Unpredictable Jan 24 2021 Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson
The Lord be with you … and also with you.
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 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 You may be curious about the dashes and dots. They are spelled out to avoid negative consequences online.
Discover amazing videos and other resources on the Camp Kintail
Storytime with Trillium https://www.campkintail.ca/storytime-with-trillium/
Kintail YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/CampKintail
The PCC website includes a new young adult series, The Weight of Waiting: https://presbyterian.ca/yas/
Remember… the church building is closed for general access. If you must enter the 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.
We will join together in a virtual Communion in the February 14th worship service. You are encouraged to have the communion elements ready at home. 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. Although we are apart across space and time, we will join together virtually to share the Lord’s supper.
We are thankful to Jean Walker, organist, for her excellent efforts in performing the music.
The focus of the Mission Moment … Providing Food for the Displaced
In Syria, conflict continues to plague the population, causing over six million people to become internally displaced. As a result, many people are faced with a lack of access to food, loss of employment, high prices and inflation, making them very vulnerable. COVID-19 has only exacerbated the situation. Working with partners at Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Presbyterian World Service & Development is providing food baskets to 7,400 families to help meet daily food requirements. During these times of uncertainty, the food baskets will provide a source of sustenance for the families.
A reminder that the Knox Goderich Session will meet on January 25th
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 December income $6,920 and expenses in $5,551 with a year-to-date deficit of $4,471.
We are preparing for the 2020 Annual General Meeting. The AGM will be a different format this year. More information will be available soon.
Have you heard that the church building has become a little chilly. Jim Knox has been diligently working on finding a solution. Not an easy task to resolve furnace issues during a pandemic. Thankfully we have the backup electric heaters. Hopefully we will have more information soon.
Call to Worship Psalm 62
Holy God, we enter into the silence of your constant and reliable presence.
We come to be still in the silence of your sacred creation to learn who God is for us.
Sacred Presence, we come together in the silence; for you, O God. God, you are our Rock, our Fortress, and our Refuge at all times, for in you we find the real home of our heart. We come to be still in the silence, to recognize that God is our hope, our peace, our joy – for all the changing times of our lives. Amen.
Prayer of Confession Jonah 3
Join me in the prayer of confession…
Forgiving God, we repent of the ways we turn from you. You call, but we do not listen; you show us your path, but we prefer our own way. Forgive us, heal us, and lead us back to you, that we might show mercy to others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
This is the word of the Lord … in Jesus Christ, you are forgiven by God and given new life. May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you.
Hymn # 634 Will you come and follow me
Prayer For Illumination
Join me in the prayer for illumination …
Speak to us your word, O God, that we may hear Jesus’ call to be his disciples. Amen.
Readings:
Jonah 3:1-5, 10; Psalm 62:5-12; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31; Mark 1:14-20
May God blessing our understand of this God’s holy word.
Unpredictable
The last year has helped us to better understand how difficult it can be to shift our perspectives. We hold onto existing ways of being for many reasons. Sometimes it is rooted in fear. Sometimes a resistance to change is rooted in a sense of comfort with the familiar. The familiar is preferred even when it is harmful. There is some form of benefit to the known, the structure of what is rather than the discomfort of the unknown. It can be formidable to step away from others to embrace a new way of being. Our readings today continue to provide the stories of people stepping away from the known and their response to the divine call on their lives.
The book of Jonah provides the story of a prophet trying to escape his calling. If you are unfamiliar with Jonah I urge you to read the short book. It is just 4 chapters. It is a story that many people feel a connection with. Today we enter the story near its end. Jonah desperately tried to avoid the divine task set out for him. He defies God, yet God persists. Perhaps you have experienced this in your life. A sense that you are called to a task or a way of being that you try to ignore. Perhaps you have experienced the grace God when you change your way of being. Perhaps you have experienced the joy of expressing your spirituality and have witnessed the positive changes in those around you. There is often a distinct shift from the culture of elbows up and protect yourself when you enter into the culture of grace, forgiveness, and understanding.
Jonah was able to witness this shift when he responded, albeit reluctantly, to the call. Jonah’s reluctance to accept God’s will may feel familiar. How often do we wish for things to be different rather than working through what is set out before us? Jonah attempted to control his life when he set out for Tarshish. Then he found himself in Nineveh where the powerful king will repent and put on sackcloth. God changed the fate of the city.
In Mark’s gospel, people responded differently to the call on their lives. Jesus proclaimed “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” He engaged with individuals and groups of people. In doing so, a new sense of community was created. The gospel, the good news, brings an incredible new way of being to humanity. It provides a way to recognize the need to repent and believe, to turn toward God. To trust that God is graciously at work.
In his writing, Karl Barth draws our attention to Jesus calling people into discipleship. Jesus spoke and the disciples responded. Jesus described what he was doing in a way that they could relate to. He called to these new disciples, he fished for them. In response, they became fishers within humanity. Jesus taught by doing, he demonstrated the ways in which the disciples could follow.
Rudolf Bultmann noted, wherever Jesus was active, the time was fulfilled and the kingdom was present. When the gospel is preached, people draw nearer to God. When the gospel is shared, people have opportunity to become vulnerable to the call of God. John Calvin recognized this passage as a structure, or paradigm, for calling people to Christ.
We are encouraged to recognize that God calls us as we are. Simon, Andrew, James, and John were not called because they had special virtues or talents. They were ordinary men who would both understand and misunderstand the teachings and parables. They would make poor choices. They would need forgiveness. They would betray Jesus and one another. They would seek to understand the teachings and live out their lives in the way of Christ. This passage helps us to understand the importance of embracing the call and engaging in our faith. This passage and the passage from last week demonstrate that we are part of a private and public faith. We are called to let go of the ways of the world and to embrace the ways of Jesus Christ. We are called to share the good news and our faith with one another. This is a continual, lifetime effort. In the letter to the Romans, Paul writes that the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable[1].
In this time of significant change perhaps we are able to recognize the need for such change. The need to embrace the ways of Christ and to reach out to one another to share the good news. We live in a time when technology allows us to maintain contact even when we are physically distanced. Pick up the phone or write a note. Discover the joys and frustrations of connecting using technology. Our most senior member of Knox Bayfield has discovered the joy of Zooming! You can too.
Our callings arrive in ways that are unpredictable. Mark reminds us that James and John “immediately” left their family to follow Jesus. John the Baptizer was called to proclaim the way for Jesus and to speak the unpopular truth to authorities. Some are called to share their faith and ministry within their existing social circle. On the other hand, some are called to leave everything behind and start in a new place, an unfamiliar land.
The scriptures help us to understand the resistance that may rise up when we are called. The gospels also tell us that Jesus was not alone. He was surrounded by people, beginning with his call to fishermen on the shoreline. Peter and Andrew, James and John had an immediate response. Jesus calls us to respond, to repent, and believe in the good news.
Cultural practices can wreak havoc with faith practices. It can become difficult to differentiate our spiritual practices with cultural expectations. We do not repent in order to receive redemption. We repent in awe of God. It is not a trade or barter system. We do not become fishers in order to meet a quota. Discipleship in the ways of Christ flow through our love of God.
The first disciples were called into new ways of being. When these men left their nets and the shoreline, they left their families and a way of life. They walked into a new way of being in every aspect of their life. They suddenly became aware of a whole new world. A world where unclean spirits were rebuked, sick people were healed, lepers were cleansed, the blind could see and the deaf could hear. They discovered that God loves all people … all people. They live with great risk of persecution as they discover a new way of living in God’s creation.
Open yourself to the divine call on your life. Look around to see how God is at work in the world. Embrace the ways in which God is present in your life.
Praise be to God.
# 645 Follow me, the Master said
The Offering Of Our Life And Labour To The Lord
Quote: Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. 1 Peter 4:10
God is our rock. Let us celebrate by fearlessly sharing a portion of what has been given to us.
Hymn: # 753 You Walk Along Our Shoreline
Blessing Of Gifts & Prayers Of The People
Join me in prayer:
God of new visions, we pray for people with privilege and power, that they may focus on you. We pray for the victims of power, that they may also focus on you.
We pray for those who bless with their lips but curse with their mouths.
We pray for those who are ill and those facing the end of life. Give them the gift of prayer that they may pour out their hearts to you.
We pray for the church and its leaders, that we may hear and respond to your call
to be fishers of people. Rock of our salvation, through Christ and your Holy Spirit
bring us into the new world that you are shaping.
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 them so we can shine your light into places of need for the sake of Christ, the Light for the World. Merciful God, you have saved us for a purpose. We dedicate these gifts as we dedicate our lives to you, that you will make us fishers of people.
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.
# 250 I danced in the morning / Lord of the dance
Benediction
Believe the good news that God is with us and calls us for a purpose!
May the God of second chances renew your sense of call. May you be inspired to go out and share the good news of forgiveness and hope!
Postlude Holy Holy Holy
Questions for Reflection
Psalm 62 ends by saying, “God, you repay to all according to their work.” Some of us may find that statement unsettling. Would you rather have God treat you with the payment you deserve or with the grace that you hope for in Jesus Christ? How do you understand God’s grace?
Morning Prayer
Loving God, no matter what I am facing today, mourning or gladness, help me to focus on you throughout it all. Then bring me home safely to you. Amen.
Evening Prayer
Loving God, thank you for the assurance that I live forgiven and loved by you.
I need your grace and want to share your grace with others. As I face this night, help me to pour out my heart to you and then rest in peace. Amen.
Daily Prayer
The present form of this world is passing away. Therefore, help us to keep our focus on you, Lord, for true power and steadfast love belong to you. Amen.
Scripture readings next week:
Deuteronomy 18:15-20; Psalm 111; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Mark 1:21-28
Hymns:
634 Will you come and follow me
645 Follow me, the Master said
753 You Walk Along Our Shoreline
250 I danced in the morning / Lord of the dance
623 Holy, holy, holy
#250 Lord of the Dance Lyrics & Music: S Carter
I danced in the morning when the world was begun,
And I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun,
And I came down from heaven and I danced on the earth;
At Bethlehem I had my birth.
Refrain: Dance, then, wherever you may be;
I am the Lord of the Dance, said he,
and I’ll lead you all, wherever you may be,
And I’ll lead you all in the dance, said he.
I danced for the scribe and the Pharisee,
But they would not dance and they wouldn’t follow me;
I danced for the fishermen, for James and John;
They came with me and the dance went on. [Refrain]
I danced on the Sabbath and I cured the lame:
The holy people said it was a shame.
They whipped and they stripped and they hung me high,
And they left me there on a cross to die. [Refrain]
I danced on a Friday and the sky turned black;
It’s hard to dance with the devil on your back.
They buried my body, and they thought I’d gone,
But I am the dance, and I still go on. [Refrain]
They cut me down and I leap up high;
I am the life that’ll never, never die;
I’ll live in you if you’ll live in me;
I am the Lord of the Dance, said he. [Refrain]
#634 Will you come and follow me?
Lyrics: Iona Community (Scotland) Music: JL Bell
Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?
Will you go where you don’t know and never be the same?
Will you let my love be shown; will you let my name be known;
will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?
Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name?
Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same?
Will you risk the hostile stare should your life attract or scare?
Will you let me answer prayer in you and you in me?
Will you let the blinded see if I but call your name?
Will you set the prisoners free and never be the same?
Will you kiss the leper clean, and do such as this unseen
and admit to what I mean in you and you in me?
Will you love the “you” you hide if I but call your name?
Will you quell the fear inside and never be the same?
Will you use the faith you’ve found to reshape the world around,
through my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me?
Lord, your summons echoes true when you but call my name.
Let me turn and follow you and never be the same.
In your company I’ll go where your love and footsteps show
Thus I’ll move and live and grow in you and you in me.
#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.
753 You Walk Along Our Shoreline Lyrics: SG Dunstan Music: J Steurlein
You walk along our shoreline where land meets unknown sea
We hear your voice of power, “Now come and follow me.
And if you still will follow through storm and wave and should,
Then I will make you fishers, but of the human soul.”
You call us, Christ, to gather the people of the earth.
We cannot fish for only those lives we think have worth.
We spread your net of gospel across the water’s face
Our boat a common shelter for all found by your grace.
We cast our net, O Jesus, we cry the kingdom’s name
We work for love and justice; we learn to hope through pain.
You call us, Lord, to gather God’s daughters and God’s sons,
To let our judgement heal us so that all may be one.
623 Holy, holy, holy Words: traditional Music: F Schubert
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]
[1] Rom. 11:29