Communication across time Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson Nov 15
Greetings to my church family and friends. May the grace of God be with you.
I am hopeful that our Advent book study will include people from both Knox congregations. We will be explore an online group discussion of the book “Light of the World, A beginners guide to Advent” The author is Amy Jill Levine. We will begin our Advent gathering on Sunday November 22nd from 2-3 pm on Zoom. It will continue through to Sunday December 20th. Join in the conversation and see familiar faces. You can order the book online or at the Village Bookstore. Join in regardless of whether you’re reading the book!
Call or email Rev Lisa for details about Zoom training:
• 2 pm Sunday November 15 and 2:30 pm Wednesday November 18
• Questions? Contact Rev Lisa (519) 572-8529 [call or text]
The focus of the Mission Moment is Legacy Giving Sunday. Presbyterians Sharing is about mission. It’s about ministry. It’s about working together, to share the good news of the gospel in Canada and around the world. Through our gifts to Presbyterians Sharing, we revitalize churches and support innovative worship. We empower young people to grow in their faith, and prepare leaders to serve the church. We care for God’s creation and advocate for human rights. We walk with Indigenous Peoples on a journey of healing and reconciliation. We work with international partners to support leadership development, Christian education and evangelism. And so much more! When we work together, we can accomplish more than we can imagine. Together, we are making a difference.
The major changes in our worship practices continue to impact our faith community. We will join together in Communion as part of the first Sunday of Advent – November 29th worship service. You are encouraged to have the communion elements ready for the service. The elements include grape juice or wine and bread. If you are able, you may wish to include a candle, a cross, and of course, your bible.
What have you been up to during the pandemic? It would be wonderful to hear from each and every one of you from Knox Bayfield and Knox Goderich. Thank you to those who have responded with your ‘What I’ve been doing during the pandemic’ stories. Reading your notes almost felt like we were talking at the end of the worship service on a Sunday morning. So good to hear from you!
Income and Expense Update
Your contributions to the church and its ongoing work are appreciated. Did you know that you can provide your intentional, proportional, and faithful offerings in different ways? Cheques can be mailed in or someone will drop by to pick it up. You can use PAR, the Pre Authorized Remittance, or e-transfer. Contact Brenda McLean with your questions. Both are easy to set up. It’s easy to make changes, too. Your regular offerings allow the church to continue its good work. The Session and Finance committee are diligent in their efforts to minimize expenses and meet financial commitments. The following chart illustrates the October income $5,703 and expenses in $5,287 with a year-to-date deficit of $4,982.
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.
CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 90:1, 2
God, you have been our dwelling place in all generations; you have been our home throughout all the ages. You were there before the world was made and will be forever. From everlasting to everlasting you are God.
CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Let us turn to the one who brings light into darkness, confessing to God and one another the truth about our lives.
Join me in prayer… Compassionate God, you know our hearts and the will of all creation. We pray you will hear with mercy our confession. We waver in our care for your Earth and all its creatures; we stumble in our care for one another; and we have struggle to honour wholeness and peace of mind. We yearn for you to be our guide, our judge, our joy. Help us to see the abundant life your provide with renewed commitment to what is just and good. We pray this in the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.
People of God, you are clothed, fed, and sheltered by the Holy One who knows your every fiber. In the name of the holy Trinity and in the wisdom of God, your sins are forgiven.
# 267 Rejoice the Lord is King
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Acts 2:11
Almighty God, by the power of your Holy Spirit, speak to us in the language of our hearts. May we hear your Word with understanding and answer your call with confidence. Amen.
READINGS:
Judges 4:1–7, Psalm 123, 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11, Matthew 25:14–30
# 717 We cannot own the sunlit sky
Communication across time
The passages today bring to mind the value of clear communication. So often when we read the parables, something is off. Particularly when we read the parable of the talents something seems off. As I was preparing this message, I recognized it wasn’t clear on first or second reading. In the effort to communicate effectively in this sermon it brought to mind that the gift of communication can be thwarted in so many ways. During this pandemic, communication has become more sparse between us. Many are limited to phone calls, emails, or traditional letter writing. Our social circles are much smaller and our social interactions are less frequent or non-existent.
Even when I meet with people outside there is a physical distance between us. This is a time when a hug or a hand on a shoulder could be helpful but…we cannot take the risk. When there are meetings online or by conference call it can be challenging to pick up on the nuance of body language. You may have notice in emails that when capitals are used it can feel like the person is shouting at you. One of the things that I have noticed about the lack of physical presence is the lack of odour. This is not always a bad thing but it is something that is missing.
There is a distance in time and an unfamiliarity with the nuance of culture that may shape our understanding of the parable of the talents. You may be familiar with this passage from the gospel of Matthew from a stewardship perspective. A talent was a unit of money that was worth about fifteen years of wages for a day laborer. When we consider that value, each of the talents was considerable. You may also understand talents as gifts, skills, and resources. For some, this translates into economic terms with the value of money and time. In the stewardship perspective, the talents provided by God are to be used, not buried. We will be called to account for our use of our talents. This perspective ties nicely with capitalism and the concept of self improvement.
Yet, there are different perspectives on this parable. There are other ways to understand this message from Christ. The passage reveals that the third slave experiences the master as a harsh man who takes what does not belong to him and that people are afraid of him. If we understand the slave from the master’s experience … then the slave is wicked, lazy and worthless. Neither sees the other with compassion or understanding. Neither sees the other with any redeeming qualities.
Jesus told this parable during the last few days of his life. He had left the relative safety of rural Galilee for Jerusalem, the capital city. The parable is about a wealthy man who, before he went on a long journey, left three slaves in charge of a significant amount of money. Two of the slaves took a risk and invested the money with good returns. When their master arrived home and saw their results, he promised them more responsibility in the future. The third slave took very different action. He buried the money. He literally put it into the ground and took no chances. The master treated him harshly. One understanding of this parable is that it is better to risk, than to play it safe and not use the talents. Is Jesus warning that the outcome of playing it safe—not caring, not loving passionately, not investing yourself, not risking anything—is like being banished to the outer darkness?
Perhaps we can understand this parable as a reminder that we are not live in fear. Did the third slave live in fear of his harsh master? Did he bury the money to keep it safe? How do we bury our talents, refusing to be vulnerable with our gifts, preferring to avoid the risk? Consider whether you might bury your goodness, your time, your love, or your talent. For some, it may seem that your gifts are too small to matter … or not good enough to share. Yet, every talent is worthy, every child of God is worthy.
And, finally, there is another way to understand this parable. Consider the words of the third slave, who bravely came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’
Although he claims to be afraid, the slave speaks boldly to the master. He calls him out on inappropriate behaviours and unreasonable expectations. The slave handed the money back.
Could we understand this third man differently? In 21st century terms, could he be a whistle blower refusing to participate in unethical actions? Ched Myers and Eric DeBode wrote, “ That he buried the money in the ground seems strange at first glance. But considering that many in Jesus’ audience were farmers, there may be some wry peasant humor here. Those who work the land know that all true wealth comes from God, the source of rain, sunshine, seed, and soil. But this silver talent, when “sown,” produced no fruit!”
But … that leaves the question… what of the slave being kicked out of the master’s estate into outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth? Myers and DeBode go on to say, “In other words, we meet Christ in places of pain and marginality; the “outer darkness.” The whistle-blower’s punishment kicks him out of the rich man’s system, but brings him closer to the true Lord, who dwells with the poor and oppressed.”
Our exploration of the scriptures lead us to reflect on many aspects of the stories. The teachings call out across the centuries as we seek to understand from the perspective of that original time and place … and as we try to understand how to integrate the teachings into our lives today. Perhaps we can bravely utilize our talents for the good of God’s creation. Perhaps we can question the systems that we live within and question whether the expectations are life-giving and good for God’s creation. These are good, brave questions to reflect on… to discuss in a phone call or an email…
Praise be to God.
# 811 Standing at the portal
THE OFFERING OF OUR LIFE AND LABOUR TO THE LORD
QUOTE: The earth is God’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it. Psalm 24:1
With thanksgiving for God’s gifts to us, we offer ourselves and the fruits of our labor for God’s work in the world.
BLESSING OF GIFTS * Ps. 122:3, 9
We give you thanks and praise, O God. You have built us up in faith and bound us together in love. By your grace, may all that we do show the glory of your name and serve the good of your people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Isa. 2:4, Rom. 13:11–14, Ps. 122:6–8, Matt. 24:37
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.
We pray for peace in every nation—that people will turn their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks and study war no more. We pray for an end to fear and fighting. Help us to proclaim in word and action the good news of salvation to all. We pray for peace in this place—for safety in our homes and streets, for the prosperity of our neighbors, and for the health of family and friends.
Loving God, we know that you walk with us. 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 struggle in his healing. We lift up Peggy, Betty Lou, Jane, Bonnie, Jessie, Marlene, Rob, Courtney, and Grace’s daughter Lisa. We lift up all those who prefer to remain un-named as they face immense challenges of health and finances. We lift up the care-givers and those who receive care during the pandemic. 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. 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.
# 645 Follow me, the Master said
BENEDICTION
1 Thess. 5:11, Matt. 25:21, Isa. 2:5
Encourage one another and build each other up. Work faithfully together as children of God. May the God of creation work wonders in you by the power of the Holy Spirit. May the grace of Christ, the love of God, and the Spirit’s joy surround you, this day and forevermore 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
Human beings have been graced with the gift of persistence, imagination, and the capacity for extraordinary accomplishment. We have even been given life-giving gifts. Yet, as the psalmist reminds us, we are finite beings. When is our refusal to accept human limits productive, and when does this hinder our creaturely stance before God? Is knowing that God is God, and we are not, a message of eternal grace that we can hear? And in the face of tragedy and death, can we bear that grace in confidence and peace?
Morning Prayer
Good morning, God. I welcome the new day, for it is a gift from you. My fears are nothing in the face of your love; in the warmth of your wisdom my anxieties melt away. Make me more faithful than I could be on my own, and use me to reflect your light, for there are so many who need to know of your grace. Walk with me, and show me your way, for I would follow you. Amen.
Evening Prayer
Good evening, Lord. Thank you for bringing me through this day, its trials and its joys. You surprise me with wonder and overwhelm me with love. Keep me in your embrace tonight; inhabit my dreams. If you choose to grant me another day of life, awaken me as one who is eager to serve you well. Amen.
Daily Prayer 1 Thess. 5:5, Matt. 25:14–30
O God, your generosity and goodness astound us. Inspire us to teach your commandments and share your gospel, that all may enter into the joy of Christ. Amen.
Scripture readings next week:
Ezekiel 34:11–16, 20–24, Psalm 100, Ephesians 1:15–23, Matthew 25:31–46
Hymns:
267 Rejoice the Lord is king
717 We cannot own the sunlit sky
811 Standing at the portal
645 Follow me, the Master said
#267 Rejoice, the Lord is King
Rejoice, the Lord is King; your sovereign Lord adore;
Give thanks, O mortals, sing and triumph evermore.
Lift up your heart; lift up your voice; Rejoice, again I say, rejoice.
For Christ the Saviour reigns, the God of truth and love;
When Jesus purged our stains, He took his seat above.
Lift up your heart; lift up your voice; Rejoice, again I say, rejoice.
His reign can never fail; he rules o’er earth and heaven:
The keys of death and hell are to our Saviour given.
Lift up your heart; lift up your voice; Rejoice, again I say, rejoice.
He sits at God’s right hand till all his foes submit
And bow to his command and fall beneath his feet.
Lift up your heart; lift up your voice; Rejoice, again I say, rejoice.
Rejoice in glorious hope, for Christ the judge shall come
And take the faithful up to their eternal home.
We soon shall hear the archangel’s voice; The trump of God shall sound: rejoice.
#717 We cannot own the sunlit sky
We cannot own the sunlit sky, The moon, the wildflowers growing,
For we are part of all that is
Within life’s river flowing.
With open hands receive and share The gifts of God’s creation,
That all may have abundant life
In every earthly nation.
When bodies shiver in the night, And, weary, wait for morning,
When children have no bread but tears,
And war horns sound their warning,
God calls humanity to wake, To join in common labour,
That all may have abundant life
In oneness with their neighbour.
God calls humanity to join As partners in creating
A future free from want of fear,
Life’s goodness celebrating.
That new world beckons from afar, Invites our shared endeavour,
That all may have abundant life
And peace endure forever.
#811 Standing at the Portal
Standing at the portal of the opening year,
Words of comfort meet us hushing every fear,
Spoken through the silence by God’s loving voice,
Tender, strong and faithful, making us rejoice.
Refrain: Onward, then, and fear not, Children of the day,
For God’s word shall never, Never pass away.
“I, your God, and with you: do not be afraid;
I will help and strengthen; do not be dismayed,
For I will uphold you with my own right hand;
You are called and chosen in my sight to stand.”
God will not forsake us and will never fail;
God’s eternal covenant ever will prevail.
Resting on this promise, what have we to fear?
God is all-sufficient for the coming year.
#645 “Follow me,” the Master said
“Follow me,” the Master said: we will follow Jesus.
By his word and Spirit led, we will follow Jesus.
Still for us he lives to plead, at the throne does intercede,
offers help in time of need; we will follow Jesus.
Should the world and sin oppose, we will follow Jesus.
He is greater than our foes; we will follow Jesus.
On his promise we depend; he will hear us and defend,
help and keep us to the end; we will follow Jesus.
Though the way may dark appear, we will follow Jesus.
He will make our pathway clear; we will follow Jesus.
In our daily round of care, as we plead with God in prayer,
with the cross which we must bear, we will follow Jesus.
Ever keep that end in view; we will follow Jesus.
All his promises are true; we will follow Jesus.
When this earthly course is run, and the Master says, “ Well done!”
life eternal we have won; we will follow Jesus.