BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION SUNDAY
Sunday School Closing & Celebration
All-Ages Worship
June 14, 2020
[The video of this service can be found here]
Gathering: More Voices #26 Your Love is Amazing – BCUC band
Words and Music; Brenton Brown and Brian Doerksen © 2000 Vineyard songs
Song #5b057fdf9f6f6 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214.
All rights reserved
Welcome – Rev. Kim Vidal
Good day everyone! On behalf of Bells Corners United Church in Ottawa, I welcome and greet you in the name of Jesus Christ who calls the children to come to him and lifts them up as belonging in the Kin-dom of God. Today we are celebrating Christian Education Sunday. It is an opportunity for us to celebrate and acknowledge the presence of our youth and children at BCUC as we continue to journey with them in faith and in love. We also extend our sincerest thanks and appreciation to Lorrie Lowes, our diaconal minister, who looks after our Christian Education ministry and all of the Sunday School teachers, youth leaders, nursery providers and other volunteers as they continue to support and nurture our youth and children.
Whether you are joining us from Ottawa or other parts in Canada or perhaps in other countries like the United States or in the Philippines, thank you for being part of our virtual worship service today.
During this time when we are not able to worship in the church sanctuary, please know that BCUC offers worship service in a number of ways. Check our website at bcuc.org, for our worship service in audio, video and text formats along with the weekly announcements, online meetings and events and other updates. And in this trying time of COVID-19 pandemic, I encourage you to show that you care by connecting with each other through emails, phone calls and prayers.
Friends, I now invite you to centre yourself in the presence of God who welcomes us like a child, full of wonder and trust. Let us gather in worship.
Lighting of Christ Candle: Acolytes: Wightman Family
Voice 1: “Jesus called a child, whom he put among them, and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Voice 2: Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” (Matthew 18: 2-5)
*Call to Gather: Berard Family
Reader 1:
We are the children of the world,
and despite our different backgrounds,
we share a common reality.
Reader 2:
We are united by our struggle to make the world
a better place for all. You call us the future,
but we are also the present.
Reader 3:
So come, sisters and brothers of every age!
Come, cousins and kin from every land and place!
As children in this time and in this place—
disciples of Christ and children of God—
we’re here with the belief that the world can be different.
All:
We’re here with the belief that God’s love,
living in us and through us, changes the world! Alleluia!
Richard Bott, ‘We Hold These Children”, A Service for Children’s Sunday.
Prayer of Approach: (written by Rt. Rev. Richard Bott) Wendy Morrell & Dan Lanoue
(arms open wide) Holy God,
(arms move in, pretending to rock a baby)
you were with us when we were born,
(squatting down, slowly rising with arms overhead)
you are with us as we grow,
(covering heart with hands and crumpling a bit)
you are with us when we hurt,
(standing tall, arms to side) you are with us when we are whole.
(cupping hands at belly) Thank you.
(raising cupped hands to chest level) Thank you!
(raising hands above head) THANK YOU!
(making “binoculars”) Would you help us to see?
(cupping ears) Would you help us to hear?
(stretching arms out) Would you help us to love?
(making 360-degree turn) So we might change ourselves.
(making 360-degree turn) So we might change the world!
(arms open wide) Amen.
Hymn: “One More Step” Voices United #639
1.One more step along the world I go;
one more step along the world I go,
From the old things to the new,
keep me traveling along with you.
And it’s from the old I travel to the new,
keep me traveling along with you.
2.‘Round the corner of the world I turn,
more and more about the world I learn;
all the new things that I see;
you’ll be looking at along with me.
And it’s from the old I travel to the new,
keep me traveling along with you.
3.As I travel through the bad and good,
keep me traveling the way I should;
where I see no way to go,
you’ll be telling me the way, I know.
And it’s from the old I travel to the new,
keep me traveling along with you.
4.Give me courage when the world is rough;
keep me loving though the world is tough;
leap and sing in all I do,
keep me traveling along with you.
And it’s from the old I travel to the new,
keep me traveling along with you.
5.You are older than the world can be,
You are younger than the life in me,
Ever old and ever new,
keep me traveling along with with you:
And it’s from the old I travel to the new;
keep me traveling along with you.
Words and Music; Sydney Carter © 1971, Stainer & Bell Ltd Song # 03216
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved
Time of Celebration & Appreciation Lorrie Lowes
If we were at the church today, everything would be abuzz! The CGs and Bell Canto would be warming up with the band, Rev. Kim would be making sure the children and youth had their parts for the service, “Two Men and a Stove” would be firing up the barbecue, and the UP Group would be setting up for games on the lawn. This was supposed to be an all-ages service in celebration of the end of the regular Sunday School and Youth programs followed by our Sunday School picnic. From what I see on the weather forecast, it should be a perfect day for it – sunny but not too hot. It is disappointing that we can’t be doing all of these things – but we can still celebrate!
Today I celebrate all of the children and youth who bring such life and spirit to this faith family. As I plan your programs each week, I think about each one of you and am excited about the ideas and wisdom you will bring to the lessons. I look forward to the time when you come forward for our chancel chat before you head off to your classes. I love how engaged you are and how willing and eager you are to share your ideas. You make all of us at BCUC very proud. As you think about putting away your school books for the summer, I wish you sunshine and joy and I look forward to the time when we can gather on the chancel again. I look forward to your smiles and your hugs!
Today we also celebrate all the folks who make this program work – the teachers, the youth leaders, for Erin who puts in so much love and time to help you create the music and the creative activities in response to the lessons. I celebrate the teamwork of the teachers who are willing to jump in and help wherever they are needed. I appreciate them all so much and I know you do too.
We can’t hand them a flower or a little gift in person this year – so here is our gift to them…
(Photos of Sunday School children with thank you cards for their teachers)
Hymn: I’ve Got Peace Like A River Voices United #577
I’ve got peace like a river (3x) in my soul
I’ve got peace like a river (3x) in my soul
2-Joy like a fountain 3- Love like an ocean 4- Peace, joy, love like a river, fountain, ocean
Words and Music; public domain Song # 95106
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved
Prayer for Illumination: Leader: Raven Miller
Dear God, we come as children, humble, innocent and trusting. We come, ready to hear your Word. Let the words speak in each heart. Let the truth set each one free. Let gospel inspire us for justice. Let the Spirit’s presence fill us with joy. Amen.
The Gospel Story: Reader: Phoenix Miller
“Jesus Blesses Little Children” Mark 10:13-16 (NRSV)
13 People were bringing little children to Jesus in order that he might bless them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. 14 But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to his disciples, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 15 Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.
May we find ourselves renewed in this gospel story!
Thanks be to God!
Reflection: “What Do We Want To Tell the Children?” Rev. Kim Vidal
(inspired by the writing of Ann Weems in Reaching for Rainbows)
I’m a big fan of Ann Weems. In case you are not familiar with her, Ann Weems was a celebrated American poet, a prolific author, a Presbyterian elder and a profound lecturer. She passed away in 2016 at a ripe age of 81. She wrote a number of books, most of which are in my personal library. Her books revealed her beliefs, her convictions, her spirituality, her theology, her love for humanity, particularly children. The first book that introduced me to Ann Weems was Reaching for Rainbows. In this book, she offered words of joy and hope, faith-filled prayers and contemporary worship resources. She had a big heart for children. That’s why I am using some inspiration from one of her works to celebrate our youth and children at BCUC. She wrote a short essay about what do we want to tell the children. I have highlighted some of her thoughts and added them to mine in this reflection.
In the rush and crunch of our mission as God’s children, we sometimes forget who we are: the children of God.
In our grown-up practicality, in our busy adult-conscience productivity, we sometimes forget that Jesus said, “Unless you become as little children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.” We even forget who Jesus is and we begin telling the story all wrong.
What about the children of this world who are not filled with life’s joys? What about the children who are “have-nots” – who have not food, clothing, medicine, warm shelter, parents? What about the abused or neglected child? And the child who lives in darkness?
Gabriela Mistral, Nobel prize-winning poet from Chile, has written: “We are guilty of many errors and many faults, but our worst crime is abandoning the children, neglecting the fountain of life. Many of the things we need can wait. The child cannot. Right now is the time the child’s bones are being formed, blood being made, senses being developed. To a child, we cannot answer “Tomorrow”. The child’s name is “Today!”
The United Nations has declared that every child in this world must have certain rights:
The right to affection, love and understanding.
The right to adequate nutrition and medical care.
The right to free education.
The right to full opportunity for play and recreation.
The right to name a nationality.
The right to special care, if handicapped.
The right to be among the first to receive relief in times of disaster.
The right to be a useful member of society and to develop individual abilities.
The right to be brought up in a spirit of peace and universal community.
The right to enjoy these rights, regardless of race, colour, sex, religion, national or social origin.
What do we want to tell the children?
Ann Weems said that children know the fears of darkness. But we want to tell them that a man named Jesus came, taught us about God’s love and took our hands and held them so that we would be safe. Children know about holding hands with someone who can make them safe. We are now the hands of Jesus so let us hold their hands in love.
We want to tell them that Jesus led us into the Light and that’s where we need to live now – in the Light! Each child must learn what it means to go from darkness to light.
It’s like when nighttime comes and you run upstairs in a hurry because you feel like something will get you and you run as fast as you can and turn on the light and you feel safer. Then you go and find your mom or dad or someone who will put their arms around you and then you know you’re safe. We are now the light of Christ to every child. Let that light guide them to safety and peace.
That’s why Ann Weems thinks, and I agree with her, why we come to church. We come to be in the Light. We come to thank God for the Light, and we go out into the world and find people who are hurting and crying, and we pick them up and carry them into the Light. We wipe away their tears and tell them that they can stay in the Light, and we hold their hands so they won’t be scared anymore.
At BCUC, I am proud to say that we treat each other like a family, where each one, particularly the children and the youth is invited, welcomed, listened to, blessed and loved. BCUC is our spiritual home – a home of God’s grace. More than memories, more than experiences, more than the physical space. In this church, there are rooms for everyone and everyone has a place. It reminds me of Rudyard Kipling’s quote on family: “A family shares things like dreams, hopes, possessions, memories, smiles, frowns, and gladness...A family is a clan held together with the glue of love and the cement of mutual respect. A family is shelter from the storm, a friendly port when the waves of life become too wild. No person is ever alone who is a member of a loving family.”
In the song We Are the World – it seems that the late Michael Jackson paraphrased today’s gospel story. The song tells us what it means to be a child, welcomed and embraced by Jesus. Jackson’s musical theology is one that resonates the true meaning of God’s kin-dom. “We are the world – we are the children. We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving. There's a choice we're making. We're saving our own lives. It's true we'll make a better day, just you and me”. These words embrace a vision and hope for young people like Terry Fox who raised awareness and healing through his unfortunate cancer and physical disabilities; of Craig Kielburger who organized Free the Children movement against child labour; of the young Ryan from Kemptville, just outside Ottawa, who started the well project for clean waters in Africa; of the Japanese girl Sadako who raised world peace awareness through the peace cranes that she folded, of the African Children’s Choir whose melodic voices challenge the powers-that-be in diminishing the humanity of women and children in Africa, of the Pakistani young woman, Malala whose activism for girls’ education spread like a wildfire and the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize; of young environmental and climate change activists like Greta Thunberg and Autumn Peltier who inspire people and leaders to pay attention to the groaning Mother Earth.
Here at BCUC, I am proud to say that our youth, young adults and children are doing their part in making a difference: Hazel & Doyle Smith who travelled with Lorrie in a partnership visit to Chipembi; 16 people, including 10 youth and young adults who went to Nicaragua and built homes for those in need; Elly Crow who raised awareness on body shaming; some members of the UP Youth who ran the Camp Awesome program with Tamara; children and youth who offer their gifts and talents, their voices, their participation, their questions and their presence that touch many of us in the congregation and beyond.
Friends, let us go and tell the children that here at Bells Corners United Church, in this church family, and around the world, that there’s still a lot of love going on.
What do we want to tell the children?
Tell them that everyone is a child of God.
Tell them that Jesus calls them to him just the way they are.
Tell them that they are cherished and that we love them strongly.
Tell them to speak up and let their voices be heard.
Tell them that we care.
Let us celebrate the children!
Thank you Lorrie, the Sunday School teachers, youth leaders, nursery providers and volunteers! Thank you yound people and Sunday School children! Thank you Ann Weems! Thank you Jesus! Thank you God! Amen.
Invitation for Prayer: “Lord, Listen to your Children Praying” VU#400 – BCUC choir
Lord, Listen to your children praying.
Lord, send your Spirit in this place.
Lord, listen to your children praying.
Send us love, send power, send us grace.
Words and Music: Ken Medema © 1971 Hope Publishing Song # 384
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved
Prayers of the People & Lord’s Prayer Lorrie Lowes
Loving God,
Hear us as we lift up our prayers for ourselves, our family, our friends, our community, and your world today.
We thank you for each new day given to us,
And we give thanks especially for the days that bring us together as a family of faith,
even when we can’t meet in the sanctuary of our church.
We thank you for the many blessings this community brings.
Compassionate God,
There is so much happening in the world that confuses us, frightens us, and even angers us.
We pray that you give us strength as we cope with the new realities the Covid-19 pandemic brings.
We pray for those who are suffering, for families who are missing close connections, for people feeling isolated and trapped in their homes.
We pray for the frontline workers who work so tirelessly to provide the necessities of life – health care, safety, protection, and comfort.
We pray for all those who are unable to work and for those who are preparing to make their way back to their jobs.
We pray for the teachers, the ministers, the counsellors, and all who support us as we navigate these strange times through technology.
Help us see not only the struggles but also the blessings these days bring.
God, we lift up those around the world who do not have enough,
enough food…
enough access to health care…
enough peace…
enough love…
enough joy.
We pray that you help us cope with the racial injustice and violence that is happening all around us. Make us see each other as you see us all, through the eyes of love.
Help us recognize the systemic racism in the world, in our own country, and in ourselves.
We pray for all racialized people and today, especially for people of colour.
Help us understand their anger and their grief.
Help us be part of the solution by becoming the allies they need in this struggle.
Jesus told his disciples to become like little children.
Today we celebrate the children and youth who are such a vital part of our faith family.
We recognize and give thanks for their enthusiasm, their commitment, and their insight into what it means to be a follower of Jesus today.
We give thanks for the vision they bring to us of better tomorrows.
We give thanks for all those who nurture them and help them on their faith journey.
Thank you for the Sunday School Teachers, the Youth Group Leaders, the “Secret Pals”, and all those who take the time to listen and to encourage.
Lead us to work for the welfare and protection of all young people.
May we respect their dignity that they may flourish in life.
All these things we lift up to you in the name of Jesus who taught these words to his disciples.
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: Rev. Kim Vidal
I now invite you to offer your 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 (together)
Holy God, we thank you for all the gifts that you have given us. With thankful hearts we offer our gifts for the care and the healing of your world. Use our gifts and bless all that they may touch. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Sending Forth: A Blessing for All the Children of the World (by Alyson Huntly) Lorrie Lowes, DM
Children of God,
May someone hold you close tonight,
and may you never wake alone.
May you have food to eat,
and may you never wake hungry.
May you sleep in a safe and quiet place,
and may you never wake to the sound of fighting.
May you have someone to love and protect you,
and may you never wake in fear.
May you have a shelter over your head,
and may you never wake in the cold.
May you always know that you are one of God’s beloved one,
may you never wake alone. Amen.
*Hymn: Go, Make a Diff’rence More Voices #209
Refrain:
Go make a diff’rence.
We can make a diff’rence.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Go make a diff’rence.
We can make a diff’rence.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
1- We are the salt of the earth,
called to let the people see
the love of God for you and me.
We are the light of the world,
Not to be hidden but be seen.
Go make a diff’rence in the world. Refrain
2- We are the hands of Christ
reaching out to those in need,
The face of God for all to see.
We are the spirit of hope;
We are the voice of peace.
Go make a diff’rence in the world. Refrain
3 – So let your love shine on,
let it shine for all to see.
Go make a diff’rence in the
world. And the spirit of
Christ will be with us as we go.
Go make a diff’rence in the world! Refrain
Words and Music © 1997 Steve Angrisano and Tom Tomaszek spiritandsong.com
Song # 82988 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved
Departing: My Lighthouse - the Rend Collective – BCUC Band
Chris Llewellyn, Gareth Gilkeson © 2013 Thankyou Music
CCLI Song #7002032 CCLI License #11199365
Zoom Fellowship
Hosted by Lorrie at 11 am on Sunday, June 14.
Link has been emailed. See you there!