Nov 1 2020 Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson
Greetings to my church family and friends. May the grace of God be with you.
Announcements
Our faith community has changed in many ways. One way involves people joining us and others leaving. Summer residents have made their way back to their winter homes. We welcome Lois and Frank into our faith community. They have transitioned into their temporary home as their new permanent home is being built. My home has been sold and I hope to find another home in this area soon.
The major shift in our faith community has been the impact of the pandemic. There have been many changes in the last almost 7 months.
Do you remember writing your ‘what I did this summer’ stories in school? Well, I wonder if you would be willing to share your stories? Some of you have responded with your ‘What I’ve been doing during the pandemic’ stories. Thank you! I appreciate receiving your accounts. It would be wonderful to hear from each and every one of you. You can reach me by email, text, phone. Did you know I could drop by and we could meet outside? We can also connect with Zoom!
Are you aware that the work of the church is ongoing during COVID? Dedicated individuals continue to generously and faithfully continue their efforts with meetings and other duties. In the weekly Mission Moment the PCC shares their efforts in Coaching During COVID-19
Ministry leaders had to adapt quickly to the changes brought about by COVID-19. In this new context, leaders need thoughtful, wise and prayerful approaches to ministry. In order to help PCC leaders think through and develop next steps, the PCC, with the support of funds raised through Presbyterians Sharing, offered free, one-time coaching sessions to ministry leaders. Many ministries from across the country benefitted from this support and were able to engage in innovative ministry during a difficult time.
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.
We will be exploring an online group discussion of the book “Light of the World, A beginners guide to Advent” The author is Amy Jill Levine. You can order the book online or at the Village Bookstore. We will plan to meet on Zoom. More details will be available shortly.
CALL TO WORSHIP Ps. 43:3–4
The psalmist sings: O send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy; and I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God.
CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE OF PARDON Ps. 107, Matt. 23:4, Josh. 3:17
God turns the desert into pools of water and guides those who have gone astray. Let us confess to God the depth of our need, that we may be saved from trouble.
Join me in the prayer of confession…
Lord God, only you are holy. Yet we fool ourselves into believing that we are righteous, excusing our own faults while pointing out those of others. We take credit and give blame. In spite of the grace you have shown to us, we are slow to show mercy. Forgive us, O God, and wash us clean, that we may serve you with joy and thanksgiving. Amen.
Sisters and brothers, siblings in Christ, God has made a way where there was no way. In Jesus the Christ, evil and death have been vanquished, and we live in a state of grace. Believe the gospel: in Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
# 651 Guide me, O thou great Redeemer
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION 1Thess. 2
By your Spirit, O God, still our restless spirits and clear our ears. Let us hear your Word, that it may be at work in us; for the love of Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
READINGS:
Joshua 3:7–17; Psalm 107:1–7, 33–37
1 Thessalonians 2:9–13; Matthew 23:1–12
Joshua 3:7-17
The Lord said to Joshua, “This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so that they may know that I will be with you as I was with Moses. You are the one who shall command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant, ‘When you come to the edge of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan.'” Joshua then said to the Israelites, “Draw near and hear the words of the Lord your God.” Joshua said, “By this you shall know that among you is the living God who without fail will drive out from before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites, and Jebusites: the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is going to pass before you into the Jordan. So now select twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one from each tribe. When the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan flowing from above shall be cut off; they shall stand in a single heap.”
When the people set out from their tents to cross over the Jordan, the priests bearing the ark of the covenant were in front of the people. Now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest. So when those who bore the ark had come to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the edge of the water, the waters flowing from above stood still, rising up in a single heap far off at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, while those flowing toward the sea of the Arabah, the Dead Sea, were wholly cut off. Then the people crossed over opposite Jericho. While all Israel were crossing over on dry ground, the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, until the entire nation finished crossing over the Jordan.
Matthew 23:-2
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.”
# 797 Shall we gather at the river
Message
When reading the scriptures, it is important to take a step or two back from the story. In this passage from Matthew, there is a deep respect for the Hebrew Scriptures and Jewish tradition. It is important to recognize that Judaism is the premise of Christianity. Jesus brings our attention to the vanity, hypocrisy, and arrogance that is part of human behaviour. Behaviours that are not limited to an ethnic group, or socio-economic segment, gender, or religion.
Jesus speaks to the authority of the scribes and Pharisees in his recognition that they sit on “Moses’ seat”. They are teachers and interpreters of the laws of Judaism. As we read this, we remember that Jesus came not to abolish but to fulfill the law.
Jesus encourages, “Do whatever they teach you and follow it”.
The problem, we discover, is that they behave in ways that do not reflect the truth they teach. They speak of glorifying God, but do not. They speak of mutual responsibility for the people of God, yet “are unwilling to lift a finger” to lighten the burdens of others.
In Matthew’s gospel the religious authorities are present at the Jordan River to oppose John the Baptist. John reprimands this brood of vipers. Although they claim to be Abraham’s children, they do not act faithfully according to the teachings.
In this passage, the attention is focused on hypocrisy. Does this help us to understand that we are vulnerable to this way of being. In the Sermon on the Mount he states, “You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s”
We can understand hypocrisy in two ways from this teaching. The first speaks one thing and does another. The second behaves righteously but for the wrong reason. Jesus describes the hypocrite of speaking but not doing… and … of doing in order to receive praise. Can you think of times when you have done one or both of these?
The most obvious example might be when we consider our expectations of others and then look at our own behaviors. Do we shift what we do or how we are … to avoid disapproval? Perhaps there is the illusion that words of gossip never pass your lips. Perhaps the illusion that all of your commitments are promptly followed through … unless there is good reason? Yet, is there little such consideration for others? Illusions can be a significant part of hypocrisy… a form of the blind spot. To understand a hypocrite, we can look to the desire for approval. There is a cure for hypocrisy … grace.
Augustine of Hippo stated, “Pride is a perverted imitation of God. For pride hates a fellowship of equality under God, and seeks to impose its own dominion on fellow men, in the place of God’s rule.”
In every age, we can see how easy it is to confuse personal interests with the will of God. It is easy to see how easy it is to glorify the self, under the pretense of glorifying God. It is usually much easier to see this in others, than in ourselves. We develop blind spot that remain undetectable until others help us to see. When we recognize our blind spots, we can then discover our authentic orientation toward God. This orientation toward God can be found with the orientation of our hearts. A simple question can help us. Do we see the inherent value of each person, of each aspect of God’s creation? This is a challenging question to deal with on our own. When we reach out in community, we are able to better formulate an understanding of where our blind spots might be.
In our culture, it can be challenging to stop the hierarchy that places one above another. Though people are unequal in many measurable ways … such as intelligence, physical strength, or material wealth … they are all equal before God. According to H. Richard Niebuhr, God is the “common center to which all men are related; it is by reference to and in respect of their relation to that creative center that they are equal.” Perhaps we can understand this by recognizing that equality before God recognizes the value of each person. It is where the proud become humble and the marginalized take their place among God’s children. Everyone has their unique part and unique gifts to contribute in God’s creation.
Praise be to God
# 648 I’m gonna live so God can use me
THE OFFERING OF OUR LIFE AND LABOUR TO THE LORD Thess. 2:3
QUOTE: Take care of yourself — you never know when the world will need you. Rabbi Hillel (BC 0 – AD 0), scholar, sage, religious leader
We give our offerings to live in thanksgiving for all God’s gifts. Know that what you give is a response to the word of hope that lives in you. Let God’s Word be at work within you, offering gifts with glad and joyful hearts.
BLESSING OF GIFTS *
Join me in the blessing of the offering … Giver of all good gifts, how can we thank you for your never-ending love? Accept these offerings as tokens of our gratitude and signs of our hope in the realm you have promised, the kingdom for which we wait. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Psalm 07, Matt. 6, 23, Romans 8
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 mercy, hear our prayers from across time and space. We pray for the healing of the church; for unity among all people of faith. May there be understanding where there is confusion. May the truth to be revealed. We pray for reason to prevail in all levels of governments around the world. May their policies work to serve the common good. May you guide us in holding respect for your creation. May we see regard the soil, water, and air as holy gifts. May the lives of creatures be held in high esteem. May all people find justice in the courts of law and public opinion.
We give you thanks and praise, O God, for you know our needs even before we ask, and your Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words. Into your hands we commend all to your great love and compassion. Most gracious God, you reach us in the east and west, north and south, and make us into your people. You shower us with blessings and give us songs of joy. When trouble comes, you hear our cries. You are with us in all time.
Loving God, we know that you walk with us, and you answer when we call. 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 to heal. We lift up Peggy, Betty Lou, Jane, Bonnie, Jessie, Marlene, Rob, and Courtney. We lift up all those who prefer to remain un-named as they face immense challenges. We pray that your Spirit will linger with your people during this challenging time. A time of isolation that has left many feeling fragmented and in despair. Gather them to you as a hen gathers her chicks. Protect them in your love. We pray you will receive all these cares, loving God.
O Holy One, although we are apart and we join our voices together across space and time to speak the words 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.
# 468 Lord, dismiss us with your blessing
BENEDICTION Matt. 23:9–2
People of God, listen to the Word of God, practice humility, give thanks for the work you have to do, offer your voice on behalf of those in need. Walk in peace with your neighbors.
May the One who sends true prophets into our world guide and keep you. May the blessing of God— Father, Mother, Teacher, Friend— go with you this day and every day.
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 Matt. 23
Jesus gives a sharp critique of hypocrisy. It is easy to find faults in others; can you see your own hypocritical behavior in yourself?
Each day this week, look for one example of humility exercised by someone (a family member, friend, neighbor, stranger, yourself) and meditate on what it means that the one who is humble is the greatest among us.
Morning Prayer
Thank you for waking me up this morning; each day is a gift from you. Let your Word be at work within me today that I may be faithful to you and every breath be a prayer of gratitude. Amen.
Evening Prayer
Thank you for bringing me to the end of this day, O Lord. Forgive my missteps and oversights, and heal any wounds I may have caused. Let me rest in you without fear or anxiety, that I may awake to serve you with joy and praise. Amen.
Daily Prayer Josh. 3, Ps. 07, Matt. 23
Most astounding God, you lead us through deserts and grant us safe crossings. You save us from trouble and deliver us from distress. You satisfy our hunger and quench our thirst with righteousness and mercy. When we lose our way, you pull us back to you and overwhelm us with love. All honor and glory are yours, our master, our teacher, our friend. Amen.
651 Guide me, O thou great Redeemer
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.
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.
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.
797 Shall we gather at the river
Shall we gather at the river,
Where bright angel feet have trod,
With its crystal tide forever,
Flowing by the throne of God?
Refrain: Shall we gather at the river,
the beautiful, the beautiful river,
gather with the saints at the river
that flows by the throne of God.
On the bosom of the river,
Where the Saviour King we own,
We shall meet, and sorrow never
‘neath the glory of the throne.
Ere we reach the shining river,
Lay we every burden down;
Grace our spirits will deliver,
And provide a robe and crown.
Soon we’ll reach the shining river,
Soon our pilgrimage will cease;
Soon our happy hearts will quiver
With the melody of peace.
648 I’m gonna live so God can use me
I’m gonna live so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
I’m gonna live so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
I’m gonna work so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
I’m gonna work so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
I’m gonna pray so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
I’m gonna pray so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
I’m gonna sing so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
I’m gonna sing so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
468 Lord, dismiss us with your blessing
Lord, dismiss us with your blessing,
Fill our hearts with joy and peace;
Let us each, your love possessing,
Triumph in redeeming grace:
O refresh us, O refresh us,
Travelling thru this wilderness.
Thanks we give and adoration
For your gospel’s joyful sound;
May the fruits of your salvation
In our hearts and lives abound:
Ever faithful, ever faithful
To the truth may we be found—
So that when your love shall call us
Saviour, from the world away,
Fear of death shall not appall us;
Glad your summons to obey,
May we ever, may we ever
Reign with you in endless day.