Connections 18 April 2021 Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson
Call to Worship
We come to you, O God, to thank you for what is good.
We come to you, O God, to cry out for what is wrong.
We come to you, O God, with aching hearts and glad souls.
Let us worship God.
Hymn# 706 Come, let us sing
Assurance of Pardon
Trusting that our Creator knows us through and through, let us open our hearts to the healing of God’s forgiveness.
Join me in prayer: Good and gracious God, we repent of our failure to give as you have given to us. We beg your mercy for our fallen world and seek your Word, that we may live with the faith of Jesus. Be our solace in this life and always. We ask this as your own children, holy and incomplete. Forgive us and lead us. Amen.
God’s promises are sure: you are forgiven.
May the peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.
Prayer For Illumination
Holy God, by your Spirit reveal your radical, surprising love to us through your holy Word. Amen.
Readings
Psalm 4; Acts 3:1–19; 1 John 3:1–7; Luke 24:36b–48
May God bless our understanding of this, God’s holy word. The Word of the Lord.
Hymn # 638 Take time to be holy
Connections
Last week the passage from John’s gospel reminded us that locked doors can mean many things. Locked doors preserve privacy or boundaries and provide an assurance of safety in the dark of night. The locked door eased the fear of persecution for the disciples. The locked door helped the disciples to see the resurrected Jesus. The locked doors of the sanctuary prevent us from gathering during a pandemic and help us to see that God continues to be present in our lives. And, the locked doors have provided an abundance of time to reflect on where you find support for your faith. Scriptures teach us that God prioritizes relationship with us, offering faithful love and grace.
Our reading from the gospel of Luke is similar, yet different, from John’s gospel last week. Luke tells of the disciples and others living in confusion, fear, and terror. Their leader was dead and his body was missing. Then, Jesus appeared with words of comfort. “Peace be with you” and “Why are you afraid? At the beginning of his Gospel Luke tells us that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s plan to redeem all creation. God transforms the tragedy and the horror of the crucifixion with the resurrection. The scriptures help us to understand that from the beginning, to the law of Moses to the prophets to the Psalms through to Jesus, the focus is on God. It has always been about God and God’s purposes.
The disciples were afraid. They were afraid that the authorities. Then suddenly, Jesus is there opening their minds and setting them free from their fears. Jesus responded to their fear by meeting them where they were and offering them peace. He invited them to touch and see. He ate with them. The disciples discovered that Jesus was there in their midst despite the locked doors. Their fear turned to joy even as their disbelief lingered. It seems we cannot escape fear in life. Each of us have our personal fears, the thing or the things that set us off. The issues that seem to push away all sense of peace and puts all logic aside. It may be risk to our health, risk to our finances or to our employment. It may be a fear of being alone and isolated. Each of these threats are significant and magnified during the pandemic. There is the fear that this may never end. The risen Christ taught the disciples to calm their fear and doubts. Jesus opened their minds to bear witness to the nations of what they experienced and what they knew. They were sent out into a troubled world to heal in his name.
Nancy R. Blakely captures the work of Dorothee Soelle. Born in Germany in 1929, Soelle grew up in the time of Hitler and the Nazi regime. Her theological writing reflects her struggle with the horrors of the concentration camps and life after World War II. Her work challenges the distorted need for safety. In her essay “Jesus’ Death,” Soelle writes, “because you are strong [in Christ], you can put the neurotic need for security behind you. You do not need to defend your life like a lunatic. For the love of the poor, Jesus says, you can give your life away and spread it around.”
In our reading from the book of Acts, the narrator tells of Peter as a Jew speaking to a gathering of Jews who were amazed by the healing. Our recent book studies remind us that the early follows of Christ were primarily Jewish. There are many ways in which a distorted and warped lens shifted the meaning of scriptures through the centuries. When we look back it seems rather obvious. Anti-Semitism is contrary to the biblical witness of Peter’s love for the growing Jewish Jesus movement. We are encouraged to remember that Christ is the child of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He comes into our lives to transform our destructive way of living. Christ offers pathways to peace and understanding. Christ reveals the God of life. We are urged to reflect on the gift of faith as it is found in our hearts and souls and in the lives of others. This gift is not a possession to hide away out of sight. This is a gift to be shared with others. How better to share than in faithful relationship with God and one another.
In our reading from Acts, Peter and John were going to the temple when a lame man asked for their help. He was told that the apostles did not have silver or gold, however, they could offer healing in the name of Jesus Christ. When the man was healed he jumped up and down, praising God. Witnesses were astonished. Peter spoke to those who were amazed and he continues to speak to us today. He reminds us that it is faith in God that has healed the lame. It was not the power of the disciples, but the power of God. Peter urges them to remember how they made Jesus into a scapegoat for their fear. In this passage we are reminded of the grace and love of God. Later in Acts, Paul, who persecuted followers of Christ and ordered the stoning of Stephen, will eventually become one of the first theologians of the earliest Christian churches and a dedicated follower in the ways of Christ. Jesus has shared the gift of healing with them and they share the gift with others.
How do you share your gifts with others during the pandemic?. Many of us sit in our homes, behind locked doors, waiting for the danger to pass. Our fear may hold us captive in isolation. Some are fortunate to be in their homes with supportive families and friends. Others are struggling. Struggling to pay the bills, struggling to find safety within their homes, struggling to hold onto their gift of faith, struggling to find balance in this topsy turvy world. It is vital, and for many there is a sense of urgency, that you reach out to one another. Reach out as the pandemic continues to wreak havoc in our lives. Go for a walk and wave at your neighbour. Reach out with email, social media, telephone calls. Reach out to your elder and to me. Now is the time to put an extra effort into connecting with each other.
Connecting does not mean that you need to be witty or, quite frankly, interesting. When we connect, even in silence, a bond is formed. The more we connect, the stronger the bond. The more we connect, the less isolated and lonely we feel. What stops you from picking up the phone and calling someone you haven’t talked with for a while? Call and talk about your frustration. Your frustration may lead you into creative discussions that lead to action.
There are many signs of hope that emerge from tragedy. Beyond the 11th was started in 2003 by two American women whose husbands were killed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Susan Retik and Patti Quigley created the foundation out of their radical response to hate – compassion. Beyond the 11th partners with international aid groups to provide job training and economic opportunity to Afghani widows. Retik and Quigley found the connections helped to make sense of the world. They model the gift of open and understanding minds and hearts.
Jesus recognized the fear within the disciples. He helped them to shift away from fear and disbelief to open hearts and minds. The shift led them to share their faith with the world. Jesus brought them peace but he did not bring them security. The disciples risked their lives to follow in his way. Through the life, death and resurrection of Christ, the disciples were able to emerge with hope.
We continue to live in a world that suffers with war, poverty, and disease. The whole world is suffering with COVID and the measures taken to protect against the virus. There is assurance that God’s presence is here. God is present in the comfort, assurance, and nurture in our interactions. We witness God’s intention of peace, love, justice, and mercy when we reach out to one another with kind support.
How do we find our way into a communal response to God’s presence in the world? How do we participate in God’s work on earth? We seek justice, love, mercy, and walk humbly with God. We are each called to declare the presence and power of God in the midst of tragedy, despair, and death. As people of faith, we are to be witnesses to Christ’s presence among us, in our words and in our deeds; our faith demands nothing less. Peace be with you.
Hymn # 811 Standing at the portal
The Offering Of Our Life And Labour To The Lord
Quote: The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it. Psalm 24:1
All that we have is a gift from God. In faith and gratitude, we return a portion of what we have so abundantly received.
Blessing Of Gifts & Prayers Of The People
Join me in prayer:
Holy One, as the risen Christ opened the minds of the disciples to understand the Scriptures and gave them power through the Holy Spirit to walk boldly in this world, open your people today to the healing, wisdom, and faith given in your Word. Great Creator, we humbly offer a portion of what you have given us. All that we have is from your creative hand. All that we can give, we share through Jesus’ love. May these gifts be multiplied to provide others with joy.
We pray for peace among nations, peace throughout communities, and peace within families. May your Spirit guide leaders, governments, judges and juries.
May our actions ensure that all creatures share in the abundance of your creation. Loving God, may we have compassion for the wounds of our neighbors, the fears of individuals and families, especially during the pandemic. Hear us, O God, your mercy is great.
We pray your love will calm those who are shrouded in violence. May the pain hidden in secret be revealed and healed. Unveil the needs of our own hearts so that we may know the healing acceptance of vulnerability.
You command us to bring to you our deepest desires, O God, and we pray now for those persons and concerns that lie on our hearts, spoken aloud or in silence. . . . [A time of silence] There are many within our church family in need of your special care at this time. We lift up Ron, Sandy, Rudy, Peggy, Betty Lou, Jane, Bonnie, Jessie, Marlene, Rob, Courtney and Kyla, 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. Trusting in your abundant mercy, O God, we commend into your care all for whom we pray.
O holy One, we desire to hear your voice of love, to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, and to see you clearly. By your Spirit who breathes within us, strengthen our faith, use our gifts, and work in our lives to bear witness to Christ 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.
Hymn #670 Amazing grace
Benediction
Live with hope, share your joy, and turn to all people with gentleness. May God bless and keep you. May God shine upon you with grace and mercy. May God give you what is needed for each new day. This day and forevermore. Amen
Postlude #623 Holy, holy, holy
Questions for Reflection
When Jesus appeared to the disciples, “he opened their minds to understand the scriptures” (Luke 24:45). What is it to “understand” God’s word? How does understanding feed your faith? In the coming week, take note of one new understanding that comes to you from something you hear or read or realize through another person.
Morning Prayer
God of surprising revelations, I thank you for rest and renewal. I thank you that when you come to your people, you speak peace and invite faith in you. Make this new day a time when I will give more thanks for life than I did yesterday. Give me ears to hear your will for me, hands that are open to others, and eyes to see the beauty in your world; in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Evening Prayer
For all that has happened this day, O God, I give you thanks. Even for the obstacles I faced, I thank you. Especially when I wobbled in doubt, I thank you because I did not fall. You came to hold me strong and help me take the next step. Now give me rest, secure in your never-failing arms. Let my dreams revolve around what is pleasing and good, bringing me to a new day with zeal for your gifts; in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Daily Prayer
Almighty God, your power makes the lame walk and the dead rise to new life. We give you thanks for the love poured into our world through Christ Jesus, who opened our minds to understand what you have made, whose appearance among his followers brings peace, and who creates faith through touch and taste. Show us Jesus, even now, through the mystery of your threefold presence, one God, abiding now and forever. Amen.
Scripture readings next week – 4th Sunday of Easter
Psalm 23; Acts 4:5-12; 1 John 3:16-24; John 10:11-18
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
706 Come, let us sing
Come, let us sing of a wonderful love, tender and true, tender and true;
out of the heart of the Father above, streaming to me and to you:
wonderful love, wonderful love dwells in the heart of the Father above.
Jesus the Saviour this gospel to tell joyfully came, joyfully came,
came with the helpless and hopeless to dwell, sharing their sorrow and shame: seeking the lost, seeking the lost, saving, redeeming at measureless cost.
Jesus is seeking the wanderers yet; why do they roam? why do they roam?
Love only waits to forgive and forget; home, weary wanderers, home:
wonderful love, wonderful love dwells in the heart of the Father above.
Come to my heart, O thou wonderful love; come and abide, come and abide,
lifting my life till it rises above envy and falsehood and pride:
seeking to be, seeking to be lowly and humble, a learner of thee.
638 Take time to be holy
Take time to be holy; speak oft with thy Lord. Abide in him always, and feed on his word. Make friends of God’s children; help those who are weak, forgetting in nothing his blessing to seek.
Take time to be holy; the world rushes on; spend much time in secret with Jesus alone. By looking to Jesus, like him thou shalt be; thy friends in thy conduct his likeness shall see.
Take time to be holy; let him be thy guide, and run not before him, whatever betide. In joy or in sorrow, still follow thy Lord, and, looking to Jesus, still trust in his word.
Take time to be holy; be calm in thy soul, each thought and each motive beneath his control. Thus led by his Spirit to fountains of love, thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.
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.” Refrain
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. Refrain
670 Amazing grace
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come;
‘tis grace has brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me: This word my hope secures;
God will my shield and portion be, As long as life endures.
What thanks I owe you, and what love— a boundless, endless store—
Shall echo through the realms above When time shall be no more.
When we’ve been here ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise Than when we’d first begun.