Calling Jan 17 2021 Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson
Call to Worship 1Sam. 3:9
The one who calls you this day yearns for you and for all people to hear and be blessed. Blessed is the One who comes bringing trustworthy words for the healing of the world.
Assurance of Pardon
God knows your heart who seek forgiveness, and by grace you have been saved. In Jesus’ name you are forgiven. God strengthens you with freedom through the Holy Spirit, in Christ Jesus.
May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you.
Hymn # 398 When the Spirit of the Lord moves in my soul
Prayer For Illumination
By your Holy Spirit, O God, open our ears, our eyes, our hearts, and our minds to the Holy Word so that it comes to rule within us for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Readings:
1 Samuel 3:1–10, (11-20), Psalm 139:1–6, 13–18
1 Corinthians 6:12–20, John 1:43–51
Calling
This is a time of change for most people in the world. A time when our daily routines and the structure of our lives have shifted into an uncomfortable and unfamiliar way of being. As I reflected on the changes that we are facing two images came to mind. The first is that of an egg shell that is cracking as the chick enters into the world. Its world changes from that of being enclosed in a hard protective shell to one where it must find its footing. We will get to the other image in a bit.
This image of the chick emerging from the shell persisted with the description of Jesus calling the disciples. John describes Jesus as the fulfillment of the hope of Israel, of both the Law and the Prophets. Jesus awakens belief in the people he encounters. The people who are able to break down the protective shell that surrounds them and emerge into a new way of being. They are able to see Jesus, the son of Joseph, as the Son of God and the King of Israel. For Philip, it seems, it was simple. He heard the command to follow and he did. Phillip was able to share the good news with Nathanael. Nathanael expressed disbelief that the Messiah could come from a small village. It seems that such a belief persists in many ways. I think of the talented athletes and artists who are raised in rural communities, yet, there is an expectation that amazing talent comes from large cities. The scriptures tell us, experience tells us, that God accomplishes great things in unlikely places.
Jesus called Philip and Philip finds Nathanael. He simply invites him… “Come and see” A wonderful way to introduce others to our faith. You can encourage others to watch the videos or share the printed sermons. Many are curious about their spirituality but don’t know where to start their exploration.
This reading helps us to reflect on our conversations about our faith, about Jesus, and about God. We are led to important questions. How does our church follow Jesus—in its work, its prayers, and the life of our members? What has this church proclaim about Jesus?
Discipleship is a willingness to walk in relationship with Jesus. In walking with Jesus, we learn who he is. As we learn who he is, we learn what it means to follow him. How are you being called to walk in a deeper relationship with Christ?
In the book of Samuel, we hear the beginning of Samuel’s story as he is called by God. The young boy was under the care of the elderly priest Eli. They lived in the Shiloh sanctuary, which was part of the ark of the covenant. Shortly before dawn, Samuel heard his name being called. He assumed it was Eli and went to him. Yet, Eli had not called him. This happened three times and then Eli realized that it was YHWH, God, calling to Samuel. Eli told Samuel to respond to the voice the next time. Samuel did and told God of his willingness to “hear” or “obey”.
YHWH’s tells Samuel that Eli has failed to take action against the sins of his family and his people. Although Samuel is reluctant, he is able to share the divine message with Eli. Our personal calls are likely not as dramatic as Samuel’s… yet it is just as real. The Creator’s “Where are you?” was heard in the garden of Eden, with YHWH’s calling to Moses out of the burning bush, with Isaiah’s vision in the temple, with the voice of the Spirit declaring delight with Jesus as he was baptized in the Jordan River by John.
The reality is that it is God who in-vokes us …in the sense of invocare, a Latin word meaning literally “to call into.” It is God who calls us into the divine presence. God co-missions us (“apostles us,” in Greek). God sends us out into the world.
Samuel’s story begins by revealing: “The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread” Samuel, priest-in-training, dedicated to the service of God by his grateful mother, is a part of the faithful community when his call comes in the nighttime.The story emphasizes listening—”deep listening,” This was a pivotal time in biblical history, as it marked the transition from the tribal system—in which Israel understood itself as a God centred community led by judges—to a monarchy led by Saul, David, and then Solomon.
Our reading from 1Samuel takes place in a difficult time. Eli’s family faces tragedy. A disastrous war will soon have the Israelites defeated by the Philistines. They will lose the ark of the covenant. During this difficult time of harsh judgment, war, and loss comes the word of God. God raises up a prophet in the midst of trouble. God speaks the divine Word into a world . God raises up prophets in desperate times—men and women who seem called for a particular time and place. We know some of them by name, and others carry out their missions in obscurity
Earlier I mentioned the images that came to mind as we entered shut down and as I reflected on the readings for this week and next. The first was the chick emerging from the protective egg shell. The other image is the gift of being ambidextrous – where there is no preference for right or left. This term is usually used in reference to the ability to use both hands with equal proficiency. It seems that some also have the gift to be ambidextrous, in a sense, with how they see people and the world. The gift to see people with complex perspectives. Jesus demonstrated that gift when he called the disciples. He saw them for more than who they were in that moment. Perhaps we are able to develop the gift of seeing others as God intends them to be. Perhaps we can see ourselves more fully when we consider how God is calling us.
Praise be to God.
# 704 Teach me God to wonder
The Offering Of Our Life And Labour To The Lord
Quote: The church is not a group of people who believe all the same things; the Church is a group of people caught up in the same story, with Jesus at the center. Rachel Held Evans (1981-2019)
In today’s stories from scripture, God called people to give their lives in service God’s holy purposes. May the gifts we offer today serve God’s holy purposes in the church and in the world for the sake of Christ our Lord. Open now your hearts and share yourself and your possessions so that the community and the work of the church is made strong.
Hymn: # 442 Speak Lord in the stillness
Blessing Of Gifts & Prayers Of The People
Join me in prayer:
Let us pray for the world: for leaders of all nations and for every level of government, that wisdom and integrity will prevail for the good of all people
We pray for the poor, may they have access to all they need; for regions torn by conflict, that peace may prevail. We pray for people of faith: for the unity of the body of Christ, for Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Jews, that wherever prayers are raised up, your may hear them, O holy God.
We pray for those in need: for all who are hungry in our nation and in the world. We pray for all who have no home or employment, for those who are imprisoned,
for parents and children who live in fear. We pray for all who mourn.
With thanksgiving, we remember all those who have shaped us in your ways, O God.
God of purpose and promise, we offer our gifts trusting that you can use them to accomplish more than we can ask or imagine. Bless all that is offered so we can shine your light into places of need for the sake of Christ, the Light for the World.
Almighty God, 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, 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.
# 592 I the Lord of sea and sky
Benediction 1 Cor. 6:12
All things are lawful, but not all things are beneficial. Listen to the word of the Lord as you move through your days. Trust that the Holy Spirit will guide your choices.
See in each person you meet one for whom Jesus gave his life. The peace of Christ go with you this day and always.
Postlude Let There Be Peace on Earth
Questions for Reflection
Where, in what place, and through what person(s) do you hear the call of the Lord? Consider it each day this week. Who has awakened in you a new prayer, a hope, an insight? Give thanks for those persons and moments as signs of God’s love for you.
Morning Prayer
As I rise this day, O God, I give you thanks for breath and life, for the people I will see today, for family, neighbors, and friends, and for those who challenge my serenity. Help me to give thanks especially for the people who pull me to new understandings and show me sides of life that I have not known or do not welcome. Urge me to follow you today; in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Evening Prayer
As the evening comes and the time for rest draws near, O God, I give you thanks for another full and mystifying day. I have not done everything I had hoped to do.
I have not forgiven myself or others as I ought. I ask now that you, who know me through and through, will lead me to let go of what I cannot change and seek anew tomorrow for a more enlightened path. I long for your guidance and your care. Guard my sleep, and let me rise renewed; in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Daily Prayer
You invite us, O God, to live in your ways, and you give us to each other to know and to love as we journey in this life. Show us your will for all creation. Help us to listen to your urgings with prayerful hearts so that we may honor what you have made, in the name of the holy Trinity, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Scripture readings next week:
Jonah 3:1-5, 10; Psalm 62:5-12; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31; Mark 1:14-20
398 When the Spirit of the Lord moves in my soul
When the Spirit of the Lord moves in my soul,
Like David the shepherd, I sing. I sing, I sing,
Like David the shepherd, I sing. David the shepherd, I sing
When the Spirit of the Lord moves in my soul,
Like David the sinner, I pray. I pray, I pray,
Like David the sinner, I pray.
When the Spirit of the Lord moves in my soul,
Like David the victor, I dance. I dance, I dance,
Like David the victor, I dance.
When the Spirit of the Lord moves in my soul,
Like David the poet, I praise. I praise, I praise,
Like David the poet, I praise.
#442 Speak, Lord, in the stillness
Speak, Lord, in the stillness, Speak your word to me;
Hushed my heart to listen in expectancy.
Speak, O gracious Master, In this quiet hour;
Let me see your face, Lord, Feel your touch of power.
For the words you give me They are life indeed;
Living bread from heaven, Now my spirit feed.
Speak, your servant listens, Be not silent, Lord;
Let me know your presence; Let your voice be heard.
Fill me with the knowledge Of your glorious will;
All your own good pleasure In my life fulfill.
#592 I, the Lord of sea and sky
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?
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?
#704 Teach me, God, to wonder
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
623 Holy, holy, holy
Refrain: Holy, holy, holy, God almighty, Lord! Holy, holy, holy, everywhere adored!
God without beginning, God eternal One
reigns and rules forever all beneath the sun [Refrain]
Power and love and wonder circling round God’s throne
Praise our God most holy, Lord of Life alone [Refrain]