A sense of privilege Sept 27 2020 Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson

Section 1
Greetings to my church family and friends. May the grace of God be with you.

Announcements
Mission Moment – Presbyterians Sharing Sunday
Together we are making a difference! New church development. Partnership. International mission staff. Theological colleges. Healing and reconciliation. Leadership development. Congregational support. And more! We celebrate the generosity of congregations across Canada who support mission efforts and ministry. We proclaim the good news of the gospel as we encourage, equip, and teach about love, faith and hope … in Canada and around the world.
Presbyterians Sharing proclaims the good news of the Gospel

This worship service is on our website https://pccweb.ca/knoxbayfieldpc/ and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTYgIPqvkMsDNal0b1gCiPg
We are thankful to Jean Walker, organist, for her efforts in performing the hymns for the YouTube video. Remember to go to the end of the printed material for the lyrics to the hymns.
Remember … the bible is free online … https://www.biblegateway.com/

The Presbytery meeting was cancelled last week due to the uptick in COVID cases. The Knox Goderich Session will meet via conference call on Mon Sept 28. The Knox Bayfield Session will meet on ZOOM on Mon Oct 5.

Over the next couple of months I will be taking holidays. I will be away during the weeks of: Sept 28-Oct 4, and then Oct 19-25. Rev. Theresa McDonald-Lee has graciously agreed to provide pastoral care for both Knox Bayfield and Knox Goderich. You are encouraged to explore other worship services online and TV during my absence. Remember the Knox Bayfield YouTube videos are available anytime.
Income and Expense Update
The following chart illustrates the August income $2,920 and expenses $4,933. The year-to-date deficit is $6,431.

Section 2
CALL TO WORSHIP Exodus 17:7, Psalm 78:4, 7
Praise the Lord who is our provider. The Lord is our hope. Our trust is in God. God brought us out of bondage and has made us free. Our trust is in God. God is our hope.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
The mercy of our God is from everlasting to everlasting. Friends, hear and believe the good news of the Gospel. In Jesus Christ, God’s generous love reaches out to embrace us. In Christ, we are forgiven and set free to begin again. Thanks be to God!

# 644 May The Mind Of Christ My Saviour

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Philippians 2:3
O God, fill us with your Spirit and humble our hearts so that we can hear your Word. Amen.

READINGS: Exodus 17:1–7, Psalm 78:1–4, 12–16, Philippians 2:1–13
Matthew 21:23–32

Exodus 17:1–7
From the wilderness of Sin the whole congregation of the Israelites journeyed by stages, as the Lord commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. The people quarreled with Moses, and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?” But the people thirsted there for water; and the people complained against Moses and said, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?” So Moses cried out to the Lord, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.” God said to Moses, “Go on ahead of the people, and take some of the elders of Israel with you; take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink.” Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. He called the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarreled and tested the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”

Matthew 21:23-32
When Jesus entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?”
Jesus said to them, “I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?”
And the chief priests and the elders argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.”
And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. “What do you think? A man had two sons. The man went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ The first son answered, ‘I will not’; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and the second son answered, ‘I go, sir’; but he did not go. [Jesus asked] Which of the two did the will of his father?” The chief priests and the elders said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.”

#352 And can it be that I should gain

MESSAGE
Our readigs tody call our attention to the attentiveness of God. God listens and responds. He heard the cry for water from the Israelites and responded. Jesus heard the confusion from the people and responded
Have you noticed that conversations with Jesus are challenging? He is able to disrupt what seems to be written in stone. Our encounters with Jesus are strange and unpredictable. Many who hear his message are able to see and live in new ways.
The encounter between Jesus and the chief priests and elders address the question about the source of his authority. This question about authority is asked of Jesus by the chief priests and elders after the cleansing of the temple. The leaders believe they are the ones who truly have the authority and they are ready to challenge whatever Jesus says.
Jesus stepped around the dilemma and posed a different question. “Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” Warren Carter notes, if Jesus “claims his own authority, he admits to having no institutional or cultural legitimation, and appears to have acted against God’s purposes and certainly against theirs. If he claims God’s authority, he blasphemes (9:3) and violates their jurisdiction.”
This question uncovered their concerns. Were they really interested in discovering the true identity of Jesus? Perhaps they were concerned about their own privilege and power . Or were they concerned with maintaining the system they were familiar with?
Jesus posed a question about authority that left the people debating how their answer might be understood. Then he told a parable of two sons and posed another question. The chief priests and the elders responded by stating the son who changed his mind and obeyed the father would go to the kingdom of heaven. It would seem the chief priests and the elders did not see the relevance to their own actions and beliefs.
Can you understand their response? They hear the teaching, they understand logically the appropriate response. Yet, they struggle to see how this fits for them. In many ways, this is similar to the issue of privilege.
You may have heard this term tossed about in discussions about inequality and systemic discrimination. Privilege can be a challenging concept to wrap our thoughts around. It can be particularly challenging when you hold privilege and hold onto beliefs about those who do not. Privilege is essentially a special right, advantage, or immunity that is given to a particular person or group. It allows some to experience rights or advantages that others are not given.
Some believe that privilege is earned or a birthright. For example, royalty and heads of state are provided certain privileges of protection and luxury that others are not. Our Prime Minister and his family are constantly under the protection of the RCMP. The security measures are commensurate with the high profile position of the Prime Minister as the Head of Government. This type of privilege is not available to many within our society. Yet, there are police services that respond, when necessary, for the public.
It can be challenging to recognize when we hold a position of privilege. Perhaps that is why it is so important to discuss the events of history and our time. Matthew’s account of this encounter helps us to remember that we hold privilege and that we all have blind spots. Some of you may be wondering what a blind spot might be. We often refer to a blind spot when we drive. There is a spot in our left side vision that we cannot see. We check our mirrors and look over our shoulders to ensure we are seeing from different perspectives. In positions of oversight, we are looking to see what might have been missed by those doing the work. When Jean and I prepared for this worship service, she was able to see something that had been missed. Jean was able to identify that the Christ Candle was a little off kilter on the communion table. Her keen eyesight caught something that had been missed and she made it right. She demonstrated the concept of blind spots and provided the ability to see something that had been missed.
In some places, and for some people, a police presence is not reassuring. For many the police are a threat. It can be challenging to understand this threat if you have not experienced the terror of being judged by the colour of your skin. It is in this situation that privilege may distort your understanding of the situation. It may be difficult to comprehend how the fear arises. It may be easier to make up stories that reinforce the sense of privilege and dismiss the concerns of others.
The chief priests and the elders could understand how the reluctant son was forgiven when he changed his ways. Yet, their privilege as leaders within the community worked against seeing themselves in the same light. Perhaps they simply could not understand how this new way of understanding could possibly apply to them. They were following the teachings of their ancestors and could not see the inherent flaws within those teachings. In part, perhaps they could not see because the flaws allowed them privilege and set them apart from others.
We pray that God will open our eyes to see and ears to hear. Praise be to God.

#489 Help us to help each other, Lord

THE OFFERING OF OUR LIFE AND LABOUR TO THE LORD
QUOTE: Children must early learn the beauty of generosity. They are taught to give what they prize most, that they may taste the happiness of giving. Charles Alexander Eastman (1858-1939), Native American author

Your donations to the church are greatly appreciated. Let us give as God has so abundantly given to us. We will now receive the offering. Do good and share what you have, for such gifts are from God and are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16

BLESSING OF GIFTS *
We give thanks to you, O God, You have blessed us with all that is necessary to do your good work. May the sharing of these gifts be a source of healing for this world in need. We pray this in the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
You are encouraged to share your concerns and celebrations with the congregation. Your requests will be shared in the prayers of the people and kept in my daily prayers and the prayers of our congregation. Let us pray for all people and all of God’s creation. Exodus 17:7, Philippians 2:5
O God, who is ever present, you hear our cries and are ever faithful in your mercy. We come to you with our concerns for the world, our community, and ourselves.
May our church and its leaders be filled with the spirit and mind of Christ as we serve you and others.
We pray for our country and global community—enable our leaders to make good decisions for the good health and security of people.
A holy One, we pray for all who suffer with sickness, sadness, grief, anxiety, or abuse. May they be wrapped in your love. May they experience support and nurture within our community. .
Loving God, we know that you walk with us, and you answer when we call. There are many within our church family in need of your care at this time. We lift up Ron, Sandy and their family as Ron continues his treatment. We lift up Jan’s sister, Peggy, as she slowly heals. We lift up Betty Lou and Jane as they prepare for surgery. We lift up Bonnie as she enjoys the peace of remission. We lift up Jessie as she deals with chronic issues. We lift up her daughter, Marlene, as she heals. We lift up Rob, son of Jane and Jim. We lift up Gayle’s granddaughter Courtney. We lift up all those who prefer to remain un-named.
We rejoice, loving God, at all the extraordinary things that you are doing in the world and in our lives. May we recognize your beautiful and amazing works, for you are merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Amen.
O Holy One, although we are apart and cannot lift our voices together in one room, we continue to join in spirit to speak the words that Christ taught his disciples … 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.

# 240 Rock of Ages, Cleft for me

BENEDICTION Philippians 2:5
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ. To God be the glory.
The blessing of God be with you, the love of Jesus fill you, and the power of the Holy Spirit sustain you, now and forevermore.

CLOSING CHORUS
May the Lord, mighty God bless and keep you forever, Grant you peace, perfect peace, faith in every endeavor Lift your eyes and see His face, and His grace forever, May the Lord, mighty God bless and keep you forever.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
The tax collectors and prostitutes, who were commonly known to be sinners, recognized God’s righteousness in John the Baptist and Jesus, while the religious authorities (the elders) did not. Do you know of any comparable examples today?
What does it mean to do the will of God? Has God ever shown up in
the middle of your complaining? When have you been wandering in a “wilderness of sin”?

Section 3
Morning Prayer
Loving God, thank you for this day. Guide my mind in your way and help me to do your will. All praise, honor, and glory is yours. Amen.

 

Evening Prayer
Holy God, thank you for providing for my needs. Thank you for always being with me. Keep me through the night and put a song of praise on my lips when I rise again. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Daily Prayer Ezekial 18
Holy God, my life is yours. Renew my hearts, refresh my spirit, and help me to walk in your holy way, through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Hymns:

644 May The Mind Of Christ My Saviour
352 And can it be that I should gain
489 Help us to help each other, Lord
240 Rock of Ages, Cleft for me

644 May The Mind Of Christ My Saviour

May the mind of Christ, my Saviour, Live in me from day to day,
Jesus love and power controlling All I do and say.

May the Word of God dwell richly In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph Only through God’s power.

May the peace of God my Sovereign rule my life in everything,
That I may be calm to comfort sick and sorrowing.

May the love of Jesus fill me, as the waters fill the sea;
Christ exalting, self denying, this is victory.

May I run the race before me, strong and brave to face the foe,
Looking only unto Jesus As I onward go.

352 And can it be that I should gain

And can it be that I should gain God’s riches through the Saviour’s blood?
Died he for me, who caused his pain? For me, who him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be That thou, my God, should’st die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be That thou, my God, should’st die for me?

‘Tis mystery all! The Immortal dies: Who can explore his strange design?
In vain the first-born seraph tries To wound the depths of love divine.
‘Tis mercy all! Let earth adore; Let angels minds inquire no more.
(repeat last 2 lines)

He left his Father’s throne above, So free, so infinite his grace,
Emptied himself of all but love, And bled for Adam’s helpless race.
‘Tis mercy all, immense and free, For, O my God, it found out me.
(repeat last 2 lines)

Long my imprisoned spirit lay Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray; I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off; my heart was free. I rose, went forth and followed thee. (repeat last 2 lines)

No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in him, is mine;
Alive in him, my living head, And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach the eternal throne, And claim the crown, through Christ, my own.
(repeat last 2 lines)
489 Help us to help each other, Lord

Help us to help each other, Lord, each other’s cross to share;
let each our friendly aid afford and feel each other’s care.

Up into thee, our living Head, let us in all things grow,
and by thy sacrifice be led the fruits of love to show.

Drawn by the magnet of thy love let all our hearts agree,
and ever to each other move, and ever nearer thee.

This is the bond of perfectness, thy spotless charity.
Oh let us still, we pray, possess the mind that was in thee.
240 Rock of Ages, Cleft for me

Rock of ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in thee;
Let the water and the blood, From thy riven side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure: Cleanse me from its guilt and power.

Not the labours of my hands Can fulfil thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know, Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone; Thou must save, and thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring, Simply to thy cross I cling:
Naked, come to thee for dress; Helpless, look on thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly; Wash me, Saviour, or I die.

While I draw this fleeting breath, When my eyelids close in death,
When I soar through tracts unknown, See thee on thy judgement throne,
Rock of ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in thee.

Last will be first … Sept 20 2020 Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson

Section 1
Greetings to my church family and friends. May the grace of God be with you.

Announcements
The Presbytery will meet at the Atwood Presbyterian Church on September 23rd. Your Session will meet on October 5th.

Mission Moment – International Day of Prayer for Peace
In the midst of the world pandemic, there are millions of people living in conflict-affected countries. Many have been displaced with limited ability to meet their basic needs. Children are unable to go to school. Families do not have enough food. Presbyterian World Service & Development (PWS&D) provides emergency relief by reaching out to the most vulnerable with food, shelter, water and sanitation. They also assist with livelihood recovery, education and psycho-social support to restore strength and hope for the most vulnerable. PWS&D responds to conflict

This worship service is on our website https://pccweb.ca/knoxbayfieldpc/ and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTYgIPqvkMsDNal0b1gCiPg
We are thankful to Jean Walker, organist, for her efforts in performing the hymns for the YouTube video. Remember to go to the end of the printed material for the lyrics to the hymns.

Income and Expense Update
The following chart illustrates the August income $2,920 and expenses $4,933. The year-to-date deficit is $6,431.

Section 2
CALL TO WORSHIP Exodus 15:2, Mattew 18:35
Give praise to God! Praise the Creator, for it is God who saves. . . It is God who forgives. . . . It is God who delivers. . . . Give thanks and praise to the Lord!
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
The mercy of our God is from everlasting to everlasting. Friends, hear and believe the good news of the Gospel. In Jesus Christ, God’s generous love reaches out to embrace us. In Christ, we are forgiven and set free to begin again. Thanks be to God!
# 651 Guide me, O thou great Redeemer
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
O holy God, let the wisdom of your Word rain down on us like manna. May we be strengthened to do the work to which we are called, for the glory and honor of your name. Amen.

READINGS: Exodus 15:2–15, Psalm 105:1–6, 37–45, Philippians 1:21–30 Matthew 20:1–16
Exodus 16:2-15
The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and ate our fill of bread; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”
Then God said to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not. On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on other days.”
So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “In the evening you shall know that it was the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, and in the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your complaining against the Lord. For what are we, that you complain against us?”
And Moses said, “When the Lord gives you meat to eat in the evening and your fill of bread in the morning, because the Lord has heard the complaining that you utter against him—what are we? Your complaining is not against us but against the Lord.”
Then Moses said to Aaron, “Say to the whole congregation of the Israelites, ‘Draw near to the Lord, for he has heard your complaining.'” And as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the Israelites, they looked toward the wilderness, and the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud.
God spoke to Moses and said, “l have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.'”
In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground.
When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was.
Moses said to them, “It is the bread that God has given you to eat.”

Matthew 20:1-16
“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; and the landowner said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, the landowner did the same. And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and the landowner said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’
They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’
The landowner said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage.
Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’
But The landowner replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

# 708 When Israel was in Egypt’s land

MESSAGE
In the passage from Matthew, we are told that the first will be last and the last will be first. This seems particularly appropriate as some congregations return to the sanctuary this month. Both Bayfield and Goderich are in the midst of organizing an orderly and safe return to congregational worship. It may well be that the first to arrive will be the last to leave in order to maintain safe spaces around you. The ways that were …may be changed for quite a while. It seems that our sense of order has been turned upside down. How do we find God in the midst of all the changes? I wonder how each of you are experiencing a sense of the divine as you adjust to the many new ways of being?
When I read the scriptures I try to imagine what it had been for the different people in the stories. What was it like for Moses to lead the vast numbers of people away from slavery into the promised land? What was it like when food and water was scarce, yet God promised to provide? What was it like for those who were following Moses? How did they handle the doubt and anxiety that rose up for them? We read these familiar stories already knowing where it will go. Yet, the stories we read also relate directly to our own lives. In our lives, we do not know where the path is leading. We cannot skim a few pages to see where it ends up. Yet, we sense that God is present among us, leading us with hope and love. And, many grumble and complain. Some hoard and hold onto more than their share. We look over at what others have and want a bigger piece for ourselves. The scriptures lead us to wonder … can we learn to see through the eyes of God?
In some ways, this parable may bring to mind the story of the Prodigal Son. The faithful, older son was upset and disheartened when the younger, irresponsible brother … who was frivolous with his early inheritance… is joyfully received by their father. It seems to be unfair. The eldest who stayed home and did what he was supposed to do seems to feel cheated. That may be what the first labourers and many who hear this parable think. Was it unjust of the landowner to give those who labored all day the same payment as those who only worked a short time? Was it unfair to pay them equally? Can you understand their discontent? I wonder if their expectation for a higher wage was based on a faulty assumption.
The premise from which we live … shapes how we live. In Christ’s teachings, we are to live with the belief that God deeply and profoundly loves each individual and all of creation, that we are all made in the image of God, and that there is nothing to be done to earn or deserve God’s generosity and grace … When we live with this premise, it changes how we live. This premise changes how we encounter the manna from heaven. This premise changes how we perceive generosity and how we see one another.
Can you see the difficulty that arises when the generosity of God is interpreted through a competitive perspective? We struggle to understand God’s generosity when it conflicts with a sense of right and wrong, reward and punishment. We struggle to understand God’s generosity when we see life through the perspective of scarcity rather than abundance.
Jesus describes the parable, beginning with the owner of a vineyard going out to hire day laborers. Usually this was done early in the morning. The owner and the laborers agree on wages for the day. It was a challenging way to survive, and day laborers lived hard and often short lives. We are reminded of the social and economic conflicts in the ancient world that continue to be present in the lives of many today. In part, Jesus spoke to the reality of day laborers and the economic chaos of their lives.
The owner returned to the marketplace later in the morning and then again in the midafternoon. Each time he found unemployed laborers and promised to pay them a just wage. This is unusual since a landowner would typically hire enough laborers in the morning. So it would seem the laborers were hired, not because of the landowner’s need but for their need.
The parable continues with yet another trip to the market at the end of the day where he finds more unemployed workers who are simply told to go to the vineyard. There is not promise of payment.
The manager is then told to pay the wages, beginning with the last hired and finishing with the first hired. In this process the first hired anticipate they will be paid more for than the last hired. When they receive the same amount they are upset.
The landowner reminded them of the agreed wage for the day and of his right to do what he wants with what belongs to him. He also claims the right to be generous and just. Those called first, did the hard labor and received full payment. The parable supports justice and grace. The tough part for us to understand is that justice and grace are not items on a balance sheet to be reconciled with one another. They are both part of the character of God.
There may be confusion and conflict within us when we hear the parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard. You may find yourself re-reading the passage to be determine whether you missed a piece of the story.
Scripture reminds us again and again that God creates and re-creates. In the story of Exodus we discover God creating news ways for the people who barely survived under a system of domination and submission, rich and poor, power and oppression. In the process of forming the new way of being … God provides. The provision fulfills the basic needs with the gift of manna. The manna is basic sustenance, “daily bread.” It is a gift that cannot be controlled by human desire or need. It is a gift that is given for the needs of the people. When some try to gather more than their share, the extra manna becomes worm ridden. With manna, everyone has plenty, but no one has too much. The leaders and the servants receive the same amount. The people who work all day and the people who have little to do … receive the same amount. The able and the disabled receive the same amount: plenty, but not too much—and it is all a gift. Whenever I hear this story, I am mindful of the Lord’s Prayer: “Give us this day our daily bread” This story is retold in many ways throughout the scriptures and throughout history. You may recall when Jesus fed thousands with a few loaves and a couple of fish, and everyone has plenty and no one had too much. The different stories help us to understand how God works among us and within us.
Jesus shares the parable with the disciples as they try to understand this new way of being. Through his unsettling story we also discover how we see order in the world. This vision is one where everyone receives the necessary daily bread. This is unsettling if we believe that only those who labour receive wages. This is unsettling because it undermines the cultural beliefs that may have been formed within us.
Warren Carter writes about the odd and surprising payment to the workers:
Instead of maintaining differentiation among the laborers based on performance, instead of reinforcing the superiority of some at the expense of the rest, [the householder] has evened out the distinctions and treated them in solidarity as equals. Instead of using wages to reinforce distinctions, he uses them to express equality and solidarity.
Dorothy Day wrote, “Jesus spoke of the living wage, not equal pay for equal work, in the parable of those who came at the first and the eleventh hour.” A living wage for everyone, rather than the competitive struggle and inequality of the marketplace. Plenty, but not too much.
The parable speaks of another way of being, a different sense of order within an established structure. We witness within our Canadian society the impact of social safety nets and basic provisions for the care of people. Our Canadian healthcare system ensures that basic health needs are met. The COVID provisions are an example of how different segments of our society are understood. Some are recognized, while others are not. We can look south of the border to see the marked distinction between the two systems.
In many ways this parable helps us to discover where our beliefs are rooted. Do you see winner and loser or insider and outsider? When you pray the Lord’s prayer, do you pray for your daily bread or for the daily bread for all people? Perhaps we can begin to see that the first workers, those who had worked all day long, were concerned about more than the day’s wages. The real issue, as Carter notes, is superiority: “you have made them equal to us” . Work is more than wages, it is more than a job, it is also a symbol of place in society which can reinforce the beliefs of winners and losers, superior and inferior.
Perhaps these passages remind us that our ideas of right and wrong, of what is just and unjust, are not necessarily God’s ideas. Perhaps we need to see things from a new perspective, a different way of understanding how we fit within creation. You and I are invited and challenged to look at where we see ourselves in these readings. To see ourselves through honest and loving eyes. Most importantly we are reminded to see ourselves as beloved children of God.
Praise be to God.
# 671 I heard the voice of Jesus say

THE OFFERING OF OUR LIFE AND LABOUR TO THE LORD
QUOTE: In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle. Proverbs 23:5

Your donations to the church are greatly appreciated. Let us give as God has so abundantly given to us. God is unfailing in blessing and love. With thankful hearts, let us offer up to God a portion of what God has given us. Exodus 15:13

BLESSING OF GIFTS * Matt. 18:33, Rom. 14:7–9
O God, may these gifts be multiplied as they enable the work of love and righteousness within your creation. We offer these gifts with grateful hearts for the ministry of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
You are encouraged to share your concerns and celebrations with the congregation. Your requests will be shared in the prayers of the people and kept in my daily prayers and the prayers of our congregation. Let us pray for all people and all of God’s creation.
We rejoice, loving God, at all the extraordinary things that you are doing in the world and in our lives. May we recognize your beautiful and amazing works, for you are merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Merciful and loving God, we pray for those who are sick and those who are troubled. We lift up Ron, Sandy and their family as Ron continues his treatment. We lift up Jan’s sister, Peggy, as she slowly heals. We lift up Betty Lou and Jane as they prepare for surgery. We lift up Bonnie as she enjoys the peace of remission. We lift up Jessie as she deals with chronic pain. We lift up her daughter, Marlene, as she heals. We lift up Rob, son of Jane and Jim. We lift up Gayle’s granddaughter Courtney. We pray for their healing and relief of their distress.
We pray for all who suffer the violence and chaos of war and natural disaster. Be with those who suffer and help us to find ways to live in peace with one another. O Holy One, we lift up the people on the west coast of North America as they struggle with fires and heavy smoke.
We pray for children and for all who depend upon the support of others. Be with those who have returned to school and other places where people gather together. Guide your people to protect the vulnerable and shelter the weak. Help us to lend our strength and wisdom to those who care for them.
We pray for elected officials and for civil servants. Stir up in them a desire for justice, enable them to fulfill their responsibilities with integrity, and drive from them any spirit of selfish gain.
We pray for pastors, teachers, and all the saints who lead within your church. Grant them wisdom to know your truth and give them courage to live as faithful disciples. Be with the congregations as they re-open to public worship. Guide them in safe practices to protect the vulnerable.
O Holy One, although we are apart and cannot lift our voices together in one room, we continue to join in spirit to speak the words that Christ taught his disciples …
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.

# 704 Teach me God to wonder
BENEDICTION Exodus 15:1-13; Matthew 18:33
Go in peace, practice forgiveness, live the gospel, in the name of Jesus Christ.
Walk with strength and confidence knowing it is God who guides you.
Live for God—show mercy and love one another.
May the God who protects and defends … keep you in safety, mercy, and love.
May the blessing of God be with you, the love of Jesus fill you, and the power of the Holy Spirit sustain you, now and forevermore.

CLOSING CHORUS
May the Lord, mighty God bless and keep you forever, Grant you peace, perfect peace, faith in every endeavor Lift your eyes and see His face, and His grace forever, May the Lord, mighty God bless and keep you forever.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
Forgiveness is often difficult and challenging. When has someone forgiven you? Is there someone you need to forgive or ask forgiveness? Why is my forgiveness of others so connected to God’s forgiveness? Is every sin forgivable?
Section 3
Morning Prayer
Gracious and loving God, thank you for this day. Strengthen my resolve to love and show mercy throughout this day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Evening Prayer
Merciful God, thank you for keeping me in the safety of your arms. Thank you for new mercies and the glory you showed through the day. I pray that you will keep my family and me through the night. I thank and praise you! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Daily Prayer Exodus 15:1–12
O God who is our strength, you protect us from those who would
seek to oppress us. You have shielded us from those who would
seek to destroy the good gifts you have put in us. Your love and power never fail. Thanks and praise to you, our safety and stronghold. We exalt you, O God, majestic in holiness, for there is none like you. Amen.
Hymns:
651 Guide me, O thou great Redeemer
708 When Israel was in Egypt’s land
671 I heard the voice of Jesus say
704 Teach me God to wonder
651 Guide me, O thou great Redeemer

Guide me, O thou great Redeemer,
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak but thou art mighty;
Hold me with thy powerful hand:
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
Feed me now and evermore;
Feed me now and evermore.

Open now the crystal fountain,
Whence the healing stream doth flow;
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through:
Strong deliverer, strong deliverer,
Be thou still my strength and shield,
Be thou still my strength and shield.

When I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside;
Death of death, and hell’s destruction,
Land me safe on Canaan’s side:
Songs of praises, songs of praises,
I will ever give to thee;
I will ever give to thee.

708 When Israel was in Egypt’s land

1 When Israel was in Egypt’s land, Let my people go,
oppressed so hard they could not stand, Let my people go.

Refrain: Go down, Moses, way down in Egypt’s land,
tell old Pharaoh: Let my people go.

2 The Lord told Moses what to do, Let my people go,
to lead the Hebrew children through, Let my people go. [Refrain]

3 As Israel stood by the waterside, Let my people go,
at God’s command it did divide, Let my people go. [Refrain]

4 When they had reached the other shore, Let my people go,
they let the song of triumph soar, Let my people go. [Refrain]

5 Lord, help us all from bondage flee, Let my people go,
and let us all in Christ be free, Let my people go. [Refrain]

671 I heard the voice of Jesus say

I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Come unto me and rest;
Lay down, thou weary one, lay down thy head upon my breast!”
I came to Jesus as I was, weary and worn and sad;
I found in him a resting place, and he has made me glad.

I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Behold, I freely give
The living water; thirsty one, Stoop down, and drink and live!”
I came to Jesus, and I drank of that life-giving stream;
My thirst was quenched, my soul revived and now I live in him.

I heard the voice of Jesus say, “I am this dark world’s light;
Look into me, thy morn shall rise, and all thy day be bright.”
I looked to Jesus, and I found in him my star, my sun,
And in that light of life I’ll walk till travelling days are done.

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

 

Reconciliation Sept 6 2020 Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson

Section 1
Greetings to my church family and friends. May the grace of God be with you.
Announcements
Session met last week to discuss the work of the church. Plans are in progress for re-opening the church. More details will be announced as they unfold.
Mission Moment – World Literacy Day
In Afghanistan, cultural norms dictate that men often play a more central role in public life, while women and girls have more significant roles in the home. Because of this, many girls do not have equal access to education. Presbyterian World Service & Development (PWS&D), with the support of local partners, has been working to provide girls with access to high quality education. Through summer camps, girls are informed about human rights, gender, sex, and leadership and democracy. Sadaf and Nargi participated in this summer camp, where they were inspired and excited about the great things they could achieve in the future. For the two girls, access to fair and equal education is vital for their goals and dreams; it is also essential to allow their communities to flourish. PWS&D supports equal education

This worship service is on our website https://pccweb.ca/knoxbayfieldpc/ and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTYgIPqvkMsDNal0b1gCiPg
We are thankful to Jean Walker, organist, for her efforts in performing the hymns for the YouTube video. Remember to go to the end of the printed material for the lyrics to the hymns.
Over the next couple of months I will be taking holidays. I will be away during the weeks of: Sept 7-13, Sept 28-Oct 4, and Oct 19-25. Rev. Theresa McDonald-Lee has graciously agreed to provide pastoral care for both Knox Bayfield and Knox Goderich. You are encouraged to explore other worship services online and TV during my absence. Remember the Knox Bayfield YouTube videos are available anytime.
Income and Expense Update
The following chart illustrates the July income $5,566 and expenses $4,266. The year-to-date deficit is $4,400. You are encouraged to share your questions and concerns with your elder.

Section 2
CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 149
Praise the Lord! Sing God’s praise in the assembly of the faithful,
for God takes pleasure in the people. Let the faithful sing for joy.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON Romans 13, Matthew 18
Laying aside the works of darkness, we live in the light of Christ. Gathered in Christ’s name, surely he is among us, full of grace and truth.

# 692 Where charity and love prevail

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Holy Spirit, as your word is read and preached, pass among your people who gather around your word, physically apart and yet together in fellowship. Awaken our hearts and minds to your Word, O God. Open our minds to increase understanding, open our hearts to bind us together in your love. May your Holy Spirit guide us to do all that you command for love’s sake. We pray all this in the in the name of Christ. Amen.

READINGS:
Exodus 12:1–14, Psalm 149, Romans 13:8–14, Matthew 18:15–20
Did you know the bible is free online! https://www.biblegateway.com/?

Romans 13:8-14
Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet”; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.
Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

Matthew 18:15–20
“If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”

# 717 We cannot own the sunlit sky

MESSAGE
I was reflecting on how the scripture readings fit within this context of our time and place, here in the 21st century. A time when people are in conflict over the impact of the pandemic, race and gender relations, and family disharmony. Demonstrations and marches take place for human rights and there is a backlash against those who seek fair treatment. In Canada there has is a significant increase in people reaching out to the police, women’s shelters and other social services because of a rise in domestic violence. Conflict is evident in the news reports every day. We can turn toward the issues to understand or turn away and stay in the dark.
I am intrigued by the perceptions that people develop. Opinions are sometimes formed without much information. Engaging in deeper discussion allows us to discover where misconceptions may be. One example involves my children, all adults now and better informed. When they were younger they were under the impression that my siblings were much better at housekeeping than their mother. Every time we would visit, their homes were immaculate and festive. So, they believed the home was always in such good shape. They did not see the scurrying ahead of the family gathering. They did not experience the parents struggling to get the kids to help out. They did not hear the squabbles that would erupt as the family gathering drew closer. Their child viewpoint allowed them to see just a snippet of the whole event. It also allowed them to grow into the understanding that dust bunnies and cobwebs are known to occur in other homes.
I wonder if this might be part of the struggle for people who are not part of a faith community. There are many times when people have expressed the idea that everyone always gets along at church. That conflict and disagreement is not present. Perhaps this is part of the dilemma. The anticipation is that Christians are to be Christ-like, without sin, without conflict. As I write this, I recognize that many within faith communities hold people to the same unrealistic standard. It is important to recognize that we do make mistakes, we do behave badly, we do harm one another. It is in this acknowledgement that we are able to seek healing and reconciliation.
Each week the assurance of pardon recognizes our very human ability to step away from the ways of Christ, to turn away from God, to sin and to carry the burden of that sin. The assurance of pardon reminds us of God’s loving forgiveness and unending grace offered to each of us. We are reminded of the need to seek healing within ourselves and with one another.
The passage from Matthew helps us to understand how to deal with conflict within the church. The intent is to listen and talk through whatever issues have divided or offended. The purpose is to seek forgiveness and reconciliation. To pause and reflect on how the commandment to love God and to love our neighbor as ourselves might help us with disagreement and division?
This passage comes in the middle of Jesus teaching about relational life in the church. Believers are to be diligent in their care for one another. forgiving one another seventy times seven if necessary. Which leads to the question, what to do when a sibling in Christ acts against you?
One way to understand is to consider the apostle Paul’s imagery of the body of Christ. Each part of the body is of great value, one is not better than the other. The church is not group that is led by the powerful, or determined by the majority; it is a fellowship of believers who have united with Jesus Christ leading. In this fellowship of believers there will be conflict, differing opinions, different visions. In the midst of the differing opinions and conflict, in the midst of the harm that will occur, we are to remember that all of the commandments can be summed up by Paul in his letter to the Romans ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.’
Conflict within the church, within our families, within our communities and the nations is not new. It was present in the time of Christ and will continue to be present. Jesus speaks of one sinning against the other. Is this sin related to the commandments or does it also include self-serving behaviours that rupture the unity in fellowship. These ruptures disrupt the community and often result in deep hurt within individuals. People may leave the church in anger and carry the scar from the disruption. Divisive actions impede the work of the church and causes harm within the community.
Jesus commands that we never to give up, never stop reaching out in love. We yearn for grace to restore what has been broken. Too often relationships end when the difficulties occur. The wounds are deep when people are abandoned in a time of need. Yet, we are told to ‘bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven’. The church is intended to prayerfully seek the will of God, to forgive and to heal. This sounds wonderful, yet in our culture where the focus is on independence and self-reliance. We are reminded that within the church we understand the inter-dependence of community. We hold onto the value of rejoicing and suffering with one another.
Ubuntu is a South African (Zulu) philosophy that recognizes the practical aspects of inter-connection. Nelson Mandela describes Ubuntu as, “I am because we are”, and, “a person is a person through other persons”. Ubuntu recognizes the power of shared humanity within community and the interconnected nature of creation. The apostle Paul understood the church as a place of mutual interdependence, where each member is incomplete without the other, where the suffering of one is the suffering of all, and where the honor of one leads to the rejoicing of all. When conflict arises, the conflict impacts the whole community.
Many of you will likely be able to recall deeply painful moments in your faith community. In part the conflict may have felt more painful if you expected that it should not occur. Yet, Jesus seems to assume there will be conflict among his followers. So, we are assured that such conflict is expected. It is in our efforts to resolve the issues that we will find healing. We are called to resolve the issues through reconciliation of the issues.
Jesus teaches that we are to reconcile with the offending person, one on one. To reach out and speak the truth in love. If we are unable to resolve the issue, we are to ask others to join us in the effort. It is important to note that such efforts are intended to seek understanding, healing, and reconciliation. It is not intended to control or manipulate. It is in this process that the whole discussion can be explored and healing is possible. This is not possible if the offender is embarrassed, humiliated, or shamed
It is when the offender refuses to participate in the healing and reconciliation that they are treated like an outsider. It is in their actions of violating mutual respect and responsibility that they lose their place in the community. This passage from Matthew has been referred to as the Rule of Christ as it defines the concept of intervention when there is dis-unity within the community. The goal is to seek to forgive the offender, to offer care in a spirit of humility. The focus here is for the offended to seek reconciliation with the offender.
As you hear this, you may think of certain situations happening worldwide. Your thoughts may go to the efforts of healing and reconciliation with the Aboriginal communities. Where for years they have been reaching out, seeking healing and reconciliation and it is time to really step up and recognize our responsibilities in joining the conversations. In seeking to better understand how the harm has occurred and how it can be redressed. WE can think of the many demonstrations going on where people are seeking to be recognized as human. As valid within the culture and society. You can see how rights have been damaged and they are seeking to have recognition for the healing and reconciliation. Old systems must be changed to allow for new systems to be effective for all. There is an effort to reach out to the one who has stumbled. This is not to burden the offended but to offer a path for healing.
During this challenging time of health and economic instability we are called to deepen our connections with one another. Perhaps in reaching out to better understand others, we actually begin to better understand how God is present among us.
# 650 He leadeth me

THE OFFERING OF OUR LIFE AND LABOUR TO THE LORD
QUOTE: Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow. Melody Beattie (1948 – ), author
Your donations to the church are greatly appreciated. Let us give as God has so abundantly given to us. We will now receive the offering. Do good and share what you have, for such gifts are from God and are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16

BLESSING OF GIFTS *
We give thanks to you, O God, You have blessed us with all that is necessary to do your good work. May the sharing of these gifts be a source of healing for this world in need. We pray this in the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
You are encouraged to share your concerns and celebrations with the congregation. Your requests will be shared in the prayers of the people and kept in my daily prayers and the prayers of our congregation. Let us pray for all people and all of God’s creation.
Merciful and loving God, you know our needs before we name them in prayer. You hear our prayers knowing that we truly need your love. May you hear these prayers for your people. We give you thanks for walking among us in Jesus the Christ. We give you thanks, loving God, for being our strength when life becomes difficult and overwhelming.
We are thankful for your call to be a missional church, to reach out into your world with the gifts and resources you have provided. We pray for all people, that they will hear you and respond to your gift of faith. We pray your call will guide them to fruitful lives in your service.
We pray for all leaders. May they recognize their responsibility to lead with compassion and wisdom. O holy One, your people are in need of healing during this time of the COVID pandemic. Guide leaders to protect their people, to care for those who have been affected by this insidious virus, to implement protection for the safety of all. Communities and nations are at risk of illness and death. Economies struggle to recover and individuals struggle to support their families.
We pray for those who feel ill-equipped or hesitant for the tasks you set before them. May your Spirit guide, encourage and empower them in what to say and do.
We pray for those who are ill, for those who suffer chronic conditions that cause pain physically, spiritually, or psychologically. May they experience healing and freedom.
We pray for the wisdom to recognize what is good, especially when the letter of the law is in opposition to a spirit of love and grace. We pray for all people of faith, that we will understand the heart of our faith and reject rules and structures that are against your will.
O holy and wondrous God, there are many within our church family in need of your care at this time. We lift up Ron, Sandy and their family as Ron continues his treatment. We lift up Jan’s sister, Peggy, as she slowly heals. We lift up Betty Lou and Jane as they prepare for surgery. We lift up Bonnie as she enjoys the peace of remission. We lift up Jessie as she deals with chronic pain. We lift up her daughter, Marlene, as she heals. We lift up Rob, son of Jane and Jim. We lift up Gayle’s granddaughter Courtney. We lift up all those who prefer to remain un-named. Loving God, hear our prayers.
We rejoice, loving God, at all the extraordinary things that you are doing in the world and in our lives. May we recognize your beautiful and amazing works, for you are merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Amen.
O Holy One, although we are apart and cannot lift our voices together in one room, we continue to join in spirit to speak the words that Christ taught his disciples
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.

# 324 Great is thy faithfulness

BENEDICTION
God’s commandments encourage daily faithfulness. Love God, love your neighbor, love yourself … to fulfill all that God intends. May the grace of Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit sustain you until all things in heaven and on earth are reconciled.
CLOSING CHORUS
May the Lord, mighty God bless and keep you forever, Grant you peace, perfect peace, faith in every endeavor Lift your eyes and see His face, and His grace forever, May the Lord, mighty God bless and keep you forever.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
The passage from Matthew is concerned with church discipline in a time of conflict. The focus is not on punishment or blame, but on listening and talking through what has divided or offended. In this way forgiveness and reconciliation is possible.
Has there been a time in your congregation’s life or in your own life when conflict or an offense caused breaks in relationship? How might this reading from Matthew have helped that situation? How does the commandment to love God and to love our neighbor as ourselves inform our handling of disagreement and division?

Section 3
Morning Prayer
O God of this and every morning, as I begin this day, call my name; as I step into this day, guide my feet; as I live this day, care for those I love; as I learn this day, teach me your ways. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Household Prayer: Evening

Evening Prayer
God of stars and planets, the setting sun ends this day for us as it rises on a new day for others. For us and for them, be light in every darkness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Daily Prayer
From the beginning until now, loving God, there are times when we have turned away from you. Yet you will not abandon us. You call out for us to turn to you. Even when we fall away from brothers and sisters, our siblings in the church, you remain with us. Help us to love as you love— wholeheartedly— until we are reconciled to you and to our neighbor. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.

Hymns:
692 Where charity and love prevail
717 We cannot own the sunlit sky
650 He leadeth me
324 Great is thy faithfulness

692 Where charity and love prevail

1. Where charity and love prevail, there God is ever found
Brought here together by Christ’s love, by love are we thus bound.

2. With grateful joy and holy fear God’s charity we learn
Let us with heart and mind and soul now love God in return.

3. Forgive we now each other’s faults as we our faults confess;
And let us love each other well in Christian holiness.

4. Let strife among us be unknown, let all contention cease;
Be God’s the glory that we seek, be ours God’s holy peace.

5. Let us recall that in our midst dwells God’s begotten Son;
As members of his body joined, we are in Christ made one.

6. No race or creed can love exclude, if honored be God’s name;
Our family embraces all whose Father is the same.

#717 We cannot own the sunlit sky

1. We cannot own the sunlit sky, the moon, the wildflowers growing
For we are part of all that is within life’s river flowing
With open hands receive and share the gifts of God’s creation
That all may have abundant life in every earthly nation

2. When bodies shiver in the night, and, weary, wait for morning,
When children have no bread but tears, and war horns sound their warning
God calls humanity to wake, to join in common labour
That all may have abundant life in oneness with their neighbour

3. God calls humanity to join as partners in creating
A future free from want of fear, life’s goodness celebrating
That new world beckons from afar, invites our shared endeavour
That all may have abundant life and peace endure forever

#650 He Leadeth Me

1. He leadeth me: oh blessed thought! Oh words with heavenly comfort fraught! Whate’er I do, where’er I be still ‘tis God’s hand that leadeth me.

Refrain: He leadeth me! He leadeth me! By his own hand he leadeth me!
A faithful follower I would be, for ‘tis God’s hand that leadeth me.

2. Sometimes ‘mid scenes of deepest gloom, sometimes where Eden’s flowers bloom, by waters still, o’er troubled sea, still ‘tis God’s hand that leadeth me!
Refrain

3. Lord, I would clasp thy hand in mine, nor ever murmur nor repine,
content, whatever lot I see since ‘tis my God that leadeth me!
Refrain

4. And when my task on earth is done, when by thy grace the victory’s won,
e’en death’s cold wave I will not flee, since God through Jordan leadeth me.

#324 Great is Thy Faithfulness

1. Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father
there is no shadow of turning with thee
thou changest not; thy compassions they fail not
as thou hast been, thou forever wilt be
Refrain: Great is thy faithfulness, Great is thy faithfulness
morning by morning new mercies I see
all I have needed thy hand hath provided
great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me

2. Summer and winter and springtime and harvest
sun, moon and stars in their courses above
join with all nature in eloquent witness
to thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Refrain

3. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide
strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Refrain

September 2020 newsletter Bayfield

https://presbyterian.ca/2020/08/27/moderator-message-school-re-openings/

The Moderator Issues a Message of Encouragement Prior to School Re-Openings
All summer I’ve been walking and praying for the church, and Presbyterians across the country have been sharing this pilgrimage of prayer with me. Our focus has been on congregations, their members and their leaders, and we have prayed for every Presbyterian church from the West coast to the East.

Foremost in our prayers has been the concern for congregations coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, finding new ways to worship, provide pastoral care and continue their mission work in this new context. We’ve also been praying for one another as we make decisions about re-opening our churches, asking God for wise answers to the questions of if, when and how to gather in person again in our churches.

Over the last few weeks, however, my prayers have shifted a little to focus on the students and families in our churches and communities. After what has been described as “the longest March break ever,” schools across the country are preparing to re-open. Many students, parents, teachers and administrators are feeling worried and anxious about how this is going to work.

What will it be like to teach and to learn wearing masks all day? How will physical distancing be maintained with so many students in small spaces? How will health screening happen so that students who are sick do not share their illness with others? What will happen if there is an outbreak in one or more of our schools?

Amanda
In the midst of all this uncertainty, I see Presbyterians across the country asking questions and raising concerns to governments and school boards. Many of you are not only worrying but also advocating for clear and practical plans so that schools can keep students, teachers, families and communities safe while providing education for all. You are in my prayers, friends, especially those of you who are parents, and especially those of you who are teachers.

Perhaps in these days leading up to the new school year, you might keep Philippians 4:4–9 nearby and read it again whenever you are feeling anxious, overwhelmed or negative about this continuing pandemic situation and its impact on our children and families:

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

As schools across Canada prepare to re-open soon, let us pray for all students, teachers, parents and administrators, that they may have peace in their hearts, wisdom in their minds, and all the resources required for a safe and fruitful school year for all.

—The Rev. Amanda Currie
Moderator of the General Assembly

Take up your cross August 30 2020 Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson

Section 1
Greetings to my church family and friends. May the grace of God be with you.

Announcements

Session will be meet on Zoom – Monday August 31st.

Mission Moment – Sharing the Good News with Each Other
In only three years, the Presbyterian Connection newspaper has become a much-loved resource for the national denomination. The newspaper is distributed four times a year to churches and individuals across Canada. The mission of Presbyterian Connection is to equip leaders, connect congregations and missions, facilitate communication, and highlight denominational work. Sharing our successes and celebrating our ministries through stories, reflections, interviews and articles not only keeps congregations and Presbyterians continually informed and connected, but also strengthens our denominational ties across the country. Support from Presbyterians Sharing helps to ensure this important ministry continues. Presbyterians Sharing shares the good news

The Moderator Issues a Message of Encouragement Prior to School Re-Openings https://presbyterian.ca/2020/08/27/moderator-message-school-re-openings/
All summer I’ve been walking and praying for the church, and Presbyterians across the country have been sharing this pilgrimage of prayer with me. Our focus has been on congregations, their members and their leaders, and we have prayed for every Presbyterian church from the West coast to the East.
Foremost in our prayers has been the concern for congregations coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, finding new ways to worship, provide pastoral care and continue their mission work in this new context. We’ve also been praying for one another as we make decisions about re-opening our churches, asking God for wise answers to the questions of if, when and how to gather in person again in our churches.
Over the last few weeks, however, my prayers have shifted a little to focus on the students and families in our churches and communities. After what has been described as “the longest March break ever,” schools across the country are preparing to re-open. Many students, parents, teachers and administrators are feeling worried and anxious about how this is going to work.
What will it be like to teach and to learn wearing masks all day? How will physical distancing be maintained with so many students in small spaces? How will health screening happen so that students who are sick do not share their illness with others? What will happen if there is an outbreak in one or more of our schools?
In the midst of all this uncertainty, I see Presbyterians across the country asking questions and raising concerns to governments and school boards. Many of you are not only worrying but also advocating for clear and practical plans so that schools can keep students, teachers, families and communities safe while providing education for all. You are in my prayers, friends, especially those of you who are parents, and especially those of you who are teachers.
Perhaps in these days leading up to the new school year, you might keep
Philippians 4:4–9 nearby and read it again whenever you are feeling anxious, overwhelmed or negative about this continuing pandemic situation and its impact on our children and families:
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
As schools across Canada prepare to re-open soon, let us pray for all students, teachers, parents and administrators, that they may have peace in their hearts, wisdom in their minds, and all the resources required for a safe and fruitful school year for all. —The Rev. Amanda Currie, Moderator of the General Assembly

This worship service is on our website https://pccweb.ca/knoxbayfieldpc/ and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTYgIPqvkMsDNal0b1gCiPg
We are thankful to Jean Walker, organist, for her efforts in performing the hymns for the YouTube video. Remember to go to the end of the printed material for the lyrics to the hymns.
Income and Expense Update
The following chart illustrates the July income $5,566 and expenses $4,266. The year-to-date deficit is $4,400. You are encouraged to share your questions and concerns with your elder.

Section 2
CALL TO WORSHIP Exod. 3:15; Ps. 105:3, 45b
The God of our ancestors calls us to worship. Praise God!
Let the hearts of those who seek God rejoice. Praise God!

ASSURANCE OF PARDON
God’s forgiveness shines into the world and the darkness scatters.
Jesus knows our every strength … our every weakness, and loves us still.
We are called to the promise of God’s amazing grace.
Thanks be to God. Amen.

# 704 Teach me, God, to wonder

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
O Holy One, you reveal your truth in your life-giving word. May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable to you, O Lord, Our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen.

READINGS: Exodus 3:1-15, Psalm 105: 1–6, 23–26, 45b, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16: 21–28
Did you know the bible is free online! https://www.biblegateway.com/?

Exodus 3:1-15
Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; he led his flock beyond the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of a bush; he looked, and the bush was blazing, yet it was not consumed.
Then Moses said, “I must turn aside and look at this great sight, and see why the bush is not burned up.”
When God saw that he had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” He said, “Here I am.” Then God said, “Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” God said further, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.
Then God said, “I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them from the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the country of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. The cry of the Israelites has now come to me; I have also seen how the Egyptians oppress them. So come, I will send you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.”
But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”
God said, “I will be with you; and this shall be the sign for you that it is I who sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God on this mountain.”
But Moses said to God, “If I come to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?”
God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” God said further, “Thus you shall say to the Israelites, ‘I am has sent me to you.'” God also said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the Israelites, ‘The Lord, the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you’: This is my name forever, and this my title for all generations.”

Matthew 16:21-28
From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.
And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.”
But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.” Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
May God bless our understanding of this God’s holy word.

# 299 Holy, holy, holy

MESSAGE
The passages from Exodus and the gospel of Matthew carry rich theological themes. God calling to Moses, Jesus calling to his disciples. In the letter to Romans, the apostle Paul describes the ways in which to embody the love of God in our call to follow in the ways of Christ. Each of these passages calls us to open our eyes a little wider, to hear the deeper gospel message. The passages are intended to be heard by people, ordinary people, who can gain meaning and perspective in everyday life.
Much has happened since our reading in Exodus last week. When Moses was raised in the home of the Pharaoh he was influenced by two significant ways of being. The household and political influence of the Pharoah and the influence of his birth mother’s faith. When Moses saw the Egyptian abuse the Hebrew people, he took action. This led him to flee to Midian where he married Zipporah and became a father. It is here that we re-enter the story of this man who was born a Hebrew slave, became a member of the Pharaoh’s family, and then a shepherd tending his father-in-law’s flock. It is here that he is called to lead the Israelite’s out of oppression and into freedom.
We enter into the story of God responds to the Israelites who are groaning under slavery. Perhaps Moses was trained as a shepherd in preparation for his unfolding role as the leader of the Hebrews. It is interesting to note that the negative aspects of being a shepherd at that time in Egypt. In the book of Genesis we discover that “all shepherds are abhorrent to the Egyptians.” Moses, raised in Pharaoh’s home, took on the objectionable role of shepherd. Moses, as a shepherd of Israel, would use his shepherd’s staff to guide the slaves out of Egypt.
In this portion of the story, we encounter the familiar scene of Moses at the burning bush. There was an angel. The call of God. And, Moses replied, “Here I am”. This is similar to God calling Abraham to a holy mountain where there was fire and sheep. We hear it again when God calls Samuel by repeating his name … with the same response. A similar interaction occurred with the angel Gabriel and Mary. Each individual replies with, “Here am I” Faithful individuals respond to God’s call. Ordinary people who become intricately involved in the divine plan for God’s creation. Ordinary people who are intimidated by the overwhelming nature of the call. People who seek ways to step away from their call. People who see the barriers that will prevent them from fulfilling such important tasks. Yet, they respond.
Brevard Childs wrote, “What began as just another day doing the same old thing, turned out to be an absolutely new experience for Moses. The old life of shepherding was ended; the new life of deliverer was beginning. The transformation is recorded in the interaction of God with Moses. The initiative is shifted from Moses to God. The ordinary experiences emerge as extraordinary. The old has been transformed into the new.”
Moses takes the bold step of question God. Yet, these very questions result in Moses receiving clear instructions. Perhaps this can provide us with assurance for our questions, debates, and hesitancy. Perhaps, when we step back and consider the events, we can see a fuller complexity of the individuals involved in the scriptures. In our witness to their very human responses, we can better understand our own lives and our choices. When we discuss our wonderings about God and the people in the scriptures, we discover where it God is leading them in the story. We also discover how God is leading in our story. It is in the relationship that God develops with individuals that we come to recognize our inherent value as God’s children.
The gospel stories invite us to die to our old way of being, in order to rise up in this new way of Jesus Christ. In this transformation, God’s love guides us out of a futile life into a fruitful life. This new life is for all people, the faint of heart and the inherently courageous.
Jesus teaches as a good shepherd tends to their flock. He lives with, leads, and feeds his sheep, heals their wounds, protects them from their enemies, sleeps in the same fold as them, and is willing to lay down his life for them. He endures suffering because he is the shepherd of the real, messy, flesh-and-blood people.
Why is there a tendency to embrace the goodness of Jesus and to avoid the pain of the cross? In a letter to the church in Corinth, the apostle Paul wrote that, Christ crucified is a stumbling block to Jews like Peter—and foolishness to Gentiles, everyone else.
Within the reformed church, as the body of Christ, we engage as a church that is always reforming. We do this to live in solidarity with the ways of Jesus.
What does it mean to you, to take up your cross? This expression is found in the gospel of Mark and the Gospel of Thomas. We know that crucifixion would have been a familiar sight to people in Palestine at that time. It was an intimidation and control measure used by the Roman empire. This passage indicates a major transition as Jesus heads into his final journey to Jerusalem and his teaching becomes more intense. Although the disciples affirm their faith in Christ, they have difficulty fully grasping his teachings.
Peter struggled to understand that Christ would suffer. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.”” Jesus reprimanded him, telling him to literally stop getting in the way. The temptation is to impose our will on God. How often do we object to the way things are –seeking the easier, less painful route. How often do we plead for bargains with God?
Jesus did not reject Peter, he reminded Peter of his place in the divine story. It was not Peter’s will to be done but God’s. How then do we reconcile suffering in discipleship? Do we see suffering as some form of faith-less-ness?
Jesus helps us to see that it is not possible to escape suffering. Even the messiah in his human form did not escape suffering and death.
When Jesus carried His cross up Golgotha it was not a symbolic burden. In that time and place, the cross was the reality of an intensely painful and humiliating death. The cross is much more than a symbol of forgiveness, grace, and love. It is a symbol of surrender to the divine, a symbol of giving up one way of being in order to embrace the ways of Jesus Christ. Jesus brings a new way of being, a new way of seeing and experiencing this life in the here and now. Within the context of the Roman Empire, those who followed Jesus believed he would topple that empire and become their new leader. They believed that he would free them from the Roman oppression, the convoluted religious rules, and the restrictive cultural standards of the day. They believed this would happen by removing those in power and creating a new kingdom. Yet, he was telling them that he would die at the hands of the oppressors. How could this be?
It is a life changing process in which deeper insight into the ways of being are developed. There can be deep challenges as the change occurs. There may friction with friends and family. Others may struggle to understand the changes you make to your life which can cause conflict and rejection. What is your cross to bear? Is it a burden or suffering to carry? A difficult relationship, illness, financial hardship or other suffering?
The amazing gospel story connects the divine with the earthly. God chose to be present among humanity to show a different way of being. Jesus was a Jewish man in the Roman Empire, who lived in the messiness of humanity. He died because of our collective human dysfunction and fear. To follow in his way we too must become vulnerable within ourselves and with one another. We step into the messiness of life with a willingness to embrace one another just as God embraces us. We join together in recognizing God’s presence among us and within us. Praise be to God.

# 592 I the Lord of sea and sky

THE OFFERING OF OUR LIFE AND LABOUR TO THE LORD
QUOTE: The riches of life are to be shared. Life at its best is lived through giving, not getting; helping not hoarding. Kennon Callahan (1936 – ), pastor, author

Your donations to the church are greatly appreciated. The expenses for our faith community continue even though we are not gathering in the church building, the work of the church continues in so many ways. Let us give as God has so abundantly given to us.

BLESSING OF GIFTS *
Almighty God, receive the gifts that we offer with grateful hearts. May we be of service for your ministry in the world, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
You are encouraged to share your concerns and celebrations with the congregation. Your requests will be shared in the prayers of the people and kept in my daily prayers and the prayers of our congregation. Let us pray for all people and all of God’s creation.

Listening God, just as you heard the prayers of the Israelites, may you hear our prayers, spoken and silent.
We pray for peace where there is conflict . . .
For food where there is hunger . . .
For hope where there is despair . . .
For healing where there is sickness . . .
For faith where there is fear . . .
O holy and wondrous God, there are many within our church family in need of your care at this time. We lift up Ron, Sandy and their family as Ron continues his treatment. We lift up Jan’s sister, Peggy, as she slowly heals from extensive heart surgery. We lift up Betty Lou as she prepares for surgery. We lift up her daughter, Bonnie, as she enjoys the peace of remission. We lift up Jessie as she deals with chronic back pain. We lift up her daughter, Marlene, as she continues to heal. We lift up Rob, son of Jane and Jim. We lift up Jane as she prepares for surgery. We lift up Gayle’s granddaughter Courtney. Loving God, hear our prayer…
Gracious and merciful God, abounding in steadfast love, we join our voices with all that you have made in speaking your praises and blessing your name.
O Holy One, although we are apart and cannot lift our voices together, we speak the words aloud that Christ taught his disciples, 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.

# 475 I am the church! You are the church!

BENEDICTION
Go in peace to love and serve.
We take up our cross to follow in the way of Jesus, our Lord.
The blessing of God be with you, the love of Jesus fill you,
and the power of the Holy Spirit sustain you,
now and forevermore.

CLOSING CHORUS
May the Lord, mighty God bless and keep you forever, Grant you peace, perfect peace, faith in every endeavor Lift your eyes and see His face, and His grace forever, May the Lord, mighty God bless and keep you forever.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
How can your life include a faithful response to Jesus’ charge that his followers must “deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Matt. 16:24)?
What does it mean for me to take up my cross and follow Jesus?
How do I practice that in my daily life?
How is the cross I am asked to bear related to the cross of Jesus?

Section 3
Morning Prayer
Lord Jesus, I do not know what crosses may arise before me, but give me courage to resist systems of injustice, strength to reject structures of oppression, and wisdom to unmask powers of evil, that I may live as a faithful disciple whose life belongs to you. Amen.
Evening Prayer
Lord Jesus, if I have lived this day for worldly gain, re-center my life, set me on the path of sincere discipleship, and lead me in the way that leads to eternal life. Amen.
Daily Prayer Psalm 105:5
God of mystery and might, whose wonderful works are to be remembered, move in my life, change my minds, soften my hearts, direct my feet, that I may follow you more faithfully. I seek to follow Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

Hymns: 299 Holy, holy, holy
475 I am the church! You are the church!
592 I the Lord of sea and sky
704 Teach me, God, to wonder

#299 Holy, holy, holy

Author: Reginald Heber (1827) Music: JB Dykes, CS Lang

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God almighty!
early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty,
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! all the saints adore thee,
casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea,
cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
who wert and art and evermore shalt be.

Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide thee,
though our eyes in sinfulness thy glory may not see,
only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,
perfect in power, in love and purity.

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God almighty!
all thy works shall praise thy name in earth and sky and sea.
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty,
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity.

#475 I am the Church

Author, Music: R Avery, D Marsh

Refrain: I am the church! You are the church!
We are the church together!
All who follow Jesus, all around the world!
Yes, we’re the church together!

The church is not a building; the church is not a steeple;
the church is not a resting place;
the church is a people. Refrain

We’re many kinds of people, with many kinds of faces,
all colours and all ages, too,
from all times and places. Refrain

Sometimes the church is marching; sometimes it’s bravely burning;
sometimes it’s riding, sometimes hiding;
always it’s learning. Refrain

And when the people gather, there’s singing and there’s praying;
there’s laughing and there’s crying sometimes,
all of it saying: Refrain

At Pentecost some people received the Holy Spirit
and told the Good News through the world
to all who would hear it. Refrain

#592 I, the Lord of sea and sky

Author, Music: DL Schutte

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?
Refrain

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?
Refrain

#704 Teach me, God, to wonder

Words: WH Farquharson Music: R Klusmeier

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

Who is he August 23 2020 Rev Dolson Knox Bayfield

Section 1
Greetings to my church family and friends. May the grace of God be with you.

Announcements

Gayle and Courtney express appreciation for our prayers. Kyla is thriving!
Mission Moment – World Humanitarian Day
Somalia has been ravaged by almost three decades of conflict and multiple droughts. The people suffer from chronic food insecurity, lack access to basic necessities, and many are vulnerable to disease and malnutrition. In response, Presbyterian World Service & Development (PWS&D) and Canadian Foodgrains Bank provide humanitarian assistance. Pregnant and lactating women and children are screened for malnutrition and receive food. The project is empowering vulnerable women with tools and knowledge. PWS&D supports food security and nutrition
Do you have food to share? Residents of Bayfield and surrounding area are in need. Take your food donations to the outside bin at Trinity St James Church. Are you dealing with food insecurity? Reach out to the Bayfield Area Food Bank if you are struggling to put food on your table. Make a confidential call to: 519 955-7444 (area manager) Help is available!
Session will be meet on Zoom – Monday August 31st. There was an informal Presbytery meeting last week where the issues around re-opening were discussed. It was a fruitful discussion where concerns, information, and plans were shared. More details will be shared after the Session meeting a week Monday.
This worship service is on our website https://pccweb.ca/knoxbayfieldpc/ and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTYgIPqvkMsDNal0b1gCiPg
We are thankful to Jean Walker, organist, for her efforts in performing the hymns for the YouTube video. Remember to go to the end of the printed material for the lyrics to the hymns.

Income and Expense Update
The following chart illustrates the July income $5,566 and expenses $4,266. The year-to-date deficit is $4,400. You are encouraged to share your questions and concerns with your elder.

Section 2
CALL TO WORSHIP Romans 12
You, who are many, are transformed to become one in Christ. We, who are many, are called to worship God, the Three in One. Let us worship God.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Friends in Christ… hear the good news! Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation.
The old life has gone and a new life has begun
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and set free by God’s generous grace. So let us make a fresh start today!

# 528 Jesus calls us here to meet him

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Psalm 138:2b, Isaiah 51:4, Roman 12:2
O holy God, your name and your word are glorious above everything. We are listening for your word; we are looking for your light. By the power of the Holy Spirit, renew our minds and hearts. May we discern your will and respond in faith. We pray in the name of your Son, our Savior. Amen.

READINGS: Exodus 1:8–2:10, Psalm 138, Romans 12:1–8, Matthew 16:13–20
Did you know the bible is free online! https://www.biblegateway.com/

Exodus 1:8–2:10
Now a new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. The king said to his people, “Look, the Israelite people are more numerous and more powerful than we. Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase and, in the event of war, join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.” Therefore they set taskmasters over them to oppress them with forced labor. They built supply cities, Pithom and Rameses, for Pharaoh. But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread, so that the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites. The Egyptians became ruthless imposing tasks on the Israelites, and made their lives bitter with hard service in mortar and brick and in every kind of field labor. They were ruthless in all the tasks that they imposed on them.
The Pharaoh said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah, “When you act as midwives to the Hebrew women, and see them on the birth stool, if it is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, she shall live.”
But the midwives feared God; they did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but they let the boys live.
So the Pharaoh summoned the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this, and allowed the boys to live?”
The midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women; for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife comes to them.” So God dealt well with the midwives; and the people multiplied and became very strong. And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families.
Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, “Every boy that is born to the Hebrews you shall throw into the Nile, but you shall let every girl live.”
Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a Levite woman. The woman conceived and bore a son; and when she saw that he was a fine baby, she hid him three months. When she could hide him no longer she got a papyrus basket for him, and plastered it with bitumen and pitch; she put the child in it and placed it among the reeds on the bank of the river. His sister stood at a distance, to see what would happen to him.
The daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river, while her attendants walked beside the river. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid to bring it. When she opened it, she saw the child. He was crying, and the Pharaoh’s daughter took pity on him. “This must be one of the Hebrews’ children,” she said.
Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and get you a nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?”
Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Yes.” So the girl went and called the child’s mother. Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child and nurse it for me, and I will give you your wages.” So the woman took the child and nursed it. When the child grew up, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and she took him as her son. She named him Moses, “because,” she said, “I drew him out of the water.”

Matthew 16:13–20
Now when he came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
And the disciples said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
Jesus said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. l will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
May God bless our understanding of this god’s holy word.

# 314 God is love come heaven adoring

MESSAGE “Who is He?”
The message today reflects on who is he? In his book Run with Horses, Eugene Peterson addresses the ways in which we can become de-personalized and degraded. Too often, we become a number which seems to de-humanize. Perhaps you have experienced a sense of being valued for what you do, not for who you are. In our families, people often take on roles that fulfill duties or provide the family income. When they become identified in this narrow description a sense of the whole complex person is lost. Peterson has written a wonderful reminder of how our worth and value are inherent within our very being as a beloved child of God. In this way, our given names remind us of our significance and in part help to shape our identities.
“If I am frequently and authoritatively treated impersonally, I begin to think of myself the same way. I consider myself in terms of how I fit into the statistical norms; I evaluate myself in terms of my usefulness; I assess my worth in response to how much others want me or don’t want me. In the process of going along with such procedures I find myself defined by a label, squeezed into a role, functioning at the level of my social security number. It requires assertive, lifelong effort to keep our names in front…No one can assess my significance by looking at the work that I do. No one can determine my worth by deciding the salary they will pay me. No one can know what is going on in my mind by examining my school transcripts. No one can know me by measuring me or weighing me or analyzing me. Call my name.”
In our passage today, Jesus asked his disciples two questions. The first: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And the second: “But who do you say that I am?” The disciples answer the first question by naming prophets from the past; John the Baptist, Elijah, and Jeremiah. Simon, son of Jonah, then spoke out as the others were silent… he answered the second question: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
I wonder how each of you might respond to his questions. I also wonder how you might respond to the same questions about your own identity. Who are we? Who were the Hebrew and Egyptian people? How do we identify ourselves and others? These intriguing and ancient questions linger within each of us. Who are we as a church? When you are speaking with others how do you identify with your faith community? So many questions arise from the one… Who do we say Jesus is? Do we believe that the shape and context of our lives bear witness to our understanding of the living Christ? Let’s keep these questions in mind as we consider the passages for this morning.
When we read the scriptures, it is important to remember that we read through the lens of history. Questions of identity are at the center of the Gospels as they weave the tapestry of understanding about Jesus. His way shapes peoples and communities in light of his actions and teachings. It is worthwhile for us to reflect on these questions of identity. Why are you here watching this video or reading the printed copy? Why are you on this path? Perhaps you are following in your family faith traditions. Our family histories, our genealogies, are not simply a list of names and dates accounting for our ancestors. Genealogies create identity and the ways in which we relate to our past and present.
In the last couple of weeks we have taken in the genealogy that led to Joseph to be a leader in Egypt and provider for his extended family during a famine. So now, let’s pause for a moment to consider the shift that occurred. Initially the Israelites were welcomed into Egypt as refugees fleeing a famine. When did they shift from being refugees, people seeking assistance, to a people enslaved by the Egyptians? Since June, our readings have taken us through the book of Genesis. Today, we begin the book of Exodus. This new account begins with a new pharaoh who does not recognize Joseph’s significant role in Egypt’s recent history. This pharaoh leads with fear. Fear of the potential threat from an oppressed people. Fear of their growing population, their potential strength, especially if they join with enemies of Egypt.
Although the narrator of Exodus compressed this time of slavery and suffering into a few verses with few details, the Israelites were enslaved and oppressed for a long period of time. This new pharaoh – probably Ramses 2 – about 1200 BCE – was shifting Egypt’s strategic center to the eastern Delta of the Nile. His efforts required a significant labor force for extensive building projects. Perhaps the directive to enslave the Hebrews was a strategic effort to protect the eastern border from a possible Asian invasion. It is important to understand that the Israelites were not subject to private ownership or domestic slavery. They were conscripted by the governing powers …. Conscripted for compulsory unpaid labor on public works projects for indefinite periods – they were enslaved as a source of forced labour.
If you are familiar with Canadian history from the early 20th century … you may be aware that our Canadian government conscripted citizens during the world wars. Conscription was used to force certain groups into Canadian internment camps … those affected were the Chinese, Japanese, Austrian, Bulgarian, Turkish, Hungarian, Ukrainian, and German peoples. They were perceived as potential threats. While in the Canadian internment camps, many of the detainees were forced to provide labour – often on farms.
Despite his efforts to control the growing Israelite population, the new pharaoh was fearful. In an effort to further control the perceived threat, the pharaoh spoke directly to the Hebrew midwives Shiphrah and Puah…they were told to kill all male Hebrew babies at birth. It has been suggested that the two women mentioned in the passage were the leaders within the midwife community. It seems unlikely that two women would care for all births within the growing Israelite community. The story unfolds with the conflict faced by the women. They were forced to choose between the laws of God and those of the pharaoh. Their defiance of the tyranny imposed by the pharaoh resulted in an act of civil disobedience. When the Hebrews continue to give birth to healthy boys, the midwives convinced the Pharaoh of their inability to influence the births.
Into this remarkable story comes the birth of Moses. He is adopted by the royal household, creating a connection between the Israelites and the Pharaoh. At a time when the male slave children were killed, Moses escaped that fate. The more the Pharaoh worked to control a segment of the population, the more his intentions are subverted and defied.
This passage invites us to consider the journey we share, the journey that transcends several thousand years. In the text there are crises, questions, concerns, celebrations, insights, and accomplishments. These elements are part of the life we experience. They are common components of the journey we share. The story begins with the declaration, “Now a new Pharaoh arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph”. In an instant, lives can change dramatically. With a shift in political leadership, with the appearance of a tiny virus… stability may be lost. With one phone call, one e-mail, one conversation, our well-being can be threatened. One pharaoh followed another. The Prime Minister is followed by another. The President south of the border will change. The pandemic will become manageable, in one way or another. It is in the midst of these events that we can better discover who we are.
It is important to look deeply into historical events to understand the people and their situations. History tells of communities in turmoil, stories of crisis, change, and challenge. Each of these stories involve many individuals and the challenges they faced with insurmountable odds. Stories that illustrate the presence of the divine Spirit and God’s loving care in the midst of pain and chaos. Each of you in this congregation knows about simple announcements and the profound changes they can bring. We are often reminded that there is little under our personal control … yet our actions have the ability to impact how we encounter the challenge.
The new king was threatened by the Hebrew people. They are used as scapegoats… they are declared a threat to security, they are an internal menace. Does this seem familiar? Scapegoats … are found throughout history … there are similarities between the text and our lives. Have you experienced the role of scapegoat? Do you know what it is to be unfairly blamed. Or perhaps you have unfairly blamed others … in times of tension and turmoil. It is usually those with less or little power and prestige who are blamed. To read the story of the blame heaped on the Hebrews is to be given the opportunity to ask, “When has this happened to us?” and “When have we done this to others?” It is to be given the opportunity to consider the ways in which a host of leaders—Moses, Miriam, Joshua, Elijah, Jeremiah, Amos, John, and Jesus — worked to ease the burden on scapegoats of their time.
How we live speaks louder, more truthfully, and more effectively than the words we speak. Do we focus on our love of God, a life that loves the other as much as self? Paul encourages us to develop a perspective that is outside the norms of our culture by recognizing that our day-to-day actions express our love of God and our desire to do God’s will.
In closing, we are reminded of our need for one another—and of the ways in which our gifts are to be used not for the health of the community—for God’s creation. A life lived in pursuit of such faithful service may be your response to that awe-inspiring question posed by Jesus: Who do you say that I am? There is the gift of discovering who we are, a gift in our awareness of difference and the strangeness between ourselves and others, …there is the gift of discovering and knowing Jesus Christ and walking in His way in this journey of our lives.
Praise be to God. Amen

# 637 Take my life and let it be consecrated

THE OFFERING OF OUR LIFE AND LABOUR TO THE LORD
QUOTE: The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor. Proverbs 22:9
The Letter to the Romans reminds us that we all have gifts to share. When we give, we give generously. When we feel compassion for those in need, we give cheerfully. Let us share what we have to offer to God generously and cheerfully, so that God’s good work may continue.
Your donations to the church are greatly appreciated. The expenses for our faith community continue even though we are not gathering in the church building, the work of the church continues in so many ways. Let us give as God has so abundantly given to us.

BLESSING OF GIFTS *
Gracious Lord, you have given us more mercy than we could imagine. Receive these gifts as a token of our gratitude to you, that your mercy may be multiplied. May your blessings abound to embrace all those in need. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Psalm 138, Isaiah 51, Romans 12
You are encouraged to share your concerns and celebrations with the congregation. Your requests will be shared in the prayers of the people and kept in my daily prayers and the prayers of our congregation. Let us pray for all people and all of God’s creation. There will be a time of silence for you to lift up your prayers …
Steadfast God, your love and faithfulness are with us always. We give thanks that with you there is no end to our hope. By your power, all exiles will come to an end, all things will be restored.
We pray with confidence to you who are above all things, knowing that you take notice of those who are bent low; that your strong arm takes hold of those who are in the midst of trouble.
To anyone in despair, send your deliverance. For those longing for home, return them to a place of safety and love. For those divided, we pray for reconciliation as a pathway to new beginnings. Loving God, you promise comfort to the one in sorrow and help to the one in trouble.
Help us and help the nations to learn your justice and to practice it. Before we turn your Eden into waste, correct our habits. We desire to be better caretakers of your creation.
We thank you for the gift of the church, for the diversity of gifts and perspectives you place among us. Help us to welcome the wonder of your design in ways that expand our witness in the world.
Almighty God, there are many within our church family in need of your care at this time. We lift up Ron, Sandy and their family as Ron continues his treatment. We lift up Jan’s sister, Peggy, as she slowly heals from extensive heart surgery. We lift up Betty Lou as she prepares for surgery. We lift up her daughter, Bonnie, as she enjoys the peace of remission. We lift up Jessie as she deals with chronic back pain. We lift up her daughter, Marlene, as she continues to heal. We lift up Rob, son of Jane and Jim. We lift up Jane as she prepares for surgery. We lift up Gayle’s granddaughter Courtney. Loving God, hear our prayer…
Gracious and merciful God, abounding in steadfast love, we join our voices with all that you have made in speaking your praises and blessing your name.
O Holy One, although we are apart and cannot lift our voices together, we speak the words aloud that Christ taught his disciples, 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.

# 635 Brother, sister, let me serve you

BENEDICTION Romans 12, Psalm 124
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed to live as the body of Christ in the world.
May the Lord who made heaven and earth, the Christ who lived and died for all, and the Spirit who renews our minds and hearts abide with you and all God’s people, now and forever.
CLOSING CHORUS
May the Lord, mighty God bless and keep you forever, Grant you peace, perfect peace, faith in every endeavor Lift your eyes and see His face, and His grace forever, May the Lord, mighty God bless and keep you forever.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
When have you succeeded in resisting the forces that seek to conform us
to the world? How has that felt like “spiritual worship”? What are the ways you most readily answer Jesus’ question: “Who do you say that I am?”
In Romans 12:1–8, Paul urges us not to be conformed to the world’s standards, but to be transformed and renewed by God’s will. Is there an area of your life that is in need of transformation and renewal? Reflect and pray this week, asking God to show what God wills for you in this area of your life. Paul goes on to name a variety of gifts that members of the church have been given, all of which contribute to the overall functioning of the body the church. Is there a gift in that list which you possess? Which one? How are you making use of that gift among God’s people? Is there someone in your church or in your life who shares a particular gift of the Spirit faithfully? This week, offer a prayer of thanksgiving for that person and for any others who use their gifts to enhance your life or the life of your worshiping community.

Section 3
Morning Prayer
Loving God, thank you for the gift of this new day. You have blessed me in so many ways in days that have come before. Today I will look and listen for signs of your joy and gladness present in my life, in the lives of others, and in the beautiful world you garden. As I begin this day, I pray that you will strengthen my soul and that whatever your purpose for me will be fulfilled in faithfulness and love. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen.

Evening Prayer
God of my salvation, preserve anyone in danger this night; reach out to anyone who is in trouble. Give us the quiet rest that comes from knowing you are above everything, watching over us with steadfast love. I pray that today, in some word I spoke in some act of care I offered, Christ was lifted up as Lord and Savior. Continue to transform me so that I may discern what you find good and acceptable and perfect. Help me to dream always your own vision of a world in full bloom, verdant with joy and gladness, teeming with thanksgiving and justice. At the close of this day, I entrust myself, and all those I love, to your care and keeping. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Daily Prayer Isa. 51:1–6
Even from a place of exile, from a position of despair, we trust, O God, in your power: to return and restore us, to enliven and empower us, to soothe and to save us. You can turn a desert into Eden, sorrow into joy, and silence into singing. The heavens may vanish above and the earth dissolve underneath, but your salvation is forever. We wait for you, O God, attentive and hopeful, for with you, deliverance is always possible. In Christ, we pray. Amen.

Hymns:
314 God is love come heaven adoring, 528 Jesus calls us here to meet him
635 Brother, sister, let me serve you, 637 Take my life and let it be consecrated
#314 God is love come heaven adoring
Author: Timothy Rees CR (1874-1939), Music: Cyril V Taylor (1907-1991)

1. God is Love, come heav’n adoring, God is Love: come earth rejoice
Come creation voices soaring, sing exalting with one voice
God who laid the earth’s foundation, God who spread the heav’ns above
God who breathes through all creation, God is love, eternal love

2. God is love, whose arms enfolding all the world in one embrace
with unfailing grasp he holding every child of every race.
And when human hearts are breaking under sorrow’s iron rod
All the sorrow all the aching wrings with pain the heart of God

3. God is love, and though with blindness sin afflicts all human love
God’s eternal loving-kindness guides us through all earthly strife
Sin and death and hell shall never o’er us final triumph gain;
God is love, so love for ever o’er the universe must reign.

 

#528 Jesus calls us here to meet him

Author/music: Iona Community (Scotland), Gaelic melody

1. Jesus calls us here to meet him as through word and song and prayer
we affirm God’s promised presence where his people live and care
Praise the God who keeps his promise, praise the Son who calls us friends
praise the Spirit who, among us, to our hopes and fears attends

2. Jesus calls us to confess him Word of Life and Lord of all
sharer of our flesh and frailness saving all who fail or fall
Tell his holy human story; tell his tales that all may hear
tell the world that Christ in glory came to earth to meet us here

3. Jesus calls us to each other, found in him are no divides
Race and class and sex and language- such are barriers he derides
Join the hand of friend and stranger; join the hands of age and youth
join the faithful and the doubter in their common search for truth

4. Jesus calls us to his table rooted firm in time and space
where the church in earth and heaven finds a common meeting place
Share the bread and wine, his body; share the love of which we sing
share the feast for saints and sinners hosted by our Lord and King
#637 Take my life and let it be consecrated
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JP-t4FxQIR4 Author: Frances Ridley Havergal

1. Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee
take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise.

2. Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of thy love;
take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for thee.

3. Take my voice and let me sing always, only for my King;
take my lips and let them be filled with messages from thee.

4. Take my silver and my gold not a mite would I withhold;
take my intellect, and use every power as thou shalt choose.

5. Take my will and make it thine; it shall be no longer mine;
take my heart: it is thine own; it shall be thy royal throne.

6. Take my love; my Lord, I pour at thy feet its treasure store;
take myself and I wil be ever, only, all for thee.

Frances Ridley Havergal (1836–1879) was born in Worcestershire, England. She was nicknamed “Little Quicksilver,” because she was bright quick and clever. She possessed gifted intelligence, reading at age three, and memorizing many books of the Bible. She was very active in the Y.W.C.A. and conducted weekly meetings. She wrote many devotional books and hundreds of hymns and poems. Favorite hymns of hers are “Who is on the Lord’s Side,” “Lord Speak to me,” “Truehearted Wholehearted,” “Like a River Glorious,” and “Take My Life and Let It Be.” (https://curiosmith.com/pages/frances-ridley-havergal-author-page)

#635 Brother, sister, let me serve you
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qblqtb4jzL8 Words / Music: Richard Gillard

1. Brother, Sister, let me serve you. Let me be as Christ to you
Pray that I might have the grace to, let you be my servant, too

2. We are pilgrims on a journey and companions on the road
We are here to help each other, walk the miles and bear the load

3. I will hold the Christ-light for you in the nighttime of your fear
I will hold my hand out to you, speak the peace you long to hear

4. I will weep when you are weeping, when you laugh I’ll laugh with you
I will share your joys and sorrows till we’ve seen this journey through

5. When we sing to God in Heaven we shall find such harmony
Born of all we’ve known together of Christ’s love and agony

6. Brother, sister, let me serve you, let me be as Christ to you
Pray that I might have the grace to let you be my servant, too.

August16 2020 Rev Dolson Knox Bayfield

Greetings to my church family and friends. May the grace of God be with you.

Mission Moment – 40 Years of Partnership in Mauritius
In September of 2019, the Presbyterian Church of Mauritius (PCM) celebrated a milestone: the 40th anniversary of their autonomy from the Church of Scotland. The Presbyterian Church in Canada’s partnership with PCM began in 1981 with the appointment of the Rev. Brian Crosby and continued through the years with 11 Canadian Presbyterians serving as ministers and music consultants. Today, our partnership continues through annual grants sent to Formation Biblique et Théologique à Maurice (FBTM), a theological training program for over 1,700 Christians. FBTM’s director, the Rev. Maurice Davantin, gratefully acknowledges that, “Due to the generosity of the PCC, FBTM has been able to continue its ministry in spreading the study of God’s Words among Christians in Mauritius.”
Presbyterians Sharing works with mission partners around the world
(Note: Mauritius is located in the South West part of the Indian Ocean, 855 km east of Madagascar, 2,400 km south east of Africa mainland, and about 3,900 km south west of India.)

Do you have food to share? Take your food donations to the outside bin at Trinity St James Church. Are you dealing with food insecurity? Reach out to the Bayfield Area Food Bank if you are struggling to put food on your table. Make a confidential call to: 519 955-7444 (area manager) Help is available!

The sermon is on our website https://pccweb.ca/knoxbayfieldpc/ and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTYgIPqvkMsDNal0b1gCiPg

We are thankful to Jean Walker, organist, for her efforts in performing the hymns for the YouTube video. Remember to go to the end of the printed material for the lyrics to the hymns.
Income and Expense Update
The following chart illustrates the July income and expenses, and the year-to-date deficit. You are encouraged to share your questions and concerns with your elder.

Section 2
CALL TO WORSHIP
God has lavished the fullness of the blessed Holy Spirit upon all of creation. My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples, says the Lord. Thanks be to God.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Friends, the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Receive the gift of forgiveness and share that gift with others, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

# 65 All people that on earth do dwell

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Lord, by the loving power of your Spirit give us your words of life that our faith may increase and our hearts be made whole. Amen.
READINGS:
Genesis 45:1–15; Psalm 133; Romans 11:1–2a, 29–32; Matthew 15:10–28
Did you know the bible is free online! https://www.biblegateway.com/

Genesis 45:1-15
Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, “Send everyone away from me.” So no one stayed with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard it. Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, so dismayed were they at his presence.
Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come closer to me.” And they came closer. He said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years; and there are five more years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God; he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler overall the land of Egypt. Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not delay. You shall settle in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children’s children, as well as your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. I will provide for you there—since there are five more years of famine to come—so that you and your household, and all that you have, will not come to poverty.’ And now your eyes and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see that it is my own mouth that speaks to you. You must tell my father how greatly I am honored in Egypt, and all that you have seen. Hurry and bring my father down here.” Then he fell upon his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, while Benjamin wept upon his neck. And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them; and after that his brothers talked with him.

Matthew 15:10-28
Then Jesus called the crowd to him and said to them, “Listen and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.”
Then the disciples approached and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?”
Jesus answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit.”
But Peter said to him, “Explain this parable to us.”
Then Jesus said, “Are you also still without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth enters the stomach, and goes out into the sewer? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile.” Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon.
Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.”
But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.”
Jesus answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But the Canaanite woman came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.”
Jesus answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” The Canaanite woman said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”
Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

# 692 Where charity and love prevail

MESSAGE
Our readings today seem to be filled with unanticipated events. The element of surprise is a persistent theme throughout the scriptures. The readings take us into the continuing story of Jacob’s family as his son Joseph continues to fulfill his prophetic dreams. And, once again, Jesus surprises his followers across the ages.
The book of Genesis shares more than the family lineage and historical events. It provides information about the relationships within the families from generation to generation. Abraham with his two sons, Ishmael and Isaac. Isaac and his twin boys, Jacob and Esau. Jacob fathered children by four women – Leah and Rachel, and their hand-maids. He had twelve sons: the sons of Leah: Reuben the firstborn, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulun. The sons of Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin. The sons of Rachel’s servant Bilhah: Dan and Naphtali. The sons of Leah’s servant Zilpah: Gad and Asher.
Joseph, the favored younger son, despised by his older brothers, grows up to be a trusted authority under an Egyptian Pharaoh. There was no love lost between the brothers for Joseph … in part because their father favoured him and in part because of Joseph’s dreams. Jacob did not make it any easier on Joseph. He gave him a “long robe with sleeves” a visible sign of the favouritism. Joseph was seventeen years old when he shared his dreams with his family … that his brothers and parents would bow down to the ground before him. Joseph told his father of the dreams and he was sent on a difficult journey to work with his brothers, a walking journey of more than a hundred km that would take several days.
Perhaps Jacob hoped that Joseph would discover a way to reconcile with his brothers, just as he had with his twin Esau. We are left to wonder whether Joseph was simply locating his brothers or seeking to build a stronger relationship with them. Relationships affected by envy can be a source of misery. We know that Cain murdered his brother Abel because “the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering, he had no regard” . The consequence for murdering Abel is that Cain became a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth. Envy is that desire for a possession or quality or talent that belongs to someone else, … or the desire that others will not enjoy their possessions. It is often rooted in the belief that there is not enough for everyone…that life is unfair. It can be rooted in greed. Yet, scriptures tell us that there is no need for envy as there is no limit on love and well-being.
We are told that as Joseph went in search of his brothers, they were so envious that they first conspired to kill him but traded Joseph to the Midianites. These stories from Genesis … of Abraham to Isaac, then of Jacob and now to Joseph … it is a story about more than individuals … stories of betrayal, surprise, forgiveness, tears, insecurity, shame, and hope. This continuing story of this family from the Hebrew scriptures tell of relationships and the impact of family dynamics. Many families go through tough times, living with broken ties, regrettable mistakes, and deep sorrow.
Many years later, famine paralyzed the Middle East, and we find the brothers travelling to Egypt in search of food. Although the brothers did not recognize Joseph, he recognized them and revealed himself. The brothers trembled in fear, expecting a harsh reprimand, maybe even death, from their powerful brother. Instead the brothers and their family received forgiveness … they were welcomed with the promise food during the famine.
Joseph was able to follow the pattern of God’s love … not retribution. There was an overwhelming forgiveness combined with the promise of new life. He loved his family deeply. His faith in God and his emotional connection to his family shaped the future of his family. Instead of hatred and vengeance, Joseph experienced joy and gratitude. The forgiveness expressed by Joseph was not superficial “Oh, forget about it, it doesn’t matter.” Forgiveness requires deep emotion, new ways of thinking and feeling. Joseph may not have understood his brothers choices but he could love them. God did not force the brothers to make their choices, just as God did not force Joseph to reconcile. Yet through God there is beauty out of hatred—and it is the glimpse into this holy purpose that gives us hope.
When we read the scriptures, however, we discover that God’s love is not based on our actions, we are not rewarded for our goodness or our ability to follow rules … we discover that we receive God’s good gifts, God’s love and acceptance, despite our efforts and our failures. God’s love is not logical according to our human logic. Paul’s letter to the Romans illustrates his struggle to understand how God continues to love the people of Israel after they rejected the Messiah… and he discovers that our rejection of God does not lead God to reject us. God steadfast love remains constant. Both Joseph and Paul have a sense of God’s love of humanity. They understand that God works in human history toward the fulfillment of God’s will and way.
Our reading from the gospel of Matthew seems to sit in contrast with the other readings when … did Jesus really call this woman a dog? Initially Jesus did not acknowledge the Gentile woman. He told her that his mission was only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel and that food for the children should not be thrown to the dogs referring to non-Israelites like her. Jesus was in the Gentile region of Tyre and Sidon, where Israelites were not safe. Racial stereotypes and bigotry caused deep division between the Israelites and Canaanites. The disciples walked alongside Jesus, their full attention on protecting him against animosity and violence. It is in this situation that the woman called out to Jesus, pleading with him to heal her daughter.
How do we understand this interaction? The incident raises questions about prejudice and the limits of God’s mercy. Jesus attitude and language in his encounter with the Canaanite woman is shocking. Even “Canaanite” has been used in both positive and negative terms. Canaanite refers to ancient enemies and In the gospel of Matthew, it is a positive reference to women like Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth, who are part of the family history of Jesus.
In today’s passage the Canaanite woman is seeking mercy for herself and her daughter. She has heard about the teachings of Jesus and his reputation as a healer. She called out “Lord, have mercy” … a prayer that echoes through the centuries. It has been chanted in cloisters, whispered in hospitals, screamed out on battlefields. It is the cry of the soul. Yet, Jesus did not respond. So, the woman continued to cry out to him. Despite the cultural restrictions on women, she went to Jesus with the unshakable conviction that God’s mercy would provide for her daughter.
In the beginning of our reading from Matthew, Jesus was critical of the religious doctrine that validated favoritism, exclusion, and contempt; policies that meant this woman and her daughter could not receive mercy. Tradition can provide a solid foundation for faithfulness, but it can also do the opposite. Jesus was critical of the traditions that contravened the will of God. Jesus urged the religious leaders to re-consider their traditions with the understanding that faithfulness to God calls for examination of worship practices and traditions. It is in the living action of how we practice our faith and how we choose to follow in the ways of Christ. We are called to give great care in how we understand hospitality and faithfulness within the context of God’s steadfast love. Jesus stated, “It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles”.
For Jesus, religious purity and faithful discipleship are not about human rules and traditions. It is not about reading the Bible from cover to cover, or how much money we donate, or about our church attendance. Purity and faithfulness are demonstrated by how the church – how the people of faith- how individuals – speak and live out the radical hospitality and love of Christ. What does it mean to follow Jesus into the world in the 21st century? What would it mean …to think less about how we have always done it this way and listen more to the cries from those who are different or unclean or unwanted? What would it mean for those who are in desperate need of the good news of Jesus Christ. Those who have never heard the gospels, those who heard a distorted version of God’s message, and those who have felt rejected or been harmed by people within the church.
For the needs of her daughter, this Gentile woman refused to be deterred. Imagine for a moment the opposition she faced as she called out for mercy. Initially it seemed that Jesus affirmed the belief that the woman should not be heard, that her needs are irrelevant. Yet, he stopped and talked with her … an unusual turn of events. His conversation with her is a radical affirmation of her. Perhaps his initial response to her was for the disciples and others who were present. Jesus had just spoken about the importance of questioning tradition and practices. Was he helping them to understand the difference between our human rules and the divine directives created by God.
Perhaps Jesus was being ironic, teaching them by using their language to make the opposite point. Helping them to understand that the words from our mouths are important. We are often surprised in these teachable moments. Moments when Jesus does not conform to what is expected. Jesus uses the expectation to help them to see the situation in a different way, to help them to shift their understanding of the world and how God is present among them.
In closing, you are encouraged to consider how you might be caught up with following a traditional practice without giving it much thought. It can make us uncomfortable to question what we do… to explore the reasoning behind our practices and traditions. It can be confusing when we there are diverse perspectives that seem to contradict what we think we know. Much prayer, much discussion, is helpful to discern how God is at work in our lives. In a sweeping declaration, Paul proclaimed that “the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable”—once given, forever ours. Nothing we do will convince God to let go of us. We are the beneficiaries of an eternal love—as is everyone that God claims. We get no special treatment; God extends the special treatment to all God’s children.
God grants freedom so that we may choose to love freely and gracefully. Too often we convert our freedom into what Dietrich Bonhoeffer called cheap grace, the grace we bestow upon ourselves. Grace is God’s alone to offer, and God offers it to all people—the Jew and the Gentile, the ins and the outs, the faithful and the disobedient. The prophet Isaiah wrote, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isa. 55:8-9). Praise be to God. Amen

#330 O God, our help in ages past

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)
Your donations to the church are greatly appreciated. The expenses for our faith community continue even though we are not gathering in the church building, the work of the church continues in so many ways. Let us give as God has so abundantly given to us.
BLESSING OF GIFTS *
Gracious Lord, you have given us more mercy than we could imagine. Receive these gifts as a token of our gratitude to you, that your mercy may be multiplied. May your blessings abound to embrace all those in need. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
You are encouraged to share your concerns and celebrations with the congregation. Your requests will be shared in the prayers of the people and kept in my daily prayers and the prayers of our congregation. Let us pray for all people and all of God’s creation. There will be a time of silence for you to lift up your prayers …
O holy God, we pray for your church, in its diversity and love for your creation. Loving God, hear our prayer that your house of prayer will nurture all the peoples of the earth, that women and men in every place may love your name and joyfully offer their lives in service. We pray for pastors, teachers, and ministers.
We pray the leaders of your church will be strengthened. Help them to welcome the stranger and the outcast. Help them to resist the temptation to honor
the wealthy and forsake the poor. Loving God, hear our prayer. . .
Loving God, hear our prayer for leaders within our nations. Uphold the leaders who work of peace. We pray you will provoke their hearts to justice tempered with mercy and lead them to do what is good and right. Loving God, hear our prayer. . . .
Loving God, hear our prayer for those who put their efforts to feeding your creation. Help farmers to live in harmony with your creation. Bless their labors and help them to be good stewards of your earth. May all be good managers of the earth’s produce. Loving God, hear our prayer…
Loving God, we pray for that children will be kept from danger. May they be nurtured with loving care and find protection from that which harms them. Loving God, hear our prayer…
Loving God, we pray for those who are sick in body, mind, or spirit. Help us to reach out to them and support them in their need.
Almighty God, there are many within our church family in need of your care at this time. We lift up Ron, Sandy and their family as Ron continues his treatment. We lift up Jan’s sister, Peggy, as she slowly heals from extensive heart surgery. We lift up Betty Lou as she prepares for surgery. We lift up her daughter, Bonnie, as she enjoys the peace of remission. We lift up Jessie as she deals with chronic back pain. We lift up her daughter, Marlene, as she continues to heal. We lift up Rob, son of Jane and Jim. We lift up Jane as she prepares for surgery. We lift up Gayle as she deals with health concerns. We lift up her granddaughter Courtney. Loving God, hear our prayer…
Gracious and merciful God, abounding in steadfast love, we join our voices with all that you have made in speaking your praises and blessing your name.
O Holy One, although we are apart and cannot lift our voices together, we speak the words aloud that Christ taught his disciples, 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.

# 124 People in darkness

BENEDICTION
The gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. God has gifted you with forgiveness and graced you with reconciliation. Go now and share God’s gifts with the distressed and estranged. Christ has called you close and healed you from torment. Go now and call others to receive Christ’s mercy and healing.
The God who forgives, reconciles, heals, and blesses is with you today and forevermore.

CLOSING CHORUS
May the Lord, mighty God bless and keep you forever, Grant you peace, perfect peace, faith in every endeavor Lift your eyes and see His face, and His grace forever, May the Lord, mighty God bless and keep you forever.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
Why do you think Jesus resisted the Canaanite woman’s request? How does this fit with your idea of Jesus’ mercy and love? How does this influence your faith in God? Paul, in his letter to the Romans, declared, “The gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” How do the gifts and calling of God support us? How might they support us when we are not aware of them or even when we reject them?

Section 3
Morning Prayer
Merciful God, this day is full of your possibility for healing and reconciliation, for new beginnings, and restored relationships. Unite my heart with your will so that your abundant anointing will flow through me. Send me now with your promised blessings to serve those in need. Amen.
Evening Prayer
God guard me from torment, release me from distress. Call me close to you and kiss me with your favor that I may rest secure in you. Amen.
Daily Prayer
Almighty God, whose compassion embraces everyone, gather the outcast and the lost, heal the wounds of fear and distrust, and make us a community of reconciliation that we may embody your merciful love and rejoice in your astounding grace in Jesus Christ. Amen.

Hymns: 65 All people that on earth do dwell; 692 Where charity and love prevail;
330 O God, our help in ages past; 124 People in darkness

65 All people that on earth do dwell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtr6o1XK1zk Author: William Kethe

1. All people that on earth do dwell, sing to the Lord with cheerful voice
Him serve with mirth; his praise forth tell, Come ye before him and rejoice

2. Know that the Lord is God indeed, without our aid he did us make
we are his flock, he doth us feed, and for his sheep he doth us take

3. Oh enter then his gates with praise, approach with joy his courts unto
praise, laud and bless his name always, for it is seemly so to do

4. For why, the Lord our God is good, his mercy is forever sure
his truth at all times firmly stood, and shall from age to age endure

William Kethe (circa 1594). Although both the time and place of Kethe’s birth and death are unknown, scholars think he was a Scotsman. A Protestant, he fled to the continent during Queen Mary’s persecution in the late 1550s. He lived in Geneva for some time but traveled to Basel and Strasbourg to maintain contact with other English refugees. Kethe is thought to be one of the scholars who translated and published the English-language Geneva Bible (1560), a version favored over the King James Bible by the Pilgrim fathers. The twenty-five psalm versifications Kethe prepared for the Anglo-Genevan Psalter of 1561 were also adopted into the Scottish Psalter of 1565. https://hymnary.org/text/all_people_that_on_earth_do_dwell
692 Where charity and love prevail

Hymn: Ubi Caritas, translated by Omer Westendorf (1961)

1. Where charity and love prevail, there God is ever found
Brought here together by Christ’s love, by love are we thus bound.

2. With grateful joy and holy fear His charity we learn
Let us with heart and mind and soul now love him in return.

3. Forgive we now each other’s faults as we our faults confess
And let us love each other well in Christian holiness.

4. Let strife among us be unknown, let all contention cease
Be His the glory that we seek, be ours His holy peace.

5. Let us recall that in our midst dwells God’s begotten Son
As members of His body joined, we are in Him made one.

6. No race or creed can love exclude, if honored be God’s name
Our family embraces all whose Father is the same.

330 O God, our help in ages past

Songwriters: Watts; R. Ringwald / Croft

1. God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come
Our shelter from the stormy blast, And our eternal home

2. Benearth the shadow of thy throne, Thy saints have dwelt secure
Sufficient is thine arm alone, And our defense is sure

3. Before the hills in order stood, Or earth received her frame
From everlasting thou art God, To endless years the same

4. A thousand ages in thy sight Are like an evening gone
Short as the watch that ends the night Before the rising sun

5. Time, like an ever-rolling stream, Bears all its sons away
They fly, forgotten, as a dream Dies at the opening day

6. God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come
Be thou our guide while troubles last, And our eternal home

 

PWS&D Appeal

PWS&D also has partners on the ground through ACT Alliance and Canadian Foodgrains Bank, who are actively assessing the situation to determine how best to respond. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

To make a donation to support PWS&D’s response to the Beirut explosion, please click here .