BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH
5TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
SUMMER WORSHIP SERVICE / CELEBRATING CANADA DAY
Featuring Canadian Hymn/Songwriters
July 5, 2020
The video for this service can be found here
You can also dial-in by phone to listen to the audio recording at 613-820-8104
Gathering: Hymn to Freedom – Oscar Peterson BCUC Men
Acknowledgment of Territory
We begin our worship service by acknowledging the territory where most of us gather and where I am located. We acknowledge that we are gathered on the unceded traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe First Nation. We pay respect to the elders past and present and honour all indigenous people’s reverence of this land throughout the ages. May we live in peace and friendship to sustain the earth and all its people. Thank you for permitting us to live and work on this land.
Welcome & Announcements
Good day everyone! The psalmist declares, “You O God, are the light that keeps me safe. I am not afraid of anyone. You protect me, and I have no fears.”
On behalf of Bells Corners United Church, I welcome and greet you wherever you are on this second Sunday in our Psalms sermon series as we reflect on the timeless words of Psalm 46. In today’s worship service, we are Celebrating Canada Day that was observed on July 1st showcasing hymns and songs composed by Canadians. As we honour this special day, we remember and give thanks for the gifts of freedom and diversity and for all people who have been the stewards of this land. We continue to commit ourselves to the work of justice, healing, and reconciliation.
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, events and other updates. You can also listen to the service via telephone by dialing 613-820-8104. I also encourage you to show that you care by connecting with each other through emails, phone calls and prayers.
Here are some announcements:
Join us for a simultaneous prayer circle every Wednesday at 8 pm. Wherever you are, you may light a candle and say a prayer.
David’s Flowers are back drive-through style and they are available every Saturday from 10:30 to 11:30 pm. The flowers will be displayed on tables outside the main entrance, and everyone is asked to remain in their car, bring exact change or prepared cheque for donations, and follow instructions of volunteers. Thank you for your support!
And for those of you who are able to join us via Zoom, there will be zoom fellowship every Sunday at 11 am. Link will be emailed to you or call the office for more information.
Friends, I now invite you to be still and know that God is.
Let us gather in worship.
Lighting of the Christ Candle Acolyte: Victoria Ogden
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.” (Colossians 3:16)
National Anthem: O Canada! (Bilingual Version, 2018)
O Canada! Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all of us command,
Car ton bras sait porter l'épée,
Il sait porter la croix!
Ton histoire est une épopée
Des plus brillants exploits,
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
Call to Gather: (by David Sparks, 2017) Lorrie Lowes, DM
The music of this faith community,
fills us with joy, enables our praise to take wing.
the friendly conversations we enjoy,
keep us in touch, allow us to give and receive support.
The Word we hear
challenges us to act justly, gives us peace in the struggle.
The way of Jesus before us
roots us in compassion, inspires us to change our world for good.
Come, let us gather.
Prayer of Praise: (inspired by the prayer of Robin Wardlaw, 2017)
Creator, Light, Shepherd, our refuge and our strength,
we trace our roots to your creative powers.
We embrace one another as children of your Spirit.
As we celebrate our Canadian history today, help us remember all of it;
that which makes us proud and that which makes us ashamed.
Remind us of your constant presence:
forgiving, restoring, recreating, and making all thing new.
Hear us, as we dwell for a moment in your goodness. Amen.
Hymn: It’s A Song of Praise to the Maker More Voices #30 (Ruth Duck/Ron Klusmeier)
1. It’s a song of praise to the Maker,
the thrush sings high in the tree.
It’s a song of praise to the Maker,
The gray whale sings in the sea,
Refrain
And by the Spirit
you and I can join our voice
to the holy cry
and sing, sing, sing to the Maker too.
2. It’s a call of life to the Giver
when waves and waterfalls roar.
It’s a call of life to the Giver
when high tides break on the shore,
3. It’s a hymn of love to the Lover;
the bumblebees hum along.
It’s a hymn of love to the Lover,
the summer breeze joins the song,
4. It’s the chorus of all creation;
it’s sung by all living things.
It’s the chorus of all creation;
a song the universe sings,
Words © 1992 Ruth Duck GIA Pub, Music © 1992 Ron Klusmeier Hope Pub Song # 88477 & 30221, Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved
Storytime for the Young at Heart Lorrie Lowes
(lots of background noise)
Good morning! Today we are talking about Psalms again and I really like the one Rev. Kim started…chose to talk about this week – Oh, just a minute!
(radio and other noise turned off)
Ahhh, is that a little bit better? I can sort of hear myself think now and I hope you can hear me better too.
Isn’t our world noisy? I’ve noticed that a lot lately, that sometimes there are so many things going on in our world, so much noise! Our computers are going, our radios are going, there are machines going in the kitchen, there’s traffic out on the road. There just seems to be so much noise around that I can hardly hear myself think! So, I was thinking to myself today that I really love that line in this Psalm, in verse 10, that says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” It’s a line that I use often. It’s kind of a mantra for me, something I think about when I need to calm myself. It’s a way of calming myself and paying attention to what’s going on in my mind and what’s going on with God – hearing the voice of God that I don’t always hear in this noisy, noisy world.
Nowadays, when we’re starting our summer holidays, everybody’s excited about so many things to do and things they want to do and making plans. Things are changing out in our world and there are so many crazy things going on in the news – scary things sometimes going on. Sometimes we just need to take the time to stop and to calm down. Even when you get really excited and happy, sometimes people will say, “Oh, please, just be still for a minute! Just be still.” And sometimes we need to remind ourselves of that.
So, I want you to think of the ways that you calm yourself down. This one, this line, is a really good one for me. “Be still and know that I am God.” It’s kind of a way of praying as well, or remembering to pray, and remembering that God is there to help us. I like to do that when I’m on a walk outside, all by myself. Sometimes it’s easier to be quiet when you’re all by yourself. Sometimes you just need to find a place to do that.
I’m hoping that you will take that time, now that we have this beautiful summer weather, the school stuff online is all finished, plans are being made for a wonderful summer. Be excited – that’s great! – but don’t forget to take a little bit of time to just be still and know God. Amen.
Hymn: There is Room for All MV 62 (Bruce Harding / French – David Fines)
There is room for all
in the shadow of God’s wing;
there is room for all,
sheltered in God’s love.
And I rejoice and sing,
“My refuge and my rock,
in whom I trust.”
There is room for all,
there is room for all!
Chacun a sa place
á l'abri sous l'aile de Dieu;
Chacun a sa place
en l'amour de Dieu.
De joie, je chanterai:
"Mon refuge en lequel
je me confie”.
Chacun a sa place,
chacun a sa place.
Words and Music © 2004 Bruce Harding evensong.ca French © 2006 David Fines
Song # 127055 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved
Prayer for Illumination Reader: Keith Bailey
Open our hearts to your Word this day, O God. Open our minds to the mystery of your truth. Help us live in such a way that others may see your power shining in us. Amen.
Psalm Reading: Psalm 46 (NRSV)
God’s Defense of the City and People
1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
God will help it when the morning dawns.
6 The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord;
see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Hear what the Spirit is saying to all of us! Thanks be to God!
Choral: More Voices #77 Be Still and Know
Sermon: “A Very Present Help in Trouble” Rev. Kim Vidal
I was 23 years old, in my 3rd year of teaching in the Philippines, when I was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness that lasted for more than a month. During those times when my body was weak and death was seemingly very real, two things have sustained me - my faith and this prayer: “God is my refuge and my strength, a very present help in trouble…Be still and know that I am God…”
A devastating earthquake hit the Philippines in 1990 that killed a number of people and destroyed many buildings and infrastructure. I literally saw the earth opened, spitting out mud from its deep crevices. I heard the rumbling of the ocean waves that felt like the world was about to end. I looked up at the dark sky and I thought death surely is very near. In that moment of fear and chaos, I prayed and called on God to save us from this natural disaster and these words brought me assurance: “God is my refuge and my strength, a very present help in trouble…Be still and know that I am God…”
In 2007, 13 years after we moved to Canada, my father died after several months of battling cancer, at the Elisabeth Bruyere Hospital, surrounded by family and loved ones. Grief overtook each and every member of the Vidal family. In that moment of sadness and overwhelming sorrow, the words of the Psalmist brought us comfort: “God is my refuge and my strength, a very present help in trouble…Be still and know that I am God...”
Psalm 46 is one of the most beloved psalms turned into Martin Luther’s famous hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”. For Luther, God is a stronghold and a tower, a bulwark never failing. It proclaims faith in God’s protection and presence while acknowledging the challenges, dangers and difficulties that one may experience in life.
Written around 700 BCE, when Assyrians sieged the city of Jerusalem, Psalm 46 is attributed to the descendants of Korah, believed to be porters of the temple who also provided singing during worship. This psalm is classified as a “song of Zion” where divine protection is promised to the king and is extended to include his city, Jerusalem, as place where God dwells. It is a prayer of refuge – of sanctuary and shelter, and comfort in troubled times, perhaps sung in a liturgical setting that celebrated God as protector of Zion.
In poetic language, the psalmist describes the way trouble can come. This ancient poem presents metaphorical descriptions of global catastrophes. The psalmist talks about the earth being changed, the mountains shaking in the heart of the sea and the trouble which comes with the sheer fury of a storm. We've all been caught in natural and man-made calamities and storms whether it be hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, forest fires, tsunamis or tornadoes. In those moments of fear and destruction, the psalmist offers hope that the God who created the earth and called it good is still present and in control.
On the political front, "nations are in an uproar and kingdoms fall." I think of wars that are still raging in many parts of the world. I think of the ongoing political protests on racial injustice and discriminations of all sorts that call for people to stand in solidarity with the black community, the LGBTQ and the Indigenous peoples, to name a few. I think of the uncertainty and fear brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic that still rages in Canada and many countries in devastating proportions. It is far from being over yet. Jim Wallis, Sojourners writer commented that “this pandemic has become very revealing of the inequities in our society, the gaping holes in our safety net, and the disparities in our health care and other systems, and the reality of our relationships across racial and economic lines.” This historical crisis will change us forever. And because of this crisis, the once outdoor festive celebration of Canada Day was celebrated virtually including a 3-minute firework display on YouTube. The psalmist declares that in the midst of political chaos and economic crisis, God’s presence and protection are felt, although it may take a while to realize this.
Despite the upheavals and chaotic moments, the psalmist draws God’s comforting presence in the form of a city where peace and safety dwells. A stream flows through it, bringing gladness, nourishment, abundance, joy and life, in contrast to the shaking earth and roaring waters of destruction and death. Homiletics professor Ruthana Hooke comments that “…given natural threats and disasters, and the prevalence of war and political tumult, we may well long for a place of delight and protection such as is presented in this psalm.” Even though difficulties and challenges and changes and chaos may be all be around us, threatening to overwhelm us, in the center, in the midst of us, in our innermost being, the God of refuge dwells within.
The most quoted verse in this Psalm is this line: “Be still and know that I am God.” At first glance, we might think of stillness as a situation devoid of noise and sounds, one that soothes the mind and spirit in a relaxing mode as in a quiet meditation. But there are some interpretations that gives us new understanding. “Be still” might mean getting someone’s attention, to stop whatever is distracting or disturbing you and being conscious that God is present in that moment of silence. And one way of stilling ourselves in the presence of God is through praying.
Praying is a spiritual practice that I personally do on a regular basis. It opens me to God’s presence and allows me to experience the holiness of a moment. Intimate time with the Holy changes how I see a situation and grants me the courage and wisdom to keep me grounded in faith. The point of praying is not just to vent, to celebrate, to ask or to emote, but also to implore wisdom by laying out and naming the desperate situation of people or the community. John Dominic Crossan defines praying as a collaboration between God and human beings, where faith and practice meet. Mother Teresa once said that: “Praying doesn’t change things. Praying changes people and people change things”. Praying may or may not change the world, but it does change the way we are in the world. Praying opens us to new perspectives and nudges us act – to reach out to people and places that needs healing, justice and reconciliation.
Troubled times abound. There are pains of individual wounds of loneliness, grief, isolation, depression, illness, unemployment, or broken relationships that call for our urgent care and attention. There are those caught up in the endless cycle of extreme poverty, not only here on the streets of Ottawa but also in many places in the world. Poverty is a disease of our time that needs healing. What about those whose human rights have been constantly violated? Women and children, the black community, indigenous people - all have been bleeding for their rights to be heard! Psalm 46 is a prayer of being present, an important tenet of pastoral and spiritual care ministry. Knowing that “God is a very present help in times of trouble” allows me to be present for others especially those who need care in times of illness, loneliness or grief. I gleaned from my experience that being present for others is about making connections – all my relations - one that focuses on the meaning of care that has made a welcoming space for each face among us. And when we do our part in being truly present for the other, we proclaim God who is present in times of trouble through our lives.
A word caught my attention when I read the Psalms and that word is present three times in Psalm 46. That word is selah spelled as s-e-l-a-h. What is selah you might ask? The meaning of selah is not known but various interpretations have been offered. It could mean an ending of a verse in preparation of a new one. Another possible meaning is that of an ancient musical notation meaning to stop and listen, or to pause and let the words sink in. I like this second meaning of selah. Stop. Listen. Pause and let the words sink in.
In times of illness, grief or natural calamities,
God is our refuge and strength. A very present help in trouble.
Selah. Stop. Listen. Pause and let the words sink in.
In moments of political chaos, economic crisis and this period of COVID-19 pandemic,
Be still and know that I am God.
Selah. Stop. Listen. Pause and let the words sink in.
And I would add this final verse:
God is in us. Let us be present for each other.
Let us pray and work for a better world.
Selah. Stop. Listen. Pause and let the words sink in.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
Choral: More Voices #14 - Where 2 or 3 are Gathered
Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer Rev. Kim Vidal
This Prayer of Gratitude, Lament, and Hope is inspired by a prayer written by Susan Lukey for Canada Day:
God in each of us, in whom all of creation and all peoples live and move and have our being, be with us as we celebrate Canada Day.
We pray in gratitude for the richness of this land that goes from sea to sea to sea:
For the First Peoples, who discovered this land millennia ago, and who teach us that we are all one with creation and with each other;
For the rich natural resources, the wonder of the variety of landscapes and ecosystems in our country, urban and rural, prairie and maritime, tundra and mountains, Canadian Shield and foothills;
For the wonderful tapestry of Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultures that make up our nation, making us all richer for the diversity;
For a country in which we are free and safe to cast our vote, where our vote and our voice count, and where we can give voice to what we believe, we offer our gratitude to you, Creator of Life. We pray in awe and wonder, seeking to live daily lives that reflect gratitude.
We gather in lament for the painful parts of our history:
For the devastation caused to the Indigenous Peoples through colonization of this land, the overuse of natural resources, and the loss of their cultures, spirituality, and traditions;
For all others in our country who have been discriminated against, abused, and devalued because of their ethnicity, beliefs, or country of origin;
For those who gave their lives and those who continue to experience the traumatic effects of their service in the Armed Forces, during both world wars, as peacekeepers, and in other conflicts;
For those who have suffered devastation in both natural and human-made disasters in Canada, this we lament, God, who is very present in times of trouble. We join our voices to cry out for justice for the continuing wrongs in our country.
We dream of the future for our beloved land of Canada:
For a country where the best of Canadian values of peacemaking, compassion, hospitality, generosity, fairness, and kindness are lived day by day and extended to everyone in this land; For a country where everyone shares in the abundance, where everyone has food, shelter, safety, and employment, where everyone is valued as they are for who they truly are;
For a country where we care for the land, the environment, and the creatures, and live with respect in creation, making wise use of our natural resources and understanding that we are one with all of creation;
For the possibilities and promise we have as a nation in which every one of us can contribute our ideas, our imagination, and our creativity for the good of all;
For the leadership and example we can offer as a nation to the world, in building right relationships between all people and in treating all citizens, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, with dignity and respect, and in radical caring for the environment;
For the vision and encouragement we can offer as The United Church of Canada, by striving for right relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, in seeking justice and proclaiming hope, as we seek to follow the Way of Jesus, to this we commit ourselves as your faithful people, Loving God.
You who reminds us to be still and know that you are God, we give thanks, we lament, and we dream, gathering all of our prayers together as we pray the words of Jesus:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed 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.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory,
Forever and ever,
Amen.
Invitation to Offer: 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
Generous God, bless these gifts and bless the ministries they make possible. Encourage us to give of ourselves and our resources until we become joyful images of your love and service. Amen.
Sending Forth: Lorrie Lowes. DM
Go now into the world,
Into this country strong and free,
Knowing we are blessed and ready
to be a blessing to others.
Go into this week,
With all of its joys and all of its challenges,
Listening for the voice of God
Urging us to “Be still”
And promising to always be
Our source of refuge, strength and courage.
Go now in peace, in joy and in love. Amen
Hymn: When Hands Reach Out Beyond Divides - More Voices #169 (Tune: Kingsfold)
1. When hands reach out beyond divides
and hope is truly found,
each chain of hate will fall away
and bells of peace shall sound,
and bells of peace, of peace shall sound,
and bells of peace shall sound,
each chain of hate will fall away
and bells of peace shall sound.
2. When fear no longer guides our steps
and days of war are done,
God’s dream for all shall live anew;
our hearts will heal as one,
our hearts will heal, will heal as one,
our hearts will heal as one,
God’s dream for all shall live anew;
our hearts will heal as one.
3. When race and creed blind us no more,
a neighbour’s face we’ll see,
and we shall dance the whole world round,
for love will set us free,
for love, yes love will set us free,
for love will set us free,
and we shall dance the whole world round,
for love will set us free.
Words © 2005 Keri Wehlander, traditional melody
Song # 125752 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved
Departing: BCUC men – Vive la Canadienne
Zoom Fellowship hosted by Lorrie at 11 am. Link has been emailed. See you there!