BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH

4th SUNDAY OF EASTER / BCUC 169th ANNIVERSARY

May 3, 2020

[The video recording of this service can be found here]

Gathering slides of BCUC history

Music: How Lovely is Your Dwelling Place (Better is One Day) - More Voices #29
Performed by BCUC band at Homecoming service in October 2016

Words and music (c) Matt Redman 1995 Thank you Music - CCLI lic # 1199365
Abe - piano, Kim & Will - guitars, Erin - flute, Leslie - violin, Dan - Cello, Sue & Wendy - drums

Words of Welcome & Announcements – Rev. Kim

Good morning! The psalmist declares: “O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home.” I welcome and greet you in the name of Jesus Christ as we worship together on this 4thSunday 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! Today we are celebrating 169 years of ministry at Bells Corners United Church. We give thanks for the many ways God has blessed and continues to bless this congregation through the years.

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.

Celebrating Lorrie’s Graduation

And here’s some good news. On April 25th, just a week ago, Lorrie has finally completed the Diploma in Diaconal Ministry at Centre for Christian Studies. We offer our joyful congratulations to her in this well-deserved achievement. We are incredibly blessed to have Lorrie continue to share her gifts with us at BCUC. Congratulations Lorrie on your graduation.

Let us now centre ourselves in the presence of God’s spirit as we worship together.

Lighting of Christ Candle: Wightman Family

We light this Christ candle to honour and to celebrate who we are as people of faith. We do so by giving thanks of the varieties of gifts that we share and of the love that bind us together.

Call to Gather: Lorrie Lowes

From before the beginning, and beyond the end,
you are our God, the God who claims us as yours.
We come, as faithful people have come,
for many generations.
We may break our promises and abandon our covenants,
but you meet all our endings with a new beginning.
Stir in us a joyful celebration for what you have done
and continue to do among us;
From before the beginning, and beyond the end,
you are our God. We delight in you.

Prayer of Approach

Let us pray.

Companion God, through the years you have loved us dearly and have nurtured us since the beginning. The abundance that surrounds us is astounding, and all we can do is marvel and give thanks. With joy-filled hearts let us proclaim the Good News that you are among us. Dance with us as we embrace one another in love and in thanksgiving. Walk with us as we celebrate your promises of grace and hope. Pray with us as we journey together as followers of Jesus. Amen.

Opening Hymn: We Are One - Voices United #402

1 We are one as we come, as we come, joyful to be here, in the praise on our lips there's a sense that God is near.
We are one as we sing, as we seek, we are found; and we come needful of God's grace as we meet, together in this place.

2 We are one as we share, as we share brokenness and fear, in the touch of a hand there's a sense that God is here.
We are one as we care, as we heal, we are healed; and we share warmth in God's embrace as we pray together in this place.

3 We are one as we feast, as we feast, peace becomes the sign; in the bread and the wine there's a sense of love divine.
We are one as we come, as we feed, we are fed; and we feel God's refreshing grace as we meet at table in this place.

4 We are one as we hear, as we hear, heart and hand unite; in the word we receive there's a sense that God is light.
We are one as we leave, as we love, we are loved; and we seek justice in God's ways as we move together from this place

Storytime for the Young at Heart with Lorrie

Happy Birthday!!

I know it’s probably not really your birthday today – but it is OUR birthday! Today Bells Corners United Church is 169 years old! That’s really old! It’s 100 years older than me! Pretty amazing, eh?

When we think about it, that means we can look back in history to 1851 and see that our church family was already here in Bells Corners. We were here even before Canada was born!

That kind of blows my mind!

When we think about our church being here, are we talking about the building where we worship together? No… our beautiful building with its huge roof that stands on the corner of Moodie Drive and Richmond Road wasn’t here when our first members were gathering on Sunday mornings. It was in a small building beside the cemetery down the road near the Anglican Church. It wasn’t even a United Church. Back then even the United Church of Canada hadn’t been born!

So, if we are not talking about our church building, then what is it we are celebrating? Last year when we celebrated our church anniversary, I explained it like this – “Church” is not a noun or a name for a thing, “Church” is a verb. It’s an action word, something we do. And it’s something we’ve been doing in this community for 169 years.

A friend of mine told me that someone asked her, “Where do you church?” That’s what gave me that way of understanding the word “church” – it’s not where you go, it’s what you do.

These days we can’t go to our church building – but that doesn’t mean we can’t still “church”. Think of all the ways we are living our faith while we are all stuck at home. It’s a little harder, but it is happening! Rev. Kim and Abe and I are creating church on the internet… Erin and I are planning Sunday School and Youth activities that you can do at home… meetings are happening on Zoom… people are phoning to check on friends and family…

When we are together at BCUC, we talk a lot about how we need to be followers of Jesus every day, not just on Sunday. These days I think that’s just as important – maybe even more important.

I’m disappointed that we aren’t all together at our church this morning. I know there would have been cake today! But, even without the cake, this is a day to celebrate. We can celebrate the fact that our faith family has been in Bells Corners being church and doing church for 169 years! If we keep the love in our hearts and keep spreading it out in the world, I bet our BCUC family will still be here in another 100 years or more!

Happy Birthday, Bells Corners United Church!

Children’s Hymn: Dance With the Spirit - More Voices #156

Dance/Move/Sing with the Spirit early in the mornin’,
Dance/Move/Sing with the Spirit throughout the long day.
Work and hope for the new life a-bornin’,
listen to the Spirit to show you the way.

Prayer for Illumination: Rev. Kim

Let grace, let love, let hope flow through your Word to us, O God.
Let your Word transform us today and always. Amen.

NT Reading: “Life Among the Believers” Acts 2: 42-47 (NRSV)

Reader: Jan Pound

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. 44 All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45 they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Hear what the Spirit is saying to all of us. Thanks be to God!

Sermon: “Keeping the Faith Alive” Rev. Kim Vidal

A church anniversary celebration without retelling its history is like planting a tree without its roots. “Memories are important to all of us.” These are the words of Bob Ferguson and David Beard in the Book of Memories they put together in January of 2000. And they continue: “When we forget or lose our memories, we lose a great part of our being. It is the same for a church. Our history is an integral part of who we are, where we have been and what we have contributed in the past.” These words affirm the fact that “the church is not a building nor a steeple but a people.” The church is about what we do and who we are as God’s people – past, present and future. We are not defined by the building where we gather or worship together. Certainly, these words ring a bell especially in this time of COVID-19 pandemic when we are not able to gather for worship in our church building. Worship services are being offered online and this for sure has been a “new normal” to many of us. But we are still the church, no matter where we are, whatever distance or how isolated we are from each other, no matter how computerized our meetings and gatherings these days, we are still the church.

One of the vital, more important aspects of being church is the retelling of our stories – the sharing of our lived experience of how God had shaped and is still shaping our lives. I call these stories of faith. Through these stories, we are able to enter into the heart of God. We are able to share our lives to one another, a story of revelation or a story of welcome. One of the pillars of the church who passed away last year was Bob Southern. Bob submitted 8 stories in the Book of Memories, all of which speak of revelation and welcome. They remind us of our life as people of faith. Let me share one of the stories Bob wrote which he titled “The Creaky Pews”.

In the late 1950’s and early 60’s, the little church on Robertson Rd., now a spa, was very full on Sunday morning as the new residents from Lynwood began filling the pews. It was a mistake to be late for church. Not only was space difficult to find but you were thoroughly announced as a late arrival, since the pew seats and backs were not really fastened together except at the end. As a late arrival tried to slip into a seat and sit down quietly, the seat let out a giant squawk as the wooden seat moved and rubbed against the pew back. One such greeting was enough to “get me to the church on time.”

From its humble beginnings in 1851, when the first regular ministry of the Presbyterian Church in Bells Corners came in place; when the congregation called the Drummond Presbyterian Church was part of the Goulbourn-Nepean Circuit; when the first church building was dedicated in 1898; when Drummond Presbyterian Church joined the church union in 1925, changed its name to bells Corners United Church and became part of a three-point charge congregation with Britannia and Fallowfield; when in December 1962, the building where we currently worship on Old Richmond Rd. was dedicated; today marks the 169th anniversary of Bells Corners United Church. Friends, we have come a long way!

The reading in Acts gives us a glimpse of life as people in the faith. It describes the beginning stages of the early Christian community in the first century. The activities of the faith community described in this text are not extraordinary or controversial. No talks about what colour of the floor must be installed. No squabbles about financial deficits. No disagreements regarding which minister to hire. These 5 verses define the life of an ideal church since time immemorial. The members of the early Christian church are doing theology and having faith-talk, they are living together, having meals together, praying together-- they look after one another, support each other and attend to each other’s needs. This is a kind of community that most churches today would embrace without any doubt. And while this part of the story is not as noisy as the gathering from the first Pentecost, it has its own unique utopian character. The early Christians literally shared their wealth and resources in a common pot so that no one will be hungry or homeless or in need. And they do it all in awe and with gladness and with joy--and the community just keeps growing every single day. This story of the beginning of the church is inspiring. This is the Easter Church that the Jesus’ movement has envisioned.

And while many agree that the early church has not stayed the same, the church described in this Acts passage reminds me in some ways of our life at BCUC! Today, we celebrate and honour the women and men, ministers, youth, young adults and children whose faith has encouraged them to persist in making BCUC an active presence in the community. This church stands as a witness to the faith of those who built it and those who come to find spiritual nourishment in this sacred space and for those who worked over the years to keep BCUC open and alive and active. This church is a haven of friendship– where people pray and where kindred souls meet. We live our faith by the many outreach programs that we support far and wide. We offer a safe space for learning, nurturing and growing- where friends and strangers, young and old alike, no matter what race, creed, colour, sexual orientation or social status are welcome. We gather for potlucks and fellowships and we celebrate the many joys and achievements of each one. We are indeed the body of Christ!

Friends, we have come a long way in keeping our mission statement alive and in progress. We have anchored our faith building in these 4 evocative words: rejoice, renew, respond, reach out. But these words will remain futile if we don’t do our part. We know that the world out there needs healing and hope. From the four corners of the church building, we move out to a world where God’s message of love and hope will be fully tested. Our mission statement acclaims both passion and compassion; theology and praxis; silence and evocations. Indeed, we have drawn our strengths not only from noble ideas but also from the strength of ordinary people like you and I called to make a difference in the world. We proclaim that Jesus Christ is the light of the world and we follow his way of life.

How do we keep our faith alive? As a faithful congregation, we have a responsibility to care for our children and young people, to nurture them and prepare them for life. We have a responsibility to our seniors and elderly, to help meet their needs in a changing world. We have a responsibility to the community around us, to proclaim the good news of love by word and by our actions. Let the stories of faith, commitment, and service strengthen us, prepare us, and propel us into the countless years of ministry in this place. Do your part even in small ways. That is how our church vision is accomplished.

May we continue to think freely and talk openly about who we are, whose we are and how we are called to be. May we continue building a community that has love as its highest aim above personal gratification and self-congratulation. May we follow in the steps of those who have given us a great beginning; the founders and foreparents, the movers and shakers of this congregation, who believed there was an exciting ministry to be had in this time and in this place. Let us be blessed by the words of Ahsha Williams, when at a young age of 7 years old, wrote this blessing in the Book of Memories: “I bless this church and this church blesses me. I care for this church and this church cares for me. I love this church.” Thanks be to God for Bells Corners United Church! Amen.

Prayer of the People & The Lord’s Prayer

Let us gather our hearts in prayer. Holy God, on this Anniversary Sunday, we reflect on your past help, your indwelling Spirit in the present and the courage to seek hope for the future. Through the years O God, you have blessed and continue to bless your people in this congregation – a community of faithful believers, a heritage of mission and service, a haven of creativity, vibrant worship services with amazing music and loving fellowship. Continue to bless us with your presence, as you come to us in Word and sacraments, and make of us a community of love and care, a light that cannot be hidden, that others may know of your great love.

Holy God, we remember all those who help this church grow in wisdom and in faith. And so we pray for our leaders, the board and committee members, our music director and the choirs, Sunday School teachers, and many others who provide leadership and support to this faith community. We give thanks for all of the members and adherents, young and old alike, who fulfill each day the vision of being an active Christian presence in the community. May we be a church where the good news of Jesus Christ for all people is made real amongst us. May we be a church which manifests unity through diversity. May we be a church where the gift of friendship flourishes and nourishes us as we make friends in many different ways. Today we are grateful for the graduation of Lorrie. We ask for your blessings upon her as she continues to serve BCUC as a diaconal minister committed to her call.

God of Healing, we pray for people for whom the world is dark especially in this time of pandemic. We pray for those dealing with pain and suffering, loneliness, homelessness, poverty, disability, hunger, addictions, and broken relationships. We ask your guidance and blessings for those who make our lives easier as we live through the challenges brought about by COVID-19. We ask for your blessing upon the community where we live and the world.

God who journeys with us, hold our lives together in the thread of your rainbow grace. We rejoice with hope and great joy, remembering Jesus Christ, the mover and shaker of our faith as we abide in his love now and in the years to come. All these things we ask in the name of Jesus Christ who taught his disciples this prayer:

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 your gifts of time, talents and resources as expressions of your 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

Loving God, on this our Anniversary Sunday, may these gifts of time, talent and treasures be bright threads shining in the tapestry you weave for your people. Bless these gifts as we use them to bless others. Amen.

Sending Forth

Go forth into the world,
rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Be strong and of good courage,
for the God of yesterday, today
and tomorrow walks with you.
Be filled with the peace of Christ
now and always. Amen!

Departing Music: Let Us Build A House (All Are Welcome) - More Voices #1

1 Let us build a house where love can dwell and all can safely live,
A place where saints and children tell how hearts learn to forgive.
Built of hopes and dreams and visions,
rock of faith and vault of grace;
here the love of Christ shall end divisions:
All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place.

2 Let us build a house where prophets speak, and words are strong and true,
where all God’s children dare to seek to dream God’s reign anew.
Here the cross shall stand as witness and as symbol of God’s grace;
here as one we claim the faith of Jesus:
All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place.

3 Let us build a house where love is found in water, wine and wheat;
a banquet hall on holy ground, where peace and justice meet.
Here the love of God, through Jesus, is revealed in time and space;
as we share in Christ the feast that frees us:
All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place.

4 Let us build a house where hands will reach beyond the wood and stone
to heal and strengthen, serve and teach, and live the Word they’ve known.
Here the outcast and the stranger bear the image of God’s face;
let us bring an end to fear and danger:
All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place.

5 Let us build a house where all are named, their songs and visions heard
and loved and treasured, taught and claimed as words within the Word.
Built of tears and cries and laughter, prayers of faith and songs of grace;
let this house proclaim from floor to rafter:
All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place.

Sunday Worship Service - May 3, 2020