BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH
6th SUNDAY OF EASTER
WORSHIP SERVICE
May 17, 2020
[The video recording of this service can be found here]
Gathering: Humoresque - Dvorak, Leslie Wade-violin
Words of Welcome & Announcements – Kim
Good morning! On behalf of Bells Corners United Church, I welcome and greet you in the name of Jesus Christ who calls us to be witnesses of God’s love on this sixth Sunday of Easter! Wherever you are, whatever time of the day, whoever you’re with or just by yourself, I am so glad you have joined us in our virtual worship service!
In this time of church closure, please know that BCUC offers worship service in a number of ways. Please check our website at bcuc.org, for our worship service in audio, video and text formats along with our weekly announcements and updates.
Beyond worship service, there are other weekly activities and meetings offered online. And in this time of pandemic, I encourage you to make a difference by connecting with each other through emails, phone calls and prayers.
Friends, as we worship together,
may the love of God welcomes us,
the grace of Christ awaits us,
and the joy of the Spirit enfolds us.
Let us now centre ourselves in the presence of God as we gather in worship.
Lighting of Christ Candle: Fowler Family
Let the light of Christ draw us in: beautiful, life-giving, healing.
Come into the resurrection light. Come into the light of grace and peace.
*Call to Gather: Lorrie
What does this gathering need?
Space where faith can grow,
music that blossoms hope,
scripture that puts love into action,
prayers that seek healing,
gifts offering service of the heart.
Who shall come to this gathering?
All who are seeking to follow God in their lives
that they may be alive with opportunities for service.
In faith, we gather now as friends and kin,
seeking new life in Christ.
Prayer of Approach: Lorrie
Let us pray.
God of new life, we dance with the fires of faith,
sing with the winds of peace
and whisper with the language of love.
Transform our worship into moments of renewal:
to risk for the gospel,
to free us from our worries and fear;
to bring about change.
In the name of the Risen Christ, we pray. Amen.
Opening Hymn: Praise the Lord with the Sound of Trumpet – Voices United #245
(Words & Music: Natalie Sleeth)
Praise the Lord with the sound of trumpet,
praise the Lord with the harp and lute,
praise the Lord with the gentle sounding flute.
Praise the Lord in the field and forest,
praise the Lord in the city square,
praise the Lord anytime and anywhere.
Praise the Lord in the wind and sunshine,
praise the Lord in the dark of night,
praise the Lord in the rain or snow or in the morning light.
Praise the Lord in the deepest valley,
praise the Lord on the highest hill,
praise the Lord, never let your voice be still.
Praise the Lord with the crashing cymbal,
praise the Lord with the pipe and string,
praise the Lord with the joyful songs you sing.
Praise the Lord on a weekday morning,
praise the Lord on a Sunday noon,
praise the Lord by the light of sun or moon.
Praise the Lord in the time of sorrow,
praise the Lord in the time of joy,
praise the Lord in the every moment, nothing let your praise destroy.
Praise the Lord in the peace and quiet,
praise the Lord in your work or play,
praise the Lord everywhere in every way!
Words & Music © 1976 Natalie Sleeth, Hinshaw Music Inc. Song# 24936
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved.
Storytime for the Young at Heart with Lorrie:
Hi Everyone!
In today’s scripture reading we hear that Peter and the other apostles have been preaching about Jesus on the steps of the Temple in Jerusalem and the priests there are not happy about it. When they are told to stop, they say “That’s impossible! We have to tell everyone what we have witnessed.” They just can’t hide their excitement and their commitment to what they have seen and learned from Jesus. Have you ever heard the expression, “Once you see it you can’t un-see it”? That’s what is happening here. These men are so sure that what they heard and saw when they were with Jesus was good and true, that they can’t look at the world in any other way. So, they are “witnessing” that to everyone who will listen – and, since these messages are about God and the Way to make the world the kin-dom that God dreams of for us, the Temple seems the most logical place to begin that witnessing.
How does that apply to us today? Are we as excited and committed to Jesus and his message as those men were? I think here at BCUC, we all can agree that what Jesus taught about loving your neighbour and sharing and forgiveness are all things that we believe are good and true – that they are necessary ways to live if we want to help create God’s kin-dom here on earth. We aren’t always good at shouting out that news once we leave the sanctuary though. We are a little shy, I guess, when it comes to telling the world – or even our friends – what we believe. But I think there are other ways we can show those things.
I have a few special pieces of jewelry that I like to wear. There are some crosses…I like to collect new ones when I travel to other places in the world… and this one is the stylized fish symbol that the early Christians used to identify themselves to other Christians. Some people have those on their cars too. Sometimes they are just this symbol and sometimes they have the word “Jesus” in the middle. Most people who see me wearing these symbols know that they signify that I am a follower of Jesus – especially when they see the cross – and I don’t have to stand up on a soapbox and tell them.
I think when people see that I am wearing a symbol that says I am a Christian, they look for other signs too – in what I say and how I act. I am showing the world what it means to be a follower of Jesus. If I am wearing these things, they help remind me of that too and maybe that makes me more careful or intentional about what I say and what I do.
Some of us in the church go on to become ministers and preach from the pulpit. That’s maybe a little closer to what Peter and his friends were doing on the Temple steps. Many other people though show their commitment to Jesus and his teachings in other ways. Here at Bells Corners we have some who teach Sunday School, some who sing and play music for worship, some who cook and bake and host communal dinners like Jesus did with his friends. Some work on committees that help other people in the community and even in other places in the world. Still others say prayers for people who are sick or hurting or make phone calls and visits to shut-ins. I think all of these things are ways that we “witness” to the world that we are Christians.
Are we like the apostles on the steps of the Temple? If someone were to say to us, “Stop doing all those things for everybody else!” I hope we would all say, “That’s impossible! We have to show the world what we have learned by following Jesus.”
Children’s Hymn: Shout for God - Voices United #246
(Words: Walter Farquharson / Music: Ron Klusmeier)
1
Shout for God (Shout for God!)
Make a happy sound!
(Make a happy sound!)
Clap for God! (Clap for God!)
God is all around! (God is all around!)
2
Hush for God! (Hush for God!)
Let the quiet sing. (Let the quiet sing.)
Wait for God. (Wait for God.)
Deepest feelings bring.
(Deepest feelings bring.)
3
Sing for God! (Sing for God!)
Sing a pleasant song. (Sing a pleasant song.)
Work for God. (Work for God.)
Good replaces wrong.
(Good replaces wrong.)
4
Praise our God! (Praise our God!)
Care for all God’s friends!
(Care for all God’s friends!)
Love our God! (Love our God!)
God’s love never ends!
(God’s love never ends!)
Words © 1984 Walter Farquharson, Music © 1985 Ron Klusmeier, Hope Publishing Co. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. Song#80462 All rights reserved.
Prayer for Illumination: Reader: Rick Morrison
Make us witnesses, O God. Make us bold to tell the good news of the Risen Christ, inviting others to join with us as followers of Jesus’ way. Amen.
NT Reading: “Peter and the Apostles before the Council” Acts 5: 27-32 (NRSV)
Background:
This episode in Acts 5 denotes that some religious leaders arrested, detained, and interrogated the apostles for preaching the resurrection of Jesus. The religious authorities want them to keep quiet but Peter and the apostles persisted not to be silenced and proclaimed these powerful six words: “Obey God rather than human authority!”
27 When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. 30 The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.”
Hear what the Spirit is saying to all of us. Thanks be to God!
Sermon: “Witness Dialogues” Rev. Kim Vidal
Following the event of that first Easter and in the aftermath of the Holy Spirit’s coming at Pentecost, the formation of an early church begins to unfold. Peter took the reins and led the followers of The Way, which historically points to those who believe and follow in the teachings of Jesus. In this particular story in Acts, Peter and the former disciples, now called apostles, meaning “those sent in a mission”, were teaching and healing at the temple in Jerusalem with great success. They wasted no time in gathering people proclaiming the powers of God through the Risen Christ – teaching, healing, witnessing.
They are now famous - like tele-evangelists. The verses just before this morning’s reading indicates that “A great number of people would also gather from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all cured.” So when Peter and his cohorts walk down the street, people would bring out the sick in hopes of being healed. A crowd would follow and gather wherever they go and listen to Peter’s preaching. But to make matters more scandalous, Peter and company would use the steps of the Temple to do their ministry. They were healing in the name of Jesus Christ just outside the doors of the Great Temple!
This did not sit well with the Jewish Council or the Sanhedrin who works under the authority of the Roman Empire at that time. Fearing that this would cause trouble or even instigate a rebellion, they had Peter and the apostles arrested and thrown into prison. But the prison cells, according to the writer of Acts, could not hamper the power of God. The prison doors did not stay locked. According to the writer, an angel of the Lord – now I will not take this literally as a celestial being with fluttering wings - but someone who might be a follower of Jesus, opened the prison doors and told Peter and the apostles to go stand in the Temple and continue with what they were doing. So that’s what happened. They escaped but fearlessly went back to the Temple with their healing and teaching and witnessing. The Roman authorities and the Temple leaders were not happy with this persistent behaviour of Peter and his companions. In no time, the Temple police arrested Peter and his companions and brought them before the Jewish Council to be tried. And here is where this morning’s story begins.
The opening statement of the High Priest was enough to give us a hint of the Council’s aversion: “Did we not tell you to keep quiet?” “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, (referring to Jesus), yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.” I think the high priest and the other members of the Sanhedrin were scared. They did not want another Jesus problem – they thought he was already crucified, dead and silenced – so why is his voice still as loud as a thunder causing uproar in Jerusalem? The movement the Council had hoped would go away re-emerged with a greater following. The Romans in power don’t like this at all - it might instigate another people’s rebellion. It would for sure disturb Pax Romana or the peace in the land controlled by Rome. I can imagine the interrogation went on further. “Why do you insist on teaching about Jesus? Don’t you know the danger you put yourselves in? Don’t you know the danger you bring to the people you ‘teach’ with your nonsense propaganda?”
Peter this time did not run to the nearest cave to hide nor did he say: “I’m sorry your honour, we shall cease and desist and will stop teaching and healing in the name of Jesus”. No - that’s not what he said. Peter’s reply is something worth reflecting on: “We must obey God rather than any human authority.” This is a difficult aphorism to understand. Who is this God that Peter and the apostles must obey? What and who is this human authority that they detest? I think what Peter is claiming here is pure allegiance to the one true God – the very same God that Jesus followed and preached about. Peter and the apostles declared to obey this loving non-violent God over that of an oppressive human authority – the ruling Roman power.
“We must obey God rather than any human authority.” Here is my personal take on this and you do not have to agree with me. Through this statement, Peter has testified that he and the other apostles were witnesses to the acts of love, justice and compassion. They are witnesses to a non-violent God proclaimed by Jesus. A witness, like Peter and the apostles in this sense, is not simply a passive observer of an event, but rather someone whose life proclaims and acts out the teachings of Jesus about the God of restorative rather than retributive justice - a God of love and compassion, justice and hope. A witness like Peter and the apostles claim that this God they must obey is the very same God whom Jesus followed even to his death - not the god of the empire – not the human authority that promotes violence and fear.
But there is a danger that I see in this text. I agree, that if taken literally, these texts may unearth some tones of religious fundamentalism or bigotry. It may sound as if Peter is asserting that the God whom he believes is the only one true God that needs to be proclaimed and worshipped. I do believe that the God of love and justice is not exclusive to Christianity. Certainly – many religions including Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Indigenous Spirituality – all have taught about this God – this Divine Creator, this Supreme Being as source of love and justice. Truth be told that we are living in a pluralistic, secular society where freedom of religion is respected.
A healthy pluralism is one which genuinely respects differences and values them as such. To discredit or claim one religious or non-religious tradition better over the other is the root of discrimination and resentment rather than promoting tolerance and peace. It is of crucial importance to participate in open dialogues where we listen to each other – to celebrate our common ground and to appreciate our differences as unique ways of professing our faith or way of life.
I don’t know about you but I chose to be a Christian not because Christianity promotes absolute truths about God – not because I am far better than our brothers and sister who profess different faiths, but because I acknowledge that the teachings of Jesus are inclusive and embracing. Jesus promotes non-violence and through his barrier-breaking approach to life, the dividing wall that separated many races, cultures and creeds has been taken down, proclaiming a new way of life. Why are dialogues and collaboration important? Because if we think we are better than others, if we proclaim that we are the only ones who hold the truth, we may resort to violence and enmity. We lose our humility and we lose sight of God’s grace.
Friends – we need to undergo a serious discernment. It’s time we listen to the voice of authority –whether human or divine –if and only if that voice warrants right relationships, reign of shalom, mutual love and restorative justice. It’s time we become witnesses to the universal definition of Love and Justice.
Witnesses transform the world and they are unstoppable even in this time of COVID-19 pandemic!
A witness like Dr. Colin Brathwaite of a hospital in New York inspiring many with his moving rendition of Andra Day’s song "Rise Up" on the piano in honour of and as a tribute to his colleagues on the front lines.
Witnesses like the “caremongering groups” in many cities in Canada offering help to seniors and those most at risk amid the outbreak. They pick up groceries and prescription drugs, help set up computers and making masks producing hand sanitizers. They deliver food to the shut-ins and offer words of encouragement and assurance via email or telephone.
Witnesses like children and students in many places sending homemade cards and letters to older folks in isolation.
A witness like David Donaldson who brings flowers of cheer to those celebrating their birthdays; or witnesses like those in our congregation who gather virtually every Wednesday at 8 pm to lift everyone in prayer; or witnesses like Pat Stoate and Roger Champagne who drove to my house, stood outside my front lawn with a large poster that says: “It’s so long without you. We miss you. Keep well. Stay safe. We love you!”
You can’t stop witnesses to stand up and testify about this God that Peter and the apostles obey and follow– this God that Jesus claims as “Abba -Father” – the One whose grace and love abounds!
Love and compassion. Oppressive human authority will get them completely wrong.
Peace and justice. Autocratic human authority will deny them.
But you can’t stop God and God’s love for the world. If you claim to be a witness of God, ask these 6-word questions yourselves: Am I walking the Peace way? Am I embracing justice and compassion? Am I offering love and kindness? Go then and be a living witness! May you proclaim peace, compassion, justice, love and kindness in word and in action. May you step into the world with a word of truth to proclaim and may you proclaim it with humility. May you walk as advocates of faith determined to testify to God’s grace- here and now. Thanks be to God. Amen.
Prayers of the People & The Lord’s Prayer
God of new life and resurrection, we look up to you today for strength, comfort and hope. Like Peter and the apostles who became bold witnesses, speak to us through our lives as witnesses to Christ's way. Help us to proclaim your ever-unfolding story through our words and actions, in our prayers and in our day by day choices, for we are your people, your stewards in making a difference in the word.
Compassionate God, look into our hearts and minds and guide us in dealing with our personal fears and challenges. Help those in this church who labour with church duties, guide them in resolving difficult problems, clarify their vision to help focus the congregation in gaining insight into your message. Give us the strength to integrate that message into the actions and attitudes of our daily life.
God of healing, gently touch the lives of those needing comfort and wholeness in distressed lives and souls. With love and earnest concern, we pray for those in retirement homes and long term care facilities especially those who are affected by COVID-19 and those unnamed among us in need of your healing touch. We continue to pray for the families of those who have died from the virus, may healing love be with them in this time of sorrow. For those who are sick and those recovering from illness, may they find comfort from those who tend to them.
For the doctors, nurses, researchers, first-line responders and all health workers who seek to heal the sick and who put themselves at risk, may they know that many are praying for them and rallying behind them. For the leaders in all sectors of the society, may they lead with wisdom and foresight to act with love and true concern for the well-being of the people they are meant to serve. We pray for those carrying heavy burdens. May we comfort those who have suffered deep losses in their lives and those who are troubled and distressed. We pray for peace in our neighbourhood. We remember the grieving families of the six members of the Canadian Armed Forces who died in a helicopter crash. We pray that they may find comfort knowing that we are thinking of them in their deep loss.
Journey with us with a heart willing to change and a heart ready to accept your call as your witness to love, justice and compassion. And with grateful hearts, let us unite in this prayer that Jesus taught us in the language of your choice:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy will be done in 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.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, The power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.
The Offering
I now invite you to offer our gifts of time, talents and resources as expressions of our gratitude to God’s blessings. If you are not on PAR and wish to send in your offering and donations, you can drop them in the slot by the kitchen door of the church or mail them to BCUC. You can also send in your support through e-transfer. Thank you for your continued love and support to BCUC.
Offertory Prayer
God of abundance, bless the gifts we present to you.
May all that we offer this day enable us to serve you faithfully. Amen.
Sending Forth
Go out into the world as witnesses
of a holy life that knows no barriers;
mindful of how demanding this call can be;
yet alive to its vision of goodness and beauty.
May the wisdom of God,
the compassion of Christ
and the presence of the Spirit
bear us up and fill us with renewed strength
for the journey. Amen.
Departing Music: Spirit, Open My Heart – More Voices #79
Refrain:
Spirit, open my heart to the joy and pain of living.
As you love may I love, in receiving and in giving, Spirit, open my heart.
1 God, replace my stony heart with a heart that’s kind and tender.
All my coldness and fear to your grace I now surrender. R
2 Write your love upon my heart as my law, my goal, my story.
In each thought, word, and deed, may my living bring you glory. R
3 May I weep with those who weep, share the joy of sister, brother.
In the welcome of Christ, may we welcome one another. R
Words © 1996 Ruth Duck, arr. © 1997 Arthur Clyde The Pilgrim Press. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. Song# 118139 & 94352 All rights reserved.