We are thankful to Jean Walker, organist, for her efforts in performing the hymns for the YouTube video. Remember to go to the end of the printed material for the lyrics to the hymns.
Income and Expense Update
The following chart illustrates the July income $5,566 and expenses $4,266. The year-to-date deficit is $4,400. You are encouraged to share your questions and concerns with your elder.
Section 2
CALL TO WORSHIP Exod. 3:15; Ps. 105:3, 45b
The God of our ancestors calls us to worship. Praise God!
Let the hearts of those who seek God rejoice. Praise God!
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
God’s forgiveness shines into the world and the darkness scatters.
Jesus knows our every strength … our every weakness, and loves us still.
We are called to the promise of God’s amazing grace.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
# 704 Teach me, God, to wonder
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
O Holy One, you reveal your truth in your life-giving word. May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable to you, O Lord, Our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen.
READINGS: Exodus 3:1-15, Psalm 105: 1–6, 23–26, 45b, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16: 21–28
Did you know the bible is free online! https://www.biblegateway.com/?
Exodus 3:1-15
Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; he led his flock beyond the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of a bush; he looked, and the bush was blazing, yet it was not consumed.
Then Moses said, “I must turn aside and look at this great sight, and see why the bush is not burned up.”
When God saw that he had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” He said, “Here I am.” Then God said, “Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” God said further, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.
Then God said, “I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them from the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the country of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. The cry of the Israelites has now come to me; I have also seen how the Egyptians oppress them. So come, I will send you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.”
But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”
God said, “I will be with you; and this shall be the sign for you that it is I who sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God on this mountain.”
But Moses said to God, “If I come to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?”
God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” God said further, “Thus you shall say to the Israelites, ‘I am has sent me to you.'” God also said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the Israelites, ‘The Lord, the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you’: This is my name forever, and this my title for all generations.”
Matthew 16:21-28
From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.
And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.”
But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.” Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
May God bless our understanding of this God’s holy word.
# 299 Holy, holy, holy
MESSAGE
The passages from Exodus and the gospel of Matthew carry rich theological themes. God calling to Moses, Jesus calling to his disciples. In the letter to Romans, the apostle Paul describes the ways in which to embody the love of God in our call to follow in the ways of Christ. Each of these passages calls us to open our eyes a little wider, to hear the deeper gospel message. The passages are intended to be heard by people, ordinary people, who can gain meaning and perspective in everyday life.
Much has happened since our reading in Exodus last week. When Moses was raised in the home of the Pharaoh he was influenced by two significant ways of being. The household and political influence of the Pharoah and the influence of his birth mother’s faith. When Moses saw the Egyptian abuse the Hebrew people, he took action. This led him to flee to Midian where he married Zipporah and became a father. It is here that we re-enter the story of this man who was born a Hebrew slave, became a member of the Pharaoh’s family, and then a shepherd tending his father-in-law’s flock. It is here that he is called to lead the Israelite’s out of oppression and into freedom.
We enter into the story of God responds to the Israelites who are groaning under slavery. Perhaps Moses was trained as a shepherd in preparation for his unfolding role as the leader of the Hebrews. It is interesting to note that the negative aspects of being a shepherd at that time in Egypt. In the book of Genesis we discover that “all shepherds are abhorrent to the Egyptians.” Moses, raised in Pharaoh’s home, took on the objectionable role of shepherd. Moses, as a shepherd of Israel, would use his shepherd’s staff to guide the slaves out of Egypt.
In this portion of the story, we encounter the familiar scene of Moses at the burning bush. There was an angel. The call of God. And, Moses replied, “Here I am”. This is similar to God calling Abraham to a holy mountain where there was fire and sheep. We hear it again when God calls Samuel by repeating his name … with the same response. A similar interaction occurred with the angel Gabriel and Mary. Each individual replies with, “Here am I” Faithful individuals respond to God’s call. Ordinary people who become intricately involved in the divine plan for God’s creation. Ordinary people who are intimidated by the overwhelming nature of the call. People who seek ways to step away from their call. People who see the barriers that will prevent them from fulfilling such important tasks. Yet, they respond.
Brevard Childs wrote, “What began as just another day doing the same old thing, turned out to be an absolutely new experience for Moses. The old life of shepherding was ended; the new life of deliverer was beginning. The transformation is recorded in the interaction of God with Moses. The initiative is shifted from Moses to God. The ordinary experiences emerge as extraordinary. The old has been transformed into the new.”
Moses takes the bold step of question God. Yet, these very questions result in Moses receiving clear instructions. Perhaps this can provide us with assurance for our questions, debates, and hesitancy. Perhaps, when we step back and consider the events, we can see a fuller complexity of the individuals involved in the scriptures. In our witness to their very human responses, we can better understand our own lives and our choices. When we discuss our wonderings about God and the people in the scriptures, we discover where it God is leading them in the story. We also discover how God is leading in our story. It is in the relationship that God develops with individuals that we come to recognize our inherent value as God’s children.
The gospel stories invite us to die to our old way of being, in order to rise up in this new way of Jesus Christ. In this transformation, God’s love guides us out of a futile life into a fruitful life. This new life is for all people, the faint of heart and the inherently courageous.
Jesus teaches as a good shepherd tends to their flock. He lives with, leads, and feeds his sheep, heals their wounds, protects them from their enemies, sleeps in the same fold as them, and is willing to lay down his life for them. He endures suffering because he is the shepherd of the real, messy, flesh-and-blood people.
Why is there a tendency to embrace the goodness of Jesus and to avoid the pain of the cross? In a letter to the church in Corinth, the apostle Paul wrote that, Christ crucified is a stumbling block to Jews like Peter—and foolishness to Gentiles, everyone else.
Within the reformed church, as the body of Christ, we engage as a church that is always reforming. We do this to live in solidarity with the ways of Jesus.
What does it mean to you, to take up your cross? This expression is found in the gospel of Mark and the Gospel of Thomas. We know that crucifixion would have been a familiar sight to people in Palestine at that time. It was an intimidation and control measure used by the Roman empire. This passage indicates a major transition as Jesus heads into his final journey to Jerusalem and his teaching becomes more intense. Although the disciples affirm their faith in Christ, they have difficulty fully grasping his teachings.
Peter struggled to understand that Christ would suffer. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.”” Jesus reprimanded him, telling him to literally stop getting in the way. The temptation is to impose our will on God. How often do we object to the way things are –seeking the easier, less painful route. How often do we plead for bargains with God?
Jesus did not reject Peter, he reminded Peter of his place in the divine story. It was not Peter’s will to be done but God’s. How then do we reconcile suffering in discipleship? Do we see suffering as some form of faith-less-ness?
Jesus helps us to see that it is not possible to escape suffering. Even the messiah in his human form did not escape suffering and death.
When Jesus carried His cross up Golgotha it was not a symbolic burden. In that time and place, the cross was the reality of an intensely painful and humiliating death. The cross is much more than a symbol of forgiveness, grace, and love. It is a symbol of surrender to the divine, a symbol of giving up one way of being in order to embrace the ways of Jesus Christ. Jesus brings a new way of being, a new way of seeing and experiencing this life in the here and now. Within the context of the Roman Empire, those who followed Jesus believed he would topple that empire and become their new leader. They believed that he would free them from the Roman oppression, the convoluted religious rules, and the restrictive cultural standards of the day. They believed this would happen by removing those in power and creating a new kingdom. Yet, he was telling them that he would die at the hands of the oppressors. How could this be?
It is a life changing process in which deeper insight into the ways of being are developed. There can be deep challenges as the change occurs. There may friction with friends and family. Others may struggle to understand the changes you make to your life which can cause conflict and rejection. What is your cross to bear? Is it a burden or suffering to carry? A difficult relationship, illness, financial hardship or other suffering?
The amazing gospel story connects the divine with the earthly. God chose to be present among humanity to show a different way of being. Jesus was a Jewish man in the Roman Empire, who lived in the messiness of humanity. He died because of our collective human dysfunction and fear. To follow in his way we too must become vulnerable within ourselves and with one another. We step into the messiness of life with a willingness to embrace one another just as God embraces us. We join together in recognizing God’s presence among us and within us. Praise be to God.
# 592 I the Lord of sea and sky
THE OFFERING OF OUR LIFE AND LABOUR TO THE LORD
QUOTE: The riches of life are to be shared. Life at its best is lived through giving, not getting; helping not hoarding. Kennon Callahan (1936 – ), pastor, author
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. Let us give as God has so abundantly given to us.
BLESSING OF GIFTS *
Almighty God, receive the gifts that we offer with grateful hearts. May we be of service for your ministry in the world, through Jesus 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.
Listening God, just as you heard the prayers of the Israelites, may you hear our prayers, spoken and silent.
We pray for peace where there is conflict . . .
For food where there is hunger . . .
For hope where there is despair . . .
For healing where there is sickness . . .
For faith where there is fear . . .
O holy and wondrous 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 Jan’s sister, Peggy, as she slowly heals from extensive heart surgery. We lift up Betty Lou as she prepares for surgery. 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 her daughter, Marlene, as she continues to heal. We lift up Rob, son of Jane and Jim. We lift up Jane as she prepares for surgery. We lift up Gayle’s granddaughter Courtney. Loving God, hear our prayer…
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.
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.
# 475 I am the church! You are the church!
BENEDICTION
Go in peace to love and serve.
We take up our cross to follow in the way of Jesus, our Lord.
The blessing of God be with you, the love of Jesus fill you,
and the power of the Holy Spirit sustain you,
now and forevermore.
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
How can your life include a faithful response to Jesus’ charge that his followers must “deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Matt. 16:24)?
What does it mean for me to take up my cross and follow Jesus?
How do I practice that in my daily life?
How is the cross I am asked to bear related to the cross of Jesus?
Section 3
Morning Prayer
Lord Jesus, I do not know what crosses may arise before me, but give me courage to resist systems of injustice, strength to reject structures of oppression, and wisdom to unmask powers of evil, that I may live as a faithful disciple whose life belongs to you. Amen.
Evening Prayer
Lord Jesus, if I have lived this day for worldly gain, re-center my life, set me on the path of sincere discipleship, and lead me in the way that leads to eternal life. Amen.
Daily Prayer Psalm 105:5
God of mystery and might, whose wonderful works are to be remembered, move in my life, change my minds, soften my hearts, direct my feet, that I may follow you more faithfully. I seek to follow Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.
Hymns: 299 Holy, holy, holy
475 I am the church! You are the church!
592 I the Lord of sea and sky
704 Teach me, God, to wonder
#299 Holy, holy, holy
Author: Reginald Heber (1827) Music: JB Dykes, CS Lang
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God almighty!
early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty,
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
Holy, holy, holy! all the saints adore thee,
casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea,
cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
who wert and art and evermore shalt be.
Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide thee,
though our eyes in sinfulness thy glory may not see,
only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,
perfect in power, in love and purity.
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God almighty!
all thy works shall praise thy name in earth and sky and sea.
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty,
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity.
#475 I am the Church
Author, Music: R Avery, D Marsh
Refrain: I am the church! You are the church!
We are the church together!
All who follow Jesus, all around the world!
Yes, we’re the church together!
The church is not a building; the church is not a steeple;
the church is not a resting place;
the church is a people. Refrain
We’re many kinds of people, with many kinds of faces,
all colours and all ages, too,
from all times and places. Refrain
Sometimes the church is marching; sometimes it’s bravely burning;
sometimes it’s riding, sometimes hiding;
always it’s learning. Refrain
And when the people gather, there’s singing and there’s praying;
there’s laughing and there’s crying sometimes,
all of it saying: Refrain
At Pentecost some people received the Holy Spirit
and told the Good News through the world
to all who would hear it. Refrain
#592 I, the Lord of sea and sky
Author, Music: DL Schutte
I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin my hand will save.
I who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send?
Refrain: Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.,
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have borne my people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them: they turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone,
give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my word to them. Whom shall I send?
Refrain
I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them; my hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them. Whom shall I send?
Refrain
#704 Teach me, God, to wonder
Words: WH Farquharson Music: R Klusmeier
Teach me, God to wonder;
teach me God, to see;
Let your world of beauty capture me.
Refrain: Praise to you be given:
love for you be lived,
Life be celebrated;
joy you give.
Let me, God, be ready;
let me loving be;
Let your world of people speak to me. Refrain
Let me, God, be open;
let me be awake,
In your world of loving, my place take. Refrain
Teach me, God, to know you,
hear you when you speak,
See you in my neighbour when we meet. Refrain