Flesh and blood 8 August 2021 Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson
The Lord be with you … and also with you.
Welcome to worship at Knox Presbyterian Bayfield on August 8th 2021
Announcements
Mission Moment … Defying the Norm: Lydia Returns to School
Sexual assault, gender-based violence and teenage pregnancy are significant issues in Malawi. Lydia was only 15 years old when she became pregnant, and the stigma of being an unmarried, pregnant teenager led her to leave school. Left with few options, Lydia’s circumstances were reported to the community victim support unit and, with their help and guidance, Lydia was empowered to return to school where she can continue to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher. This project to strengthen community structures that respond to those experiencing sexual-or gender-based violence is supported by Presbyterian World Service & Development.
Anniversary Sunday August 22 will soon be upon us. During the month of August we are celebrating the164th anniversary as a congregation.
We are thankful to Jean Walker, organist, for her efforts in performing the hymns for the YouTube video.
Knox Bayfield will be open for in-person worship on Sunday, September 12th. More details will be available closer to that date.
Bulletin bloopers: Next Thursday there will be try-outs for the choir. They need all the help they can get.
Your contributions to the church and its ongoing work are appreciated. Your regular offerings allow the church to continue its good work. The updated financial reports for July show income $3,627 and expenses $5,195 with a year-to-date deficit of $7,253.
Faith Expressed Through the Arts. Submit your artwork for the 2022 PCC Wall Calendar. Art can nourish our souls and bring us closer to God. Deadline August 20, 2021 https://presbyterian.ca/2021/07/05/2022-wall-calendar/
The people of Knox Bayfield acknowledge that our community worships, lives, plays, and works on the traditional lands of the Anishinabewaki, Attiwonderonk (Neutral), and Mississauga peoples within Treaty 29, of 1827.
Hymn #730 O for a World
Call to Worship
Ps. 130:7; Eph. 4:30; John 6:51
By the power of the Holy Spirit our steadfast loving God reaches out to us.
Thanks be to God!
Hymn# #687 Blessed Assurance
Assurance of Pardon
Ephesians 4:26–32, 5:2
Pray with me.
Merciful God, we confess that we have not lived as your faithful children. We have been angry with the world and nursed grudges against our adversaries. We have hoarded the fruits of our labors rather than share with the needy. We have not built up our neighbors with words of kindness but have indulged in evil gossip. We have not forgiven the wrongs others have done, even though we desire your forgiveness toward us in Jesus Christ. Heal us, O God, and give us the grace to love as Christ loved us. Amen.
Let us work through our bitterness and anger together with all nastiness. Let us seek to be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven us. Thanks be to God.
May the peace of Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you.
Prayer For Illumination
Give us undivided hearts and undistracted minds, O God, so that we might walk in your truth and live in your light. God of wisdom, soften our hearts and direct our minds as we discern your holy scripture. May we be like fertile soil in which to plant your living Word. Amen.
Readings
2 Samuel 18; Psalm 130; Ephesians 4:25-5:2; John 6:35-51
May God bless our understanding of this, God’s holy word. The Word of the Lord.
Hymn # 663 God, whose love knows no ending
Flesh and Blood
The scripture readings this week speak of the flesh and blood that connects us. We continue with King David’s story and the complicated relationships within his family and kingdom. The gospel of John explores relationship with Jesus and the crowd. Our readings take us into the complexity of how we hear and understand the information shared between us.
The death of Absalom, King David’s son, is part of a complex story of love, betrayal, forgiveness, political duty, and power battles. We have followed David’s story from his youth as a shepherd who fought the giant Goliath and went on to become the King. Rabbi Joseph Telushkin writes, “As successful as David is as a monarch, so is he unsuccessful as a father. His oldest son, Amon is a rapist. His third son, Absalom is very handsome, and very spoiled.” King David’s oldest son, Amnon, was a nasty man. He raped his half-sister Tamar when she tried to comfort him during an illness. Absalom, her full-brother, took Tamar into his household to protect her. Absalom did not forgive his half-brother for the assault of their sister. A few years later, Absalom killed Amnon and then fled the country. King David mourned the death of Amnon and the loss of Absalom. In time, David forgave Absalom and he regained his place in the royal family. Telushkin writes, “Absalom does, however, have a spiritual blemish; he is a power-hungry demagogue.” When Absalom waged war against his father, the army commanders convinced the King to remain in Jerusalem. When the armies set off for battle, King David told them: “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” However, the general, Joab, outraged by the son’s treachery, killed Absalom. When David learned of his death, he could not stop weeping for his son.
This passage helps us to understand the complexities of one family’s history but how does it relate to our families, our lives, our time? In a time when we continue to see people as either good or bad. When individuals are idolized until a significant flaw surfaces. Rather than idolizing King David, we begin to understand the complexity of his life and his choices. We begin to see him as a person who, despite his deep flaws and poor choices, loved God, his family, and his people. A person who was loved by God. In this story we see the deep connections formed by flesh and blood. In our own lives we witness the deep connections with brother, sister, parent, child, spouse … people we love and yearn to be in relationship with. People we yearn to connect with. At times, we cannot or do not want to be close. At times, we cannot be in the same room. Whether good, disconnected, or toxic relationships are complicated and messy. Flesh and blood relationships are complex and messy. The scriptures share these stories to help us understand that the complexities are part of relationships. In the letter to the Ephesians, Paul describes the new way of being when we become part of the body of Christ. In this way of being, we encourage and help one another. Paul wrote, “Let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another”
The passage in John’s gospel shares how Jesus describes the living bread and the living water. Jesus said that he is the bread that comes to us from heaven. He provides a way for each of us to understand the enormity of what is being offered. This is nourishment not from the earth. It is not a result of something that we have produced. Jesus teaches that it is not our individual choices that lead us to him. Faith is not simply a decision to believe. It is not a specific religious experience, a philosophical insight, the faith of my family or geographical birthplace. It is not my economic status, social circle, or a choice that leads to the presence of Jesus in our lives. We do not save others. We are saved by the grace of God. It is grace that opens our eyes to see our individual sin. It is our need of God. God made known to the world in Jesus the Christ, the bread of life, the living water.
When Jesus proclaims that he is the living bread and the living water the people listening to him respond in confusion. They know his parents. They know him to be the son of Joseph and Mary. How can they eat his flesh and drink his blood. What on earth is he saying? Jesus continued saying that all who would follow him would be led to him by the Yahweh, his heavenly father God. No one could learn of him except by God. Whatever we need to comprehend Jesus, to come to Jesus, to see who he is and what he means, is provided by the gift of revelation. Revelation is not achieved, it is not earned, it is not controlled by us. It will “come down from heaven.”
He is from heaven and he has come to earth. He is the eternal Word made flesh. Everyday items such as bread and wine embody the essence of God. Jesus speaks of everyday, regular bread and wine. God is present among us in the routine items of life and these items embody God. The grains of the field, the grapes of the vine, our neighbours, ourselves.
William H. Willimon wrote, “Our hungers are so deep. We are dying of thirst. We are bundles of seemingly insatiable need, rushing here and there in a vain attempt to assuage our emptiness. Our culture is a vast supermarket of desire. Can it be that our bread, our wine, our fulfillment stands before us in the presence of this crucified, resurrected Jew? Can it be that many of our desires are, in the eternal scheme of things, pointless? Might it be true that he is the bread we need, even though he is rarely the bread we seek? Is it true that God has come to us, miraculously with us, before us, like manna that is miraculously dropped into our wilderness?” Peace be with you.
Hymn # 441 Can a little child like me
The Offering Of Our Life And Labour To The Lord
Quote: A faithful steward loves God first. Laura W. Watts, author
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:7-8
Blessing Of Gifts & Prayers Of The People
Psalm 130:1-7; John 6:44-51; 2 Samuel 18:5-8; Ephesians 4:25-32, 5:2
Join me in prayer:
God, we lift our voice to you. Drawn by your steadfast love and confident in your great power to redeem, we pray for the church, those in need, and all your creation. We pray you will receive our gifts, O God. May our lives be a fragrant offering that is pleasing to you.
We pray for your blessing as the church extend mercy to the outcast, kindness to the stranger, and forgiveness for all who err. Lift your creation from wandering in the wilderness to the flourishing of righteousness and life. We pray, O Holy One, that you will instill justice with mercy and truth within our nations and our neighborhoods. We lift up those who cry from the depths of poverty, oppression, illness, and despair.
May your love embrace those we now remember in our hearts. Merciful God, there are many within our church family in need of your special care. We lift up Sandy and family; Judith; Earl & Ruth; Nicole; Rudy and Grace; Cesare and Lynn; Bonnie; Rob; Courtney and Kyla; David, Sharron and William J Kelly; Jordan, Sarah and Hazel. We lift up all those who prefer to remain un-named as they face immense challenges of health and finances. We wait for you, Lord, in your word we hope.
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. Nourishing God, to you we commit our prayers through Christ, the bread of life, 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 #730 O for a world
Benediction
Ephesians 4:12
May God the Creator, Christ, and Holy Spirit, fill you with all good things, providing for you today and forever.
Postlude #623 Holy, holy, holy
Questions for Reflection
What do you hunger for in life? Do you hunger only for things you truly need, or do you hunger for things you want but which may not be good for you or for those around you?
“Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling
and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you” (Eph. 4:31–32). Have you ever experienced bitterness, wrath, anger, wrangling, slander, or malice in yourself or from others? How do you overcome and find grace to forgive?
Morning Prayer
Holy One, as I move through this new day I pray that you will keep me in union
with the faith and knowledge of Jesus. I long to live in the ways of Christ. Help me to speak the truth in love today, that I may grow into him, my savior, my teacher, and my friend, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Evening Prayer
Thank you, God, for being my traveling companion today. Instead of counting sheep as I fall asleep tonight, help me to count all the forms that your manna took
as you fed me with the bread of life today. Good night, God. I love you. Amen.
Daily Prayer
Psalm 130:7; Ephesians 4:28-5:2; John 6:35
Redeeming God, you satisfy our soul’s hunger through Jesus Christ, the bread of life. Filled with your steadfast love, let us live in love, working honestly to share with the needy, feeding others with the bread of kindness, tenderness, and forgiveness. Amen.
Scripture readings next week August 15
1 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14 and Psalm 111; Ephesians 5:15-20; John 6:51-58
730 O for a World
O for a world where everyone respects each others ways, where love is lived and all is done with justice and with praise.
O for a world where goods are shared and misery relieved, where truth is spoken, children spared, equality achieved.
We welcome one world family and struggle with each choice that opens us to unity and gives our vision voice.
The poor and rich, the weak are strong, the foolish ones are wise. Tell all who mourn: outcasts belong, who perishes will rise.
O for a world preparing for God’s glorious reign of peace, where time and tears will be no more, and all but love will cease.
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
#687 Blessed Assurance
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.
663 God, whose love knows no ending
God, whose giving knows no ending, From your rich and endless store, Nature’s wonder, Jesus’ wisdom, Costly cross, grave’s shattered door: Gifted by you, we turn to you, Offering up ourselves in praise; Thankful song shall rise forever,
Gracious donor of our days.
Skills and time are ours for pressing Towards your goals of Christ, your Son:
All at peace in health and freedom, Races joined, the church made one.
Now direct our daily labour, Lest we strive for self alone; Born with talents, make us servants Fit to answer at your throne.
Treasure too you have entrusted, Gain through powers your Grace conferred
Ours to use for home and kindred, And to spread the gospel word. Open wide our hands in sharing, As we heed Christ’s ageless call, Healing, teaching and reclaiming, Serving you by loving all.
441 Can a little child like me
Can a little child like me thank the father fittingly? Yes, oh yes, be good and true,
patient, kind in all we do; love the Lord and do your part; learn to say with all our heart:
Saviour, we thank you, Spirit, we thank you, Great God our Maker,
we thank you!
For our playing, for our rest, for the earth in beauty dressed, for the moon and sun so bright, for the day and for the night, for your patient, loving care, for your bounty everywhere:
Saviour, we thank you, Spirit, we thank you, Great God our Maker,
we thank you!
For the laughter, for the tear, for the love that meets us here, for the lessons of our youth— honour, gratitude and truth—for the great gift of your Son, for the work in us begun:
Saviour, we thank you, Spirit, we thank you, Great God our Maker,
we thank you!
730 O for a world
O for a world where everyone Respects each others ways, Where love is lived and all is done With justice and with praise.
O for a world where goods are shared And misery relieved, Where truth is spoken, children spared, Equality achieved.
We welcome one world family And struggle with each choice That opens us to unity And gives our vision voice.
The poor and rich, the weak are strong, The foolish ones are wise. Tell all who mourn: outcasts belong, Who perishes will rise.
O for a world preparing for God’s glorious reign of peace, where time and tears will be no more, and all but love will cease.