Shake off the dust 4 July 2021 Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson
The people of Knox Bayfield acknowledge that our community worship, live, play, and work on the traditional lands of the Anishinabewaki, Attiwonderonk (Neutral), and Mississauga peoples within Treaty 29, of 1827.
Hymn # 588 A prophet woman broke a jar
Call to Worship
God is mighty in word and deed. God’s mercy is everlasting. Blessed be the one holy and living God. Glory to God forever.
Hymn# 626 Lord of all power
Assurance of Pardon
Ezekiel 2:3–4
Join me in prayer … Holy God, you call us to proclaim your name, yet we are stubborn and neglect your call. By the power of your Spirit, raise us to new life that we may return to faithful living, in Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Sisters and brothers, siblings in Christ, God’s grace and mercy are never ending.
We know from the teachings of Christ that our sins are forgiven.
May the peace of Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you.
Prayer For Illumination
Come, Holy Spirit. When we are stubborn and unbelieving, open hearts to receive your Word, then set us free to follow in the power of Christ’s love. Amen.
Readings
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10; Mark 6:1-13
May God bless our understanding of this, God’s holy word. The Word of the Lord.
Hymn # 631 Jesus hands were kind hands
Shake off the dust
Our readings today speak of people transformed as they embrace God’s call in their lives. But first to clarify the names. There is Paul, also known as Saul, was a Pharisee trained in the law and Jewish traditions. He persecuted the followers of Christ until a light he heard a voice: “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” Paul went on to experience three extended missionary journeys through Asia Minor and Greece where he helped to establish and nurture congregations. Paul’s efforts continue to influence us through his contributions in the bible.
Another Saul, who lived over a thousand years before the apostle Saul, was King Saul the first Israeli King. King Saul became wary of young man in his court, David. A couple of weeks ago we heard the story of David’s initial transformation when he, as a young shepherd, defeated Goliath. He was then anointed by the prophet Samuel to succeed King Saul. Although King Saul tried to kill him, David remained loyal to him. When Saul died in battle against the Philistines, the people of Judah made David their king in 970 BCE.
The gospel of Mark was a more familiar passage. We read that Jesus was speaking in his hometown synagogue where he was rejected. Then, Jesus told the disciples that they to go on a journey with nothing but their staff. He cautioned that when they were rejected to shake the dust off their feet and continue with their journey. A familiar passage, yet there was something new for me in this reading. A connection became apparent between what Jesus lived and what he then taught. A parallel teaching that reached in and grabbed my attention. Allow me to clarify. Jesus taught and was rejected in his hometown synagogue. As he left his hometown, he taught the disciples to shake off the dust of rejection. Then, he told them this teaching in words. He demonstrated the way of being where possessions meant little, where relationships with God and one another mean … well, they mean everything.
When Jesus went into the synagogue he was no longer the young boy that the congregation had known. He was no longer the carpenter who had created their furniture. He had become the wise prophet of God. They were amazed and captivated by his teachings. They were filled with curiosity. “Where did this man get all this?” they ask. “What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands!” But their curiosity gave way. It seems that fear and contempt set in. Then, the disbelief that someone familiar to them could be a prophet of God. The fickle crowd became mean-spirited, jealous, and mocking. Jesus recognized their response for what it was. He recognized that honourable prophets are often rejected in their hometown and within their own family
Perhaps we would have a similar reaction. We tend to see what we expect to see and are slow to accept information that challenges how we understand the world. The people of Nazareth expected to see the Jesus they knew, the man who was familiar to them. It did not make sense that he would preach with wisdom and demonstrate divine power. This lesson from the gospel of Mark is complex and yet is it simple. The people of Nazareth could not accept Jesus when he was not one of them. He no longer fit within the framework of their understanding and they rejected him. Too often those who do not fit within the structure are not only rejected, they are also demonized.
This text helps us to see the importance of being curious. When we decide that we are well informed… it becomes difficult to listen. When we decide that our way of being is the one and only way, it becomes difficult to find value in the ways of others. Time and again we see the devastating impact of devaluing those who are not like us. The tragedy of setting one group against another.
How is this type of rejection justified? There is a complex reasoning set into motion. The reasoning is faulty as it rejects the command to love God and to love one another. It does not make reasonable sense, yet it offers a sense of protective comfort to those who feel at risk. It is evident throughout history. We find it in the persecution of race, gender, religion, and ethnicity. Perhaps we could pause and consider how the people of Nazareth rejected Jesus. Can you imagine encountering the living Christ in the sanctuary? Now, imagine that Christ was an individual who grew up in the congregation. A youngster you watched grow through his teens into adulthood. A carpenter who made furniture for your home. Although he was faithful and did seem set apart in some ways … how could he be standing in your midst as the Messiah? Imagine that he is speaking in ways that disrupt your understanding of how life works. Who is this Jesus? When Jesus calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee, the disciples questioned who was in the boat with them. They asked, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” In this passage those who have known him for years ask the same questions about him as they are amazed by his teachings.
Yet, we discover the disciples were able to dig in and learn from such experiences. They were able to move forward through the confusion and embrace their curiosity to discover more and more about Jesus and their roles in God’s creation. They were able to shake the dust off their established ways of seeing the world and discover new ways of experiencing God’s creation. How are you being called to be curious? Linger in your curiosity. Shake the dust off and reflect on how you are called to see and experience life through the loving eyes of God.
Peace be with you.
Hymn # 687 Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine
The Offering Of Our Life And Labour To The Lord
Quote: Gratitude may move us to give, but giving may also lead us to a deeper sense of gratitude. Mary Jo Leddy (1946– ), theologian, social activist
2 Cor. 12:9a, Luke 12:48b
The Lord said to the apostle Paul, My grace is sufficient for you… Jesus also said to Peter, Every one to whom much is given, of them much will be required. We bear witness to the love of God with our offerings of thanksgiving.
Blessing Of Gifts & Prayers Of The People
Join me in prayer:
Divine Giver, all that we have is a gift from you. Pour out your Spirit upon the gifts offered in your name that they may increase your blessing to others, through the grace and mercy of Christ.
God of heaven and earth, creator of all things seen and unseen, we join with the faithful through all ages, praying that you cast out evil and renew the face of your creation. We pray you will grant wisdom and courage to political leaders so they may act for the common good and seek the justice you command. Grant intelligence and generosity to leaders of business and industry that they uphold the dignity and safety of all people. We pray you will grant compassion and skill to healers and caregivers. May the sick and suffering know the comfort of your presence.
There are many within our church family in need of your special care at this time. We lift up Sandy and family as they mourn. We lift up Judith, Rudy, Bonnie, and Rob. We lift up all those who prefer to remain un-named as they face immense challenges of health and finances.
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 # 468 Lord dismiss us
Benediction
Go in God’s strength to love and serve. May the love of God, the power of Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit dwell surround you this day and forever more.
Postlude #623 Holy, holy, holy
Morning Prayer
Fire of life, thank you for bringing me safely through the night. As this new day dawns let me receive it as a gift and a blessing. Open my mind and senses to be fully awake to you. Attune my body to the rhythms of the day so that I can love and serve others as you guide me. If I experience hardship or pain or if I am exposed to danger, send your Holy Spirit to help me to put my trust more fully in you. Remind me that in life and in death I belong to you. Let me walk gently on the earth, thankful for your providence and grace. Let me dance joyfully with you,
mindful that I share movement with planets and stars. When the day is done and it is time to rest, grant that I can offer the day to you with thanksgiving. I offer my prayer in the name of the Beloved Son, Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.
Evening Prayer
Holy One, I lift my evening prayer as shadows cover me and night sounds come from hidden places. But darkness is not dark to you, so I ask that you hear my prayers and see me through the night. I have only the activities of the day to offer as my living sacrifice of praise. Forgive my unholiness; reconcile me by your grace. For the sake of the risen Christ, this night grant me peace. Amen.
Daily Prayer
O God of grace and mercy, you call us to proclaim your healing and faithfully fulfill your kingdom mission. Let us not count the cost of our wins and losses, but keep our eyes fixed on you as we seek your realm of peace. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
Stuff distracts us. Useless clutter we think we cannot live without can be a burden: too many coats, shoes, garden tools, or mismatched kitchen storage containers with no lids in sight as they tumble out of overstuffed cabinets. Perhaps our clutter shows up in other ways: on a computer that has grown slow from processing too many useless files, or when our minds grow dull from too much Web surfing or television viewing. Do you struggle with too much stuff? How do Jesus’ words about traveling light challenge you to change the way you live? How can you follow him more faithfully today?
Jesus charges his disciples to be vulnerable as he sends them out. The apostle Paul says that he embraces his vulnerability, “for whenever I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:10c). In what ways might God be calling you to be vulnerable today?
Scripture readings next week
2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 and Psalm 24
Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:14-29
Hymn # 588 A prophet woman broke a jar
A prophet-woman broke a jar by Love’s divine appointing.
With rare perfume she filled the room presiding and anointing.
A prophet-woman broke a jar, the sneers of scorn defying.
With rare perfume she filled the room, preparing Christ for dying.
A faithful woman left a tomb by love’s divine commission.
She saw, she heard, she preached the Word, arising from submission.
A faithful woman left a tomb, with resurrection gospel;
she saw, she heard, she preached the Word, apostle to apostles.
Though woman-wisdom, woman-truth, for centuries were hidden,
unsung, unwritten and unheard, derided and forbidden,
the Spirit’s breath, the Spirit’s fire, on free and slave descending,
can tumble our dividing walls, our shame and sadness mending.
The Spirit knows, the Spirit calls, by Love’s divine ordaining,
the friends we need, to serve and lead, their powers and gifts unchanging.
The Spirit knows, the Spirit calls, from women, men and children,
the friends we need, to serve and lead. Rejoice, and make them welcome!
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
626 Lord of all power
Lord of all power, I give you my will in joyful obedience your tasks to fulfil.
Your bondage is freedom, your service is song, and, held in your keeping, my weakness is strong.
Lord of all wisdom, I give you my mind, rich truth that surpasses our knowledge to find. What eye has not seen and what ear has not heard is taught by your Spirit and shines from your word.
Lord of all bounty, I give you my heart; I praise and adore you for all you impart:
your love to inspire me, your word to obey, I walk in your freedom to the end of the way.
Lord of all being, I give you my all. If e’er I disown you, I stumble and fall;
but, sworn in glad service your word to obey, I walk in your freedom to the end of the way.
631 Jesus hands were kind hands
Jesus hands were kind hands, doing good to all, Healing pain and sickness, blessing children small, Washing tired feet, and saving those who fall;
Jesus’ ands were kind hands, doing good to all.
Take my hands, Lord Jesus, let them work for you; Make them strong and gentle, kind in all I do. Let me watch you, Jesus, till I’m gentle too,
Till my hands are kind hands, quick to work for you
687 Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.
Refrain: This is my story; this is my song: praising my Saviour all the day long;
this is my story; this is my song: praising my Saviour all the day long.
Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending bring from above, echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
Perfect submission, all is at rest; I in my Saviour am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with his goodness, lost in his love.
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.