Connie Davidson

October 17, 2020

Worship services

Sunday Worship Service - October 18, 2020

Connie Davidson

October 17, 2020

Worship services

BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH

20th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
SOSA SUNDAY

OCTOBER 18, 2020

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

Gathering Music: to the Rising Sun - Torjussen

Welcome & Announcements

Good Morning! Welcome to this service of worship devoted to our mission of Service, Outreach, and Social Action. Each year, our SOSA committee take the opportunity and the responsibility to highlight one of the many projects that this congregation supports as we reach beyond the doors of our building here at Bells Corners United Church. This year they are excited to share with you a project of the Multifaith Housing Initiative that has been a long time in the making: Veterans’ House. We celebrate the progress being made on seeing this dream come to fruition and we hope you will gain a deeper understanding of the need for it in our community, as well as a glimpse into just one of the many projects that the SOSA Committee supports on our behalf. Today is also an opportunity for you to consider how you might want to be involved in the work of our SOSA committee. Perhaps there is a service project that you would like to take a hands-on part in or a cause that you would like BCUC to look at more closely. We can always use enthusiasts, fundraisers, letter writers, and creative minds. We would love to have you join us!

Here are a few announcements to highlight this week:

- We continue to open the sanctuary for a small number of people each Sunday as a way to offer a gathering of a few while still following the health protocols to keep everyone safe. If you would like to attend, please go the website or call the church office to register by the Friday morning preceding the service. You will be asked to answer a health questionnaire and given the procedures that have been put in place. We will be closely monitoring the changing health regulations to ensure that we are safely able to continue offering this modified in-person worship.

- If you are unable to attend in person, there are several ways you can still participate in worship, through the YouTube video, the audio version or the text of the service, through the links provided on our webpage. You can also call 613-820-8104 to listen to the service on your telephone.

- Wherever you are as you join us this morning or at whatever time you are tuning in, know that you are welcome. We are glad that you are here and we hope that today’s service offers you spiritual nourishment as we begin this new week.

- For our families with children and teens! Have you seen the weekly Sunday School and Youth activities on the BCUC website? We really miss having the kids together for classes and Youth group on Sunday mornings, and we want to keep them connected with what’s happening in our church community. Each week, we offer some activities based on the scripture theme of the online service. We hope you will check it out!

- Every Wednesday evening at 8pm, we invite you to join your prayers with others from the comfort of your own home. Wherever you are, say a prayer for the world, for your community, the congregation, your family, and yourself. This week, we offer particular prayers for the family and friends of Bev Cromb as they mourn her passing. She will certainly be missed by us at BCUC.

- Grocery gift cards and Volume 2 of the book of Memories are available for purchase. Please call the church office to reserve yours and arrange for payment and pick-up.

- For those who are able to join us by Zoom, there will be a “Virtual Fellowship Time” every Sunday at 11:30 am. The link will be sent to you by email. If you have not yet received it, please call the office for more information during regular church office hours.

For more announcements, please check the church website.

Let us now gather our hearts and minds for worship…

Lighting of the Christ Candle Acolyte: Angela Starchuk

We gather in worship as an outpouring of gratitude and awe. It is our practice of opening ourselves to God’s still, small voice of comfort. The voice of Jesus echoes; “come to me all who carry burdens”.

Call to Gather

May the God of grace be welcome in our midst.
May we receive the power and peace of divine love.
We are blessed because God heals, guides and unites us.
So that we may seek justice and compassion for all who have been left homeless and voiceless. Amen.

Prayer of Approach

Gracious God,
These moments of worship can change lives, can bind us together as a community of compassion,
and can give us purpose and direction. These are awesome moments we share in worship.
We thank you for the opportunity that is before us.
We thank you for the blessing that will assuredly be ours. Amen.

Hymn: “Let Us Build a House” More Voices #1

1. Let us build a house where all 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.

Storytime for the Young at Heart Erin Berard

How do you draw a house? I’d need make some walls, a roof, a door, maybe some windows to let light in. If it was an apartment, it might be really tall, or depending on where I live, maybe my house could be more like a tent. Basically it would still have those elements, wouldn’t it? So there… (drawing) that’s a house.

Hmm… but is that all that’s important in a home? When you did those first Google Meets with classmates back in April, (or maybe in mid-September for those of you doing remote learning now), everyone was pretty excited to show off their houses to their friends, weren’t they? People showed off their favourite quilt, their special stuffies, cute pets, little sisters. Did anyone show off their windows, or roof in your class? Although these are things we might need to create a HOUSE, they are not the things we think about too much when we think of what is important about our HOME, is it? It’s the people you talk to about your day, it’s the special comforts you have, like snuggling a pet or stuffy when you’re feeling sad, it’s a place to be yourself, and where people understand and support you and love you.

The Veteran’s House project here in Ottawa that we’re talking about in the service today is different from some other MHI housing. Not only will it be an affordable roof and walls for veteran’s without homes, but it will have community support built into it, too. There will be places indoors and out to get together with others, people available to help with mental health issues, and a community of people with similar experiences that might ‘get’ what someone else is going through. That will really help it seem like more of a HOME and not just a HOUSE, I think.

Let’s give thanks for all the things that make our houses a home, and for all the people working in our community to help everyone have a place to call home.

Hymn: “Draw the Circle Wide” More Voices #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.

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

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.

Prayer for Illumination Reader: Barbara Bole Stafford

Eternal God,
In the reading of the scripture, may your Word be heard;
In the meditations of our hearts, may your Word be known;
And in the faithfulness of our lives, may your Word be shown. Amen[1].

The Reading

Psalm 55:1-8

1 Give ear to my prayer, O God;
    do not hide yourself from my supplication.
2 Attend to me, and answer me;
    I am troubled in my complaint.
I am distraught 3 by the noise of the enemy,
    because of the clamor of the wicked.
For they bring trouble upon me,
    and in anger they cherish enmity against me.

4 My heart is in anguish within me,
    the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
5 Fear and trembling come upon me,
    and horror overwhelms me.
6 And I say, “O that I had wings like a dove!
    I would fly away and be at rest;
7 truly, I would flee far away;
    I would lodge in the wilderness;
8 I would hurry to find a shelter for myself
    from the raging wind and tempest.”

Matthew 25:31-40

31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, 33 and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. 34 Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; 35 for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? 38 And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? 39 And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ 40 And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’

Hear what the Spirit is saying to all of us. Amen.

Sermon: “Healing From the Shrapnel of the Soul” Guest Preacher: Rev. Andrew Love

“It is wonderful. I drove up here earlier today to produce a recording of this video. And I was amazed at how far along this initiative had come in terms of construction and development. All the work, all the energy, all the financing that has gone into this so far has already produced amazing results.And when this is completed and our homeless veterans are here being housed, being supported, we're going to realize just how significant this initiative will have been, not only to the veterans who will call this home, but hopefully to communities across this country.I want to take a minute now to just lift up and really celebrate the work that's being done by the Multifaith Housing Initiative. Faith communities, drawn across the great spectrum of the faith traditions in the Ottawa region have come together to support this. They're supporting it because it is direct, realcharity working in our community now. And it is something that draws heavily on what we understand the importance and value of charity to be –sound use of resources, stewardship of financial and human capital, all geared towards really identified value and benefit. Changing people's lives. That's what Veterans' House is about.I come to this to support this initiative, not only as a United Church Minister but as a chaplain in the Canadian Armed Forces. As such, I've worked with a lot of men and womenwho have been deployed in domestic and overseas operations, often, multiple times, and they've come home carrying deep and intense scars that affect every part of their lives.Our Scripture readings today, that we invite you to consider as part of your worship, really speak to just the reality of what operational stress means, and what it means over the longer-term especially when it's cumulative. The psalm that we selected for you, Psalm 55, really presents the problem of what it means to be a soldier returning from operations. In many ways, it's a story of betrayal. And that's something that often men and women who have served feel: intense betrayal.In the psalm, David lifts up and then at the same time mourns intensely that sense of betrayal. Treachery within his own family. And the treachery of his most trusted advisor, Ahitophel. His own son Absalom turns against him. And I think if we really were to look at this in depth, we would see so many parallels to what many men and women talk about when they talk about post operational stress. And indeed, when they talk about post traumatic stress. It speaks to something that is the undercurrent of all the issues of many, I would submit to you, all the veterans who end up homeless. They come to, what we're starting to understand as moral injury. Moral injury is something that sometimes gets connected to post traumatic stress disorder. It's a subset of it but it's at the heart of what we're talking about when we're talking about what I would consider to be some of our most vulnerable people in our society today.

Men and women who we asked to serve overseas, or in domestic operations, we asked them to do important but difficult work. And I believe as a country, we have a unique obligation, a special obligation to them. And that's what drives me. And I know it drives a lot of people to support this initiative.When we talk about moral injury, we're talking about an assault on one's sense of confidence and expectation of the capacity to act in a moral and ethical manner. And, you know, moral injury usually comes as a consequence of acts or as a witness to acts. Things that were done to the person, or what the persons did themselves or maybe what they didn't do in the face of obvious moral transgression. These kinds of moral injury affect people at a very deep, visceral way. It's an injury that takes hold and it affects every aspect of their lives.And in many ways, it leads to a spiral, a spiral down. Fellow United Church Minister, military chaplain John Nites, he calls this the Elijah effect. And he draws from the narrative of 1 Kings to talk about the descent into darkness and suicidal thoughts that Elijah experienced. And he captures this nicely when he talks about the idea of shrapnel of the soul ... shrapnel of the soul. That's exactly what veterans start to experience. As a serving military chaplain, I work with men and women who are still in the Armed Forces, and I see the moral injuries being played out in many different ways. But Ialso understand how difficult that transition is from active military service to becoming a veteran. And in some cases, people just don't get the support services that they need, or, for a host of reasons, they don't, they choose not to access those services. Well, in those instances, it becomes extremely difficult to hold down a job, to maintain and nurture strong relationships, to make sound moral and financial decisions. And the enticement of different addictions -drugs, alcohol, and other addictions takes hold. And then the spiral just goes worse and worse and worse. And soon that veteran is homeless. It doesn't take much when the moral injury is deeply felt. I think for us, as churches, the response is obvious. Jesus lays out in the Gospel of Luke, quoting from Isaiah, a pretty clear indication of what out moral priorities should be. Jesus says we are to focus on issues of poverty, to bring release to captives and the oppressed, to bring up the broken hearted, to proclaim God's providence over debt. Not just financial debt, but the incredible burden of guilt, the debt of guilt that many people feel. And that is so, so true when it comes to veterans who are struggling with operational stress and moral injury. Our reading today from the Gospel of Matthew 25, really just puts it in stark terms for us. Jesus is very much saying that, as a church, we will be judged on the credibility of our response to the call that Jesus offers us in the Gospel of Luke. And, as I compete, here against all the different sounds, and the trucks and the movement and the hustle and bustle (on this construction site), might I be so presumptuous as to paraphrase Matthew 25, and offer to us, a very clear indication of why and how we should respond. For it is the homeless in our society that are hungry and in need of food, thirsty and the need of drink, lost and isolated and need of a shelter and support, mentally and physically ill and in need of care. Imprisoned in their own thoughts of trauma, betrayal and moral injury. Veterans' House, as it is being built now, has been the product so far, of faith communities throughout this region, and many other concerned citizens. We're asking United Churches now to support this

initiative, to not only help with the completion of the construction, but the continued operations and the support services that will be vital to helping veterans reclaim their lives and rebuild their lives. This isn't going to solve the problem of homelessness, either for veterans or homelessness in general, but I'm absolutely convinced it is going to empower many people to realize they truly are blessed as God's children. And that the experiences they had, don't define them. We offer them hope through Veterans' House. I believe this is the kind of initiative that will be a model for other communities across Canada. And I invite you now, as churches, to discern exactly how you can support and can continue to support Veterans' House. May God bless you in that mission. Amen.

Multifaith Prayer for Veterans’ House

Christian Representative – by Major-General Chapdelaine, Chaplain General of the Canadian Armed Forces, delivered by Rev. Capt. Andrew Love, Acting Brigade Chaplain, 33CBG, Canadian Armed Forces:

“In the respect of individual conscience and belief, I invite you to take this moment for prayer or personal reflection: God of hosts; we are grateful togather under the shelter of peace afforded to us by those who have offered themselves in service to Her Majesty’s Canadian Forces, on land, at sea, or in the air. As a people of memory, gratitude, and respect we stand ready to fulfil our duty of love and care, so that those who have given so much might be granted the safe haven they have provided to us. Lest we forget.”

Muslim representative - CaptainBarbara Helms:

“For our veterans—for those who have served here and abroad, who have done their duty with honour and have learned to soldier on without rest, to protect us here at home, we own a debt that cannot be adequately repaid.

Hence it is fitting that coming home, they have a home to which to come—a shelter, a place of rest, a neighbourhood, a community which supports them—where they belong and where their continued contributions are recognized and valued. Puissiez-vous maintenant et pour toujours avoir votre propre maison protégée, votre propre demeure de sécurité et de paix. For you who have pledged unlimited liability and served without rest to protect the safety and peace of our homes and our nation--may you now, and forever, have your own protected home, your place of rest, your own abode of safety and peace.”

Jewish representative - Rabbi Reuven Bulka:

"We live in a blessed country. But a twist of fate many years ago could have changed the entire world. Our blessings were made possible by those who were willing to put their lives on hold, and on the line, to defend freedom. The more we love our country, the more we love and we venerate our veterans. May our veterans live out their years energized and inspired by our eternal gratitude and appreciation to them. Amen."

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer

Based on everything that you have heard in this service so far...please join with me in these words of prayer. Eternal God, the testimony of holy scripture is clear: you call us to be expressions of healing and hope for the most vulnerable people in our society. From the words of the great prophets, like Isaiah, to the witness and ministry of Jesus Christ, you have called us to empower the impoverished, to release the captives of oppression and injustice, to care for those suffering physical and mental health challenges. Today, we pray for a small but important example of this moral imperative: we pray for continued support for Veterans’ House –as it is being built, and when it is in operation. We pray for the work of the Multifaith Housing Initiative, and all the faith communities who are a part of it. We pray for growing awareness of the needs and aspirations of homeless people in our community. We pray that each church that is part of this shared service will discern how it can best support the work of Veterans’ House. For each church that is part of this service, we pray for those who carry heavy burdens this day. And in the silence of our own prayers, we lift up to you the thoughts and concerns that are closest to our hearts. And we offer this prayer in the sure and certain bond that brings together all United Churches of Region 12 and throughout Canada, in the name of Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray together when we gather in his name, saying,

Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kin-dom come, thy will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kin-dom, the power and the glory,
Forever and ever,
Amen.

Invitation to Offer

Some people are required to offer much, even their lives, in the service of justice and of freedom. We too have the opportunity to serve justice and freedom with our lesser gifts of time, talent, and money, for the work of our faith community. As always, if you are not on PAR, offerings and donations can be dropped in the slot by the kitchen door of the church or mailed to BCUC or sent in by e-transfer.

If you wish to make a donation to Veterans’ House, please go to www.multifaithhousing.ca for information.

Thank you for your continued love and support to BCUC and to the Service, Outreach, and Social Action projects that are part of our mission.

Offertory Prayer

We sing of God’s good news lived out, a church with purpose: gifts shared for the good of all, instrument of the loving Spirit of Christ. We sing of God’s mission. Amen.

Sending Forth

(based on the Song of Faith)

In Jesus’ resurrection, God overcomes death. Nothing separates us from the love of God.

The Risen Christ lives, present to us and the source of hope. We place our hope in God -Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Grateful for God’s loving action. Amen.

Hymn: “Christ Has No Body Now But Yours” More Voices #171

Refrain:
Christ has no body now but yours, no hands but yours.
Here on this earth, yours is the work, to serve with the joy of compassion.

1. No hands but yours to heal the wounded world, no hands but yours to soothe all its suffering,
No touch but yours to bind the broken hope of the people of God.

2. No eyes but yours to see as Christ would see, to find the lost, to gaze with compassion;
No eyes but yours to glimpse the holy joy of the city of God.

3. No feet but yours to journey with the poor, to walk this world with mercy and justice.
Yours are the steps to build a lasting peace for the children of God.

4. Through every gift, give back to those in need: as Christ has blessed, so now be his blessing,
With every gift, a benediction be, to the people of God.

We give our sincere thanks to the Eastern Ontario Outaouais Regional Council for the worship resources prepared for this service.

Departing: Guide Me O Thou Great / Kleine Nachtmusik
Organ/Piano duet - arranged by Linda McKechnie

Zoom Fellowship hosted by Lorrie at 11:30 am. Link has been emailed. See you there!

[1] Celebrate God’s Presence, p44

Connie Davidson

October 10, 2020

Worship services

Sunday Worship Service - October 11, 2020

Connie Davidson

October 10, 2020

Worship services

BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH

5th SUNDAY OF CREATION TIME IN THE SEASON OF PENTECOST
THANKSGIVING SUNDAY SERVICE

October 11, 2020

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

Gathering Music: Thanks A Lot – Raffi CGS/Bell Canto

Welcome & Announcements

Happy Thanksgiving! On behalf of Bells Corners United Church, let me say that we are thankful that you have joined us for this service of worship.

We have begun to open the sanctuary for a small number of people as a trial to see how we can offer a gathering of a few while still following the health protocols to keep everyone safe. If you would like to attend, please go the website or call the church office to register by the Wednesday preceding the service. You will be asked to answer a health questionnaire and given the procedures that have been put in place. At the next Board Meeting, we will look at both the interest of people to attend and the feasibility of following the necessary procedures to decide how we will continue going forward.

If you are unable to attend in person, there are several ways you can still participate in worship, through the YouTube video, the audio version or the text of the service, through the links provided on our webpage. You can also call 613-820-8104 to listen to the service on your telephone.

In whatever way you are joining us, from whatever place or time, know that we are glad that you are here and we hope that today’s service offers what you need as you head into the next week.

I have a few announcements to highlight this week:

- Every Wednesday evening at 8pm, we invite you to join your prayers with others from the comfort of your own home. Wherever you are, say a prayer for the world, for your community, the congregation, your family, and yourself. This week, we offer particular prayers for Lynne Fox as she mourns the death of her brother, for Ross Snider and Helen Jol as they recover in hospital and at home from falls, and for Rev. Kim as she takes the time she needs to get well.

- Don’t forget that you can order Volume 2 of the Book of Memories as well as grocery gift cards by calling the church office to arrange payment and pick-up.

- The church office is now open from 9 to 4 Monday to Friday. The doors will be locked but Ruth and Ellen are happy to arrange to meet you and let you in if you call first to let them know you are coming. Just ring the doorbell upon arrival and they will meet you there.

- Our Lectionary study Group has resumed meeting through zoom every Tuesday morning at 10:30. If you would like to take part in a lively discussion about the next Sunday’s scripture reading, we’d love to have you join us! Contact Lorrie or the office to get the link.

- Plans are well underway for our Outdoor Market next Saturday and we are still expecting it to go ahead. We are, however, closely monitoring the health regulations so I advise you to watch the website for any updates this week.

For more announcements, please check the church website.

Let us now gather our hearts and minds for worship…

Lighting of the Christ Candle Acolytes: Sue Morrison and Arcadie Gagne

May this spark of Divine Energy be a beacon of hope to all.
We welcome the Christ to brighten and ground our worship.[1]

Call to Gather

The flaming leaves of autumn are like the fire of God’s spirit.
The bounty of the fields is like the fullness of God’s love.
We are called to share the blessings of the land with the world.
Let us worship God.[2]

Prayer of Approach

Creator God,
We come to celebrate the beauty and bounty of your good earth:
Glorious blue skies and blazing fall colours; fields ripe for harvest; gardens overflowing with goodness.
Grant us thankful hearts, we pray.
May our prayers and our lives overflow with gratitude.
We offer this worship to your glory, now and always. Amen.[3]

Hymn: “Come You Thankful People Come” Voices United #516

1. Come, you thankful people, come, raise the song of harvest-home!
All is safely gathered in, safe before the storms begin;
God, our maker, does provide for our needs to be supplied;
Come to God’s own temple come, raise the song of harvest home!

2. All the world is God’s own field, harvests for God’s praise to yield;
Wheat and weeds together sown, here for joy or sorrow grown;
First the blade and then the ear, then the full corn shall appear;
Harvest giver, grant that we wholesome grain and pure may be.

3. For our God, one day, shall come, and shall take this harvest-home;
From the field shall in that day all offenses purge away;
Giving angels charge at last in the fire the weeds to cast;
But the fruitful ears to store in the garner evermore.

4. Even so, God, quickly come to your final harvest-home!
Gather all your people in, free from sorrow, free from sin;
There, forever purified, in your presence to abide:
Come, with all your angels come, raise the glorious harvest home.

Words 1844 Henry Alford, Music 1858 George Elvey
Song #84090 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Storytime for the Young at Heart Sue Morrison

This weekend is our Canadian Thanksgiving holiday, and so I’ve been thinking a lot about Thanksgiving and getting ready for the Thanksgiving celebration we will have this year at my house. I remember the Thanksgiving celebrations that we had in my childhood. At my house we always had a turkey and stuffing, cranberry sauce, fruit salad and both sweet potatoes and mashed white potatoes. Lots of other things we didn’t always get at ordinary meals. And of course, pie-- usually at least two kinds of pie. It was a very special meal, and my mother put a lot of love, effort and time into preparing it. But it wasn’t just the food that made it so special, it was also a big family feast and we had grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins there to share our meal. Many of you probably usually have those kinds of meals on Thanksgiving, too, maybe not exactly the same, but still a special meal and maybe some relatives or friends who come to visit at your house, or you go to visit someone else for a big Thanksgiving dinner. And it makes great memories for most of us.

This year is a bit different for many of us because of the pandemic, and we can’t get together in big groups for that kind of family dinner. But I am getting ready for a little Thanksgiving dinner for just the four of us who live closest together in our family. I’m going to set the table with the best china dishes and make sure that each person has their favourite Thanksgiving foods. My granddaughter Arcadie really likes pumpkin pie, so I have a pumpkin pie that she will enjoy. When we all get together for a nice Thanksgiving meal, I feel like it is the way God wants it to be for us--love around the family table, all enjoying and appreciating each other and the good things God’s Earth provides.

In our Bible reading today we are going to hear a parable that Jesus told about a king who invited everyone to a big feast, but some of the invited guests didn’t come when it was time, and they didn’t even have a good reason not to be there. What if at my house, instead of everyone arriving when they said they would to enjoy our Thanksgiving feast, something like this happened: It’s the time and day we agreed to have our meal, I’m ready to start, the turkey is done cooking, the gravy is made, and it’s time to put the food on the table while it is still nice and hot, but nobody has arrived. I’m getting a little concerned, so I start phoning to see what’s keeping everyone. I call Arcadie first, and say, “Are you and your mom coming now? The dinner is all ready and I am waiting for everyone to get here before it gets cold.” And she says, “Huh? Oh, yeah. I guess I sort of forgot, and now I’m in the middle of binge watching old Doctor Who shows. So we can’t come now, ‘cause it’s really interesting and I’m right in the middle of it. You’ll have to excuse us this time. Maybe you could just put some pie in the freezer and we’ll come by and pick it up some other time.”

Now, they have never done this sort of thing to me, really, but what if they did? I think I would feel hurt and not very appreciated. And they would miss out on a really nice meal and family time, just because they didn’t care enough to show up. Would this be the way God wants it to be in our family? Would we be helping to make the Kin-dom of God a reality in our world? God invites us all, but we each have to care enough to show up and show our appreciation for each other and the good things that have been offered to us, or we aren’t helping to make it the way God wants it to be.

Hymn: “Every Day is a Day of Thanksgiving” More Voices #185

Ev’ry day is a day of thanksgiving.
God, you’ve been so good to me.
Ev’ry day you’re blessing me.
Ev’ry day is a day of thanksgiving.
I will glorify you, O my Lord, today!
(Repeat)

You keep blessing me, blessing me, blessing me.
You opened the door that I might see you’re blessing me.
And you keep blessing me, blessing me, blessing me.
I will glorify you, O my Lord, today!

Prayer for Illumination Reader: Ellen Boynton

Eternal God,
In the reading of the scripture, may your Word be heard;
In the meditations of our hearts, may your Word be known;
And in the faithfulness of our lives, may your Word be shown. Amen.[4]

The Reading: Matthew 22:1-14 The Parable of the Wedding Banquet

22 Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying: 2 “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. 3 He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come. 4 Again he sent other slaves, saying, ‘Tell those who have been invited: Look, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready; come to the wedding banquet.’ 5 But they made light of it and went away, one to his farm, another to his business, 6 while the rest seized his slaves, mistreated them, and killed them. 7 The king was enraged. He sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. 8 Then he said to his slaves, ‘The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. 9 Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.’ 10 Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests.

11 “But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing a wedding robe, 12 and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?’ And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Hear what the Spirit is saying to all of us. Amen.

Sermon: “Come to the Feast!”

In the spring of 2018, Prince Harry married Meaghan Markle. It was an amazing affair, televised all over the world. The congregation included not only royalty from around the world but Hollywood and television royalty as well. Can you imagine receiving an invitation to that wedding? Even if you are not a fan of the royalty or all the pomp and ceremony that goes with it, even if you are not a particular fan of Meghan or Harry, would you turn down the opportunity to mingle with that crowd, to be in St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, to share in the excitement of the day? Imagine what the wedding reception would have been like… the food, the drinks, even the place settings! I bet the souvenir at your place setting wouldn’t be a little piece of dry fruitcake! Imagine the stories you’d have to tell your friends – and your grandchildren! The whole world would be watching! So, would you toss aside the “Save the Date” card? Would you be “too busy” on that particular day to bother showing up?

The parable that we read today, the third in a row that Jesus told those Chief Priests and Elders who confronted him in the Temple, tells a story about a royal wedding where that happened. Not just one person snubbed the invitation from the king to his son’s wedding, but everyone originally invited! They didn’t even have the courtesy to send their RSVP with their regrets. They waited until the feast was ready and the ceremony about to begin to decline the invitation.

What kind of message were they sending to the king? They considered themselves and their business to be much more important than a momentous occasion in the life of their monarch, that’s clear. And to mistreat the messengers with violence and murder, certainly sends a strong message about their feelings for this king. To say he wasn’t understanding would be an understatement. He responds with the same anger and violence. What a mess!

But the feast must go on! The king is not about to give up his dream of the perfect wedding. Everything has been carefully planned and prepared, so he sends an invitation to those who would least expect to be considered worthy enough to celebrate in such high style with the king. This time, everyone was invited, regardless of their status, even regardless of whether they were good or bad.

So far, Jesus’ telling of the story seems to make some sense. If the king represents God, as we have come to expect in the stories of the Bible, then those people first invited would be the Priests and Elders. They have been given the honour to be called to the king’s inner circle. They have been given special status among the people, and responsibility for the upholding of the kingdom. However, they have betrayed that trust by giving more importance to their own interests than to the work God called them to. Not only are they absorbed with their own self-interest, they don’t even want to be part of the celebration that comes when the royal family grows through marriage. How fitting then, that God would open that invitation to others – and not just a few but to everyone. The doors of the kingdom are opened wide and everyone is invited in.

If we were reading this story from the book of Luke, this is where it would end. After the original guests declined his invitation, the kings dispatched his servants to find the marginalized – the poor and the crippled, the blind and the lame – and invite them to the feast. Even that still left more room at the table, so they went out even beyond the city to gather people from and wide. It’s a great story for Thanksgiving, isn’t it? A reminder to share our blessings with others, especially those less fortunate than us, those who are marginalized in some way - even those we have never met… A reminder that everyone is worthy of an invitation to the table, without judgement… a reminder that the table is big enough to accommodate everyone… A reminder that everyone has an invitation to God’s kingdom.

Unfortunately, Matthew doesn’t leave it there. He adds in a new twist. As the feast is in progress, the king notices a man who is not properly dressed for the occasion. It seems surprising to us that the king would react to this in such a violent way, throwing him out and condemning him to a horrible fate. This seems counter to what we’ve just heard. Everyone was invited, especially the marginalized. How could they all be expected to have the right clothes to wear? And, furthermore, if we show up in God’s kingdom without the right clothes, will we be kicked out and sent to hell? How does this align with what Jesus taught us about a loving and forgiving God who offers endless grace? What about the inclusivity that seems to be a cornerstone of his teachings? Could this really be part of the story told by Jesus or is it simply a way for Matthew to further some personal agenda, an attack perhaps on the leaders of the Temple?

Well, my reading this week taught me something new about the customs of Jesus’ time. It seems that purity was important to the ceremony of a wedding. It was expected that everyone attending a wedding would wear white – not just the bride – and that they would present themselves clean. Remember the washing of feet at the beginning of the Passover meal? This wasn’t just a whim of Jesus that night. It was what happened whenever you entered someone’s home. The climate was hot, the roads were dusty, and most everyone moved around by foot. It would be almost impossible to arrive at someone’s home clean and fresh. As well, people of those days were not likely to have more than one outfit, let alone something set aside just for such an occasion. It is quite likely that this man is wearing the very best clothes he owns, probably the only clothes he owns. It was common, apparently, for the wealthy to meet these obstacles head on. Upon arrival at a wedding, the guests would be given an opportunity to wash their hands and feet. They would be provided with wedding garments – a clean white robe to take the place of the clothes they had worn that day to work and travel. So, the man in our story would have been offered this opportunity to freshen up and a change of clothes when he accepted the invitation. He would have been expected to wear the white robe as a sign of acceptance of the invitation to this celebration, and out of respect for the one who invited him. When this man is confronted by the king, we are told he is speechless. He has no excuse for showing up inappropriately dressed.

What was Matthew saying? Was he directing this specifically to those elite of the Temple who took on the role of Priest or Elder or Pharisee, who basked in the prestige and the lifestyle of the chosen few, who wore the robes and the titles but weren’t really committed to the teachings and the responsibilities? These men weren’t picked at random from the streets. They had spent years studying and working their way up their prestigious place. They were well-educated and likely from middle-or upper-class families. But, like the Tenants in last week’s parable, they had been corrupted by the power that came with their positions. They put more importance of their worldly business than their priestly roles.

That would seem to be the obvious point - except for the fact that the man at the wedding was not one of the elite upper-class, inner circle. Those people had already snubbed the king’s invitation. This man was a commoner; someone the servants had rounded up on the street or in the countryside and given this honour of attending a royal wedding. He didn’t have to be born into the right class. He didn’t have to earn this invitation. He just had to accept it. Even if he had never been inside a palace before and had no idea of the protocol, he would have had his hands and feet washed when he arrived and he would have been given a clean white robe to wear. The expectations would have been quite clear.

So, I suppose this man has chosen not to make himself clean or to wear the robe. It seems he’s not there to celebrate the wedding of the king’s son. He’s just there for the fancy food and drink… or maybe he has made this choice as a protest against a king he has no respect for. Either way, the king cannot let him stay. He cannot allow this man to put a blemish on the celebration. He cannot allow him to sabotage this special event. He is sent into the chaos and violence that is happening outside with those who chose not to accept the invitation.

I wasn’t invited to Harry and Meghan’s wedding. I can’t say I know anyone who was. But through the teachings and example of Jesus, we have all been invited to the kingdom – to the love feast in the kingdom, the very home of God. Some of us received the invitation because we were born into the family, but there is room for everyone. God opens the door and invites everyone in. It doesn’t matter where you are from or even what you have done before you passed this way. The invitation is freely given. Your personal invitation is in your hand. How will you respond?

Will you send an RSVP right away and start preparing? Or will you put the invitation aside to deal with later when you’re not so busy?

What will you wear? You weren’t given the invitation based on what you are wearing today – but is it enough to show up without changing from the soiled clothes you’ve worn every day? Do you need something new? Does your appearance need to be extravagant or does it just need to be clean?

What gifts will you bring? Does it need to be something extravagant and expensive? Or should it be something personal and heartfelt?

Are you going looking for a good time, luxurious food, and a chance to hob-nob with royalty? Are you hoping the world will see how special you are to have been invited? Are you going because it will be great for your image or are you going to do your part in making this feast a wonderful experience for everyone on the guest list?

Your invitation has arrived! Before you accept it, think carefully. Are you excited about what this celebration represents? Are you willing to do what it takes to get ready and to meet the expectations of the host? Can you fit it into your schedule?

Your invitation has arrived. Please come to the feast!

Amen.

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer

God, we come into Your presence
   with praise and thanksgiving for Your faithful love.
Your love never fails—not even we turn away from You:
   when we ignore Your invitation,
   or desert You for gods of our own making.
Even then You do not abandon us,
   but reach out—again and again—
   inviting us back into relationship once more.
As You welcome us, so You welcome our prayers.
We bring them to You with confidence,
   knowing that You will hear and answer.
We pray for the world You created, and the people who share it with us:
   - for countries caught up in war or violent conflict,
   - for regions of the world struggling with increased cases of COVID-19,
   - for those whose homes and lives are threatened by natural disaster;
For these and all the other areas in our world
   where there is need and despair,

Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for our country and for its people:
   - for our government leaders, federal and local,
   - for our judicial system, police forces and military,
   - for our cities, towns, and rural communities,
   - for employers and employees, for young and old,
For all who are part of this great country,

Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for our local community—the people of this city,
   - for those who are unemployed,
   - for those in prison,
   - for those who are hungry,
   - for those who are alone and afraid,
For all our neighbours, both known and unknown to us,

Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for this congregation—our brothers and sisters in Christ,
   - for those who are ill. or whose loved ones are ill,
   - for those who are anxious about the future,
   - for those struggling with their faith,
   - for those who minister among us,
For all Your people in this place,

Lord, hear our prayer.

Pour out Your Spirit on us!
Fix our hearts and minds on what is true and honourable and right.
Give us the joy and peace that comes from knowing and doing Your will.
Keep us faithful to the call we have received in Christ Jesus, our Lord,
extending Your loving invitation to the world around us.[5]

These things we ask in Jesus’ name and in the words we say together:

Invitation to Offer

On this day when we give thanks for the many blessings in our lives, we remember that Jesus asks us to share those blessings with others.

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

For the blessing of this and all our days, we thank you, Gracious God. Accept, we pray, not just this offering of money but also our lives freely offered in gratitude for all you have done for us. Bless and use all that we offer in this place and wherever you might take us. Amen.[6]

Sending Forth

Go into the world ready to live with gratitude and generosity.
Go into the world knowing that God’s intention is abundance for all.
Go into the world and share this life-giving abundance with all you meet,
Today and every day. Amen.[7]

Hymn: “Sing to the Lord of Harvest” Voices United #519

1. Sing to the Lord of harvest, sing songs of love and praise,
With joyful hearts and voices your hallelujahs raise;
By whom the rolling seasons in fruitful order move;
Sing to the Lord of harvest a joyful song of love.

2. God makes the clouds drop fatness, the deserts bloom and spring,
The hills leap up in gladness, the valleys laugh and sing.
God fills them all with fullness, all things with large increase,
And crowns the year with goodness, with plenty and with peace.

3. Bring to this sacred altar all things God’s goodness gave,
The golden sheaves of harvest, the souls Christ died to save:
Your hearts lay down before him when at his feet you fall,
And with your lives adore him who gave his life for all.

Departing: Johnny Appleseed

Zoom Fellowship hosted by Lorrie at 11:30 am. Link has been emailed. See you there!

[1] Jani Francis, Gathering Pentecost 2 2020, p33. Used with permission.

[2] Celebrate God’s Presence, p540

[3] Celebrate God’s Presence, p541

[4] Celebrate God’s Presence, p45

[5] Christine Longhurst

[6] Tony Tuck, Gathering Pentecost 2 2020, pg 42. Used with permission.

[7] Allison Abbott-Wiebe, Gathering Pentecost 2 2019, p47. Used with permission.

Connie Davidson

October 3, 2020

Worship services

Sunday Worship Service - October 4, 2020

Connie Davidson

October 3, 2020

Worship services

BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH

4th SUNDAY OF CREATION TIME IN THE SEASON OF PENTECOST
World Communion Sunday

October 4, 2020

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

Gathering Music: Come to the Banquet Soloist: Susan TeGrotenhuis

Words & Music © Fay White, Grapevine Music
Song # 117649 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Welcome & Announcements

Good Morning! On behalf of Bells Corners United Church, I extend a warm welcome to you on the World Communion Sunday. We are glad that you have joined us and hope that this time offers what you need as you head into the next week.

If you are joining us online today, we will be marking World Communion Sunday in this service. Since we aren’t gathered in one place – or even at one time – the online version will offer a modified version of Communion, an “agape meal”. You may want to pause the video while you get yourself something to drink and eat as part of this ritual.

Here are a few announcements I want to highlight this week:

- We began to open the sanctuary for a small number of people for the month of September as a trial to see how we can offer a gathering of a few while still following the health protocols to keep everyone safe. We will now be looking at both the interest of people to attend and the feasibility of following the necessary procedures to decide how we will continue going forward. If you have comments to share, please contact us.

- In the meantime, if you would like to attend, please go the website or call the church office to register by the Friday morning preceding the service. You will be asked to answer a health questionnaire and given the procedures that have been put in place.

- A reminder that every Wednesday evening at 8pm, we invite you to join your prayers with others from the comfort of your own home. Wherever you are, say a prayer for the world, for your community, the congregation, your family, and yourself.

- Grocery cards as well as Volume 2 of the book of Memories are available for purchase from the church. Please call to arrange payment and pick-up.

- Plans are underway for an Outdoor Market on the grounds of the church on Saturday, Oct 17. This will be in conjunction with a similar sale at Christ Church Anglican being held on the same day. If you have ideas or suggestions – or if you would like to volunteer to help – please contact Bob and Ellen Boynton.

For more announcements, please check the church website.

Message from Ministry & Personnel

Good morning:

My name is David Stafford and I am speaking to you as the Interim Chair of the Ministery and Personnel Committee of Bells Corners United Church.

First a quick note about our Rev. Kim Vidal, who is currently on sick leave. While she receives medical attention for recent health concern, she is resting at home and any urgent pastoral messages should be sent to Rev. Lorrie. Please do not send messages directly to Rev. Kim at this time. If you wish to send cards or messages of good wishes, please send them to the Church office and they will be forwarded. Rev. Kim reports that she is slowly getting better, so we continue to keep her in our prayers.

Today, we welcome as our worship leader, The Reverend Lorrie Lowes, who was Commissioned yesterday as a Diaconal Minister in the United Church of Canada. The ceremony was conducted by the Eastern Ontario & Outaouais Regional Council at Rideau Park United Church in Ottawa. It was live streamed and hopefully many of you were able to participate.

After many years of extended study and several careers and life experiences, Lorrie has completed a further course of study in the Diaconate and today, she sees the results and reaps the benefits of that success. Today is an occasion for great celebration as Lorrie is now able to participate as a fully-fledged member of the Order of Ministry of the United Church and it is unfortunate that the Pandemic is affecting our ability to celebrate and welcome Rev. Lorrie in more appropriate ways. If you wish to send cards or messages of congratulations, please send them to the church.

The next step is a Service of Covenanting to take place at BCUC on a date to be determined when it is safe for more people to gather and participate. We will keep you apprised. In the meantime, Congratulations to the Reverend Lorrie Lowes as we continue to seek ways to be the church and make meaningful contributions to our community.

Let us now gather our hearts and minds for worship…

Lighting of the Christ Candle Acolyte: Raven Miller

As we now bring fire to this candle wick,
Making it glow with light,
May we also bring the fire of love,
To this time of prayer and worship.[1]

Call to Gather

What a tremendous day! We gather to celebrate!
With people from around the world, we join as partners on a journey.
We sing thanksgiving! We sing hope!
We are the church, strong and resilient in Christ.
With one voice, we proclaim God’s inclusiveness.
With one voice, we gather around the world today.[2]

Prayer of Approach

Our God, we draw near to you and to others in the faith.
We come remembering the taste of bread and wine.
We come remembering the freedom of forgiveness and the strength of your presence.
Draw us nearer to you.
Help us to know our lives start from faith and end in faith. Amen.[3]

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 feast, 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.

Storytime for the Young at Heart Erin Berard

Have a look at some of these pictures of people gathered to eat with friends and family in different places all around the world. Do they remind you of special meals or get-togethers you’ve had? What were you eating? Who was there? What was the occasion?

Next weekend we’ll be celebrating Thanksgiving here in Canada. With more and more cases of Covid-19, we might not be able to gather like we usually do this year, as we try to limit the number of people we’re in contact with, but I know we’ll find ways to make it a special time to check-in with family virtually and to give thanks for all the things we have been blessed with.

An important gathering for Jesus and his followers was the last time they gathered to eat together before he died on the cross. Jesus passed around bread and asked them to eat some and then a cup of wine and asked them to take a drink. And Jesus asked them to remember Him every time they did this.

At BCUC, we have juice and bread together to remember this Last Supper and God’s love for us and think about the Holy Spirit working in us and through us.

Christian communities all around the world celebrate Communion, some every day or every week, and others only on special occasions. Today is a special day called World Wide Communion where all these communities celebrate communion on the same day. It’s like having a big family meal together!

Whether or not your family does something special to represent communion today, you could still take time to remember Jesus and his teachings, and think of all the other communities around the world remembering and celebrating with you.

Hymn: “Come All You People” More Voices #2

Come all you people, come and praise your maker (3X)
Come now and worship your God.

U-ya-i-mo-se, ti-na-ma-ten Mwa-ri (3X)
U-ya-I mo-se zvi-no.

Words, Music and paraphrase © 1986 Alexander Gondo, World Council of Churches
Arr. © 1995 John Bell Iona Community GIA Pub
Song #00027 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Prayer for Illumination Reader: Neil Lowes

God, the words you speak have power:
power to create,
power to disturb,
power to heal.
Help us to hear your Word for us today. Amen[4].

The Reading: Matthew 21:33-46 NRSV

The Parable of the Wicked Tenants

33 “Listen to another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to tenants and went to another country. 34 When the harvest time had come, he sent his slaves to the tenants to collect his produce. 35 But the tenants seized his slaves and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. 36 Again he sent other slaves, more than the first; and they treated them in the same way. 37 Finally he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ 38 But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir; come, let us kill him and get his inheritance.’ 39 So they seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. 40 Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” 41 They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the harvest time.”

42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the scriptures:
‘The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
this was the Lord’s doing,
and it is amazing in our eyes’?

43 Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom. 44 The one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls.”
45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they realized that he was speaking about them. 46 They wanted to arrest him, but they feared the crowds, because they regarded him as a prophet.

Hear what the Spirit is saying to all of us. Amen.

Sermon: “The Danger of Rejecting the Cornerstone”

Today is World Communion Sunday. It is that day in the year when we intentionally join with our Christian brothers and sisters around the globe to celebrate that sacrament that is so foundational to the way we remember our deep connection with each other and with Jesus in a ritual act of sharing a meal. Our global table looks very different this year. Jesus’ invitation to all to join at the table comes with many new protocols as we blend the call to hospitality with the call to care for the well-being of each other. However, strange as it may seem, I pray that it will help to quench our spiritual thirst and fill the empty place that this living with social distancing has left.

Our gospel reading this morning certainly doesn’t convey the same feelings of love for your neighbour, or hope, that we’ve heard in the parables and stories so far in this season of Creation. I have to admit that I was tempted to pass it over and look for something more upbeat and celebratory for today. However, I know that Jesus never taught his followers to look for an easy way out. I know that his teachings were designed to be challenging, to get us thinking about the world from a new perspective, so I decided to stick with it and see if I can make sense of what the lesson is here for us today…

We heard last week that Jesus was teaching in the Temple after throwing out the sellers and money changers. The chief priests and elders of the Temple were not impressed by his actions and demanded that he show his credentials. They could see that he was not only gaining a following but was stirring the people against the system that was holding the peace, the oppressive Pax Romana, and the same system that was offering a very comfortable life for that elite group of religious leaders. Jesus countered their questions with questions of his own and with a story to make them think about what “authority” really means. It felt like the lesson was done, that the parable had had its intended effect. I got the impression that the chief priests and elders had backed down… but apparently that wasn’t the case because Jesus immediately goes into a new story… “Listen to this…” he says as he launches into this rather violent tale of the tenants in the vineyard. It’s full of greed and murder and, it seems, a threat of punishment from God.

In our Lectionary Study this week, we read this scripture passage a couple of times. We read it from a couple of different translations of the Bible. We wondered if the writer of Matthew had really heard this story from Jesus or if it was told to further his own agenda. Well, Matthew isn’t the only gospel writer to tell the tale. The same story shows up in Mark and in Luke – and also in the book of Thomas, a book that didn’t make it into our canon. Hmmm… so it’s important in some way for sure.

The story reads like a prophecy from Jesus. At first thought we are tempted to think of the landowner as God, of Jesus as the son and heir, and the greedy, violent tenants as the chief priests and elders. The message is simple then and quite clear: If you wicked people kill God’s son, you will be put to a miserable death and God will take the kingdom back and give it to someone who will do a better job. The little quote from Psalm 118 seems to back up this interpretation:

“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is amazing in our eyes.”

Jesus is obviously the cornerstone to the kingdom that God is asking us to build, right?

Seems to fit with the story – but what a dangerous image that is! In fact, it has been used at times throughout history to condemn the Jewish people. Jesus and his followers were all Jews themselves. How does that make sense? And what happened to Jesus’ teachings that tell us of a forgiving God who is always ready to offer grace and a chance to turn your life around?

Once again, I have to believe that Jesus is giving his listeners something other than a blatant threat. His stories always challenge us to look at things in a new way. His stories always take what we think we know and turn it upside down… Perhaps we’d better look again…

What if the cornerstone doesn’t refer to Jesus or to any person or group of people? What if instead the cornerstone is a set of commandments or a set of teachings from Jesus? …

If we make that shift in perception, watch what happens… the teachings about how to build the kingdom of God are rejected by the builders… who are the builders that Jesus is addressing in the tale? Who are the “people” that will be given the kingdom when those builders throw out the cornerstone?

Let’s hear the parable again… I have embellished the words a bit, but I haven’t changed any of the events…

There was a landowner – really a good guy with good intentions. He put a lot of effort and investment into creating a vineyard. It had a fence to keep animals out. It had a wine press built right in to help with production at harvest time; it even had a watchtower so it could be protected from mischief makers. He then leased this well-equipped and well thought out vineyard to some people who knew how to grow and harvest grapes and turn them into a product for sale. Together, they made a covenant – you get to use my vineyard and in exchange for the investment of buying the land and developing it into a good one, you will give me a share of the profits. It seemed like such a good arrangement and he trusted them so much that he was quite comfortable in leaving the country – perhaps to build an investment property somewhere else. At harvest time, he sent his servants to collect his share. There was no reason for them to be afraid of the journey. It was the arrangement the landlord had made with tenants he had entrusted with his property. When they arrived, however, instead of celebrating a good year, they were beaten and some were even killed. When the landowner learned of this, he must have thought there had been some kind of misunderstanding! He didn’t send out an army of enforcers, he sent another group of servants to straighten it out. They were met with the same fate. Well, the landowner decided to send his son to sort it out once and for all. He was the heir to the business after all was being taught the art of the job under his father’s tutelage. The tenants would greet him with the respect of a trusted partner. But that’s not what happened. The tenants were not backing down. They had decided that they deserved to take the vineyard away from the family who developed it and keep it for themselves. They were ready to destroy anyone who got in their way. And so, the son of the landowner also met a violent end. What will the tenants expect to happen when the grieving and betrayed landowner arrives?

The cornerstone of the landowner’s business was not simply his son and heir. He was important on many levels of course, but the cornerstone of his business was a trusted relationship amongst people with the same goal in mind – a successful wine growing business and a prosperous life for everyone involved – himself, his family, his tenants and even his servants. He had proposed a win-win situation. Even his slaves were respected and trusted enough to be sent in his stead to conduct the business of picking up the profits at harvest time. There was enough mutual respect and trust to give him authority without having to wield power. The tenants, on the other hand, broke the trust by looking only for their own benefit rather than for the benefit of all.

It seems from our reading this morning that the Pharisees recognized that Jesus saw them as the tenants in the story. They had been entrusted with managing God’s people in a way that furthered the healthy growth of that world and all its inhabitants. The authority that was given to them as leaders of the faith had been corrupted by the power that came with it. They had turned their efforts to benefitting themselves rather than building God’s kingdom.

The Pharisees were afraid – not of Jesus the man who was teaching in the temple, but of what he was teaching. What Jesus was building, with those teachings as his cornerstone, was a world of shared abundance. This was a threat to the opulent life they had built for themselves on the backs of those they had been chosen to lead.

Who are we in the story and what does it have to do with the world today?

Lord Acton, a British historian, famously said, “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

We can see so many examples in the world today where this is true. We see it too often in government leadership. Right now, that is perhaps most evident in places like Belarus where a dictator, unwilling to concede that he lost the election, uses horrific force and violence against the peaceful protesters who are gathering in crowds of more than 100,000 daily even two months after that election. We see it brewing south of the border where a president is trying to wield his power to ensure that he remains in office no matter what the constitution says. We see it in countries in the Middle East where extremists re-interpret the teachings of Islam to ensure the people are kept under strict control. We see it in mega corporations who exploit cheap labour and destroy natural resources to increase their profit margins. We see it where the rich live and work in opulent buildings while homeless people beg outside their doors…

On this World Communion Sunday, let us be reminded what the cornerstone of our faith is. Let us remember what we celebrate with this sacrament. Is it the man we call Jesus, the one we recognize as the Christ, or is it everything he stood for and taught? … Who do we want to be in the story? … Are we living our lives in a way that ensures abundant life for all or just a few?

When you imagine this table that we share today with our brothers and sisters around the world, what shape do you imagine it to be? If it is a rectangle who sits at the head? Is it a circle? Is there room enough… is there enough… for everyone? Amen.

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer

Holy One,
As we worship together on this day of World Wide Communion,
Keep us mindful of both the joy of common roots and the responsibility to care for each other in all the places those roots grow in your name.
We pray for a hurting world that teeters in the unbalance of the haves and the have-nots.
We pray for those who struggle through each day under heavy loads – oppression, war, violence and injustice.
We pray for those who suffer illness, injury, loneliness and grief.
We pray for all those who dare to stand up and offer healing in body, mind and spirit.
We pray for those who carry the cornerstone of our faith in their hearts and actions.
Help us to become the people who produce the fruits of your kin-dom.

All these things we ask in the name of Jesus and in the ancient words we share with our Christian brothers and sisters around the world…

Communion/Agape Meal

Today is a special one for me as I celebrate Communion for the first time as a Commissioned Diaconal Minister in the United Church of Canada. It is one of the things I most looked forward to on my journey toward ordered ministry. For those gathered Sunday morning in the sanctuary, this will be a traditional sacrament of Communion with all of the words and actions of this sacred rite, with the necessary adjustments to follow the current health protocols and keep us safe. For those joining us through the magic of technology, it will look a little different again as we gather our own elements to represent the cup and the loaf, gathering in our own corners of the world. Wherever and whenever you take part in this meal today, remember that people all around the world are finding new ways to acknowledge this common part of our Christian faith.

And so…

We remember that when Jesus was with his friends, he took a piece of bread, and after blessing it, he broke it and gave it to them saying: “Take, eat. This is my body, given for you. Whenever you eat this, remember me.” And today, as we eat, we remember these words.

Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, passed it to his friends saying, “Drink. This cup poured out for you is God’s eternal love, making a new covenant. Whenever you drink it, remember me.” And we do this today in remembrance of those words.

Let us pray:

Loving One of wondrous stories, we remember the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and we praise him for the love he poured out to all people of every colour, race and creed.

Transforming God, you call us to feast together in the banquet of your love. As we eat and drink, may we become vessels of healing and joy to those who are in need of your grace, proclaiming the good news that Jesus came to give life, and give it abundantly. Amen.

Invitation to Offer

As we receive God’s gifts in abundance, let us also share our gifts with others.

Offertory Prayer

Abundant God, full of surprises! A simple loaf of bread becomes food for a hungry world. A chalice of unfermented wine becomes hope for the young and not so young. Today we join hands with siblings in Christ all around the world. Today we share our offerings, knowing that they, like the loaf and cup, will help to bring new life to this congregation and to the world that you so love. Receive them with delight, we pray. Amen.[5]

Sending Forth

Strengthened and fed,
People of God,
People of courage,
Go forth as love-bearers to a hurting world.
Amen.

Hymn: “Deep in Our Hearts” More Voices #154

1. Deep in our hearts there is a common vision;
Deep in our hearts there is a common song;
Deep in our hearts there is a common story,
Telling Creation that we are one.

2. Deep in our hearts there is a core is a common purpose;
Deep in our hearts there is a common goal;
Deep in our hearts there is a sacred message,
Justice and peace in harmony.

3. Deep in our hearts there is a common longing;
Deep in our hearts there is a common theme;
Deep in our hearts there is a common theme;
Deep in our hearts there is a common current,
Flowing to freedom like a stream.

4. Deep in our hearts there is a common vision;
Deep in our hearts there is a common song;
Deep in our hearts there is a common story,
Telling Creation that we are one.

Departing

Zoom Fellowship hosted by Lorrie at 11:30 am. Link has been emailed. See you there!

[1] www.prayersandspirituality.com

[2] Laura Turnbull, Gathering Pentecost 2 2020, p45. Used with permission.

[3] Camillia LaRouche, Gathering Pentecost 2 2015, p42. Used with permission.

[4] Celebrate God’s Presence, 16M001, p37

[5] Laura Turnbull, Gathering Pentecost 2 2020, p45. Used with permission.

Connie Davidson

October 1, 2020

Announcements

BCUC Outdoor Market is October 17

Connie Davidson

October 1, 2020

Announcements

Outdoor Market at Bells Corners United Church
3955 Old Richmond Rd. (at Moodie Dr.)
October 17, 10 am - 2 pm

We are planning sales areas for baking, deli (we have heard that there will be turkey pies!), crafts, sewing/knitting, gift baskets and books.

Bring books (published in the past 25 years) to the church during office hours the week before the market. Donations of baking, preserves, sewing, knitting will be welcomed. Contact the office at (613) 820-8103 if you have sewing/crafts/knitting to donate.

Bring your friends, your mask and join us to safely enjoy our market.

Connie Davidson

September 26, 2020

Worship services

Sunday Worship Service - September 27, 2020

Connie Davidson

September 26, 2020

Worship services

BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH

3rd SUNDAY OF CREATION TIME IN THE SEASON OF PENTECOST
FALL WORSHIP SERVICE

September 27, 2020

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

Gathering Music

Welcome & Announcements

Good Morning! On behalf of Bells Corners United Church, wherever you are, I extend a warm welcome to you today and I greet you in the name of Jesus, our mentor and guide, and the very reason we gather together as a family of faith.

Wherever you are as you join us this morning – in your living room with your family, in your kitchen with a cup of coffee, or with the small group gathered in the sanctuary, know that you are welcome. We are glad that you are here and we hope that today’s service offers what you need as you head into the next week.

Here are a few announcements to highlight this week:

- We have begun to open the sanctuary for a small number of people as a trial to see how we can offer a gathering of a few while still following the health protocols to keep everyone safe. If you would like to attend, please go the website or call the church office to register by the Wednesday preceding the service. You will be asked to answer a health questionnaire and given the procedures that have been put in place. In the next couple of weeks, we will be looking at both the interest of people to attend and the feasibility of following the necessary procedures to decide how we will continue going forward. The numbers attending have been small, it’s true, but the experience of being in the sanctuary and worshipping together with others has been wonderful for many of us. One of the things we will be asking over the next while is why do people choose to attend or not to attend? We would be interested in your thoughts. Give us a call or drop me an email if you want to let us know what you think.

- If you are unable to attend in person, there are still several ways you can still participate in worship, through the YouTube video, the audio version or the text of the service, through the links provided on our webpage. You can also call 613-820-8104 to listen to the service on your telephone. We have no intention of stopping any of these things in the near future.

- Due to the change in the weather, David’s Flowers are finished for this year, but thanks to the very generous donations from those who came by, a total of $3,235 has been raised to support online service provision over these difficult times. Thank you to all the volunteers who came out to help and to all those who donated to the cause!

- Watch for new plans for fundraising and ways to gather in community as we move into the fall. Planning is underway for a BCUC Outdoor Market on Saturday, October 17, from 10am to 2pm, to coincide with a similar sale happening that day at Christ Church Anglican. We hope to have sales areas for baking, deli, crafts, sewing/knitting, gift baskets and perhaps even a book table. To offer help or suggestions, please contact Bob and Ellen Boynton.

- Please remember that Grocery Gift Cards as well as Volume 2 of the book of Memories are available for purchase. Please call the church office to place your order and to arrange payment and pick-up.

- Next Saturday morning at 10:30am, I will be commissioned as a Diaconal Minister in the United Church of Canada. Due to the current health restrictions, it will be a small ceremony and the number of people allowed to attend is extremely limited. However, I would like to celebrate this milestone with all of you! The plan is to have this event live-streamed from Rideau Park United Church. The link will be sent to you in our usual weekly “BCUC Happenings” email on Thursday. If you are not on the recipients’ list for Happenings and wish to access the livestream, please contact the church office or Lorrie.

For more announcements, please check the church website.

Let us now gather our hearts and minds for worship…

Lighting of the Christ Candle Acolytes: The Forster family

In the dawn’s cool glow, in the bright of the day, in the evening’s painted sky, in nighttime’s starry dark… The Christ Light shines, made bright by God’s love for all![1]

Call to Gather

We are not alone…
In these days of social isolation and rules to keep us safe,
It’s easy to feel like we are alone.
In these days where window is its and outdoor gatherings have replaced hugs and shared meals,
It’s easy to feel disconnected.
In these days when we can’t reach out to others for comfort or celebration,
It’s easy to feel that the world has become small and dark.
But we are not alone…
God calls us into relationship with one another in new ways,
And our faith reminds us that even when we feel most lonely,
God is with us.
We are not alone…
And so, we gather our hearts and minds in the spirit of community
And in the embrace of the one who binds us together in love.
Let us worship God - together!

Prayer of Approach

We reach out to you, even as you reach for us, O God,
And pray that in this hour of worship and beyond, we may know the touch of your hand,
Shaping us, molding us into the truly human creatures Jesus showed us you intend us to be.
Come into our hearts, Holy Spirit of love! Amen.[2]

Minute for Social Action

One of the focus points of the Service Outreach and Social Action committee for 2020 was promotion of a Basic Income Guarantee, for which this congregation has been very supportive. The COVID-19 crisis revealed so painfully the glaring inadequacies of our social services across the country. Members of BCUC moved quickly to have a ZOOM enabled discussion showing how a Canadian designed Basic Income could offer coverage of living costs for those below the Low Income Measure (or LIM) of poverty. If you missed it, the video and some selected resources are on BCUC website. The Canadian Emergency Response Benefits (CERB) is also giving support at the LIM level. Over the last months there has been growing public support for a Guaranteed Livable Basic Income (GLBI) being a sensible replacement for CERB, as it is phased out.

With so much development favouring a Guaranteed Livable Basic Income, let me give some updates on Basic Income and remind us that we must keep the pressure on for its long-awaited implementation. We begin right here in BCUC and refer to last week’s sermon where Lorrie so ably showed how the parable of the workers in the vineyard is interpreted as a livable basic income for that time. Keeping that message in mind, it is empowering to see the numerous opinion columns and webinars which have been encouraging us to push the federal government to include a Livable Guaranteed Basic Income in the Throne Speech.

Whether or not it was included in the Throne Speech, is important only as a significant step along the path of Basic Income adoption. Majority agreement would need to be followed by development of policies and Parliamentary debate to iron out the essentials. It is assured that the path toward a Basic Income will be long and difficult and we must continue to tell our politicians at all levels that we want social services which preserve dignity and improve the well-being of Canadians across all segments of our society. Thank you.

Hymn: “For the Fruit of All Creation” Voices United #227

1.     For the fruit of all creation, thanks be to God.
        For the gifts to every nation, thanks be to God.
        For the ploughing, sowing, reaping, silent growth while we are sleeping.
        Future needs in earth’s safe keeping, thanks be to God.

2.     In the just reward of labour, God’s will is done.
        In the help we give our neighbour, God’s will is done.
        In our worldwide task of caring for the hungry and despairing,
        In the harvests we are sharing, God’s will is done.

3. For the harvests of the Spirit, thanks be to God.
For the good we all inherit, thanks be to God.
For the wonders that astound us, for the truths that still confound us,
Most of all that love has found us, thanks be to God.

Storytime for the Young at Heart Erin Berard

Which apple would you rather have? (Shows 2 apples, one ‘perfect’, the other discoloured/misshapen)

In the parable we read today, there are 2 children who are asked to do their chores. One says “Yes, yes, sure, of course I’ll do my jobs,” but doesn’t actually do any work. The other says, “No, I don’t want to,” but later realizes they should do what is right, and goes and completes all their required chores. In the end, which one did what they were supposed to?

Have you ever had a classmate or teammate like the first person? Someone who says all the right things around their teachers or parents, but then around other kids they are completely different and can sometimes be rude or unkind; or someone who promises things like an invitation to a party or a place in the game, but doesn’t follow through?

Have you ever known someone like the second person? Maybe it’s someone who make a bad choice, but realizes their mistake and tries to fix it; someone who maybe didn’t know how to do something properly, but they take the time to learn and figure it out?

It’s like these apples…
This one is beautiful, the perfect example of an apple, but you know what? It is actually completely fake and has no food value at all! Nothing to contribute to my hungry stomach! It didn’t live up to the expectations.
Whereas this one seems pretty unappetizing… but when I open it up, it has edible fruit, and seeds to grow new apples, even if the fruit had started to spoil. Good things now, and the promise of more good to come.

Let’s remember that it’s what inside that counts. Even if we, and others around us, have made mistakes we can say sorry and try again. God forgives us and wants us to keep trying to do what’s right, keep trying to do God’s work in the world.

Hymn: “I’m Gonna Shout, Shout” More Voices #183

I’m gonna shout, shout, shout out my love for Jesus, for Jesus!
I’m gonna shout, shout, shout out my love for God’s most holy child!
For whatever I might do today
At home, at school, at work, at play,
I’ve got Jesus’ love deep down inside of me!

I’m gonna raise, raise, raise up my hands for Jesus, for Jesus!
I’m gonna raise, raise, raise up my hands for God’s most holy child!
For whatever I might do today
At home, at school, at work, at play,
I’ve got Jesus’ love deep down inside of me!

I’m gonna dance, dance, dance all around for Jesus, for Jesus!
I’m gonna dance, dance, dance all around for God’s most holy child!
For whatever I might do today
At home, at school, at work, at play,
I’ve got Jesus’ love deep down inside of me!

Prayer for Illumination Reader: Chris Brown

You are the Storyteller, you are the Word, you are God.
Allelujah!
Bless the reading. Bless the listening. Bless the sharing. Bless the love.
In Christ’s name! Amen.[3]

The Reading: Matthew 21:23-42

The Authority of Jesus Questioned

23 When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” 24 Jesus said to them, “I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. 25 Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” And they argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.” 27 So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

The Parable of the Two Sons

28 “What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 He answered, ‘I will not’; but later he changed his mind and went. 30 The fatherwent to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir’; but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.

Hear what the Spirit is saying to all of us. Amen.

Sermon: “By What Authority?”

Next Saturday morning I will be commissioned as a Diaconal Minister in the United Church of Canada. There will be a laying on of hands, some prayers and promises, and presentations and music. From that moment on, I will have the authority to serve communion, baptize, and marry (once Ontario agrees); I will be authorized to wear a stole and a clergy collar and to use the title Reverend. Just a short, beautiful ceremony and then… I will have all this authority!

Well, those of you who have journeyed these past five years with me – my family, my friends, and all of you here at Bells Corners United Church – know that a ceremony, no matter how important and meaningful, isn’t all it takes for a person to earn the authority that comes with being commissioned or ordained into ministry. It even takes more than study. Yes, I took a lot of courses in theology, spirituality, worship and the writings in the Bible; I took courses in church history and church polity; I took courses in pastoral care and in ethics and, because I was in the diaconal stream, I also took courses in Social Justice and Christian Education. I did field placements both here at the church and at the Ottawa West End Community Chaplaincy. I worked with two wonderful diaconal mentors and two field supervisors, one of whom was Reverend Kim, and committees of folks who helped me make connections between the work and my faith. It was a lot of work! But even all that, with the reading and the study and the assignments completed and my diploma in hand, didn’t give me that authority. It also took a lot of soul-searching and wrestling with my understanding of my own faith. It took hours and hours of interviews with folks in our presbytery and in our conference and then in our region, interviews that drilled down into my soul to determine if I was truly called to this role, what gifts I have to offer, and if I was really ready to take on the sacred responsibility that comes with it. The ceremony next weekend is the culmination of that journey, a time to affirm that readiness and commitment before God, a time to acknowledge and celebrate the work we have all done to come to this point, and to mark the beginning of the next stage in my faith journey, my life journey.

By what authority do I stand in the pulpit today, or facilitate a Lectionary Study, or create Sunday School curriculum? Is it a ceremony that gives me that authority? Is it a stole or a clergy collar? Is it my diploma or my other university degrees? No, my authority comes from my life experience that led me to this call, the work I have done to find and use my gifts – and, perhaps most of all, it comes from the trust you have in me, the confidence that I am someone who you can rely on to fill the role as a minister to this congregation.

In our gospel reading today, Jesus is teaching in the temple. Just the day before, he had caused quite a scene in this same place – overturning tables and chasing the sellers and money changers out into the street. It’s an event I like to call his “temple tantrum”. And so, on this day, Jesus has returned to the temple and is teaching – a more fitting thing to be doing in that place. More fitting, perhaps, but a total disruption of business as usual – and so the chief priests and elders come to challenge him:

“By what authority do you do these things?”

In other words, “What makes you think you can walk in here and change everything? Who made you the boss here?”

They are talking about the events of these few days, yes, but I think they are also questioning the content of his teaching, his re-interpretation of scripture, and his going around offering healing and forgiveness to people.

Where others are amazed and comforted and encouraged to see the world in a new way, the chief priests and elders are skeptical. More than that, they are angry! It’s not so much that they are curious about his authority as they are threatened by the power that this authority gives him. They need to find a way to not only get rid of him, but to discredit him in the eyes of his followers. Although he is known as a rabbi, a teacher, he is not a priest and he has certainly not been recognized by the powers of the day, both religious and secular, to change the way things work. They are in this elevated position, with the permission of Rome to keep the traditions of the Jewish faith, as long as that also means keeping the people under control and preventing them from rising up against that imperial power. They have made a compromise in order to keep the faith alive under a government that doesn’t share their beliefs – and it doesn’t hurt that doing so has been very rewarding to them in worldly ways as well. Upsetting things as Jesus was doing would not only hurt them personally but it would upset the peace that they have negotiated with Rome. They are angry and they are scared of what this stirring up of the people will bring.

So, they come up with a way to discredit him in front of those followers. They ask him a question that will force him to show his credentials – of which he has no formal ones – and to even blaspheme by attributing his power to God. They have set a trap.

I was a teacher for many years before I started down this road to ministry and before that, a social worker. One of the most powerful things I learned over the years is that for real learning or change to take place, you don’t tell people what to do or give them answers, you ask questions to make them consider what they already know and to find the answers and solutions within themselves. Careful guidance is important, for sure, but for meaningful learning to happen, the work needs to be done by the one seeking to understand… “How do I figure out the answer to this math question?” I could give them a formula, but if they don’t understand why it works, they will be back to ask the same question tomorrow… “What do I do about my rebellious daughter?” I might be able to tell them how I dealt with my own children but sending them home with a “Lorrie says you have to do this!” could backfire and then I am the blame for the rift in the relationship and nothing changes, in fact, it could make matters worse. A question that leads to new insight is a very powerful tool.

When I think back through the stories of Jesus’ ministry with this in mind, I see what a master teacher and healer he was. No healing story I can think of comes with a simple wave of his hand or a touch – I hear affirmations like “Your faith has made you well.” I hear challenges like, “Take up your mat and go home.” “Go show yourselves to the priests.” “Wash the mud off your eyes.” I hear “Try something new, cast your nets on the other side of the boat.”

When he is teaching, I don’t hear, “This is what you must do!” I hear parables and stories designed to make the listeners consider their own position and how a change in perspective can lead to a change in the world.

In this reading today, Jesus asks a question – not to get the priests to give a pat answer but to get them thinking about why the answer is important to them. Do they want to stir the people against him or do they want to expose their struggles with their own beliefs?

And while they are still pondering the question, he tells this parable. At first glance, it doesn’t seem to connect with the issue at hand at all – but we know this Jesus well enough to know that he isn’t just telling a story to give himself or the priests time to figure out next steps. There must be a point to it…

“Which of the two did the will of his father?” he asks.

If we view the story through the lens of Hebrew teachings – neither of the sons were following the commandment to honour your mother and father… neither of them showed their father the respect he deserved. One refused to do what he was asked and the other mouthed the words with no intention of following through.

In the end, however, we are told that the son who was honest about his intentions, changed his mind and went into the vineyard to work. He “changed his mind.” What does that tell us? Did he just decide that he had nothing better to do so he might as well go do this work he really didn’t want to do? Or did he think about what he had done and change his mind about what was important, what he cared about?

In the end, which son is most likely to be redeemed in the eyes of the father – the one who said the things expected of him but then didn’t follow through or the one who did the work?

Why does he say that the sinners are in a better position to enter the kingdom of God than those who have dedicated their lives to following the rules? Which were willing to look at their lives in a new light and change what they considered important? Who was willing to examine what they cared about? Who was more focussed on following rules to the letter rather than searching their hearts to understand the intent of those rules?

Where did Jesus’ authority come from to give him the power he had with the people? Did it come from a diploma or a ceremony? Or did it come from his life experience and the work he did to not only read the scriptures but figure out what God was really challenging people to do? Did it come from those words at his baptism, “This is my beloved son in whom I am well-pleased?” or from the actual work he did - and was willing to do - in order to please God? Did it come from his telling the people what to do and what to believe – or from his way of challenging them to think for themselves and act accordingly?

Is he saying that all Priests are bad and all sinners are good? Or is he asking us to question who we are in the story and what we are willing to do to follow the will of God and move this world closer to what God intends for it to be?

Rituals and ceremonies are important to what we do as a church. I don’t think any of us, or Jesus himself, would argue with that. They serve as signposts on our faith journeys and they also remind us about what we do as Christians and why we do it. They aren’t simply a way of parading pomp or of saying magic words. In our United Church tradition, we more often make covenants rather than vows. Our promises are grounded in our willingness and our intent to following the example of Christ and the will of God. They are our acknowledgement that we don’t do any of this alone. Our rituals are a reminder of who and whose we are. They acknowledge not only the work we have done but the expectations of us as we move forward.

Next week is very important to me. I am excited to acknowledge the work I have done and all the work you have done to take us to this point in our faith journeys – but it doesn’t mark the end of the road for me or for any of us. If anything, it challenges us to celebrate what we have done and to use what we have learned in the process to help us move further along this path that God calls us to.

So, today I don’t leave you with answers. Today I leave you with questions:

What gives us the authority to call ourselves Christians?

Who gives us the authority to try to change the world?

Who are we willing to be in the story?

Amen.

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer

Holy One,

As summer days turn cooler and the gardens begin to fade, we stir from our pandemic cocoons, venturing out to school and work, a little wary of the dangers outside our homes.

But the trees have begun dressing for the parade of colour that comes with the changing of the season, a reminder that life goes on and that there is still much beauty in this world.

As you awaken our senses, awaken too our love for our neighbour. Let us be stirred into action that we may be a blessing to others.

We pray for those lacking the basic needs of life: clean water, clean air, nourishing food, and a shelter against the changing weather…

We pray for those who feel alone, forgotten, or unloved.

We pray for those who are grieving the loss of loved ones, the loss of employment, the loss of health, the loss of hope…

We pray for those who are anxious and afraid – those facing war, unrest, violence, uncertainty…

We pray for our leaders, for our front-line workers, for our teachers and their students…

We pray for our community, for this church, for our families…

We pray for ourselves that we might look beyond the stresses of these Covid days with hope for a brighter tomorrow.

All of the joys and the concerns that we express aloud, and all those we carry in our hearts, we bring to you as we repeat the ancient prayer that Jesus taught his followers:

Invitation to Offer

Even in these days of social distancing and isolation, when our church building is closed to many, we are still called to be the church in the world, sharing our blessings with others.

Offertory Prayer

Because we live in a world where many are at the limit of their strength,
We bring these gifts for the building of a church that will share burdens and gladden hearts.
May it be so. Amen.[4]

Sending Forth

With the confidence of the presence of God within and around us,
With the promise of the companionship of Christ on our every journey,
With the enlivening of the Spirit to keep us joyful,
Let us go now to be God’s people in the world.[5]
Amen.

Hymn: “Great is Thy Faithfulness” Voices United #288

1. Great is thy faithfulness, God our Creator;
There is no shadow of turning with thee;
Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not;
As thou hast been thou forever wilt be.

Refrain:
Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed thy hand hath provided
Great is thy faithfulness, ever to me!

2. Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To they great faithfulness, mercy, and love.

3. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
Wondrous the portion thy blessings provide.

Departing: From a Distance - Gold

Zoom Fellowship hosted by Lorrie at 11:30 am. Link has been emailed. See you there!

[1] Richard Bott, Gathering Pentecost 2 2015, p30. Used with permission.

[2] George Allan, Gathering Pentecost 2 2013, p26. Used with permission.

[3] Richard Bott, Gathering Pentecost 2 2015, p38. Used with permission.

[4] John Moses, Gathering Pentecost 2 2015, p39. Used with permission.

[5] Bob Root, Gathering Pentecost 2 2015, p41. Used with permission.

Connie Davidson

September 24, 2020

Announcements

More In-Person Modified Worship Services offered on selected Sundays

Connie Davidson

September 24, 2020

Announcements

For this and all events we are following public health recommendations related to COVID-19 safety. If you would like to attend, please read more about the service below. You must pre-register by the Wednesday before each service by using the online form (find the link below for the service you want to attend) or by contacting the office at (613) 820-8103 or office@bcuc.org.

Connie Davidson

September 19, 2020

Worship services

Sunday Worship Service - September 20, 2020

Connie Davidson

September 19, 2020

Worship services

BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH

2nd SUNDAY OF CREATION TIME IN THE SEASON OF PENTECOST
FALL WORSHIP SERVICE

September 20, 2020

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

Gathering Music: Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen/All Night, All Day Mark Hayes

Welcome & Announcements

Good Morning! On behalf of Bells Corners United Church, I extend a warm welcome to you today and I greet you in the name of Jesus, our mentor and guide, and the very reason we gather together as a family of faith.

We begin this morning by acknowledging that we are gathered on the unceded traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabe First Nation. We pay respect to the elders, past and present and honour all indigenous people’s reverence of this land throughout the ages. May we live in peace and friendship to sustain the earth and all its people.

We have begun to open the sanctuary for a small number of people for the month of September as a trial to see how we can offer a gathering of a few while still following the health protocols to keep everyone safe. If you would like to attend, please go the website or call the church office to register by the Wednesday preceding the service. You will be asked to answer a health questionnaire and given the procedures that have been put in place. At the end of the month, we will look at both the interest of people to attend and the feasibility of following the necessary procedures to decide how we will continue going forward.

Here are a few announcements to highlight this week:

The Annual Memorial Cemetery Service will be held this afternoon Sunday, September 20, at 2pm. It will be held outdoors in the Bells Corners Union Cemetery and you are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and a bottle of water to ensure your comfort and hydration! You are also encouraged to wear a mask and observe social distancing protocols. You can find information about making donations to maintain the cemetery on our website or by speaking with Vernon Sulway.
David’s Flowers continue to be available for purchase by donation on Saturday mornings from 10:30 to 11:30, at the front of the church. The flowers will be displayed on tables outside the main entrance, and everyone is asked to bring donations by exact change or a prepared cheque, and follow the instructions from our volunteers. Thanks to the generous donors, more than $3000 has been raised to date and will be put toward the increased costs of providing online worship services and music licensing fees. And… exciting news! On Saturday, September 26, from 10am to 12 noon, Pickles, Preserves and Ruth’s famous buns will also be for sale! Pick up your flowers and a treat at the same time! We appreciate your support.
Every Wednesday evening at 8pm, we invite you to join your prayers with others from the comfort of your own home. Wherever you are, say a prayer for the world, for your community, the congregation, your family, and yourself. This week, we offer particular prayers for the Stephenson family as they mourn the passing of Doris Stephenson On Wednesday, and for Rev. Kim as she continues her journey to wellness.
If you haven’t ordered your Volume 2 of the book of Memories, now is the time! It is full of great stories and memories of the last 20 years in the life of BCUC’s church family. Please call the church office to reserve your print or digital copy and to arrange payment and pick-up.
The present health restrictions are preventing us from holding our traditional Christmas Bazaar this year but, never fear! Plans are underway for a BCUC Outdoor Market to be held on Saturday, October 17. We hope to have sales areas for baking, deli, crafts, sewing/knitting, gift baskets, and other items that can be sold safely. Christ Church Anglican will be holding a sale outside their church on the same day, so you can shop the street. Please contact Bob and Ellen Boynton if you can offer any help or suggestions. It sounds like a great new community event!
For those who are able to join us by Zoom, there will be a “Virtual Fellowship Time” every Sunday at 11:30 am. The link will be sent to you by email. If you have not yet received it, please call the office for more information during regular church office hours.

For more announcements, please check the church website.

Let us now gather our hearts and minds for worship…

Lighting of the Christ Candle Acolyte: Calliyanna Fowler

In these days when we are not all gathering
together in the church sanctuary,
When life is not the way
we wish it could be
and our church family
seems so far away,
It’s sometimes hard
to remember that Christ is still with us.
We light this candle to remind us
that, even when we can’t be together in body,
We can still be connected in love and in spirit-
And to remind us that Christ is still among us.

Call to Gather

Wait a second! I was here first!
I have been working here for hours! They just turned up.
Yet, the boss is going to pay us all the same!
What’s going on, how can this be fair?
We bring our questions of fairness into worship this morning.[1]

Prayer of Approach

If I asked you to tell me the stories of Jesus, what would you say?
Would you tell me…
“I don’t know them well enough!”
Would you tell me…
“Someone could do it much better!”
Or, would you tell me…
There once was a man who said such wonderful things and did such amazing things that people would ask him, ‘Who are you?’ And his name was Jesus.”
As stewards of the story, as walkers on Christ’s Way,
We are gifted, we are privileged, called to a responsibility to share.
So let us learn together,
Let us teach,
Let us come together to live the story!
Let us come together –
To worship God![2]

Hymn: “God We Praise You for the Morning” - Voices United #415

1. God, we praise you for the morning;
    Hope springs forth from each new day,
    New beginning, prayer and promise,
   Joy in work and in play.

2. God, we praise you for creation,
    Mountains, seas, and prairie land.
    Waking souls find joy and healing
    In your bountiful land.

3.God, we praise you for compassion,
   All the loving that you show;
   Human touching, tears, and laughter,
   Help your children to grow.

4. God, we praise you for your Spirit,
    Comforter and daily friend,
    Restless searcher, gentle teacher,
    Strength and courage you send.

5. God, we praise you for the Saviour,
    Come that we may know your ways.
    In his loving, dying, rising,
    Christ is Lord of our days.

6. Hallelujah, hallelujah,
   Hallelujah, hallelujah!
    Hallelujah, hallelujah!
    Christ is Lord of our days!

Storytime for the Young at Heart Erin Berard

Put up your hand if you’ve ever said, “It’s not fair….”
Yep, I think I see everyone’s hand up…

Sometimes we say that when we see things that aren’t right – it’s not fair when someone is treated differently just because of the colour of their skin, or it’s not fair that not everyone in our community has enough food to eat.

But often when we whine, “it’s not fair…” it’s all about ourselves, isn’t it?

In today’s parable some people who were hired to work were complaining that things weren’t fair. Early one morning they had been hired to work in a vineyard. They were told how much they were going to get paid for the day’s work, and at the end of the day they got that money. Doesn’t seem to be a problem, right? What have they got to complain about? They got paid what they were supposed to.

You know what it was that bugged them? It turns out that more workers were hired that day after lunch, and others hired just before the end of the day, and THEY got paid the SAME amount as the people hired early in the morning! What do YOU think about that? Was it unfair to the early workers?

Everything seemed fair until they started to compare themselves to others. The first workers forgot to appreciate what they did receive (which was what they were supposed to) and just got jealous about what the other workers got. Rather than seeing how the vineyard owner was being generous, they focused on themselves and how they felt should be treated better than the others.

God loves us all equally. God happily and generously gives love to everyone no matter how much we’ve done for God. Think of how we are all blessed with the beautiful blue sky and the warm sun no matter how old we are, how rich we are, how many years we’ve been in school…

This story can help us remember to be glad when good things happen to others and be thankful God’s continued generosity.

I wonder… Can we try letting God and others around us give generously to others and appreciate what we have next time we feel like whining…?

Hymn: “Magic Penny”

Love is something, if you give it away,
give it away, give it away.
Love is something, if you give it away,
you end up having more!
It’s just like a magic penny,
Hold it tight and you won’t have any.
Lend it, spend it, you’ll have so many,
they’ll roll all over the floor!

Prayer for Illumination Reader: Cathy Dowsett

God, sometimes the words we hear in scripture challenge us more than we like. There are times when all we want is to hear something life-affirming and easy. But then you bring us words that call us to be more, to do more, and to love more. Open us to the challenge of these words and strengthen our faith, for we ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen.[3]

The Reading: Matthew 20:1-16 NRSV The Laborers in the Vineyard

20 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; 4 and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. 5 When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. 6 And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ 8 When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ 9 When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. 10 Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. 11 And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, 12 saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ 13 But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? 14 Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’16 So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

Hear what the Spirit is saying to all of us. Amen.

Sermon: “That’s Not Fair!”

“What’s it worth to you?”

Have you ever been asked that question, seriously or in jest?

I suppose the answer to such a question might depend on your perspective. If I am the person giving or selling something, I might be asking the intended recipient, “What would you be willing to pay for this?” or “What would you be willing to sacrifice for it?” The intent here would be to make a deal that would be worthwhile to me, that would benefit me in some way. The bigger the value in the eyes of the buyer, the bigger the profit to me!

If I am the person on the buying or receiving end, however, I am more likely hoping that I can obtain this item or service or whatever at a low cost to me. I hope to be getting a bargain, something of great value for the least amount of output.

The whole point of negotiating then, is to find the point where everybody feels like they have won, where everybody is happy with the outcome. Everybody gets a fair deal.

But it doesn’t always work that way, does it? What one person sees as fair is not always the same for others. Who gets to decide in the end? When we are far apart on our thinking about fairness, things can get pretty tense – even nasty. Fairness is a tricky concept. No one likes to feel that they have been taken advantage of.

This parable from the book of Matthew addresses that issue in an interesting way. It comes on the heels of the story of the wealthy young man who asked Jesus what he needed to do to have eternal life. I suppose Jesus could have asked him, “What’s it worth to you?” but, instead, he gives him a price that he knows will be a challenge; he tells the young man to sell everything he owns, give his money to the poor, and come follow him. The result is that the young man goes away, grieving… I guess eternal life wasn’t worth giving up his earthly possessions…

I think Jesus knew that this would be a challenge the young man couldn’t accept. He knows that the more comfort, and possessions, and wealth that a person accumulates, the harder it is to sacrifice it. It’s human nature. This young man was a good person – devout, kept all the commandments, wanted to do good deeds that would please God… He was willing to do anything – as long as it didn’t impact his life in a big way. Jesus shakes his head, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

The disciples were curious! They had given up everything – their livelihood, their families, their homes – and followed Jesus. Surely, they will get huge rewards! “We’ve done all that and we’ve been with you from the beginning! What will we get, Jesus?”

And this is when Jesus tells the story we heard today.

So, let’s take that same question – “What’s it worth to you?” – and see how it fits with the parable he chose to follow this experience…

A landowner needs people to work in his vineyards, so, as was the custom of the day, he heads to the market square to find some folks who are looking for work. He hires them, offering the usual daily pay. They happily agree to the terms and head to the vineyard. At this point, everyone is happy. It seems like a fair deal. The landowner gets his workers and the workers get a full day’s work and compensation.

What’s it worth to the landowner? He gets a group of workers for 12 hours, so it’s worth paying each of them the expected daily wage.

What’s it worth to the workers? They get a full day’s work. They don’t have to come back to the market later, hoping to fill in a few more hours. They can go home at the end of the day feeling successful. They accomplish exactly what they had hoped for when they arrived at the marketplace that morning. It’s worth spending 12 hours doing outside labour.

At several points later in the day, the landowner goes back to the marketplace to hire more workers. We aren’t told why this is necessary. Perhaps there is more work to be done than he originally thought. Maybe the early workers are getting tired and progress is slowing down so he needs some “fresh horses”. Maybe there is some different work that needs to be done and he needs different people to take on these new projects without taking the others off what they are doing… For whatever reason, he hires people early in the morning, again at nine o’clock, then repeats the process at noon, three o’clock, and five.

What is all this back and forth to town worth to the landowner? He gets fresh workers throughout the day, those he hires are eager to get some work, even if it is just for a few hours, more gets accomplished in his vineyard. It’s worth it!

What is it worth to the new hires? Instead of spending the whole day standing in the marketplace and going home empty-handed, they get some employment and feel that they have contributed to supporting their families. It may not be a full day’s work, but it might make the difference between the family going hungry or having at least something to eat tonight. It’s worth putting in the effort, even for a few hours.

So far, everyone is happy! Everyone feels they have gotten a fair deal. But at the end of the day, all that changes…

The landowner instructs the manager to line the workers up to be paid, and he is specific about paying the last workers to arrive, first. Instead of paying them a pro-rated amount for the number of hours they worked, he pays them a full day’s wage! And this continues on down the line… everyone gets an equal share, no matter if they have been there for twelve hours or two.

The first to be paid must be ecstatic! They had been waiting all day in the market, hoping for even a little work, losing hope of having anything to show for their time. They were given the possibility of making a few pennies so they wouldn’t be going home empty-handed and in shame but now they are going home with full pockets. It was worth all that standing in the square and getting more and more dejected as time went on.

I imagine that most of those who came later in the day would be pretty pleased to go home with a full day’s pay. It was beyond their expectations.

The ones who were hired at dawn, however, didn’t feel the same way at all… “That’s not fair!”

Even though they received exactly what they had agreed upon, even though it seemed worth it to work twelve long hours to go home with a full day’s wages in their pockets, suddenly the fact that others got the same reward for what seems like a lot less effort, makes them angry. They feel they deserve more than those other guys, that the landowner should have considered their contribution worth more than everyone else’s.

Now, the landowner could have easily prevented this problem by paying the early workers first and sending them on their way. After all, if they didn’t see what the others received, they would most likely have gone home happy with a full day’s wage for a full day’s work. It would have been worth it… but that’s not what happened. He specifically told the manager to do pay the workers from the last to arrive, to the first.

So, for some reason, everyone’s contribution to the day’s work was worth full compensation. It didn’t matter what time they arrived, the work they accomplished, at the end of the day, was all seen as valuable in the landowner’s eyes. Each person’s part was seen as just as important, just as worthy as every one else’s. Each person deserved to go home satisfied with their accomplishments and with enough money in their pockets to meet their needs.

The gospel writer doesn’t tell us how the first ones paid reacted – but we can be pretty sure they didn’t grumble. I imagine they were already grateful to get even a partial day’s work, so this would have been a welcome surprise. What a generous man this landowner was! What a caring person to send them home with not only enough money to feed their families, but with their dignity intact. They wouldn’t be feeling that they were less than the others, or worth less than anyone else. They had made a contribution, perhaps smaller than some, but perhaps all they were capable of that day.

The ones who had worked all day, however, were the ones who complained, the ones who were there from the start… the ones who were picked first for the job. That makes me think… why were they picked first and not the others who ended up standing around for hours? It makes sense to me that they would be the more able-bodied ones, the ones who looked like they could handle a full day’s work, the ones who were probably picked first every day… the ones who were always able to provide for their needs and would, therefore be in better shape physically, mentally and emotionally. They may not have had full time occupations and they may have struggled to get by… but it seems to me that they would have enjoyed some privileges that the others might be lacking for many reasons other than laziness. These others, remember, were not standing in the marketplace begging for handouts. They were willing to work but were passed over for some reason – a disability? Age? Some other reason that might limit their time or their capacity to take on a full day’s work?

So, what was the problem here? It seems that the landowner didn’t follow the norms of the day. True to Jesus’ pattern of taking something we think we understand and then turning it upside down, this man didn’t seem to base the worth of each man’s work on the length of the day or any form of merit, his decision came from a place of grace. No worker received less than he was entitled to… no one went home without the means to support himself and his family… every one of them contributed something meaningful … every person went home with their dignity intact and their needs met. One added bonus is that I bet those who were paid more than they expected would be looking forward to working for this man again. I bet those workers who came last, who had been standing idle all day because no one had hired them, were probably the ones who held back most days, thinking they would be passed over anyway for those healthy, able-bodied men who seemed to get the best work every day. Perhaps this experience will have given them the confidence to put their hands up tomorrow…

The money to pay everyone equally wasn’t coming out of the early workers’ pockets. They weren’t paid less than the fair wage of the times. So, why did they begrudge the others of the means to meet their needs? Why should it matter to them that the landowner was generous?

“That’s not fair!” they shouted…

The story tells us that they were expecting to be paid more., not that they wanted the others to get less…

Would it be fair to give those with enough even more than they were entitled to for the work they did and leave the others struggling to put food on the table?

Would it be fair to raise the comfortable higher when they haven’t done any more than expected and leave the others in poverty – increasing the gap between the haves and the have-nots?

I don’t think the early workers were necessarily being greedy…Perhaps they just didn’t think it through. They were basing their complaint on the premise that payment should be on a sliding scale according to time and ability and so, it follows at first glance that if someone else is being paid the same for something they saw as less, then they should be paid even more than was normal for the work they did – that somehow what they had done was now worth more than it was before.

The idea of a Basic Income Guarantee is a hot topic these days. It’s not a new idea. There have been many studies and even pilot projects put in place over the last decade. Lots of scholars have weighed in – economists, social justice workers, and even theologians. The Moderator of the United Church of Canada has issued a letter in support of the concept. Members of our own congregation have hosted an online presentation explaining what it is – and what it isn’t – and posted information on our church website. (I encourage you to check it out) Everyone seems to have an opinion, it seems, and the discussions between those for it and those opposed can get pretty heated at times. One thing I have noticed though is that the two sides are not always talking about the same thing.

Some people think that it’s not fair that they have to work, while others get paid to stay home. Some people think that it will cost us less to make sure people’s basic needs are being met than it costs us now to keep people on welfare. Some people think it will encourage people to take advantage of the system. Some believe it will give more people a leg up so they won’t always need to depend on outside support. Some people aren’t really sure what it’s all about. Some people think it’s just not fair.

I guess, just like in the parable, it depends on your perspective… and your understanding of the whole issue.

Is Jesus really asking us to sell all we own and live in poverty as he challenged the rich young man? … or is he asking us to replace our thirst for more, and more, with a sharing of resources to help others out of the cycle of poverty?

What’s it worth to you?

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer

God of us all,
We give thanks that you see us all as worthy of your love and grace.
Help us to avoid judging others worth using worldly measures
And help us see the value in each one we meet.

There are so many in this world who are suffering.
We pray for all those who hunger for food – in their bodies or in their souls.
We pray that they will be filled.

We pray for those who suffer injustice, oppression, and discrimination
That they may be lifted.

We pray for all those dealing with grief, sorrow, and loss.
That they may be comforted.

We pray for our families, our friend, and our neighbours, near and far,
That they may be strengthened by your love.
We offer up to you all the blessings and concerns that we share aloud or hold silently in our hearts,
Knowing that you hear each one.

We ask all this as we continue in these familiar words together:

Invitation to Offer

Offertory Prayer

These symbols of the sweat of our brow,
we present to you, O God,
as an act of trust:
Trust that they will contribute
to your mission in the world,
Trust that we will become
instruments of your will,
Trust that you will bless the giving and the givers. Amen[4]

Sending Forth

As a community of compassion, reborn in God’s image,
go out into the world to both spread and point out
the goodness of God’s love and grace
that is present in the world around you,
in the coming week.
Do so knowing you are both loved and [5]blessed by God,
This day and forevermore. Amen.

Hymn: “I Saw the Rich Ones” More Voices #127

1. I saw the rich ones I saw what they gave
   The widow who offered two pennies she’d saved
    And I saw she was smiling, I knew she was glad
    And I wondered because she gave all that she had.

Refrain:
            But with God the world is turned upside down
            The poor are embraced and the lost they are found.
            Let’s work for a world where all people are free
            Where it’s good to feel good about God loving you and me.

2. I saw Zacheus, a sinner they said
    But to his house I saw Jesus go to break bread
    And I knew something special had happened that day
    When Zacheus gave half of his riches away.

3. The men in the vineyards were grumbling one day
    I knew they weren’t happy with what they’d been paid
    For the ones who came later were paid just the same
    As the ones who greeted the dawn when they came.

Words & Music © 2000 Pat Mayberry, arr: © 2006 Marg Stubbington
Song #127280 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214.
All rights reserved

Departing: In the Chapel De Severac

Zoom Fellowship hosted by Lorrie at 11:30 am. Link has been emailed. See you there!

[1] Sandy Ferguson, Gathering Pentecost 2, 2020, p33. Used with permission.

[2] Richard Bott, Gathering Pentecost 2, 2018, p29. Used with permission.

[3] Susan Ivany, Gathering, Pentecost 2 2017, p37. Used with permission.

[4] Gord Dunbar, Gathering Pentecost 2, 2014, p35. Used with permission.

[5] Allan Warren, Gathering Pentecost 2, 2014, p36. Used with permission.

Connie Davidson

September 12, 2020

Announcements

In-Person Modified Virtual Worship Services offered throughout September

Connie Davidson

September 12, 2020

Announcements

For this and all events we are following public health recommendations related to COVID-19 safety. If you would like to attend, please read more about the services below. You must pre-register for each service by using the online form or by contacting the office at (613) 820-8103 or office@bcuc.org.

Connie Davidson

September 12, 2020

Worship services

Sunday Worship Service - September 13, 2020

Connie Davidson

September 12, 2020

Worship services

BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH

1st SUNDAY OF CREATION TIME IN THE SEASON OF PENTECOST
FALL WORSHIP SERVICE

September 13, 2020

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

Gathering Music: Fallen Embers – Enya

Welcome & Announcements

Here are a few announcements to highlight this week:

- David’s Flowers are available for purchase by donation every Saturday morning from 10:30 to 11:30, drive-through style. The flowers will be displayed on tables outside the main entrance, and everyone is asked to bring donations by exact change or a prepared cheque, and remain in your car to receive instructions from our volunteers. Thank you for your support!

- Every Wednesday evening at 8pm, we invite you to join your prayers with others from the comfort of your own home. Wherever you are, say a prayer for the world, for your community, the congregation, your family, and yourself. This week, we offer particular prayers for Bev Wilcox as she mourns the death of her brother, and for Rev. Kim as she takes the time she needs to get well.

- Volume 2 of the book of Memories is available for purchase in either print or digital format. Please call the church office to reserve your copy and arrange payment and pick-up.

- You can also purchase Grocery cards by calling the church office.

For more announcements, please check the church website.

Let us now gather our hearts and minds for worship…

Lighting of the Christ Candle[1] Acolytes: Chris and Kaylee Brown

We light the Christ candle knowing that Christ’s love shines like a beacon for those of us who are troubled, who are anxious, who are unsure, welcoming us into the presence of our God, who loves us into fullness.

Call to Gather[2]:

We turn to the right
and Jesus gives us a sign to let go of the past, to offer forgiveness.
We turn to the left
And the Holy Spirit swirls the freshness of the present moment around us.
Then we recognize God’s voice behind us, urging us to move forward.
Come, let us follow the signs of our faith and breathe in the freshness of the Spirit
As we go forward into worship.

Prayer of Approach[3]

Caring Teacher,
So often we come to you with our questions.
Where are you? What should I do? Why me?
Other times we put questions in your mouth, assuming your main concern is our moral behaviour:
Were we judgmental? Did we give enough?
Loving, nurturing, and at times … challenging God, your actual questions often surprise us.
Freely ask them of us today for our hearts are open to hear them.
Question us, teach us, and guide us, we pray. Amen

Hymn: “All Creatures of Our God and King” Voices United #217

1. All creatures of our God and King
Lift up your voice and with us sing:
Hallelujah, hallelujah!
Bright, burning sun with golden beam,
Soft, shining moon with silver gleam,
Sing praises, sing praises,
Hallelujah, hallelujah!

2. O rushing winds and breezes soft,
O clouds that ride the winds aloft,
Sing praises, hallelujah!
O rising morn, in praise rejoice,
O lights of evening find a voice:
Sing praises, sing praises,
Hallelujah, hallelujah!

3. Earth, ever fertile day by day
Brings forth rich blessings on our way:
Sing praises, hallelujah!
The flowers and fruits that verdant grow,
Let them God’s glory also show:
Sing praises, sing praises,
Hallelujah, hallelujah!

4. And everyone of tender heart,
Forgiving others, take your part:
Sing praises, hallelujah!
All who long pain and sorrow bear,
Praise God and yield up all your care:
Sing praises, sing praises,
Hallelujah, hallelujah!

5. Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship God in humbleness:
Sing praises, hallelujah!
Praise God eternal, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, three in one:
Sing praises, sing praises,
Hallelujah, hallelujah!

Words 1225 St. Francis of Assisi, trans 1919 Draper, Music 1623
Geistliche Kirchengesänge harmony 1906 Ralph Vaughan Williams ONE LICENSE #A-733214

Storytime for the Young at Heart Erin Berard

I’d like you to imagine you are the person in this pretend story.

Let’s imagine that you’re really interested in taking pictures, in photography, and one day your uncle lends you his really fancy camera to practice with. You have a really good time taking some pictures in your backyard, and then you put the camera down on your picnic table when you go inside to get a drink. And you forget about it overnight. And it rains. Oh boy… You’re in a lot of trouble now, and you’re probably going to have to use up a lot of your allowance for weeks or even months to come to pay to replace the camera.

So how would you feel when your uncle came the next day and saw the camera and he said, “Don’t worry. It was an accident. I understand. I forgive you. Don’t worry about paying for the repairs or replacing the camera. I’ve got it.”

Would you feel grateful? Relieved? What a kindness!

Let’s imagine some time goes by, and it’s your birthday! You get that camera you’ve been waiting for! You have a great time taking pictures of the birthday celebrations… until your brother accidently dumps a big glass of fruit punch all over your brand-new camera.

Would you be as willing to be forgiving as your uncle was to you?

It’s hard to forgive others sometimes, isn’t it?
But Jesus tells us we should be always ready to forgive others.

When Jesus tells a similar story about forgiveness, Peter asks him, So Jesus, how many times should I forgive someone before enough is enough? (Is it like, ‘3 strikes, you’re out’?) Peter suggests seven times - Is seven times enough, Jesus? Jesus says, No, Peter, try seventy times, or even seventy times seven times. That’s like 490!

I couldn’t keep track of saying sorry that many times! But that’s not really the point, is it? Jesus is trying to tell us that we should keep on forgiving over and over and over again, just like God forgives us over and over and over again for all the mistakes and bad choices we make every day.

Let’s try to follow that example and forgive others as we have been forgiven.

Hymn: “Listen, God is Calling” More Voices #97

Listen, God is calling, through the Word inviting,
Offering forgiveness, comfort and joy.

Words & Music © Traditional Tanzania song, translation: Olson, Arr. © More Voices 2007
Song #01607 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Prayer for Illumination[4] Reader: David Stafford

For the word of God in scripture, among us and within us,
Thanks be to God. Amen.

The Reading: Matthew 18: 21-35 NRSV “The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant”

21 Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.

23 “For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. 24 When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; 25 and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. 26 So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27 And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29 Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30 But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. 31 When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. 32 Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. 35 So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

Hear what the Spirit is saying to all of us. Amen.

Sermon: “Extravagant Forgiveness” Lorrie Lowes DM

In today’s scripture reading, we meet the “Story Telling Man” again. Jesus often used parables to teach both his disciples and the crowds who gathered to hear him as he conducted his itinerant ministry. Most of these stories, we have found, take a familiar theme and turn it on its head. The endings are not at all what we, or the people of his time, are expecting. They usually take us by surprise and challenge us to think about things from a whole new perspective. This one, the story of the unforgiving servant, however, seems to be an exception. Not only does the unforgiving man get punished, but Jesus warns us that the same fate awaits anyone who acts in this way – that God will torture those who are unforgiving. What a scary thought! Rather than Jesus’ usual assurance of God’s grace, we are threatened with God’s anger. Perhaps it is the logical ending to the story, but it flies in the face of everything we have come to understand about God and about Jesus. What on earth are we supposed to do with this?

“So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

There are many scholars who believe that this last verse was not, in fact, a direct quote from Jesus at all. They believe that the writer of the book of Matthew added this, that it fit with his own interpretation of what Jesus was teaching that day. So, does that mean we should just ignore that sentence and move on? Should we have just left it out of today’s reading? Even without that direct threat, the ending of the story leaves us with the same challenge: What was Jesus trying to teach with this parable that day?

Forgiveness is a difficult concept for all of us. In Jesus’ time, rabbis addressed this problem with a formula. Forgiveness for a repeated event, they recommended, should be extended no more than three times. After that, I guess, the gloves were off! Peter, in his question to Jesus, was being very generous to suggest forgiving seven times. I imagine he knew that Jesus wouldn’t be so harsh and so he doubled the recommended number and then some. Jesus responds – and I imagine him speaking with a laugh – “Seven times? Try seventy-seven!” In some translations, he says seventy times seven! Obviously, he is not asking Peter to keep a tally. I believe he is making the point that there really is no limit to the forgiveness we should be willing to give. It’s the kind of answer that says to Peter, “You really don’t get it, do you?” Peter is focussed on the process, Jesus is focussed on the intent, the love, that should be behind the act of forgiving. And so, he turns to his usual method for getting a difficult idea across; he tells a story.

In this story, Jesus uses a very concrete example that everyone can relate to – money. He hits his listeners hard where it counts, right in the pocketbook! To get a clear idea of just how hard, we need to understand the money he is talking about. The first slave, we are told, owes the king “ten thousand talents”. A talent was a measure of weight. One talent weighed around 130 pounds. If we consider that this was probably referring to silver, the usual currency of the time, one talent represented about 15 years of work for the typical labourer. Ten thousand talents, then, would require 150,000 years of income. It is an amount that would be impossible for the slave to ever pay back! The fellow slave, we are told, owes the first a hundred denarii. One denarius was apparently the average wage for a day’s work, so, not nearly such an unreasonable amount of debt. So, the king has forgiven a debt of around $10 million dollars and the forgiven slave is demanding payment of, perhaps, $2000, three or four months’ income. It’s not a small amount, by any means, but one that could reasonably be paid off over time.

So, who are the characters in this story? I think it’s natural to assume that the king represents God. In the beginning of the story at least, this king acts in the way we would expect God to. He listens to the plea of the slave, “Have patience with me!” He even seems to accept this totally impossible commitment that in time the debt – that $10 million dollars – will be paid in full. Surely, he realizes that this is not going to happen. He could follow through with his original plan to throw the guy in prison and sell all of his assets, including his wife and children, and at least recoup some of that money. Instead, he chooses to forgive the debt entirely. That sounds like the God we know.

So, I guess if the king is God, that makes the slaves all of us humans… The first slave must be pretty wealthy. If he owes the king ten million dollars, I would think he is living a pretty luxurious life after all. The second slave is more like many of us, I guess, managing alright but working hard to support our lifestyle and sometimes depending on credit to make that happen. When we talked about this in the Lectionary Study Group this week, we thought about how the experience of these two slaves fit with what we know in society today. Jan talked about farmers. They work on bank credit. They borrow money to plant the crops with the expectation that they will be able to pay it back at harvest time. If there is a particularly bad year, the banks are less likely to continue to carry the debt of the small farmers than they are of the ones with huge properties and the greater potential of recovering to turn a profit the following year. Sue also noted that the same thing happens when we take out a loan at the bank. If you owe a thousand dollars, you are in big trouble if you can’t make your payments, and yet it seems that millionaires get by – often by shifting the debt from their large corporation to smaller ones under their control, letting the little guys take the hit for the big guy’s mistake. Sounds a lot like what the wealthy slave was trying to do to the one who owed him money. The more the world progresses, the more human nature remains the same…

But, let’s go back to Jesus and this parable. I don’t think the lesson he was trying to teach was that the wealthier you are, the less likely you are to suffer… and I’m still struggling with the ending of the story where that seemingly benevolent king is suddenly out for blood when he finds out that the recipient of his good will isn’t acting the same way. What happened to the unending grace we are promised by God? What happened to the seventy-seven gifts of forgiveness?

It makes me think that, perhaps, this king doesn’t represent God at all. Maybe he is just human like us. Forgiveness is a difficult thing for us mere mortals, especially when we’ve been burned more than once. Forgiving someone can seem like giving them a pass – or more than that, giving them permission to hurt us again… and again. We want to be loving to our neighbours, but even we Christians don’t want to be suckers, opening ourselves to abuse by those very people we are showing that love to. It’s a nice ideal, but in the real world, we tend to be wary of doling out forgiveness at every turn. We are afraid of being taken advantage of; we are afraid of setting ourselves up to be used.

But, when Jesus talks about forgiveness, is that really what he’s asking us to do?

When Peter asked the question, “How many times should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”, he is focussing on the expectation that he must forgive or face the wrath of God. With that attitude, it’s all about saying the words, not about truly offering forgiveness. “OK, I’ll give you 6 more chances but then watch out!” Is that a sincere act of forgiveness? Will that change the relationship and the trust between the two parties?

It makes me think about those times with children when we say, “Apologize to your sister!” and we get the snarky response, “Sorry!” We all know they aren’t sorry at all, but the offended child is then expected to say, “It’s ok.” Problem solved! Conflict ended!... but is it really? Chances are, the injured party is still hurting or angry and the offender thinks they got away with it. Often, the minute you turn your back there is another poke or a tongue stuck out…. But what else can we do?

I think there has to be more to that exchange of forgiveness and apology. There needs to be a communication between the parties involved – and sometimes a mediator to help that communication take place. What if, instead of saying, “Apologize to your sister!”, we begin with, “Johnny, what you did to Sally has made her very angry (or hurt, or upset). Can you tell me what’s going on that you felt like doing that and Sally, can you tell Johnny why you are crying?” You can be sure it won’t be an easy conversation. It will quickly turn into “Well she said (or did) something first….!” Or “It’s not fair that…!” and there will likely be lots of strong emotions expressed on both sides. Instead of getting a quick interchange of “I’m sorry” and “It’s ok”, you will be forced to get to the bottom of the issue and help work out a solution.

It’s this kind of confrontation that is necessary if we are looking for true reconciliation, for real healing of the situation. It’s how we teach our children to treat each other with respect.

This isn’t just a childhood problem though. Even as adults, when someone wrongs us, are we really looking for an apology or are we demanding justice? Be honest… more often than not we want blood! We want them to pay for what they’ve done.

Is a simple apology - forced or not - ever enough?

Does telling someone they are forgiven solve the problem?

From my days in parenting and in teaching, I can tell you that it doesn’t work that way with kids. From my days as a social worker, I can tell you that it doesn’t work with adults either. Think about the couple that is struggling in their marriage and, often as a last resort, turns to counselling. They will likely say they are there to sort out their problems, but when the conversation begins, they are really looking to the counsellor to justify their anger. At least in the beginning, each one is trying to get the counsellor on their side. A powerful question to think about in this situation, or in any conflict for that matter, is “What outcome are you hoping for?” Sometimes, (dare I say often?), if things have progressed to the point where they are seeking outside help, they have already decided that the marriage is over. What counselling can do in that case, is to heal the relationship to the point where they can part ways but still function respectfully in the future – something that’s especially vital when there are children involved. So, the apology might come in the form of “I’m sorry I can’t be the partner you need to make this relationship work.” And then the forgiveness comes with “What can we do to make sure we don’t continue to hurt each other and those around us?” Once we get past the hurt and anger, the demand for revenge, reconciliation is a much bigger possibility.

We can think about this on a bigger, societal scale, when we apply the same thinking to the Black Lives Matter movement or to the Truth and Reconciliation process here in Canada. In order for any change or healing to take place, there needs to be a time for sharing our hurts, for listening to the other perspective, for creating a real way forward. “We said we were sorry; can’t you just accept that and move on?” doesn’t really address the situation.

We can’t put a limit on this. We can’t arbitrarily decide that seven apologies or seventy-seven is the limit to which we are willing to go. It’s not the formula that counts, it’s the process of finding the way forward.

There is a quote, sometimes attributed to Nelson Mandela, but also to Alcoholics Anonymous, Buddha and several others, that comes to mind for me. “Holding on to resentment is like drinking poison and expecting the wrongdoer to die.” Forgiving someone makes us vulnerable and open to being hurt but that risk is absolutely necessary if we want real change to take place.

In the parable about the unforgiving servant, the wicked slave is turned over by the king to a life of torture. Perhaps that king was not meant to represent God, after all, but is rather a symbol of our own instinct for self-preservation and the consequences of not listening to our conscience. Perhaps the king in the tale is ego…

Love your neighbour as you love yourself, is the message we hear from Jesus over and over again. God offers the gift of unending grace, he tells us. What an extravagant gift that is! Can we take up the challenge to offer that same gift to others… not just seven times, but seventy-seven times… or more? Amen

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer

Holy One,

Over and over again, you offer us your gifts of love and grace. Your compassion is not bound by the limits of time or even by our success or failure in carrying out your dream of peace, harmony, and justice in this world. Through the words and example of Jesus, you call us to live out our gratitude for that extravagant gift by loving our neighbour. Help us to remember those lessons as we struggle to carry them out in the harsh reality of day to day living.

We give you thanks for the many blessings in our lives – the celebration of new babies and the extending of loving families their arrival brings, where we embrace new roles of parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and siblings. We thank you for the extravagant gift of ever-growing circles of love. Let it be a reminder to spread that abundance to all we meet.

Your gift of compassion for each of us reminds us to be compassionate to those around us, particularly to those who suffer due to illness, grief, loneliness, or fear. Today we ask your blessing particularly on Bev Wilcox and her family as they mourn the passing of her brother, and all those in our midst who struggle with such losses in this time when health precautions keep us from offering support to each other in person. We pray for Rev. Kim, that she will find the rest and care she needs to come back to us in full health. We pray for Mandy Crow as she recovers from surgery. And we pray for all the caregivers who work on the front lines and behind the scenes to help the healing take place. We pray for all those feeling the loneliness that the pandemic precautions have caused. Help us to remember to reach out to each other through telephone, email, cards, and prayers so that the love we want to share is felt in the hearts of those we cannot see or touch.

We pray for all of Creation, that the interconnectedness of each living thing is honoured by all who share this planet. Help us to find the way to ensure that the basic necessities of life and health are distributed in a way that ensures abundant life for all.

We pray for our leaders here at home and around the world that their decisions and their motivations serve to advance your dream of peace and harmony. Let the desire for power and greed be outweighed by the love for neighbour and a wish for justice for all.

Help us as we struggle to become the people you want us to be. Help us practice the kind of extravagant grace that you are so willing to offer to us.

We ask these things in the words that Jesus taught…

Invitation to Offer

One of the many ways we show our love for our neighbour is by sharing our gifts.

Offertory Prayer[5]

Ever giving God,
We bring these gifts as a response to the many gifts you offer to us.
We have been blessed in so many ways;
May our response this day be a means of blessing others. Amen.

Sending Forth

Enter the world with God’s love reflecting from your heart. Grant forgiveness to your neighbour, and remember, likewise, to seek forgiveness from them.[6]

And as you go, remember that you are held in God’s guiding love and blessed with the extravagant gift of God’s forgiving grace.

Amen

Hymn: “Your Hand, O God, Has Guided” Voices United #274

1. Your hand, O God, has guided your flock from age to age;
The wondrous tale is written, full clear on every page.
Our forebears owned your goodness, and we their deeds record.
And both to this bear witness:
One church, one faith, one Lord.

2. Your heralds brought glad tidings to greatest as to least;
They bade them rise and hasten to share the heavenly feast.
And this was all their teaching, in every deed and word,
To all alike proclaiming:
One church, one faith, one Lord.

3. Through many days of darkness, through many scenes of strife,
The faithful few fought bravely to guard your people’s life.
Their gospel of redemption, sin pardoned, earth restored,
Was all in this enfolded:
One church, one faith, one Lord.

4. And we, shall we be faithless? Shall hearts fail, hands hang down?
Shall we evade the conflict and cast away our crown?
Not so: in God’s deep counsels some better thing is stored;
We will remain unflinching,
One church, one faith, one Lord.

5. Your mercy will not fail us, nor leave your work undone;
With your right hand to help us, the victory shall be won;
And then, by earth and heaven, your name shall be adored,
And this shall be our anthem:
One church, one faith, one Lord.

Departing: Puff Balls - Keats

Zoom Fellowship hosted by Lorrie at 11:30 am. Link has been emailed. See you there!

[1] Fern Gibbard, Gathering Pentecost 2, 2020, p32. Used with permission.

[2] Norah Laverty, Gathering Pentecost 2, 2020, p 34. Used with permission.

[3] Karen Boivin, Gathering, Pentecost 2, 2014, p32. Used with permission.

[4] Gord Dunbar, Gathering Pentecost 2 2020, p41. Used with permission.

[5] Beth W Johnston, Gathering Pentecost 2, 2017, p 39. Used with permission.

[6] George Allan, Gathering Pentecost 2, 2020, p45. Used with permission.

Connie Davidson

September 5, 2020

Worship services

Sunday Worship Service - September 6, 2020

Connie Davidson

September 5, 2020

Worship services

BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH

14TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
SUMMER WORSHIP SERVICE

September 6, 2020

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

Gathering: When Peace Like a River – arr. Mark Hayes

Acknowledgement of Territory

We begin our worship service by acknowledging the territory where most of us gather and where I am located. We acknowledge that we are gathered on the unceded traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe First Nation. We pay respect to the elders past and present and honour all indigenous people’s reverence of this land throughout the ages. May we live in peace and friendship to sustain the earth and all its people. Thank you for permitting us to live and work on this land.

Welcome & Announcements

Good day everyone! On behalf of Bells Corners United Church, I welcome and greet you in the name of Jesus Christ, wherever you are, in today’s worship service. Thank you for joining us. In the next few Sundays including today, we are going to reflect on the stories in the Gospel according to Matthew. Today, a difficult text is presented to us but with a word of hope at the end – that famous line, “where two or three are gathered in my name, I am in their midst.”

During this time when only a limited number of people are able to worship in the church sanctuary, please know that BCUC offers worship service in a number of ways. Check our website at bcuc.org, for our worship service in audio, video and text formats along with the weekly announcements, online meetings, events and other updates. You can also listen to the service via telephone by dialing 613-820-8104. Please continue to reach out by connecting with each other through emails, phone calls and prayers.

Here are some announcements:

As we slowly reopen the building, there is an opportunity to gather again in the sanctuary for a modified virtual worship service on Sept. 13th at 10 am. A maximum number of 28 people excluding the staff and ushers are invited to gather. To save a spot, you are required to register online or by calling the office. Deadline to register is September 9th. Full information on procedures and safety measures are posted on our website. We are also in need of ushers for September 13. Please call the office if you are interested.
Copies of the Book of Memories Volume 2 are now available for purchase. Please contact the office to place an order.
Join us for a spontaneous Prayer Circle every Wednesday at 8 pm. Wherever you are, say a prayer for the world, your community including the congregation, your family, and yourself.
David’s Flowers are still available drive-through style every Saturday from 10:30 to 11:30 am at BCUC. The flowers will be displayed on tables outside the main entrance, and everyone is asked to remain in their car, and follow instructions of volunteers. Thank you for your support!
And for those of you who are able to join us via Zoom, there will be zoom fellowship every Sunday at 11: 30 am. Link has been emailed to you or call the office for more information.

For other announcements, please check your email or the church website.

Friends, in the quiet of this moment, in the stillness of our hearts, I now invite you to centre yourself in the presence of God who calls us to gather in Spirit and in truth. Let us gather in worship.

Lighting of the Christ Candle Acolytes: Noah & Nicholas Berard

"No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand so that those who come in can see the light.” (Luke 8:16)

Christ’s light shines on!

Call to Worship:[1] Erin Berard

We gather in the love of God to worship,
hoping to find some new way of knowing our God.
We come seeking you, Creator God.
We gather in the love and fellowship of one another,
offering our friendship, care, and support, ready to serve.
We come seeking you, Jesus the Christ.
We gather in awe of a Holy, loving presence,
yearning for an experience beyond ourselves.
We come seeking you, Holy Spirit.
Come now, worship and experience the holy,
alive in the presence of God, working in Christ Jesus
and living in the mystery of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer of Approach

God of summer sunshine and sweltering heat,
God of gentle rains and thundering storms,
God of lakes and rivers, fields and pastures,
Come be with us in this place.
May we be attentive to the rhythm of life that beats within us.
May we see this day and all days as spaces of hope,
open and yearning for your life-giving presence. Amen.

Hymn: Come, Let Us Sing of a Wonderful Love – Voices United #574

1 Come let us sing of a wonderful love,
tender and true, tender and true,
out of the heart of the Father above,
streaming to me and to you:
wonderful love, wonderful love
dwells in the heart of the Father above.

2 Jesus, the Saviour, this gospel to tell,
joyfully came, joyfully came,
came with the helpless and hopeless to dwell, sharing their sorrow and shame,
seeking the lost, seeking the lost,
saving, redeeming at measureless cost.

3 Jesus is seeking the wanderers yet;
why do they roam? why do they roam?
Love only waits to forgive and forget;
home, weary wanderers, home!
Wonderful love, wonderful love
dwells in the heart of the Father above.

4 Come to my heart, O thou wonderful love!
Come and abide, come and abide,
lifting my life till it rises above
envy and falsehood and pride:
seeking to be, seeking to be
lowly and humble, a learner of thee

Words: Robert Walmsley, 1900, Music: Adam Watson
Song #27554 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Storytime for the Young at Heart: Erin Berard

(Sounds of children arguing and yelling…)

It’s hard to get along sometimes, isn’t it?

In today’s Bible passage, Jesus is giving his followers advice on dealing with disagreements. It finishes with Him saying, “where 2 or 3 are gathered in my name, I am there with them.”

That might be familiar to those of you who have been in my Sunday School class before. That’s usually what I say as we light the candle to remind us that as we come together to learn, Jesus is there, too.

It also makes me think of the summer camp I worked at for many years. On the first day of every new week of camp, we discussed that verse in our God Chat time. With all the campers and counsellors gathered on the picnic tables under the trees, in the sunshine, it was easy to feel the uplifting presence of Jesus there with us. We were filled with the excitement of possibilities for the week ahead – new friends, fun activities, being outdoors. It was a maybe little more difficult to have a feeling of positive presence as the week wore on - people were maybe annoyed with cabin mates who snored, or there were disagreements over the rules for the sports games, and so on. But “where 2 or 3 are gathered in my name, I am there” – not just when people are getting along, but when we’re trying to work out disagreements, too.

Think about some times when you and your friends or family members have argued. Would knowing Jesus is there make a difference? Would you be willing let Him help? What might Jesus say as you’re trying to work things out? How would His loving kindness support everyone involved in problem-solving for a solution?

Let’s look, listen, and feel for Jesus being with us as we spend time with others this week – both in the happy times and when we’re trying to work out any differences.

Hymn: Where Two or Three Are Gathered - More Voices #14 (Round)

Where two or three are gathered in my name,
I am there, I am there.

Prayer for Illumination Reader: Ross Mutton

God of joy and delight, open our hearts to receive the good news of your Word. May we hear your Word anew and give us hope as your people. Amen.

The Reading: Matthew 18: 15-20 (NRSV)

“Where Two or Three Are Gathered”

15 “If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one.

16 But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses.

17 If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

18 Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

19 Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.

20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”

May we find ourselves renewed by this story of faith. Thanks be to God!

Sermon: “This Thing Called Community” Rev. Kim Vidal

On a Sunday such as this when we begin a new season in our church life, when we are preparing for a long weekend, when we are confronted by the uncertainty of the schools re-opening in this COVID time, the words of Jesus come to us through one of the difficult teachings of Matthew and his community, instructing us what to do when someone wronged or offended us. Matthew’s words are harsher – he says: when someone sins against us. This Matthean passage was originally written to the new followers of Jesus Christ, around 85-95 CE, who took their corporate life very seriously and was struggling to stay alive in the midst of hostile surroundings. According to Matthew, we are to take the necessary steps to confront those who sin against us and seek reconciliation and justice within the community.

I'm not exactly sure what bugs me so much about this passage. Maybe it's the way too many people easily "wag their fingers at someone and point out their faults”. Or maybe it's the reference to treating the one who sinned as "a Gentile and a tax collector" which I find discriminating. Or maybe this all goes back to Fr. Rick Morley’s probe of the text in today’s church life. In his article he titled, “before you un-friend”, here’s what Fr. Morley wrote: “If another member of the church sins against you…just talk about them behind their back. If another member of the church sins against you…just call a bunch of people in the church to complain about them. You may even want to start a letter-writing campaign against them. If another member of the church sins against you…just send them a nasty email. Copy the clergy to make it more exciting. If another member of the church sins against you…don’t say anything. Just avoid them. Un-friend them on Facebook. And, if you can’t avoid them on Sundays, then just leave the church”. Sounds familiar? But this is not just about church life. We experience these in our personal life, at our workplaces the political world, or in our neighbourhood. The more I ponder on this text, the more I see big words that jump at me: conflict resolution / anger management / disagreements / discipline and reprimand/ reconciliation.

This reminds me of a funny story. There was once a church where the minister and the music director were not getting along. As time went by, their conflict began to spill over into the worship service. The first week the minister preached on commitment and how people should dedicate themselves to the service of God. The music director led the song, "I Shall Not Be Moved." The second week the minister preached on stewardship and how people should gladly give to the work and mission of the church. The music director conducted the song, "Jesus Paid it All." The third week the minister preached on gossiping and how people should watch their tongues. Guess what hymn the music director picked? "I Love to Tell the Story." With all this going on, the minister became very upset over the situation and the following Sunday told the congregation that he was considering resigning. The music director picked the hymn, "Oh, Why Not Tonight?" As it came to pass, the minister did indeed resign. The next week he informed the church that it was Jesus who led him there and it was Jesus who was taking him away. And the music director asked the congregation to sing "What a Friend We Have in Jesus."

If we read Matthew’s passage closely enough, we will soon realize that Matthew's deep concern in this text is the word community – “where two or more are gathered” honest-to-goodness, authentic community. Community, after all, is one of those “feel-good” words that draw us into comfortable zones -- we imagine something out of a social or a civic club, a place where we are accepted of who we are, where we are connected with like-minded people, and where, of course, almost everyone knows our name. But the really difficult thing about community is that it's made up of people – warm blooded sensitive human beings! Diverse, different, unique individuals. There are people who are honest, caring, loving, just and appreciative. And sometimes there are people who are difficult, challenging, tired, offensive and unreliable. Which means that usually when we're daydreaming about community, we’re often prompted to visualize a perfect gathering– a place where there is harmony and peace and compassion all the time. It sounds ideal but it doesn’t work always this way. It’s time to wake up, folks!

Here’s an example of a community life which sometimes confront many churches today. In a church committee meeting, someone made a negative comment or does something which is clearly destructive to the health and wholeness of the congregation. Nasty gossips follow, then false accusations. A self-serving decision was passed that promotes one aspect of the church’s life above another. What do we do in this situation? Well, Matthew suggests that—not there in public—but at the soonest possible moment, go privately and confront the person with their behaviour. Sounds good to me, although confronting the person privately or publicly entails courage and risks. We need witnesses to vouch for the confrontation that’s about to take place. Then, if they do not respond appropriately, Matthew recommends to return accompanied by two other church members, hoping that wise listening and mediation will do the trick. If that doesn’t work, you are supposed to stand up here on a Sunday morning and bring the controversy out into the open for the whole community to hear. "No way," we respond. Who are we to invade the privacy of another? Who are we to question the motives or the behaviour of others? Who says that we are right and they are wrong? After all, we are a tolerant, open-minded community where everyone is welcome and anything goes.

So, instead, we just let the controversy slide. We pretend the conflict, the offense, never happened. But that doesn’t mean we can’t go and find others who agree with us, thus padding ourselves against the problem, convincing ourselves that the community doesn’t agree with the transgressor, and that we don’t need that person anyway. Or maybe we mutter about the problem to anyone who will listen to us…in the parking lot or in the grocery store or through e-mail or on the phone. The one thing we are slow in doing is to bring the concern out into the open where the issue can be named and dealt with. But, my friends, if avoidance is our response, then there will be consequences; consequences for us individually, as well as for the whole community. Probably, affection for the community will begin to fade. And maybe the one who violated the community norms will be shunned, ignored, and allowed to disappear. Any way you look at it, the community is damaged, diminished, and possibly bruised forever.

My friends, we know better. We know that a community—whether it is home, work, family, neighborhood or church—is never served when we "play nice" all the time or when we sugarcoat conflicts. Susan Andrew offers this wisdom: “Community is never served when we build factions; perpetuate gossip, and let anger and frustration fester. Community is never served when inappropriate and destructive behavior is not held accountable. So maybe Matthew—with his difficult strategy, with his advice to stop the brooding and confront the destructive behavior early and cleanly—has got the right idea. When two or three gather together to confront differences and controversies squarely and lovingly, maybe that is when Christ is in the midst of them…and in the midst of us.”

Peculiar as it may sound, an authentic community is hard to come by. It demands a lot of work and involvement. But it's worth it. Because when you find it, it's like discovering heaven on earth; it is like experiencing the reality of God's communal fellowship and existence in our midst. And, as Jesus promises, when you gather this way -- with honesty and integrity, even when it's hard – even when there are only two or three of you, amazing things can happen because God’s spirit is in your midst, right there, forming and being formed by your communal sharing.

What kind of community do we want to be at Bells Corners United Church? Do we want something more meaningful or intimate? Do we want a place that can both encourage us and hold us accountable? Are we looking for a community we can be honest about our hopes and fears, dreams and anxieties? Do we want someplace we can just blend in or are we looking for a space where we can make a difference? Truth be known – a church community is far from being perfect but we certainly can make it happen.

Here’s my personal reflection. An authentic community calls for a listening heart between and among those who dwell in community, whether in conflict or in compassion. A listening asks us to be present, to be honest of who we are and to listen with integrity and compassion. In the midst of all our pre-occupations, the listening heart is exactly what is required between us and among us – in a gathering of two or three or more! In a time of great energy and excitement, it can be difficult to hear with a listening heart. In a church where so much is happening and the joy between us is profound, a listening heart and a discerning mind can be a powerful gift to us as we continue to develop and lay claim to our vision for who we are called to be as people of God in this time and this place.

A listening heart is required as we gather in worship and work together as a faith community, as we become Christ for each other in the world. Let us listen to our own hearts, attempting to discern God's promise and hope for each one, individually and within the community. And let us listen to the heart of God. Perhaps this is the most profound listening of all. God has a promise for all those who choose to live and learn and love in community. "For where two or three are gathered, there I am in the midst." God promises presence and deep hope to those who dwell together and dare to cast a dream and a vision of justice, hope and love for all.

As we enter this new season of our community life and leadership in this pandemic time, let us listen with intent. Let's not get locked into our old, normal way routines, which can maximize excitement and minimize reflection. Let's not act as if a full calendar makes a fulfilled life and a deep community. In the midst of social distancing and minimized gathering, let us listen to our own longing and the longings of others and the reality of pain and hurts in the world. Listen to each other. Listen to our own hearts. Listen to the world. Listen to God. Wherever two or more are gathered, God is with us. Amen.

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

In this moment, in this place, we have the opportunity to quiet our minds and open ourselves to God's presence among us. Let us gather our hearts in prayer:

Creator God, may we join with the whole of your creation, in praising you, through the fragrance and melody of our lives. As we welcome a new month in our midst, you invite us to look for more surprises in the faces of those around us, in the words of hymns and prayers, in the hopes and dreams of a world that longs for peace and compassion, in the beauty of the earth and all of creation, every creature, every plant, every rock and grain of sand proclaims your presence.
God of love, you are indeed good to us. Sometimes we get so caught up in ourselves, our routines and the need of the moment that we lose sight of the resources and gifts you bless us with. Thank you, God, for Bells Corners United Church, its staff, leaders and volunteers, members and adherents and those who share its common purpose. We pray for all students and learners as a new school year begins. We pray for wisdom and understanding for students and teachers in our public and private schools and in our colleges and universities. May they all be guided and enlightened by love and by your example.

On this Labour Day weekend, we pray for all who shoulder the tasks of human labour—in the farms, marketplaces, in factories and offices, in the professions, in schools and churches, health sector and in family living. We thank you, God, for the gift and opportunity of work; may our efforts always be pure of heart, for the good of others. We lift up to you all who long for just employment and those who work to defend the rights and needs of workers everywhere. May those of us who are now retired always remember that we still make a valuable contribution to community by our prayers, by our presence and acts of charity.

Loving God, comfort all who suffer sickness, sorrow, oppression, hunger and loneliness. Each of us is known and held by you, affirming our place in your heart. Extend your love to all those who are lifted up in our prayer circle and grant us compassion so that we too may extend our hands to comfort and heal. We hold up to you the Garvie and Watson families as they grieve the loss of Arthur Buss.

God of peace, we pray for the storms battering our communities in many forms; the wars and conflicts that never seem to reconcile; the continuing global economic fears because of this pandemic time, the racial strife in the many parts of the world particularly in Canada, the United States, France and Belarus. We feel afraid and powerless. And yet, you remind us that we are not alone in our desire for peace and justice, in the efforts we make in our families, with our friends, in our communities, and in our larger world. We are not alone for you, O God, are with us and with all of the peace-seekers and peacemakers.

Finally, I offer this prayer for all of us who seek to follow the ways of Jesus Christ.
I dare to pray: God, let the world be changed, let my life be changed,
For I long to bring hope where the Good News is needed.
In the strength of your spirit,
And inspired by your compassion,
I make this promise to work for change,
And wait confidently for the day
When you make all things new.
This world,
Your creation, rolled into a sphere, packaged in sunshine, gift-wrapped in love, given to us,
Thank you.
All these we ask in Jesus’ name who taught his disciples this ancient prayer we now recite together.

Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kin-dom come, thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kin-dom, the power and the glory, Forever and ever, Amen.

Invitation to Offer: Rev. Kim Vidal

Offertory Prayer

Receive our gifts, gracious God, which we offer in sincerity and as an act of trust: trust that they will contribute to your acts of love in the world, trust that we will become instruments of your will, and trust that you will bless the giving and the givers. Amen.

Sending Forth: Rev. Kim Vidal

Let us go from this place out into the world that waits for us.
Let us go with a faith as firm as the earth itself,
with a love as embracing as the presence of God,
with a hope as strong as the life of Jesus Christ,
and a peace as abiding as the winds of the Spirit.
Let us go and be a blessing
this day and in the days to come. Amen!

Hymn: May the God of Hope Go with Us - Voices United #424

1 May the God of hope go with us every day,
filling all our lives with love and joy and peace.
May the God of justice speed us on our way,
bringing light and hope to every land and race.

Refrain:
Praying, let us work for peace,
singing, share our joy with all,
working for a world that's new,
faithful when we hear Christ's call.

2 May the God of healing free the earth from fear,
freeing us for peace, both treasured and pursued.
May the God of love keep our commitment clear,
to a world restored, to human life renewed. R

Words © v1 1984 Schutmaat, v2 1993 Kaan Hope Pub., Argentine Folk Melody
Song #78182 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Departing: Andante – Handel

Zoom Fellowship hosted by Lorrie at 11: 30 am. Link has been emailed. See you there!

[1] Heather McClure, Gathering-Pentecost 1 2017, Year A.

Connie Davidson

September 2, 2020

Announcements

Sept. 13 In-Person Modified Virtual Worship Service

Connie Davidson

September 2, 2020

Announcements

We are offering another in-person modified worship service on Sunday, September 13, at 10am

For this and all events we are following public health recommendations related to COVID-19 safety. If you would like to attend, please read more about the service below. You must pre-register before September 9 by using the online form or by contacting the office at (613) 820-8103 or office@bcuc.org.

Description of Service

This service will consist of viewing a video service similar to our current online worship videos along with some segments of the service led in-person by our pastoral staff. There will be no Sunday School or nursery care.

Connie Davidson

August 29, 2020

Worship services

Sunday Worship Service - August 30, 2020

Connie Davidson

August 29, 2020

Worship services

BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH

13TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
SUMMER WORSHIP SERVICE

August 30, 2020

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

Gathering: There is a Time More Voices #165 Vocalist: Vernon Sulway

Welcome & Announcements

During this time when we are not able to worship in the church sanctuary, please know that BCUC offers worship service in a number of ways. Check our website at bcuc.org, for our worship service in audio, video and text formats along with the weekly announcements, online meetings, events and other updates. You can also listen to the service via telephone by dialing 613-820-8104. Please continue to reach out by connecting with each other through emails, phone calls and prayers.

Here are some announcements:

As we slowly reopen the building, there is an opportunity to gather in the sanctuary for a modified virtual worship service on Sept. 6th at 10 am. A maximum number of 28 people excluding the staff and ushers are invited to gather. To save a spot, you are required to register online or by calling the office. Deadline to register is August 30. Full information on procedures and safety measures are posted on our website. We are also in need of ushers beyond September 6. Please call the office if you are interested.
The Book of Memories Volume 2 is completed and copies are now available for purchase. You can order a print copy with a suggested minimum donation of $30 or a Digital copy with a suggested minimum donation of $15. Please contact the office to place an order.
Join us for a spontaneous Prayer Circle every Wednesday at 8 pm. Wherever you are, say a prayer for the world, your community including the congregation, your family, and yourself.
David’s Flowers are back drive-through style and they are available every Saturday from 10:30 to 11:30 am. The flowers will be displayed on tables outside the main entrance, and everyone is asked to remain in their car, bring exact change or prepared cheque for donations, and follow instructions of volunteers. Thank you for your support!
Grocery cards are now available for purchase. Please call the office to place your order.
And for those of you who are able to join us via Zoom, there will be zoom fellowship every Sunday at 11: 30 am. Link will be emailed to you or call the office for more information.

Friends, in the quiet of this moment, in the stillness of our hearts, I now invite you to centre yourself in the presence of the Wise God who calls us to gather in the name of justice and love. Let us gather in worship.

Lighting of the Christ Candle Acolytes: Jan & Norm Pound

We are called together in a spirit of gladness,
for the presence of God within and among us,
brings joy and hope in our heart.
The light and love of Christ shines on.

Call to Gather: Nicole Beaudry

Come, let us welcome the gift of time as we
proclaim the philosopher’s words:
“There is a time for everything!”
This is the time where we sing songs of praise.
This is the time where we share the stories of faith.
that inspire us to respond to God’s love.
We are called to be here, in this time and in this place
in whispering winds and in joyful rains.
And with God’s presence,
moves us to enter in this time of worship.
Come let us gather.

Prayer of Approach: (inspired by the prayer of Kate Crawford, Gathering 2017)

You, who created the earth and the air;
You, who designed the sky and the sea;
You, who spoke and things were created;
You, who gifted us with the gift of time;
You, who called us in every season of life;
You have called us your people,
and beckoned us here,
and set a holy longing in our hearts,
for a world where peace and justice reigns,
where there’s a time to speak and a time to be silent,
and a time to love.
We praise You, in spirit and in truth. Amen.

Hymn: Morning Has Broken - Voices United #409

1 Morning has broken like the first morning,
blackbird has spoken like the first bird.
Praise for the singing! Praise for the morning!
Praise for them, springing fresh from the Word!

2 Sweet the rain’s new fall sunlit from Heaven,
like the first dewfall on the first grass.
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden,
Sprung in completeness where God’s feet pass.

3 Ours is the sunlight! Ours is the morning,
born of the one light Eden saw play!
Praise with elation, praise every morning,
God’s re-creation of the new day!

Storytime for the Young at Heart: “The Gift of Time” Nicole Beaudry

A long time ago someone named Jim Croce wrote a song called: Time in a Bottle.
That was…..almost 50 years ago! Wow! Time flies!

Jim in his song, wrote that if he could save time in a bottle, if he could make his days last forever, he would save them like a treasure . Then he would have ….all the time he needed to do all the things he wanted to do, and also, he could spend a lot of his time with his Love.

Sadly, he did not get enough time to do all those things he wanted to do: he died in a plane crash just one year after writing his song. He was 30 years old. Some of us are still singing his songs today!

Another person that did not have enough time to do what he wanted to do was Terry Fox. Terry had one leg amputated because of cancer when he was 18. He had the idea to run across Canada from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific to raise awareness, and money for cancer research.

He began training and when ready, he set off to do the impossible: run the 8000 km Marathon of Hope. He ran an average of 42 km a day, on lonely roads, in small towns and on city streets, through freezing rain and gale-force winds, through cold and sweltering heat.

He suffered blisters on his foot and on his stump, tendonitis, shin splints and inflamed knee. He became sore, tired, breathless.

Sept. first, will mark 40 years since Terry ran… out of time: after 143 days and 5,373 kilometres, with more than half the distance done, he was forced to end his journey because the cancer had spread to his lungs. He died 9 months later. He was 22.

Terry did raise awareness and money for cancer research, tho not as much as he had hoped.

But his Marathon of Hope did not end. In the short time that he had, Terry Fox accomplished… so much, and so much more!

A year later the first Terry Fox Run was held. It has grown to involve millions of participants in over 60 countries and is now the world's largest one-day fundraiser for cancer research; over $750 million has been raised in Terry’s name, and it continues to grow. Eight thousand schools across Canada host Terry Fox events every year. That’s quite a legacy!

We know it is impossible to save time in a bottle- for later use. But we are given time to do what needs to be done - well, most of the time….

There should always be enough time, …. if we use time wisely, if we don’t waste it, if we don’t spend it all ….doing nothing .

And if we do run out of time to do those things we want to do, the most important thing is to be proud and happy with what we’ve accomplished.

Thank you, God, for the gift of Time.

Song: Time in a Bottle (Words and Music: Jim Croce, 1972 © BMG)

1 If I could save time in a bottle,
the first thing that I'd like to do,
is to save every day till eternity passes away,
just to spend them with you.

2 If I could make days last forever
If words could make wishes come true
I'd save every day like a treasure and then
Again, I would spend them with you.

Bridge:
But there never seems to be enough time
To do the things you want to do once you find them. I've looked around enough to know that you're the one I want to go through time with.

3 If I had a box just for wishes
And dreams that had never come true
The box would be empty except for the memory, of how they were answered by you.

Bridge:
But there never seems to be enough time
To do the things you want to do once you find them. I've looked around enough to know that you're the one I want to go through time with.

Prayer for Illumination: (Richard Bott, Gathering, 2018) Reader: Rick Morrison

Every moment is a new beginning with you, Wise God.
Bless our words that they might become actions filled with the promise of the life that you are in us. Amen.

The Reading: Ecclesiastes 3: 1-13 (NRSV)

“Everything Has Its Time”

3 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

2 a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
3 a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to throw away;
7 a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.

9 What gain have the workers from their toil?
10 I have seen the business that God has given to everyone to be busy with.
11 He has made everything suitable for its time; moreover he has put a sense
of past and future into their minds, yet they cannot find out what God has done
from the beginning to the end.
12 I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy
and enjoy themselves as long as they live;
13 moreover, it is God’s gift that all should eat and drink
and take pleasure in all their toil.

Hear what Wisdom is saying to all of us! Thanks be to God!

Sermon: “A Matter of Time” Rev. Kim Vidal

A story was told about a preacher who was admiringly regarded for always finishing his services right at noon. Then one Sunday, the impossible happened. He preached until 12:30 pm. On the way out, one of his elders inquired, "What happened to you?" The preacher answered, "For years I have always put a candy mint in my mouth as the service started, and I would tuck it away. It was always gone at exactly noon. That way, I never had to look at my watch or worry about what time it was. But this Sunday it didn't go away, and I finally realized I had put a button in my mouth."
          It’s Sunday again. Where did the week go? It just flew right by! Time flies! Time is tenacious. It does not slow down for anyone. When I was a teenager, I learned a song with the first line that goes like this: “Time, time, time is fast escaping me!” Preachers are not the only ones who have to keep track of time. We all do. Time is fast escaping all of us! There are deadlines to meet, buses to catch, papers to write, appointments to make, meetings to attend, birthdays to celebrate. Time has become one of our masters in modern society. We track time constantly. We have calendars, agendas, schedules, clocks, alarm watches, computers and cell phones to track time. Time allows us to experience much of what life has to offer –be it wonder or hope, suffering or love, grief or joy, accomplishment or failure. Yet time doesn’t make the rules for how we use it. We do.
          The author of Ecclesiastes known as Qohelet looks at life as a fleeting moment in time. He wasn’t exactly someone who looked at the world and saw a bed of roses. At last week’s text in Chapter 1, you’ll remember him who understood life from a personal experience and declares that life is like hevel - a vapour or a breath that is here today and gone the next second. Ecclesiastes tells us that’s what life is like. Uncertain. Sometimes irrational. Sometimes ironic. Something that can’t be grasped or counted on to unfold in predictable ways. Like a weather that changes from time to time. Qohelet says that life isn’t always fair. That the going can get pretty rough sometimes. That the things we tend to count on in this world will sooner or later fade away. And that’s how he starts his book – declaring that all of life is like a mist.
          Today’s text in Ecclesiastes 3 is a well-known poem. We might find ourselves singing or humming the catchy 1960s folk song by the Byrds, Turn, Turn, Turn —with words taken right from this text. Or Stephen Schwartz’ song, Corner of the Sky in the Broadway show Pippin that says: Everything has its season, everything has its time. Qohelet affirms in verse 1 that “for everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Seasons follow one after another in their time, and that’s how nature works. Winter is followed by spring, spring is followed by summer and summer is followed by autumn and then back to winter again. The same cycle is repeated over and over. Every human being’s life passes through seasons and we shouldn’t expect it to be otherwise.
          The 14 couplets in this Ecclesiastes poem cover every range of human activity. It starts with the two most momentous events in our life – birth and death; then moves on to creative and destructive activities and human emotions. including friendship and enmity using the metaphor of throwing and gathering of stones; a time to say hello and a time to say goodbye; and closes again with destructive and creative activities of human beings – that of war and peace. This poem is not about only the beautiful and awesome things. It also speaks of the messy and the ugly. Life is both wonderful and hurtful, filled with moments of hatred and moments of affirmation. Some days are fantastic, others are painful. Life is about the good experiences as well as the unpleasant moments -the perfect and imperfect, the successes and failures, the tears and the laughter. There will be sunrises and sunsets. Like a mosaic, life is like a kaleidoscope of colours and textures that will look a little different to us depending on where we stand at a particular moment, and how we hold them up to the light. Accept it or not, that’s just the way life is!
            This poem also tells us that life is filled with complexities and opposing poles. Qohelet believes from his ancient tradition that life is made complete by its polarities. “A time to be born and a time to die”; “a time to weep and a time to laugh”; “a time to mourn and a time to dance”. Just think about it – if we only laughed and never had the opportunity to cry; if we only planted and never harvested, if we only knew joy and never experienced pain, how can we appreciate the wholeness of life? Would we ever appreciate to dance and truly celebrate if we have never experienced grief and sadness?
          And here is another point in this text. Because life moves constantly in different seasons and times, there is no experience, no moment that will last forever. This reminds me of the saying that the only constant in life is change. Nothing remains the same. This is both good news and bad news. The bad news comes when life changing events happen such us those we love dies. Or when our health fails us. Or when we could no longer drive. Or when we cannot travel or gather as a family due to COVID-19. The good news is that - when we are experiencing difficulties and challenges in life, we know that this will not last. Better days will come. Every storm has its rainbow. Mourning will turn into dancing. If we are living in this seemingly hopeless pandemic time, know that this will pass and one day we will find ourselves in a new dawn where vaccines are made available and human beings will function in a new normal way. When we are living through racial strife, know that a better time will come when people will realize that they are all created in God’s image, where Paul’s vision of humanity is achieved: “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female…” and add to the list - there is no longer white or black, Christians or non-Christians, straight or LGBTQ. Time will surely come when dawn eventually breaks on even the darkest night of the human soul. But this poem also insists that the good times won’t last forever, either. Celebrations will eventually turn into mourning, and peacetime and harmony may revert back to war and violence. Such is life. It is human life in all its beauty and horror, in all its hope and despair, in all its joy and pain, bound together by birth and death.” Life indeed is full of surprises, some good, some bad. But you can count on better days. That is something to look forward to. So enjoy the moment, says Ecclesiastes. Whatever preoccupies your time will happen. Just be here now, in this present moment, and be open to all what life offers. That is the blessing of being human.
          As a congregation, we too have moved through the seasons of time. This pandemic has put some of us in isolation, depression or in a state of uncertainty. We have grieved the death of long-time members and watched with sadness how others’ health has deteriorated. But we’ve also rejoiced at the gift of new life as we have welcomed the birth and baptism of babies, celebrated the confirmation of young people and the addition of wonderful new members to our church family. We marvel at the completion of new projects and saddened when we cannot do more due to financial challenges. Endings and new beginnings.
          So what about the gift of time? Qohelet announces, “There is beauty in time!” So in the midst of all your hustle and bustle, don’t forget to stop and smell the flowers and bask in the sunshine. For just as God gifted us with the beautiful flowers and the sun, so also, Qohelet declares in verse 11 that God “has made everything beautiful in its time.” No matter which season you find yourself in at the moment, enjoy and experience it. Keep the faith alive! This faith that taught us to believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ to live in love, justice and peace. No matter what season you live in today, there is a word of hope for you in this multi-faceted, many-layered, poem in Ecclesiastes. And no matter how exhilarating, confusing, or infuriating life may be from one day to the next, remember that the sun will rise and it will set, the wind will blow, and those streams will keep running to the sea. Life goes on. And—more importantly—I believe that God’s presence will see us through it all – just as what our New Creed affirms: “in life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone.”
          Let me close with a Sanskrit poem written almost 2000 years ago that talks about life as a matter of time: "Listen to the salutation of the dawn... Look to this day, for it is the very life of life. In its brief course lie all the realities and truth of existence: the joy of growth, the splendor of action, the glory of power. For yesterday is but a memory, and tomorrow a vision, but today well-lived makes every yesterday a memory of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope." So be it! Amen.

Sources that helped me:
Rev. Deborah Hannay Sunoo, Sermon on Ecclesiastes 3, “Times and Seasons”, Magnolia Presbyterian Church, 2017.Robert Williamson Jr., The Forgotten Books in the Bible, 2018.

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

Come all of you who seek a sanctuary and a time to listen to God within. Bring your heart, your needs and your acknowledgement of the sacred in our midst. Let us join our hearts in prayer.

O Great Love, we greet you on this summer day. We give thanks for this cycle of surprising life, its challenges, its beauty and its delights, informed by your presence in and through it all. And yet, some days, words fail us when we wish to speak of love or life or hope. No words come - instead we shed tears, feel our brokenness and an outburst of despair. Those times we turn wordless from the world and from you. Journey with us and show us how to return with hope renewed, with energy to love others and work for change.

Giver of Life, we pray for your healing and comforting presence in the lives of those in need of healing, relief from symptoms of diseases, and wholeness of mind and spirit. We pray for those in senior’s homes and nursing facilities, for those awaiting test results from their health conditions and those recovering from illnesses and medical procedures. We pray for those who are alone, especially in this time of pandemic, who are alienated from their families. We continue to pray for all the workers in this pandemic time. We pray for all the families affected from the virus and healing love to those who are recovering. We pray for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, especially we remember Ross Mutton in the passing of Gail and the Burgess family in the passing of Jean. And now in silence, hear the deepest concerns of our hearts…

God of peace, we pray for the storms battering our communities in many forms; the wars and conflicts that never seem to reconcile; the continuing global economic fears, the racial strife in the many parts of the world. We feel afraid and powerless. And yet, you remind us that we are not alone in our desire for peace and justice, in the efforts we make in our families, with our friends, in our communities, and in our larger world. We are not alone you, you O God, are with us and with all of the peace-seekers and peacemakers.

When you call our names, Great Spirit, you call us into a journey of faith. With you as our strength and with the light of your love, and the knowledge that you are always with us, we can strive to do your work and attain wholeness. Let your spirit guide us, strengthen us, enrich us and call us in this journey of time we call life. These we ask in the name of Jesus Christ who taught his friends this prayer…

Invitation to Offer

Offertory Prayer

O Holy One, in response to your abundant love that you offer us, we offer our gifts: time, talents and treasures for the life of this congregation and to spread love and justice in the world. Amen.

Sending Forth

Go now, and embrace the gift of time which God has given us.
Live each moment with love and justice in your heart
and recognize the spirit of Christ in friend and stranger.
May God’s wisdom dwell with you.
May Christ be your guiding light.
And may the Holy Spirit be your beginning and end
and hold all your times as you journey in life. Amen.

Hymn: The Day You Gave Us, God, Is Ended - Voices United #437

1 The day you gave us, God, is ended,
the sun is sinking in the west;
to you our morning hymns ascended,
your praise shall sanctify our rest.

2 We thank you that your church unsleeping,
while earth rolls onward into lights,
through all the world a watch is keeping,
and rests not now by day or night.

3 As o’er each continent and island,
the dawn leads on another day,
the voice of prayer is never silent,
nor dies the strain of praise away.

4 The sun that bids us rest is waking
your church beneath the western sky,
and hour by hour fresh lips are making
your wondrous doings heard on high.

5 So be it, God! Your throne shall never,
like earth’s proud empires, pass away;
your rule remains and grows forever,
until there dawns that glorious day

Words 1870 John Ellerton, Music 1874 Clement Cotterill Scholefield
Song #92375 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Departing: Turn! Turn! Turn! – Peter Seeger Vocalists: David & Lorrie

Zoom Fellowship hosted by Lorrie at 11: 30 am. Link has been emailed. See you there!

Connie Davidson

August 22, 2020

Worship services

Sunday Worship Service - August 23, 2020

Connie Davidson

August 22, 2020

Worship services

BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH

12TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
SUMMER WORSHIP SERVICE

August 23, 2020

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

Gathering: Reaching – Carolyn Arends Soloist: Sarah Parker, Violin: Leslie Wade

Welcome & Announcements

Good day everyone! On behalf of Bells Corners United Church, I welcome and greet you in the name of Jesus Christ, wherever you are, in today’s worship service. Today, we are going to reflect on the words of Ecclesiastes as we search the meaning of life.

During this time when we are not able to worship in the church sanctuary, please know that BCUC offers worship service in a number of ways. Check our website at bcuc.org, for our worship service in audio, video and text formats along with the weekly announcements, online meetings, events and other updates. You can also listen to the service via telephone by dialing 613-820-8104. I also encourage you to show that you care by connecting with each other through emails, phone calls and prayers.

We express our sincerest condolences to Ross Mutton in the passing of Gail on Thursday, August 20th. We remember Gail who was a very strong member and a mover at BCUC for so many years. Please keep Ross in your thoughts and prayers.

Here are some announcements:

As we slowly reopen the building, there is an opportunity to gather in the sanctuary for a modified virtual worship service on Sept. 6th at 10 am. A maximum number of 28 people excluding the staff and ushers are invited to gather. To save a spot, you are required to register online or by calling the office. Full information on procedures and safety measures are posted on our website. We are also in need of ushers beyond September 6. Please call the office if you are interested.
The Book of Memories Volume 2 is completed and copies are now available for purchase. You can order a print copy with a suggested minimum donation of $30 or a Digital copy with a suggested minimum donation of $15. Please contact the office to place an order.
Join us for a spontaneous Prayer Circle every Wednesday at 8 pm. Wherever you are, say a prayer for the world, your community including the congregation, your family, and yourself.
David’s Flowers are back drive-through style and they are available every Saturday from 10:30 to 11:30 am. The flowers will be displayed on tables outside the main entrance, and everyone is asked to remain in their car, bring exact change or prepared cheque for donations, and follow instructions of volunteers. Thank you for your support!
Grocery cards are now available for purchase. Please call the office to place your order.
And for those of you who are able to join us via Zoom, there will be zoom fellowship every Sunday at 11 am. Link will be emailed to you or call the office for more information.

Friends, in the quiet of this moment, in the stillness of our hearts, I now invite you to seek the wisdom of God as we gather in worship.

Lighting of the Christ Candle Acolytes: Mandy & Meighen Crow

We light this candle to ask the spirit of Christ to be with us this day.
May this flame of wisdom touch our hearts.
May it stir our minds with the words of life.
May it keep us strong in faith and grounded in truth.

Call to Gather: (inspired by Spacious Faith) Lorrie Lowes, DM

Praise be to God,
Creator of time and space!
Who has set love in the human heart.
Who gives us today
in which we can be happy and do good.
Today, in which we can eat and drink and find satisfaction.
Today, which is a gift from God.
Let us worship the One who makes everything beautiful in its time.
Come, let us gather in worship.

Prayer of Approach: (by Susan Lukey, Gathering 2019)

From the tops of our heads to the tips of our toes,
with spirits reaching out and hearts open wide,
we bring our whole selves to you today, gracious God,
ready to receive blessings
for each of us and for our faith community.
You are more than we can imagine;
you work within us and among us in amazing ways;
From the tops of our heads to the tips of our toes,
with spirits reaching out and hearts open wide,
we bring our gratitude and our love, gracious God. Amen.

Hymn: Come, Let Us Sing - Voices United #222 (Words and Music: Jim Strathdee, 1976)

1. Come, let us sing to the Lord our song:
we have stood silently too long;
surely the Lord deserves our praise,
so joyfully thank God for our days.

2. O thirsty soul, come drink at the well;
God's living waters will never fail.
Surely the Lord will help you to stand,
strengthened and comforted by God's hand.

3. You dwell among us and cause us to pray,
and walk with each other following your way;
our precious brothers and sisters will grow
in the fulfilling love they know.

4. Deserts shall bloom and mountains shall sing, to the desire of all living things.
Come, all you creatures, high and low;
let your praises endlessly flow.

Storytime for the Young at Heart Lorrie Lowes, DM

Hi Everyone!

I’ve been thinking this week a bit about starry skies because it’s been an amazing time to be outside at night, especially if you are outside of the city and where there aren’t so many lights and to look up at the sky and see the incredible number of stars. The shooting stars that are happening right now are amazing to see! I was thinking about when I was a kid and we would go to the cottage or when I was little bit older and I would go to Girl Guide camp. We would lie out under the stars at night and just look at those millions and millions of stars up there. It was pretty incredible to think that our universe is so big. Sometimes that made me feel really small.

Do you ever feel that way sometimes when you think about how enormous this universe is and that maybe we are just a little insignificant speck in that? I think the author of Ecclesiastes was feeling that way when they wrote the scripture that we are reading today. It’s kind of a depressing scripture. It talks about how one person is just so small that they can’t make any difference at all. I think sometimes we feel that way too. There are so many worries in the world these days and it’s hard to know how someone as small as me or you could make a difference at all.

We have no control over the big things like the pandemic or war, but we can control the way we face each day. We can start with a positive attitude and notice the great things around us like the beauty of the sky right before a thunderstorm happens or the rainbow that comes when the rain stops… the fun things that we do with our families, or the hug that Mom or dad gives us when we fall and hurt ourselves. We can do things to cheer other people up too. We can help out around the house, even if we haven’t been asked. We could phone or FaceTime our grandparents, or even send them a letter. That would make them really happy! We can sing a song or create a dance. We can draw a picture or make a craft…

Now, thinking about pictures and crafts… that makes me think about glitter! Do you like glitter? Most kids I know love it when we get that out! It really fancies up whatever it is that you’ve created – but have you noticed how that stuff gets everywhere? It sticks to everything, even things you thought were nowhere near it! Well, I think joy is a bit like glitter. Once you open up the bottle, that stuff sticks everywhere. So maybe our happy attitude can be like glitter. Let’s open up the bottle and find out! Open it up and shake that stuff everywhere! I bet you’ll find that it will stick too.

Hymn: This Little Light of Mine (Traditional)

This little light if mine, I’m gonna let is shine (3X)
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Hide it under a bushel, no! I’m gonna let it shine (3X)
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Everywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine (3X)
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

This little light if mine, I’m gonna let is shine (3X)
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine

Prayer for Illumination: (by Sheryl Macleod, Gathering 2019) Reader: Vernon Sulway

God of grace, as we receive these words-
words inspired by you-
may we discover your urgings,
may they stir our thoughts,
may we be empowered to grow,
and may we act in ways that reveal who you are
to all who would notice. Amen.

The Reading: “Reflections of a Royal Philosopher” Ecclesiastes 1: 1-18 (NRSV)

1 The words of the Teacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
2 Vanity of vanities, says the Teacher,
    vanity of vanities! All is vanity.
3 What do people gain from all the toil
    at which they toil under the sun?
4 A generation goes, and a generation comes,
    but the earth remains forever.
5 The sun rises and the sun goes down,
    and hurries to the place where it rises.
6 The wind blows to the south,
    and goes around to the north;
round and round goes the wind,
    and on its circuits the wind returns.
7 All streams run to the sea,
    but the sea is not full;
to the place where the streams flow,
    there they continue to flow.
8 All things are wearisome;
    more than one can express;
the eye is not satisfied with seeing,
    or the ear filled with hearing.
9 What has been is what will be,
    and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun.
10 Is there a thing of which it is said,
    “See, this is new”?
It has already been,
    in the ages before us.
11 The people of long ago are not remembered, nor will there be any remembrance of people yet to come by those who come after them.
12 I, the Teacher, when king over Israel in Jerusalem,
13 applied my mind to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven; it is an unhappy business that God has given to human beings to be busy with.
14 I saw all the deeds that are done under the sun; and see, all is vanity and a chasing after wind.
15 What is crooked cannot be made straight, and what is lacking cannot be counted.
16 I said to myself, “I have acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me; and my mind has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.”
17 And I applied my mind to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a chasing after wind.
18 For in much wisdom is much vexation, and those who increase knowledge increase sorrow.

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

Sermon: “Seize the Day (Carpe Diem)!” Rev. Kim Vidal

This Sunday and the next, as we continue to reflect the meaning of wisdom, we will explore some passages in the book of Ecclesiastes. The first time I was introduced to Ecclesiastes was at a funeral service when the minister preached about a “time to be born and a time to die”. Many Bible enthusiasts find this book depressing, gloomy and exhausting - one that deals with the meaninglessness of life. Skeptics, atheists, non-believers, seekers – all love this book because it doesn’t have a lot of God-talk. Instead it talks about the “transience” of life and the certainty of death. I don’t know about you but before I put this book down and close its pages forever, I would like to explore it first and try to understand what the writer was actually telling us from his own time and place.

Ecclesiastes is a Greek word that means “one who assembles” - the root word of which is “ekklesia” meaning “an assembly”. We still use ekklesia to denote a church assembly or a worship gathering in our current times. In Hebrew, the word for assembly is “kahal” and one who assembles is called a qohelet. Ecclesiastes therefore could possibly mean an assembly leader, a preacher, a gatherer, a teacher or a proclaimer. I’d like to add another descriptor - that of a philosopher - one who loves wisdom and hopes to find it in life.

There are many assumptions about the date and authorship of the book. Because of the verse in chapter 1 that says: “the words of the teacher, son of David, King in Jerusalem”, Rabbinic tradition and other scholars believed that it was King Solomon who penned the book written during his reign around 970-931 BCE. However, looking at the commercial language, cultural references and the style used by the writer I would lean on what Professor Robert Williamson Jr. suggests that it was written during the Persian era - around 538-331 BCE or that of the Greek period around 331-164 BCE. The writer imagines himself to be an affluent person – like a king with lots of wealth, land, achievements, noble friends, success and fame but looks at life differently in a very pessimistic way. He looks at life as “vanity of vanities” and asked these questions: “What do we gain from all the work that we do under the sun? What is the meaning of life? Why am I here? Where do I find value in what I do?”

In other interpretations, the word vanity means pointless, futile or without any purpose. It is interesting to note that the Hebrew word used to describe life is hevel which literally means a vapour, a breath, a wind, a smoke or a fog. From hevel comes the idea that life is insubstantial, transitory, and of fleeting value. Life like a vapour is here in a second and gone the next. It is something that you can’t control – something that you can’t grasp - something that you can’t hold onto. It slips through your fingers. It disappears and leaves no trace. Robert Williamson Jr. commented that: “The author of Ecclesiastes insists that you can’t just separate the shiny and happy things in life from the difficult and depressing ones.... It’s the nature of human existence that the two are always mixed up together. Things end. People die. The good old days fade. Nothing lasts forever. To pretend otherwise is to do an injustice to the reality of the human experience.”

Think about it – you get up in the morning, do what you’re supposed to be doing, you rush off to work or go to school, fight for the traffic, you come home, you make supper, binge watch some movies on Netflix until 1 in the morning, go to bed, and the next day, you do exactly the same thing – over and over again. You keep on going, walking, even running all throughout your life with no purpose, no direction except to wait for death to come. Nothing seems to satisfy the deep yearning of your soul What more could be meaningless than this reality?

“Kim, what is your philosophy in life?” The Board of Ordained Ministry interviewer asked me when I first applied as a student at Union Theological Seminary in the Philippines in 1991, few years before I immigrated to Canada. This was in preparation for ordination as a pastor in the United Methodist Church. I thought for a moment and I replied with a quote from a poster that I memorized since high school, whose author I don’t even remember. “Life to live most intensely and completely must be met face to face. Evasion, rationalization and escapism stunt the developing character.” The interviewer looked at me and said, “That is too deep. Please say it in plain language.” I searched for words and said something like this: “Well, I live my life one day at a time. And when opportunities come my way, I make sure that I greet each one with enthusiasm and with wisdom. Yesterday adds to my life history and tomorrow will find me a new person. But today is what matters most. And I need to face each encounter with grace. To evade is to shut down any possibility. To rationalize is to put down other’s thoughts. To escape is just a defeatist’s motto.” The interviewer looked at me one more time and said, “Are you sure you don’t want to be a professor of philosophy instead of becoming a pastor?”

What kind of philosophy would the free-thinking Qohelet might embrace? Is he a proponent of nihilism? The belief that all things are meaningless and no purpose and that nothing can be known or expressed? Is he a follower of existentialism? One that emphasizes the experience of human beings not just thinking subjects but feeling and doing as well? Is he a humanist? Viewing humans as solely responsible for the promotion and development of individuals and society? Might he even be an Epicurean - pursuing pleasure, especially in reference to food, comfort and other luxuries in order to achieve a meaningful way of life? Could he be a little of all the schools of philosophy I mentioned?

The progressive thinker, Lloyd Geering in his book, Such is Life, makes the case for the author of Ecclesiastes being a freethinking humanist who was over 2000 years ahead of his time. Geering comments that: “Ecclesiastes remained a lone individual and found little to relieve his solitariness. He was forced to reflect on what it means to be a human individual living in an unfair and uncaring world. Though he searched for wisdom he found nothing that would stand the test of time. We live in a period that has some similarities to that in which Ecclesiastes was written. Thanks to the Enlightenment all the traditional verities are once again open to question. The words of Ecclesiastes not only manifest the same kind of critical thinking that we engage in today, but they speak to the same basic concerns that challenge us when we do so.”

Even when we think that Ecclesiastes portrays the pointlessness of everything, I strongly believe that he does have several points to make! Qohelet observes that human labour is endless. You do one task, but there is still more to do – like the sun that rises and sets in cyclical motion, or the wind blowing in all directions and the streams that endlessly flow to the sea and yet the sea is never full. Nature repeats itself over and over again. Qohelet also talks about consumption that is never fulfilling. All things are wearisome, he says, life is exhausting! We are never done and the earth is never done. The eye is not satisfied with what it sees and the ear by what it hears. Human beings will not be satisfied. There’s always something new to see or to hear, new places to travel, new music to listen to, high tech gadgets to tinker, cool people to meet, new jobs to accomplish, fast cars to drive, best food to eat, but never enough. And top on the list is the fact that when you die, you will not be remembered. In the end, he sees the pointlessness of it all. So how do you live in a world painted by Ecclesiastes? How do you live a life knowing that you will one day die and the world will go on as though you never existed?

Is there any good news at all in this seemingly depressing text? If we accept that life is pointless, then we are doomed. We – who are advocates of God’s goodness; we - who believe that God is the source of love, justice, peace and truth; we - who are faithful followers of Jesus’s radical way to love others as we love ourselves; we – who are proponents that life is meaningful and offers wonderful opportunities, how should we view this text? If life is like a vapour that dissipates so easily, if the main purpose of living is dying at the end, what do we do with our life in between? I know that these questions may be disturbing to some of us to the point of asking why is this book even in the Bible? Difficult as it may sound, I think you will be surprised how much Ecclesiastes connects to us today especially as it addresses insights into the human condition in a contemporary, secular, pluralistic, post-modern world. If we read closely though, the writer of Ecclesiastes is not saying that life has no meaning but that its meaning is vague and not clear. Like mist, or vapour or breath, life can be confusing and mysterious at times but never meaningless and without purpose.

A preacher once said that instead of seeing life under the sun, why not look at life above the sun? Why not see the brighter, colourful side of life? I take inspiration from the words of the famous football player and track and field athlete John Carlos when he said and I quote: “In life, there's the beginning and the end. The beginning doesn’t matter. The end doesn’t matter. All that matters is what you do in between – whether you're prepared to do what it takes to make change. There has to be physical and material sacrifice. When all the dust settles and we're getting ready to play down for the ninth inning, the greatest reward is to know that you did your job when you were here on the planet.”

If life is like a vapour, that is here today and gone tomorrow, then let’s make the most of the in-between. Let’s make each day productive! Carpe diem! Seize the day! The first known expression of this Latin aphorism is found in the Epic of Gilgamesh but it was the Roman poet Horace in his work Odes that it became famous. Carpe diem literally means to pluck the day – to enjoy life while you can and let tomorrow worry about itself. If there’s one thing that you can control – it is your attitude towards the present moment. Today, stop being anxious of what tomorrow may hold. Today, choose to enjoy a good conversation with a friend. Today, hug your children and enjoy their laughter. Today, take a nature walk and relish the beauty of God’s creation. Today, try and bake a new bread recipe and delight in its taste. Today, go to work with a positive attitude and sip coffee or tea with pleasure. Today, read a book of poetry and memorize a line or two that makes you celebrate the goodness of life. Today, drop off food donations at the food cupboard. Today, enjoy a meal with the people you care about. Today, count your blessings and say a prayer of thanksgiving. Today, play a musical instrument that you enjoy. Today, listen and sing with James Taylor as his croons “shower the people you love with love!” Today, let go and let God. Seize the day! The possibilities are endless. Life is not meaningless at all.

I admit that listening to the words of Ecclesiastes chapter 1 is difficult and depressing and may lead us to some dark places. But I challenge you to read the whole book and you will see for yourself that at the end of the book, the writer doesn’t want us to lose hope. Instead he wants us to be humble – to realize that something or someone out there is far greater than ourselves. The writer challenges us to trust that life has meaning even when we can’t make sense out of it. And we pray that one day, God will clear the hevel that fogs up our seeing and hearing and bring clarity to what life is really about. The reality of death and of endings reminds us to appreciate life while we have it. Live simply, joyfully, lovingly. Seize the day! Carpe diem. Today, God wonders with you! Amen.

Sources used:

Lloyd Geering, Such is Life!, 2010.
Jim Irwin, Is Life Pointless? A Sermon on Ecclesiastes, patheos.org
Robert Williamson Jr., The Forgotten Books of the Bible, 2018.

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer Lorrie Lowes, DM

God of us all,
Sometimes this world seems so vast that we can hardly imagine our place in it…
Sometimes the problems of this world seem so enormous that we feel we can do nothing to help…
Was there ever a time in human history where things did not seem so big, so overwhelming?
We pray for some cosmic intervention to set things on track,
And yet you call us to take the responsibility for healing action.
Help us see how we can possibly be of help from our small, insignificant place in this immense creation.
When things seem to be spiralling out of control on a global scale,
When the answer to every crisis seems to be conflict and often violence.
When frightening things in the news make us want to close our eyes and ears,
We pray that you will intervene on our behalf,
We pray that you will heal the environment…
We pray that you will end racial conflict…
We pray that you will feed the hungry, clothe the poor, heal the sick…
And yet you call us to act.
Help us see where our actions could make any difference.
When our daily lives are impacted by a world-wide pandemic,
When the decisions and the motives of leaders are called into question,
When we can’t even reach out to those we know and love to offer comfort,
We pray that you will find a cure and a vaccine…
We pray that you will endow wisdom on those we have entrusted to take us forward…
We pray that things will return to the comfortable normal…
And yet you call us to be your hands and feet.
Help us see how we can reach above our lamenting to take those first steps.
Empowering God,
In the times we feel most insignificant and helpless against the enormity of the universe,
Help us to see the beauty that still surrounds us…
Help us to recognize that caring people are still finding ways to connect and to provide …
Help us to celebrate the blessings that continue to arrive – new births, new growth, happy milestones, time for families to spend quality time together …
Help us to see the world with an attitude of gratitude rather than despair…
And empower us to reach out in love, to spread joy more than grief, to offer light to our small corner so that our combined glow will overcome the darkness.
These prayers we offer aloud, and the prayers in our hearts, are reflected in the words that Jesus taught his followers and that we now repeat together:

Invitation to Offer: Rev. Kim Vidal

Offertory Prayer:

Receive our gifts, O wise God, which we offer in hope and in love.
Bless and multiply these gifts so that they may be used to bring about new possibilities. Amen.

Sending Forth: Rev. Kim Vidal

As we go from this worship service, may we never stop seizing
the many opportunities and blessings that we enjoy each day.
May the music, the words of wisdom, the prayers
lead us to moments of love and compassion.
With the Wise God journeying with us, let us be open to God’s grace,
as we tend to people and places in need of healing.
We go with God’s blessings. Amen.

Hymn: God of the Bible (Fresh as the Morning) More Voices #28

(Words: Shirley Erena Murray, 1995; Music: Tony E. Alonso, 2001)

1. God of the Bible, God in the Gospel, hope seen in Jesus, hope yet to come,
you are our center, daylight or darkness, freedom or prison, you are our home.

Refrain (2X)
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise, God always faithful, you do not change.

2. God in our struggles, God in our hunger, suffering with us, taking our part, still you empow’r us, mothering Spirit, feeding, sustaining, from your own heart. R

3. Those without status, those who are nothing, you have made royal, gifted with rights, chosen as partners, midwives of justice, birthing new systems, lighting new lights.

4. Not by your finger, not by your anger will our world order change in a day,
but by your people, fearless and faithful, small paper lanterns, lighting the way.

5. Hope we must carry, shining and certain through all our turmoil, terror and loss, bonding us gladly one to the other, ‘til our world changes facing the Cross.

Departing : Seize the Day – Carolyn Arends Voices: Sarah Parker, Sue TeGrotenhuis

Zoom Fellowship hosted by Lorrie at 11 am. Link has been emailed. See you there!

Connie Davidson

August 21, 2020

Announcements

In-Person Modified Virtual Worship Service - Sept. 6

Connie Davidson

August 21, 2020

Announcements

BCUC will open its doors for our first modified in-person worship service on Sunday, September 6

For this and all events we are following public health recommendations related to COVID-19 safety. If you would like to attend, or to help as an usher, please read more about the service below. You must pre-register before August 30 by using the online form or by contacting the office at (613) 820-8103 or office@bcuc.org.

Description of Service

Our first few in-person services will consist of viewing a video service similar to our current online worship videos along with some segments of the service led in-person by our pastoral staff.

Connie Davidson

August 19, 2020

Announcements

Volunteers Needed

Connie Davidson

August 19, 2020

Announcements

As BCUC begins to reopen this Fall, we have several upcoming events that we are seeking volunteers for, including a 'Two Men & A Stove' outdoor BBQ on August 22 and our first modified in-person worship service on September 6. For all events, we are following public health recommendations related to COVID-19 safety. If you are able to help, please contact the office at (613) 820-8103 or office@bcuc.org.

Connie Davidson

August 17, 2020

Announcements

Two Men & A Stove outdoor BBQ - Reserve your seat now!

Connie Davidson

August 17, 2020

Announcements

Two Men & A Stove invite you to a small outdoor BBQ on Saturday, August 22 between 11am and 12pm, on the grassy area in front of the church.

Your choice of a HAMBURGER, or HOTDOG, with onions, condiments (ketchup, mustard, relish), small bag of chips, and a soft drink, all for $5.00 per person. Proceeds go to BCUC Operating fund. Cash accepted!

Health & Safety measures will prevail: 2 metre (6 feet) distancing will be observed and masks will be worn until seated; families will sit together; tables will be cleaned between sittings; all refuse will be removed from the church grounds …

Come for David's flowers and lunch!

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED AND MAY BE MADE UNTIL FRIDAY EVENING at davidstafford@sympatico.ca.

Connie Davidson

August 15, 2020

Worship services

Sunday Worship Service - August 16, 2020

Connie Davidson

August 15, 2020

Worship services

BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH

11TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
SUMMER WORSHIP SERVICE

August 16, 2020

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

Gathering Music: “Who Comes From God” Voices United #892

1. Who comes from God, as Word and Breath? Holy Wisdom.
Who holds the keys of life and death? Mighty Wisdom.
Crafter and Creator too, Eldest, she makes all things new;
Wisdom guides what God will do,
Wisest One, Radiant One, welcome, Holy Wisdom.

2. Who lifts her voice for all to hear? Joyful Wisdom.
Who shapes a thought and makes it clear? Truthful Wisdom.
Teacher drawing out our best, magnifies what we invest,
Names our truth, directs our quest,
Wisest One, Radiant One, welcome, Holy Wisdom.

3. Whom should we seek with all our heart? Loving Wisdom.
Who, once revealed, will not depart? Faithful Wisdom.
Partner, Counsellor, Comforter, love has found none lovelier,
Life is gladness lived with her,
Wisest One, Radiant One, welcome, Holy Wisdom.

Welcome & Announcements

This is the third Sunday of our summer sermon series on Wisdom in the book of Proverbs and today we will hear Lady Wisdom extend an invitation to us all that will be hard to turn down!

During this time when we are not able to gather in the church sanctuary, please know that BCUC offers our worship services in a number of ways. Check our website at bcuc.org for our audio, video, and text formats, along with the weekly announcements, online meetings, events, and other updates. To access the service on your telephone, you can dial 613-820-8104 to listen to the most recent service. We also encourage you to show that you care by connecting with each other through emails, phone calls, and prayers.

Here are a few announcements to highlight this week:

David’s Flowers are available for purchase by donation every Saturday morning from 10:30 to 11:30, drive-through style. The flowers will be displayed on tables outside the main entrance, and everyone is asked to bring donations by exact change or a prepared cheque, and remain in your car to receive instructions from our volunteers. Thank you for your support!

Next Saturday, August 22, from 11:00am till noon, we will also be treated to a small barbecue, hosted by “Two Men and a Stove”. To help us comply with the current Health and Safety measures, we ask that you register in advance by contacting the church office at 613-820- 8103. At that time, you can choose between a hamburger or hot dog, with onions and condiments, along with a small bag of chips and a soft drink for just $5 per person. Tables will be placed and cleaned according to the Health regulations and folks are asked to be masked until seated. Proceeds from the barbecue will go to the BCUC Operating fund.

So, plan to join us on Saturday for flowers and stay for lunch!

Every Wednesday evening at 8pm, we invite you to join your prayers with others from the comfort of your own home. Wherever you are, say a prayer for the world, for your community, the congregation, your family, and yourself.

Volume 2 of the book of Memories is available for purchase in either print or digital format. Please call the church office to reserve your copy and arrange payment and pick-up.

You can also purchase Grocery cards by calling the church office.

For those who are able to join us by Zoom, there will be a “Virtual Fellowship Time” every Sunday at 11 am. The link will be sent to you by email. If you have not yet received it, please call the office for more information during regular church office hours.

For more announcements, please check the church website.

Let us now gather our hearts and minds for worship…

Lighting of the Christ Candle Acolyte: Hazel Smith

Just as we light candles on our dining table to celebrate a special meal,
Just as we light candles on a cake to celebrate a birthday,
Just as we light candles to provide a warm light on a cold, dark night,
We light this candle to celebrate that the warm light of Christ is among us as we gather in worship.

Call to Gather: Jack and Katie Kelly

I hear a noise. I hear a sound. Do you hear it?
It is Wisdom calling.
Where is she? Where can I find her?
She calls from the heights of the heavens
and speaks with truth on her lips.
May I come? May I learn?
Yes, you may come. You may learn.
Wisdom calls all people
to faith, peace, love, and hope.[1]

Prayer of Approach[2]: Katie Kelly

God of Wisdom,
You spoke through the prophets and writers of old.
You speak to us today as a church in challenging times and an uncertain future.
Touch our hearts in this time of worship. Inspire us to deeper commitment.
Make of us a gracious and generous people, faithful into the future.
Amen

Hymn: “Long Before My Journey’s Start” More Voices #63

1. Long before my journey’s start, when in my youth I searched in my heart,
I would pray for her, wait for her,
Wisdom, my road, my goal, and my star.

2. From the blossom to the seed, long has she filled my cup in need
May I cling to her vine, taste of her wine,
Wisdom my life, my perfect design.

3. When I stretched my hands to the sky, when in despair my soul raised a cry,
I was saved by her gaze, led in her ways,
Wisdom, my love, the light of my days.

Storytime for the Young at Heart Erin Berard

Over the past couple weeks we’ve heard about Lady Wisdom calling out to us from the streets. We hear lots of messages calling out to us, too, don’t we? Our parents, in the community you might see something on a billboard. They’re giving us advice, or warning us, or pointing out inequalities or injustices. You might hear: “Look both ways before you cross the street!” “Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds!” “Black Lives Matter!””#SafeSeptember” “That is really not a good idea!”

But in today’s reading, Lady Wisdom is calling us to come and have a meal with her! And this doesn’t sound like just grabbing take out from McDonalds and eating it in the car! When I connect it with Bells Corners United Church, it makes me think of having a shared meal with our neighbours at the Mosque or enjoying a Two Men and a Stove community dinner or even having us all gathered together for a Choir meal before rehearsals. Maybe it’ll make you think of a special meal with extended family and friends, or even just your regular, every-night supper with your family.

When we sit down together and take time over a meal, we get a chance to talk and hear about how everyone’s day went, we can share stories and experiences, tell about things that are worrying us or concerning us. It’s a chance to ask questions and work things out together.

It’s often really difficult to really understand an issue when you don't have all the information, just a slogan or a hashtag. We might need to ask to get more information. We need to know: What am I looking for when I look both ways? HOW do I wash my hands well? What will be the risks and challenges as we head back to school? What can I be doing, exactly, to support the Black community where I live?

So maybe the next time we hear a big, loud statement in the news or in our community or from our friends, we could stop and take a little minute listen and try to understand more about what’s going on and ask God to help guide us in the right direction.

Hymn: “I Am Walking a Path of Peace” More Voices #221

1. I am walking a path of peace, I am walking a path of peace,
I am walking a path of peace, lead me on, lead me on.

2. I am walking a path of love, I am walking a path of love,
I am walking a path of love, lead me on, lead me on.

3. I am walking a path of hope, I am walking a path of hope,
I am walking a path of hope, lead me on, lead me on.

4. I am walking in Wisdom’s way, I am walking in Wisdom’s way,
I am walking in Wisdom’s way, lead me on, lead me on.

Prayer for Illumination[3] Reader: Barbara Bole Stafford

God of Grace,
As we receive these words – words inspired by you –
May we discover your urgings,
May they stir our thoughts,
May we be empowered to grow,
And may we act in ways that reveal who you are to all who would notice.
Amen

The Reading: Proverbs 9:1-6 (The Message) “Lady Wisdom Gives a Dinner Party”

1-6 Lady Wisdom has built and furnished her home;
    it’s supported by seven hewn timbers.
The banquet meal is ready to be served: lamb roasted,
    wine poured out, table set with silver and flowers.
Having dismissed her serving maids,
    Lady Wisdom goes to town, stands in a prominent place,
    and invites everyone within sound of her voice:
“Are you confused about life, don’t know what’s going on?
    Come with me, oh come, have dinner with me!
I’ve prepared a wonderful spread—fresh-baked bread,
    roast lamb, carefully selected wines.
Leave your impoverished confusion and live!
    Walk up the street to a life with meaning.”

Hear what the Spirit is saying to all of us. Amen.

Sermon: “Come, Join Me at the Table” Lorrie Lowes DM

Welcome, Friends!

In these days of isolation and social distancing, how I wish I could invite you to dinner! It would be such a wonderful treat to get together around a delicious meal and talk about all the things that are happening in the world – especially all the concerns around this virus and around the racial unrest, the political situation in countries like the USA and Belarus, the tragedies that are happening in places like Lebanon. So much to talk about, so much to ponder, so much to try to make sense of…

Where do we turn for information?
How do we sift fact from fiction?
Who do we trust?
What should we do?
Where is God in all of this?
What is my role as a follower of Jesus?

We can think and worry about these things silently; we can discuss them with the people in our “Covid Bubble”, but sometimes we need to hear views of others with different experience and perspectives. We need to sift through it all and pull out the wisdom together. We need to have the kind of civilized discussion that can happen around a dinner table, a place where intimate and honest conversation can take place among people who feel safe enough with each other to not only lay open their hearts and deepest thoughts, but to open their minds enough to really listen to what others have to say.

For the past two weeks, our readings from Proverbs have introduced us to Sophia, Lady Wisdom, who is calling to the people of the world to pay attention to what she has to tell us. First, in Proverbs 1, she calls out in a warning – “Pay attention or else!” she seems to say, “If you choose not to listen to me, well then you are on your own and I will laugh at the results. Don’t come crying to me when it all comes back to bite you!” Last week, in Proverbs 8, Lady Wisdom is still calling out in the street but this time, she is sharing her credentials. “I was there right at the beginning! I was part of God’s creation of this world. I know how it was designed to work and my input, my wisdom, was a big part of the design and the process. I have important things to say that you need to hear!”

Well, in today’s reading, Lady Wisdom has taken a new approach. It seems that she realizes that threats don’t work. She also sees that, while people love the image of her presence at Creation, they don’t think they need to pay attention to something that happened eons ago, that it doesn’t really apply to what’s happening in the world today. In Proverbs 9, she goes once again to the public square, but this time, she issues an invitation. “Come with me, oh come, have dinner with me!”

… no dire warnings, no pleading to be given a voice, but an invitation to join her at the table.

It’s interesting, isn’t it, that the invitation is not to a town hall meeting with a panel of experts and powerful political speakers? This is no rally with a free barbecue lunch and balloons for the kids. This is a sumptuous dinner party in her home. A sit-down dinner with all the comforts and delights – a lavish table set with flowers and candles and her very best dishes. A feast of roasted lamb, fresh baked bread, and a selection of fine wines. We are invited as honoured guests to an intimate dinner at the table in a sturdy, well-established house, built by Wisdom herself and supported by seven hewn timbers. It sounds like a place where you can feel safe, a place where your questions and your musings will be accepted with grace, a place where you can work out your confusion amongst others who are also struggling to find answers, a place where the conversation is facilitated by Lady Wisdom herself.

It is an invitation into relationship.

I think Lady Wisdom has finally figured us humans out. She now understands what we need in order to put down our defenses and to leave our weapons at the door. She has created a safe place where we can meet each other in an atmosphere of mutual respect, a place where listening – really listening – to others is as comfortable as sharing our own perspective. Unlike the town hall or the rally, we don’t come to a dinner table with our guard up against people we think are trying to hard sell their personal world view. In this elegant setting with sumptuous foods and fine wines, we are open to meeting new ideas. We are open to asking for more information. We are open to looking for the wisdom we need to move forward in these confusing and somewhat frightening times. We are interested. And what better host could we ask for than Sophia, Wisdom herself?

This reminds me a bit of the party conversation starter where someone asks, “If you could have dinner with anyone, alive or dead, who would you choose?” I always struggle a bit with that one. There are so many amazing people in history and in today’s world that I would love to have a conversation with… but I don’t think I ever considered Lady Wisdom as a possibility. Given the state of the world these days, perhaps she is the very person whose company we need the most… Never mind the fantastic stories she would have to tell about Creation and the divine plan it was based on! Yes, I think she would be an amazing dinner companion…

Heaven knows, these days we are bombarded with complicated issues – stopping the spread of the Covid19 virus while getting the economy back on track… sifting through the messages from our leaders and the experts to discern which restrictions are necessary or which loosening of the guidelines are safe and which are politically motivated…

How do we deal with the inequities in this world where some have more than they can ever use and others are lacking the bare necessities of food and shelter? How can we help others and still give our own families the life we have worked so hard to provide?... How do we help others and still keep their dignity intact? …How do we help without taking control? …How can we be sure that what we do is actually helpful?

We look at the racial unrest that is happening everywhere but perhaps most violently in our neighbours to the south of us… How do we stand up for the rights of black lives and how do we justify the violence that has erupted around this movement?... How do we acknowledge the racism that exists even in our own communities? … How do we face the ways that systemic racism affects each and every one of us?... Can I be an ally without feeling guilty about the privilege I hold in society?...

There are so many opinions, so many voices, so many causes…

It’s difficult to figure out where the wisdom lies… Yes, I think I’d like to be invited to Lady Wisdom’s dinner party…

Perhaps she would have all the answers to all of our questions, but I don’t think she plans to give us a cheat sheet or to do all the work herself. We’ve been reading scripture long enough to know that God doesn’t work that way. God is always there to guide and support us – but we are expected to do the work. So, I imagine that our gracious host would facilitate the discussion, maybe by asking some questions – open ended ones, of course, questions meant to get us doing the talking and the work of figuring things out.

I wonder who else would be sitting at the table with us… I wonder if Sophia has a seating plan in mind… Would I be seated with people I wanted to meet or with people I needed to meet? …

I think you can see that I am intrigued by this invitation from Lady Wisdom! So, how can we take advantage of this offer today? I think we need an opportunity like this now, more than ever. I know I am stressed by everything that is happening around me, are you too? Where is that invitation to dinner? Where is Lady Wisdom when we need her?

Perhaps she is right there on the street corner, exactly where she has always been. Perhaps the invitation is as sincere as it was in the time of these ancient writings. Perhaps we need to slow down, take a deep breath, and look for her amongst the bustle and noise of this busy intersection we live in.

Wisdom is still calling to us, begging us to stop the shouting and the arguing, the pushing and shoving as each voice strives for power and control. She asks us to slow down, to take the time to enjoy each other’s company, to share our thoughts and ideas, to listen at least as much as we speak, to savour a mouthful of delicious food, or fine wine – and not jump in to talk with our mouths full – to savour the time in good company. She wants us to get to know each other. She wants us to take the time to think, to consider, to discern… to find the wisdom that is waiting for us in the mutual respect of a caring community.

Now, perhaps a fancy dinner party isn’t your style. Are there other metaphors you might use to create the same atmosphere? I am reminded of a Thomas Rhett song that Rory Gardiner has shared with us at BCUC – “If I Could Have a Beer with Jesus” – perhaps not a song you expected to hear in a church, but I think the message is just the same as in this passage today. Find a venue and a situation where you can relax and spend quality time with Wisdom, or Jesus, or God in any form, as the facilitator of the discussion. A place where you can relax, let your guard down, and open your heart and mind to the voices around you.

What questions would you have for them?
What questions do you think they’d have for you?
Who else would you invite to the table?
Are they the same ones you think they might invite?

It’s a refreshing and comforting thought for me that Wisdom is still there, calling out her invitation to us right in the midst of the turmoil of this world. Will you look for her? Will you accept her invitation?

May it be so.

Amen

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer

God of Wisdom,
We come to you today, so full of worries and questions.
We long to accept Sophia’s invitation.
We long to have your guiding presence and peace that will lead us and the world to a path that will make a positive difference.
We pray for your presence with us as we struggle with the difficulties we face and with the pain of this world.

Help us to calm the inward fear and anxiety that the news of the day causes us.
We pray for a healing resolution to the pandemic …
We pray for the safety of our families and loved ones …
We pray for strength, courage, and safety for the frontline workers we depend on …
We pray that our leaders make wise choices in the restricting and in the easing of restrictions as we move forward …

Help us to see the human realities of life in places where there is war, violence, and injustice.
We pray for all those who are marginalized by the colour of their skin, their choice of religion, their sexuality, their manner of dress and all outward things that block us from getting to know the person inside…
We pray for those who struggle to find the necessities of life – food, clean water, shelter, and safety…
We pray for all those who are living with tragedy, both personal and communal …for the people of Lebanon as they deal with the aftermath of the explosion …for those who have lost loved ones, especially in these times where we cannot gather together to grieve or to comfort…
We pray for the places in the world where there is political unrest and violence… for the people of the United States …for the people of Belarus…

Help us hear the voice of Wisdom calling us into relationship with you and with each other.
We pray for the voices that struggle to speak over the din…
We pray for those who close their ears, their minds, and their hearts to new or different perspectives…
We pray for ourselves that we may look at the world with the openness needed to discern and to make a difference.

Help us to see past the frightening, and sometimes ugly, things that are happening so that we can celebrate the good and beautiful things in creation and in each other.

Help us know, God of Love and Compassion, that you have not abandoned us, that you are still calling out to us from the street corner, that we are still invited to Lady Wisdom’s table.

We pray for ourselves; we pray for our communities, we pray for this world – and we remember the wisdom of Jesus in the words he taught – words we repeat together:

Invitation to Offer:

With graciousness and open arms, Lady Wisdom spreads a sumptuous table and invites all to share in the experience. In this same spirit, may we too share our bounty with others.

Offertory Prayer[4]:

Let these gifts, O God, spread your wisdom through the teachings of the scriptures
And your love through the help we give to each other, our community and the wider world.
Amen.

Sending Forth[5]:

And now may the light of the sun be our guide,
The warmth of the summer breezes refresh our spirits,
The generosity of the earth be our model for discipleship,
And may God bless us, and bless us kindly, today and always.
Amen

Hymn: “Open Your Ears, O Faithful People” Voices United #272

1. Open your ears, O faithful people,
Open your ears, and hear God’s word.
Open your hearts, O faithful people,
God now speaks to you.

Refrain:
God has spoken to the people, hallelujah!
And those words are words of wisdom, hallelujah! Hallelujah!

2. They who have ears to hear the message,
They who have ears, now let them hear.
They who would learn the way of wisdom,
Let them hear God’s word.

Departing: Beer with Jesus - Huckaby/Miller/Akins Performer: Rory Gardiner

Zoom Fellowship hosted by Lorrie at 11 am. Link has been emailed. See you there!

[2] Inspired by Jean Barkley and Mark Fleming, Gathering Summer-Autumn 2010, p39. Used with permission.

[3] Sheryl McLeod, Gathering Pentecost 1 2019, p46. Used with permission.

[4] Karen Boivin, Gathering Pentecost 1 2018, p45. Used with permission.

[5] Bob Root, Gathering Summer-Autumn 2010, p43. Used with permission.

Connie Davidson

August 8, 2020

Worship services

Sunday Worship Service - August 9, 2020

Connie Davidson

August 8, 2020

Worship services

BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH

10TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
SUMMER WORSHIP SERVICE

August 9, 2020

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

Gathering: Precious Lord – Voices United #670 Duet: Ellen & Bernice

Acknowledgement of Territory

We begin our worship service by acknowledging the territory where most of us gather and where I am located. We acknowledge that we are gathered on the unceded traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe First Nation. We pay respect to the elders past and present and honour all indigenous people’s reverence of this land throughout the ages. May we live in peace and friendship to sustain the earth and all its people.
Thank you for permitting us to live and work on this land.

Welcome & Announcements

Good day everyone! On behalf of Bells Corners United Church, I welcome and greet you in the name of Jesus Christ, wherever you are, in today’s worship service. This is the second Sunday of the summer sermon series in the book of Proverbs. Today we are going to hear Lady Wisdom, calling us again from the streets and public squares to pay attention reminding us that she was created by God at the very beginning even before the world was created.

During this time when we are not able to worship in the church sanctuary, please know that BCUC offers worship service in a number of ways. Check our website at bcuc.org, for our worship service in audio, video and text formats along with the weekly announcements, online meetings, events and other updates. You can also listen to the service via telephone by dialing 613-820-8104. I also encourage you to show that you care by connecting with each other through emails, phone calls and prayers.

Here are some announcements:

The Book of Memories Volume 2 is completed and copies are now available for purchase. You can order a print copy with a suggested minimum donation of $30 or a Digital copy with a suggested donation of $15. Please contact the office to place an order.
Join us for a spontaneous Prayer Circle every Wednesday at 8 pm. Wherever you are, say a prayer for the world, your community and the congregation, your family, and yourself.
David’s Flowers are back drive-through style and they are available every Saturday from 10:30 to 11:30 am. The flowers will be displayed on tables outside the main entrance, and everyone is asked to remain in their car, bring exact change or prepared cheque for donations, and follow instructions of volunteers. Thank you for your support!
Grocery cards are now available for purchase. Please call the office to place your order.
For those of you who are able to join us via Zoom, there will be zoom fellowship every Sunday at 11 am. Link will be emailed to you or call the office for more information.
Friends, I now invite you to reflect and to listen to Wisdom’s calling. May we hear her call and grant us the courage to respond. Let us gather in worship.

Lighting of the Christ Candle Acolyte: Victoria Ogden

All creation is made of star stuff.
From the basic building blocks of the universe,
come fire, air, earth and water.
All creation sings praise to the Creator of all.
Warmed by this flame,
We go where Christ’s wisdom shines!

Call to Gather: (inspired by the prayer of Rt. Rev. Richard Bott, 2017) Lorrie Lowes, DM

Let us gather to praise God of all life,
whose hands touch Creation, and it moves;
whose heart beats and life pulses anew;
whose Spirit dances and the world is changed!
In this time together,
let us praise Wisdom and help us move,
to live,
to be changed
by God’s love,
for the sake of Creation.
Let us gather in worship.

Prayer of Approach: Walking with Wisdom (from If Darwin Prayed by Bruce Sanguin)

O Holy one,
we come in humility and awe,
waiting on Wisdom, Holy Sophia,
to reveal to us Her way.
She, incarnate in Jesus,
embodies in cells and centipedes,
woos us with a wink
into an unknown and unknowable future:
except that is shall be delightful,
for She is delighted by creation;
and it shall be beautiful,
for beauty is the path She walks;
and it shall be good,
for She is the irrepressible goodness of creation;
and it shall be just,
for she is outraged by oppression,
of all Her children,
human and other-than-human.

O Holy One,
we turn now from our foolish ways
to walk the path of Wisdom –
lightly, lovingly –upon and as
this beautiful green planet.
Amen.

Hymn: Oh a Song Must Rise More Voices #142

Refrain
Oh a song must rise for the spirit to descend
Oh a song must rise once again (again)
Singing out God’s praises and glory,
the faithful voices blend,
Oh a song must rise for the spirit to descend. (descend)

1. From the mountains to the valleys,
from the desert to the sea,
a song must rise once again.
From the voices of our leaders,
the voice of you and me,
a song must rise for the spirit to descend.

2. From poverty and riches,
from the voice of young and old,
a song must rise once again. (again)
From the free and the imprisoned,
the timid and the bold,
a song must rise for the spirit to descend.

3. From ev’ry house of worship,
in ev’ry faith and tongue,
a song must rise once again.
From the villages and cities
a new song must be sung,
a song must rise for the spirit to descend.

Storytime for the Young at Heart Lorrie Lowes, DM

Good Morning! We are continuing on with our series about Wisdom in the Bible, and today we’re reading again from the book of Proverbs. It’s difficult to talk about and to describe God in a way that makes sense, that is big enough to cover what God really is to any us. And so, the writers in the Bible often given God many personalities. We talked about that when we talked about the Trinity, didn’t we – that there are lots of different ways of describing God and that sometimes it makes it sound like God is more than one being or one existence. Well, the writers of the book of Proverbs have talked about Wisdom in that way, like a separate kind of being, and generally as a woman. She is sometimes called Sophia or, as in the reading we are looking at today, Lady Wisdom.

This is a really beautiful passage, talking about Wisdom being right there as a part of Creation. I love the verses that really point this out. In verses 30 and 31 of Proverbs 8 it says,

“I was right there with God, making sure everything fit. Day after day I was there with my joyful applause, always enjoying God’s company, delighted with the world of things and creatures, happily celebrating the human family.”

It really brings out that excitement, doesn’t it? I can imagine how exciting it would be to have been around when Creation happened. And I think sometimes, that whole idea of excitement has to do with wonder as well. Wonder is something we are familiar with in our world, and I think that in being wise, wonder plays a big part. Delighting in the beauty and order of the created world is a way that we wonder. When we think about how a caterpillar can turn into a chrysalis and then into a butterfly, that’s something that is really a wonder. As we wonder and learn about how those things happen in the world and about how they fit together that’s a way we become wise, as we learn things, as we talked about last week.

So, what does Wisdom have to teach us about the way we look at God’s world? Well, I think that Wisdom tells us in this passage that we should delight in the way everything fits together so beautifully, how Creation is organized to work together as one, how we should rejoice and delight in Creation, about our place in Creation and how we can help make this all work together, and how every single piece of it is an important part of God’s world.

I hope that you will look at the world today with a sense of Wisdom’s wonder!

A Poem: God’s Garden (by Dorothy Frances Gurney) Vernon Sulway

THE Lord God planted a garden
In the first white days of the world,
And He set there an angel warden
In a garment of light enfurled.
So near to the peace of Heaven,
That the hawk might nest with the goose,
For there in the cool of the evening
God walked with the first of us.
And I dream that these garden-closes
With their shade and their sun-flecked sod
And their lilies and bowers of roses,
Were laid by the hand of God.
The kiss of the sun for pardon,
The song of the birds for mirth,--
One is nearer God’s heart in a garden
Than anywhere else on earth.

Hymn: O Beautiful Gaia More Voices #41

Refrain:
O beautiful Gaia, O Gaia,
calling us home.
O beautiful Gaia, calling us on.

1. Soil yielding its harvest,
O Gaia, calling us home.
Soil yielding its harvest,
calling us on. R

2.       Waves crashing on granite,
          O Gaia, calling us home.
          Waves crashing on granite,
          calling us on. R

3.       Pine bending in windstorm,
          O Gaia, calling us home.
          Pine bending in windstorm,
          calling us on. R

4.       Loon nesting in marshland,
          O Gaia, calling us home.
          Loon nesting in marshland,
          calling us on.

Prayer for Illumination Reader: Nicole Beaudry

O wise God, let your word speak in each heart. Let your truth set each one free. Let your wisdom inspire us for justice. Let your presence fill us with joy. Amen.

The Reading: “Lady Wisdom Calls Out” Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-36 (The Message)

8 1-4 Do you hear Lady Wisdom calling?
    Can you hear Madame Insight raising her voice?
She’s taken her stand at First and Main,
    at the busiest intersection.
Right in the city square
    where the traffic is thickest, she shouts,
“You—I’m talking to all of you,
    everyone out here on the streets!

22-31 “God sovereignly made me—the first, the basic—
    before God did anything else.
I was brought into being a long time ago,
    well before Earth got its start.
I arrived on the scene before Ocean,
    yes, even before Springs and Rivers and Lakes.
Before Mountains were sculpted and Hills took shape,
    I was already there, newborn;
Long before God stretched out Earth’s Horizons,
    and tended to the minute details of Soil and Weather,
And set Sky firmly in place,
    I was there.
When God mapped and gave borders to wild Ocean,
    built the vast vault of Heaven,
    and installed the fountains that fed Ocean,
When God drew a boundary for Sea,
    posted a sign that said no trespassing,
And then staked out Earth’s Foundations,
    I was right there with God, making sure everything fit.
Day after day I was there, with my joyful applause,
    always enjoying God’s company,
Delighted with the world of things and creatures,
    happily celebrating the human family.

32-36 “So, my dear friends, listen carefully;
    those who embrace these my ways are most blessed.
Mark a life of discipline and live wisely;
    don’t squander your precious life.
Blessed the man, blessed the woman, who listens to me,
    awake and ready for me each morning,
    alert and responsive as I start my day’s work.
When you find me, you find life, real life,
    to say nothing of God’s good pleasure.
But if you wrong me, you damage your very soul;
    when you reject me, you’re flirting with death.”

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

Sermon: “In the Beginning was Wisdom” Rev. Kim Vidal

In 2005, about 400 women and a few men, comprised of clergy, feminist theologians, Bible scholars, professors, church lay leaders and advocates gathered at Carleton University in Ottawa for what turned out to be one of the most controversial yet transformational ecumenical church events that I’ve ever attended. The conference was sponsored by Women’s Ordination Worldwide, an organization run primarily by feminist members, mostly connected with the Roman Catholic Church, whose main goal is to raise awareness about and advocate for the ordination of women not only in the Roman Catholic Church but in all Christian churches. I attended the conference partly due to two feminist theologians that I follow: Elisabeth Schussler Fiorenza and Rosemary Radford Ruether.

“Breaking Silence, Breaking Bread – Christ Calls Women to Lead” - the theme caused tidal waves across the Christian religious landscape because it did what its title said it would do. It broke women’s silence, particularly those who are advocates of women’s ordination, while breaking bread together, placing diverse women’s experiences at the centre of Jesus’ ministry. It also emphasized female images of the Divine at the centre of the worship and ritual life of the conference. The backlash to the conference was tremendously big. It concluded with the so-called ordination of four Roman Catholic “priestesses” and five “deaconesses” on the St. Lawrence River that drew media attention.

During the conference, there was one particular worship experience that introduced me to Lady Wisdom, also known as Sophia that I remembered so well. In that worship service, I was introduced to songs from the album Dancing Sophia’s Circle composed by Colleen Fulmer, a former member of Loretto Spirituality Network and converted to the United Methodist Church, now an ordained minister. 400 plus voices all joined in the refrain- “O Wisdom Sophia, Wisdom Sophia, the power and presence of God.” The worship centered around the image of Lady Wisdom that broke open something in me. I would say it was life-changing. It transformed me!

I have had amazing spiritual and theological experience during and after the conference, not to mention the friendships formed and the wisdom that I learned from the marvelous speakers.

So here we are on this second Sunday of the sermon series on Lady Wisdom, challenging and disturbing, yet transformational. Last Sunday, we have heard her voice for the first time in Proverbs 1 calling out to everyone from the streets and marketplaces, from the hub of communal life. Wisdom is portrayed as a woman who will not be silenced, standing at the public square, calling the attention of humanity, insisting that she be heard, frustrated by those who pretend they don’t know any better, pointing an angry finger at those who choose ignorance over wisdom. She wrestles with questions about how one ought to live and about the meaning of life. With questions about justice and fairness and where God is in the midst of our human experiences.

Today in Proverbs 8, Lady Wisdom calls out again from the same spot on First and Main streets, on the city square, but this time, she will tell us that in the beginning, even before the world was created, she already existed with God, like a master worker, a co-creator in the formation of the world. The ancient Israelites wrote of wisdom, first in God’s creation, witnessed all of creation and worked alongside the Creator God. Both are complementary dimensions of the creation process, or as Proverbs describes it, Lady Wisdom is at God’s side, as an agent, companion and celebrant in the creation process.

Proverbs 8 is a beautiful depiction of creation that would complement the creation stories in Genesis. Wisdom is earthy, deeply rooted and is woven into the fabric of all creation, personified as symbolic of transcendent power ordering and delighting in the world. In the words of feminist theologian Elizabeth Johnson, “She is constantly luring human beings to life, to a way of living that rightfully orders the world such that everyone is able to delight in it. She has been there from the beginning of this world.” Listen again to her words translated by Eugene Peterson in The Message

“God sovereignly made me—the first, the basic—before God did anything else.
I was brought into being a long time ago, well before Earth got its start…

I was there…I was right there with God, making sure everything fit.
Day after day I was there, with my joyful applause,
always enjoying God’s company,
Delighted with the world of things and creatures,
happily celebrating the human family.”

From the beginning, Lady Wisdom dances and rejoices and delights in Creation. She is a lover of people – she “delights in the human race and happily celebrating with them.” Historian and author Lilian Calles Barger, writes: “In the biblical Proverbs, Woman Wisdom is identified with God, present at Creation and infusing all. She seeks close engagement with the world and delights to be with humanity. Contrary to gender-stereotyped images of women, she is in no way passive but is portrayed as a liberator and establisher of justice, a lover in pursuit of humanity who, in return, responds to those who love her.” Wisdom invites us to delight with her in creation – and to care for all life. She is so intimately connected with the earth and nudges the people to nourish and care for our environment.

Where can we find Lady Wisdom so that we can participate in this whole creative process? Rev. Greg Wooley in his sermon on wisdom shares wonderful insight to this question. He says: “One good place to start, is to cultivate personal habits and spiritual practices that invite God’s wisdom into your day. This includes moments of contemplation, prayer or journaling, doing yoga, visualization, meditation, and breathing-prayers.” Rev. Wooley also encourage us to slow down our information intake relying on high-speed, internet sources, by enhancing it with other sources that take us deeper. Books, including the Bible, newspapers, documentaries, thoughtful magazine articles and podcasts can all help. Taking a deep breath and inviting a deep thought provides favourable conditions for the growth of wisdom. And I would add to this list, inspiring music – both instrumental and sung, traveling and nature walks, as well as wise people and friends – our family and social circles – these are wonderful sources of wisdom. A wise person once said: “Surround yourself with positive people who will inspire you to do better.”

If there is one thing that I hope we will take away from this sermon, it is this: The ancient writers of Proverbs 8 were on to something wonderful when they depicted Lady Wisdom in such a vivid and tangible way – not as an abstract philosophical concept or idea, but as a real, live, flesh and blood, living being, when they imagined her side by side with God from the beginning of time, standing on the street corners, at our borders, at our city gates, calling to us from all of the highways and byways of life. We all can be vessels of wisdom. We all can be co-creators with God and we can claim the gift of creativity if we follow Lady Wisdom’s ways. Poets, artists, musicians, preachers, leaders, housekeepers, health workers, gardeners, bakers, everyday workers, young and old– we all can claim our work as part of God’s creative power. We, alongside with God, contributes to this creative process in preserving and healing the earth.

Lady Wisdom emerges in our actions, in our choices, in our relationships. Like water, she finds Her way. Like light, we turn toward Her, especially as the darkness deepens. Like a tree, she taught us to become deeply-rooted with creation and the world where we live. Wisdom and life are inseparable. This human life, this pilgrimage, this adventure, this journey, this is where Wisdom comes to find us. Wisdom calls us not out of our lives, but deeper into them: deeper into our innermost being, deeper into our relationships, deeper into our communities and neighborhoods, deeper into the presence of creation itself.

Going back to the 2005 Women’s Ordination Worldwide Conference that I have attended, if there’s one thing that have inspired me in my ministry and in my life, it would be the wisdom and music of Colleen Fulmer, particularly her song In Your Presence that we’ve sang during one of the worship services in that gathering. Let me share some of its lyrics with the hope that you will find it inspiring too as you continue to seek and follow Lady Wisdom-Sophia in your life journey:

We are bathed in radiance, clothed in glory
Crowned in splendour, embraced in joy.
O Wisdom Sophia, Wisdom Sophia,
The power and presence of God.
Our earth was created as you danced and played
So delighted by beauty and form.
You sang and mountains and valleys appeared.
All the meadows, the seas and the shores.
O Wisdom Sophia, Wisdom Sophia,
The power and presence of God.

I thank God for Lady Wisdom. With her beauty and grace, she invites us to walk, sing, laugh, play, work and dance into the light of God’s new day. Thanks be to our wise God. Amen.

Sources that I used:

Sheri Hostetler, https://blog.menno.org/2017/12/12/sermon-christ-sophia/
Elizabeth Johnson’s She Who Is: The Mystery of God in Feminist Theological Discourse
Emily, Literature & Liturgy, https://jesusscribbles.wordpress.com/2012/09/01/sermon-lady-wisdom-proverbs-8/
Rev. Greg Wooley’s sermon on Proverbs 8, Ralph Connor Memorial United Church, Canmore AB, 2018.
Barger, Lilian Calles. Chasing Sophia: Reclaiming the lost wisdom of Jesus. San Francisco: Jossey- Bass, 2007.
Colleen Fulmer, “In Your Presence”, from the album Dancing Sophia’s Circle.

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

Like gentle rain from above that blesses us each day,
so are your gifts of life to us, Creator God.
In your wisdom you move our hearts from anxiety to an act of gratitude.
Like the sun that rises in the morning so is the steadfastness of your love that provides for us.
In your grace, you move us from trust in things we’ve made to trust in your goodness and promises. Like a surprise gift, you offer us possibilities and a chance to breathe again.
In your presence, you move us from fear to courage in your ways.

Creator God, in your wisdom,
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.
We thank you for fresh water to drink and water that flows in rivers and lakes.
We thank you for the air which gives life to all.
We thank you for seeds and crops, plants and trees, for birds and animals.
As earth’s vegetation and creatures care for us, may we care for them in return.
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 Beirut especially the grieving families and loved ones of the victims who died in the recent deadly explosion. We ask for your blessings and love to heal their broken hearts and spirits as they mourn their tragic loss. We pray for healing and comfort to those who are injured, shelter to those who are homeless and sustenance to those who hunger.

We continue to pray for Canada and the rest of the world as we continue to combat the ongoing pandemic. We pray for our loved ones and friends, those whose loved ones perished due to this virus, 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 workers, the grocers, the postal workers, the essential services employees, church people and our leaders. We pray for their safety and good health, wisdom and courage as they serve others in this time of pandemic.

Wisdom-Sophia, may your Spirit bless us with wisdom and help us to change.
To change ourselves and to change our world.
To know the need for it.
To deal with the challenges of it.
To feel the joy of service.
To undertake the journey knowing that you will journey with us.
All these we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, Wisdom’s incarnate, who taught his friends and disciples this prayer that we say together…

Invitation to Offer: Lorrie Lowes, DM

Offertory Prayer

Sophia God, we hear and we respond to your words of wisdom,
your words of call and life. May these gifts, not only of our time, talents and treasures,
but of our very selves be acceptable to you and help spread your justice and love. Amen.

Sending Forth: (based on the words of Bob Root, Gathering 2020) Lorrie Lowes, DM

And may the God of Wisdom who brought us into being,
to care for creation and one another
bless us as we leave:
May we be blessed in the air we breathe,
the relationships we nurture,
and the acts through which love is shared,
that God’s blessing, light, and love
will be known by all.
Go in joy,
blessed to be a blessing.

Hymn: Teach Me, God, to Wonder - Voices United #299

1. Teach me, God, to wonder,
teach me, God, to see;
let your world of beauty capture me.

Refrain:
Praise to you be gi-ven,
love for you you be lived,
life be celebrated, joy you give.

2. Let me, God, be open,
Let me loving be;
Let your world of people speak to me. R

3. Let me, God, be ready,
let me be awake,
in your world of loving my place take. R

4. Teach me, God, to know you,
hear you when you speak,
see you in my neighbour when we meet. R.

Departing: Fairest Lord Jesus – Voices United #341 Arranged: Stewart Landon Duet: Ellen & Bernice

Zoom Fellowship hosted by Lorrie at 11 am. Link has been emailed. See you there!

Connie Davidson

August 1, 2020

Worship services

Sunday Worship Service - August 2, 2020

Connie Davidson

August 1, 2020

Worship services

BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH

9TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
SUMMER WORSHIP SERVICE

August 2, 2020

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

Gathering: Fur Elise – Beethoven Abe: piano

Welcome & Announcements

Good day everyone!

On behalf of Bells Corners United Church, I welcome and greet you in the name of Jesus Christ, wherever you are, in today’s worship service. For the next three Sundays, we are reflecting on Wisdom in the book of Proverbs. Today, we are going to hear the cries of Lady Wisdom, calling us from the streets and markets, from the ordinary, common places of our lived experience.

During this time when we are not able to worship in the church sanctuary, please know that BCUC offers worship service in a number of ways. Check our website at bcuc.org, for our worship service in audio, video and text formats along with the weekly announcements, online meetings, events and other updates. You can also listen to the service via telephone by dialing 613-820-8104. I also encourage you to show that you care by connecting with each other through emails, phone calls and prayers.

Here are some announcements:

The Book of Memories Vol 2 is completed and copies are now available for purchase. You can order a print copy with a suggested minimum donation of $30 or a Digital copy with a suggested minimum donation of $15. Please contact the office to place an order.
Join us for a spontaneous Prayer Circle every Wednesday at 8 pm. Wherever you are, say a prayer for the world, your community including the congregation, your family, and you.
David’s Flowers are back drive-through style and they are available every Saturday from 10:30 to 11:30 am. The flowers will be displayed on tables outside the main entrance, and everyone is asked to remain in their car, bring exact change or prepared cheque for donations, and follow instructions of volunteers. Thank you for your support!
Grocery cards are now available for purchase. Please call the office to place your order.

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

Friends, I now invite you to get ready, to listen to Wisdom’s calling. May we hear her cries and grant us the courage to respond. Let us gather in worship.

Lighting of the Christ Candle Acolytes: Marion & Pierre Dugas

As we light this candle, let us remember that light is a gift from God, a gift to be shared.
Jesus came into our midst as the light of the world,
and the Holy Spirit is present to illumine our work and witness.
Let us worship this day mindful of the light and wisdom of God.

Call to Gather: (posted on Literature & Liturgy) Lorrie Lowes, DM

Who among you is seeking the wisdom of God?
We long to hear God’s Word spoken to our hearts.
Who among you is seeking God’s bright and holy truth?
We long to learn the ways of wisdom and righteousness.
Who among you is seeking a Spirit-filled life?
We long to live lives of holiness and light.
God grants God’s wisdom generously to all who ask.
Come near, people of God!
Let us worship in wisdom and truth.

Prayer of Approach: Sophia’s Delight (by Bruce Sanguin)

We are drawn together by Sophia,
Wisdom of the universe,
nature’s intelligence,
embodied in Jesus
and present in all souls
who gather at Her table.
We gather to receive grace to give up our foolish ways,
to walk in Her light,
to delight in creation and in one another,
as Sophia delights in us.
May we open the gates of our souls,
that Sophia may enter,
making us friends of God and one another.
We open to Her transforming power. Amen.

Hymn: Come and Seek the Ways of Wisdom - More Voices #10

1. Come and seek the ways of Wisdom,
she who danced when earth was new.
Follow closely what she teaches,
for her words are right and true.
Wisdom clears the path to justice,
Showing us what love must do.

2. Listen to the voice of Wisdom,
crying in the market-place.
Hear the Word made flesh among us,
full of glory, truth, and grace.
When the word takes root and ripens,
peace and righteousness embrace.

3. Sister Wisdom, come, assist us;
nurture all who seek rebirth.
Spirit guide and close companion,
bring to light our sacred worth.
Free us to become your people,
holy friends of God and earth.

Storytime for the Young at Heart Lorrie Lowes, DM

(Today, our Story Time will be introduced by a reading of “Mo Willems Presents: That Is Not a Good Idea” It will be read by my three grandchildren and the illustrations will be on the screen. It’s a cute children’s story about a very dapper fox who sees a goose and decides he would like to have her for dinner. He invites her to go for a stroll and she accepts, then he takes her through the deep dark woods, to his kitchen, and asks her to help him make some soup. At each new invitation, little chicks are in the background saying, “That is not a good idea! That is really not a good idea!” In the end, he tries to trick her into looking into the pot to see what ingredient is missing – obviously planning to push her in! The goose outwits him though and declares, “Yes, a key ingredient is missing – YOU!” and it becomes fox soup instead. The little chicks sigh, “Well, we did try to warn him!”)

Wasn’t that a funny story? The ending was quite a surprise to me! I thought all those messages from the chicks were for the goose but they were for the fox. The fox was not very wise; he didn’t listen to those chicks at all. I think the chicks were more wise than the fox, don’t you?

Over the next few weeks, we’re going to be talking about Wisdom. Wisdom is something that we all hope we will get as we grow older, but it’s not something that just automatically happens, is it? In order to become wise, you have to learn lots, read lots, and listen to experts and listen to lots of different opinions so that when we need to make choices, we make wise ones. That’s how we become wise as we grow older.

The fox wasn’t paying any attention to what the chicks had to say because he thought the message wasn’t for him at all. Do we do that sometimes? I think we do. We think, “I don’t need to listen to that rule because it doesn’t apply to me,” or “I won’t listen to what that person has to say because they aren’t very important to me. So, I wonder if that’s a wise thing to do…

Over the next few weeks we’re going to be talking about Wisdom in the Bible. Wisdom is a way that we think about God and we are hoping that we will learn to listen for God’s voice, listen for the things that God wants us to know about how we should be in this world and how we can be good Christians as we take care of each other and the world. Let’s all keep learning, no matter how old we are. It’s a good thing to keep listening, keep learning, keep reading, and learn to become wise.

Hymn: And On This Path - More Voices #8

1. And on this path, the gates of holiness are open wide, (3X)
Open wide! (3X) The gates are open wide!

2. So enter in, the gates of holiness are open wide, (3X)
Open wide! (3X) The gates are open wide!

Prayer for Illumination Reader: Susan Young

O wise God, let your word speak in each heart. Let your truth set each one free. Let your wisdom inspire us for justice. Let your presence fill us with joy. Amen.

The Reading: “Wisdom Calls” Proverbs 1: 20-33 (NRSV)

20Wisdom cries out in the street;
in the squares she raises her voice.
21At the busiest corner she cries out;
at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:
22“How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?
How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing
and fools hate knowledge?
23Give heed to my reproof;
I will pour out my thoughts to you;
I will make my words known to you.
24Because I have called and you refused,
have stretched out my hand and no one heeded,
25and because you have ignored all my counsel
and would have none of my reproof,
26I also will laugh at your calamity;
I will mock when panic strikes you,
27when panic strikes you like a storm,
and your calamity comes like a whirlwind,
when distress and anguish come upon you.
28Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer;
they will seek me diligently, but will not find me.
29Because they hated knowledge
and did not choose the fear of the Lord,
30would have none of my counsel,
and despised all my reproof,
31therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way
and be sated with their own devices.
32For waywardness kills the simple,
and the complacency of fools destroys them;
33but those who listen to me will be secure
and will live at ease, without dread of disaster.”

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

Sermon: “Wisdom Cries Out!” Rev. Kim Vidal

A story was told about an angel who, one day, suddenly appears to a church minister in his office. Because of the minister’s faithful commitment to serve, the angel asked him to have one choice from three wishes: wealth, wisdom, or fame. The minister without thinking, immediately chooses infinite wisdom. The angel disappears, and the minister excitedly tells his wife what happened. So the wife curious to check whether her husband was given infinite wisdom asked him: “Indulge me, my dear, say something wise.” And the minister scratched his head and responds, “I should have taken the money.”

Wisdom. This is our sermon theme in the next three Sundays of August based on the book of Proverbs. Proverbs translates to the Hebrew word mashal meaning “sayings” or “riddles” or “instructions” that belongs to the genre of wisdom literature along with the books of Job and Ecclesiastes. The wisdom literature of Israel is a “collection of collections” that may have been developed in the family, in villages, the royal court, and houses of learning and instruction. If Psalms were attributed to King David, the book of proverbs was attributed to King Solomon because he was famous for having great wisdom but it does not mean to say that Solomon wrote the book. He was known as the patron of wisdom and encouraged chiefs, professional sages, wise men and women, and scribes in the service of the court, to write, collect and organize maxims and sayings about the practical, wise and intelligent way to conduct one’s life particularly about the very worth and meaning of human life. Our biblical text probably was written around 400 BCE when Jewish scribes viewed "wisdom" as encompassing not only practical guidelines for living, but also obedience to God’s law. The image of Wisdom was embraced by the author of Proverbs as a metaphor telling one how to live a moderate, practical, patient, cautious life that leads to making wise choices.

What comes to mind when you think of wisdom? A small illusive voice that whispers in the night? A rich, theological discussion? Listening to the words of a poetry being read? The choir singing or children laughing? Does it remind you of a very wise person? A lot of times, wisdom is compared to its sister, knowledge. But these two words are not synonymous at all. The dictionary defines wisdom as “the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting.” Knowledge, on the other hand, is “information gained through experience, reasoning, or acquaintance.” Wisdom is the fitting application of knowledge. Someone once said that knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, wisdom is not putting that tomato in a fruit salad. Knowledge understands the light has turned red; wisdom pushes the brakes. Knowledge sees the thunderstorm; wisdom stops the soccer game. Knowledge reads the teachings of Jesus; wisdom puts them to practice. Knowledge learns of the COVID-19 pandemic; wisdom applies social distancing. Knowledge makes use of hockey arena for kids playing; wisdom opens the arena as shelter for the homeless.

In today’s text, we hear the call and cries of Wisdom personified as a woman. Hence it is referred to as Lady Wisdom. The Greeks call her Sophia. If you are surprised that Wisdom is personified as an authoritative woman, you might be more surprised that she speaks like a prophet. She demands that her listeners decide right now to listen to her words and follow them. She knows that the consequence of not heeding her words is disaster. Wisdom calls everyone to a radical spirituality, to a way of being in the world and in right relationships. Lady Wisdom takes center stage and cries out: “Here I am. Pay attention!”

Where do we find Lady Wisdom in this text in Proverbs? You might be dismayed that she is not in the temple, not in the synagogue, not in a church assembly or the so-called holy or sacred places. Don’t even bother searching her in Ivy League schools, or where the scholars and theologians are debating about God. Lady Wisdom is right in the middle of a market place! She is standing, not on some remote mountaintop, not in some lonely spiritual retreat, not separated from the grit of everyday life; nor is she in the privacy of homes. She is on the busiest street in town at the same level as the people. She is in the sites of communal life, of bustling relationships. She is where all kinds of people do their daily living. I would say, she is one extroverted woman- watching the folks in all walks of life hurrying into shops, their arms full of goods; watching the hustle and bustle of business life; watching the people hurrying to and fro, back and forth, the constant stream of people, the endless parade of busy human lives.

Here the text places her squarely in the place we least expect to find wisdom, as if the author is trying to remind us that wisdom comes in the ordinary daily routines of life, in doing our jobs, relating to people, caring for our neighbors, dealing with finances, going to meetings or having a party. These are Wisdom’s domain. Thomas McKibbens offers inspiring comments. He says: “Wisdom is not presented here as some demure wallflower; not as some shy and blushing debutante; not as some quiet companion living in the shadow of her husband; this lady is the epitome of a competent, self-assured woman...Here is Lady Wisdom on Main Street at noontime speaking her mind for all to hear!”

Look how she delivers her message. Lady Wisdom’s voice is loud and clear. She raises her voice just as a mother might with a stubborn, resisting child. Wisdom is not just whispering her message. She is crying out in the street. There is some kind of urgency that wants to get everyone’s attention. What is her message? Why is she crying out? One can only assume that there are life issues in the world that need wise choices, wise judgments, wise decisions, wise relationships. She is crying out to beg love, compassion, justice, peace, honesty, truthfulness. Wisdom, according to Kathleen O’Connor is not particular about who follows her. She does not only call the chosen, the holy or the privilege but invites everyone – top of her list, in Eugene Peterson’s words, are the simpletons, the cynics and the idiots. You may not like the tone of

Peterson’s language, but in this case, I think Peterson just offers a genius translation because he shocks us to attention and gets our ears open – exactly what Lady Wisdom is trying to do.

She is not only speaking to the cultured elite, the religious and the spiritual, the wealthy and the powerful, as much as we might like to think that wisdom resides only with them, but is also speaking to the street people, the marginalized, the outcasts, those who walk the streets with her. Yet despite Lady Wisdom’s shouting on the street corner; after all her warnings and admonitions that have rung out loud and clear; the result is refusal from people to listen. The people clearly ignore her. Not a head is turned; not an eye is lifted. The bustle of business and traffic goes on as before. Deals are made; clients are seen; money is exchanged; stocks are bought and sold; business as usual, nothing changes! Life goes on as if no voice of warning has been lifted! But after the people completely ignore her, disaster strikes! There is panic and calamity and distress and anguish, all accompanied by the mocking, “see what I told you” laughter of Lady Wisdom. The Proverbs writer eloquently expressed: “because they turn away from the gift of life she offers, she will turn away from them when calamity strikes and will laugh at their distress. But if people have listened to her calls and cries, she will offer them true security, trust and freedom from fear because disaster will not come to her followers.”

After delivering a talk in Melbourne, Australia, the famous Viennese psychiatrist Victor Frankl was given a boomerang as a gift. Dr. Frankl thought for a few minutes and then said that he felt the boomerang symbolized human existence. People assume that the function of the boomerang is to return to the thrower. But this is not the case. The boomerang returns to the thrower only when it misses the target. The same is true in life, he said. We return to ourselves to become self-centered and self-absorbed when we have failed to find meaning in life - when we fail to use the gift of wisdom that is crying for our attention. If we live for ourselves, spend our money only on ourselves or those closest to us, if we squander our time, and exert our strength only for those things that please us, we pay the price of a meaningless existence.

How does wisdom show up in your life? Where is wisdom in your lived experience? Often, she shows up in a time of need; in moments of crisis or desperation, moments of grieving and illness, in times of uncertainty and fear. But she also lurks where joyful occasions are celebrated - the welcoming of a new season, celebrating a birthday, the gathering of the faithful where prayers are evoked and songs of praise are sung. The way of wisdom leads to life, to real life: to the vital, life-giving, Spirit-filled lives we all long for. I like what the writer of Jesus Scribbles wrote: “Wisdom touches, in widening circles, our neighborhood and city streets, daring to see

the practice of life. It is the daily and hourly practice of giving, honoring, and respecting life in all its forms. God’s face in neighbour and stranger and nurturing it, cherishing it, helping it thrive, Wisdom is the practice of life. It is the daily and hourly practice of giving, honouring, and respecting life in all its forms.”

Few months seems to have passed in the blink of an eye as we remember with heavy hearts when COVID-19 pandemic struck the world. In an instant, everything seemed different, like the world as we knew it would never be the same. There's some wisdom in that observation, I think, to hear Lady Wisdom calling us, reminding us to live life in the midst of this pandemic crisis. Wisdom calls us to listen to the voices of the government and health officials, to do our part in stopping the spread of the virus – washing of hands, wearing a mask, social distancing, while saying a prayer for health and healing at the same time. Wisdom also nudges us to rejoice in the acts of courage, compassion, and commitment of front line and essential services workers and those who come forward to making a difference in this time of crisis. Wisdom pushes us to look forward, to embrace the present that is not defined by pandemic and deaths but instead is shaped by hope, possibility, and the grace of God.

In closing, let me read to you an excerpt from a poem entitled The Lamp of Wisdom:

To all who long and strive to realize the Self,
Illumination comes to them in this very life.
This divine awareness never leaves them,
And they work unceasingly for the good of all.
When the lamp of wisdom is lit within,
Their face shines, whether life brings weal or woe.

Lady Wisdom is crying out - do you hear her? Will you listen?
Remember this- Wisdom ignored - leads to disaster. Wisdom heeded - leads to life.
Thanks be to our wise God. Amen.

Sources that helped me with my sermon:

1. Viktor E. Frankl Anthology
2. Kathleen O’Connor, Feasting on the Word, Year B, Vol. 4, pp. 51-55.
3. Sermon of Thomas R. McKibbens on Wisdom
4. https://jesusscribbles.wordpress.com/category/sermons
5. Yoga Vashishta , The Lamp of Wisdom, http://www.easwaran.org. 6. Sermon Illustration on Wisdom

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer Lorrie Lowes, DM

God of us all,
We come to you this day, full of gratitude for our many blessings.
But we also come seeking guidance and help.
We open our hearts and minds to your Wisdom.
Lord, hear our prayers, and in your mercy answer.

We pray for our world, for all that you have created and all the gifts it gives to us.
Grant us the wisdom to use these gifts in a way that supports and nurtures all it encompasses, from the planet itself to all that inhabit it.
We pray for the environment as it struggles to heal itself from the stress we humans have put upon it…
We pray for the creatures of the air, the land, and the water…
We pray for people everywhere, our brothers and sisters around the world, as they cope with the ongoing pandemic, and hardships such as war, injustice, hunger, and fear…

We pray for Canada and for the leaders who we have chosen to guide us through these turbulent times.
Grant them the wisdom and the compassion to take us in a direction that is pleasing to you and beneficial to all…
Lord, hear our prayers, and in your mercy answer.

We pray for this faith community,
For those who are suffering from illness, both physical and mental…
For those who are feeling isolated and lonely…
For those feeling anxious about the changes surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic…
For those who are missing loved ones through distance, ill ness, or death…
Grant us the wisdom to see where we can reach out to each other to both give and receive caring support.
Lord, hear our prayers, and in your mercy answer.
All these things we ask in the name of Jesus, our example and our guide, as we continue in the words he taught his disciples…

Invitation to Offer: Rev. Kim Vidal

Offertory Prayer:

Sophia God, we hear and we respond to your words of wisdom, your words of call and life. May these gifts, not only of our time, talents and treasures, but of our very selves be acceptable to you and help spread your justice and love. Amen.

Sending Forth: Rev. Kim Vidal

We have opened our hearts to God’s Wisdom.
As you welcome another week,
may God’s wisdom give life to you,
to others and to all creation.
Let God’s wisdom embrace you
with goodness and love.
Let us live with hearts wide open in every
place and time wisdom calls us to be.
Go in peace. Amen.

Hymn: Forth in Your Name, O Christ - Voices United #416

1. Forth in your name, O Christ, we go,
our daily labour to pursue,
you, only you, resolved to know
in all we think, or speak or do.

2. The task your wisdom has assigned
here let us cheerfully fulfil,
in all our works your presence finds,
and prove your good and perfect will.

3. You may we set at our right hand,
whose eyes our in-most secrets view,
and labour on at your command
and offer all our works to you.

4. Help us to bear your easy yoke
in every moment watch and pray,
and still to things eternal look,
and hasten to that glorious day.

5. Then with delight may we employ
all that your bounteous grace has given,
and run our earthly course with joy,
and closely walk with you to heaven.

Words – Charles Wesley, 1749 / Music – Robert Schumann, 1839, adapt.

HAPPY 7th YEAR ANNIVERSARY AT BCUC REV. KIM VIDAL!!!

AND HAPPY WOW BIRTHDAY IDA BLACKWELL!!

Departing: Early One Morning/Happy Anniversary/Birthday! Abe: piano

Zoom Fellowship hosted by Lorrie at 11 am. Link has been emailed. See you there!

Connie Davidson

July 25, 2020

Announcements

Book of Memories, Volume 2, is now available for purchase

Connie Davidson

July 25, 2020

Announcements

Given the pandemic situation, if you would like to order a print copy for a suggested minimum donation of $30, please either email the office at office@bcuc.org or call 613-820-8103 to place your name on the list. Copies will be printed and mailed to you on receipt of payment.

If you would like a digital copy for a suggested minimum donation of $15, please send an e-mail request and it will be e-mailed to you.

20th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST SOSA SUNDAY

Gathering Music: to the Rising Sun - Torjussen

Welcome & Announcements

Lighting of the Christ Candle Acolyte: Angela Starchuk

Call to Gather

Prayer of Approach

Hymn: “Let Us Build a House” More Voices #1

Storytime for the Young at Heart Erin Berard

Hymn: “Draw the Circle Wide” More Voices #145

Prayer for Illumination Reader: Barbara Bole Stafford

The Reading

Sermon: “Healing From the Shrapnel of the Soul” Guest Preacher: Rev. Andrew Love

Multifaith Prayer for Veterans’ House

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer

Invitation to Offer

Offertory Prayer

Sending Forth

Hymn: “Christ Has No Body Now But Yours” More Voices #171

Departing: Guide Me O Thou Great / Kleine Nachtmusik Organ/Piano duet - arranged by Linda McKechnie

5th SUNDAY OF CREATION TIME IN THE SEASON OF PENTECOST THANKSGIVING SUNDAY SERVICE

Gathering Music: Thanks A Lot – Raffi CGS/Bell Canto

Welcome & Announcements

Lighting of the Christ Candle Acolytes: Sue Morrison and Arcadie Gagne

Call to Gather

Prayer of Approach

Hymn: “Come You Thankful People Come” Voices United #516

Storytime for the Young at Heart Sue Morrison

Hymn: “Every Day is a Day of Thanksgiving” More Voices #185

Prayer for Illumination Reader: Ellen Boynton

The Reading: Matthew 22:1-14 The Parable of the Wedding Banquet

Sermon: “Come to the Feast!”

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer

Invitation to Offer

Offertory Prayer

Sending Forth

Hymn: “Sing to the Lord of Harvest” Voices United #519

Departing: Johnny Appleseed

4th SUNDAY OF CREATION TIME IN THE SEASON OF PENTECOST World Communion Sunday

Gathering Music: Come to the Banquet Soloist: Susan TeGrotenhuis

Welcome & Announcements

Message from Ministry & Personnel

Lighting of the Christ Candle Acolyte: Raven Miller

Call to Gather

Prayer of Approach

Hymn: “We Are One” Voices United #402

Storytime for the Young at Heart Erin Berard

Hymn: “Come All You People” More Voices #2

Prayer for Illumination Reader: Neil Lowes

The Reading: Matthew 21:33-46 NRSV

Sermon: “The Danger of Rejecting the Cornerstone”

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer

Communion/Agape Meal

Invitation to Offer

Offertory Prayer

Sending Forth

Hymn: “Deep in Our Hearts” More Voices #154

Departing

3rd SUNDAY OF CREATION TIME IN THE SEASON OF PENTECOST FALL WORSHIP SERVICE

Gathering Music

Welcome & Announcements

Lighting of the Christ Candle Acolytes: The Forster family

Call to Gather

Prayer of Approach

Minute for Social Action

Hymn: “For the Fruit of All Creation” Voices United #227

Storytime for the Young at Heart Erin Berard

Hymn: “I’m Gonna Shout, Shout” More Voices #183

Prayer for Illumination Reader: Chris Brown

The Reading: Matthew 21:23-42

Sermon: “By What Authority?”

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer

Invitation to Offer

Offertory Prayer

Sending Forth

Hymn: “Great is Thy Faithfulness” Voices United #288

Departing: From a Distance - Gold

2nd SUNDAY OF CREATION TIME IN THE SEASON OF PENTECOST FALL WORSHIP SERVICE

Gathering Music: Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen/All Night, All Day Mark Hayes

Welcome & Announcements

Lighting of the Christ Candle Acolyte: Calliyanna Fowler

20th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
SOSA SUNDAY

Departing: Guide Me O Thou Great / Kleine Nachtmusik
Organ/Piano duet - arranged by Linda McKechnie

5th SUNDAY OF CREATION TIME IN THE SEASON OF PENTECOST
THANKSGIVING SUNDAY SERVICE

4th SUNDAY OF CREATION TIME IN THE SEASON OF PENTECOST
World Communion Sunday

3rd SUNDAY OF CREATION TIME IN THE SEASON OF PENTECOST
FALL WORSHIP SERVICE

2nd SUNDAY OF CREATION TIME IN THE SEASON OF PENTECOST
FALL WORSHIP SERVICE

1st SUNDAY OF CREATION TIME IN THE SEASON OF PENTECOST
FALL WORSHIP SERVICE

14TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
SUMMER WORSHIP SERVICE

13TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
SUMMER WORSHIP SERVICE