Author: knoxbayfieldpc

Connections Fall 2021

Sounds of silence 19 September 2021 Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson

May the grace of Jesus Christ be with you … and also with you.

Welcome to worship at Knox Presbyterian Bayfield on the Sunday September 19^th.

Announcements

Our sympathy goes out to Sharon Kelly and David Smith as they mourn the loss of Sharon’s father William J Kelly.

Our worship services are recorded for our website and social media. We are in the process of acquiring additional audio visual equipment, however, there have been delays due to disruptions in the supply chain. Please speak with Brenda McLean, Deb Cosford, or Rev Lisa if you are interested in learning how to use the new equipment.

 

We are particularly thankful for the efforts spent ensuring we could meet in person. Many thanks to our COVID Safety Group – Brenda McLean, Deb Cosford, and Jim Knox. Thank you!

 

The Presbyterian Connection newspaper unites people across Canada with interviews, reflections, and articles that allow us to share and develop our faith. It is distributed four times per year, free of charge. Set up your free paper subscription with the National Church office 1-800-619-7301 ext 243 or https://presbyterian.ca/presbyterian-connection/ 

 

Your contributions to the church and its ongoing work are appreciated. Your regular offerings allow the church to continue its good work. The August financial reports show income $4,596 and expenses $4,862 with a year-to-date deficit of $7,509.

 

Bayfield Area Food Bank (BAFB) Are you in need of assistance? Reach out bayfieldareafoodbank@gmail.com  or call/text 519-955-7444. All enquiries are confidential.

Do you have food to share? BAFB collection bins for non-perishable donations are located in the foyer of the Bayfield Public Library and on the porch of Trinity St James’ Parish Hall. Most needed are healthy snack and lunch items for school: pudding or fruit cups, juice boxes, granola bars, small cereal boxes, crackers and peanut butter. Financial gifts are greatly appreciated. Cheques can be mailed to: Bayfield Area Food Bank, 10 Keith Cr, Bayfield,N0M 1G0. An e-transfer bayfieldareafoodbank@gmail.com  or on-line www.canadahelps.org  BAFB is a registered charity.

Mission Moment:                          The Difference Food Security Makes

In Haiti, global climate change has left many farmers struggling to support their families. For people in Haiti who make their living from the earth, recent unpredictable weather has had devastating consequences. Presbyterian World Service & Development is responding through an agro-forestry program that helps farmers by providing seeds for black bean, pigeon pea and corn crops—seeds that are more resilient. Farmers learn sustainable field management and band together in savings groups to make their earnings go even further. Elimène Joseph, an entrepreneur and mother of four, shared her experience: “Before becoming a member, I struggled to make ends meet. The program is showing me how to pool my resources together with other farmers. In truth, I do not have enough words to express everything the organization has done for me.”

 

UPDATE – our book studies will be held via ZOOM. All are welcome. Unfortunately, our in-person gathering for the book studies will need to be delayed until pandemic-imposed challenges lessen.  Contact Rev Lisa revlisa.knoxbayfield@icloud.com for the Zoom link

Tuesday at 2 pm

• Black Water, David A Robertson. [Sept 28 – Oct 25]
• The women of the bible speak, Shannon Bream [Nov]

Sunday at 9:30 am

• The Difficult Words of Jesus, Amy Jill Levine. [Oct & Nov]

 

TODAY! Retirement Party for Rev John Henderson at Camp Kintail. John has retired as Clerk of Huron Perth Presbytery. You are invited to join in the celebration of John and Dorothy’s ministry in Huron Perth. $20 for the meal will be payable at the door. Please no gifts- your attendance is the gift (a donation to Kintail would be welcome). Register by contacting the camp: 519-529-7317 admin@campkintail.ca

 

Signs: If you get attacked by a mob of clowns…go for the juggler. (CMHA Kincardine)

 

The people of Knox Bayfield acknowledge that our community worships, lives, plays, and works on the traditional lands of the Anishinabewaki, Attiwonderonk (Neutral), and Mississauga peoples within Treaty 29, of 1827.

 

Hymn  Let there be light         #727

 

Call to Worship[1]

One:   From sunrise to sunset with the wisdom of age and the energy of the young

All:     Let us praise God’s holy name

One:    In our work and in our homes

All:     Let us praise God’s holy name

One:   Let us praise the Lord with our whole hearts!

All:     We will worship God now and always.

 

Prayer of Adoration and Assurance of Pardon

Join me in prayer

O God, who makes the truth known to us, we are weighed down by our brokenness. Where we could seek reconciliation, we create conflict. Where you call us to give, we take. Where you call to us, we resist. We are thankful, O God, for your persistent loving grace that forgives, cleanses, and teaches your way. Amen.

 

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

 

May the peace of Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you.

 

Hymn                 Great is thy faithfulness          #324

 

Prayer For Illumination   

May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable to you, O God, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen.

Readings

Hebrew Bible         Jeremiah 11:18-20       [B#713/W#793]^[2]

Responsive             Psalm 54    [B# 522 /W# 576]

Epistle                   James 3:13-3:18 [B#230 /W#248]

Gospel                   Mark 9:30-37      [B#45  /W# 46 ]

May God bless our understanding of this, God’s holy word. The Word of the Lord.

 

The sounds of silence

It seems there was a problem with our sanctuary speakers last week. Well, admittedly, I was the problem since I forgot to turn them up again. We made many changes over the last 18 months in our attempts to video-record the services. There was a dreadful noise on the recording until it was discovered the overhead fans need to be off. The lapel microphone works more effectively than the standard microphone, although it is kept tucked away -just in case. The sanctuary speakers have been increased in volume. Hopefully you can hear me clearly today.

I am curious about what you hear as the scriptures are read and my message is shared. What each of us hears may be different, even quite diverse. We hear words, inflection, and tone through our ears. The details and nuance are detected through our other senses. Plus, we filter all of this information through our own context and history. The result can be a reasonable interpretation and it can be amusing.

An example of this would be song lyrics and quotes. It can be revealing when song lyrics are misheard. The song, Africa by Toto, has been misunderstood to be “I left my brains down in Africa” The actual lyric: “I bless the rains down in Africa”.  You may be familiar with the “Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival. Many hear it as “There’s a bathroom on the right” but the actual lyric: “There’s a bad moon on the rise.”  The misunderstood lyric can change the entire concept of a song. Big Yellow Taxi by Joni Mitchell does not say, “If it ain’t paradise, then put up a parking lot” The actual lyric: “They paved paradise to put up a parking lot”

This shift in what we hear also happens with scripture. The expression “money is the root of all evil” misquotes 1st Timothy 6:10 “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil …”  The significant message changes when it is more clearly understood.

Through the centuries the scriptures have been understood and misunderstood in complex ways. Mark tells of the misunderstandings that occur between Jesus and the disciples when Jesus shared a radical teaching. This passage in chapter 9 builds upon the teaching from last week in chapter 8. It seems like a continuation of one discussion but it is not. They have travelled from Caesarea Philippi to Capernaum, a journey that included the transfiguration.  It may seem that we are repeating our gospel reading. But no. There is a similar message within a different context. Again  Jesus told them, “The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again”.  And, again the disciples struggled to take in what they heard and they struggled to comprehend what it meant.

Twice in this short passage Mark described how the disciples were silent when Jesus spoke to them.   Their first silence followed Jesus speaking of the betrayal and suffering that would happen. Perhaps they were beginning to understand but did not want to believe what they were hearing. Perhaps they were simply more confused.  Their second silence occurred after Jesus asked them what they have been arguing about. Perhaps we would be silent if Jesus suddenly asked us what we had been talking about, worrying about, or arguing about.

John Calvin wrote, “So great is the influence of preconceived opinion, that it brings darkness over the mind in the midst of the clearest light.”  Allow me to re-read the quote from Calvin, “So great is the influence of preconceived opinion, that it brings darkness over the mind in the midst of the clearest light.”  Have you experienced what Calvin is referring to? Struggling to process information that does not fit within your experience. It can be incredibly challenging.

There is a gap between their expectation of a Messiah and the way of Jesus as the Messiah. Their culture and faith tradition created a powerful image of who the Messiah would be. Jesus Christ is not what they expected. Yet, everything to this point has been filtered through their expectations. Their most recent argument is connected to their experience with powerful cultural hierarchies.

Jesus questioned the disciples about their arguing. It may be helpful to pause here for a moment. The disciples were unsettled. They were told that Jesus the Messiah will suffer. In the next part of their journey Jesus underwent the transfiguration. The disciples were unsettled. They argued over which of them was the greatest, which of them would have the most power. They are in the midst of feeling unbalanced, so perhaps they were clinging to the familiar social structures. In the midst of their discomfort, Jesus taught that whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all. Then, bringing a child into their midst, he said, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me …”  It was a serious challenge to all that they knew when the child was identified as important. They lived within a society that was structured around relationships of power and privilege. Jesus spoke of renouncing the hierarchy of social status when he told them to make space for those with little or no social status. To act on this teaching demonstrated their acceptance of Jesus and the One who sent him.

The gospels offer us the ability to see how the disciples struggled with the conflict between what they already knew and the new ways of Jesus. He demonstrated new ways of being within the context of new perspectives that contradicted the social and cultural expectations. We are called to be open to the Spirit moving within our lives. Praise be to God.

 

Hymn   Be still my soul                #749

 

The Offering Of Our Life And Labour To The Lord         

Quote:         For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21

We have been made capable of being good stewards of what God has given us. Let us, with gratitude in our hearts, give from what has been given to us, by grace.

 

Blessing Of Gifts & Prayers Of The People

Join me in prayer:

God of the universe, you sit above the circle of the earth that you have created. We pray for the oceans and mountains, the lakes and streams, and the air we breathe. Since the beginning, we have looked to you to gather the outcasts, heal the broken hearted and the wounded. We pray for the poor of the world, the sick and the lonely. We pray for the leaders of nations and communities. May leaders see the goodness of your creation and seek to protect all who are vulnerable. May they honor peace and compassion over their own self-interest. We pray for your church, here and around the world. Empower us to serve you in this world by living out the ways of Christ. Holy One, we give you praise and the offerings of our time, talent, and financial resources. May the gifts be multiplied to witness to your presence in the world.

Merciful God, there are many within our church family in need of your special care. We lift up Sandy and family; Judith; Rudy and Grace; Cesare and Lynn; Bonnie; Rob; Courtney and Kyla; Jordan, Sarah and Hazel. We lift up David and Sharon as they mourn the death of her father, WJ Kelly. We lift up all those who prefer to remain un-named as they face immense challenges of health and finances. We wait for you, Lord, in your word we hope.

O holy One, we desire to hear your voice of love, to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, and to see you clearly. By your Spirit who breathes within us, strengthen our faith, use our gifts, and work in our lives to bear witness to Christ. Nourishing God, to you we commit our prayers through Christ, the bread of life, who taught his disciples to pray, …Our Father who art in heaven, hallow’ed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

 

Hymn           What a friend we have in Jesus #746    

 

Benediction

May the Christ who walked on wounded feet walk with you on the road. May the Christ who served with wounded hands stretch out your hands to serve. May the Christ who loved with a wounded heart open your heart to love. May you see the face of Christ in everyone you meet and May everyone see the face of Christ in you. Amen

 

Postlude   #623  Holy, holy, holy

 

Questions for Reflection 

What can you do to discern between good advice and advice that will lead you on the wrong path? Give yourself some moments each day in the coming week to sit quietly with your eyes closed. Visualize Jesus kneeling down, opening his arms, and bringing you close to his heart. Let yourself be a little child who is welcomed. What do you notice?

 

Morning Prayer

Gracious God, you give life and, in your Word, it is beautiful. Thank you for this new day. In each coming hour, help me to see beneath the ever-present difficulties and superficial joys into the mysteries that you have set out for your people. Guide me toward those I meet today in a way that welcomes them and, in turn, grants me a welcome, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Evening Prayer

This day is nearly over, Merciful God, and I am tired. I have been unable to do all that I had hoped; I have done some things I would take back if I could. Forgive me for my failures. Bring me into the warmth and security of your embrace now, and fill me with new vision so that I may rest and rise to meet tomorrow with vigor, in the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen.

Daily Prayer

Gentle Jesus, you call us to live in your name with honor and respect, fully known to you and precious in your sight. Draw us near to you each day as you teach us how to feed on your gifts, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

 

Scripture readings next week

Esther 7:1-6, 9-10, 9:20-22 and Psalm 124; James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50

 

#727          Let there be light         

Let there be light; let there be understanding; Let all the nations gather; let them be face to face.

 

Open our lips; open our minds to ponder; Open the door of concord, opening into grace.

 

Perish the sword; perish the angry judgement; Perish the bombs and hunger; perish the fight for gain.

 

Hallow our love; hallow the deaths of martyrs; Hallow their holy freedom; hallowed be your name.

 

Your kingdom come; your spirit turn to language; Your people speak together; your spirit never fade.

 

Let there be light; open our hearts to wonder; Perish the way of terror; hallow the world God made.

 

623   Holy, holy, holy             Words: traditional  Music: F Schubert

Refrain:      Holy, holy, holy, God almighty Lord!

Holy, holy, holy, everywhere adored!

God without beginning, God eternal One

reigns and rules forever all beneath the sun Refrain

Power and love and wonder circling round God’s throne

Praise our God most holy, Lord of Life alone Refrain

 

746   What a friend we have in Jesus

What a friend we have in Jesus All our sins and griefs to bear; What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer. Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer.

 

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged: Take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful, Who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness: Take it to the Lord in prayer.

 

Are we weak and heavy-laden, Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Saviour, still our refuge: Take it to the Lord in Prayer. Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer; In his arms he’ll take and shield thee; Thou wilt find a solace there.

 

749   Be still my soul

Be still my soul: The Lord is on thy side; bear patiently the cross of grief or pain; leave to thy God to order and provide; in every change God faithful will remain.

Be still my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

 

Be still my soul: thy God doth undertake to guide the future wisely, as the past. Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake; all now mysterious shall be bright at last. Be still my soul: the waves and winds still know the voice that ruled them here on earth below.

 

Be still my soul: when dearest friends depart, and all is darkened in the vale of tears, then shalt thou better know God’s love, God’s heart who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears. Be still my soul: thy Jesus can repay from his own fullness all death takes away.

 

Be still my soul: the hour is hastening on when we shall be forever with the Lord, when disappointment, grief and fear are gone, sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored. Be still my soul: when change and tears are past, all safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

 

324   Great is thy faithfulness

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.

 

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

 

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

[1] PCC Worship Planner, 16^th Sunday after Pentecost September 12, 2021 Year B

[2] Page numbers shown for pew bibles with Blue or White edged pages

Walking the talk 12 September 2021 Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson

The Lord be with you … and also with you.

Welcome to worship at Knox Presbyterian Bayfield on the Sunday September 12^th.

Announcements

This is our first in person gathering in 18 months! Knox Bayfield has flung open the doors for in-person worship today. We are following the familiar Ontario Step-3 COVID protocols. The COVID-19 screening questions are posted, masks are worn, physical distance of 2 metres (6.5 feet) will be kept and hand sanitizer is everywhere. We anticipate respectful co-operation as we navigate the changes in how we gather.

We are particularly thankful for the efforts of several people who have spent much time and energy ensuring we could meet in person. I applaud the dedicated efforts of our COVID safety committee – Brenda McLean, Deb Cosford, and Jim Knox. Thank you!

Welcome back to Betty Lou Norris, our pianist. I am thankful for the ongoing efforts of Jean Walker, our organist, for her efforts and for her company during the pandemic. Thank you, Jean!

Jean and Betty Lou will be playing 2 verses of the hymns during worship. We are thankful that protocols allow the hymnals and bibles to be used, however, we are not yet able to sing in the sanctuary.

This service is being recorded. We are in the process of building the audio visual equipment. Disruptions to the supply chains have delayed certain parts so we will continue recording on my phone until the equipment is assembled.  Please speak with me if you are interested in learning how to use the equipment.

Church Signs:  My horse’s name is Mayo … Mayo Neighs

Have you noticed an interesting or amusing church sign or bulletin blooper? Share with the congregation by adding to our collection. Send in or call Rev Lisa (contact information at bottom of page)

 

 

Retirement Party for Rev John Henderson on September 19^th at Camp Kintail. John has retired as Clerk of Huron Perth Presbytery. You are invited to join in the celebration of John and Dorothy’s ministry in Huron Perth. $20 for the meal will be payable at the door. Please no gifts- your attendance is the gift (a donation to Kintail would be welcome). Register by contacting the camp at 519-529-7317 or admin@campkintail.ca

We will begin a book study at the end of September. Hopefully we will gather on Zoom and in-person! Join in the discussion …

Tuesday at 2 pm

• Black Water: Family, Legacy, and Blood Memory David A Robertson. [September 28 – October 25]
• The women of the bible speak; the wisdom of 16 women and their lessons for today, Shannon Bream. Tuesday at 2 pm [November]

Sunday at 9:30 am

• The Difficult Words of Jesus: A Beginner’s Guide to His Most Perplexing Teachings, Amy Jill Levine. Sunday at 9:30 am [October & November]

 

Your contributions to the church and its ongoing work are appreciated. Your regular offerings allow the church to continue its good work. The August financial reports show income $4,596 and expenses $4,862 with a year-to-date deficit of $7,509.

Mission Moment …     An Education for Robina  

Robina lives with her mother, father and five siblings in a make-shift house in Afghanistan. Both of her parents are unemployed, and Robina is the only member of her family attending school. In Afghanistan, 62% of children do not attend school. Often, families with many children cannot afford uniforms and school supplies for each child. Girls are especially disadvantaged because of a shared cultural belief that if girls study, they bring shame on their families. Only one in five students in Afghan schools are female, and only about one in 10 adult women are literate. Presbyterian World Service & Development (PWS&D) is passionate about ensuring a world in which all children can access quality education. Working with local partners, PWS&D helps parents and religious leaders understand girls’ rights—most importantly, the right to education.

 

The people of Knox Bayfield acknowledge that our community worships, lives, plays, and works on the traditional lands of the Anishinabewaki, Attiwonderonk (Neutral), and Mississauga peoples within Treaty 29, of 1827.

Hymn # 730  O for a world where everyone

Call to Worship[1]

One:       Come, people of God, worship the One who listens to our prayers.

All:         We will worship the One who hears us.

One:        Come, people of God, worship the One who watches over us.

All:         We will worship the One who cares deeply for us all.

One:        Come, people of God, worship the One who offered his life for us.

All:         We will offer thanks and praise to the One who gives us life.

 

Hymn# 645  Follow me the Master said

 

Prayer of Adoration and Assurance of Pardon

Join me in prayer

Holy God, we call to you for help. You know our faults before we speak. Forgive us for what we have done in opposition to your will. Forgive us things left undone and for those things we should not have done. We do not love you and our neighbors as you have taught. We deny our dependence on you. Lead us so that we may fulfill our vows to you and attend to the needs of your people. Amen.

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

May the peace of Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you.

 

Prayer For Illumination   

Psalm 19:14

May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable to you, O God, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen.

 

Readings

Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 116:1-9; James 3:1-12; Mark 8:27-38

May God bless our understanding of this, God’s holy word. The Word of the Lord.

Hymn   # 500  Open my eyes

Walking the Talk

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “Your actions speak so loudly, I can not hear what you are saying.” The words we speak and the actions we take have an impact. In our readings. Jesus encouraged his followers to let go of what they think they already know in order to see who he was. James explores the connection between action and speech and the prophet Isaiah acts on his calling to “sustain the weary with a word.” There is a theme within the readings that speaks to congruity of linking the way that we live with the words that we speak. The importance of walking the talk. Our actions speak louder than words.

We continue in the book of Isaiah and the story of the weary Hebrew people exiled in Babylon. They had lost their homes, their homeland, and their temple. Their captors provided economic opportunities so they did not live in material poverty. They did experience a different form of poverty in their loss of identity and faith. The loss of their community and faith traditions left the people of Judah at risk of turning away from God.  They were forgetting who they were as God’s people, as descendants of Abraham and Sarah. Many were weary of the problems within their world, within their communities, within their homes.  The people were encouraged by the prophet to keep God at the center of their identity and meaning. The prophet foretold of God raising the community into new life, purpose, and mission.

James wrote of the importance of right speech coupled with appropriate action. His letter illustrates the teaching with beautiful descriptors. He draws a connection with the tiny bit that controls the horse through the mouth, of small rudders steering great ships, of small fires creating big fires, and humans taming animals. James draws a parallel as he explains that salt and fresh water cannot be produced from a single spring and that fig trees do not produce olives and grapevines do not produce figs. The warning that small things can produce large, dangerous consequences brought to mind the impact of the tiny COVID virus.

The impact of gossip, rumours, loose speech – words that have not been controlled. Barbara Brown Taylor refers to loose speech as tongue toxin. Tongue toxin seems an appropriate term right now as we live in the reality of the ongoing pandemic. Taylor describes tongue toxin “at work when people of faith indulge in glib speech, making what is difficult sound easy, or what is mysterious sound plain.”^[2] In his epistle, James warns against trusting the human tongue. “For all of us make many mistakes”^[3] When we worship and work together there will be mistakes made and, hopefully, forgiveness offered. When I make mistakes it is important that others help me to see where improvement can be made.

Have you noticed that tongue toxin seems to seep into conversations when there are complex stressors. Change, whether small or large, may cause distress. Over the last 18 months virtually every aspect of life was disrupted, in one way or another.  Many people have lost their bearings as familiar structures have been dismantled due to the pandemic. One example is our Sunday morning worship service. The typical routine of Sunday worship was suddenly disrupted and the disruption continues. Coming into the sanctuary this morning presented yet another unfamiliar path, even in its familiar setting. Many of you have yearned for worship in the sanctuary, yearned for the comfort of gathering with your church family. It has been challenging, disruptive, isolating and disheartening. Yes, it is different. And, yes we can find a sense of comfort within our discomfort. As we seek to understand how to adapt it is important to recognize the impact of this discomfort.

It is important to understand that there are different responses to the impact of change. How do you respond when the familiar structures seem to be missing? When we look to the gospel stories, we find the ways Jesus helped people to work through the challenges they faced. Mark writes that Jesus helped the disciples discover what they thought they knew about him. He asked them to describe how others saw him and how they saw him. Jesus began by asking what the disciples have heard others say about him, then he asked: “But who do you say that I am?”  Their description of him as the Messiah points to one who will have the power and authority of God. They anticipate he will bring his followers glory and reward. Then, Jesus spoke of the suffering that would be endured, his death, and his resurrection. This is the opposite of what they anticipated. How could a Messiah die? Peter struggled to take it in and adapt to this unfamiliar way of understanding the Messiah. He had seen Jesus in a different light and this new information did not fit. Peter was told to stop getting in the way when he attempted to rebuke Jesus.

Jesus told Peter that that ‘you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.’ Could Peter understand Jesus from any other than the human perspective?  Can we? What does it mean for you to call Jesus Son of God? What does it mean for you to call Jesus the Messiah? Our understanding and how we express our faith is limited. Yet, Jesus encouraged Peter and the others, and us, to develop another perspective on “divine things.” In our relationship with Christ, there is the promise and the hope that the divine perspective of who we are and what we are about will be revealed. Harry Adams writes, “God enables us to find a way that is different from the way of the world, enables us to discern how life is fulfilled as God intends, enables us to live by values that are not embodied in the normal course of human affairs.”

The scriptures alert us to delve into our own understanding of the divine. The mystery of the divine can help us to recognize the mystery within our human relationships. James points to a steady practice of faith. Jesus taught that we practice our faith when we love our God, our neighbor and our selves. In this love we discover the ways of wisdom in God’s creation. In seeking to understand our relationship with Jesus we are surprised and sometimes confused by his way of being.  The gospel stories help us to hear his call to “follow me”.  It is good to be curious about the new ways of experiencing and living within God’s creation. We are called to walk the talk of living into our faith and the teachings of Christ.

Praise be to God.

Hymn #211  Take up your cross

The Offering Of Our Life And Labour To The Lord            

Quote:       No one has ever become poor by giving. Anne Frank (1929–1945) Jewish Dutch diarist during Nazi occupation

In the face of adversity, the prophet Isaiah called to the people saying, Let us stand up together.[4] This call reaches out to us. We stand together as a congregation in our offerings of fellowship, time, talent, and financial resources.

Blessing Of Gifts & Prayers Of The People

Join me in prayer:

O holy One, we thank you for this amazing earth. We are grateful for clean water and rich soils. We pray that all people will live with gratitude and a willingness to share. Holy God, we joyfully return a portion of what you have provided.

We give to the work of your church and your world praying that good will arise from these gifts. We pray for guidance to use what we have with wisdom and compassion.

We pray for wisdom, that we can communicate effectively with love, shalom, and compassion. Guide us as we strive to live in connectedness and understanding.

We pray for courage to live out our faith giving witness with our words and actions

that you are the Messiah. We pray for the will to follow wherever you may lead.

God, we pray that we will share your love with the intentionality. Help us to know each other by name and to have the deep relationship with you and with one another.

Merciful God, there are many within our church family in need of your special care. We lift up Sandy and family; Judith; Nicole; Rudy and Grace; Cesare and Lynn; Bonnie; Rob; Courtney and Kyla; David, Sharron and William J Kelly; Jordan, Sarah and Hazel. We lift up all those who prefer to remain un-named as they face immense challenges of health and finances. We wait for you, Lord, in your word we hope.

O holy One, we desire to hear your voice of love, to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, and to see you clearly. By your Spirit who breathes within us, strengthen our faith, use our gifts, and work in our lives to bear witness to Christ. Nourishing God, to you we commit our prayers     through Christ, the bread of life, who taught his disciples to pray, …Our Father who art in heaven, hallow’ed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Hymn # 674       In the bulb there is a flower

Benediction

Hebrews 11:29–12:2; Luke 12:49–56; Mark 8:27–38

When people ask, Who is this Jesus? Boldly share the gospel. Share the good news of the love he shared with world. Invite them to follow him. May the presence of God abide with you to keep you strong and gentle. Amen

Postlude   #623  Holy, holy, holy

 

 

Questions for Reflection 

How do you seek God’s wisdom in your life? What are the signs and symbols of God’s presence that surround your everyday life?

When we hear Jesus say we are to “deny” ourselves, this can seem harsh language. How do you understand this teaching? You are made in God’s image. As an image of the divine, God commands you know that you are worthy. You are not to be demeaned. What aspects of your life, your desires, your tendencies, do you recognize as obstructing your ability to set your mind on what you truly need? What is your cross? Perhaps you see more than one cross you must bear. If you “take up” your cross (or crosses), how might you live differently than you do now?

 

Morning Prayer

Thank you, God, for this good night and day, for time to sleep and wake, for dark and light, for silence and noise, for stillness and movement, for my body, mind, and heart. Give me the strength today to bear my cross with patience. May I find moments of calm because of you. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Evening Prayer

Thank you, God, for this good day and now for night, for all that has transpired in the last hours, for the food I have been given, for the work I do, for the exercise, for breathing, for what my ears have heard, for friends, for coworkers, and for what I have seen growing in the soil and shining in the sunlight. Guard me now as I sleep and give me good rest for the sake of the tasks you have set before me tomorrow. I pray for your peace, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Daily Prayer

God of love, your teachings encourage me to deny what is unhealthy and unloving. Lead me in that pathway. Awaken me to the abundance available through your Word. I pray in the name of Jesus the Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

Scripture readings next week

Jeremiah 11:18-20, Psalm 54, James 3:13-3:18, 7-8a; Mark 9:30-37

 

730           O for a World

O for a world where everyone respects each others ways, where love is lived and all is done with justice and with praise.

 

O for a world where goods are shared and misery relieved, where truth is spoken, children spared, equality achieved.

 

We welcome one world family and struggle with each choice that opens us to unity and gives our vision voice.

 

The poor and rich, the weak are strong, the foolish ones are wise. Tell all who mourn: outcasts belong, who perishes will rise.

 

O for a world preparing for God’s glorious reign of peace, where time and tears will be no more, and all but love will cease.

 

623   Holy, holy, holy         Words: traditional        Music: F Schubert

Refrain:    Holy, holy, holy, God almighty Lord!

Holy, holy, holy, everywhere adored!

God without beginning, God eternal One

reigns and rules forever all beneath the sun     Refrain

Power and love and wonder circling round God’s throne

Praise our God most holy, Lord of Life alone     Refrain

 

211   take up your cross

Take up your cross, the Saviour said, If my disciple you would be; Deny your self, the world forsake, And humbly follow after me.

 

Take up your cross; let not its weight Fill frightened spirit with alarm; His strength shall bear your spirit up, And brace your heart, and nerve your arm.

 

Take up your cross, nor heed the shame, Nor let your foolish pride rebel: For you the Saviour bore the cross, To save your soul from death and hell.

 

Take up your cross, then, in Christ’s strength, And every danger calmly brave; ‘twill guide you to a heavenly home, And lead to victory o’er the grave.

 

Take up your cross and follow Christ, Nor think till death to lay it down, For only those who bear the cross May hope to wear the glorious crown.

 

500   Open my eyes

Open my eyes, that I may see Glimpses of truth thou hast for me; Place in my hands the wonderful key That shall unclasp and set me free.

Refrain:    Silently now I wait for thee; ready, my God, thy will to see;

open my eyes: illumine me, Spirit divine!

 

Open my ears, that I may hear Voices of truth thou sendest clear, And while the wave-notes fall on my ear, Everything false will disappear. Refrain

 

Open my mouth, and let me bear Gladly the warm truth everywhere; Open my heart and let me prepare Love with thy children thus to share. Refrain

 

645   follow me the Master said

“Follow me,” the Master said: we will follow Jesus. By his word and Spirit led, we will follow Jesus. Still for us he lives to plead, at the throne does intercede, offers help in time of need; we will follow Jesus.

 

Should the world and sin oppose, we will follow Jesus. He is greater than our foes;

we will follow Jesus. On his promise we depend; he will hear us and defend, help and keep us to the end; we will follow Jesus.

 

Though the way may dark appear, we will follow Jesus. He will make our pathway clear; we will follow Jesus. In our daily round of care, as we plead with God in prayer, with the cross which we must bear, we will follow Jesus.

 

Ever keep that end in view; we will follow Jesus. All his promises are true; we will follow Jesus. When this earthly course is run, and the Master says, “ Well done!”

life eternal we have won; we will follow Jesus.

 

674   In the bulb there is a flower

In the bulb there is a flower, in the seed, an apple tree, In cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!

In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

 

There’s a song in every silence, Seeking word and melody; There’s a dawn in every darkness, Bringing hope to you and me.

From the past will come our future; What it holds, a mystery, Unrevealed until its season, Something God alone can see.

 

In our end is our beginning, In our time, infinity; In our doubt there is believing,

In our life, eternity, In our death, a resurrection,

At the last, a victory, Unrevealed until its season, Something God alone can see.

[1] PCC Worship Planner, 16^th Sunday after Pentecost September 12, 2021 Year B

[2] Feasting on the Word: Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary – Year B, Volume 4: Season After Pentecost 2 (Propers 17-Reign of Christ).

[3] James 3:2

[4] Isaiah 50:8Walking the talk 12 September 2021 Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson

Celebration for Rev John Henderson Retirement as Clerk of Presbytery

5 September 2021 Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson

The Lord be with you … and also with you.

Welcome to worship at Knox Presbyterian Bayfield on the Sunday September 5^th of the long weekend.

Announcements

Mission Moment …     Hearing God’s Call 

Joshua Su, a lay missionary at the Taiwanese Robert Campbell Presbyterian Church in Montreal, Quebec, saw a need on Montreal’s south shore for Christian community and worship among Mandarin-speaking people. With the support of   the congregation and Cyclical PCC, Joshua was able to start a network of small groups that meet in homes for fellowship, discussion, and prayer. One of the goals of this new and growing worshipping community is to equip leaders to work alongside Joshua as they start new intergenerational discipleship groups. Following in the Apostle Paul’s footsteps, leaders within this ministry are hearing God’s call to share the gospel in the world.

 

We are thankful to Jean Walker, organist, for her efforts in performing the hymns.

 

Knox Bayfield will open for in-person worship on Sunday, September 12^th. We will follow familiar Ontario Step-3 COVID protocols. The COVID-19 screening questions will be posted, masks will be worn, and physical distance of 2 metres (6.5 feet) will be kept. You are encouraged to sit with your social/family group, however, we will refrain from singing. You may hum along with the hymns, of course. The worship service will be approximately 30 minutes. We anticipate respectful co-operation. I am looking forward to your smiling ‘eyes’ in the sanctuary.

 

Bulletin bloopers:     The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.

Have you noticed an interesting or amusing church sign or bulletin blooper? Share with the congregation by adding to our collection. Send in or call Rev Lisa (contact information at bottom of page)

 

Retirement Party for Rev John Henderson on September 19^th at Camp Kintail. John has retired as Clerk of Huron Perth Presbytery. You are invited to join in the celebration of John and Dorothy’s ministry in Huron Perth. $20 for the meal will be payable at the door. Please no gifts- your attendance is the gift (a donation to Kintail would be welcome). Register by contacting the camp at 519-529-7317 or admin@campkintail.ca

 

I am excited about the spiritual studies this fall. We will discuss books by gathering on Zoom and in-person! Join us as we explore the books and this new way of meeting.

Tuesday at 2 pm

• Black Water: Family, Legacy, and Blood Memory David A Robertson. [September 28 – October 25]
• The women of the bible speak; the wisdom of 16 women and their lessons for today, Shannon Bream. Tuesday at 2 pm [November]

Sunday at 9:30 am

• The Difficult Words of Jesus: A Beginner’s Guide to His Most Perplexing Teachings, Amy Jill Levine. Sunday at 9:30 am [October & November]

 

The people of Knox Bayfield acknowledge that our community worships, lives, plays, and works on the traditional lands of the Anishinabewaki, Attiwonderonk (Neutral), and Mississauga peoples within Treaty 29, of 1827.

 

Hymn #     730    O for a world where everyone

 

Call to Worship

Come to the feast of God’s holy word. May your eyes and ears be opened so that we may all be fed and filled with hope.

 

Hymn# 374  O for a 1000 tongues

 

Assurance of Pardon

Mark 7:37

Almighty God, we are grateful for your compassion. We confess our efforts to fulfill our desires and avoidance of discomfort. We turn away from the unfamiliar and the difficult teachings that are offered in our daily lives. In seeking your grace, we ask you to renew us in body, mind, and spirit that, with your help, we will learn to walk in the way you intend for us. We pray this in the name of Christ, Amen.

 

Just as Jesus made the deaf to hear and the mute to speak, our merciful God lifts our burdens from us, forgives the errors of our past, and turns us toward new life.

Know that you are forgiven and able to walk in peace.

May the peace of Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you.

 

Prayer For Illumination   

Holy God, whose Spirit comes to us in moments of strength and weakness, we pray that we might hear your Word in fullness and in truth, through Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Readings

Isaiah 35:4-7a; Psalm 146; James 2:1-17; Mark 7:24-37

May God bless our understanding of this, God’s holy word. The Word of the Lord.

Hymn   # 642     O Master, let me walk with thee

 

There is a story called the ‘Tale of the Sands’.[1] It is from the mystical tradition of Sufism.  This story tells of a stream, gushing from the mountains until it reached a desert. After facing many barriers on its long journey the stream was confident that it would be able to cross the sands. The stream dashed itself on the sand but it was stuck. Then it heard a voice that whispered,   “The wind crosses the desert.…”

The stream thought, “The wind can fly. Of course it can cross the desert.”

The voice continued, “You’ll disappear if you continue pushing yourself on the sands. Allow the wind to carry you.”

“Carry me?” thought the stream. “How can the wind carry me?”

The voice of the sands insisted, “The wind performs this function all the time. It lifts the water up, carries it across the desert, and then drops it down on the other side.”

“How can this be?” thought the stream.

“It is simply so. If you don’t let the wind carry you, you will be absorbed by the sands until there is not a single drop of you left. Why else is this known as the desert?”

The stream responded, “But if I listen to you, I don’t know what will happen. There is no guarantee that what you are telling me is true.”

“True,” said the voice. “The problem stems from your lack of awareness of your essential nature. If you knew that, you would happily rise up into the arms of the wind. So, you have a choice. You can take a leap of faith that I tell the truth. Or,  you can carry on as you are.”

As the stream heard this, memories began to surface of being held in the arms of the wind. And so, the stream, stopped thrashing and became still. It waited for the wind to lift it into the sky and carry it to safety. The stream turned into vapour and was carried miles across the desert. When it reached a mountain range, it turned to rain, fell to the ground and found its way back to the ocean. The stream acknowledged its true nature as the sands witnessed this daily transformation.

What is the connection between the ancient mystical story and the words of the ancient prophets?

Isaiah’s prophecy was shared with people in exile and captivity. Many believed that God abandoned them. They were in the midst of despair. They longed to see the future with hope, to hear good news, to be healed. They long for liberation! They yearn for their homeland. And they yearned to trust Isaiah’s prophecy but could they trust what he was saying?

Transformation and liberation become evident as God shapes and re-shapes us. Our true essence becomes evident as we open our eyes and listen. The ancient stories help us to understand the transforming power of God’s mercy, love, and grace. The prophet Isaiah declared that Israel’s God “will come and save you.” He was speaking to a people who had experienced tremendous loss when many could no longer hear God’s voice.  Isaiah used dramatic language to open the people’s eyes and their ears to the promise that God had not abandoned them. There are different ways of losing sight, hearing, and voice, and of being so weighed down that it seems impossible to stand straight and strong. It is in these moments that God is at work through the efforts of many to reveal joy in life and to strengthen communities.

The epistle from James speaks of the temptations that divide communities. James points to the problem of indulging in favoritism. Favouritism is an unwillingness to give to those who are not favoured.  During the Middle Ages,  wealthy Christians  helped the poor and the beggars. Then a significant increase in need happened which created a shift that defined who was deserving. Only the those who suddenly lost their income, those who were new to poverty, received help. Many cities banned begging which made the less fortunate less visible. During the Reformation, while many religions fought over correct doctrines of faith, they also exploited world markets. Exploited others  for luxury goods such as sugar and spices, opened international banks that favoured the wealthy, established unequal treaties, took land by force and enslaved those who were deemed less worthy. In James epistle, the reader is reminded of the importance of good works, of living into their faith in their daily lives. He reminds the reader of the importance of helping the less fortunate.

There are echoes of Isaiah’s prophetic voice when  Jesus healed the disturbed daughter of a Gentile woman and the deaf man with a speech impediment.  The Gospels illustrate opening the eyes of the blind – literally and mystically.^[2]  The mighty acts point to the healing of individuals and communities.

Jesus travelled from the city of Genneraset to the Gentile region of Tyre, about 55 km. In terms we can understand it is about the same distance from Goderich to Grand Bend, straight down Highway 21. Google maps tells me that it will take about 45 minutes to drive and about 10 hours to walk. The driving part seems about right, but walking? I imagine it would take me a lot longer than 10 hours to walk from my house to Goderich and that is on a paved road. It is helpful to remember this aspect of the biblical journes.  Jesus and his disciples walked long distances. We can imagine they were tired from the long journey. Mark tells the reader that Jesus did not want anyone to know where he was and word had spread that Jesus was in town

The Syrian-Phoenician woman found a way to be next to Jesus. This woman was desperate to save her daughter. She approached as a Gentile, as a woman talking to a male stranger, without her husband or other male relative. She was breaking down the cultural expectations as she sought healing for her daughter. Jesus initially dismissed her when she approached him. Yet this woman’s faith recognized the vision of God’s mission to the Gentiles. Jesus then encouraged her bravery and the wisdom of her words. He applauded her outspokenness.

What was Jesus was thinking?  Could it be that Jesus was contradicting his message of inclusivity?  He refers to her as a dog, a derogatory phrase. Some interpreters suggest that Jesus was testing her faith. Or, perhaps this is the human side of Jesus, speaking from exhaustion. It is certainly an effective way to get our attention. She demonstrated that God’s love and healing power are not restricted by human expectations.

Jesus continued his journey, travelling to another Gentile region of the Decapolis. He encountered many who suffered from physical challenges, such as blindness, deafness, and illness. When Jesus healed people, he not only corrected their physical problems, he helped them to see beyond their physical challenges. The deaf man’s inability to hear and speak impaired his ability to communicate. Jesus responded to his request by putting his fingers in the man’s ears, spit, and touched the man’s tongue, and said “Ephphatha!” which in Aramaic means, “Be opened!”   Suddenly this man was able to communicate with those around him. Whether it was a demon-possessed girl, a man with leprosy, a bleeding woman, or a deaf man, they were able to become a part of their community.

In the first-century, the poor, the infirm, the orphaned, the mentally ill, the alien, and many women lived with very low status. Today, many people continue to live at the margins of society. There is a persistent prejudice against people who struggle with addiction, poverty, and lack of housing. Too often the disheveled are shunned. Children spend empty, abused lives shuttled from one foster home to the next, forgotten and unloved. Prisoners, refugees, and the disadvantaged are seen as less deserving. Too many in our world are dis-advantaged. Cultural practices often teach people that they are not good enough, they do not belong, they should be happy with crumbs. The persistent theme in Mark’s gospel notes that the healed did not approach Jesus alone. They were helped by others. The young girl is freed of demon possession because her mother pleads on her behalf. The deaf man is brought to Jesus by friends who beg for his healing. In these stories it is not the faith of the disabled persons that brings about their healing but the active faith of their companions. In part, their stories encourage us to work on behalf of others and actively seek the well-being of those in need.

Isaiah speaks of waters in the wilderness and streams in the desert. This imagery illustrates the deep need for clean, fresh, and reliable sources of water as essential to life. The imagery of water points to the living water of the Holy Spirit. Jesus gathers us all to the table and claims us as God’s  children —  from every tribe and nation. We may seek crumbs from the table but Jesus gives more … more than enough. He has set an abundant, life-giving feast for everyone. The gospels demonstrate that all are worthy of being embraced and valued within God’s creation.

Praise be to God.

Hymn #  696      In suffering love

The Offering Of Our Life And Labour To The Lord            

Quote:       If you haven’t got any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble. Bob Hope (1903- 2003), American comedian

The Book of Proverbs declares that those who are generous are blessed, for they share their bread with the poor. We do not bring bread today, but we offer a portion of God’s gifts to us. May our gifts and our labour, whether paid or volunteered, meet the needs of those who often go without.

Blessing Of Gifts & Prayers Of The People

Join me in prayer:

Creator of beauty and surprising complexity, we long for the wisdom to cherish this earth. Give us the vision to see what you have made— vast expanses of prairie, forests dark and thick, oceans full of wondrous creatures, and the heavens bigger than our imaginations. Show us how to keep your gifts as good stewards.

Receive our thanks, O God, for your gifts of life, financial resources, and time. May our offerings, small as they may be, be put to work for those in need and as a demonstration of Christ’s teachings in this world. We pray that we will learn to live with gratitude for all we have received.

Holy liberator, you know the devastation caused when we turn our friends and neighbors into enemies. Free our lands from tricksters, people who lie for personal  gain, and those who spread hate. Give courage and rest to those who are weary of the struggles for justice so that new life and strength will infuse their tired bones. Help us to discover how we can aid those who seek justice.

O holy One, we seek the fulfillment of your promises. May there be waters in the desert, healing in the time of death, protection from fear, and salvation for those who are alone in their struggle.

Almighty one, you heard the cry of the Syrophoenician woman and you answered her distress with the living Word. Gracious healer, you visit us when we are in pain and worry. You spread your hands on our wounds. You speak to demons. You bring peace and freedom. We pray your Spirit will linger in your churches and synagogues, mosques and ashrams, monastic cells and places of prayer in every land for the well-being of all people of faith.

Merciful God, there are many within our church family in need of your special care. We lift up Sandy and family; Judith; Earl & Ruth; Nicole; Rudy and Grace; Cesare and Lynn; Bonnie; Rob; Courtney and Kyla; David, Sharron and William J Kelly; Jordan, Sarah and Hazel. We lift up all those who prefer to remain un-named as they face immense challenges of health and finances. We wait for you, Lord, in your word we hope.

O holy One, we desire to hear your voice of love, to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, and to see you clearly. By your Spirit who breathes within us, strengthen our faith, use our gifts, and work in our lives to bear witness to Christ. Nourishing God, to you we commit our prayers     through Christ, the bread of life, who taught his disciples to pray, …Our Father who art in heaven, hallow’ed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Hymn # 730        O for a world where everyone

 

Benediction

Isa. 35:4

Be strong and do not fear! Trust in God’s blessings of answered prayer

and healing. Listen to the wisdom around you. Walk in peace within God’s creation.  May the God who made you, loves you, and lives with you, bring you to a faith and a courage that knows no bounds.

Postlude   #623  Holy, holy, holy

 

 

Questions for Reflection 

Try to recall the first time in your life when you did not retreat in the face of opposition. How is your experience like that of the Syrophoenician woman putting her case to Jesus? Where in your life today is that same courage calling you to speak out? What could you do this week to take steps in that direction?

 

Morning Prayer

Holy God, I thank you for another day, whether it brings the sort of happiness for which I always hope or the challenges I sometimes fear. Each day in your presence allows me to notice the marvels of creation that surround me. Help me to see them today and to move gracefully from one hour to the next, in the name of your holy and miraculous ways. Amen.

Evening Prayer

Giver of all good things, you have been at my side, beneath, above, and within me all day long, and I thank you for your presence. I thank you as I grow weary for you have given me a place to lay my head. Watch over all who sleep this night, especially those who have no shelter. Guard them and keep all your people in safety, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Daily Prayer

God of love, you show your people how to be truly rich in faith, through the gifts you give when least hoped for or expected. Come to your people today with words of both judgment and mercy, that we may be fed from the bread of life. We pray this in your holy triune name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God, Mother of us all. Amen.

 

Scripture readings next week

Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 116:1-9; James 3:1-12; Mark 8:27-38

 

 

730           O for a World

O for a world where everyone respects each others ways, where love is lived and all is done with justice and with praise.

 

O for a world where goods are shared and misery relieved, where truth is spoken, children spared, equality achieved.

 

We welcome one world family and struggle with each choice that opens us to unity and gives our vision voice.

 

The poor and rich, the weak are strong, the foolish ones are wise. Tell all who mourn: outcasts belong, who perishes will rise.

 

O for a world preparing for God’s glorious reign of peace, where time and tears will be no more, and all but love will cease.

 

623   Holy, holy, holy         Words: traditional        Music: F Schubert

Refrain:    Holy, holy, holy, God almighty Lord!

Holy, holy, holy, everywhere adored!

God without beginning, God eternal One

reigns and rules forever all beneath the sun     Refrain

Power and love and wonder circling round God’s throne

Praise our God most holy, Lord of Life alone     Refrain

 

374   Oh for a 1000 tongues

Oh for a thousand tongues to sing My great Redeemer’s praise,

The glories of my God and King, The triumphs of God’s grace.

 

Jesus, the name that charms our fears, And bids our sorrows cease—

‘tis music in the sinner’s ears, ‘tis life and health and peace.

 

He speaks, and listening to his voice New life the dead receive;

The mournful, broken hearts rejoice; The humble poor believe.

 

Hear him, you deaf; you voiceless ones, Your tongues again employ;

You blind, behold your Saviour comes, And leap, you lame, for joy.

 

My gracious Master and my God, Assist me to proclaim,

And spread through all the earth abroad The honours of thy name.

 

642   O Master, let me walk with thee

O Master, let me walk with thee in lowly paths of service free;

tell me thy secret; help me bear the strain of toil, the fret of care.

 

Help me the slow of heart to move by some clear winning word of love;

teach me the wayward feet to stay, and guide them in the homeward way.

 

Teach me thy patience; still with thee in closer, dearer company,

in work that keeps faith sweet and strong, in trust that triumphs over wrong,

 

in hope that sends a shining ray far down the future’s broadening way,

in peace that only thou canst give, with thee, O Master, let me live.

 

696   In suffering love

In suffering love the thread of life Is woven through our care,

For God is with us: not alone Our pain and toil we bear.

 

There is a rock, a place secure Within the storm’s cold blast;

Concealed within the suffering night God’s covenant stands fast.

 

In love’s deep womb our fears are held; There God’s rich tears are sown

And bring to birth, in hope new-born, The strength to journey on.

 

Lord, to our hearts your joy commit, Into our hands your pain,

So send us out to touch the world With blessings in your name.

 

In suffering love our God comes now, Hope’s vision born in gloom;

With tears and laughter shared and blessed The desert yet will bloom.

[1] https://rssb.org/2014-03-08.html adapted from P. Hemenway, The Little Book of Eastern Wisdom

[2] John 9:14; Luke 24:31; Acts 9:17

Ontario Vaccine Certificate Program Sept 2021

29 August 2021 Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson

The Lord be with you … and also with you.

Welcome to worship at Knox Presbyterian Bayfield on

Announcements

Mission Moment …    Teamwork Guarantees Thriving Farm 

In Guatemala, Celedonia Félix was in charge of her family’s farm, performing most of the agricultural and livestock work. But Celedonia was feeling overwhelmed, and the family’s farm was starting to suffer. One day she attended an agriculture training workshop provided by Presbyterian World Service & Development’s local partner. At the workshop, the mother of seven learned the importance of working as a team. Sharing what    she learned with her husband, the two started to work together on their land. Eventually, the couple’s children also started to help out. Today, the family jointly carries out activities such as planting, separating husks and harvesting. For Celedonia, “teamwork is the key to success, and preserving family harmony and happiness.”

 

Do you have food to share? Take your food donations to the outside bin at Trinity St James Anglican Church. Food and financial donations are welcome! 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!

 

Interesting English:   When you transport something by car, it’s called a shipment. But when you transport something by ship, it’s called cargo.

 

We are thankful to Jean Walker, organist, for her efforts in performing the hymns for the YouTube video.

 

The people of Knox Bayfield acknowledge that our community worship, live, play, and work on the traditional lands of the Anishinabewaki, Attiwonderonk (Neutral), and Mississauga peoples within Treaty 29, of 1827.

 

Hymn #730        O for a World

Call to Worship

James 1:17; Song of Solomon 2:10

God has lavished us with every perfect gift from above and called us to living intimacy through the beloved one, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Hymn# 375  Fairest Lord Jesus

 

Assurance of Pardon

James 1:17-20; Mark 7:6-8; Ephesians 3:16–19; John 6:35

God of light, we confess that we live in the shadows of hypocrisy and self-righteousness. We honor you with our lips, but we have not served you in our hearts. We confuse meekness with weakness, holiness with social conformity, and anger with righteousness. Forgive us, we pray. By the power of your word save us from the prison of our conceit.   Amen.

 

Sisters and brothers in Christ, the promise of our faith is that whoever turns to Jesus Christ will never hunger for forgiveness and that which gives life to the world.

May the peace of Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you.

 

HYMN # 290  Immortal, invisible God only wise

 

Prayer For Illumination   

Deuteronomy 4:9

Lord, by the power of your Spirit open our hearts and minds to receive your Word. May we remember the wonders you have done                                                 and make them known to our children and the world. Amen.

 

Readings

Song of Solomon 2:8-13; Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9; James 1:17-27; Mark 7:1-23

May God bless our understanding of this, God’s holy word. The Word of the Lord.

Hymn   # 339     Who made the earth and heaven

 

The Offering Of Our Life And Labour To The Lord

Quote:        The greatest use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.

William James

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9: 7-8

 

Blessing Of Gifts & Prayers Of The People

Song 2:8–13, Psalm 45:1-7, James. 1:18-27,

Join me in prayer:

Beloved One, you have called us to your embrace and our hearts overflow with your goodness. Your love endures forever. Living God, we are thankful for your gifts of life—fragrant flowers, fruitful vines, singing creatures, and our own lives, renewed in Christ. May your grace infuse the gifts we offer with your life-giving presence for those in need. Unshackle your church that we may worship you freely and serve others with a pure heart.        Redeem and renew your creation to bud, blossom, and bring forth fruit   as we care for the land and love one another.

We pray your compassionate justice will infuse our nations and neighborhoods to unite with people of goodwill to do right for those in need. Make us quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. O holy One, guide us to embrace the distressed, the diseased, the devalued, and the denied. Help us to care for the abandoned, the bereaved, the weak, and the weary.

There are many within our church family in need of your special care at this time. We lift up Sandy and family, Judith, Earl, Nicole, Rudy and Grace, Bonnie, Rob, Courtney and Kyla, David, Sharron and William J Kelly. We lift up all those who prefer to remain un-named as they face immense challenges of health and finances.

O holy One, we desire to hear your voice of love, to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, and to see you clearly. By your Spirit who breathes within us, strengthen our faith, use our gifts, and work in our lives to bear witness to Christ who taught his disciples to pray, …Our Father who art in heaven, hallow’ed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Hymn #324        Great is thy faithfulness

 

Benediction

 

Go in peace to love and serve in the name of Christ. 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.

 

Postlude   #623  Holy, holy, holy

 

Questions for Reflection 

How can we know the difference between human tradition and the commandments of God? How can we know that we serve God from the heart?

 

 

 

 

Morning Prayer

Jesus, help me walk blamelessly and do what is right, to speak the truth in love,

to avoid gossip and slander, and do good to all I meet, that I may abide in your presence and dwell in fellowship with the Holy Trinity. Amen.

Evening Prayer

God, you have been my light this day. As evening comes, be my light in the darkness. With meekness I welcome the word you have implanted in my heart,

and with confidence I claim the power of salvation in Jesus Christ. Allow me rest from my labors, confident that in you there is no shadow of fear. Amen.

Daily Prayer

Faithful God, you have blessed us forever through your Beloved One, Jesus Christ.

Born again by your word of truth, let us live out your love by caring for the weak and vulnerable in their distress, and ever pursuing your justice, through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Scripture readings next week

Isaiah 35:4-7a; Psalm 146; James 2:1-17; Mark 7:24-37

730           O for a World

O for a world where everyone respects each others ways, where love is lived and all is done with justice and with praise.

 

O for a world where goods are shared and misery relieved, where truth is spoken, children spared, equality achieved.

 

We welcome one world family and struggle with each choice that opens us to unity and gives our vision voice.

 

The poor and rich, the weak are strong, the foolish ones are wise. Tell all who mourn: outcasts belong, who perishes will rise.

 

O for a world preparing for God’s glorious reign of peace, where time and tears will be no more, and all but love will cease.

 

623   Holy, holy, holy         Words: traditional        Music: F Schubert

Refrain:    Holy, holy, holy, God almighty Lord!

Holy, holy, holy, everywhere adored!

God without beginning, God eternal One

reigns and rules forever all beneath the sun      Refrain

Power and love and wonder circling round God’s throne

Praise our God most holy, Lord of Life alone     Refrain

 

375   Fairest Lord Jesus

Fairest Lord Jesus, Lord of all creation, Jesus, of God and Mary the Son: Thee will I cherish, thee will I honour, O thou my soul’s delight and crown.

 

Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands, Robed in the verdure and bloom of spring. Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer, He makes the saddest heart to sing.

 

Fair is the sunshine, fairer still the moonlight, Fair is the shimmering, starry sky:

Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines clearer Than all the heavenly host on high.

 

All fairest beauty heavenly and earthly, Wondrously, Jesus, is found in thee;

None can be nearer, fairer or dearer Than thou, my Saviour, art to me.

 

339   Who made the earth and heaven

Who made the earth and heaven? — Mighty hands!

Who made the man and the woman? — Awesome hands!

Who made the tree and the garden? — Loving hands!

Who’s got the world in mighty hands?

 

Who made the stars and the children? — Mighty hands!

Who made the stream and the salmon—Awesome hands!

Who made the lamb and the lion?— Loving hands!

Who’s got the world in mighty hands?

 

Who made the swan and the swallow? — Mighty hands!

Who made the wind and the willow?— Awesome hands!

Who makes today and tomorrow?— Loving hands!

Who’s got the world in mighty hands?

 

Who sent the storm and the thunder? — Mighty hands!

Who sent the flood and the fire?— Awesome hands!

Who sent the dove and the rainbow?— Loving hands!

Who’s got the world in mighty hands?

 

Who loves the man and the woman? — Mighty hands!

Who sent the Lamb and the Lion?— Awesome hands!

Who makes a new earth and heaven?— Loving hands!

Who’s got the world in mighty hands?

 

You’ve got the whole world — Mighty God!

You’ve got the whole world — Awesome God!

You’ve got the whole world — Loving God!

You’ve got the whole world in your hands!

 

290   Immortal, invisible God only wise

Immortal, invisible, God only wise, In light inaccessible hid from our eyes. Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days, Almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.

 

Unresting, unhasting and silent as light, Nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might; Thy justice like mountains high soaring above Thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.

 

To all life thou givest, to both great and small; In all life thou livest, the true life of all; We blossom and flourish like leaves on the tree, And wither, and perish, but naught changeth thee.

 

Great Father of glory, pure Father of light, Thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight; All laud we would render: oh help us to see ‘tis only the splendour of light hideth thee.

 

324   Great is thy faithfulness

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.

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anniversary Sunday 22 August 2021 Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson

The Lord be with you … and also with you.

Welcome to worship at Knox Presbyterian Bayfield on August 22^nd as we celebrate the 164^th Anniversary!

Announcements

Mission Moment …    Saving Hospitals in Nepal

The United Mission to Nepal (UMN) was founded in 1954 as an international, interdenominational Christian mission. As COVID-19 swept through the country, affecting the lives and livelihoods of much of the population, UMN’s two mission hospitals in Tansen  and Okhaldhunga experienced a funding crisis. Patients seeking care did not have the income to pay their hospital bills. UMN began a “Save Our Hospitals” campaign and reached out to partners and friends for support. Faithful supporters of UMN from around the world rallied to answer the call, including The Presbyterian Church in Canada—a UMN partner since 1974. The campaign was a huge success, receiving over one million dollars in donations.

 

Do you have food to share? Take your food donations to the outside bin at Trinity St James Anglican Church. Food and financial donations are welcome! 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!

 

We are thankful to Jean Walker, organist, for her efforts in performing the hymns for the YouTube video.

 

Church Signs:  Until God opens the next door, praise God in the hallway

 

 

 

Your contributions to the church and its ongoing work are appreciated. Your regular offerings allow the church to continue its good work. The updated financial reports for July show income $3,627 and expenses $5,195 with a year-to-date deficit of $7,253.

 

This worship service was recorded ahead of time. I will be on medical leave for the remainder of August. Please reach out to Brenda McLean brmclean@hurontel.on.ca  with your pastoral concerns. Rev Theresa McDonald Lee will provide emergency pastoral care during my time away.

 

The people of Knox Bayfield acknowledge that our community worship, live, play, and work on the traditional lands of the Anishinabewaki, Attiwonderonk (Neutral), and Mississauga peoples within Treaty 29, of 1827.

Hymn #730        O for a World

Call to Worship

Psalm 84:2-7; John 6:57–58; Ephesians 6:10

The living God sent the living bread from heaven to fill our hearts with strength!

In the name of the Holy Yahweh, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

Assurance of Pardon

Joshua 24:14–18; John 6:68

Join me in prayer

God of our redemption, we confess that we have not been faithful servants. We hesitate to trust in your salvation. We have forsaken you, the living God, and have chosen to follow idols of our own making. Forgive us, O God. Lead us to heartfelt repentance that we may honor you with our lips and serve you with our lives;

through our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

Hear the good news: Christ is the Word that offers eternal life to all who receive him. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. Thanks be to God.

May the peace of Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you.

 

 

Prayer For Illumination   

John 6:68 Ephesians 6:16-20; Psalm 84:9

Holy God, you have the words of eternal life. By your Holy Spirit, let your words pierce our darkness, strengthen our faith, and illumine our witness for you. Amen.

Readings

Psalm 84, Ephesians 6:10-20; John 6:56-69

May God bless our understanding of this, God’s holy word. The Word of the Lord.

Hymn# 690        Fight the good fight

Anniversary Sunday

History. Does the mention of that word get your interest or cause your eyelids to get heavy? Hopefully, you will find the history of this church to be a little eye opening. We are becoming more aware that history cannot be viewed from just one perspective. A narrow perspective misses too much and provides little real information.

We look at the history of this congregation. When you enter the building the cornerstone declares it was built in 193??. Interesting information. It alone tells us that people were willing to build a church in the midst of a major economic depression. It also tells us that this church survived the long lasting impacts of economic disasters, World War 2, and other wars. When we dig a little deeper and look a little further a longer history can be found.

Elias Mendes-Gomes, a student minister in 2015, prepared a remarkable, in-depth report that looked at the dynamics of Knox Bayfield. His report included a brief, interesting history.^[1] He reminds the reader of the impact of the 1925 formation of the United Church. The church building on highway 21 was the Presbyterian Church and became the United Church when many within the Presbyterian Church joined with the Methodists and Congregationalist churches. Elias dug deeper than the stone on the outer building of this church. He discovered the roots of this congregation originally began in 1857.

It was in 1857 that twelve Presbyterians were served communion by the Rev. Alexander MacKid. The congregation met in a grain warehouse owned by James Gairdner, Bayfield’s postmaster. James and his brother Robert were the “driving forces in setting up a Presbyterian ‘Kirk’ in Bayfield.”^[2]  There are conflicting records of the first church building for the congregation. One source indicates a small church was built in 1858, while another tells of a building on Howard Street overlooking the Bayfield River built in 1860. The Auld Kirk congregation was absorbed into the union of the branches of Presbyterianism when the Presbyterian Church in Canada (PCC) was formed in 1875. Imagine that! The roots of this congregation pre-date the formation of the Presbyterian Church in Canada.

The congregation grew to the point of overcrowding their building at around the same time another PCC congregation moved to nearby Varna. About half of the Varna congregation joined with the Bayfield congregation and it was decided that a new sanctuary was needed.  The larger congregation worshiped on the site of Bayfield’s Town Hall until the new church building was completed. The Presbyterian Church on Hwy 21 facing Clan Gregor Square was opened August 24, 1902. During the early 1900’s there were 59 families, with 130 members.

The Session minutes show discussion of joining with the Methodist and Congregational churches began in 1912. Then, the first world war had a significant impact on the discussion of a Church Union. Ultimately, in 1925 the Presbyterian Church in Canada split apart with a significant portion leaving to form the United Church in Canada. The remaining Presbyterians in Bayfield gathered together to worship again at the Town Hall site. Unfortunately the church records from 1925 to  August 26, 1931 were destroyed in a house fire. This new church was built and financed through the dedicated efforts of the Bayfield congregation along with help from Presbyterian churches in surrounding towns.

The congregation was part of a two-point or three-point charge from 1931 to 1969. At different points during that time they were linked with Hensall, Clinton, and Seaforth congregations. Eventually it seemed the possibility of closure seemed imminent. Then a creative Interim Moderator suggested that Bayfield become a summer ministry. It would be open from Victoria Day to Thanksgiving, led by student ministers. It was a radical approach. Thankfully, the congregation’s risk tolerance and faithful commitment encouraged the ministry to thrive. Over 37 student ministers have trained and matured in their approach to ministry by their experience with the congregation of Knox Bayfield.

In 2003 the congregation took the step to shift into a one-year contract with a 1/3^rd time minister. This continued into 2004 when a half-time minister was called. The Rev Susan Brown faithfully served at Knox Bayfield from 2005 until 2011. Then a variety of pulpit supply, half time ministers and student ministers cared for your congregation between 2011 and 2018.  In 2018 I was called to serve in this faith-filled congregation dedicated to missional efforts.

We look back on 164 years as a continuous, faithful congregation. The history of this little church has been tumultuous, witnessing major wars, pandemics, major economic depression and recessions, and mind-boggling social change. This congregation bears witness to the living Christ. The anniversary is a good time to acknowledge the past while moving faithfully into the future.

Praise be to God.

Hymn # 468        Be thou my vision

The Offering Of Our Life And Labour To The Lord            

Quote:         For you know of the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.   2 Corinthians 8:9

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2Corinthians 9:7-8

 

Blessing Of Gifts & Prayers Of The People

Joshua 24:18; Ephesians 6:10–19

The Lord’s prayer will be included in our Communion Prayers. Join me in prayer:

Almighty God, we dedicate ourselves to serve you, for you alone are our God.

Receive, O God, the gifts we offer with the offering of our lives through Christ.

God, we pray for the church in every land. We pray for the those who lead your church. May all who serve within the faith community persevere in their efforts to make known the mystery of the gospel. Merciful God, we pray for those who govern the nations and have authority in civic life. May they seek your wisdom in their service. May they develop insight into justice and compassion for the people they govern.

God, we pray for the sick, the poor, and the oppressed. May they sense your deep abiding love. Loving God, we pray for your planet Earth. May we take action to help others with the ravages of the pandemic. May your Spirit guide us to seek peace within our communities, to join with effective waste management efforts, and end the  exploitation of Earth’s abundance.

Merciful God, there are many within our church family in need of your special care. We lift up Sandy and family; Judith; Earl & Ruth; Nicole; Rudy and Grace; Cesare and Lynn; Bonnie; Rob; Courtney and Kyla; David, Sharron and William J Kelly; Jordan, Sarah and Hazel. We lift up all those who prefer to remain un-named as they face immense challenges related to health and finances.

O holy One, we desire to hear your voice of love, to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, and to see you clearly. By your Spirit who breathes within us, strengthen our faith, use our gifts, and work in our lives to bear witness to Christ. Amen

 

Invitation to the Table

The unity and love we find in communion with Christ encourages us to reach out and find unity within the church.  We seek communion with Christ and with our siblings in Christ. This is the communion table where all are invited and welcome to share in the feast. O taste and see that God is good.

 

Hymn #534 All who hunger, gather gladly

 

Affirmation of Faith

#539 The Apostles’ Creed* [in unison]

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Communion Prayer

(Responsive in Bold)

As we are called to come to The Table, we remember that this is the table of Jesus Christ, who has prepared a banquet for everyone.

All who seek to be nourished and sustained in the journey of faith, all who seek wholeness and compassionate paths to peace and justice, and all who walk in love and charity with your companions on the Way are called to gather around the Table.

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

 

Blessed and holy are you, O God, creator of all things.  In the beginning, you spoke… and at your word your Spirit moved over the waters, bringing order, light, and life out of chaos.  You knit together our inward parts, made us in your image and breathed breath and life into us.  When we turn away from you and our love fails, your love remains constant. When we wander off and follow ways of sin and death you call us from our scattered lives to repentance, unity and peace.

Therefore, with choirs of angels and archangels and with those of every time and place, we give you praise and glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

Holy, mighty and tender God, in time you sent word to Mary that she would conceive a son and call him Jesus and in him we saw your promises made flesh.  Dwelling among us we heard and saw Good News: he preached reconciliation and the Kingdom of God, he healed the sick, fed the hungry, and ate with sinners.  In his suffering, death and resurrection, he delivered us from sin and death and revealed your living and redeeming hope for all people.  And when he ascended into heaven, your Holy Spirit came to be our Counsellor and Comforter.

And so, remembering Christ’s life, love, death, and resurrection, we proclaim the mystery of faith

Christ was promised. Christ was born.

Christ has died. Christ is risen.

Christ will come again.

Gracious God, pour out your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these your gifts of bread and wine, that the bread we break and the cup we share may be the communion of the body and blood of Christ. Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor are yours, almighty God, world without end.

O Holy One, although we are apart and we join our voices together across space and time 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.

Words of Institution and Invitation

Jesus, in the night in which he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you: do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, he took the cup, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood: as often as you drink of it, do this in remembrance of me.’ We break this bread, the communion in Christ’s body once broken. We drink this cup, communion in Christ’s blood once shed. These are the gifts of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.

Prayer after Communion

Join me in prayer…

Eternal God, we thank you for this holy mystery in which you have given yourself to us and we praise you for breaking into the world. Send us out in peace for we have seen, have heard, and been fed by your grace.  Keep us faithful and alert for signs of Christ’s coming and lead us to live lives marked by truth and light, in the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.

Hymn # 556       Now let us from this table rise

 

 

Benediction

Living in the love of Christ, be open to God calling you into a new ministry. Go in the Spirit of peace. Jesus Christ has given us into the arms of a loving God. May God bless you and keep you this day and forevermore.

Postlude   #623  Holy, holy, holy

Questions for Reflection 

In the Gospel of John, Peter declares to Jesus, “You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68–69). Are “believing” and “knowing” the same action? How does knowing something intensify our believing something?

 

Morning Prayer

Lord God, my sun and shield, a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. Let the favor of your presence strengthen me and accompany me

everywhere I go today. Prepare me to be a sanctuary, that your light and love may radiate through me. Through Christ my Lord. Amen.

Evening Prayer

Lord God my strength, your Spirit never tires; your love never fails. I bring you my struggles, stresses, questions, and worries of this day. Where else can I go? You have the words of eternal life. Let your promises sustain my soul and comfort my heart as I rest in you, through Christ my Lord. Amen.

Daily Prayer

John 6:65

Living God, your Son Jesus Christ has the words of eternal life. Grant that we may come to him in faith, follow him in this world, and abide with him forever in the world to come; for he dwells with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Scripture readings next week  

Song of Solomon 2:8-13 and Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9, James 1:17-27; Mark 7:1-23

 

730           O for a World

O for a world where everyone respects each others ways, where love is lived and all is done with justice and with praise.

 

O for a world where goods are shared and misery relieved, where truth is spoken, children spared, equality achieved.

 

We welcome one world family and struggle with each choice that opens us to unity and gives our vision voice.

 

The poor and rich, the weak are strong, the foolish ones are wise. Tell all who mourn: outcasts belong, who perishes will rise.

 

O for a world preparing for God’s glorious reign of peace, where time and tears will be no more, and all but love will cease.

623   Holy, holy, holy         Words: traditional        Music: F Schubert

Refrain:    Holy, holy, holy, God almighty Lord!

Holy, holy, holy, everywhere adored!

God without beginning, God eternal One

reigns and rules forever all beneath the sun      Refrain

Power and love and wonder circling round God’s throne

Praise our God most holy, Lord of Life alone     Refrain

 

690   Fight the good fight

Fight the good fight with all your might; Christ is your strength and Christ your right; lay hold of life, and it shall be your joy and crown eternally.

 

Run the straight race through God’s good grace; lift up your eyes and seek God’s face; the way of life before you lies; Christ is the path and Christ the prize.

 

Cast care aside; lean on your guide; his boundless mercy will provide; trust, and your trusting soul shall prove Christ is its life and Christ its love.

 

Faint not nor fear, those arms are near, and, changing not, still hold you dear; hope and believe, and you shall find Christ is your all: heart, strength and mind.

 

461   Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;

Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart; naught be all else to me, save that thou art, thou my best thought in the day and the night, waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.

 

Be thou my wisdom; be thou my true word, I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord; thou my great Father, thine own may I be, thou in me dwelling, and I one with thee.

 

Be thou my breast-plate, my sword for the fight; be thou my armour and be thou my might; thou my soul’s shelter and thou my high tower, raise thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

 

Riches I heed not, nor vain earthly praise, thou my inheritance, through all my days; thou and thou only, thou first in my heart, high King of heaven, my treasure thou art!

 

High King of heaven, when the battle is done, grant heaven’s joy to me, O bright heaven’s Sun; heart of my own heart, whatever befall, still be my vision, O ruler of all.

 

534 All who hunger, gather gladly

All who hunger, gather gladly; Holy manna is our bread. Come from wilderness and wandering. Here, in truth, we will be fed. You that yearn for days of fullness,

All around us is our food. Taste and see the grace eternal. Taste and see that God is good.

 

All who hunger, never strangers, Seeker, be a welcome guest. ome from restlessness and roaming. Here, in joy, we keep the feast. We that once were lost and scattered in communion’s love have stood. Taste and see the grace eternal.

Taste and see that God is good.

 

All who hunger, sing together; Jesus Christ is living bread. Come from loneliness and longing. Here, in peace, we have been led. Blest are those who from this table

Live their days in gratitude. Taste and see the grace eternal. Taste and see that God is good.

 

 

 

[1] Elias Mendes-Gomes; Diagnostic Analysis and Recommendations Knox Presbyterian Church, Bayfield

[2] Ibid, page 11

15 August 2021 Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson

The Lord be with you … and also with you. Welcome to worship at Knox Presbyterian Bayfield on August 15^th

Announcements

Mission Moment …    Eager to Read God’s Word 

Presbyterians Sharing supports the Rev. Dr. Paul McLean as he works with Bible translation teams to translate the Bible into Indigenous languages in Taiwan. The work with Tayal began in the 1950s when PCC mission staff Clare and Grace McGill converted the spoken language into writing for the first time. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Paul met online three mornings a week with lead translator Watan Yawi to check spelling and verify consistent translation of biblical terms (e.g., temple, prophet, Lord) and over 2,000 parallel passages in the Old and New Testaments. They finished at the end of March. Proofreaders had three months before the translation was sent to the Bible Society in Taiwan for typesetting and printing. 110 Tayal churches in the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan are eager to read the whole Bible in their own language. “Mhway Utux Kayal! Thanks be to God!”

 

Interesting English: Why is it that you drive in parkways and park in driveways

 

The people of Knox Bayfield acknowledge that our community worship, live, play, and work on the traditional lands of the Anishinabewaki, Attiwonderonk (Neutral), and Mississauga peoples within Treaty 29, of 1827.

 

Hymn #730     O for a World

 

 

 

 

Call to Worship

Psalm 34:11, 14

Come, O children, listen to me. I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

 

Hymn# 699   All the ways my Saviour leads me

 

Assurance of Pardon

Ephesians 5:15–17; Psalm 34:13–14; Proverbs 9:6

Merciful God, we confess that we have not been faithful children. We do not live by your law; we remain silent in the face of evil; we do not refrain from deceit; we do not follow in the way of peace; and we have not honored all that is true and good.

We are foolish and immature people who resist the holy wisdom you graciously offer. Forgive us, O God, and lead us to sincere repentance through Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

Hear the good news: Christ offers himself as bread of life to all who would receive him. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. Thanks be to God.

May the peace of Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you.

 

Prayer For Illumination   

Almighty God, through the reading of holy Scripture, feed us with your living Word

and reveal to us the way of everlasting life. Amen.

Hymn   # 498     Sing them over again to me

Readings

1 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14; Psalm 111; Ephesians 5:15-20; John 6:51-58

May God bless our understanding of this, God’s holy word. The Word of the Lord.

Hymn # 471   We are one in the Spirit

The Offering Of Our Life And Labour To The Lord            

Quote:        You should give according to your income, lest God make your income according to your giving! Dr. P. Marshall (1902–1949), Preacher

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2Corinthians 9:7-8

 

Blessing Of Gifts & Prayers Of The People

Ephesians 5:20; John 6:51-57; Psalm 111:5-9 1 Kings 2:10, 3:5-12

Join me in prayer:

We give thanks to you, God,for sending your Son Jesus to be living bread

for the world. We pray that your Spirit will breathe on the gifts we bring, that through them your life may feed, strengthen, and bless this world through Christ.

Faithful God, holy and awesome is your name. In your steadfast love, receive our requests for the well-being of your church, your world, and your people. May your church be granted understanding and discernment to faithfully carry out your mission in the world. We pray that your Spirit will cause us to walk in wisdom as mindful stewards with your creation and all living creatures.

We pray for your Spirit to provide all who govern wise and discerning minds that your way of justice and compassion may prevail among the nations. Holy Creator you have provided all that is needed for the people within your creation. Help us to discern ways to prevent hunger and despair.

Faithful and generous God, we give you thanks for our ancestors, the great people

you have chosen in all generations, who now rest with you. There are many within our church family in need of your special care at this time. We lift up Sandy and family, Judith, Earl, Nicole, Rudy and Grace, Bonnie, Rob, Courtney and Kyla, David, Sharron and William J Kelly. We lift up all those who prefer to remain un-named as they face immense challenges of health and finances.

O holy One, we desire to hear your voice of love, to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, and to see you clearly. By your Spirit who breathes within us, strengthen our faith, use our gifts, and work in our lives to bear witness to Christ who taught his disciples to pray, …Our Father who art in heaven, hallow’ed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Hymn #489   Help us to help each other

 

Benediction

Eph. 5:16-18; 1 Kgs. 3:6-14; John 6:51–56

Be filled with the Spirit. Seek to walk in wisdom and grow in understanding of God’s will with the ways of Jesus Christ. May the blessing of God be with you. May the love of Jesus fill you. May the power of the Holy Spirit sustain you, now and forevermore.

 

Postlude   #623  Holy, holy, holy

Questions for Reflection 

“At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, ‘Ask what I should give you’” (1 Kgs. 3:5). If God said to you, “Ask what I should give you,” how would you respond?

What does Jesus mean when he says his body is “true food” and his blood is “true drink” (John 6:55)?

Morning Prayer

Loving God, help me make the most of the time you give this day, to be wise in my decisions and careful in my actions. Let my life be a continual act of thanksgiving for your loving-kindness, through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Evening Prayer

Loving God, if I have not lived wisely this day, show me my foolish ways. Fill me with the Spirit that I may know your will and live by your truth, for I long to be your faithful child and to abide eternally with Jesus Christ, your Son. Amen.

Daily Prayer

Eternal God, your Son Jesus Christ is the true bread from heaven. Help those who receive his teachings be the body of Christ for the world, sharing the riches of his grace with all who hunger and thirst for eternal life; through Christ who dwells with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Scripture readings next week

1 Kings 8:1-43, Psalm 84, Ephesians 6:10-20; John 6:56-69

 

#730                 O for a World

O for a world where everyone respects each others ways, where love is lived and all is done with justice and with praise.

 

O for a world where goods are shared and misery relieved, where truth is spoken, children spared, equality achieved.

 

We welcome one world family and struggle with each choice that opens us to unity and gives our vision voice.

 

The poor and rich, the weak are strong, the foolish ones are wise. Tell all who mourn: outcasts belong, who perishes will rise.

 

O for a world preparing for God’s glorious reign of peace, where time and tears will be no more, and all but love will cease.

 

623   Holy, holy, holy         Words: traditional        Music: F Schubert

Refrain:    Holy, holy, holy, God almighty Lord!

Holy, holy, holy, everywhere adored!

God without beginning, God eternal One

reigns and rules forever all beneath the sun      Refrain

Power and love and wonder circling round God’s throne

Praise our God most holy, Lord of Life alone     Refrain

 

 

 

 

 

 

699   All the ways my Saviour leads me

All the way my Saviour leads me—What have I to ask beside? Can I doubt His tender mercy, Who through life has been my Guide? Heavenly peace, divinest comfort, Here by faith in Him to dwell! For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well

 

All the way my Saviour leads me— Cheers each winding path I tread, Gives me grace for every trial, Feeds me with the living bread. Tho my weary steps may falter And my soul athirst may be, Gushing from the Rock before me, Lo! A spring of joy I see

 

All the way my Saviour leads me—O the fullness of His love! Perfect rest to me is promised In my Father’s house above. When my spirit, clothed immortal, Wings its flight to realms of day, This my song through endless ages: “Jesus led me all the way!”

 

498   Sing them over again to me

Sing them over again to me, wonderful words of life; let me more of their beauty see, wonderful words of life; words of life and beauty, teach me faith and duty.

 

Refrain:    Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life,

beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life.

 

Christ, the blessed one, gives to all, wonderful words of life, sinner, list to the loving call, wonderful words of life; all so freely given, wooing us to heaven. Refrain

Sweetly echoes the gospel call, wonderful words of life; offer pardon and peace to all, wonderful words of life; Jesus, only Saviour, sanctify for ever.

Refrain

 

 

 

471   We are one in the Spirit    

We are one in the spirit, we are one in the Lord, We are one in the spirit, we are one in the Lord, And we pray that all unity will one day be restored, And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love, And they’ll know we are Christians by our love.

 

We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand, We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand, And together we’ll spread the news that God is in our land, And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love, And they’ll know we are Christians by our love.

 

We will work with each other, we will work side by side, We will work with each other, we will work side by side, And we’ll guard each one’s dignity and save each one’s pride,  And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love, And they’ll know we are Christians by our love.

 

All praise to the Father, from whom all things come, And all praise to Christ Jesus, who is God’s only Son, And all praise to the Spirit, who makes us one,      And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love, And they’ll know we are Christians by our love.

 

489   Help us to help each other

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.

 

Flesh and blood 8 August 2021 Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson

The Lord be with you … and also with you.

Welcome to worship at Knox Presbyterian Bayfield on August 8^th 2021

Announcements

Mission Moment …    Defying the Norm: Lydia Returns to School

Sexual assault, gender-based violence and teenage pregnancy are significant issues in Malawi. Lydia was only 15 years old when she became pregnant, and the stigma of being an unmarried, pregnant teenager led her to leave school. Left with few options, Lydia’s circumstances were reported to the community victim support unit and, with their help and guidance, Lydia was empowered to return to school where she can continue to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher. This project to strengthen community structures that respond to those experiencing sexual-or gender-based violence is supported by Presbyterian World Service & Development.

 

Anniversary Sunday August 22 will soon be upon us. During the month of August we are celebrating the164^th anniversary as a congregation.

 

We are thankful to Jean Walker, organist, for her efforts in performing the hymns for the YouTube video.

 

Knox Bayfield will be open for in-person worship on Sunday, September 12^th. More details will be available closer to that date.

 

Bulletin bloopers:     Next Thursday there will be try-outs for the choir. They need all the help they can get.

 

Your contributions to the church and its ongoing work are appreciated. Your regular offerings allow the church to continue its good work. The updated financial reports for July show income $3,627 and expenses $5,195 with a year-to-date deficit of $7,253.

 

Faith Expressed Through the Arts. Submit your artwork for the 2022 PCC Wall Calendar. Art can nourish our souls and bring us closer to God. Deadline August 20, 2021 https://presbyterian.ca/2021/07/05/2022-wall-calendar/

 

The people of Knox Bayfield acknowledge that our community worships, lives, plays, and works on the traditional lands of the Anishinabewaki, Attiwonderonk (Neutral), and Mississauga peoples within Treaty 29, of 1827.

Hymn #730        O for a World

Call to Worship

Ps. 130:7; Eph. 4:30; John 6:51

By the power of the Holy Spirit our steadfast loving God reaches out to us.

Thanks be to God!

Hymn# #687 Blessed Assurance

Assurance of Pardon

Ephesians 4:26–32, 5:2

Pray with me.

Merciful God, we confess that we have not lived as your faithful children. We have been angry with the world and nursed grudges against our adversaries. We have hoarded the fruits of our labors rather than share with the needy. We have not built up our neighbors with words of kindness but have indulged in evil gossip. We have not forgiven the wrongs others have done, even though we desire your forgiveness toward us in Jesus Christ. Heal us, O God, and give us the grace to love as Christ loved us. Amen.

 

Let us work through our bitterness and anger together with all nastiness. Let us seek to be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven us. Thanks be to God.

May the peace of Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you.

 

Prayer For Illumination   

Give us undivided hearts and undistracted minds, O God, so that we might walk in your truth and live in your light.  God of wisdom, soften our hearts and direct our minds as we discern your holy scripture. May we be like fertile soil in which to plant your living Word.  Amen.

 

Readings

2 Samuel 18; Psalm 130; Ephesians 4:25-5:2; John 6:35-51

May God bless our understanding of this, God’s holy word. The Word of the Lord.

Hymn   # 663     God, whose love knows no ending

 

Flesh and Blood

The scripture readings this week speak of the flesh and blood that connects us. We continue with King David’s story and the complicated relationships within his family and kingdom. The gospel of John explores relationship with Jesus and the crowd. Our readings take us into the complexity of how we hear and understand the information shared between us.

The death of Absalom, King David’s son, is part of a complex story of love, betrayal, forgiveness, political duty, and power battles. We have followed David’s story from his youth as a shepherd who fought the giant Goliath and went on to become the King. Rabbi Joseph Telushkin writes, “As successful as David is as a monarch, so is he unsuccessful as a father. His oldest son, Amon is a rapist. His third son, Absalom is very handsome, and very spoiled.”  King David’s oldest son, Amnon, was a nasty man. He raped his half-sister Tamar when she tried to comfort him during an illness. Absalom, her full-brother, took Tamar into his household to protect her. Absalom did not forgive his half-brother for the assault of their sister. A few years later, Absalom killed Amnon and then fled the country. King David mourned the death of Amnon and the loss of Absalom. In time, David forgave Absalom and he regained his place in the royal family. Telushkin writes,  “Absalom does, however, have a spiritual blemish; he is a power-hungry demagogue.”  When Absalom waged war against his father, the army commanders convinced the King to remain in Jerusalem. When the armies set off for battle, King David told them: “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” However, the general, Joab, outraged by the son’s treachery, killed Absalom.  When David learned of his death, he could not stop weeping for his son.

This passage helps us to understand the complexities of one family’s history but how does it relate to our families, our lives, our time? In a time when we continue to see people as either good or bad. When individuals are idolized until a significant flaw surfaces. Rather than idolizing King David, we begin to understand the complexity of his life and his choices. We begin to see him as a person who, despite his deep flaws and poor choices, loved God, his family, and his people. A person who was loved by God. In this story we see the deep connections formed by flesh and blood. In our own lives we witness the deep connections with brother, sister, parent, child, spouse …  people we love and yearn to be in relationship with. People we yearn to connect with. At times, we cannot or do not want to be close. At times, we cannot be in the same room. Whether good, disconnected, or toxic relationships are complicated and messy. Flesh and blood relationships are complex and messy. The scriptures share these stories to help us understand that the complexities are part of relationships. In the letter to the Ephesians, Paul describes the new way of being when we become part of the body of Christ. In this way of being, we encourage and help one another. Paul wrote, “Let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another”

The passage in John’s gospel shares how Jesus describes the living bread and the living water. Jesus said that he is the bread that comes to us from heaven.  He provides a way for each of us to understand the enormity of what is being offered. This is nourishment not from the earth. It is not a result of something that we have produced. Jesus teaches that it is not our individual choices that lead us to him. Faith is not simply a decision to believe.  It is not a specific religious experience, a philosophical insight, the faith of my family or geographical birthplace. It is not my economic status, social circle, or a choice that leads to the presence of Jesus in our lives. We do not save others. We are saved by the grace of God. It is grace that opens our eyes to see our individual sin. It is our need of God. God made known to the world in Jesus the Christ, the bread of life, the living water.

When Jesus proclaims that he is the living bread and the living water the people listening to him respond in confusion. They know his parents. They know him to be the son of Joseph and Mary. How can they eat his flesh and drink his blood. What on earth is he saying? Jesus continued saying that all who would follow him would be led to him by the Yahweh, his heavenly father God. No one could learn of him except by God. Whatever we need to comprehend Jesus, to come to Jesus, to see who he is and what he means, is provided by the gift of revelation. Revelation is not achieved, it is not earned, it is not controlled by us. It will “come down from heaven.”

He is from heaven and he has come to earth. He is the eternal Word made flesh. Everyday items such as bread and wine embody the essence of God. Jesus speaks of everyday, regular bread and wine. God is present among us in the routine items of life and these items embody God. The grains of the field, the grapes of the vine, our neighbours, ourselves.

William H. Willimon wrote, “Our hungers are so deep. We are dying of thirst. We are bundles of seemingly insatiable need, rushing here and there in a vain attempt to assuage our emptiness. Our culture is a vast supermarket of desire. Can it be that our bread, our wine, our fulfillment stands before us in the presence of this crucified, resurrected Jew? Can it be that many of our desires are, in the eternal scheme of things, pointless? Might it be true that he is the bread we need, even though he is rarely the bread we seek? Is it true that God has come to us, miraculously with us, before us, like manna that is miraculously dropped into our wilderness?”  Peace be with you.

 

Hymn # 441       Can a little child like me

 

 

The Offering Of Our Life And Labour To The Lord            

Quote:        A faithful steward loves God first. Laura W. Watts, author

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:7-8

 

Blessing Of Gifts & Prayers Of The People

Psalm 130:1-7; John 6:44-51; 2 Samuel 18:5-8; Ephesians 4:25-32, 5:2

Join me in prayer:

God, we lift our voice to you. Drawn by your steadfast love and confident in your great power to redeem, we pray for the church, those in need, and all your creation. We pray you will receive our gifts, O God. May our lives be a fragrant offering that is pleasing to you.

We pray for your blessing as the church extend mercy to the outcast, kindness to the stranger, and forgiveness for all who err. Lift your creation from wandering in the wilderness to the flourishing of righteousness and life. We pray, O Holy One, that you will instill justice with mercy and truth within our nations and our neighborhoods. We lift up those who cry from the depths of poverty, oppression, illness, and despair.

May your love embrace those we now remember in our hearts. Merciful God, there are many within our church family in need of your special care. We lift up Sandy and family; Judith; Earl & Ruth; Nicole; Rudy and Grace; Cesare and Lynn; Bonnie; Rob; Courtney and Kyla; David, Sharron and William J Kelly; Jordan, Sarah and Hazel. We lift up all those who prefer to remain un-named as they face immense challenges of health and finances. We wait for you, Lord, in your word we hope.

O holy One, we desire to hear your voice of love, to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, and to see you clearly. By your Spirit who breathes within us, strengthen our faith, use our gifts, and work in our lives to bear witness to Christ. Nourishing God, to you we commit our prayers     through Christ, the bread of life, who taught his disciples to pray, …Our Father who art in heaven, hallow’ed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Hymn #730        O for a world

Benediction

Ephesians 4:12

May God the Creator, Christ, and Holy Spirit, fill you with all good things, providing for you today and forever.

Postlude   #623  Holy, holy, holy

Questions for Reflection 

What do you hunger for in life? Do you hunger only for things you truly need, or do you hunger for things you want but which may not be good for you or for those around you?

“Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling

and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you” (Eph. 4:31–32). Have you ever experienced bitterness, wrath, anger, wrangling, slander, or malice in yourself or from others? How do you overcome and find grace to forgive?

 

Morning Prayer

Holy One, as I move through this new day I pray that you will keep me in union

with the faith and knowledge of Jesus. I long to live in the ways of Christ. Help me to speak the truth in love today, that I may grow into him, my savior, my teacher, and my friend, Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

 

Evening Prayer

Thank you, God, for being my traveling companion today. Instead of counting sheep as I fall asleep tonight, help me to count all the forms that your manna took

as you fed me with the bread of life today. Good night, God. I love you. Amen.

Daily Prayer

Psalm 130:7; Ephesians 4:28-5:2; John 6:35

Redeeming God, you satisfy our soul’s hunger through Jesus Christ, the bread of life. Filled with your steadfast love, let us live in love,      working honestly to share with the needy, feeding others with the bread of kindness, tenderness, and forgiveness. Amen.

Scripture readings next week August 15

1 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14 and Psalm 111; Ephesians 5:15-20; John 6:51-58

730           O for a World

O for a world where everyone respects each others ways, where love is lived and all is done with justice and with praise.

 

O for a world where goods are shared and misery relieved, where truth is spoken, children spared, equality achieved.

 

We welcome one world family and struggle with each choice that opens us to unity and gives our vision voice.

 

The poor and rich, the weak are strong, the foolish ones are wise. Tell all who mourn: outcasts belong, who perishes will rise.

 

O for a world preparing for God’s glorious reign of peace, where time and tears will be no more, and all but love will cease.

 

623   Holy, holy, holy         Words: traditional        Music: F Schubert

Refrain:    Holy, holy, holy, God almighty Lord!

Holy, holy, holy, everywhere adored!

God without beginning, God eternal One

reigns and rules forever all beneath the sun     Refrain

Power and love and wonder circling round God’s throne

Praise our God most holy, Lord of Life alone     Refrain

 

#687                Blessed Assurance

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.

 

Refrain:     This is my story; this is my song: praising my Saviour all the day long;

this is my story; this is my song: praising my Saviour all the day long.

 

Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight; Angels descending bring from above, echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

 

Perfect submission, all is at rest; I in my Saviour am happy and blest, Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with his goodness, lost in his love.

 

663   God, whose love knows no ending

 God, whose giving knows no ending, From your rich and endless store, Nature’s wonder, Jesus’ wisdom, Costly cross, grave’s shattered door: Gifted by you, we turn to you, Offering up ourselves in praise; Thankful song shall rise forever,

Gracious donor of our days.

 

Skills and time are ours for pressing Towards your goals of Christ, your Son:

All at peace in health and freedom, Races joined, the church made one.

Now direct our daily labour, Lest we strive for self alone; Born with talents, make us servants Fit to answer at your throne.

 

Treasure too you have entrusted, Gain through powers your Grace conferred

Ours to use for home and kindred, And to spread the gospel word. Open wide our hands in sharing, As we heed Christ’s ageless call, Healing, teaching and reclaiming, Serving you by loving all.

 

441   Can a little child like me

Can a little child like me thank the father fittingly? Yes, oh yes, be good and true,

patient, kind in all we do; love the Lord and do your part; learn to say with all our heart:

Saviour, we thank you, Spirit, we thank you, Great God our Maker,

we thank you!

 

For our playing, for our rest, for the earth in beauty dressed, for the moon and sun so bright, for the day and for the night, for your patient, loving care, for your bounty everywhere:

Saviour, we thank you, Spirit, we thank you, Great God our Maker,

we thank you!

 

For the laughter, for the tear, for the love that meets us here, for the lessons of our youth— honour, gratitude and truth—for the great gift of your Son, for the work in us begun:

Saviour, we thank you, Spirit, we thank you, Great God our Maker,

we thank you!

 

730   O for a world

O for a world where everyone Respects each others ways, Where love is lived and all is done With justice and with praise.

 

O for a world where goods are shared And misery relieved, Where truth is spoken, children spared, Equality achieved.

 

We welcome one world family And struggle with each choice That opens us to unity And gives our vision voice.

 

The poor and rich, the weak are strong, The foolish ones are wise. Tell all who mourn: outcasts belong, Who perishes will rise.

 

O for a world preparing for God’s glorious reign of peace, where time and tears will be no more, and all but love will cease.