BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH

3rd SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY / STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY 1

January 24, 2021

Theme: “Grateful for our Many Gifts – The Life of the Steward”

The video recording of this service can be found here.
You can also dial-in by phone to listen to the audio recording at 613-820-8104

Gathering Music: Come With Me Abe

Welcome & Announcements Rev. Kim Vidal

Good day everyone! On behalf of BCUC, I welcome and greet you in the name of Jesus Christ on this 3rd Sunday after Epiphany. It’s our annual stewardship campaign starting this Sunday until Feb 7th. Bill McGee will tell us more about it shortly. I offer to you my sincerest thanks and appreciation for your continued support in many ways to the life and ministry of BCUC.

Due to the provincial lockdown, we will not be offering in-person worship service until further notice but we will continue to offer 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. Please continue to reach out by connecting with each other through emails, phone calls and prayers.

There are a couple of learning events offered by several organizations and faith communities. I’d like to mention a couple here:

A presentation on Racism with social activist Howard J. Ross this afternoon at 2:30 pm
A presentation on Basic Income with economics professor Dr. Evelyn Forget on Feb 2nd at 7 pm.

For Zoom links to these events and other announcements, please check your email or the BCUC website.

Join us for a spontaneous Prayer Circle every Wednesday at 8 pm. Wherever you are, say a prayer for the world, your community including the congregation, your family, and yourself.

And for those of you who are able to join us via Zoom, there will be zoom fellowship every Sunday at 11: 00 am. Link has been emailed to you or call the office for more information.

Stewardship Moment Bill McGee, Chair – Stewardship Team

Centering for Worship

Friends, as we gather today wherever we are, remember these words from Thomas Merton as we reflect on our call to stewardship: “To be grateful is to recognize the love of God in everything that we receive…. Every breath we draw is a gift of God’s love; every moment of existence is a grace, for it brings with it immense graces from God.” Let us gather in worship.

Lighting of the Christ Candle Acolytes: Marion & Pierre Dugas

Jesus said, "I am the Light of the world;
those who follow me will not walk in the darkness,
but will have the Light of life." (John 8:12)

Call to Gather (David Sparks, Gathering, ACE 2020-21) Rev. Lorrie Lowes

Discipleship can be tiring,
God will give us tenacity for the rough days.
Discipleship can show us where we should place our trust.
God will enable us to sort out our faithful priorities.
Discipleship can be life-changing.
We will find authentic experience in the Christian life.
We gather today to find support and wisdom for our life as disciples.
Let us worship God.

Prayer of Approach (Helen Reed, Gathering, ACE 2020-21)

God of all people, you call our name, and we don’t listen.
You call our name, and we run in opposite direction.
You call our name, and we are afraid that we will be asked to change our plans.
Call us again, Gracious God.
Push and pull us out of our complacency.
Open our hearts to know your way.
Make us bold, make us strong, make us yours.
Call our name, once again, O God. Amen.

Hymn: I, the Lord of Sea and Sky – Voices United #509 - BCUC Choir, Leslie-violin

1. I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in deepest sin
my hand will save.
I who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send? R

Refrain:
Here I am Lord.
Is it I Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.

2. I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have borne my people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them, they turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone,
give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my word to them.
Whom shall I send? R

3. I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them; my hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide,
till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them.
Whom shall I send? R

Storytime Rev. Lorrie Lowes

Good morning! Have you ever thought about what you want to be when you grow up? I’m sure people ask you that all the time. You might have dreams of cool things you’d like to be… maybe an astronaut, or a doctor, or a famous movie star, or a star athlete.

You might have even changed your mind about what you want to be as you grew – maybe even more than once – and that’s ok. In fact, you will probably change your mind lots of times throughout your life.

When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a teacher… I also wanted to be a famous writer… and a stewardess…and I wanted to be a mom. As I grew older and learned more things, I had some different ideas too. I knew I really wanted to help people and so, when I started looking at going to university, I decided to study Social Work… but also French because I thought being a French teacher would be awesome too. I was really lucky that the adults around me gave me the freedom to explore all kinds of things and that I had the opportunity to study at university. I was also lucky that nobody told me that I had to do one thing in particular just because it was expected of me.

When you find something that you really care about – something you are so passionate about that you are willing to do anything to make it happen - people might say you are “being called” to follow that path.

Our Bible story today is one that most of you will be familiar with, I think. It is the story of Jesus calling Simon, Andrew, James, and John – all fishermen – to drop everything and follow him. He tells them he will make them “fishers of men”. In this story, Jesus actually called to these men from the shore. He told them to stop what they were doing and follow him.

Can you imagine having Jesus walk into whatever you are doing – working, going to school, helping out around the house – and telling you to just leave and follow him? Now, you might be tempted if a friend came by and asked you to drop what you were working on to go play for the rest of the day, but Jesus wasn’t asking these men to come with him for a couple of hours. He was asking them to leave everything behind… their jobs, their homes, their families and friends… just drop everything and start a whole new life, completely different from anything they had ever known. And they did! James and John left their father to finish mending the nets and just left! (I wonder what their father thought about that!)

Somehow, these four men knew that this was the right thing to do. Somehow, they were so sure of it that they were willing to give up everything and start on a whole new path in life. I’m sure it wasn’t an easy decision. It sure would have had a huge impact on their lives and the lives of those around them. They didn’t know exactly what Jesus was planning and they had to do a lot of learning along the way – but they felt so strongly about his message that they were ready to try. When we read the rest of the stories about Jesus and his disciples, we don’t hear about them giving up when things got hard. We don’t hear about them changing their minds and heading back home to the life they knew before. They were sure that this is what they needed to be doing and they didn’t look back. Even after Jesus died, they kept right on doing that work.

They were certainly called to the life of a disciple of Jesus – not just by his voice from the shore that day, but by the voice in their heads and their hearts that wouldn’t let them go because it was so important.

I did become a social worker… and a mom… and then a teacher… and all of those things felt like what I was being called to do. I was willing to put my whole heart and soul into them. I was willing to do the hard work to learn and become the best I could be in each of those careers. Then, just when I thought I had done everything I set out to do in my life and was ready for a rest… well, I heard another call, and here I am as a United Church Minister and it feels like the exactly right place for me to be.

Now, that doesn’t mean that those other things weren’t as important or that they were mistakes. It just means that I still have things I am so passionate about that I can’t help but follow through to make them happen.

Jesus told those fishermen that he would make them fishers of men. Jesus knew that the experience and skills they had developed to be good at catching fish would also be useful in their new calling. They had learned to work hard, to be patient, to watch for signs of good times and good places to cast their nets. They had learned to work as a team with others. They had learned that if you share with others on the days when you catch lots of fish, others will probably share with you on the days when you aren’t so lucky. These are all important things to be able to do if you are going to be a follower of Jesus.

I wonder what passions you will follow in your lifetime. What is your heart telling you need to do? I pray that you will have the opportunity to follow all of your dreams and passions in a way that gives you a fulfilling life – and in a way that makes the world a better place just because you are in it.

Hymn: Jesus Saw them Fishing - More Voices #113 – Erin & CGS/Bell Canto

1.Jesus saw them fishing by the shore of Galilee,
casting out their nets into the sea.
Simon Peter, Andrew and the sons of Zebedee,
waiting in their boats so patiently. R

Refrain
And Jesus said, “Oh, come and follow me.
Oh, leave behind your nets, I call you.
Oh, come and fish with me,
and your life will never be the same again.”

2.A rich young person came to Jesus looking for advice,
“How can I obtain eternal life?” Jesus told him,
“Honour the commandments of the Lord.
Then sell off all your riches for the poor.” R

3.“If you want to follow me, deny your very self.
Take up your cross and walk the walk with me.
This might seem a hardship, an impossibility,
but nothing is impossible with God.” R

Prayer for Illumination Reader: Chris Brown

God of Epiphany, open our ears to the call of your voice.
Open our eyes to see the wonders of your love.
Bless us as we hear your holy Word in fresh ways. Amen.

The Reading: Mark 1: 14-20 (NRSV) Jesus Calls the First Disciples

14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” 16 As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.

May the Light of Christ dwell where the Word is spoken. Thanks be to God!

Sermon: “Whose Calling?” Rev. Kim Vidal

Stewardship is our main topic for the next three Sundays. When it comes to defining stewardship, many of us think it is all about giving money or financial support to the church. That is why sometimes, ministers are scared to preach about this topic. Some of us understand, however, that stewardship is more than the offering of money or material resources. It is also the sharing of time, talents and intangible gifts like love, justice, peace, presence, to name a few. Stewardship stems from the basic biblical principle that all gifts come from God and that we are merely stewards or caretakers of the earth’s resources – not pillagers or abusers but as good managers. And because we are given such responsibility of being good stewards, we are challenged to take care of the resources to the best of our ability and to share what gifts we have or use our time and talents in ways that celebrate life. That is good stewardship.

I’ve had some stewardship moments this week as I turned to some inspiring stories. An article caught my attention posted by earthjustice.org, about ways we can help our community amid the COVID-19 crisis. These are not earth-shattering acts but small deeds of love and kindness – simple ways to show we care. The story urges us to be there for each other even when we are socially distanced. One woman said that every time she shops for grocery, she makes a $5 donation that goes to food banks. Another woman said that while walking in the neighbourhood, she makes sure she waves and says hello to the dogs and the dog-walkers. Still another woman is doing a mask drive by asking donations of N95 masks and delivering them to places and people in need of masks. Outside this article, I was inspired by Rev. Lorrie’s sharing about her son Petya of how he connects with the people in Carleton Place. He takes his job as a retail clerk seriously and makes sure he gives the best customer service to people inside or outside the store. He takes time listening to people, learning what’s happening in the community, and reaches out to help whenever he could. One day, Petya brought a homeless man to shopping for clothes and felt very happy when the homeless chap wore the clothes that he gave. Like the “earth justice” women and Petya’s stories, I’m sure there are many ways of doing good stewardship if we are willing to do so. The world in its beauty and pain, is calling us to be good stewards and the opportunities are never-ending. As theologian Frederick Buechner reminds us: “The place God calls you to/ is the place where your deep gladness /and the world's deep hunger meet.”

In today’s gospel story, we are given the opportunity to learn a different meaning of stewardship when Jesus calls the first disciples. Come and join me along the shores of Galilee where we meet Jesus and the four fishermen. I imagine the air smelled of salt, seaweed and fish as Jesus walked the shores of the Sea of Galilee that day. Jesus’ invitation to Simon, Andrew, James and John sounds like a spur-of-the-moment. “Follow me. Drop whatever else is occupying your time and come with me to a life full of adventure. Listen to what I have to say. Follow me and experience life in a different way. I will make you fishers not of fish but of men and women– you will become fishers of people.”

Immediately, (a favourite word of Mark) the four dropped everything and follow. There is a big gap in this story when Mark did not write about why the fishermen abandoned their fishing nets and followed Jesus right away. Had the fishing been really bad that day because their nets kept coming up empty? Was the net-mending especially tedious and boring? Or maybe the heat and humidity were all but unbearable? Were James and John desperate to get away from their family business? So that when Jesus invited them, they jumped at the chance to leave their monotonous life? Were they looking for a good excuse to stop being fishermen? Maybe they figured fishing was a dead-end job with little chance for advancement or extra income and Jesus came along at just the right time? Had they heard rumors or reports about Jesus, about his parables and healing power? Maybe they had met him themselves, even grew up with him and the thought of knowing him as a Rabbi, becoming one of his disciples, was irresistible? Or perhaps they were intrigued with the words, "I will make you fish for people!” A more popular translation of this line is “I will make you fishers of men!” Certainly – these words to some are problematic but they are quite intriguing to some extent!

"I will make you fish for people or fishers of men!” In our lectionary group this past Tuesday, several ideas were put forth as to what this verse means. Some agrees that the line –implies reeling in or catching people to join a church – like an altar call - a conversion tactic to introduce people to Jesus Christ and become a member or an adherent of the church. Another possible meaning suggests being in right relationships or transforming lives by serving others. There’s also the notion that Jesus was asking them to be “fish for people” as in food for the journey. The disciples are called to be instruments in giving abundant life for others like the symbolic miracle of feeding people with five loaves and two fish. Perhaps Jesus calls them to move and shake people especially when they are under a foreign occupation that exploits their resources and make them second class citizens. You might add a new perspective to these explanations.

Why should Simon, Andrew, James and John follow someone who uses such difficult metaphors? This immediate invitation and immediate response seem unlikely. They dropped what they were doing and headed off to God-knows-where; to lives they didn’t even have a clue. So the questions we might ask ourselves are these: why did the disciples follow Jesus on a whim? What kind of calling did Jesus offer? Some biblical scholars insist that Jesus had actually been living in Capernaum for a while and had known the four fishermen for some time. They could have been drinking buddies or hang out friends or maybe they have attended community events and sat at meals together. Perhaps this call was neither sudden nor abrupt but was the natural outcome of their friendship or moments of acquaintance. What is it about Jesus that hooked the four men?

Jesus’ leadership emulates both transformation and servanthood. No wonder Simon, Andrew, James and John dropped their fishing nets and followed him. Jesus as a leader begins with a vision of God’s dream for the world. He not only communicates the vision, but models it for others. He walked the talk. He came and announced this vision, which was the arrival and coming of a new reign of God that was unlike the Roman Empire. In the new reign, leaders and kings were servants and not lords; the poor were blessed and not cursed; women, children and slaves were included in the community and it operated from a platform of love, justice and compassion. Jesus sought to invest himself in the lives of the people so that, as a whole, the community is challenged to grow as welcoming and inclusive. The disciples followed Jesus' footsteps and were literally baptized into his life, death and resurrection. They became salt of the earth and light to the world.

Like the four fishermen, we too sometimes are faced with questions and speculations of our own calling and sense of direction. How is Jesus calling you? "Now hold it," you may say, “I’ve been a member of the Christian church for a long time - in fact I was baptized in this very same sanctuary. What do you mean, is Jesus calling me? I come to church regularly and take part in the sacraments. I volunteer my time and share my talents and treasures – is that not the same call coming from Jesus?” It sounds onerous at times, but Jesus’ call comes not just once but calls each of us over and over again. The calling comes in many forms. There are calls to a vocation, or change of careers. There are calls to a particular place, to a specific community. There are calls to a task, and there are calls to stop what you are doing and find renewal for your tired spirit. There are calls into and out of relationships. There are calls to healing and calls to let go of your worries. There are calls to regret what you have done, to repent and make amends for your wrongdoings. And there are calls to stop regretting, to accept the fact that you are forgiven, that you are healed, and get on with your life.

As the 46th US president was sworn into office on January 20th, the world watched and listened in awe as President Joe Biden calls for the American people to embrace the true meaning of democracy. In a symbolic ceremony attended by a mix of past US presidents and vice presidents, religious leaders from diverse faiths, dignitaries, common folks and celebrities from various backgrounds and ethnicity, President Biden reminds them that Americans are good people, but there is still a lot to be done. He calls everyone to share in the rebuilding of the nation because, and I quote: “there is still much to repair, much to restore, much to heal, much to build, and much to gain.” And these words were echoed by the inaugural poet, 22-year-old Amanda Gorman, when she wowed the audience with her heartfelt and moving poem, “The Hill We Climb.” In response to the President’s call for unity and healing, Gorman acknowledged the reasons why this call can be challenging. "Where can we find light in this never-ending shade?" she asked. And she continued: "And yet, the dawn is ours before we knew it. Somehow we do it. Somehow we weathered and witnessed a nation that isn't broken but simply unfinished."

Broken but simply unfinished. These are words we need to hear as good stewards as we respond to Jesus’ call to rebuild and transform the world. Do you ever wonder why some of us say “yes” to agreeing sitting on boards or committees, teaching Sunday School, greeting people by the door, singing in the choir, doing fund-raising or being a circuit messenger, to name a few? What could be our reason for stepping forward? I’m sure we did not literally hear Jesus calling us to be his follower. But I am certain that we have been inspired by the stories of his leadership – his parables of faith that might have impacted our lives and have been encouraged us in doing something worthwhile. Some of us might have felt compelled in sharing our time, our talents and our treasures because doing something for others becomes our living creed or a mantra in making our faith alive. Others recognize that this is part of our mandate as Christians, that we must walk in the steps of Jesus and emulate his way of life. And maybe the best reason for responding to Jesus’ call is because we believe in the power of love.

Jesus calls us to a world where opportunities are vast, where there are relationships to be mended, where people hungry and lonely are waiting for us to step up. On this first Sunday of our Stewardship Campaign, if you are pledging your time, your talents your resources, your intangibles gifts to achieve the visions and mission statement of this faith community, thank you! No amount given is too outrageous or too small; for surely our dreams and visions in this congregation and beyond are made possible by our faith in God through Jesus Christ who lavishly gives and blesses in return. To follow Jesus as our leader also means that we cannot predict what that decision will lead us to. We call it a “leap of faith”. The famous writer Joseph Campbell has pointed out that every great story, every great quest begins with a call to adventure. The hero is called to follow a path, meet a challenge or begin a quest that will forever change their identity. And for Jesus, all great adventures start with a call - for Simon, Andrew, James and John, for you and I. Jesus calls us to: “follow me, and let the adventure begin!” Let us confidently respond in the same manner as what the lyrics of the hymn we sang earlier: “Here, I am Lord. Is it I Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart. Amen.

Sources I used for this sermon:

BCUC Lectionary Group
Melissa Bane Sevier, Left Behind, https://melissabanesevier.wordpress.com
McShane, S.L., Von Glinow, M.A. (2005). Organizational behavior 3d ed. McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. New York, NY.
Fritz Wendt, Politics of Inauguration and Surrender.
Linda Yates, Answering the Call of Duty”, Observer Jan 2017.
Inaugural Speech of Joe Biden and the Poem of Amanda Gorman, January 20, 2021.
Hymn, “Here I Am Lord”, Words and Music by Daniel Schutte.

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer Rev. Kim Vidal

Holy One, source of love and compassion, like the first four disciples called by Jesus to be fishers of people, you call us where we are as your followers. You call us to be good stewards entrusted with gifts of your abundance so we can share these gifts with others. You have given us the ability to make incredible things happen. Remind us again to listen to your call, to experience your holy presence in our lives. Help us to see You in the moment-by-moment possibilities - to live honestly, to act courageously, and to speak from the wisdom of our hearts.

Strengthen us in our calling. Where there is injustice, help us to offer healing and reconciliation. Where there is poverty, help us to reach out. Where there is grief, help us to give comfort. Where there is hopelessness, help us to bring hope. Where there is hunger, help us to provide. Where there is violence, help us to be advocates of truth and peace.

God of healing and comfort, you have called us to give a word of encouragement to those overcome with illness and grief and to those who face diverse trials in life. Through us, touch them with your healing love. Through our prayers, embrace them in your gentle love. May your blessings and healing touch be upon them and all those who have opened their hearts to pray for them. We continue to pray for our essential and health workers, for our leaders, as they continue to work hard in this pandemic time. We also pray for those families and individuals affected by COVID-19, particularly those grieving the death of loved ones.

Compassionate God, we pray that you might speak to the hearts of people in many places. We continue to pray for the American people under a new leadership as they work together for peace and healing in the land. May your light shine for those who are full of fear; for those who experience conflict, prejudice, hatred, persecution, and poverty. Through the warmth of your light may they sense justice, feel your love, and know peace.

May we follow Jesus as our leader. Speak to us, Spirit of Grace: of that hope which is our anchor; of that peace which is our rock; of that grace which is our refuge. Remind us to touch the lives of others by offering a kind word, a helping hand, a listening heart and a welcoming touch. All these we ask in Jesus’ name who calls us from where we are and taught us this prayer we now recite together in the language of your choice…

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kin-dom 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 kin-dom, the power and the glory, Forever and ever, Amen.

Invitation to Offer Rev. Lorrie Lowes

Jesus calls us from the margins into a great feast; he calls us out of a crowd, to healing;

he calls us from our old self to new life. Each day, we are called to minister to others in warm hospitality, healing mercies, and the promise of new beginnings. We respond to these calls through our giving this day. 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

Generous God, for the gifts of time, talents and treasures delightfully given to us, we bring you our offering. May we use them to spread your love and hope for the world. Amen.

Sending Forth (Anna Atkinson, Gathering, ACE 2020-21) Rev. Kim Vidal

As we leave this time of worship, let us go forth
not to catch people, but to feed them.
We do this knowing that we are never alone,
that we journey together, fish together,
reach out together, and that our God,
who is Maker, Mender and Mover,
journeys with us as we go! Amen.

Hymn: Jesus You Have Come to the Lakeshore – Voices United #563 - Erin & flute

1.Jesus, you have come to the lakeshore
looking neither for wealthy nor wise ones.
You only asked me to follow humbly. R

Refrain
O Jesus, with your eyes you have searched me, and while smiling, have spoken my name; now my boat’s left on the shoreline behind me; by your side I will seek other seas.

You know so well my possessions;
my boat carries no gold and no weapons;
You will find there my nets and labour. R

You need my hands, full of caring,
through my labours to give others rest,
and constant love that keeps on loving. R

You, who have fished other oceans,
ever longed for by souls who are waiting,
my loving friend, as thus you call me. R

Words & Music © 1979 Cesáreo Gabaráin, trans. ©1987 Gertrude Suppe, George Lockwood, Raquel Gutiérrez-Achon, harmony © 1987 Skinner Chávez-Melo
Song #6905 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved.

Departing Music: Day by Day Abe

Join us for Zoom Fellowship at 11:00 am

Sunday Worship Service - January 24, 2021