Maundy Thursday Service - April 9, 2020

Preparation

Dear Friends,

As part of our Holy Week observances, I have created a Maundy Thursday service that you can use to celebrate at home. In order to participate fully, you will need to gather a few things to prepare for this service. First of all, this is a celebration of the last meal that Jesus shared with his disciples. The reason for this particular meal was Passover, an important event in the Jewish faith story, and one that is still celebrated by Jewish people today. As with the important events in our Christian calendar like Christmas and Easter, Passover is a time to celebrate together with a special meal. So, I encourage you to treat it that way… cook (or order in) something special; get out of your Covid-19 pyjamas and dress up; set the table with your best china and linens! Like us, Jesus and his disciples were experiencing a very stressful time – but they paused to celebrate God’s love, and so should we.

As Christians, we celebrate this night as the inspiration for our sacrament of Communion. It was the time when Jesus shared bread and wine with his friends and gave them his final instructions. It was his commissioning to his disciples – and to all of us who follow him.

Here are a few things that you will need during the service:

• Dinner!

• A basin, soap, a jug of warm water, and a towel

• Wine, juice, or some other beverage that can be shared, and bread for passing around. Make it something delicious and beautiful if possible! This is an Agape Meal - a celebration of love.

I hope you will pause in this week to share in this special celebration.

Blessings,

Lorrie

A Family Maundy Thursday “at-home” Service

[If you prefer to print the service, please find it here in PDF format.]

Good evening everyone and welcome to our Maundy Thursday “at home” service. I’m disappointed that we can’t all be together tonight but I hope that you and your family will find this meaningful. Earlier this week we posted a list of a few things you’ll need at hand as the service progresses (listed above). If you haven’t had a chance to do this, I hope you will pause and gather them now so that you can participate fully.

On the evening before Good Friday, we celebrate with a meal to remember Jesus’ last supper with his disciples.

At BCUC, we usually gather together at the church for worship and prayer. There is always food involved! Sometimes it’s a pot luck dinner, other times just snacks. But, when I think about the story of that last supper Jesus had with his friends, I realize that we have an opportunity this year to celebrate much like that “family” celebrated so long ago.

If you find yourself alone tonight, please reach out to a friend or loved one with whom you can share this special time. Perhaps you can set up a video chat (thank goodness for technology today!) or even just a voice call. If that doesn’t seem possible, I hope you will play the audio file of this service and read along with us as you eat your meal. Know that you are a special part of our BCUC family and loved beyond measure.

The reason for the celebration that Jesus and his disciples shared was Passover. It was – and still is – a significant part of the Jewish faith story. And because it is a story from the Old Testament, it is part of our Christian heritage too.

Exodus 12:1-13

12 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: 2 This month shall mark for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you. 3 Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth of this month they are to take a lamb for each family, a lamb for each household. 4 If a household is too small for a whole lamb, it shall join its closest neighbor in obtaining one; the lamb shall be divided in proportion to the number of people who eat of it. 5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a year-old male; you may take it from the sheep or from the goats. 6 You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month; then the whole assembled congregation of Israel shall slaughter it at twilight. 7 They shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. 8 They shall eat the lamb that same night; they shall eat it roasted over the fire with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. 9 Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted over the fire, with its head, legs, and inner organs. 10 You shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn. 11 This is how you shall eat it: your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it hurriedly. It is the passover of the LORD. 12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both human beings and animals; on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the LORD. 13 The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live: when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.

This is the story of the Israelites escaping from Egypt and beginning their journey to the Promised Land. Each year, thereafter, the Jewish people have observed this night when God struck down the Egyptian people but “passed over” the faithful, allowing them to escape from slavery.

This is the special festival that Jesus and his disciples were celebrating that night. It was a “family” dinner, with special food. They would have dressed in their best clothes and set the table with their nicest dishes. For Christians, this day also carries a very special significance as the event that inspired our sacrament of Communion. It deserves a special celebration for us today!

This year, in these strange days of Covid19, I hope you will take the opportunity to celebrate with your family, just as Jesus did so long ago. After these weeks of being isolated at home, this is a chance to get dressed up, to share a special dinner, to share the story of that special night, and to remember that Christians all over the world are doing the same.

So, cook (or order in) something special, set the table with your best china and linens, dress in your finest, and celebrate this important night with Christians all over the world. I hope the service below will help you.

Materials needed:

Basin, soap, a jug of warm water, towel Wine, juice, or some other beverage that can be shared, and bread for passing around (make it something delicious and beautiful if possible! This is a celebration of love.)

Opening: John 13:1-7 Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet

13 Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, 4 got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

12 After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. 16 Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.

In Jesus’ time, people wore sandals, if anything on their feet. There were no paved roads, so after being outside for the day, it was important to wash your feet when you came into the house. Who knows what you might be bringing in on those feet! As you can imagine, this was not a particularly pleasant job and so it was given to a servant to do. By washing the feet of his friends, Jesus showed them that he loved them so much, he would do whatever it takes to keep them clean and healthy. Even though they saw him as their leader, he was willing to be a servant to them.

In today’s context of the Covid19 pandemic, we might see a connection between the foot washing of Jesus’ time and the hand washing that is so important now. Before you begin your meal, please take the time to perform a ritual washing of each other’s hands. The father or head of the family washes the hands of the person next to him/her, and then that person washes the hands of the next and so on… the last person washes the hands of the first. The easiest way to do this is to pour a little water from the jug on the person’s hands (over the basin), they use the soap to lather and rub, then pour more water to rinse their hands and give them the towel. When they are finished, they will take the jug and do the same for the next person…

As you wash each other’s hands, sing the first 2 verses of VU595 “We Are Pilgrims”:

We are pilgrims on a journey, fellow travellers on the road
We are here to help each other walk the mile and share the load.

Sister (Brother), let me be your servant, let me be a Christ to you
Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant too.

After people’s hands are washed, invite them to the table.

Grace: VU552

For food in a world where many walk in hunger; For faith in a world where many walk in fear; For friends in a world where many walk alone; We give you thanks, O Lord.

Amen

Enjoy the meal together!

Take time to discuss the struggles and fears of this time of social isolation.

Take time to name the blessings that have come from this unexpected pause in our usual busy lives.

At a time that seems appropriate in the meal (at the end or perhaps before serving dessert…), share the following reading:

Luke 22:7-20 The Last Supper

7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover meal for us that we may eat it.” 9 They asked him, “Where do you want us to make preparations for it?” 10 “Listen,” he said to them, “when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him into the house he enters 11 and say to the owner of the house, ‘The teacher asks you, “Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?”’ 12 He will show you a large room upstairs, already furnished. Make preparations for us there.” 13 So they went and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal.

14 When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. 15 He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; 16 for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; 18 for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.

Share the bread and the wine. This is not Communion, but an Agape Meal or “Love Feast”. We share the bread and wine as a remembrance of the last meal that Jesus and his closest friends shared together and of all the meals that Jesus shared with others. It is a symbol of the bond that we share as a family, and with our fellow Christians – a bond of love, and of caring for one another. Pass the plate or basket of bread around the table – take a big piece! Pass a jug or bottle of the beverage around as well – no little sips, this is a feast!

Closing Prayer:

Holy One,

We have shared this meal, this Agape Feast, in celebration of Christ’s commandment to Love one another as he loves us.
Grant us the wisdom and the strength to fulfil this mission in our homes, our community, and the world.
In this strange time of pandemic,
We pray for those we know and love…
We pray for the members of our faith family at BCUC…
We pray for those who are alone, who are grieving…
For those who are ill and those who care for them…
We pray for all those who are working to keep us fed and safe…
We pray for this world as it struggles to heal…
Let the love we share at this table be part of that healing.
All these things we ask in Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Closing Hymn: MV 214

May God’s Sheltering wings, her gathering wings protect you.
May God’s nurturing arms, her cradling arms sustain you,
And hold you in her love, and hold you in her love.

Palm Sunday Worship Service (text and audio) - April 5, 2020

BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH

LENTEN WORSHIP SERVICE & REFLECTION

PALM SUNDAY
April 5, 2020

Verses to Ponder: “Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Mark 11:8-9)                                            

Words of Welcome & Announcements

Good day everyone! I welcome and greet you in the name of Jesus Christ to our worship service. It is so good to know that you are joining us wherever you are! Please know that I miss you all! Today is Palm Sunday and we are doing it in a different way. Instead of gathering in the familiar sanctuary of BCUC, we are gathering in the comforts of our own homes and spaces where we are. If you were able to pick up a palm frond from the church, please make sure you use it as part of your worship centre. If not, you may use a piece of scarf or a coloured cloth or a leafy branch from whatever tree or plant you may have at home. Use them as symbols of Palm Sunday commemorating Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem. Join in the celebration!

Despite physical distancing and self-isolation, we are indeed the church! In this troubled time when we are asked to stay at home and to keep away physically from each other, know that we are all connected and are embraced in God’s love. Pray for each other and take comfort and inspiration from the words of Psalm 46: “God is our refuge and strength. A very present help in trouble.”

As we enter Holy Week, please note that reflections and music for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday will be emailed to you as well as post them on our website at bcuc.org.

Next Sunday is Easter Sunday and it will be observed differently from those of previous years. We will celebrate the sacrament of communion from the comforts of our homes. As Abe mentioned at our meeting last Monday, this is the time when we can drink our favourite wine! I will add to that, and share your favourite bread or crackers. More information about Easter Sunday will be announced in the coming days.

For all other church news, please read the announcements that were emailed to you or check our website.

Let us now gather in worship.

Lighting of Christ Candle: 

(light a candle if you wish or turn on a battery-operated flashlight or a lamp)

We light this Christ candle to remind us of the light of truth. May this light enflame our hearts with God’s grace; keep us in the radiance of Christ’s presence; and fill our hearts with the Spirit of hope.

Call to Gather[1] & Prayer of Approach:

Gates open wide!
Greet the Anointed who comes in the name of our God.
Welcome the movement founder, Jesus of Nazareth.
Let voices be raised – hosannas of praise.
Gates open wide!

Homes, open wide!
Trust in the Spirit that dares to imagine God’s reign.
Welcome outsiders once banished, now cherished, set free.
Remove every fence. No need for defense.
Homes open wide!

Hearts, open wide!
Welcome the servant whose service is freedom and peace.
Join in his journey, through death’s shadow, to light.
Sing out in joy! No grief can destroy.
Hearts open wide!

Let us pray:
As the gates of the city swung open to welcome Jesus, so may our hearts be opened to God’s Spirit among us. As Jesus wept for the people, so may we weep for those who suffer at the hands of those who have forgotten how to love. Let our worship today express the joy and sorrow, the laughter and weeping of that first Palm Sunday. Amen. 

[1] Rod Sykes, Gathering, Lent-Easter 2016.     

Opening Hymn: Hosanna, Loud Hosanna VU 123

1 Hosanna, loud hosanna
the happy children sang;
through pillared court and temple
the lovely anthem rang:
to Jesus, who had blessed them,
close folded to his breast,
the children sang their praises,
the simplest and the best.

2 From Olivet they followed
'mid an exultant crowd,
the victory palm-branch waving,
and singing clear and loud;
the Lord of earth and heaven
rode on in lowly state,
content that little children
should on his bidding wait.

3 "Hosanna in the highest!"
That ancient song we sing,
for Christ is our Redeemer;
earth, let your anthems ring.
O may we ever praise him
with heart and life and voice,
and in his humble presence
eternally rejoice.

Storytime for the Young at Heart with Lorrie:

Good morning everyone!

Today is Palm Sunday – and I hope you all were able to see the Sunday School and Youth resources that were sent out earlier in the week. Did you have fun creating your part in our virtual Palm Sunday parade? I can tell you that I really enjoyed hearing from you!

I was feeling a bit sad this week about not being able to be together for this event. It’s something I look forward to every year. It’s hard staying at home and not visiting with friends and family… but, then I remembered all of the posts I’ve been reading about how people around the world are still finding ways to celebrate…

There are communities near hospitals where everyone goes out to their balcony or front step to cheer and clap when the shift change happens and doctors and nurses are heading home or going in to work. This Saturday, people in Bells Corners gathered in their cars and made a big parade around the Queensway Carleton Hospital, honking their horns and waving signs of encouragement and thanks to all the people in the hospital – the workers and the patients. People are posting messages of thanks to grocery store workers and take-out folks and truck drivers on Facebook…

And that’s a lot like the parade that happened when Jesus entered Jerusalem on that day so long ago.

“Hosanna!” they cried, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!”

It was a shout of gratitude to God and Jesus, a show of encouragement to someone who was putting himself out there to make the world a better place.

“Hosanna!” sounds a bit like “Hallelujah!” but it’s more than that, really. It translates into English as “God saves!” or “God save us!”. To the people that day, Jesus was the answer to their prayers. For us, in this strange time of pandemic, our shouts of thanks and parades of honking horns are sending the same message. Those folks on the front lines are an answer to our prayers for healing, and safety, and connection.

Make sure you take a look on the church web page to see the pictures of people from our congregation having our own Virtual Palm Sunday Parade!

Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna! Blessed are you – all of you – who are helping to be the answer to the prayers of this hurting world.

Let your light shine!

Children’s Hymn: Draw the Circle Wide   MV 145

Refrain

Draw the circle wide. Draw it wider still.
Let this be our song, no one stands alone,
standing side by side, draw the circle wide.

1.       God the still-point of the circle,
          ‘round whom all creation turns;
          nothing lost, but held forever,
          in God’s gracious arms. (Refrain)

2.       Let our hearts touch far horizons,
          so encompass great and small;
          let our loving know no borders,
          faithful to God’s call. (Refrain)

3.       Let the dreams we dream be larger,
          than we’ve ever dreamed before;
          let the dream of Christ be in us,
          open every door. (Refrain)

Words and Music: Gordon Light
Arrangement: Michael Bloss
One License song# 117657

Prayer for Illumination:

God of the journey, whose Word silences the shouts of the mighty, quiet within us every voice but your own. Speak to us through your Word of hope and courage, that by the power of your Holy Spirit, we may welcome Jesus’ entrance into our hearts. Amen.

Gospel Reading: Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem Mark 11: 1-11 (NRSV)

11 When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples 2 and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. 3 If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” 4 They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, 5 some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” 6 They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. 7 Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. 9 Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! 10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” 11 Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

May these words renew us and give us assurance of hope in this time and in this place. Thanks be to God!

Sermon: “Cloaks, Branches, Hosannas” by Rev. Kim Vidal

          Last year, our Palm Sunday all-ages worship service began in the narthex where our children and youth, the members of our sanctuary choir and our ministers processed and paraded in the sanctuary waving palm branches and protest posters. This year, with the “new normal” brought about by COVID-19, in addition to the palm leaves – if you have picked one up from the church, we shall be waving colourful scarves or pieces of cloth or some branches and greens from our homes. Or you simply can wave your hands up in the air as if you are waving to an imaginary VIP passing by in a parade. An actual parade at this pandemic time is not possible due to government orders of physical distancing and limiting to five people in a gathering. Imagine the dismay and disappointment of people when St. Patrick’s Parade in Canada and many cities in the world was cancelled. Moving forward, cities like Toronto have cancelled all events and gatherings up to June 30th this year including the Pride Parade. Despite the fact that we are living in a time of needed isolation and physical distancing, some people have not given up showing their support creatively. Take for example Todd Hamstra, the owner of Freshco Food Chain at Bells Corners who, with MPP Lisa Macleod and other community volunteers organized a car parade yesterday to show support to our healthcare workers including security and maintenance staff at Queensway Carleton Hospital. About 100 participants honked their cars to show their support to these hardworking and dedicated hospital workers.

Parades in the first century world was a big thing. On Palm Sunday 2000 years ago, Jesus and his followers stepped out onto the stage, marched into the city of Jerusalem and paraded out as courageous protesters against the imperial power of Rome. It was the annual Passover festival. During this festival, Jerusalem is a lot like Downtown Ottawa on Canada Day. Jerusalem swells with residents, tourists and pilgrims from all over the country and other parts of the world. The city is alive, vibrant, multicultural, international, technicolour, exciting. Merchants and vendors sell their stuff - exotic foods and drinks, bling-blings and trinkets, brightly colored cloths, painted jars and kitchen wares. The atmosphere sizzles and abuzz with life. Then suddenly, out of the blue, a line of trumpeters blows their instruments, signaling the start of a grand procession. But wait. On that particular day, there is not only one procession but two. Two processions! This was the contention of two famous New Testament Scholars, Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan, co-authors of the book, The Last Week.

Crossan and Borg assert that there were two processions on that day in the year 30 in Jerusalem on what we now call Palm Sunday. It was the beginning of the Passover week, the holiest week of the Jewish year. The first procession, we know so well, which is also called the peasant procession – the one we commemorate today with the laying down of cloaks and waving of branches. Coming from the north into Jerusalem, the peasant procession was led by the movement founder Jesus, riding a colt, a young male horse, accompanied by his peasant followers and disciples shouting Hosanna! Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord!

Also entering Jerusalem at Passover, from the west, was an imperial procession led by the Roman governor Pontius Pilate riding on a white large stallion followed by his imperial military cavalry. With crowds of devout Jews flowing into Jerusalem to celebrate their liberation from Egypt, the Roman Governor and his cohorts would put on a display of force, of pomp and circumstance, to deter the Jews from getting too exuberant about the possibility of liberation from Rome.  Pilate’s procession was the visible manifestation of Imperial Roman power - a show of strength designed to prevent any outbreaks of insurgency or violent rebellion against Roman rule. In a show of military force, this second parade included, “the sound of marching soldiers on foot, cavalry on horses, leather armor, helmets, weapons, banners, golden eagles mounted on poles, sun glinting on metal and gold.” As the powerful Roman Governor Pontius Pilate rode astride his proud horse, one can smell fear from the onlookers. 

The gospel writer Mark who wrote some 50 years after the first Palm Sunday, tells us that Jesus’ parade into Jerusalem was not a spontaneous, spur-of-the-moment event. Mark spends more time telling us about the preparations for Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem than about the event itself. It would seem that Jesus intentionally set himself in stark contrast with the other procession coming into town - to contrast the empire of Rome with that of God’s kin-dom.

The story of Palm Sunday was not uniquely Markan although it was Mark who wrote its first version. Gospel writers, Luke, Matthew and John have their own versions as well. Here are some historical notes that I think will be useful as we reflect and understand the meaning of  Palm Sunday.

By the time Luke gets around to telling the story, some 60 or 70 years after the event, the colt in Mark becomes a donkey. Matthew who wrote almost at the same time as Luke can’t seem to decide between a colt and a donkey so Matthew has the disciples bring both a donkey and a colt and Jesus sits on them and rides them into Jerusalem. I wonder how Jesus did that! The crowd spread their cloaks and some spread leafy branches on the road. 

In the Gospel of John written some 70 to 80 years after the event, the leafy branches are named as branches of palm trees. Waving palm branches in the ancient times was a tradition that conquering military leaders were welcomed home from battle. The Gospel of John hints that Jesus is a conquering hero and this particular parade is an ironic antithesis to a military parade. As the crowd waved these branches in that procession, the crowd chanted words from Psalm 118: “Save us, we beseech you, O Lord.”  “Save us” in Hebrew is hosanna. That phrasing was typically followed with the words: “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” Hosanna! Save us!

Save them from what? It was clear what they needed saving from. The first century people longed for freedom: freedom from the brutality of their Roman rulers, freedom from the ravages of poverty, perhaps freedom from the strict oppression of their religious authorities, or freedom from the fear of illness and death. These historical details are utterly significant in understanding the meaning of Palm Sunday. The gospel writers want to give their readers an impression of who Jesus was using words and images based on Jewish scriptures and traditions.

What are we, 21st century Christians to do with Palm Sunday?  Why do we wave our palm branches and shout our own hosannas? Why do we continue with this tradition that started 2000 years ago? Like the first century people who followed Jesus’ way of life, we too must have felt the urge to join the Jesus Movement, joining a march of protest or a statement of some sort – a march offering us freedom in many forms: freedom from the bigotry and hypocrisy of our culture; freedom from our obsession of material goods; freedom from greed we would harbour, freedom from hatred, freedom from the injustice we would perpetrate, freedom from violence we would inflict, perhaps freedom from the pangs of the COVID-19 pandemic that held us helpless and isolated in many ways.

In our lectionary group discussion last Tuesday, the Rev. Karen Boivin asked this important question: Where is God’s grace in this Palm Sunday story? I think grace is found in the sense of freedom that Jesus offered to his first century followers and continues to offer for us today. It is the freedom to embody the Spirit of God which is love. Jesus is pointing a way of being in the world that proclaims love in many forms. To answer Karen’s question about God’s grace, I like what Sue Morrison shared which I find meaningful. She said: “Perhaps it was the presence of Jesus – his calm, non-anxious presence that offered God’s grace to the people. His humility and his message of peace gave the people comfort and made them follow him.” I think so too that when we follow Jesus’ way of life, when we apply his teachings about peace and love and compassion in our daily living, that’s when God’s grace becomes present in us and in the world. God’s grace can also be found in this story by acknowledging that Jesus is offering us a choice between the power of Caesar, symbolic of imperial power and oppression and the power of God, symbolic of love and peace. Caesar’s power is displayed through the wonder and attraction of force and violence. God’s power, on the other hand, is displayed by the nonviolence, compassion and just dominion of God.  So which parade would you choose to join in?  Which procession are you in right now?

On this Palm Sunday, sadly, Jesus, the movement founder is on his way to his death. He will be crucified few days after entering Jerusalem; after he encounters the powers-that-be; after he and his followers have voiced their protests against oppression and their “NO” to the status quo. This is why the story of Jesus riding into the center of power of his time has such resonance in our own time. The first Palm Sunday offers us a way to shape our own stories that they may embody the same hope: hope of compassion, hope of healing, hope of genuine freedom and justice for all. In this one moment, we can make a way for Jesus, the movement founder. We can throw our cloaks on the ground with humility and sing our songs of hosanna and celebration, yes, even our songs of pain and longings. Palm Sunday allows us to entrust our uncertainties and our fears in God’s grace, in every circumstance and in every, holy week of our lives.  May this Palm Sunday be one more act of witness, one more step in our journey of following Jesus’ Way—one that leads to healing and life for all. Thanks be to God. Amen.

Sources: For this sermon, I am most indebted and inspired by the writings of John Dominic Crossan and Marcus Borg (The Last Week); the sermons of Pastor Dawn and the Rev. Dr. Nancy Taylor; the reflections of Nancy Rockwell, Janet Hunt, Alyce Mackenzie and the BCUC Lectionary Group.

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer:

As we gather our thoughts and our hearts in prayer, we ask God to fill us with hope, challenge and love in this time of uncertainty and fear. Let us pray:
God of all times and places, our Lenten journey brought us today to enter the Holy Week. As in Jesus’ time, the people waved palms and branches in praise of the One who comes in the name of God. We see the crowds shouting hosanna! which will be replaced a few days after with Crucify him!
God of wisdom, what would it be like if we were among the crowd that day?  Will we offer our loud praises and recognize the passion of Jesus? Will we offer our solidarity with the crowd and not be intimidated by the presence of the political and religious powers? Or will we run away and hide in fear of being crucified with Jesus? May we remember that Jesus entered Jerusalem bearing his cross of non-violence, truth in service, and humility for justice. Forgive us when we are lost in confusion and doubt. With your grace, enfold our daily lives with insight and clarity that we may know your presence within each of us. In this Holy week, help us to fast from resentment, hostility, and apathy and instead feast on the love, peace and joy so freely offered for the journey.
Spirit of healing, gently touch the lives of those needing comfort and wholeness in distressed lives and souls. In this time of uncertainty and fear amid the COVID-19 pandemic, there is crying and mourning in all parts of the world. God’s children are wounded.
Seniors and young ones, royalty and common folks, health workers and travelers, political and religious leaders. God’s children are wounded.
Military people and civilians, physically abled and mentally challenged, healthy and weak, poor and rich. God’s children are wounded.
We earnestly pray:
For those who have died from the COVID-19 virus, may healing love be with their loved ones in this time of sorrow.
For those who are sick and those recovering from illness, may they find comfort from those who tend to them.
For the doctors, nurses, researchers, first-responders and all health workers who seek to heal the sick and who put themselves at risk, may they know that many are praying for them and rallying behind them.
For the leaders in all sectors of the society, may they lead with wisdom and foresight to act with love and true concern for the well-being of the people they are meant to serve.
For people in places they call home or those without homes or those stranded in other parts of the world and could not go home.
For those who work for peaceful and just solutions.
For those who stand on guard to protect the helpless.
For those who pray, and for those who do not remember how to pray.
For those whose names are in the headlines, and for those who are forgotten.
Compassionate Spirit, reach into our hearts and our minds and spark us into action. Move us to see the needs of your hurting world. We offer up to you all that is wrong within us and the world where we live, for we are the ones who must be enlightened, who must be led into the light. Prepare us now to enter into the Holy Week with hearts willing to change and lives ready to transform. And with grateful hearts, let us unite in this prayer that Jesus taught his followers:
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:

Note: 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. You can also send in your support through e-transfer or canadahelps.org. Thank you for your continued love and support to BCUC.

Invitation & Offertory Prayer:

In times of stress, in times of angst, we do not know what to do.
God, give us the courage to stay present with you and with our loved ones.
In times of need within this world and this community, we feel overwhelmed.
God, help us to focus on the little gifts we can give, on the little things we can do.
In times of abundance, in times of poverty,
Guide us God, in how we can give to this church, to the wider community, to our family and friends. Let us now offer our gifts of time, talents and treasures to God.

Let us pray. Like palms of rejoicing, like cloaks on the ground, we bring these gifts and offer them here. Let both gifts and the givers be lifted up, blessed, and sent forth to do your will. Amen.

Sending Forth:  

The God who rejoiced with Jesus as he was acclaimed by the Palm Sunday crowd, celebrates with us as we journey through the Holy Week.

The God who stayed with Jesus as he endured agony and death on that dark hill, will stand with us in the testing times of life.

Jesus, our Teacher, you are faithful. With open hands, we wait on you.
With open hearts, we receive your presence.
Go in peace this day and in the days to come. Amen.

Closing Hymn: We Shall Go Out with Hope of Resurrection   VU 586 (Tune: Londonderry)

1 We shall go out with hope of resurrection; we shall go out, from strength to strength go on; we shall go out and tell our stories boldly; tales of a love that will not let us go.

We'll sing our songs of wrongs that can be righted; we'll dream our dream of hurts that can be healed; we'll weave a cloth of all the world united within the vision of new life who sets us free.

2 We'll give a voice to those who have not spoken; we'll find the words for those whose lips are sealed; we'll make the tunes for those who sing no longer, expressive love alive in every heart.

We'll share our joy with those who are still weeping, raise hymns of strength for hearts that break in grief, we'll leap and dance the resurrection story including all in circles of our love.

Words : June Boyce-Tillman
Arrangement: John Barnard

ONELICENSE SONG #01198

Lenten Worship Service & Reflection - March 29, 2020

BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH 

LENTEN WORSHIP SERVICE & REFLECTION

March 29, 2020

Fifth Sunday in Lent

Verse to Ponder: “Then Jesus asked him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.” (Mark 13: 2)                                            

Lighting of Christ Candle: 

(light a candle if you wish or turn on a battery-operated flashlight or a lamp)
We light this Christ candle to remind us of the light of truth. May this light enflame our hearts with God’s grace; keep us in the radiance of Christ’s presence; and fill our hearts with the Spirit of hope.

Opening Hymn: Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah  VU 651

(audio recording here)

1-     Guide me, O thou great Jehovah,
pilgrim though this barren land;
I am weak, but thou art mighty;
hold me with thy powerful hand;
Bread of heaven, Bread of heaven,
feed me till I want no more,
feed me till I want no more.

2-    Open now the crystal fountain
whence the healing stream doth flow;
let the fire and cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
be thou still my strength and shield,
be thou still my strength and shield.

3-    When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside;
death of death, and hell's destruction,
land me safe on Canaan's side:
songs of praises, songs of praises
I will ever give to thee,
I will ever give to thee.

Call to Gather:                                   

Come from your busy lives into this quiet place.
May we reflect our oneness in God.
Come away from your worries and preoccupations.
May we yield to Love’s divine grace.
Gathered as one in the wisdom of God,
let us worship in the Spirit of Christ,
in whom we are pleased to dwell.

Storytime for the Young at Heart with Lorrie:

(audio recording here)

Hi Everyone! I’ve missed you!

It seems so strange to come home after my trip to Zambia and not be able to call you all up to the chancel to tell you about it – and to see your smiling faces.

When I left, just a couple of weeks ago, people were getting ready to protect themselves from this new virus. We were all getting prepared. That’s the good thing about knowing that something is going to happen – you can get ready for it.

In today’s scripture reading, the disciples are talking about the magnificent temple in Jerusalem. It was a huge building made of enormous stones. Not only was it beautiful but it was strong and everyone was sure it would last forever. I think the disciples were excited to see it. They were oohing and aahing about it but Jesus told them a strange thing. He said, “See that great big building? One of these days it’s going to be destroyed completely.” 

Remember that this was before the time of bombs or even bulldozers. I bet those men could hardly imagine such a thing happening. It would have been a scary thing to think about. So, they wanted to know when it was going to happen. They wanted to be ready.

I think that’s a bit like what is happening in our world right now. We live in a time where we feel pretty safe. We were told that this new virus was coming and so we thought we could be ready for it. We know how to protect ourselves against getting sick, right? So, we are doing all the right things to protect ourselves. And that’s good! We knew it was coming and we were prepared.

When Neil and I left for Zambia, we took Lysol wipes to clean our seatbelts and tray tables and even the tv screen on each plane. We took hand sanitizer. We made sure we took our vitamins and had a good night sleep so we were strong and healthy. We were careful not to get too close to people. We did a good job of being prepared.

But there were some things we weren’t ready for – like worrying about getting back to Canada before the planes stopped flying, or not being able to see our family when we got home or not even go out of the house for groceries – or not even being able to go to church.

I know you have all had some changes to deal with too – no school, no play dates with friends, no visits to grandma and grandpa’s house, no sports practices. Some of you had to cancel March break vacations. At first, it’s kind of fun to think about being off school but I bet you are all starting to miss your friends and your teachers. I know they are missing you too.

No matter how well we thought we could be ready. There are some things we just didn’t imagine, right?

So, we have had to think of new ways to be together and new ways to carry on. I have loved reading about how families are going for walks and writing chalk messages for their neighbours on the sidewalks… how people are putting fun things in their windows for others to see… how people who can go out a little bit are helping those of us who have to stay home by picking up groceries and checking our mailboxes for us. I think we are making more phone calls to catch up with family and friends. Families are playing games and doing puzzles together. Things are different right now – but some of those differences are pretty nice, don’t you think?

I think the biggest message that has come out of this situation for me so far is that we are not alone. We have people who love us and who will find ways to show that love, even when they can’t be right beside us.

Someday, we will look back on this time and be amazed at how we all came together. This is a time that will be remembered in history – and you are part of it! So, keep on being the part that spreads light and love.

Are you ready?

Prayer of Approach and Illumination:

O God, gather us in this place of worship.

          Gather us in your strong presence.

          Gather us with song and scripture.

          Gather us young and old.

          As your church family,

we gather with thankfulness, eager to be renewed,

God of many surprises, you seek and embrace us
with your welcoming grace.
As we ponder on your life-giving Word,
help us to affirm your presence in our lives.
Here in this place, our worship will rise. Amen.

Gospel Reading: The Destruction of the Temple Foretold   Mark 13: 1-8 (NRSV)

“As he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!” 2Then Jesus asked him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.” 3When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, 4“Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?” 5Then Jesus began to say to them, “Beware that no one leads you astray. 6Many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. 7When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. 8For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birthpangs.”

May these words renew us and give us assurance of hope in this time and in this place. Thanks be to God!

Sermon: “Tumbling Down”  by Rev. Kim Vidal

(audio recording here)

I am an avid traveler. I have been to many places where buildings are icons of that country. Westminster Abbey is London, UK. Edinburgh Castle is Edinburgh, Scotland. The White House is Washington DC, US. The Lotte Tower is Seoul, South Korea. The Sydney Opera House is Sydney, Australia. I marvel at these magnificent buildings. These landmark icons are silent witnesses to older eras and lost kingdoms, of history, art and culture that offer clues to the past, the present and the future hopes of the people.

In our gospel story today, Jesus and his disciples were looking at the Temple in Jerusalem, the building icon in the first century Jewish world. The historian, Josephus, noted that the Temple was truly magnificent and a sight to behold. It was Herod the Great who ordered the construction of the temple by using the best materials in the land including gold covering the outside walls of the temple. The disciples, upon seeing the brilliant temple were captivated beyond words – they were dazzled by the beauty and the great architecture of the building. The Temple stood for their identity as a people. The Temple holds every religious memory passed down to them by their ancestors.  It offers the faithful Jews a potent symbol of spiritual values, merit, and worth.  

Jesus and his disciples look at the same grandiose temple but they do not see the same thing. If the disciples saw an immoveable, unchangeable, magnificent structure, Jesus sees ruins. Wreckage.  Destruction.  Jesus surprised them with his words: “Don’t be so sure of what you see. This temple is going to be a heap of rubble; not one stone will be left upon another. All will tumble down.” It is hard for us to understand how devastating that would have been for first century Jews. It would be like telling Canadians that the Parliament House, the main edifice of Canadian history and politics would be crushed into pieces. The anxious disciples want to know: “When will this happen? What will be the signs? What should we do!” By the time Mark recorded his gospel around 65 -75 Common Era (CE), the destruction of the temple had already happened.  Jesus sees all that must break and shake and end before new life and transformation will emerge.  

To their questions of “what are the signs”, Jesus says a lot in response. Mostly negative things: wars, earthquakes, famines, conflicts. This passage is often described as apocalyptic, taken from the root word “apocalypse” which means an unveiling or uncovering or a disclosure of something that is difficult to understand. I like what the theologian Debie Thomas says about apocalypse which I find very helpful: “To experience an apocalypse is to experience fresh sight.  Honest disclosure.  Accurate revelation.  It is to apprehend reality as we’ve never apprehended it before.” And she continues: “In this sense, what Jesus offers his disciples is an apocalyptic vision.  He invites them to look beyond the grandeur of the temple, and recognize that God will not suffer domestication.  The temple is not the epicenter of God’s salvific work; God is not bound by mortar and stone.  God exceeds every edifice, every institution, every mission statement, every strategic plan, and every symbol human beings create in God’s name.”

Like the disciples, sometimes we are side tracked about what really matters. Sometimes we are easily dazzled or fascinated with what is strong and large and beautiful and solid, without even realizing that those too will come to an end. We know that life is full of endings, big or small. A small ending happens whenever winter fades fast, when March comes in with cold rainy weather that tells us spring is here. A bigger ending when the moving truck pulls up in front of your home and off you go to new house. A still bigger ending when the oncologist tells you your cancer is incurable. Sometimes the transition hurts. Sometimes changes are upsetting. When you are encountering the anxiety of any change in your life, be assured that you are not far from God in that experience. You are, instead, very near. And then, there is the ultimate ending, the fear of death which is lodged in the back of our minds, sometimes magnified by a threatening pandemic that looms large.

What is the challenge of this text for us today? We are in a huge time of change amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Suddenly, we are forced to stay home, to distance socially and physically from others. Some are in self-isolation while others live in fear and panic. Borders are closed and businesses are shut down. Economy is at huge risk. Death tolls surge and human grieving is at its peak. But no matter how many times we dwell on negative thoughts and emotions about the changes brought about by this pandemic, we cannot deny the fact that there are positive outcomes as well. There are still acts of kindness, love and compassion that goes around. Neighbours helping neighbours. There’s an upsurge of phone calls and emails of keeping in touch. Prayers are lifted everywhere by people from all walks of life and backgrounds. Politicians are video-conferencing to discuss and share what each government can do in this cataclysmic period of human history. And environmentalists declare that the earth is breathing freely again.

The Markan Jesus knew that the temple's destruction and all those scary stuffs he mentioned would not mean the total end of the world; it would not mean the end of God’s grace. The world is always moving, acting, doing, creating. And our faith tells us that God gives hope to people even in the midst of hopelessness and despair. Things are getting uncovered. Things are being unveiled. Yes, there is sorrow and uncertainty now but these too shall pass. The sun still shines each day and we must not give up hope.

I agree with Debie Thomas who cited that the great challenge of this passage is “not simply to bear the apocalypse, but to bear it well.”  To bear it with the courage, calm, and faith Jesus calls us to practice in this time and place. In our current troubling context, it is easy to despair.  Or to lose hope.  Or to let grief and exhaustion win.  But it’s precisely now, now when the world around us feels the most apocalyptic, that we have to respond with resilience, courage, truthfulness, healing, hope and love.

The gospel writers tell us over and over again:  Fear not! Fear not when the earth shakes, and nations make war, and imposters preach gospels of uncertainty, resentment, and hatred.  Fear not when the pandemic takes toll on your personal and social lives.  Don’t give in to despair.   Fear not and know that God is always near, no matter what the world looks or feels like. God is still — always and everywhere — a God of love.

Mark closes this passage with a promise of hope. It is not about death, but about birth.  Mark declares: “This is but the beginning of the birth pangs”. Something is struggling to be born.  Something new is about to happen. Take heart. God will labour with us in the birthing of a new day. Thanks be to God. Amen.

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer:

As we gather our thoughts and our hearts in prayer, we ask God to fill us with hope, challenge and love. Let us pray:

God of springtime, we long to be filled with a vision of renewal that even as the earth settles into a time of upheaval due to the COVID 19 pandemic, it still dreams of change and rebirth. May this time of worship be a time to contemplate hope and healing, envision possibilities and rejuvenate a weary spirit. Even as we travel through the depths of uncertainties and fear, may we remember that your light continues to shine, even when we don't see it.

Wise and passionate God, may the stories of faith that Jesus taught us, though sometimes difficult to understand, be heard, felt and remembered in ways that continue to inspire us to follow and make anew pathways for us.

God of vision, challenge us to see the possibilities beyond the way things are. Remind our community leaders, both political and religious, to listen to your wisdom, to be responsive to the needs of people today and be forward thinking even in the face of hardships and difficult endings. Give us the strength to share ourselves with the people we meet, the desire to be the hands, the feet, the heart of Christ to the world.  Guide us with your wisdom and indwelling presence.

God of transforming hope, today we ask that you hold in your loving embrace those who are grieving, distressed or feeling hopeless, that they may be lifted and find hope. We pray for those seeking your healing touch. In your dream for the world, we ask that those who are suffering be given hope for a better life. We pray for those who are challenged by lack of resources; for those who have no shelter; for those who suffer from mental or physical illness; for those whose human rights are denied; for refugees who have had to flee from their homes; for those affected by this ongoing pandemic. Surround them with your love and may they be provided with tools of hope to lead to positive changes in their lives. We pause at this time to remember in silence and in our hearts, others for whom we are concerned.

God of love and life, be with us today and in the days to come. These we ask in the name of Jesus, our great teacher who taught us 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.

Offering of time, talents, treasures and prayers for the community and the world.

(If you are not on PAR and wish to send in your offering and donations, you can drop your offering and donations in the slot by the kitchen door of the church, mail your cheque, or donate online. Thank you for your continued love and support to BCUC.)                     

Offertory Prayer:

Receive our gifts, loving God which we offer in hope and in love. 
Bless and multiply these gifts we pray, so that they may be used in doing your will in the world. Amen.

Closing Hymn: This Day God Gives Me   VU 410 (Tune: Morning Has Broken)

(audio recording here)

1-    This day God gives me
Strength of high heaven,
Sun and moon shining,
Flame in my hearth,
Flashing of lightning,
Wind in its swiftness,
Deeps of the ocean,
Firmness of earth.

2-    This day God sends me
Strength to sustain me,
Might to uphold me,
Wisdom as guide.
Your eyes are watchful,
Your ears are list'ning,
Your lips are speaking,
Friend at my side.

3-    God's way is my way,
God's shield is round me,
God's host defends me,
Saving from ill.
Angels of heaven,
Drive from me always
All that would harm me,
Stand by me still,

4-    Rising I thank you,
Mighty and Strong One,
King of creation,
Giver of rest,
Firmly confessing
Threeness of Persons,
Oneness of Godhead,
Trinity blest.

Words: James Quinn, SJ © 1969 Selah Publishing Co
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved.

Sending Forth:

Restored in the Spirit, be strengthened this day and know that you are loved.
May our eyes and hearts be opened by God’s presence in our lives.
Let us go now from this time of worship and be a blessing in God’s world. Amen.