Stewardship Campaign 2021 is upon us and there are good reasons to celebrate being part of Bells Corners United Church! Despite the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic, this year’s campaign calls our attention to what makes our congregation a truly active presence not only in our local congregation but the wider community as well. For three consecutive Sundays, the focus of our worship service is Christian Stewardship. This significant ministry encourages an attitude of gratitude and thanksgiving. It stems from a simple theological statement: “God gives and so we give in return”.
Sunday Worship Service - January 17, 2021
BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH
2nd SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
January 17, 2021
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: Saviour Like a Shepherd Lead Us – Synth/piano: Abe
Words and Music: Arr © Mark Hayes
Song # Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved
Welcome & Announcements Rev. Kim Vidal
Good day everyone! On behalf of BCUC, I welcome and greet you on this 2nd Sunday after Epiphany as we reflect on the story of Jesus calling Philip and Nathanael to follow him.
Due to the provincial lockdown, we will not be offering in-person worship service until further notice but we will continue to offer worship service in a number of ways. Check our website at bcuc.org, for our worship service in audio, video and text formats along with the weekly announcements, online meetings, events and other updates. You can also listen to the service via telephone by dialing 613-820-8104. Please continue to reach out by connecting with each other through emails, phone calls and prayers.
Join us for a spontaneous Prayer Circle every Wednesday at 8 pm. Wherever you are, say a prayer for the world, your community including the congregation, your family, and yourself.
And for those of you who are able to join us via Zoom, there will be zoom fellowship every Sunday at 11: 00 am. Link has been emailed to you or call the office for more information.
For all other announcements, please check your email or the church website.
Friends, let us take a moment to reflect the meaning of Epiphany: to discover what “aha” moments are revealed to us as we follow Jesus, God’s gift of light. Let us now gather in worship.
Lighting of the Christ Candle Acolytes: David Stafford & Barbara Bole
As we light this Christ Candle,
may God refresh our perception
that we may discover God’s manifestation in Christ.
May epiphany be not just a word
but a gasp of wonder at the promise revealed.
(Cheryl Stenson, Gathering, ACE 2020-21)
Call to Gather (Richard Bott, Gathering, ACE 2020-21) Rev. Lorrie Lowes
As individuals, as a group, as a community of faith –
are gather in this place.
To listen. To communicate.
To worship. To pray.
To be with God.
Because we know –
It is out of God’s authority, it is out of God’s love,
that we live. Alleluia!
Prayer of Approach: (Gord Dunbar, Gathering, ACE 2020-21) Rev. Kim Vidal
Every time we answer your call, O God,
we meet you again as if for the first time.
Each moment is a revelation.
Each meeting leads to our hearts opening wider to you and to others.
Each encounter shines light onto the strength of relationships
fostered while following Jesus the Christ –
the one who invites and equips,
the one who is companion and guide,
the one who is Giver and Gift. Amen.
Hymn: I Am the Light of the World – Voices United #87 Guitar: Heidi
Refrain:
I am the light of the world!
You people come and follow me!
If you follow and love
you’ll learn the mystery
of what you were meant to do and be.
When the song of the angels is stilled,
when the star in the sky is gone,
when the kings and the shepherds
have found their way home,
the work of Christmas is begun. R
To find the lost and lonely one,
to heal the broken soul with love,
to feed the hungry children
with warmth and good food,
to feel the earth below, the sky above! R.
To free the prisoner from all chains,
to make the powerful care,
to rebuild the nations with strength of good will,
to see God’s children everywhere! R
To bring hope to every task you do,
to dance at a baby’s new birth,
to make music in an old person’s heart,
and sing to the colours of the earth! R
Words and Music: © 1967 Jim Strathdee
Song # 59955 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved
Storytime Rev. Lorrie Lowes
I have a book here by Judith Viorst called “Alexander, Who’s Not (Do you hear me? I mean it!) Going to Move”. I will just read you the first few pages…
Boy, Alexander has his mind made up! His parents and his brothers try to make him see the good things about moving to a new place, but he is not going to change his mind. He doesn’t want to hear what they have to say and has all sorts of plans for how he can stay right where he is…
Have you ever tried to change someone’s mind? It can be really difficult! Often when someone has an opinion about something or a personal view, they don’t even want to hear what you have to say. Even when you know they are missing some important information, you can’t make someone listen to you if they already have their mind made up. That can be really frustrating!
Or… have you ever been like Alexander, refusing to listen when someone tries to make you change your mind?
I wonder what it is that makes it hard for us to change our thinking? For Alexander, he is happy with his life and comfortable in his home. Change must seem kind of scary to him...For some people, it might be that they heard something from someone they trust and so they think that if they change their mind, they are betraying that trust. It’s hard to think that someone you have trusted might have been wrong… Or sometimes we might worry that changing our mind means that we are weak or that people will think we are dumb. Whatever it is, we know that changing your mind can be difficult sometimes.
But, if we never change our minds about things, we never learn anything new and we stop growing in both knowledge and wisdom. I used to tell my math students that making a mistake and starting over is not a bad thing, it just means you’ve changed your thinking based on new information or more thought. Changing your thinking shows me that you are really paying attention to what you already know and to new ideas – and that’s a good thing!
In our Bible story today, we will hear about a man, Nathanael, who thinks Jesus couldn’t be anything special because he came from the small backwater town of Nazareth. He has made a judgement about Jesus without even meeting him! What I like about Nathanael though, is that he is willing to admit that his thinking was wrong and he is open to learning more.
These days we are hearing a lot of different opinions about things like the lockdown measures for the pandemic and about the government officials who are making these rules. We are hearing about differences of opinion in the United States that have led to violence and breaking up of families. It’s hard to know, sometimes, what to believe and it can be downright scary. It makes adults worry and I think that makes kids worry too… The important thing to remember, is that you need to keep your ears and your mind open as you hear the thoughts of others. You need to find your own ways of figuring out what makes the most sense and which people have expertise and knowledge to back up their thinking. If you are confused or upset about what’s happening these days, make sure you ask questions and have discussions with people whose thinking you can trust and with experts. Share your thinking and listen to what others think too.
As a Christian, one of the experts I turn to is Jesus. What would Jesus say about what is happening in our world today? What understanding will help us show our love for our neighbours? What can we do in this situation to make the world closer to God’s dream for it? These are questions we’ve heard before and I think they are a really good place to start. Let’s be like Nathanael, with open minds and hearts. I believe that will help us though these tricky times.
Hymn: You Are Holy - More Voices #45 TeGrotenhuis family
1. You are holy, you show us the way. (4X)
Refrain:
You show us, you show us, you show us the way. (4X)
2. You are freedom, you show us the way (4X) R
3 You are justice, you show us the way (4X) R
Words and Music: © traditional song, South Africa
Song Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved
Prayer for Illumination Reader: Angela Starchuk
Weave your Word into our lives, O God until they are part of the very fabric of our being, shaping our choices and our everyday living. Amen.
The Reading: John 1: 43-51 (NRSV)
Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael
43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” 46 Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 47 When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” 49 Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 50 Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” 51 And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”
Hear what the Spirit is saying to all of us! Thanks be to God!
Sermon: “Whose Voice?” Rev. Kim Vidal
How many of you enjoy being cynical or being skeptic or doubtful, on occasion? Well, I do – from time to time. When the weather is a messy mix of freezing rain and snow just like in these past few days - can anything good come out from this nasty weather? When I hear horrible news about riots and protests or acts of terror or deadly accidents - can anything good come out from these tragic stories? When positive-tested cases of COVID-19 continue to surge that affect all of us – can anything good come out from this seemingly hopeless pandemic? Or if a political candidate I did not vote for won the election- can anything good come out from the leadership of this winning candidate? Nathanael asked a similar question in today’s gospel story: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth? There are times when we judge people from the place of their origin or where they live. If someone comes from a small unknown town, we easily assume that that someone has every potential to fail. We simply associate the word success to people who were born or were raised from well-known cities.
We live in a time defined by cynicism. Our era delights in discovering scandals, ulterior motives, and the secret double lives of famous people. And there’s nothing better than a scandal involving a politician or a celebrity or even a religious leader. Nathanael had plenty of reasons to be cynical himself when his friend Philip said that he had found the Messiah. First century Palestine was filled with all kinds of wannabe heroes, self-proclaimed prophets, going around claiming that they were the long-awaited Messiah, who would liberate the Jewish people from the Roman rulers. Sometimes these fake messiahs would organize revolts and rebellious protests that were quickly and brutally repressed by the Roman soldiers. Not only did Nathanael had second thoughts on this particular Messiah that Philip is talking about– but this Messiah is also someone from a small, infamous place called Nazareth.
Obviously in those days, Nazareth wasn’t a good place to put on your resume as your place of origin. In fact, if there was any social media back then, you wouldn’t acknowledge that you were from Nazareth. Nazareth was a like a no where’s land. It didn’t feature any wonders of the world. It wasn’t the seat of any power and no great families connected with it. It was a simple laid-back town with no great schools, no sports arena or a temple like that of Jerusalem. There was nothing exciting about Nazareth. Jesus came from Nazareth. Located in the region of Galilee, it was a particularly mischievous hotbed for radicals such as Judas of Galilee who led an armed uprising against the same Roman census that forced Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem. Judas also founded the Zealots, a militant Jewish sect whose revolt years later would result in the complete destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE. Nathanael had reasonable cause to question what good could possibly come out of Nazareth. Would this Jesus, son of Joseph be another fake messiah? Would he try to start something that would get Philip and Nathanael in trouble with the Roman authorities or even get killed? What good certainly could come out of Nazareth?
Philip knows his friend Nathanael by heart. He should have figured that Nathanael would scoff, or make fun of him, or ignore him all together. But Philip goes and tells his friend anyway about this cool guy, Jesus. This news was too good not to share, especially when Andrew and his brother Simon were over the moon about this guy. Surely, Philip needs to share this exciting news with a good friend like Nathanael. And I think what's even cooler is Philip's reaction to Nathanael's dismissive remark. Philip didn’t retort back, or get defensive, or walk away hurt or angry, vowing never to share anything with Nathanael again. Instead, Philip just took Nathanael’s remarks in stride and answers with more excitement - “Come and see”.
“Come and see”. Three words that would change Nathanael’s life. Three words that would shatter Nathanael’s cynical nature. Come and see. Such simple, open, and inviting words. Words, that sum up not only the heart of the Gospel of John but the whole Jesus movement. For this, according to John, the Evangelist, is the only fit response to having witnessed the grace and mercy of God taking shape among us, when we follow the ways of Jesus. Come and see the One whose voice may change one’s mindset and perspective. Come and see. These are the words we are invited to say to others who are truly seeking meaning from life.
When your child grabs your hand and says, “Come and see, Mommy, Daddy, look what I found!” it puts an end to whatever doubtful thoughts you might have had in your head. I think this is one of the reasons why Jesus says that we have to receive the kingdom of God like children, because we cannot enter God’s reality unless we allow ourselves to be overtaken by the innocent delight to grab our friends by the hand and tell them to come and see what God is doing in the world.
So Nathanael lets his friend Philip grabs him by the hand and took him to meet Jesus. I love the way that Jesus greets Nathanael. He could have said, “What’s happening in your little head, brother? I hear you’ve been saying stuff about my hometown!” But Jesus says instead, “Here is a true Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” For Jesus to call someone a “true Israelite” was a tremendous compliment. For him to say that Nathanael was someone “without deceit” is a positive spin on Nathanael’s cynicism. Jesus knows that Nathanael speaks openly and honestly from his heart. He appreciates Nathanael’s way of questioning and doubting without pretense or malice. Despite the stereotypical setbacks of Nazareth origin, Jesus has insight and perception of the best family, geography, status, wealth or education cannot give. Jesus has this innate ability to know people, their nature, their motivation and their desires. That is what drew him to Nathanael as Jesus saw him under the fig tree.
We have a fig tree in our church courtyard planted by Nicole and Gerry about 4 years ago. This fig tree is pretty small compared to the fig tree mentioned in our reading. A shorty like me can’t even squat under it. Standing or sitting under your own fig tree is a symbol of comfort and blessing in the language of the Hebrew Scripture. Again and again the prophets used the fig tree image to evoke feelings of longing for peace and comfort. To be under your fig tree was to come home and have arrived safe. Nathanael was standing in that safe space. He had this longing for peace and comfort. He was anticipating in that moment that someone like Jesus can see right through him. There are gaps in this story that were not accounted for by the gospel writer. I’m sure Philip must have explained who Jesus is in full lengths in order to convince Nathanael. Similarly, Jesus and Nathanael might have had a heart-to-heart talk about religion and theology or even the politics of the day that had Nathanael’s ears ringing in awe and his mind in wonder. When Nathanael finally came to his senses, after he have heard Jesus’ voice and realized who he was talking to, Nathanael professed his profound confession of faith: “Rabbi Jesus - you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel! You surpass any emperor like Augustus or any ruler like Herod. You are the beacon of love and compassion!”
Jesus pats Nathanael on his back: “Nate, my brother, are you saying this because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? That’s nothing! you will see greater things than these. You will see the heavens open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” Some scholars interpret this verse as alluding to Jacob’s dream of a ladder full of angels ascending and descending on each step. But these words also capture something beautiful about the way that our eyes and mind can be opened when we allow ourselves to listen to Jesus’ voice and be converted from our own cynicism into a living faith. We too can see the heavens open when we look at the world in wonder and be transformed through the eyes of faith.
Nathanael is a second-hand disciple. Jesus didn’t call him - Philip did. If Jesus had called him, he probably wouldn’t have come. But that’s ok, too. Because that’s how many of us got into the Christian faith. We were skeptics and cynics first or just checking Christianity out as a favour to a friend or just to please our parents or to look for concrete proofs about the existence of God. Until we came and saw for ourselves and listened to Jesus’ voice through the inspired witnesses of faith – until we realized that Jesus’ way of radical love and hospitality, his agenda of inclusivity and justice, are the very values that we need in making a difference, then and only then are we able to profess our own faith experience. And talking about following the steps of Jesus, it would be difficult to see God’s angels all around us if we continuously hold on to cynicism. All that we’ll ever see when we look around are moments of negativity and pessimism: hopelessness in the midst of this pandemic, bickering and finger-wagging, gloom and doom of life or the stinky smell of unwashed floors. When we hear an invitation to come and see Jesus and accepts the invitation no matter what state of cynicism or questioning we are in, the Light of God comes when we are willing to be broken open to new possibilities.
Jesus doesn’t let Philip and Nathanael down. Philip accepted Jesus’ invitation to follow him and invited Nathanael to “come and see” --- soon the disciples tasted water turning into wine, watched in wonder as Jesus clears the temple, were disturbed when Jesus asked water from a Samaritan woman; listened with amazement when Jesus said to Nicodemus that the spirit of God blows wherever it wills. The disciples stumbled onto a new way of life they have never imagined. A gracious invitation is extended - one that comes with a promise.
Seek and you will find.
Knock and the door will be opened to you.
Ask and you will receive.
Come to me and I will give you rest.
“Come and see.”
Jesus’ voice is loud and clear. Come and see.
Will you listen and follow? Amen.
Note: Thanks to the members of the BCUC Lectionary Group for their insights, reflections and interpretation of the story.
Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer Rev. Lorrie Lowes
God of Wisdom, we seek your presence today in this time of turmoil and strife.
After almost a year of restrictions and fears about Covid-19, we are tired and frustrated and worried about the future. Help us in our struggles to balance our concerns about physical health, mental and emotional well-being, and economic responsibilities both personal and global with the call to love our neighbour and to keep them from harm.
Help us to find patience and hope in the rollout of the vaccine.
Help us express gratitude for the blessings that still surround us.
We pray for all those who are suffering illness, injury, or loss in this time when we can’t reach out with a hug or a helping hand. We pray for all the medical workers who are being asked to go above and beyond to care for us. We pray for all who are facing financial difficulties due to the restrictions, difficulties that affect life today and that have far-reaching consequences even as we look to a future without the pandemic.
We pray for all the essential workers in grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, and all the businesses that keep our world functioning.
We pray for those in the world facing this pandemic in the midst of war, natural disasters, and political unrest. We pray for our neighbours in the United States, for a peaceful transition of power and new resolve to find a way forward in harmony.
“Teach us
to set aside our prejudiced judgements,
to forego our narrow assumptions,
to unlock ourselves for new perspectives and new life.
Help us
to come and see,
to listen and learn,
to open ourselves to epiphany…
In these days
of polarities and pandemic pivoting,
of climate change and conflicts,
of tensions and turf wars,
we pray for our world.
May the heavens open.
May justice and compassion descend with the angels.
May our prayers for equity and peace ascend.
May hope and love abound for your kin-dom come.”[1]
All these things we ask as we repeat together this ancient prayer
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
We have seen the light of the world. We have been called to follow that light.
Like the Magi who brought gifts to the infant Jesus, let us bring our gifts to show our gratitude to God and bring the light to all the dark places in our community and our world.
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
We hear your call upon our hearts, O God,
and we respond with our gifts as tokens and pledges of our gratitude.
May they be used to further your mission of love in the world. Amen.
Sending Forth Rev. Lorrie Lowes
As we leave this time of worship, may we go with ears open to hear the wisdom of others, even when it comes from unlikely places, minds open to discern the truth, even when it seems to conflict with our beliefs, and hearts open to recognize the voice of God speaking to us in the people and events of our earthly lives; and as we go into this week let us remember that the God we long to find is also seeking to be with us. Amen.
Hymn: Will You Come and Follow Me? – Voices United #567 TeGrotenhuis family
Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?
Will you go where you don't know and never be the same?
Will you let my love be shown, will you let my name be known,
will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?
Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name?
Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same?
Will you risk the hostile stare should your life attract or scare?
Will you let me answer prayer in you and you in me?
Will you let the blinded see if I but call your name?
Will you set the prisoners free and never be the same?
Will you kiss the leper clean and do such as this unseen,
and admit to what I mean in you and you in me?
Will you love the "you" you hide if I but call your name?
Will you quell the fear inside and never be the same?
Will you use the faith you've found to reshape the world around,
through my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me?
Christ, your summons echoes true when you but call my name.
Let me turn and follow you and never be the same.
In Your company I'll go where your love and footsteps show.
Thus I'll move and live and grow in you and you in me.
Words: © 1987 John Bell, Music Scottish traditional
Song # 87129 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved
Departing Music: Rise Up Shepherd and Follow – Synth/piano: Abe
Words and Music: Arr © Mark Hayes
Song # Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved
Join us for Zoom Fellowship at 11:00 am
[1] excerpts from a “Prayer for January 17, 2021” by Ted Dodd for DOTAC (Diaconate of the Americas and the Caribbean.
Sunday school activities - January 17, 2021
Come and See!
John 1:43-51 (a Paraphrase)
One day, Jesus went to Galilee. He found Philip and said, “Follow Me!” Philip went and found Nathanael. He said, “Guess what, Nathanael! We found the person that Moses and the prophets wrote about. His name is Jesus and he’s from Nazareth.” Nathanael said, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Philip told him, “Come and see for yourself.” So, Nathanael went with Philip to meet Jesus. When Jesus saw them coming, He said that Nathanael was a very good man. Nathanael asked, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered, “Before Philip talked with you, I saw you under the fig tree.” Nathanael was amazed and said, “You are God’s Son! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered, “Do you believe in me just because I said I saw you under the fig tree? You will get to see a lot more amazing things than that!
Theme Discussion
Did you know that in the Bible some of twelve disciples came to Jesus through their friends? Philip was called to be a disciple by Jesus himself. But his friend Nathanael came to Jesus through Philip. Phillip was so excited about meeting and following Jesus that he ran to tell one of his friends. Nathanael ended up becoming one of the twelve disciples, living and traveling with Jesus in his ministry.
Some of the best things we experience happen because a friend invites us to “Come and see!” Nathanael had heard of Jesus but dismissed him because he was from Nazareth, a place where Nathanael thought no one would have the education to become a great rabbi. He would have missed the experience of being one of Jesus’ disciples if his friend Philip hadn’t invited him to come and meet him.
Can you think of a time when you experienced something great because someone invited you to come and see?
It seems that some people have ideas about what church is like because of things they’ve heard or read in the media. Not all churches are the same though! I think we have a pretty special community here at BCUC. It’s a shame that someone might never know what a great place it is, just because they think it will be something they don’t like. They should come and see!
Have you ever invited a friend to “come and see” what happens at our church or in our Youth Group?
Response Activity Ideas
Covid Kindness
Look through photos or review last year’s family calendar to revisit some of the positive, helpful, and kind actions or activities you and your family have done over the past 10 months to make this pandemic a little better for those in your family or community.
We are back under a restrictive lockdown and front-line workers are under continued or even worsening stress than they were back when this all started. Many people are struggling because they feel lonely and isolated. These people still need our support!
Using the photos or drawing your own pictures, make a little poster to celebrate these great achievements and to encourage others to ‘follow you’ in doing some of these kind gestures for others now.
Lead the Way
Set a maze or obstacle course in a large room by putting toys or other objects all over the floor. Have one person put on a blindfold and attempt to cross the room without stepping on a toy or running into furniture.
Repeat several more times, taking turns, but having someone help the blindfolded person by:
answering questions from the blindfolded person
giving directions to the blindfolded person
Or try a super-challenge:
having one member of the family give false directions, and another give helpful instructions (can you figure out which is right?)
have one person give instructions, while other family members give continuous unhelpful commentary (“Ooo… are you sure…?” “This is going to be bad…” etc.)
Link your experience back to Lorrie’s Children’s Story, the Bible passage, and the Theme discussion. It helps to have the guidance from others to get though difficult times, but sometimes we have to work hard to listen and think and make sure we get our facts straight!
Wordsearch
Find a wordsearch based on today’s Bible passage at: https://sermons4kids.com/knows_you_by_name_wordsearch.htm
Sunday Worship Service - January 10, 2021
BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH
BAPTISM OF JESUS SUNDAY
January 10, 2021
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: Voices United #371 - Open My Eyes That I May See – Erin Berard: vocal & flute
1. Open my eyes that I may see, glimpses of truth thou hast for me,
Place in my hand the wonderful key, that shall unclasp and set me free
Chorus:
Silently now I wait for thee, ready my God thy will to see,
Open my eyes (ears, heart), illumine me Spirit divine.
2. Open my ears that I may hear, voices of truth thou sendest clear;
And while the wavenotes fall on my ear, everything else will disappear. Chorus
3. Open my mouth and let me bear gladly the warm truth everywhere;
Open my heart and let me prepare love with thy children thus to share. Chorus
Words and Music : Public Domain
Song #97964 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved
Acknowledgement of Territory Rev. Lorrie Lowes
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 Rev. Kim Vidal
Good day everyone! On behalf of BCUC, I welcome and greet you on this Baptism of Jesus Sunday as we remember Jesus’ baptism at the Jordan River to install him for his earthly ministry and to remind ourselves the vows that we have professed at our baptism.
Due to the provincial lockdown, we will not be offering in-person worship service until further notice but we will continue to offer worship service in a number of ways. Check our website at bcuc.org, for our worship service in audio, video and text formats along with the weekly announcements, online meetings, events and other updates. You can also listen to the service via telephone by dialing 613-820-8104. Please continue to reach out by connecting with each other through emails, phone calls and prayers.
Join us for a spontaneous Prayer Circle every Wednesday at 8 pm. Wherever you are, say a prayer for the world, your community including the congregation, your family, and yourself.
And for those of you who are able to join us via Zoom, there will be zoom fellowship every Sunday at 11: 00 am. Link has been emailed to you or call the office for more information.
For all other announcements, please check your email or the church website.
Friends, as we welcome a New Year in our midst, let us take a moment to reflect and remember what the season of Epiphany means for us: to make way for God’s light to shine in our lives. Let us now gather in worship.
Lighting of the Christ Candle Acolytes: Sue & Rick Morrison
As we light this Christ Candle, let us remember the words of the prophet Isaiah: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1b)
Call to Gather Rev. Lorrie Lowes
From the beginning of time God has been with us:
shining a light into the dark and cold places in our lives.
On this day when we celebrate the baptism of Jesus,
we thank God for new beginnings.
God calls us by name, and claims us in the waters of baptism.
Jesus, brother, friend, your baptism brings the promises of God
to us in ways that lead to new life.
Come; celebrate how God brings new surprises in our daily living.
Let us worship God!
Prayer of Approach
Creator God, you have fashioned and formed us in your image, calling us by name.
You fire in us a shining glaze that reflects your tender loving care.
We pray that sometimes we do not always see ourselves worthy of your attention,
and that at times we fail to turn to you when you call us by name.
We ask that you pour your love upon us, a refreshing, cleansing water
calling out all that is Christ in us, shining into our world. Amen.
Hymn: River – More Voices #3 Soloist: Sheryll Highstead
1 River, rush-a-down to the ocean blue,
River from a mountain high.
River, as you do what rivers do,
River, draw the Spirit nigh.
2 Spirit, come-a-down to the river-side,
Spirit, spark of wondrous thought.
Spirit, I am free for you to guide,
Spirit, pray that I be taught!
3 Water, let me drink of your healing pow’r,
Water, strength and life you give.
Water, as I travel with each hour,
Water, help my body live.
4 River, flow-a-down where you ran before,
River, source of clearer view.
River, as I walk your rocky shore,
River, see my journey through.
See my journey through…
Words © 2003 Julian Pattison
Song #0000 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved
Storytime Rev. Lorrie Lowes
Good morning!
Here we are in lockdown once again and I can’t tell you how much I miss seeing all of you these days. Although we have had a few months of small gatherings in the sanctuary, most of the time it is only adults who attend. Believe me, I love seeing them, but these days I am really missing seeing the children and youth. Your energy energizes me and your questions really make me think!
On Christmas Eve, I was really excited to see a few of you – and Calliyanna had a question for me. It was a hard one to answer quickly on the spot. She asked why there are stories about Jesus’ birth but then it skips to him as an adult. Why don’t we hear stories about him as a child?
What a great question! I bet lots of you have wondered about that. And, today, as we celebrate the baptism of Jesus, is the perfect time to explore it.
Most of you probably don’t remember your baptism because, in the United Church and many other denominations, we practice infant baptism. Your parents and all the people in the congregation welcome you into our faith family and promise to love and care for you as you grow. We all have great hopes for you and promise to help you be the best you can be. Then, when you are a little older – often around 14 years old – you get to make your own statement that says you believe in what the church is teaching and you commit to continuing as a member of the faith family and as a follower of Jesus. We call that Confirmation.
In the case of Jesus, I think we can all say that Mary and Joseph – along with angels and shepherds and kings – all welcomed that little baby into the world. One of the coolest things about this particular welcome is that it wasn’t just into one faith but as a hope for all the faiths and people of the world.
Jesus grew up just like any child of his time and place. He was surrounded by all those people who had great hopes for him but no one expected a small child to suddenly change the world. He needed to learn and to experience what ordinary people faced every day. He needed to develop his own view of the world and of the lesson’s scripture held. He needed to be mature enough to be able to handle the huge responsibility that lay ahead.
I look at all of you and try to imagine what you will do with your lives. Some of you may grow up to be doctors or teachers or scientists. You might be farmers or airline pilots. You might be parents or grandparents. Maybe some of you will even be ministers! But, even if we had been told on the day you born what you were destined to be, we would never expect you to do it as an infant or a child or even a teenager. Imagine being expected to fly a plane or perform surgery just because it was obvious that you were destined to be a pilot or a doctor! There’s a lot of learning and experience that needs to happen first, isn’t there? And you also need to have the experience of growing up in the kind of environment that encourages that learning, that has confidence in you, and that lets you grow into a well-rounded human being. First, you need to be a kid. You need time to grow and learn and mature. You need to discover your path. No one can do that for you.
So, on the day that Jesus arrived the Jordan River to be baptized by John, he had had all those years to grow into the role that God had planned for him. He was already on the path chosen for him but, until that day, when he came back up out of the water, he wasn’t ready to give his whole life to it.
We are told that baptism is a fresh start, a time to leave behind what wasn’t working or wasn’t good in your past and to commit to a fresh new start in the direction that God wants you to go. I imagine that Jesus knew the world needed changing long before he arrived at the river that day but his baptism was the moment when it became clear to him what needed to be done – what he needed to do – what he was being called to do. And when he made that commitment, the heavens opened up for him and he knew that he was surrounded by God’s love and pride.
So, Calliyanna, I’m sure Mary and Joseph had lots of stories to tell about Jesus as a little boy. They were probably the same kind of stories that your family will tell about you when you get older. But the biggest part of your life story will happen when you discover who you are meant to be – and at that time, I hope you hear the message that God is giving to each of you every day: “You are my beloved child and I am so proud of you!”
Hymn: Behold, I Make All Things New - More Voices #115 Soloist: Erin Berard
Behold, (behold,) behold, (behold,)
I make all things new,
beginning with you and starting from today.
Behold, (behold,) behold, (behold,)
I make all things new,
my promises true,
for I am Christ the way.
Repeat
Words and Music © 1995 John Bell IONA community
Song #109826 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved
Prayer for Illumination Reader: Dan Lanoue
By the power of your Holy Spirit, God,
awaken in us a deep sense of appreciation
as we hear your word.
Touch us anew with both blessings and prodding
that we might be centred in the abundance of your grace. Amen.
The Reading: Mark 1:4-11 (NRSV)
John the Baptizer and the Baptism of Jesus
4 John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. 8 I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
Hear what the Spirit is saying to all of us! Thanks be to God!
Sermon: “Whose Baptism?” Rev. Kim Vidal
The curtain is up. The two main characters of the play are on the centre stage. One named John the Baptizer – who called everyone from all walks of life to repent and take a bath in the Jordan River. The other character is the grown-up adult Jesus, whose birth we celebrated at Christmas. Jesus came to be baptized as the Holy Spirit inaugurates him to his earthly ministry. According to the gospel of Luke, they are cousins—John and Jesus. Their mothers, Elizabeth and Mary, pregnant at the same time, were relatives and bosom friends. John and Jesus were close in birth, born just months apart. They grew up as vigorous, strong-minded young men, called to their own ministry. And they have reunited in this baptismal scene.
Let's go for a moment and witness this drama - to the banks of Jordan River where Jesus is being baptized. Here he makes his first public appearance on the stage of human history. The baptismal account of Jesus was the opening act in the book of Mark. Mark’s gospel introduces us to Jesus as a thirty-year-old something, and we don’t have a clue as to what happened prior to his baptism. But some scholars believed that Jesus grew up like any other boys in Nazareth under the guidance of his parents. One day the 30-year-old Jesus heads south and finds his cousin John the Baptizer, standing in the muddy Jordan River proclaiming a baptism of repentance. Jesus gets in line and waits his turn. He wades out into the water, right next to repentant baptizands. John and Jesus stand hip-deep in the river. Jesus leans back into the water believing that God is calling him to a different kind of life. When Jesus stands up, the waters of the Jordan dripping down his face, he saw the heavens torn apart. Torn apart! Mark uses a form of the Greek verb schitzo – the same root we find in the word schism and schizophrenia. It is a more violent and dramatic word than just the word “open”. Its message tells us that through Jesus’ baptism, God’s presence and power are on the loose in the world, nothing will be the same again. And Jesus is the one in whom that presence and power are operating. And tearing the heavens apart was not the only visible image in that particular event. There was also the Spirit descending like a dove that rested upon Jesus’ soggy head. The Spirit comes, not as an all-consuming fire of judgment, but in a form of a dove, with the flutter of hopeful, unfurled wings, the symbol of shalom – God’s vision of peace. And a voice from heaven addresses the crowd: “You are my Son, the Beloved, with you I am well pleased.”
People in the first century have come to the water, intentionally, knowing they can’t live without it. From the beginning, water nourished their fields and crops, cleansed and refreshed their bodies, and satisfied their physical as well as spiritual thirst. The people who came to the water of the River Jordan had drunk deeply of the stories of their faith. They knew about the waters of creation. They knew about the dangerous waters of the flood. They knew about the waters of the Red Sea, which parted as the people of God escaped their bondage in Egypt towards freedom. They came filled with expectation that stepping into this water would wash them clean and be renewed again, and would somehow satisfy their thirst for God.
The waters of the Jordan River run through the land and history of biblical times, giving its waters a spiritual significance that sets it aside from other rivers. It is significant for Jews because the tribes of Israel under Joshua crossed this river to enter the Promised Land after years of wandering in the desert. The OT prophets Elijah and Elisha also crossed the river and the Syrian general Naaman was healed of leprosy after washing in the Jordan at Elisha’s direction. Modern Christians are still being immersed in the waters of Jordan River because they believe that in these waters of baptism they are connected to Jesus, to God, to their community, and to all of salvation history.
Today, water, whether taken from the tap or from the ocean or river, is used as a symbol of baptism - a symbol of cleansing, healing and renewal. Water, as we know, is one of the most powerful elements on the face of the earth. In 2020, in addition to the Covid-19 pandemic that swept the world, we also have witnessed the magnanimity of the bushfires that have engulfed many places in the world. Millions of people prayed for rain to come down and help snuff these fires that consumed forests, wildlife, people and billions of animals. Water is an essential element without which all creation will die. The human body weight is made up of about sixty percent water. Science and experience have shown us that a person can survive without food for about three weeks. But humans can only survive approximately three days without water. We need it for life. In celebrating the baptism of Jesus, we remember our own baptism and give thanks for the water that gives us life.
For most of us, one thing that brings us to church on Sunday is the fact that we were baptized through the symbol of water. But many people do not have a clue as to why baptism is an important sacrament that we still do. How many of us really understand the meaning of baptism? Some people believe that baptism is a necessary requirement in receiving God’s grace. I don’t think so. I believe that whether one is baptised or not, everyone is welcome in God’s love. Everyone is God’s beloved child. Deep in my heart, what I believe and strongly vouch for is that through baptism, we are provided with an opportunity to commit ourselves to live a life of being in right relationship with God, with others and with ourselves. Baptism offers us a choice to become a member of a faith community committed to follow the ways of Jesus Christ as a guide in making life’s decisions. Parents profess their faith on behalf of their children with the hope that their children will be grounded in values that will help them live a righteous life. I strongly believe that through the waters of baptism, we proclaim that our lives can be transformed and renewed over and over again. Water is the visible symbol of God’s grace reminding us that we are affirmed intimately in a relationship of love - a love that is not distant, but real, alive, tender and completely present in that very moment. The waters of baptism call us to look beneath and beyond the ordinary surfaces of our lives, and discover the extraordinary love of God.
In the United Church tradition, infant baptism is the primary baptismal practice, but we certainly encourage adult baptism as well which we sometimes call “believer’s baptism”. We sprinkle candidates with the baptismal water. Other traditions utilize pouring or immersion. I once read a facebook illustration entitled: “Babies’ Perspective on Baptism”. The photo shows a toddler on the phone talking to his friends. The toddler with his big “I’m not kidding you” eyes said: “So today at church, a man wearing a suit dunked me in the water trying to drown me! No! I am not joking! My family just stood there taking pictures!” While sprinkling is part of the United Church tradition, whatever the practice or mode, no matter how much water is used, and regardless of the location of the event -- the Spirit, like the dove descending on Jesus in Mark, is present in the act of baptism and infusing the baptized with the possibilities of a new beginning to follow Jesus and God’s will. And that is more powerful than any flowing water on the face of the Earth.
Dear friends, there is no magic when we practice baptism. The challenge is always before us. Look again. Look harder. See freshly. Cling to the possibility of surprise. Baptism calls us to deep waters — you can't stand on the shore and dip your toes in. You must take a breath and plunge. Baptism promises new life. Listen. We are marked as God's own. Even in the deepest water, or a sprinkle of water on our foreheads, we are immersed in grace. We are God’s beloved. Let me close with a poem by Andrew King he titles John Baptizes Jesus to help us remember Jesus’ baptism and ours:
He takes the light that dances on the flowing surface of the water…
He stands with the man whose words are pitchers of grace and light.
Stands with the man whose grace is like life, like a flowing river.
He fills his pitcher with the water, with the light, with the flow of life.
He pours it over the man waist deep with him in the water.
Grace descends, glittering, like wings unfurling in the air.
The air shimmers, it dances with sound, sounds of the river
flowing, the water pouring, the men breathing; the light glittering,
grace flooding, the wings beating, words surfacing: God’s son.
He hears, he sees, he is soaked in the sound and the light and the water.
He rejoices in the gift of it, he rejoices in the grace, in the one
who is standing there with him in the water.
For he knows that all of it is goodness. That all is a new beginning.
That all of it is part of God’s river of grace.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
Sources of my sermon:
Debbie Thomas, Thin Places, Deep Water. http://www.journeywithjesus.net/
Karyn Wiseman, workingoreacher.org
Rev. Dr. Scott Black-Johnston, Sermon “How’s the Water?” Day1.org.
Facebook illustration
Andrew King, “John Baptizes Jesus”, A Poetic Kind of Place.
Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer Rev. Kim Vidal
Let us gather our hearts in prayer.
Gracious God, your spirit moves over the waters of chaos to bring forth life. Your Spirit rains and pours and floods in rivers, in oceans, in baptismal fonts, cleansing, purifying, anointing all creation, to live your goodness and love.
God of John and Jesus, you have called us by our names and we respond with joy, knowing that we are your beloved children. We come to the river of your grace to celebrate and renew our covenant of baptism. Pour your Holy Spirit of oneness upon us, that we may be your faithful people, united in one Holy Communion, living the gospel of love made flesh. Open our hearts as we pray, and call us to a new faithfulness in our baptism. Inspire each one of us to show forth our loving kindness in our hurting world, and bring healing and peace to all your people.
O God, we pray for your church. Baptize us with the water of love, service and hospitality that we can be your bringers of good news to others. May our feet move in directions of service. May our hands seek to do the work of justice. May our hearts be shaped to see love and connection.
Healing God, baptize us with the waters of compassion and wholeness. We pray for those who seek healing and recovery from illnesses, from grief, from despair. We pray for those for those awaiting medical test results; for those who are recovering in hospitals and in home; bring comfort for those who are grieving the loss of loved ones. We pray for Frank Pope and family in the passing of Doreen and for David Donaldson and family in the passing of Dorothy. We pray for those in long-term care facilities and nursing homes, particularly those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the many of us who seek your healing grace. And now in silence, hear the deepest concerns of our hearts. (Moment of Silence)
O God of compassion, we pray for our communities, the neighbouring places, our city, our province and our country as a whole. Baptize us with the waters of justice so that the poor, the lonely and grieving, the homeless and all those pushed to society’s margins can once again be gathered into the heart of neighbourhood. We pray for the Americans as they are face once more the brunt of violence and political bigotry. May the true spirit of democracy continue to be our beacon of light towards peace and harmonious relationship. Baptize our world with the waters of compassion, hope and strength so that evil systems and acts of terror will come crashing down replacing them with systems of sharing, of peaceful endeavours and acts of grace. We continue to pray for peace in the world.
O God, affirm and baptize us with the water, spirit and fire of your peace, that we whom you call as your beloved may spread the good news of Jesus through our words and our actions. May our baptism rekindle hope, transform our ways and offer fresh possibilities. These we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, baptized in the waters of Jordan, who taught us this ancient prayer.
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kin-dom come, thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kin-dom, the power and the glory, Forever and ever, Amen.
Invitation to Offer Rev. Lorrie Lowes
The Holy Spirit that came upon Jesus on his baptism is with us in amazing and powerful ways, bringing shining new hope into the world. As we remember our own baptism, may we participate in the ministry of our church with that great hope, trusting in the promises of God. In our giving this morning, our love overflows in generosity.
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 (Fern Gibbard, Gathering, ACE 2016-2017)
In baptism, we have received the gift of the Spirit;
in return we offer these gifts of gratitude
that they may become a source of light to those in need. Amen.
Sending Forth Rev. Kim Vidal
(Inspired by the prayers of Rev. Dawn Hutchings and Beth W. Johnson)
Let the waters of baptism sooth you, nourish you,
and sustain you for all the possibilities yet to come!
We are the beloved children of a Creator who rejoices with us!
Listen closely. Hear the flapping of the wings of a dove
as the Holy Spirit alights upon you.
We gladly receive the blessings of possibility!
Go forth as God’s baptized people,
knowing that the refreshing waters
will sustain you in your journey. Amen.
Hymn: I Have Called You by Your Name – More Voices #161 Soloist: Sheryll Highstead
1 I have called you by your name, you are mine;
I have gifted you and ask you now to shine.
I will not abandon you;
all my promises are true.
You are gifted, called, and chosen;
you are mine.
2 I will help you learn my name as you go;
read it written in my people, help them grow.
Pour the water in my name,
speak the word your soul can claim,
offer Jesus’ body given long ago.
3 I know you will need my touch as you go;
feel it pulsing in creation’s ebb and flow.
Like the woman reaching out,
choosing faith in spite of doubt,
hold the hem of Jesus’ robe,
then let it go.
4 I have given you a name, it is mine;
I have given you my Spirit as a sign.
With my wonder in your soul,
make my wounded children whole;
go and tell my precious people
they are mine.
Words and Music © 1998 Daniel Charles Damon
Song #54619 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved
Departing: More Voices #144 – Like a Healing Stream Soloist: Erin Berard
1. Like a healing stream in a barren desert,
Spirit water bringing life to dusty earth,
God is trickling through our lives
as in a dream unfolding,
promising revival and rebirth
like a healing stream
2. Like a gentle rain on a thirsty garden,
Spirit water come to nourish tiny seed,
God is bubbling through the soil
to coax a new creation
yearning for an end to want and need
like a gentle rain.
3. Like a river strong with a restless current,
Spirit water rushing on to distant shore,
God is carving out a channel
in a new direction,
calling for an end to hate and war
like a river strong.
4. Like a mighty sea reaching far horizons,
Spirit water with a love both deep and wide,
God is working in our hearts
to shape a new tomorrow:
God will always challenge and provide!
Like a mighty sea, like a river strong,
like a gentle rain, like a healing stream.
Words and Music © 2003 Bruce Harding
Song #118517 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved
Zoom meeting -
Sunday Worship Service - January 3, 2021
BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH
EPIPHANY SUNDAY
January 3, 2021
Available in Text Format only
Ministers: Rev. Lorrie Lowes & Rev. Kim Vidal
Music Director: Abe TeGrotenhuis
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. Today, we celebrate Epiphany Sunday with the coming of the Magi.
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.
Note: No in-person worship service will be offered during the provincial lockdown. Video, audio, text and phone formats will resume on January 10, 2021.
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 the name of justice and love. Let us gather in worship.
Lighting of the Christ Candle (You may light a candle if you wish)
Arise, shine; for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1)
Call to Gather
Rejoice, this is the day that God has made!
This is a new day, a new year, a new beginning.
God calls us to continue our journey of faith.
We ask, “God, to what are you calling us at this time?”
We are called to allow God’s light to show us the way.
We come today seeking that light and praying
that we may be guided by that light all year.
We come today to place our lives under God’s will and call.
Prayer of Approach (Voices United 86)
Radiant God, light for all people and all places,
By the guidance of a star you led the Magi
to worship the Christ Child.
By the light of faith
Lead us to worship you in peace and love,
and guide us in your way.
We pray in the name of Christ,
Light of the world. Amen.
Carol (Sing on your own): The First Nowell (Words & Music: English traditional carol, ca. 17th century)
1 The first Nowell the angel did say
was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay,
in fields where they lay a-keeping their sheep on a cold winter's night that was so deep.
Refrain:
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.
2 They looked up and saw a star,
shining in the east beyond them far;
and to the earth it gave great light,
and so it continued both day and night. [Refrain]
3 And by the light of that same star
three wise men came from country far;
to seek for a king was their intent,
and to follow the star wherever it went. [Refrain]
4 This star drew nigh to the northwest,
o'er Bethlehem it took its rest,
and there it did both stop and stay
right over the place where Jesus lay. [Refrain]
5 Then entered in those wise men three
full reverently upon their knee,
and offered there in his presence,
their gold and myrrh and frankincense. [Refrain]
6 Then let us all with one accord
sing praises to our heavenly Lord,
that hath made heaven and earth of nought,
and with his blood our life hath bought. [Refrain]
Prayer for Illumination
We praise you, Holy One, for visions of your loving ways.
With your life-giving Word,
stir our hope and fill us with courage
so we might journey with the Magi
in the path leading us to find the Christ child. Amen.
The Reading: Matthew 2: 1-12 (NRSV)
The Visit of the Wise Ones
2 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise ones from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”
7 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” 9 When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
Hear what the Spirit is saying to all of us! Thanks be to God!
Sermon Rev. Lorrie Lowes
This is Epiphany Sunday, the day when we hear the last part of the Christmas story that we began so may weeks ago in Advent. The visit of the Wise Men, the Kings, the Magi…
It’s a small story found only in the book of Matthew and not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible. Three strangers show up, make a huge fuss over the new baby, drop off expensive, rather strange gifts and then disappear, never to be heard from again. A strange little story that has captured our imaginations for centuries.
The few verses we read this morning are all there is about this visit in the Bible and yet we are sure we’ve heard so many more details
… There were three of them…
… They have names: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar…
… We can picture them, tall, riding on their camels, one with very black skin…
… They arrived at the stable after the shepherds, - didn’t they?
All details that were never in Matthew’s story but have grown from the imaginations of artists and storytellers over the centuries and have become an important part of our story, our tradition of Christmas.
It was obviously important to Matthew too or he wouldn’t have included it here. So… why did he write it? What meaning does it have for us?
Jesus was born at a dark time in Jewish history. The people were oppressed by a greedy and powerful empire. Any peace that existed was created by violent battles - a peace built on fear.
“Keep your head down, don’t call attention to yourself, and hope the tax collectors and the centurions will pass you by.”
Not my idea of a peaceful existence. No serene and comfortable life but just the absence of war.
Into this dark and fearful time, a baby was born who would grow up to challenge that system - not through violence or mighty battles but through a message of hope, a message of love. He would become a beacon of light for these dark times.
He may have been just what the Jewish people needed - but he certainly wasn’t what they were expecting. Surely, if God was to save them from the violent oppression of Rome, He would send a powerful army led by a mighty warrior - someone who could crush the empire.
A baby?
And this was not even a baby born to rich and powerful parents but a baby born among the poorest and most oppressed, in the lowest of circumstances. A baby born to young peasant parents, under suspicious circumstances, in an insignificant small town.
It was such a small event that no one in the area noticed. In his book, Luke tells us that a whole host of angels had to light up the sky to get the attention of the only other people awake - some shepherds out in a field. No need to wake up the whole town. There would be no miraculous coup that night. What was born in that stable was not an immediate solution to all their troubles.
What was born was Hope.
A glimmer, barely noticed at first but a light that would grow over time to conquer the darkness.
Well, the Jews and the Romans may not have noticed but someone did. A star appeared in the sky. Now this in itself is an curious choice of sign. It’s not a usual symbol for either Jews or Christians. Where else have we ever seen God use a star to send a message?
In the east - the direction from where dawn comes to end the darkness of night - some wise men noticed that star and they knew that something amazing was taking place, a birth so significant that they were certain it must be the birth of a great king. And they set out to find him and to pay homage.
That’s interesting, isn’t it? These wealthy, educated men left home to travel to another country to pay their respects to a king who would rule over people they had no attachment to. These men were not Jews but the birth of this king of the Jews was important enough to make them set out on this journey and to not give up until they had seen him with their own eyes and delivered their gifts.
They were foreigners
they were of a different faith
and they had no doubt that they would be welcome.
They went first to the palace in Jerusalem. It only made sense that a new king would be born there. They had no hesitation in telling Herod that they were coming to meet the newborn King of the Jews. This was good news! A baby who was destined to great works! A baby whose birth was so significant to the world that God himself sent a bright star as a birth announcement. An announcement that was important to the whole world. Surely, everyone would be rejoicing!
Imagine their surprise when King Herod had no idea what they were talking about.
Imagine their confusion when they saw the fear in the king’s eyes.
Not at all the reception they expected.
In one short sentence, Matthew tells us quite a bit about Herod’s reaction to the news of the learned strangers from the east. “He was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him.”
Yes, I imagine that was a scary time in the palace! Not only would Herod be upset by news of a king who would take his throne - but to hear it from strangers! The meeting he called with his own scribes and wise men would not have been a cordial one. They were supposed to know these things. They were supposed to keep him informed. He was not supposed to be surprised by foreigners who seemed to know more about the happenings in his kingdom than he did himself! They would have been scrambling to get him the information he needed. They would have been desperate to find a “fix” that would calm the king’s anger - an anger that put fear in all of Jerusalem. Just find that baby and get rid of him quickly.
“There is a light shining here in the darkness of your kingdom that will change this world forever!” the strangers had told him. “It shines so brightly that we have noticed it from as far away as our home. Such great news!”
Herod didn’t see it the same way. All light must shine on him alone. That is what makes him so powerful. And what do you do with something that threatens your power, your view of the world? You snuff it out. And just to be sure, you get rid of any others who might resemble it in any way. Restore the status quo with violence and fear. Show them who’s boss!
How wise were these strangers to pretend to play along with Herod’s game! Otherwise, they might not have escaped with their lives. But then they were wise men after all. I would have been surprised if they had fallen for Herod’s lies. So, off they went, continuing on their journey to find where this spark of light might lead.
And they found it in a small, humble home. Hope for the future of the world, manifest in a young peasant child.
Matthew tells us that they acknowledged the power of this child with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Gold for a king, frankincense for the sacred life of the temple, and myrrh to anoint his body at death. These gifts would have been lost on a child but Mary would have understood. These men were telling her that the power to change the world - the light that would lead the people out of the darkness - was here in her little son. He would rule - not by fierce battle but by teaching the Word of God and would be revered even in death.
These strange visitors saw so much hope in this small peasant child! Hope for the future of the world!
This story from Matthew would have been pretty powerful to his listeners. So many messages here! It told them -
… that others might see the hope in us before we recognize it ourselves
… that Jesus’ life and ministry was significant to the whole world - not just the Jewish people.
… that hope for the future must be nurtured in the children of the present
… that what seems like good news for humanity may not be well received by those addicted to power and greed
… that those hungry for power will stop at nothing to snuff out anything that might threaten that power - including (or maybe especially) the hope for justice and freedom
… that hope, help, and encouragement may come from unexpected places
Are these messages not still relevant today?
Where are our wise men?
Where are our Herods?
I am reminded of a young girl named Malala, who was shot in the head for daring to stand up for the right of girls to education. There must have been wise people who nurtured this in her as she grew - and the reaction of the Taliban was certainly worthy of Herod.
Are there other lights in this world being snuffed out by those in power?
Are we watching for them?
Are we nurturing them?
Or are we letting the Herods of this world crush them to maintain or grow their powerful hold?
I believe that hope is something more than a dream for a better future. Hope is born when that dream is put into action. It is not enough to dream of a better world, a more just society, peace and freedom. You have to take that dream and mount your camel. You need to risk the journey into unknown places and bear the gifts and resources that will turn that dream into hope.
Sometimes I have wondered why these powerful men didn’t stay to help raise this child. They seemed to have the resources and the knowledge to be able to help.
What trust they put in Mary and Joseph to nurture him and prepare him for his role!
But, they didn’t stay. Perhaps they knew that they would draw attention from the wrong quarter and would put the little family in danger. Or perhaps they could see that they were leaving things in good hands. Whatever the reason, they simply left their gifts and disappeared - back to their own country by another road. We never hear of them again.
They saw that star and they took the risk to follow it, to leave the comfort and familiarity of home and set out on a long and difficult journey. It wasn’t enough to dream about what that star could mean, they went into action.They took their resources - wisdom and riches - to Jesus. Then they left, knowing that they were leaving things safely in his hands. They took the kind of action that sets a dream onto the course of hope.
So, perhaps it was important that they didn’t stay. They didn’t set out to save the Jewish people from the Romans. They made the journey to ensure that the process would begin. They gave what they could but the real work belonged to Jesus.
Just as good mentors nurture proteges,
or good parents raise children,
or good teachers inspire students,
The wise men gave up some of their resources - and time out of their lives - to resource the work of Jesus in the world - the work of turning the dream of justice and freedom into real hope for the future.
They were watching the skies carefully and recognized the sign when it appeared. They sprang into action to make sure the dream it represented had the encouragement and resources it needed to grow into Hope - hope not just for the Jewish people but hope for a world in darkness.
On this Epiphany Sunday, may we be wise enough to watch for, and recognize, the signs of that hope in our world today. May we be brave enough to take the risk to leave our comfort zones long enough to nurture that hope. May we be selfless enough to share our resources to allow that hope to grow - not just here at home but anywhere in the world the signs may appear.
I believe it is what those wise men, and Jesus himself, would want us to do. Thanks be to God.
Amen
Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer (based on An Epiphany Prayer VU 88)
God of gold, we seek your glory:
the richness that transforms drabness into colour,
and brightens our dullness with vibrant light;
your wonder and joy at the heart of all life.
Today we give thanks for the joys and celebrations we share…
God of incense, we offer you our prayer:
our spoken and unspeakable longings,
our questioning of truth,
our searching for your mystery deep within.
Help us as we continue to work together as your people in this place. Help all those who step up to take on the difficult duties of being the church and bless them in their work. Help us in our meeting today to discern your will, knowing that we love this community of faith.
God of myrrh, we cry out to you in our suffering:
the pain of all our rejections and bereavements,
our baffled despair at undeserved suffering,
our rage at continuing injustice.
Today we pray especially for…
In our wealth, in our yearning, in our anger and loss
we embrace you, God-with-us.
And we continue now in the words Jesus taught his followers:
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
As strangers came from far away to offer gifts of hope and promise to the infant Jesus, we too want to share our riches to nurture hope in the world.
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
O God, like the Magi, we too bring gifts –
ourselves, our time and our commitment.
Bless these gifts and use them
in compassionate service. AMEN
Sending Forth
Now receive God’s blessing:
As you go into this new year
May you go with eyes open to see the light of hope,
Ready to mount your camel and to encourage that light to shine.
And as you journey, know that God is your companion and guide. Amen.
Hymn (Sing on your own): I Am the Light of the World VU 87 (Words& Music: Jim Strathdee, 1986)
Refrain:
I am the Light of the World
You people come and follow me.
If you follow and love, you’ll learn the mystery
Of what you were meant to do and be.
1. When the song of the angels is stilled.
When the star in the sky is gone.
When the kings and the shepherds
have found their way home.
The work of Christmas is begun! R
2. To find the lost and lonely one,
To heal that broken soul with love,
To feed the hungry children
with warmth and good food,
To feel the earth below the sky above! R
3. To free the prisoner from all chains,
To make the powerful care,
To rebuild the nations with strength and
goodwill, To see God’s children
everywhere. R
4. To bring hope to every task you do,
To dance at a baby's new birth,
To make music in an old person’s heart,
And sing to the colours of the earth! R