Living in Hope Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson Dec 27
The Lord be with you … and also with you.
Remember… if you need to access the church building be sure to follow the pandemic protocols with face masks, hand sanitizer. Be sure to put your name and contact information on the Contact Tracing List.
The challenge to help two important Presbyterian organizations comes from St. Giles Presbyterian, St. Catharines to respond to the need at Crieff Hills and Camp Kintail. Both are experiencing financial challenges due to COVID 19. How can you donate?
Camp Kintail donate online: https://campkintail.campbraingiving.com/
Mail donation: Camp Kintail, Box 153, Goderich, ON N7A 3Z2
Call the camp at 519-529-7317 if you have any questions or need assistance.
Crieff Hills Retreat Centre donate online: https://crieffhills.com/support/donate/
Mail donation: Crieff Hills Retreat, 7098 Concession 1, Puslinch, ON N0B2J0
Call Crieff Hills at 1-800-884-1525 email: accounting@crieffhills.com
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. This worship service is on our website https://pccweb.ca/knoxbayfieldpc/ and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTYgIPqvkMsDNal0b1gCiPg
The focus of the Mission Moment … Sharing the Gift of Language
The PCC’s partnership with the Protestant Theological Institute (PTI) in Cluj-Napoca, an ancient city in Romania, began with the overseas appointment of Brian Johnston in 1997. Supported by Presbyterians Sharing, Brian taught English at the Seminary of the Hungarian Reformed Church in Romania until 2016. After retirement, Brian continued to organize musical concerts with students and others at the Institute. The PCC’s partnership with this Reformed seminary in Eastern Europe continues with an annual grant for the English teacher. Theological students must pass an English exam as a requirement for ordination. In thanking the PCC, Dr. Vilmos József Kolumbán, Rector of PTI, added, “Your financial contribution to the limited resources that we have is an extremely valuable input towards fulfilling our goals.”
All are welcome to join in the Knox Spiritual Study 2 – 3 pm on Sunday. Our winter study will focus on Learning to Walk in the Dark from Barbara Brown Taylor. Join in the conversation on Zoom! We begin Sunday January 10th We have several copies of the book $24 at Knox Bayfield Contact Rev Lisa Dolson for Zoom instructions (519) 572 [dash] 8529 revlisa [dot] knoxbayfield [at] icloud [dot] com
Income and Expense Update
Your contributions to the church and its ongoing work are appreciated. Your regular offerings allow the church to continue its good work. The Knox Bayfield Session and Finance committee are diligent in their efforts to minimize expenses and meet financial commitments. Our updated financial reports indicate November income $4,001 and expenses in $4,859 with a year-to-date deficit of $5,840.
The Presbyterian Connection newspaper unites Presbyterians across Canada through stories, reflections, interviews and articles that allow us to share and develop our faith. It is distributed four times per year, free of charge. https://presbyterian.ca/presbyterian-connection/ or contact the National Church Office at 1-800-619-7301 ext. 243 to set up a free paper subscription.
CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 148
Praise God from the heavens. Young and old together. Let us praise the name of God whose name alone is exalted above earth and heaven. Alleluia!
Hymn #543 Here, O my Lord, I see thee
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Luke 2:27
O holy and amazing God, as you led Simeon to embrace the infant Jesus, guide us by your Spirit that we may welcome your saving Word. Amen.
May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you.
READINGS:
Isaiah 61:10-62:3; Psalm 148; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:22-40
Hymn: # 110 Come thou long expected Jesus
Living in Hope
This is the first Sunday after Christmas Day. For some, the cost of this season will be weighing heavy. The cost of physical and social isolation during the pandemic has been a significant challenge for many, especially during Christmas. There is also the cost of extravagant gift giving. Whether you are stressed or relaxed … remember to reach out to each other. This past year has made it challenging to stay connected and in relationship with people outside our homes, and in some cases, even within our homes. The stressors of life during a pandemic changed how we interact.
I was mindful of the many stressors as I read the passage from Luke. He writes of Mary, Joseph and Jesus travelling back to Jerusalem for purification. Babies are so cute and cuddly … and they can be exhausting. Imagine the spiritual and emotional toll on Mary and Joseph during that past year. They have journeyed extensively during Mary’s pregnancy and now within the first few months of the birth. Nazareth to Jerusalem, to Bethlehem, back to Jerusalem … all that travel without a car, without public transportation. This passage begins with Mary and Joseph at the temple with their new child where they meet Simeon and Anna. Both have waited for this moment, this time when they will meet the Messiah. In many ways, this encounter will mark the end of a part of their journey.
This passage reminds us of our experiences and what we know … coupled with the reality of what we do not yet know. Simeon was “guided by the Spirit” to the temple. When he arrived, he saw two young parents who had come a long way, to follow the law of the Lord and offer a sacrifice for their child.
Martin Luther noted, God became small for us in Christ; he showed us his heart, so our hearts might be won. God walked among humanity to nurture loving relationship and tenderness.
In our reading from Isaiah, he speaks of transforming everything for its good. It speaks of courage, the willingness to take the risk of seeing with a new perspective. It speaks of allowing our ancient faith to lead us in a different direction.
In his reflection on Jürgen Moltmann’s Theology of Hope, Miroslav Volf reminds us of the difference between optimism and hope. Volf writes, “Optimism is based on the possibilities of things as they have come to be; hope is based on the possibilities of God irrespective of how things are…. Hope is grounded in the faithfulness of God and therefore on the effectiveness of God’s promise.”
The reading from Isaiah speaks of painful separation and of reason to hope. It questions whether Israel left God, or has God left Israel? The prophet asserts that the sins of Israel have brought about the exile. God speaks through the prophet: “Yet you did not call upon me, O Jacob; but you have been weary of me, O Israel!… You have burdened me with your sins; you have wearied me with your iniquities” (43:22, 24). The people of Jerusalem, desolate during the years of exile, lament, “The Lord has forsaken me, my Lord has forgotten me”.
And yet God responds to them with the promise of reconciliation. God calls on people regardless of the number of times they might turn away.
The prophet describes this hope as a springtime garden. The past wrongs and broken relationship will serve as compost for the tender green shoots. The garden of hope is rooted in God’s faithfulness.
The prophet calls across the ages to plant the seeds of hope, where old wounds can be healed, where the impossible becomes possible with the love of God. Where tender shoots of nourishment can spring out of the cold ground. We are called to see the new life that God brings with the living Word born in Bethlehem. This message continues to call across the centuries. We are called to live into relationship with this living God and with one another, today and always.
Praise be to God.
# 466 Praise the Lord with the sound of trumpet
THE OFFERING OF OUR LIFE AND LABOUR TO THE LORD
QUOTE: For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. John 3:16
As the earth brings forth its shoots and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so will God cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. With thankful hearts, we offer ourselves and our gifts to God.
BLESSING OF GIFTS & PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Galations 4, Isaiah 62, Luke 2
Join me in prayer:
Loving God, we give thanks for the light of the world, Jesus Christ, through whom we have received adoption as your children. With Jesus our brother, we dedicate ourselves in ministry to the world, that we may live as heirs of your promises
to the honor and glory of your name.
We pray for the nations of the earth, that governments may protect the vulnerable, shelter the oppressed, and pursue the way of peace.
We pray for the planet earth, our home, that we may honor her gifts, respect her limitations, and protect her resources.
We pray for all who suffer with illness, hardship, or conflict. May they receive healing for their bodies, release from their burdens, and mending of their brokenness.
O holy One, may your light shine through us and fill the world with the radiance of your love revealed in Jesus Christ. You have made us for a holy purpose, to comfort and care for each other. There are many within our church family in need of your special 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. May they sense your protective love. Through Christ, with Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, we magnify you, almighty God.
O holy One, we pray for clarity, passion, and true fellowship to awake us to your presence. May your face shine upon the church and all this weary world. We pray
in the name of the One born in a manger, who taught his disciples to pray…
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
Go forth into the world rejoicing. Spread the good news of Christ, our light and our redeemer. May God, redeemer of Israel, dismiss us in peace. May Jesus Christ, Son of God, Son of Mary, uphold us in love. May the Holy Spirit, the power of God, guide us in truth.
Postlude
Let There Be Peace on Earth
Question for Reflection
Consider what it means to be a child of God by adoption. What does it mean to you to think of yourself as a brother or sister of Jesus, who is the Son of God?
Morning Prayer
In you, O God, I will rejoice: in speaking, I will rejoice; in silence, I will rejoice; in travels, I will rejoice; in resting, I will rejoice; in working, I will rejoice;in leisure, I will rejoice; in duties, I will rejoice; in freedom, I will rejoice. O God, my whole being exults in you, and my life shall evermore declare your praise, my light, my love, my joy. Amen.
Evening Prayer
Lord, let your servant sleep in peace this night and fulfill your gracious word.
Reveal to me the salvation that you have prepared for all people. With Jesus Christ, help me be a light to the nations and a sign of your glorious promise to Israel. Amen.
Daily Prayer
Saving God, the prophet Anna and righteous Simeon sang your praise and proclaimed Jesus our Lord to all who were looking for the redemption
of Jerusalem. Let us who seek redemption in this day prepare our hearts,
that we may believe the good news of Jesus, receive the light of salvation,
and live according to your word. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Scripture readings next week:
Jeremiah 31:7–14; Psalm 147:12–20; Ephesians 1:3–14; John 1:1–18
Hymns:
543 Here, O my Lord, I see thee
110 Come thou long expected Jesus
466 Praise the Lord with the sound of trumpet
468 Lord, dismiss us with your blessing
# 543 Here, O my Lord
Here, O my Lord, I see thee face to face; here would I touch and handle things unseen, here grasp with firmer hand eternal grace, and all my weariness upon thee lean.
Here would we feed upon the bread of God, here drink with thee the royal wine of heaven; here would we lay aside each earthly load, here taste afresh the calm of sin forgiven.
This is the hour of banquet and of song; this is the heavenly table for us spread;
here let us feast, and, feasting, still prolong this fellowship in thee, our living bread.
Too soon we rise; the symbols disappear. The feast, though not the love, is past and gone; the bread and wine remove, but thou art here, nearer than ever, still our shield and sun.
We have no help but thine, nor do we need another arm but thine to lean upon;
it is enough, my Lord, enough indeed; our strength is in thy might, thy might alone.
Mine is the sin, but thine the righteousness; mine is the guilt, but thine the cleansing blood. Here is my robe, my refuge and my peace, thy blood, thy righteousness, O Lord, my God.
Feast after feast thus comes and passes by, yet, passing. points to that glad feast above, giving sweet foretaste of the festal joy, the Lamb’s great bridal feast of bliss and love.
#110 Come, thou long-expected Jesus
Come, thou long-expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us;
let us find our rest in thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art,
dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.
Born thy people to deliver;
born a child and yet a king;
born to reign in us forever;
now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal Spirit
rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all-sufficient merit
raise us to thy gracious throne.
#466 Praise the Lord with the sound of trumpet
Praise the Lord with the sound of trumpet, praise the Lord with the harp and lute,
praise the Lord with the gentle-sounding flute.
Praise the Lord in the field and forest, praise the Lord in the city square,
praise the Lord anytime and anywhere.
Praise the Lord in the wind and sunshine, praise the Lord in the dark of night,
praise the Lord in the rain or snow or in the morning light.
Praise the Lord in the deepest valley, praise the Lord on the highest hill,
praise the Lord; never let your voice be still.
Praise the Lord with the crashing cymbal, praise the Lord with the pipe and string,
praise the Lord with the joyful songs you sing.
Praise the Lord on a weekday morning, praise the Lord on a Sunday noon,
praise the Lord by the light of sun or moon.
Praise the Lord in the time of sorrow, praise the Lord in the time of joy,
praise the Lord every moment; nothing let your praise destroy.
Praise the Lord in the peace and quiet, praise the Lord in your work or play,
praise the Lord everywhere in every way!
#468 Lord, Dismiss Us
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.
Let There Be Peace on Earth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGoEJyV7Snw
Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Chet Akins, Michael McDonald
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let There Be Peace on Earth
The peace that was meant to be
With God as our Father
Brothers all are we
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.
With ev’ry step I take
Let this be my solemn vow
To take each moment and live
Each moment in peace eternally
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me