Sunday School at-home activities - May 17, 2020

Opening

Do you a favourite sports team that you cheer for? A favourite brand of juice or pop that you prefer over the others (Coke vs. Pepsi?) How about a preferred restaurant? Do you sometimes have to stand up and defend your choice when others have a different favourite? Remind your family now about what makes your favourite ‘thing’ the best of the rest! In today’s story, Jesus’ followers are standing up for and sharing about what they believe in.

Theme Discussion

Beginner to Grade 5

Today’s Bible story takes place after Jesus has died. His followers have been preaching on the Temple steps, telling everyone about the wonderful things that Jesus said and did. We call what they were doing “witnessing” to their faith in Jesus. Even though the Priests told them to stop, they didn’t. They thought the message was important and they were brave enough to keep telling it.

When we “witness” our faith, sometimes we do this in words – maybe telling someone else the things we know and believe about Jesus and the lessons he taught us. We have some hymns that talk about this… “I want to Shout, Shout, Shout Out My Love for Jesus, for Jesus”… Or “Shout for God”.

Sometimes we use actions to show what we believe instead of words. Can you think of some ways that you can “witness” the lessons that Jesus taught? How do you show the world that you are a Christian, a follower of Jesus?

Intermediate and UP Group

Acts 5:27-32 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

27 When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. 30 The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.”

After Jesus’ death, the disciples – or apostles as they were now called – continued to teach the lessons that he had taught and to tell the world that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah, and the Son of God. They wanted people to hear and understand Jesus’ vision of “The Way” – a way to live that could change the world. Remember that these apostles were Jewish men. They didn’t see themselves as starting a new religion; they were looking at a different way of understanding the Jewish scriptures, a different way of being faithful to God’s dream for a better world. It made sense that they would do their preaching in the places that Jewish people gathered. In this story, they have been preaching right on the steps of the Temple – and the Temple Priests weren’t happy about it. They arrested them and took them before the council or court of the Temple.

“We told you to stop this! You are making us look bad!” they were told.

“We can’t stop,” they answered. “We believe this message is the truth that God wants the people to hear and we have to share it.”

What the apostles are doing is “witnessing”. We all know that word when it comes to court cases or trials. A witness is someone who saw it happen and are asked to stand up in court and tell the truth about it. Well, this is what the apostles were doing. They had seen what Jesus did and they had heard what he said – and they saw the difference that these teachings could make. They were standing up to tell the people the truth as they witnessed it.

Today in the church, we still talk about “witnessing”. It means proclaiming your faith or your beliefs. In our United Church context, this doesn’t usually mean standing on a street corner proclaiming your faith in words or preaching, but it does mean showing your faith in your actions.

Can you think of some people you know who are good witnesses to the teachings of Jesus? What do they do that makes you think this?

How can you witness your faith today?

Response Activity Ideas

Sharing my faith

Print out the following template. In each of the speech bubbles, draw or write about ways you show your faith through actions or words. Colour the person to look like you!

Click to print PDF

Beaded fish or cross craft

Materials: beads, string/yarn, pipe cleaner, beading wire.

Make a ‘Jesus’ fish or cross ornament or key chain to show your beliefs.

Younger children could try this version using larger beads and pipe cleaners.

If you have the materials available, older children/youth could modify the craft by using smaller beads, putting beads on a piece of beading wire instead of a pipe cleaner, and perhaps stringing as a necklace or key chain.

This website shows how to make a beaded cross. Just use regular white glue if you don’t have glue dots and wait for it to dry before continuing.

Random Acts of Kindness

Cut 10 or more strips of paper. On each write a random act of kindness you could do for someone this week. Put the completed strips in a jar or container. Each morning pull one out and challenge yourself to do that act of kindness before the end of the day!

Closing Prayer

Loving God,
Help us not to be afraid to tell others about who we are.
Give us the strength to make good choices
and live out our beliefs in the world.
Be with us today and through the week ahead.
Amen

Sunday Worship Service - May 10, 2020

BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH

5th SUNDAY OF EASTER WORSHIP SERVICE

NURTURING SUNDAY & CELEBRATING MOTHERS

May 10, 2020

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

Gathering Music: Pachelbel’s Canon – Noah Berard

Words of Welcome & Announcements – Rev. Kim

Good morning! The spirit of God calls us from many places; some of us come from busy homes; some of us live alone. Still we are a part of God’s family. Today I welcome and greet you in the name of Jesus Christ as we celebrate and honour mothers. Everyone has mothers in various definitions. We have biological mothers, adopted mothers, surrogate mothers, mothers who have pets instead of children, single mothers and many others. An anonymous writer once said that a mother is “your first home, your first love, your first friend, and nothing on earth can separate you. Not time, not space...not even death!” So let us celebrate mothers as we worship together.

In this time of church closure, please know that BCUC offers worship service in a number of ways. Please check our website at bcuc.org, for our worship service in audio, video and text formats along with our weekly announcements and updates.

Beyond worship service, there are other weekly activities and meetings offered online. And in this time of pandemic, I encourage you to make a difference by connecting with each other through emails, phone calls and prayers.

Let us now centre ourselves in the Spirit of Life as we gather in worship.

Lighting of Christ Candle: Susan, Katrina & Heidi TeGrotenhuis

On this Mothering Sunday, we light this Christ candle to remind us that: “The love of a mother is the veil of a softer light between the heart and God.” (Samuel Taylor Coleridge)

Call to Gather: Lorrie Lowes

Sisters, brothers, children, welcome to this place!
Mothers, fathers, sing praises to God.
Grandmas, grandpas, share the story.
Aunts, uncles, dance with joy.
Family by love, Christ’s own body.
Family by Spirit, God calls us as one.
As one family, we gather to worship our God.

Opening Prayer: The Heart of God (by Christine Sine)

God with a mother’s heart, you gather us as your children.
You comfort and hold us in your warm embrace.
When we hurt, your arms enfold us.
When we are afraid, your wings protect us.
When we are hungry, you feed us with the bread of life.

God with a mother’s heart, your love surrounds and supports us.
In good times and in tough, in the midst of joy and pain, always and everywhere.
You will never leave nor abandon us.

God eternal and loving one,
God with a mother’s heart,
We thank you this day.
for being part of your family. Amen.

Opening Hymn: Would You Bless our Homes and Families - Voices United #556

1 Would you bless our homes and families,
Source of life who calls us here,
in our world of stress and tension,
teach us love that conquers fear.
Help us learn to love each other
with a love that constant stays;
teach us when we face our troubles,
love’s expressed in many ways.

2 When our way is un-demanding,
let us use the time that’s ours.
To delight in simple pleasures,
sharing joys in gentle hours.
When our way is anxious walking
and a heavy path we plod.
Teach us trust in one another
and in you, our gracious God.

3 From the homes in which we’re nurtured,
with the love that shapes us there,
teach us God, to claim as family
everyone whose life we share.
And through all that life may offer,
may we in your love remain,
may the love we share in families
be alive to praise your name.

4 Let us reach beyond the boundaries
of our daily thought and care
till the family you have chosen,
spills its love out everywhere.
Help us learn to love each other
with a love that constant stays;
teach us when we face our troubles
love’s expressed in many ways.

Words © 1977 Walter Farquharson, Music © 1977 Ron Klusmeier, Hope Publishing Co. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. Song#80568 All rights reserved.

Storytime for the Young at Heart

Sit back and listen to a beloved story written by Robert Munsch called “Love You Forever”. The story opens with a young mom singing to her newborn son and follows that little boy as he goes through the stages of childhood and becomes a man.

With permission from Firefly Press, our own Will Wightman will read (and sing) the words as we enjoy the original illustrations by Sheila McGraw.

“I’ll love you forever,
I’ll like you for always,
As long as I’m living
My baby you’ll be.”

Children’s Hymn: Jump for Joy! (I Can Feel You Near Me God) More Voices #48

1. I can feel you near me God I can feel you near
Yes I know you’re with me God I feel you here
I can feel you near me God I can feel you near
Yes I know you’re with me God Heaven is here.

Refrain:
And I’ll jump for joy I’m singing Alleluia
Jump for joy for you I will jump for joy
I’m singing Alleluia Jump for joy for you.

2. I can feel you loving me yes I know you care
God I know you’re loving me always everywhere
I can feel you loving me yes I know you care
God I know you’re loving me I know you’re there.

Words & Music © 2000 Pat Mayberry, arrangement © 2006 Margaret Stubbington,
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214 Song# 123573 All rights reserved.

Prayer for Illumination: Reader: Barbara Bole

Mothering God, continue to surprise us and breathe your spirit freshly upon us as your family, that renewed in faith, we may know your wisdom through this story in the Bible. Amen.

OT Reading: “Hannah Pours Out Her Heart to God & Hannah’s Prayer”

1 Samuel 1:4-20; 2:1-10 (NRSV)

4 On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters; 5 but to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb. 6 Her rival used to provoke her severely, to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb. 7 So it went on year by year; as often as she went up to the house of the Lord, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat. 8 Her husband Elkanah said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? Why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?”

9 After they had eaten and drunk at Shiloh, Hannah rose and presented herself before the Lord. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the Lord. 10 She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord, and wept bitterly. 11 She made this vow: “O Lord of hosts, if only you will look on the misery of your servant, and remember me, and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a male child, then I will set him before you as a nazirite until the day of his death. He shall drink neither wine nor intoxicants, and no razor shall touch his head.”

12 As she continued praying before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was praying silently; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard; therefore Eli thought she was drunk. 14 So Eli said to her, “How long will you make a drunken spectacle of yourself? Put away your wine.” 15 But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman deeply troubled; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. 16 Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation all this time.” 17 Then Eli answered, “Go in peace; the God of Israel grant the petition you have made to him.” 18 And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your sight.” Then the woman went to her quarters, ate and drank with her husband, and her countenance was sad no longer.

19 They rose early in the morning and worshiped before the Lord; then they went back to their house at Ramah. Elkanah knew his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her. 20 In due time Hannah conceived and bore a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, “I have asked him of the Lord.”

Hannah’s Prayer

2 Hannah prayed and said,
“My heart exults in the Lord; my strength is exalted in my God.
My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in my victory.
2 “There is no Holy One like the Lord, no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.
3 Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth;
for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.
4 The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble gird on strength.
5 Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread,
but those who were hungry are fat with spoil.
The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn.
6 The Lord kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up.
7 The Lord makes poor and makes rich; he brings low, he also exalts.
8 He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap,
to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor.
For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and on them he has set the world.
9 “He will guard the feet of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness;
for not by might does one prevail.
10 The Lord! His adversaries shall be shattered; the Most High will thunder in heaven.
The Lord will judge the ends of the earth; he will give strength to his king,
and exalt the power of his anointed.”

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

Sermon: “Celebrate with Hannah!” Rev. Kim Vidal

Today is Mother’s Day! It seems like such a small token to honour those who have nurtured us throughout our lives. There are lots of wonderful mothers: mothers in traditional families, mothers in special circumstances, single mothers, step mothers, pet mothers, religious mothers, mothers who open their homes and hearts to anyone needing a friend. Not every woman is a mother by standard definition - that a mother is a woman who gave birth to a child. But you can call someone your mother if she brings you up as if you were her child. Can someone be a mother without bearing a child? Absolutely! You might consider yourself a surrogate mother, a caregiver, an aunt, a sister or a single woman – you are a mother in your own rights and everyone here has a mother. Mothers deserve our honour today.

And here is a story of a mother. We meet her for the first time in the book of Samuel. She is a woman of prayer and of great faith. Her name is Hannah which means “grace”. Her husband’s name is Elkanah meaning the zeal of God. He is wealthy, well-known in the community, a man who knows his roots. There are some aspects of Hannah’s story that we don’t find easy to relate with. She was in a polygamous marriage and she was barren – for a certain period of time. In those days, polygamy was very much part of the culture. Elkanah had a second wife named Peninnah meaning “fertile” who bore him sons and daughters. Elkanah loved Hannah and he really didn't need children from her - anyway--he had plenty from Penninah. So he couldn't see what the big deal was . . . why it seemed that Hannah was so unhappy, all alone and sad . . . after all, she was his favourite! But the fact of the matter was: while Penninah's tent was filled with little voices, Hannah's tent was silent. While children ran around the camp and climbed onto Elkanah's lap to amuse him, Hannah knew in her heart she had not contributed to the legacy Elkanah was building. Hannah’s life seemed glaringly empty.

And to add to Hannah’s heartbreak, Peninnah would look at Hannah with pity, or sarcasm or even remorse. She would brag about her dozen children and used that privilege to taunt Hannah with words like: “Oh you poor woman – it must have been difficult when God closed your womb!” In that period, women lose their status in the society if they were barren – if they were childless. Remember the story of Sarah or Elizabeth in the Bible. There are many people today who know all about that sort of grief, and even if we aren’t familiar with it, we’ve all had times when we longed for things and our longing was not fulfilled. Hannah seems to understand that if it was indeed God who closed her womb, then only God can open it and allow her to bear children. And she persistently went to God in prayer.

In those days it was customary for people to go on pilgrimage to Shiloh, a significant place in Israel. Shiloh was the sanctuary above all others where the Israelites felt they could meet with God. So on one of those occasions, after they had enjoyed their meal, Hannah pulled herself together, she rose, slipped away from the family group and entered the sanctuary. That part of the story caught my attention. I could not resist saying: “That’s it, Hannah- go for it!” For when we are bullied or rejected or misunderstood, there's no need to spend time simply crying about it, or being depressed about it. Hannah rose and I think that's what we should do as well.

There was an old priest named Eli, who was “the man-in-charge” of that worship centre. He was sitting on a seat beside the door, and he saw Hannah going into the sanctuary. He saw this woman –who was deeply distressed and wept bitterly as she prayed to God. In her prayer, she made a vow to God- if God would give her a son, she would offer him to God as a Nazirite – one who abstains from drinking wine and one who will never cut his hair. I agree that asking for a male baby is somewhat unfair when baby girls are also as valuable as baby boys. But the story was written in a time when patriarchy was the predominant social system and sons in that system were favoured over daughters. Sadly, a lot of cultures today still embrace this system which I think needs to be addressed. Let’s go back to Hannah’s story.

Eli, the priest was watching Hannah with uneasiness. Hannah was doing something unusual; she was praying silently. Most people in those days prayed out loud. In Hannah’s case, though, her lips were moving but she was not sounding out the words. Eli totally misinterpreted the situation; he thought that Hannah was drunk, and so he got upset with her. “Woman, you are drunk! How long will you plan to keep this up? Be sober!” But Hannah replied, “No, my lord, I am a woman deeply troubled; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been in pain, unhappy and desperately praying to God to give me a son”.

Eli knows his position too well - he knows his responsibilities as a priest and keeping the order would be one of them. You can't just come into the holy place - walking right past the boss of the sanctuary, and be odd, or drunk, or out of order. Sometimes, we, too, would act that way – we have to maintain our decorum! But there is something deeper going on here. Some people find it uneasy going "straight to God" with their prayers, without asking the priest or the minister to represent them. Again, that may ring a bell for us today- if we think we can't speak directly to God, think twice! Prayer is a person’s lifeline to God and we can approach God directly with our deepest concerns. God is always there listening to our prayers if we but open ourselves to God.

Hannah is a model of direct, authentic prayer, “the prayer of the heart”. She shows up, without bringing an offering, without asking directions from the priest, and simply prays, soaring past all the liturgical conventions of her age, boldly presenting her petition before her God without benefit of clergy. She uses her own words, her own voice, without representation. Hannah, this broken-hearted, misunderstood and taunted woman leads us to further reflect on our own prayer life. I am reminded of what Mahatma Gandhi said about praying: “Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one's weaknesses. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart”. What about looking at our lives as prayers in action? Hannah’s life is a prayer of the heart. Hannah’s prayer was answered. She gave birth to a son named Samuel who grew up under the mentorship of the priest Eli and later on became a judge and a prophet. It was Samuel who anointed David as king of Israel.

Hannah walked in as a woman of faith, pressed down but trusting and ready to pour out her heart and expose her need, and she walked out a woman of faith, radiant with confident joy that what she needed would be coming her way. Hannah finds her voice - she does experience a kind of transformation. The song attributed to her celebrates God – the holy one – her rock and refuge. Hannah sings a song that inspires the song of Mary, the Magnificat, which we still love reciting today especially in Advent, perhaps without noticing the kind of radical transformation it expresses, of the mighty brought down and the lowly lifted up. Surely, the lives of Hannah and Mary and many like them on the margins long ago and today as well, have been transformed by God’s enduring love.

In reflecting Hannah’s story, what prayers of the heart do you have in this very moment? Are you weighed down by emptiness because of grief or illness or barrenness of your spirit? Take heart – for God is with us – all we have to do is open ourselves to God with our own truths in prayer. Sometimes our prayers are not answered but there must be reasons behind each unanswered prayer – at times, the answer is “wait and see.. be patient”. And no matter what answers we receive, let us always count our blessings and be grateful for every circumstances life may offer. Because when God sometimes closes a door, God will surely open a window for us. When Hannah poured out her grief and emptiness in the presence of God, she was finally able to see that her life was, indeed, filled with good things. Filled, piled high, overflowing, lavishly supplied . . . with everything she needed.

Today, as we celebrate and honour all kinds of mothers, nurturers and life-givers, as we honour families in all of its configurations, their presence in our lives, let us rejoice for the many Hannahs in the world. Let us remember those who chose to live - out of love, devotion, faith and prayer. Hannah stands for those mothers whose heart aches with longing, grief, and even bitterness but also those who live with courage, persistence and hope. Wherever life takes us this day and in the days to come, let us approach God with the prayers of our hearts. Follow the simple and powerful example of Hannah and view your life, not through the circumstances that makes life seem empty, but rather through the lens of God's goodness filling your life with blessings and grace. For this reality . . . or for this hope that we cling to, even in the most desperate times, I can only think to say this morning: let us celebrate life! Let us celebrate mothers and life-givers! Let us celebrate with Hannah! Thanks be to God. Amen.

A Litany for Mother’s Day

Mothers come in many different forms,
and today we celebrate them all!
Thank God for mothers!

Everyone here is either a son or a daughter.
Thank God for my mother!

For those women who have passed and
whom we miss dearly here on earth.
Thank God for the mothers of the past.

For every woman who is working day and
night to raise her children right now.
Thank God for the mothers of today.

For all the women who are expecting,
but aren't quite mothers yet!
Thank God for the soon-to-be-mothers.

For the women who took in others' children
through adoption and foster care.
Thank God for the mothers with hearts so big.

For those women who have lost a child to death and must carry on.
Thank God for the mothers who are so strong.

For all the women who have desperately wanted to have children of their own,
but chose instead to mother everyone else.
Thank God for the mothers in spirit.

We also pray for those who lost their mothers in this time of pandemic.
And those who are in the wilderness of illness, loneliness and grief.
We thank you, God, for the women and life-givers
who have helped us, loved us, supported us and influenced our lives in so many ways.
We pray that we will honour them in everything we do.

All these things we ask in the name of Jesus Christ who taught us to pray.
Please join me as we recite together the inclusive version of the Lord’s Prayer.

The Lord’s Prayer (Inclusive Version)

Blessed One, our Father and our Mother
Holy is your name.
May your love be enacted in the world.
May your will be done on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread
And forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us in the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For all that we do in your love,
and all that your love brings to birth,
and the fullness of love that will be
are yours, now and forever. Amen.

The Offering

I now invite you to offer your gifts of time, talents and resources as expressions of your gratitude to God’s blessings. If you are not on PAR and wish to send in your offering and donations, you can drop them in the slot by the kitchen door of the church or mail them to BCUC. You can also send in your support through e-transfer. Thank you for your continued love and support to BCUC.

Offertory Prayer

Giver of life, may these offerings of time, talents and treasures be a “breaking open of your abundant love as we serve others and the world. Amen.

Sending Forth: A Mothering Blessing

May God who brought us to birth by the Holy Spirit,
strengthen us for the Christian life.
May God who provides for all our needs
sustain us day by day.
May God whose steadfast love is constant as a mother's care,
send us out to live and work for others.
And the blessing of God: Creator, Christ and Comforter
be with you and remain with you always. Amen.

Departing Music: Are You a Shepherd? More Voices #126

Are you a shepherd, good shepherd who leads us
safely through danger, while calming our fears?
Are you a father who shelters and feeds us,
shares in our laughter and wipes away tears?

Refrain
Yes, you are shepherd, parent and teacher,
but you are greater than all that we know.
Holy and living, loving and giving,
God, you are with us wherever we go.

Are you a mother, good mother who bears us,
comforts, protects us and helps us to rest?
Are you a teacher who daily prepares us,
challenging students to offer their best?

Great, gentle shepherd, forever beside us,
lead all you children in paths that are right.
Great, loving parent, wise teacher, you guide us.
We want to love you and bring you delight.

Words & Music © 2002 Selah Publishing Co Inc. www.selahpub.com
Words: Ruth Duck Music: William P. Rowan Song# 31202 & 47832
Reprinted with permission ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Sunday Worship Service - May 3, 2020

BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH

4th SUNDAY OF EASTER / BCUC 169th ANNIVERSARY

May 3, 2020

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

Gathering slides of BCUC history

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

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

Words of Welcome & Announcements – Rev. Kim

Good morning! The psalmist declares: “O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home.” I welcome and greet you in the name of Jesus Christ as we worship together on this 4thSunday of Easter. Wherever you are, whatever time of the day, whoever you’re with or just by yourself, I am so glad you have joined us in our virtual worship service! Today we are celebrating 169 years of ministry at Bells Corners United Church. We give thanks for the many ways God has blessed and continues to bless this congregation through the years.

In this time of church closure, please know that BCUC offers worship service in a number of ways. Please check our website at bcuc.org, for our worship service in audio, video and text formats along with our weekly announcements and updates.

Beyond worship service, there are other weekly activities and meetings offered online. And in this time of pandemic, I encourage you to make a difference by connecting with each other through emails, phone calls and prayers.

Celebrating Lorrie’s Graduation

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

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

Lighting of Christ Candle: Wightman Family

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

Call to Gather: Lorrie Lowes

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

Prayer of Approach

Let us pray.

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

Opening Hymn: We Are One - Voices United #402

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

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

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

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

Words © 1988 Doreen Lankshear-Smith, Music © 1987 Jeeva Sam,
Arranged © 1995 David Kai Song#59e0e28addd02
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved.

Storytime for the Young at Heart with Lorrie

Happy Birthday!!

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

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

That kind of blows my mind!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Birthday, Bells Corners United Church!

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

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

Words and Music © 1995 Jim Strathdee Desert Flower Music www.strathdeemusic.com
Song#60013 Reprinted with permission ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved.

Prayer for Illumination: Rev. Kim

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

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

Reader: Jan Pound

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prayer of the People & The Lord’s Prayer

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

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

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

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

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, The power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.

The Offering

I now invite you to offer your gifts of time, talents and resources as expressions of your gratitude to God’s blessings. If you are not on PAR and wish to send in your offering and donations, you can drop them in the slot by the kitchen door of the church or mail them to BCUC. You can also send in your support through e-transfer. Thank you for your continued love and support to BCUC.

Offertory Prayer

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

Sending Forth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Words and Music © 1994 Marty Haugen GIA Publications, Inc.
Song#00004 Reprinted with permission ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved.

Sunday Worship Service - April 26, 2020

BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH

3rd SUNDAY OF EASTER / CELEBRATING EARTH DAY
WORSHIP SERVICE

April 26, 2020

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

Gathering: Grieg Water Birds – Morgenstimmung – Grieg – performed by Abe including nature sounds and photos by Abe

Words of Welcome & Announcements – Kim

Good morning! This is the day that God has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

I welcome and greet you in the name of Jesus Christ as we worship together on this 3rd Sunday of Easter. Wherever you are, whatever time of the day, whoever you’re with or just by yourself, I am so glad you have joined us in our virtual worship service!

Today we commemorate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day which began in April 22, 1970.

We join with all people around the world to honour Mother Earth, to recognize how deeply we are interrelated with all of creation and to do our part in being good stewards in caring for the earth.

In this time of church closure, please know that BCUC offers worship service in a number of ways. Please check our website at bcuc.org, for our worship service in audio, video and text formats along with our weekly announcements and updates.

Beyond worship service, there are other weekly activities and meetings offered online. And in this time of pandemic, I encourage you to make a difference by connecting with each other through emails, phone calls and prayers.

I now invite you to centre yourself in the presence of God’s spirit as we worship together.

Lighting of Christ Candle: Berard Family

We light this Christ candle to celebrate who we are as resurrected people and to remind us that “The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it…”

(Psalm 24:1a)

Call to Gather: Erin Berard

Come, friends of the Risen Christ, let us give thanks for creation.
We gather to praise God for the miracle of the earth.
Come, believers of Jesus, Wisdom of God, who delights in creation’s goodness,
and open your hearts to wonder.
We gather to praise God for the miracle of our lives.
Come, co-creators with God, who is in all and through all, who is above all
and below all and open your hearts to mystery.
Let us gather and give thanks to God, the Heart of all creation.

Prayer of Approach

Let us pray.
Holy God, You are like a mother, teaching and
challenging us to be the best we can be.
You are like a father, delighting in us and offering us all that you have.
Help us to open our minds that we may hear what Jesus is telling us;
open our hearts to hear what the Spirit is saying.
Help us discover the new possibilities that you lay before us.
Help us be the hands and feet of Jesus on earth,
that we may do your work, as Christ’s Body, here on earth.
Help us to be like Christ, that we may experience holiness
in your creation and in each other. Amen.

Opening Hymn: Called by Earth and Sky MV 135 (English & French)

Refrain:
Called by earth and sky, promise of hope held high.
This is our sacred living trust, treasure of life sanctified,
called by earth and sky.

1 Precious these waters, endless seas,
deep ocean’s dream, waters of healing,
rivers of rain, the wash of love again.

Refrain: (French)
Du-ciel et de la terre,
Nous entendons l’appel’
Nous de-vons ché-rir l’univers,
é-crin de vie, pré-cieuse et belle;
du-ciel et de la terre.

Verse 2 (French)
Pré-cieux est l’air que l’on respire,
libre est le vent; Es-prit qui souffle,
viens nous in-struire, de grâ-ce
nous com-blant.

Refrain: (French)
Du-ciel et de la terre,
Nous entendons l’appel’
Nous de-vons ché-rir l’univers,
é-crin de vie, pré-cieuse et belle;
du-ciel et de la terre.

3 Precious these mountains, ancient sands;
vast fragile land.
Seeds of our wakening, rooted and strong,
Creation’s faithful song.

Refrain:
Called by earth and sky, promise of hope held high.
This is our sacred living trust, treasure of life sanctified,
called by earth and sky.

4 - Precious the fire that lights our way,
bright dawning day. Fire of passion,
sorrows undone, our faith and justice one.

Refrain:
Called by earth and sky, promise of hope held high.
This is our sacred living trust, treasure of life sanctified,
called by earth and sky

Words & Music: 2005 Pat Mayberry, Arranged: 2005 Marg Stubington Song#119776
Words and Music © 2005 Pat Mayberry www.patmayberry.com
Translation: 2006 David Fines arrangement © 2005 Margaret Stubington
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved.

Storytime for the Young at Heart with Erin

We celebrated Earth Day this Wednesday, so I thought it would be fun to take our Time for the Young at Heart outside into the garden.

One of my favourite jobs to do in the Spring is to rake off all the old leaves that have been acting like a blanket for the gardens. I love to rake and find those little shoots of daffodils and tulips just poking up out of the cold ground. It's so exciting!

In our Bible passage today, we're going to hear about God breathing life into the creatures as the world is created. Every Spring we have this new life being created; new daffodils, new buds and leaves on the trees, and baby birds in nests. And now this Spring we humans are learning to do new things. Some of you are learning how to use Google Classroom to submit your assignments to your teachers, grown-ups are working from home, and we're learning how to get by without going to the stores as often as we used to. And this is having amazing results for our Earth, isn't it? Some places are seeing less air pollution, some waterways are becoming clearer and cleaner.

God is breathing life into our Earth and into us. Let's help take care of this beautiful creation!

Children’s Hymn: Like A Rock MV 92

Like a rock, like a rock, God is under our feet.
Like the starry night sky, God is over our head.
Like the sun on the horizon, God is ever before.
Like the river runs to ocean, our home is in God evermore.

Words: 1998 Keri Wehlander, Adapted to Music: 1999 Linnea Good Song #97534
Words and Music © Borealis Music www.LinneaGood.com
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved.

Prayer for Illumination: Kim

Holy God, with your life-giving Word, transform our hearts and minds as we follow the Risen Christ, making the earth a place of your reign of love and peace. Amen.

OT Reading: “Another Account of Creation” Genesis 2: 4- 9, 15-22 (NRSV)

4 These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created.

In the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, 5 when no plant of the field was yet in the earth and no herb of the field had yet sprung up—for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was no one to till the ground; 6 but a stream would rise from the earth, and water the whole face of the ground— 7 then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being. 8 And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east; and there he put the man whom he had formed. 9 Out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food, the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, “You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die.” 18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.” 19 So out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. 20 The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man[c] there was not found a helper as his partner. 21 So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. 22 And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man.

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

Sermon: “The Breath of Life” Rev. Kim Vidal

Once upon a time, there was only the sky, the sea, and a black bird. The bird grew tired and could not find a place to rest. In his frustration, the bird agitated the sea until its waters touched the sky. The sky was so upset that it showered the sea with big rocks and boulders in order to calm it down. The bird picked one of the islands to be its home. One day, the bird was struck by a bamboo tree, believed to be the child of the land and sea breezes. Upset, the bird pecked at the nodes of the bamboo until it split into two. Half of the bamboo came the first man named Malakas, meaning strong and from the other half the first woman called Maganda, meaning beautiful. Then the earthquake gathered all the birds and fish to see what should be done with these two beautiful creatures, and it was decided that they should marry. They did and had a great number of children.

The story I just shared is a pre-colonial creation myth in the Philippines which is part of my cultural upbringing. I’m sure that every culture and every place, every group of people have its own creation story. Some of the ancient writings particularly those in Ancient Near East – Mesopotamia, Babylon, Sumer, Egypt – have creation stories that were very much part of the people’s way of understanding how the world and human beings came about. Some biblical scholars believed that these ancient myths have shaped and influenced the creation stories that we read in the book of Genesis. And because these myths are stories of sacred importance to a particular culture and group of people, we need to read the creation stories in Genesis metaphorically not literally It is important to note here that there are two versions of the creation story in Genesis.

Genesis 1, written by priestly tradition, presents God creating the world out of chaos in a cosmic, poetic form. From day one to day six, in a very orderly manner, with an affirmation that “it was good!”, there came light and darkness, sky, land and seas, all kinds of vegetation, the sun, moon and the stars, all sorts of living things and then finally, human beings. In this particular version, human beings were created in the image of God, the Creator, and were given “dominion” over the other living things. From an ecological perspective, the word dominion has become problematic. Over the centuries, this word has been interpreted by many as “power over all creation” which sounds like- we, humans can subdue the earth without restraint, that we can do whatever we want without regard for the earth’s health. But dominion is not the same as domination. The word “dominion” means to exercise responsible caring for the earth and the whole creation which I think is what God intended from the very beginning.

The creation narrative in Genesis 2, written by the Yahwist tradition, portrays a different tale. God, according to the Yahwist mindset is anthropomorphic – very much like a human being. God is imaged here as talking, walking, thinking, feeling - like one of us. In this version, the first thing God created was Adam – a male being, named as such because he came from “adamah” which is Hebrew word for “dust” or “dirt”. Adam was of the earth. In this story, Adam received life through the very breath of God - the breath of life. God breathed ruach – a Hebrew word meaning wind or spirit into the nostrils of Adam and made him alive. Then God planted a garden in Eden filled with all kinds of vegetation. And God’s ruach breathed into all these plants and trees and give them life. This garden is –like heaven –we call it paradise. And God put Adam in the garden with a responsibility - to be its tiller, caretaker and steward. Adam was to care for and safeguard the garden – not to plunder, rape and abuse its resources.

With vegetation surrounding him, God senses that Adam was still lonely - so God formed animals from the dust of the earth to be Adam’s helpers and companions. God breathed ruach, the breath of life upon these animals and gave them life. God entrusted Adam to name every animal, every bird and cattle – every insect - which for me indicates that humans are gifted not only with intellect but also with creativity and imagination. In the Hebrew tradition, naming implies taking responsibility. When God asked Adam to name the animals, God is entrusting Adam to care for them. But despite the fact that animals and plants are there to give Adam company, God in this story knew that none of the animals were found to be suitable companion for Adam. He needs someone who can understand his nature – his emotions, his physical needs, his intellectual capacity.

So the woman was created. And we know how she was created in this story. God formed woman right out of Adam’s rib. Later on, she will be called Eve taken from the Hebrew word chavah meaning life. The name Eve means “mother of the living”. To the ancient Hebrew mindset, both Adam and Eve were actually parts of one another. Eve would be an integral part of Adam’s life and his very foundation. Without her, he will not be complete. Interpreted this way, this whole thing about the equality between women and men should not be an issue today. Ancient Hebrews who wrote this creation story have in their minds that all human beings are created equal. It is sad to note that this original intention has not been put to practice by many people over the course of time until today. Domestic abuse and violence are still present in all sectors of our society. Women continue to find their voices in a patriarchal-driven world. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to live together recognizing this truth of being part of one another? Not just between women and men but also people of varied colours, or creed, or ethnicity, or sexual orientation or social status. Unless we realize that all of us are recipients of the breath of life from one source of life we call God, we can never heal the earth. We need to acknowledge that we are all part of the whole- that one will not be complete without the other. We call this interdependence. As we care for creation, we care for humankind. If we desecrate the earth, we destroy our present world and the future of the generations to come. Sadly, we are still far from reaching this perfect dream for humanity and for all creation. To dream of a healed earth, is that even possible?

An English philosopher and statesman Thomas More said – it is possible. All we have to do is to re-create the earth where we live. Thomas More wrote a book in 1516 called “Utopia” – also known as a “perfect society” based on the story of a fictional island in the Atlantic Ocean, possessing a seemingly perfect social-political-legal system. In this book, More acclaims that on Utopia Island, there is no private property , with goods being stored in warehouses and people requesting what they need. It is very similar to living in commune. Everyone is fed, everyone has a place to rest, everyone has access to education and health care. In Greek, “utopia” has double meanings – one that denotes “a good place” and the other, “a place that could never be.”

Perhaps, for us too, we often dream of such place or hope that utopia could happen. Sadly, today we are less connected to the earth. We have lost touch with the rhythms of the earth. Thousands of species are going extinct as they are being hunted or their habitats are being destroyed. The earth’s water, air, forests and soils are suffering from pollution and wild fires. We are facing global warming and climate change and we bear a significant moral responsibility to heal the earth’s wounds. When we look at what’s happening in the human world, where there is famine and disasters, where there is poverty, unjust wars, injustices, alienation, or moral decline, and add to the list – the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we tend to lean more on the other meaning of utopia which is – “a place that could never be.” It will remain as a dream and will never happen in reality.

But there is hope. If we look closely at the intent of the writers of Genesis, their words continue to challenge and to disturb us- that no matter how ugly or sad or imperfect the earth seemed to be, this earth is our home. This is where we encounter life. This is where we experience love. This is where we acknowledge God’s presence through human beings and all of creation journeying together here and now. Do your part. Plant a tree. Tend a garden. Be informed about climate change. Recycle. Reuse. Reduce. Be an advocate for human and animal rights. There is a lot yet to be done. And it’s never too late to do your part. There is hope.

The Creation story in Genesis 2 is profoundly ecological in the sense of declaring God’s commitment to human beings, and human beings’ commitment to all creation in healing the earth and making it a better place. We need to profess with our words and with our actions that we are indeed stewards and co-creators with God. As we celebrate Earth Day, let us remind ourselves of the breath of life that causes us to live with dignity, imagination and creativity. Let this breath of life nudge us to care for the earth responsibly and for all that lives in it, humans included. I leave you with the words of Fyodor Dostoevsky when he writes: “Love all God’s creation, the whole of it and every grain of sand in it. Love every leaf, every ray of God’s light. Love the animals, love the plants, love everything. If you love everything, you will perceive the divine mystery in things.” Love the earth. May this be so. Amen.

Sources: The BCUC Lectionary Group, Thomas More’s Utopia, Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dosteoevsky, Encyclopedia Mythica (pantheon.org).

Prayer of the People & The Lord’s Prayer

Creator God, we give you thanks for the care that we can give and receive as your creatures.
We thank you for the land upon which we dwell, land that nourishes body, mind and soul.
O God, as the land cares for us, may we care for the land.
We thank you for fresh water to drink and water that flows in rivers and lakes.
O God, as the water cares for us, may we care for the water.
We thank you for the air which gives life to all.
O God, as the air cares for us, may we care for the earth.
We thank you for seeds and crops, plants and trees, for birds and animals.
O God, as earth’s vegetation and creatures care for us, may we care for them in return.
Loving God, we acknowledge the fragility of all life and pray for ourselves as your people.
Free us from harmful attitudes towards the land, crops, animals and human beings.
Free us from despair in times of calamities, famine, drought or flood.
Free us from wastefulness and greed in times of plenty.
May our lives reflect awareness of our bonds with the earth and with all of creation.

We pause at this time to remember the people in Portapique and its neighbouring communities in Nova Scotia, especially the grieving families and loved ones of the victims who died in the recent mass killing. We ask your blessings and love to heal their broken hearts and spirits as they mourn their loss.

We also remember those whose loved ones who died due to COVID-19 especially those in retirement and nursing homes. We pray particularly for Connie Davidson and family in the passing of her parents due to this virus. Give them the comfort they need in this time of sorrow.

We pray for our loved ones and friends, those who have been diagnosed, those undergoing treatments and those who are recovering from this virus and other ailments. May they find healing, comfort and full recovery knowing that we are praying for them in this time of need.

We continue to pray for the frontliners, the healthcare workers, doctors, nurses, personal support worker, the grocers, the postal workers, the essential services employees and our leaders. Keep them safe and give them good health, wisdom and courage as they serve others in this time of pandemic.

This is our prayer in Jesus’ name who taught us this prayer we now recite in the language of our choice:

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

This is now the time to offer our 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

From our joyful hearts that give, take our offering and turn it into acts of love.
Let us give thanks to God who moves us to share, bringing hope to a world in need of healing. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sending Forth

May the blessing of God, who causes the land to put forth plants and trees;
of Jesus Christ who calls all creation to new life;
and of the Holy Spirit whose breath energizes all of the earth
be with you all, now and always. Amen!

Departing Music: Now the Green Blade Rises VU 186 - soloist Vernon Sulway

1 Now the green blade rises,
from the buried grain,
Wheat that in dark earth many days has lain;
Love lives again,
that with the dead has been:
Love is come again like wheat arising green.

2 In the grave they laid him,
love by hatred slain,
Thinking that he would never awake again,
Laid in the earth
like grain that sleeps unseen:
Love is come again like wheat arising green.

3 Forth He came at Easter,
like the risen grain,
He that for three days in the grave had lain;
Raised from the dead,
my living Lord is seen:
Love is come again like wheat arising green.

4 When our hearts are wintry,
grieving, or in pain,
Your touch can call us back to life again,
Fields of our hearts
that dead and bare have been:
Love is come again like wheat arising green.

Words: 1928 John MC Crum, harmony: 1928 Martin Fallas Shaw Song#59341
Music: traditional French carol Words and harmony © Oxford University Press
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Sunday Worship Service - April 19, 2020

BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH

2nd SUNDAY OF EASTER
WORSHIP SERVICE

April 19, 2020

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

Verse to Ponder: ‘He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish.’ (John 21: 6)

Gathering: I Know That My Redeemer Liveth – Handel - Messiah

Words of Welcome & Announcements – Kim

Good morning! I welcome and greet you in the name of Jesus Christ on behalf of Bells Corners United Church on this second Sunday of Easter!! Wherever you are, whatever time of the day, whoever you’re with or just by yourself, I am so glad you have joined us in our virtual worship[ service!

In this time of church closure, please know that BCUC offers worship service in a number of ways. Please check our website at bcuc.org, for our worship service in audio, video and text formats along with our weekly announcements and updates.

Beyond worship service, there are other weekly activities and meetings offered online. And in this time of pandemic, I encourage you to make a difference by connecting with each other through emails, phone calls and prayers.

Thanks again for being part of this Easter celebration!

Welcome to our worship service.

Lighting of Christ Candle: Lorrie

We light this Christ candle to remind us that God’s love is with us. May this flame bring warmth into our hearts, hope for others and peace for the world.

*Call to Gather[1]: Lorrie

We come to this place bringing many things:
burdens and joys, weariness as well as celebration.
We come to this place seeking many things:
comfort and strength, answers as well as questions.
We come to this place hoping many things:
peace for the world, hope for the future, life for all creation.
Gather all of our gifts, our prayers and our hopes,
and let them be our worship this day.

[1] Kate Crawford, Gathering, Lent/Easter 2015.

Prayer of Approach[2]: Lorrie

Let us pray.

You come amongst us in surprising ways,
feeding us with joy and gladness.
Come today, we pray:
to feast our minds with wonder,
to feast our eyes with renewed sight,
to feast our hands with your embrace,
to feast our hearts with renewal,
to feast our tongues with praise. Amen.

[2] Gord Dunbar, Gathering, Lent/Easter 2015.

Opening Hymn: In the Bulb There is A Flower VU 703

1 In the bulb there is a flower;
In the seed, an apple tree
In cocoons, a hidden promise:
Butterflies will soon be free!
In the cold and snow of winter
There's a spring that waits to be,
Unrevealed until its season,
Something God alone can see.

2 There's a song in every silence,
Seeking word and melody;
There's a dawn in every darkness
Bringing hope to you and me.
From the past will come the future;
What it holds, a mystery,
Unrevealed until its season,
Something God alone can see.

3 In our end is our beginning;
In our time, infinity;
In our doubt there is believing;
In our life, eternity.
In our death, a resurrection;
At the last, a victory,
Unrevealed until its season,
Something God alone can see.

Words & Music: © Natalie Sleeth 1986 Hope Publishing Co. song #52456
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Storytime for the Young at Heart with Lorrie:

Good morning everybody!

This is the first Sunday after Easter. Last week we heard about the empty tomb and how the women were told that Jesus was not dead but was alive in the world. Well, this week, our scripture is a story about the disciples experiencing that!

After Jesus died, I think the disciples really weren’t sure what they were supposed to do. Do you remember that some of them were fishermen when they first met Jesus? Well, in this story, those men have gone back to fishing.

Have you ever gone fishing? It’s something my family really enjoys. We like being out on the water in a boat – especially on a nice summer day. we take our fishing rods and lures or bait, sometimes we take some snacks… We’re happy out there – even if we don’t catch any fish. If we meet other boats, we might wave or call out to each other, “Any luck?”

The kind of fishing the disciples were doing was very different from the kind of fishing my family does though. It wasn’t a leisure activity; it was their work. They needed to catch a lot of fish to sell to make their living this way. So, they didn’t use fishing rods, they used big nets that they threw over the side of the boat in hopes that they could trap a school of fish as they swam by.

In today’s story, those men had been out on the water for hours and they hadn’t caught any fish. They saw someone on the shore waving to them. “Any luck?” the man shouted. “Not a single fish!” was their answer.

“Throw your net over the other side of the boat!” the man on the shore called to them.

Now, these men had been out on the water for hours and hadn’t seen any fish at all. They may have thought this guy was a bit crazy to suggest such a thing. If that was me in the boat, I probably would have just said, “Sure, thanks!” and then just ignored his advice. I would have thought he was joking with me… but the disciples didn’t react that way. They did pull up their empty net – a big, heavy, wet net - and toss it over the other side of the boat…

And, guess what? There were so many fish caught in the net that they couldn’t even pull it in! They had to drag it to shore!

Some of them realized that this stranger on the beach must be Jesus! Peter was so excited that he jumped in the water and started swimming to shore. When they got to the beach, there was a nice fire going with breakfast cooking. Can you imagine it?

But imagine if they hadn’t listened to him and didn’t bother throwing the net over the other side of the boat… They would have gone home with no fish to sell – and they would have missed this picnic on the beach with Jesus!

Sometimes we’re asked to do things that aren’t normal for us – like right now during this pandemic. You have to go to school in a way that isn’t what you are used to. Your teacher isn’t there with you nor any of your friends. It’s hard when you don’t understand what to do and you can’t ask the teacher to explain it a different way. But, you are doing it – even though it’s uncomfortable sometimes – and we’re all really proud of you for that! Hopefully you are learning some new things about yourself too – that you can figure things out if you try… that you can work independently… that your teacher is pretty great at finding new and interesting ways for you to learn… I hope there are lots of other good surprises coming out of this time too. I think sometimes we have to look carefully for those good things, but I know they are there.

Maybe we are being asked to fish on the other side of our boat these days. It’s hard work and it might even make us grumble sometimes – but I think it will all be worth it in the end when this virus goes away. Maybe then we can even have a picnic on the beach!

Children’s Hymn: Hey Now! Singing Hallelujah! MV 121 vs. 1, 3, 5

Refrain

Hey now! Singing hallelujah!
Hey now! The morning has come!
Hey now! Singing hallelujah!
The tomb was empty at the rising sun.

1. Jesus loved people and he made them friends, Hey now, the tomb was empty.
He called to the children and the women and men. Hey now, the tomb was empty.

3. Jesus loved people and they said he was a king. Hey now, the tomb was empty.
He turned all the tables on everything.
Hey now, the tomb was empty.

5. Jesus loves people and he lives again!
Hey now, the tomb was empty.
Calls us disciples and he calls us his friends.
Hey now, the tomb was empty.

Words & Music: © Linnea Good 1998 Borealis Music LinneaGood.com song #97084
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Prayer for Illumination:

Holy God, fill us with openness, faith and hope. Fill our hearts with love, laughter and peace. Fill our hearts with your Word and your wisdom. Amen.

Gospel Reading: “Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples” John 21: 1-19 (NRSV)

After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. 2 Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

4 Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. 7 That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off.

9 When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” 19 (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.”

May we find ourselves renewed in this story of hope. Thanks be to God!

Sermon: “Back to Square One!” Rev. Kim Vidal

Things have calmed down quite a bit from those holy moments of Easter Sunday. Things have settled way down from the exalted cries of “Alleluia, we are made alive in Christ” to the more practical “let’s get back to life as usual”. Back to square one. Back to normal like a pair of old slippers waiting to be used under the bed. But in this life we call normal, there are still moments of sadness and grief. Just in the last few days, Canada’s official death toll from COVID-19 passed 1,000, of which the centre of attention is on the long-term care facilities and nursing homes that are being ravaged by the virus. While government officials claim the epidemic is slowing down, there are still outbreaks in many parts of the country particularly here in Ottawa. How do we deal with this alarming news after we have just celebrated a joyful Easter? How do we proclaim life when our community continues to be in the midst of Good Friday? The experience of emotional overload comes in many forms and these are at times overwhelming. Theology professor Craig Dykstra gave a very good description of what it feels like to be overwhelmed with grief. He said: "Sometimes we are overwhelmed by the sheer hugeness or complexity of something. We can't get our arms around it. We can't get it figured out. We are unable to organize it or to bring it under control. We are overwhelmed in a way that makes us feel small, weak and inadequate".

That’s what happened to Peter and the six disciples. With Jesus, their leader dead, without their friend and rabbi on their side, life gets difficult and uncertain. They were overwhelmed with grief and fear. They felt lost, confused, and scared of what might happen to them. The changes of life are not what they expected and they went back to the way it was before – back to square one - to something safe, something familiar. They reverted to old patterns of behaviour and thinking. It seems easier for them to go backwards than moving forward.

Peter and the other six disciples have returned to the sea. They have come home to the Sea of Tiberias, the place where it all began. It was the place where Simon Peter and his brother Andrew were called by Jesus. It was there where brothers John and James left their father and their big boat and followed Jesus - the beginning of discipleship. Back to square one. Back to the sea of Tiberias.

Now that Jesus is gone, apparently, they went right back to doing what is comfortable, normal, and usual. They got back in the boat and did what they do best. To fish. Peter, leading the way, decides to go fishing at night. Perhaps it takes him back to life before Jesus. The others are quick to join him. They fished all night, but nothing comes close to the surface or into the net. The fishermen come up empty on all counts—no fish, no food, no future. Back to square one!

My hunch, however, is that Peter is not really trying to catch fish as much as he is fishing for answers. Peter may have left Jerusalem but he cannot get away from those years of discipleship, those years of following Jesus, the last supper, the arrest, the denials. He cannot leave behind the cross, the empty tomb, the house with locked doors, the echoes of “Peace be with you.” So Peter fishes. Peter fishes for answers. What have I done? What will I do now? Where will I go? What will happen to me? Where is Jesus now? Peter is searching for meaning, a way forward, a place in life. Peter, bereft with grief, went fishing in the dark night. Some of us have spent time fishing in the dark; asking the same questions as Peter did, looking for our place in life, seeking peace, and some sense of understanding and meaning. We have all been there, fishing for answers in the dark.

According to John’s story, just after the daybreak when the fog is dense along the lakeshore and the water shines bright and blue, someone stood on the beach. Nobody knew at first that it was the Risen Christ. “Children, you did not catch any fish, did you?” This is more a statement of fact than a question. Jesus is not asking for a fishing report. He is commenting on the reality and emptiness of Peter’s and the other disciples’ lives. They were living the pain - fishing on the Good Friday side of the boat and the net is empty. There are no fish, no answers, no way forward. Nothing to feed or nourish life. Jesus tells the disciples to drop their nets to the right side of the boat. Instantly those tired old nets are filled with fish jumping out of the water to get into them. A hundred fifty-three of them! Feast! Fullness! Abundance! New life! The movement of the net from the left side of the boat to the right is symbolic of the disciples’ moments of Easter: from weeping to moments of joy; from fear to hope; from emptiness to wholeness; from feelings of guilt to being forgiven. “It is the Lord,” cries John, the beloved disciple, always first to recognize his best buddy, Jesus. Peter flops out of the boat, put on some clothes over his nakedness – puts on a new perspective, a new mindset over his old self, ready to be challenged and to be inspired again by his leader, Jesus.

The smell of fish being broiled and the wondrous sight of bread caught the disciples’ attention. If you have been up fishing all night, you are grateful for fire and food and the hands that prepared and cooked it. A warm welcome for the hungry souls. “Come and have breakfast,” was the invitation. The Christ of the table not the Christ of the tomb was the host. We get the message, whenever Jesus is involved, chances are - you are going to be fed. In that morning of resurrected hope, there is plenty for everyone - there is more than enough to go around. With the presence of Jesus, there is always food for the journey. A meal of bread and fish is provided by the Christ of the table, telling us that Good Friday of scarcity and death is over. New life has come!

After a hearty breakfast, Jesus pulled Simon Peter on the side and the question and answer come. “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Three times Jesus asked the same question. Frustrated, but earnest, bewildered, but trusting, Peter’s story is unfolding from beginning to end. How confusing life was for him as he tried to follow, tried to do the right thing. Peter denied Jesus three times and three times Jesus redeems him. Peter answers yes, all three times. The meaning of the relationship between Jesus and Peter shifted from philios or brotherly love to agape – unconditional, truth-seeking love. A love that blesses Peter to shift his vocation from fishing to shepherding. Peter left his old self and became a new being. Everything that Peter and the disciples need to make this shift has been provided: new perspectives, new mind set, a new heart; a warm hearty breakfast for the journey; a new life. From Good Friday people they became Easter people. Thomas Troeger writes: “The epilogue awakens memories of the darkness—the darkness of our hunger, the darkness of our failure to recognize Christ, the darkness of our denial—but at the same time it reminds us that none of this darkness has overcome the light. For the risen Christ still calls, still feeds, still empowers, even doubters and deniers for the ministry.” And Jesus closes with a resounding “Follow me.” A preacher once said: "Follow me, is more about the future than the past. With Jesus, it's not where you've been that matters, but where you will go, not whether you have made mistakes, but whether you are ready to try again, not about whether you have been wounded in the past, but about how you will help create a future."

Easter was never meant to go back to square one but to move on with intentions to make things new. Still, there is no special immunity, no vaccine to protect us from the COVID-19. 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.” We ask over and over again when we will go back to normal. But we won’t and we really can’t. This historical crisis will change us forever. How we act now, and with whom, and for whom, will shape and even determine what that new normal will look like or will be when this current pandemic begins to pass. But in this COVID-19 moment, we are still Easter people. We continue to love our neighbours by social distancing – by not putting their health and safety at risk. We continue to show kindness, to act with integrity, to pray for others, to offer support in many ways.

The disciples followed Jesus. Peter was transformed. A movement began and continues to proclaim that all things can be made new. It will not be the same. But it is a new beginning. “Follow me,” Jesus says, “and live as Easter people.” "Follow me." Whatever doubts or questions come to mind, whatever troubles our conscience, whatever pain, worry and fear that bind us up, whatever walls we have put up or doors we have locked securely to isolate us from others, whatever pandemic halts us in our normal, comfortable living, whatever hunger and need we feel deep in our souls, Jesus says, “follow me”. May your life be a witness to your answer to Jesus’ call. Amen.

Sources:
BCUC Lectionary Group, Karyn Wiseman, Craig Dykstra, Thomas Troeger, Jim Wallis.

Prayers of the People & The Lord’s Prayer:

I invite you to listen and reflect on a prayer entitled Lockdown written by Capuchin Franciscan brother Richard Hendrick in response to the COVID-19 pandemic:

Yes there is fear.
Yes there is isolation.
Yes there is panic buying.
Yes there is sickness.
Yes there is even death.
But,
They say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise
You can hear the birds again.
They say that after just a few weeks of quiet
The sky is no longer thick with fumes
But blue and grey and clear.
They say that in the streets of Assisi
People are singing to each other
across the empty squares,
keeping their windows open
so that those who are alone
may hear the sounds of family around them.
They say that a hotel in the West of Ireland
Is offering free meals and delivery to the housebound.
Today a young woman I know
is busy spreading fliers with her number
through the neighbourhood
So that the elders may have someone to call on.
Today Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples
are preparing to welcome
and shelter the homeless, the sick, the weary
All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting
All over the world people are looking at their neighbours in a new way
All over the world people are waking up to a new reality
To how big we really are.
To how little control we really have.
To what really matters.
To Love.
So we pray and we remember that
Yes there is fear.
But there does not have to be hate.
Yes there is isolation.
But there does not have to be loneliness.
Yes there is panic buying.
But there does not have to be meanness.
Yes there is sickness.
But there does not have to be disease of the soul
Yes there is even death.
But there can always be a rebirth of love.
Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now.
Today, breathe.
Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic
The birds are singing again
The sky is clearing,
Spring is coming,
And we are always encompassed by Love.
Open the windows of your soul
And though you may not be able
to touch across the empty square,
Sing.

Let us now recite the 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:

This is now the time to offer our 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 or canadahelps.org. Thank you for your continued love and support to BCUC.

Offertory Prayer:

Here is the work of our hands.
Here is the love of our hearts.
Here is our prayer to make a better world.
Bless our offering so that it may be used to further your reign on earth. Amen.

Sending Forth:

Go out into the world as bearers of a holy life that knows no barriers;
mindful of how demanding this call can be;
yet alive to its vision of goodness and beauty.
May the wisdom of God,
the compassion of Christ
and the friendship of the Spirit
bear us up and fill us with renewed strength for the journey. Amen.

Departing Music: Jesus You Have Come to the Lakeshore VU 563

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

Refrain:

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

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

Refrain

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

Refrain

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

Refrain

Words & Music : 1979 Cesáreo Gabaráin, harmony: 1987 Skinner Chávez-Melo
translate: 1987 Gertrude C. Suppe, George Lockwood, Raquel Gutierrez Achón

Words and music © Oregon Catholic Press, United Methodist Publishing House
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Easter Sunday Service - April 12, 2020

Bells Corners United Church

EASTER SUNDAY
WORSHIP SERVICE & AGAPE MEAL

April 12, 2020

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

Verse to Ponder: “But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him.” (Mark 16:6)

Gathering: Risen Today – string trio: Leslie Wade, Daniel Parker, Sarah Parker

Words of Welcome & Announcements

Good morning! I welcome and greet you in the name of Jesus Christ on behalf of Bells Corners United Church as we celebrate Easter!! I hope that today is a day filled with joy, celebration, and excitement as we celebrate together as the risen body of Jesus Christ.

Wherever you are, whatever time of the day, whoever you’re with or just by yourself, I am so glad you have joined us!

In place of a communion, I invite you to join in an agape meal with your family and friends or by yourself. So bring out some bread or crackers and whatever beverage that you have – juice, water, wine or milk and join in the agape meal at a later part of the service.

In this time of church closure, please know that BCUC offers worship service in a number of ways. Please check our website at bcuc.org, for our worship service in audio, video and text formats along with our weekly announcements and updates. You can also follow us on Facebook if you wish.

Beyond worship service, there are other weekly activities and meetings offered online. And everyone is encouraged to make a difference by connecting with each other through emails, phone calls and prayers.

Thanks again for being part of this Easter celebration!

Welcome to our worship service.

Lighting of Christ Candle: Lorrie

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

We are here on this Easter morning, surrounded by the promises of faith. We light this Christ candle knowing that it is Christ who draws us together as one body. We are risen in Christ! Hallelujah!

Call to Gather[1]: (inspired by Colossians 1: 19-22) Lorrie

In the face of a culture of death
a world of killing fields
a world of the walking dead
Jesus Christ is at the head of the resurrection parade
transforming our tears of betrayal into tears of joy
giving us dancing shoes for the resurrection party
This is the dance of the new creation
this is the dance of life out of death
and in this dance all that was broken
all that was estranged
all that was alienated
all that was dislocated and disconnected
-is reconciled
-comes home
-is healed
-and is made whole
We are risen with Jesus Christ! Hallelujah!

[1] excerpted from targum 2: subversive poetry in a postmodern world col 1:15-20, published in Colossians Remixed: Subverting The Empire by Sylvia C. Keesmaat and Brian J. Walsh.

Prayer of Approach: “God Within Us” written by David Stafford

God moves within us –
Feel the stirring and whirring inside.
God moves within us,
In God’s love we abide.

God moves within me -
I feel God every day.
Guiding, teaching, moulding,
Leading me on the way.

God stirs within me.
God’s peace is in my heart,
God’s courage, strength, conviction,
Help me to do my part.
And while God is within me,
I share God’s love with you.
Because God is in all of us,
Yes – even you! Amen.

Opening Hymn: This is the Day MV 122 Eng/Fr/Eng

This is the day that God has made; we will rejoice and be glad!
This is the day that God has made; we will rejoice and be glad!
Singing hallelu, singing hallelu, singing hallelu!
We will rejoice and be glad!
Singing hallelu, singing hallelu, singing hallelu!
We will rejoice and be glad!

Voici le jour que Dieu a fait; nous le vivrons dans la joie.
Voici le jour que Dieu a fait; nous le vivrons dans la joie.
Chantant Al-le-lu! (3x); nous le vivrons dans la joie.
Chantant Al-le-lu! (3x); nous le vivrons dans la joie.

This is the day that God has made; we will rejoice and be glad!
This is the day that God has made; we will rejoice and be glad!
Singing hallelu, singing hallelu, singing hallelu!
We will rejoice and be glad!
Singing hallelu, singing hallelu, singing hallelu!
We will rejoice and be glad!

Words and music © 2003 Bruce Harding evensong.ca song# 117875
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Dance Movement: “Alleluia Meditation” with Wendy Morrell

Storytime for the Young at Heart with Lorrie

HALLELUJAH!
HALLELUJAH!
HALLELUJAH!

It feels good to be able to say that again after this long time of Lent – and maybe it’s even better today when we have something to celebrate amidst all this change around Covid-19.

I hope you and your family are finding fun ways to celebrate Easter this year – and I hope the Easter Bunny was able to get to your house last night!

I’ve been thinking this week that Easter just isn’t the same when we’re practising social distancing. It would be so much better if we could get dressed up and go to church to sing all the hallelujahs with the choir and the congregation. It would be better if we could have a big family gathering for dinner tonight…

But then, I thought about what it must have been like on that first Easter morning. There sure wasn’t any celebrating happening when the women were walking to Jesus’ tomb with their spices. They were mourning his death. They were going to pay respect to his body. Imagine how sad they were feeling…

And then, when they got to where Jesus had been buried, they found that the stone had been rolled away and his body was gone! I don’t think their first reaction would have been one of joy, do you? I imagine they thought someone had stolen his body – and that would make them really upset…

When they looked inside the tomb, what did they see? Someone all dressed in white sitting where Jesus’ body had been! I bet they were scared!

But, it wasn’t a robber, it was an angel, and the angel said, “Don’t be afraid”

Wow! That reminds me of the time that an angel appeared to Mary and to Joseph way back during Advent… Remember what the angel said to them? “Don’t be afraid”

And then, when Jesus was born and the angels came to the shepherds in the field, the first thing they said was…. Right! They said “Don’t be afraid!”

It seems to me that whenever an angel shows up that’s the first thing we hear – and then there is good news. For Mary and Joseph, it was that they were going to be the parents of a very special baby… for the shepherds, it was the birth of a saviour.

For the women that day it was that death didn’t win! Jesus was still alive in the world! Now that’s a reason to celebrate for sure! It’s such good news that we are still celebrating it today – 2000 years later!

On that first Easter morning, Jesus’ friends and followers weren’t getting together to celebrate. They were hiding because they were worried about what might happen to them if the Roman soldiers knew they were Jesus’ friends. Even when the women came to tell them that Jesus was alive, they had to stay hidden away.

That’s a little bit like what’s happening in our world right now, isn’t it? We are all staying home because of the bad news of the Corona Virus. The news is getting better though – Don’t be afraid! - and not as many people are getting sick… but we still need to stay at home and practise social distancing because that’s what is going to make this threat go away for good. So, we can celebrate – and we should celebrate today! – but we will do it safely at home.

Maybe our celebrations this Easter are more like the celebrations of that first Easter so long ago… But, lucky for us we have modern technology to help us stay in touch with those we love. I hope you will spend lots of time today talking to your friends and family – by phone, or facetime, or however you are making this happen these days…

So, even though things are different and sometimes a bit uncomfortable these days, there is still lots to celebrate! Family, technology, better news about the virus …

And, through us, Jesus is still alive in the world!

HALLELUJAH!!
HALLELUJAH!!
HALLELUJAH!!

Children’s Hymn: Joy (Amy Grant)

1. I've got the joy (joy), joy (joy), joy (joy)!
I've got the joy (joy), joy (joy), joy (joy)!
I've got the joy (joy), joy (joy), joy....! Hallelujah!
Down in my heart (clap, clap)
Down in my heart (clap, clap)
Down in my heart to stay,
Down in my heart to stay.

2. I've got the love...

3. I've got the light...

arrangement Amy Grant
CCLI Song# 1263591 CCLI lic# 11199365

Prayer for Illumination

Let us gather our hearts in this prayer for illumination

God of joy and delight, open our hearts to receive your Word anew and give us hope as Easter people. Amen.

Gospel Reading: The Resurrection of Jesus Mark 16: 1-8 with the Shorter Ending of Mark (NRSV)

16 When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” 4 When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. 6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” 8 So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

The Shorter Ending of Mark:

And all that had been commanded them they told briefly to those around Peter. And afterward Jesus himself sent out through them, from east to west, the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation.

May we find ourselves renewed in this story of hope. Thanks be to God!

Sermon: “He Has Been Raised! He Is Not Here!” by Rev. Kim Vidal

Dawn is breaking in Jerusalem. The sun is about to spill its golden rays over the horizon. Maybe there was fog in the air that day - that hung over the city and countryside like a shroud. There wasn’t much conversation on the way to the tomb. Hearts were too heavy. Jesus had been crucified and now buried in a tomb somewhere. Three women went to visit the tomb that early morning. Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James and Salome. They brought with them spices to anoint Jesus’ dead body as was the custom in those days to control the smell of decomposition and help minimize unpleasant odors. They went to deliver the fragrance of life to the place of death. This for me is an astounding act of love. When they set out that morning, the women I’m sure did not know what to expect besides the eerie tomb and the foul smell of death. And their first worry came out in the open: “Who will roll away the stone for us so we can enter the tomb?”. They know particularly well that stones sealing tombs in those days were very heavy that needs few people altogether to move them. But the women still show up for each other, in an act of love that goes beyond fear and hopelessness, a love that denies the end of a relationship. Jesus was a big part of their transformation. And so they went and add a new episode of their sad story even when that episode is filled with uncertainty.

But as the women approach the tomb, they could not hide the surprise in their faces. “Look! Look at the stone! It’s been moved…” They run up to get a closer look: “Who could have done this?” The women silently exchanged glances, and then, one at a time, they crouched down and entered the tomb. But as they scan the cold darkness they realize their worst fears- Jesus is gone… the tomb is empty - a metaphor telling us that death had been defeated and the spirit of Jesus Christ is on the loose! Jesus and what he stood for is free of the grave and roaming at large in the world. Jesus cannot be held down, defined or controlled. Jesus’ spirit is on the loose!

In the cold, dark, empty tomb, the women saw a young man dressed in white robe, interpreted to be an angel, who greeted them with some news. “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him.” An alarming news descended upon their hearts. Jesus’ body is gone. Someone must has stolen, not just his body, but the last moment they would share with their friend and rabbi. They have taken him away. There was nothing to do but hold each other, and weep. They have taken Jesus away!

The preacher Anna Carter Florence interprets this text today to note that Jesus was literally taken away from people in so many ways. She says: “I’ve heard it from the seminary students who said: Oh, they’ve deconstructed my Bible; they’ve taken away my Jesus, and I don’t know where they’ve laid him. I’ve heard it in youth groups, too, when the teenagers start losing what little idealism they had, and coming to terms with the world we’ve left them: Oh, they’ve ruined my planet with violence and hypocrisy; they’ve taken away my Jesus, and I don’t know where they’ve laid him. And I hear it in the church, whenever a group of people gets scared that things are going to change if we do this or that, and what if we don’t like it? … Oh, they’ve desecrated my church with heresies; they’ve taken away my Jesus, and I don’t know where they’ve laid him. I think the church is weeping not for the crucified Jesus but for a stolen body, and a desecrated tomb. Do you hear that weeping and wailing? It breaks your heart, even as it makes you crazy.”

Could it be true what the angel had said? He has been raised! He is not here! Who raised him up? Where is he now? Could Jesus have really come back from the dead? Could he really be alive again? We certainly can give several propositions here. NT scholars Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan, co-authors of the book, The Last Week contend that “Jesus who was crucified by the political authorities has been raised by God. This means that God has said “yes” to Jesus and “no” to the powers who killed him. God has vindicated Jesus…Easter is God’s “yes” to Jesus against the powers who killed him. Another possible interpretation that Jesus has been raised is grounded in the experience of Jesus’ followers. It was this body of the believers who raised him up. They declared that Jesus lives forever in their hearts and in their minds. They make Jesus, to this present day, a living reality in their daily lives.

Another explanation connected somehow to the body of the believers proclaiming that Jesus lives forever is found in the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians. Writing in 40 common era, ahead of the gospel writers, Paul is the first writer who attempted to define what resurrection is. Another NT scholar, Bernard Brandon Scott in his book The Trouble with Resurrection asserts that Paul doesn't describe or debate the "how" of resurrection. Paul doesn't even know the story of the empty tomb nor the details around it. This is not important to Paul: not the empty tomb, or the nitty-gritty facts of the Easter stories in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

According to Scott, Paul understands the word resurrection in simple Greek word, “anastasis” which means “standing up” and “egeiro” meaning “to get up”. These are common everyday words, like getting up in bed or standing up from a chair, that do not carry any theological meanings at all. Paul believed and taught his congregation that Jesus was raised not with a physical body but with a spiritual body. The faith community, both past and present, is Christ’s spiritual body. The faith community is resurrected with Christ. And through this resurrected body of the believers, Paul says God has made a statement about where the Risen Christ lives: it lives in this body of believers through love -- and love is victorious over all, even over death itself. This is Paul's answer to the Messengers at the tomb who asked "Why seek the living among the dead?" (Luke 24:5). Paul says, “You don't! You seek and find the Risen Christ in your own living, for this is where life is found.” Can we really trust in Paul’s teaching? Or, like those who have heard the news on the first Easter simply think that it's an idle tale? We can only answer this question for ourselves. I do know this, however, that Jesus is found when we, the body of Christ, continues to make Jesus Christ alive in the world through our acts of love, justice and peace.

In that bewilderment and moment of agonizing fear, the women ran out of the tomb, carrying the spices that were meant to anoint a dead body. Too often, we, like the women, choose to run away from the empty tomb bewildered by the absence of the body and paralyzed by our own emptiness. We still live, as if - it is always a Good Friday world; a world where violence, suffering, greed, and death reign with stubborn propensity. Our world is still stuck in the despair of Good Friday. Even this morning, I know that some of you are still grieving for lost loved ones or anxious because of illness or broken relationships; the world is still mourning the death of thousands of people due to COVID-19; fear looms large as we hear news of the pandemic in many parts of the world; people are still put down or killed because of their racial ethnicity or religious beliefs; poverty and famine continue to affect third world countries. For many of us, it seems that everyday is endlessly Good Friday, with no hope in sight. But take heart. In every sadness, there is joy. In every Good Friday, there is Easter Sunday.

At the Tuesday’s lectionary group, a consensus was put in place. The mission of the three women who brought the spices to anoint Jesus’ dead body was totally changed and redirected to something more remarkable. The women whose original intent was to spice up the dead body of Jesus, were commissioned instead by the angel, a messenger of God, to go and tell the disciples and Peter that Jesus is going ahead of them to Galilee. And there they will see him. The women the first human messengers of Easter. Yes, Mark indicates that the women left in trembling in fear and didn’t say a word at first. And yet, after fear and anxiety had left their hearts, I’m sure they went and told the disciples about their experience. They went out to spice up the world with good news!

Have you been there? traveling toward the tomb- like the women ready to anoint a dead body… and the spices you carry with you are scented with your own expectation- and then redirected to share the good news of the empty tomb? Or are you like the disciples and Peter? Sitting in a dark room… defeated… sad… alone… grieving for something you lost… and not seeing God’s presence in the midst of your sorrow? Or are you like Paul who taught the people in Corinth what to make of this doctrine of resurrection? Scratching your heads as to how you make sense of this archaic belief about a bodily resurrection?

My friends, we know these people, don’t we? In fact, they are so much a part of our Christian upbringing. We know them so well that we can tell their story by heart- because each of their stories is also our story! This is the Galilee where Jesus had gone to meet us. And hearing it gives all of our life stories… hope.

So we stand here this morning, a human community in the midst of a broken world with a renewed sense of hope. On this Easter Sunday, we celebrate the power of life over death, the strength of love over hatred, but also immense beauty in our brokenness and pain. We experience the life-giving Christ in the breaking of the bread and sharing of the cup. We declare with the women, the disciples and Paul these powerful Easter words: “We are made alive in Christ!” and “Christ is made alive through us!” “Alleluia! Amen!”

Prayers of the People

Let us gather our hearts in prayer.

Easter God, we look around expecting death, but instead we see new life. Like a seed planted in the cold dark earth that sprouted with leaves, flowers and fruits, your gift of hope is within us and in your whole creation! The sick and despairing discover healing; the vulnerable discover boldness; the troubled and distressed discover peace; the depressed and downhearted discover joy; the church discovers a new vision of community and service. Each of us discovers that we can truly be followers of Jesus.

In the common sharing of our faith as Easter people, the Risen Christ who lives in our hearts leads us into new life where forgiveness and love abounds. You make us witnesses to the peace that is your work in the world. You send us into broken hearts and relationships as agents of reconciliation. You move us to live in the power of your healing love as we remember those among us who are troubled in body, mind or spirit. Help us to be your voice, your enfolding arms, your listening ear to those who are discouraged, dissatisfied, disheartened. Grant forgiveness, peace and joy to all who call upon you. And in this spirit, we lift up our brothers and sisters in our prayer and those among us who need your healing love. In silence, listen to the longings and celebrations of our hearts.

Risen Christ, we remember the many parts of the world where you walk on wounded feet and reach out with scarred hands. We pray for your body in the world, wounded and scarred, not only by violence or hatred, but also by our own actions that have wounded others. And as we break bread and share the cup of grace, may we all proclaim that we are made alive in Christ and that Christ is made alive through us! May it be so. Amen.

The Agape Meal

“Agape” is the New Testament Greek word for “self-giving love”. The kind of love that comes from God and models God’s loving choice for our well-being and all of Creation. In the Christian tradition, agape is also the name for informal meals and times of togetherness and mutual sharing which remind us of all those meals Jesus shared with his friends and the unity that his Spirit continues to give us even today.

Proclamation (inspired by 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

We enter the story when a meal has been shared,
when prayers of thanksgiving have been spoken, when fellowship shared.
This is the place and this is the time. Here and now,
God waits to break into our experience.
On the night when Jesus was betrayed, he took a loaf of bread,
and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said,
“This is my body broken for you. Do this in remembrance
of me.”
In the same way, he took the cup, saying,
“This cup is the new covenant. Do this, as
often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you
proclaim Jesus who gives us Easter hope.

Let us pray.

Loving friend and companion, we welcome your presence with us. May these gifts of bread and cup, nourish our bodies, hearts and minds. And may our spirits be refreshed as we live in the light of your presence, with us now, and at all times and places. Amen.

Prayer of Consecration & the Lord’s Prayer

Send now your Holy Spirit upon this bread and this cup, O God that they might be our remembrance and our proclamation of the presence of Jesus Christ with us, through us and in us. Let us now recite the 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 Sharing of the Bread and the Cup

Let us now share and partake the bread and the cup reminding us of God’s unconditional love.
This is the bread – food for the journey. Take, eat and be nourished by God’s love.
This is the cup – drink for the journey. Take, drink and be sustained by God’s grace.

Prayer after the Meal

For the bread we have eaten, for the wine we have tasted, for the life we have received, we thank you, loving God. Empower us to live as Jesus has lived, to bring new life to others and to give light to the world. Amen.

The Offering

This is now the time to offer our 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. You can also send in your support through e-transfer or canadahelps.org. Thank you for your continued love and support to BCUC.

Offertory Prayer

Rejoicing! Celebrating! Giving thanks! Gracious God, hope and new life are your amazing gifts to us. As we offer our gifts back to you, remind us that we are Easter people and you call us to sow seeds of love and justice in the world. Amen.

Sending Forth

Go forth this day filled with faith, hope and love.
May the blessing of God, sustainer and creator,
of Christ who is known in the breaking of the bread,
and of the Spirit who gives us new life,
be with us all this Easter Sunday
and in the days to come. Amen.

Closign Hymn: Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Give Thanks VU 179

Refrain: Hallelujah, Hallelujah, give thanks to the risen Christ;
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, give praise to God’s name.

Jesus is Lord of all the earth.
First born of all creation. Refrain.

Spread the good news o’er all the earth.
Jesus has died and is risen. Refrain.

We have been crucified with Christ.
Now we shall live forever. Refrain.

Come, let us praise the living God,
Joyfully sing to our Saviour. Refrain.

Words and music © 1973 The Word of God Music Arr © 1987 Songs for Gospel People
song# 74756 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved.

Departing Music: Thine is the Glory – String trio: Leslie Wade, Daniel Parker, Sarah Parker

Good Friday Service - April 10, 2020

BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH
Good Friday Service

April 10, 2020

Moment of Silent Reflection: Bach Cello Suite V – Sarabande – soloist: Daniel Parker

Words of Welcome

Dear friends and companions in the faith, good morning.
We gather again on this day, at the foot of the cross, which calls us on, not in shame, not in fear, not in violence, but more deeply into the costly journey of truth-telling and risk-taking.
We gather here
In Sabbath preparation
and to grieve
with his disciples and friends
We are all grieving something
Or have been
Or will be
Loss of family member…
Spouse…child…parent…pet
Friend…broken trust…betrayal
Mobility…stability…
Or…even … God
There is wounding, there is weeping, there is pain. But in Jesus as the promised one,
life is found. God is there.
Today I invite you to listen with your heart. Through these words and music, may we find our hearts warmed by a love that is stronger than our fear,
and stronger even than the finality of death.
Welcome to Good Friday.

Invitation to Gather and Opening Prayer

I now invite you to gather in worship:

This is a day of grief, a lonely day, forlorn.
This is a moment of mourning, a hurting, tear-stained moment.
A time to remember that Jesus died – crucified, abandoned, mocked and rejected.
May the painful death, the sadness and the intense horror of this day touch our hard-heartedness
and disturb our indifferent shallowness.
May it remind us of the brokenness around us and within and convict us in faith and action.

Let us pray. Into the shadows of chaos, the light of the world stops. From the silence of death, the word of God breaks free. For the emptiness of our souls, the Bread of Life is broken. O God, I stand in the sunshine of this spring day, smelling the earth and the growing grass. I feel as green as life, but a shadow falls across my path: a cross stretching over centuries, making holy all sorrows, sanctifying all tears, ennobling every scar, transforming every wound, healing the broken heart of the world. In the shadow of the cross, draw me into life. Help me to grow as green as grass. Amen.

Ministry of Music

Gospel Reading: “Pilate Questions Jesus” John 18: 33-38

A reading from the Gospel according to John chapter 18 verses 33-38 and I’m reading from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.

33 Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?” 35 Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” 37 Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate asked him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, “I find no case against him.

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

Sermon: “Quid Est Veritas - What is Truth?” Rev. Kim Vidal

Quid est veritas? “What is truth?” It is a question that we ask almost all the time. Here we are on Good Friday and this Gospel reading in John throws us right into the middle of a trial that we are not prepared for in any way. Jesus has been arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, condemned by Caiaphas, the Chief Priest, was denied by Peter, and was brought before Pontius Pilate to be put to death. Quid est veritas? “What is truth?” This is the question that Pilate asked Jesus. It is a good question. The truth is, Jesus was both political and religious threat to Rome. The truth is, the religious leaders lied to execute Jesus. The truth is, Pilate didn't find Jesus guilty of any crime, yet he sentenced him to die anyway because the truth didn't matter to him.

The Good Friday truth is that Jesus was put to death by crucifixion. For what reason? What was his crime? Jesus was killed not because the whole crucifixion stuff was God’s plan. Not because Jesus was pre-destined to die on the cross. Not because we are all guilt-ridden people and we need a scapegoat to absolve our sins. Jesus died because he had angered the religious authorities for chasing the money changers out of the temple. Because Jesus had disobeyed the purity laws by healing people on the Sabbath. Because he broke barriers and taboos of his time by mingling with the ritually unclean and ate with sinners and prostitutes. Because he upheld women and children as important members of the society. Because he challenged those in power who took advantage of widows, the poor, and the outcasts. Because he mobilized a movement that threatens those in power. This is the Good Friday truth and we better believe it.

Jesus came to testify to the 'truth' - a kin-dom of truth', which is the exact opposite of what the Roman Empire is all about. The empire is about oppression, marginalization, hunger, poverty, violence and depraved morality. That is not what the kin-dom of Truth is all about. That is not the kin-dom Jesus lived and preached. Jesus knew from his heart that Truth resides in God’s reign. He lived and preached the truth of love, peace, hope and justice that transforms the world.

Quid est veritas? What is truth? Truth is not just an idea or a mystery that needs to be solved. Truth is not simply a collection of facts proven to be true, like the fact that the earth is round or that the sun shines even on cloudy days. Truth is not just based on fact-finding or scientific proof of things. Truth starts from a small seed of faith. Truth is why Jesus did what he had done. Jesus wants to open the people’s mind, their heart and their eyes to the social, political and religious realities of their time. Truth cannot be left alone to rot and spoil – someone has to stand, protest and speak against evil realities. It was time for Jesus to speak the truth. Jesus wants the people to experience the true meaning of shalom – food on the table, roof over their heads, to walk on the streets without being threatened, to live an abundant life. He wants people from all walks of life – sinners or saints alike to be included in the kin-dom of God. Yet, truth demands a choice – a choice to follow God or to follow Caesar.

Did Pilate acknowledge what Jesus was trying to convey? Is Pilate aware of what Jesus was trying to say when Jesus said “my Kin-dom is not from this world”? Jesus here is telling the truth – his world is not the Roman empire – his world is about love and justice and peace and all what God stands for. I think Pilate knew that Jesus was an innocent man, yet he could not bring himself to act with honour, or with courage and integrity. And the truth is, we too can be just like Pilate. We can be aware of God's truth, but sometimes we choose instead to live by the easy lies and deceptions of this world. A quote from the Desiderata reminds us this: “The world is full of trickery but this let not blind you to what virtue there is.” I love what theologian Nancy Rockwell has to say about truth: Truth, like God, escapes definition, as, like God, truth also escapes our control. Job learns that truth is beyond human understanding. Jacob learns truth is a blessing that hurts. Mary learns truth emerges from the grave when her broken heart weeps. The disciples in Emmaus learn the power of truth when they have walked to the end of their despair.

There are times when we are blinded by a culture of indifference, greed and pride, and consequently we neglect that which would nourish our souls. Sometimes we compromise truth and integrity for high-paying jobs or settle for lies or whatever will work for us… what we think gets us ahead, what will pay the bills, what will delight the eye, whatever feels like success and allows us to achieve what we want. But truth is not always the road to comfort, success or popularity. Truth doesn't always win the promotion or advancement or get all the things and pleasure that this world values most. And sometimes, truth gets you beaten, mocked, laughed at, or worse, be hanged on a cross. Good Friday is about truth-telling.

On this day, Jesus has been betrayed and abandoned by his friends. He is mocked, and stripped and tortured and crucified. The Good Friday truth is that life hurts. All of us have experienced that truth at some point in our lives. We, like Jesus, know how it feels to have someone we love disappoint us, perhaps even betray and abandon us. There may even be times when life hurts so much that we, like Jesus, have thought that God has abandoned us, and cried out "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Life sometimes hurts. We know what it means to be hurt and to suffer. We know the pain when our bodies betray us; when our bodies no longer work like they used to – the loss of our body's ability to walk or to remember; the cancer, the failing of eyes and ears. We, like Jesus, experience the truth of death. The agony and emptiness when someone we love dies, or when we face our very own death.

Jesus said to Pilate: "Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice." Pilate did not listen. John's gospel tells us that after Pilate asked the question, he left Jesus, walked away, and confronted the temple leaders. Pilate knows that Jesus was a victim of life’s unfairness and was sentenced to be crucified. But those of us who listen to Jesus know something more. Jesus stood for God’s truth. That even in death, Jesus will never again be a victim of injustice. Jesus died fighting for truth and he did not die in vain. Those of us who listen to Jesus have heard the good news of Easter and can hold it close to our hearts on every Good Friday of our lives. We cling to it when life hurts and when we face death. Good Friday is truth-telling. And then there’s the truth about Easter. Good Friday doesn’t end in death. It is the beginning of a new chapter in the life of those who follow Jesus’ way.

And finally, Jesus invites us to listen to his truth. Where love is, God is there even in the darkest moment of life. That is the truth. Let us this day live by that Truth. Thanks be to God. Amen.

The Dismissal

And now receive God’s blessings:
As we go into the growing shadows of this Good Friday into the silent unknowing of Holy Saturday, may we carry in our hearts, the crucified Christ.
May our hearts open like a waiting tomb, a tender womb,
and in the sheltered silence, may we cradle all that is wounded, all that is broken.
We go embracing all that is touched by pain and fear until we feel the pulse of new life begin to stir. For God is not done with us yet.
Go in peace and in love. Amen.

Departing Music

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.

Announcements - April 5, 2020

BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH

3955 Old Richmond Rd., Nepean, ON K2H 5C5
Tel: 613-820-8103 Fax: 613-820-5628
Website: www.bcuc.org   Email: office@bcuc.org
Facebook: @bellscornersunitedchurch
Minister: Rev. Kim Vidal       Ministry Candidate: Lorrie Lowes
Music Director: Abe TeGrotenhuis 
Office Administrators: Ruth Timms, Ellen Boynton
Chair, Church Board: John MacFarlane

ANNOUNCEMENTS: April 5, 2020

Palm Sunday Worship Service and Sunday School at Home for April 5 have been emailed to the congregation. Please visit our website, bcuc.org, where you will find both audio and video recordings of the worship service including Kim’s sermon, story for the Young at Heart from Lorrie, Abe’s music, Sunday School info from Erin and weekly announcements.

CONTINUE TO GIVE!

This is an appeal to please continue to support BCUC financially.

• E-transfer is now available See details further along.

• You can drop off your offering envelopes or cheques in a mail slot located in the back-entrance door or mail them to BCUC.

• For the non-PAR users, consider using PAR – call the office for more information.

• You can also donate through canadahelps.org

Thank you for your continued love and support to BCUC!

Please call or send an e-mail if you have concerns or questions. Your needs will be addressed by staff, as much as possible. Mail will still be picked up and processed regularly.

Staff Meeting – Every Monday at 2 pm via Webex hosted by Rev. Kim.

Lectionary Group – Join Rev. Kim via Webex for online lectionary discussion on Tuesday, April 7 at 10:30 am. Theme and Text: The Women and the Empty Tomb (Mark 16: 1-8).

An Easter issue of BellRinger will be published by April 17. Please submit items to the office (office@bcuc.org) by Monday April 6 for this issue.

INTERAC E-TRANSFER: It is now possible to transfer funds directly to BCUC through your online banking service.

First, set up BCUC as an Interac e-Transfer payee using 'treasurer@bcuc.org' as the email address. Then, for each transaction to send money, please enter the dollar amount, select your bank account for withdrawal of funds and select BCUC as the payee.

In the Message line, add your Name and the Purpose of the Funds, if other than a regular donation, and, for a charitable receipt add your envelope number or home address.

Note: a security question and answer is not required as BCUC has enabled Auto deposit of your funds into the BCUC Operating Account.

Final Step: Review your transaction details to ensure they are complete and correct before pressing SEND.

Thank you for your donation.

UPCOMING WORSHIP SERVICES FOR HOLY WEEK AND EASTER:
(In the comfort of your home!) Worship services and reflections will be emailed to you and posted on our website:

Palm Sunday – April 5
Sermon Focus: “Cloaks, Branches, Hosannas!” (Mark 11: 1-11)
Please have a worship centre with some colourful scarves or cloths, palms or branches and a candle.
Maundy Thursday – April 9
Good Friday – April 10
Easter Sunday & Communion – April 12
Sermon Focus: “The Spices of Life” (Mark 16: 1-8)
Please prepare your own communion elements - bread or crackers and juice or wine to be shared or partake during the service.

Palm Sunday is April 5. Since we cannot gather, but we have received palm fronds, you are invited to drop by the church and help yourself to one or several to use for Palm Sunday. They will be in a bucket by the front door where you can pick up only the ones you wish to take. 

FAMSAC: FAMSAC has been very busy over these days.  The items most needed are: canned corn, canned chicken, juice boxes, canned fruit, pasta sauce, granola bars (nut free). These items could be donated at the FAMSAC bins in the stores. Thank you!

Midweek Prayer Circle – Join the members of the Pastoral and Spiritual Care Team for a simultaneous prayer circle every Wednesday at 8 pm at your home! Send your prayer requests to Rev. Kim (revkim@bcuc.org). Check the website for more information.

Secret Pal notes can be emailed to berarderin@gmail.com to be forwarded to the recipient.  Scanned artwork or photos might be fun to include where possible. Watch for details of a plan to meet your Secret Pal at a lunch party when it is possible.

Ottawa West End Community Chaplaincy: Our church has been a faithful and generous supporter of the Chaplaincy since its beginning. The planned AGM is now postponed until a future date. You will be notified.

Lenten Project:  Veterans’ House: Our goal is $8000!  To date, $4,228.25 has been raised. You may make donations by mail, by e-transfer or by leaving them through the mail slot at the kitchen door of the church. They will be picked up regularly. We are more than half way there!!

The 2020 Progressive Learning Circle Conference with Rev. Gretta Vosper scheduled in May has been cancelled until further notice.

Because we don’t have enough submissions yet for the Book of Memories, Volume 2, the deadline of April 5th is extended to May 3rd to give you a final opportunity to send in a memory or story or photo.  Please think about the events in our church which have had meaning for you and your family, and write/email about them.  Send your memories to bferguson@sympatico.ca or to BCUC office, office@bcuc.org.  If you have questions, call Bob Ferguson at 613-828-9610.  Thanks.

KEEP INFORMED!
Do you know that we have a Bells Corners United Church Facebook page? If you have a facebook account, please visit and like our BCUC page. Information is posted there on a regular basis.

Camp Awesome 2020 will be held at BCUC July 13-17. Registration forms are now available on the website or by contacting Tamara Glanville at 592-4575.

Worship Services at Retirement Homes – postponed until further notice.

Offers of Help:

*Tina Fowler (819-329-2899) has offered to pick up groceries for people when she goes to COSTCO.

*Martin Hughes, owner of Mort’s Pub, has offered to provide pickup and delivery service for anyone needing groceries or prescriptions. His telephone number is 613-829-0123 and he can be reached during work hours, 11am -8 pm. 

* Michel at the IDA Pharmacy is offering free delivery twice a day Monday- Friday and a virtual clinic where doctors can call patients on phone to prescribe medications.

POSTPONED - CONFIRMATION CLASS 2020.  Information about new dates will be provided as soon as they are known.

The COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund from the Ottawa Community Foundation is a response to an unprecedented situation.

This rapid-response fund supports urgent issues, particularly those being experienced disproportionately within vulnerable sectors. This includes those sectors without access to other supports, such as government subsidies. Priorities are changing, sometimes hour by hour, and this fund is designed to respond to pressing needs.

The fund is seeded with reserves from the Ottawa Community Foundation, along with support from donors and partners.

The link is:  https://www.ocf-fco.ca/donate-cv19/

Long Term Care Facility Residents

Please keep the following people in your prayers 

Beth Begbie                Thorncliffe Place, Nepean
Ida Blackwell               Carleton Lodge, Nepean
Jean Burgess               Peter Clark Centre, Nepean
Arthur Buss                 Stillwater Creek, Nepean
Jack Calderwood         The Westwood, Ottawa
Betty Clarke                Carlingview Manor, Ottawa  
Lois Donaldson            Starwood, Nepean
Bill Dormer                  Saint-Vincent Hospital, Ottawa
Jack Fraser                  Park Place Seniors' Suites and Retirement Residence 
Colette Hale                Lynwood Park, Nepean
Marion Helgason        Stillwater Creek, Nepean
Joy Lecuyer                  Empress, Kanata
Doug MacKechnie       Stillwater Creek, Nepean
Barbara McFall           Lynwood Park Lodge, Nepean
Gail Mutton                West End Villa, Nepean
Dave Peck                   Valley Stream Manor, Nepean           
Doreen Pope               Granite Ridge, Stittsville
Margaret Ritchie        Barrhaven Retirement Community, Nepean
Thelma Seguin            Robertson House, Nepean
Sherrill Shaver             Garden Terrace, Kanata
Eula Smith                   Bridlewood Trails, Kanata
Reta Stinson                Medex Extendicare, Nepean
Pat Westmaas            Harmer House, Nepean
Bill Wilson                   Redwoods, Nepean

If you know of other congregation members who should be included in this list, please call the office with details.

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.