Sunday school activities - January 24, 2021

Here is today’s Bible reading:

Mark 1:16-20 - Jesus Calls the First Disciples

16 As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.

Theme Discussion

The men that Jesus called to be disciples in this story were all fishermen - not ministers or priests or wise men but ordinary people with ordinary jobs. Fish and fishermen are in a lot of stories in the Bible. It was a common job in Jesus’ time. 

Why do you think Jesus asked these particular men to follow him?

What do you think Jesus meant when he told the men that they could fish for people?

What are some skills that good fishermen and good disciples have in common?

Did you know that there is a symbol shaped like a fish that reminds us of Jesus? Some people wear this symbol as jewelry, some people put it on their cars.

The first Christians used this symbol as kind of a secret sign to other Christians. There were people who didn’t understand Jesus’ message and thought being a Christian was a bad thing - and so it could be dangerous to let people know you were a follower of Jesus. If they were standing talking to someone face to face, they would make an arc in the sand with their foot. If the other person wasn’t a Christian, they would think nothing of it - but if they were a Christian, they would make another arc to finish the shape of the fish. It was a good sign because no one would think anything of a picture of a fish unless they knew the symbolism.

Response Activity Ideas

Crayon Resist Fish

Materials: white paper, white crayon or oil pastel, water colour paints

Draw a ‘secret’ fish symbol using the white crayon or oil pastel.  It works best if you press quite firmly and make fairly thick lines.  Then, using the water colour paints, paint a wash of colour over the page to reveal your drawing!

If you have others in your home doing the craft, you could draw the fish and perhaps include a secret message (“Follow Me” - ?) and then paint each other’s to discover what they have done!

Stained Glass Colouring page

Click to print PDF

ICTHYS

Learn more about Christian fish symbol, ICTHYS:

• Read more at Christian Symbolism Facts for Kids

• Check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkzcNSW1eHg

• Or do your own research!

Using whatever art supplies you have, make your own ICTHYS with the Greek letters inside!

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

Sunday Worship Service - December 27, 2020

First Sunday after Christmas

Shared Service with Glen Cairn & Kanata United Church
A Service of Christmas Poetry & Music

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: Carol-Sing

In the Bleak MidWinter – Voices United #55 v1,2,3

1 In the bleak midwinter frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone.
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
In the bleak midwinter, long ago.

2 Our God, heaven cannot hold him,
nor earth sustain; heaven and earth
shall flee away when he comes to reign;
In the bleak midwinter a stable place
sufficed the Lord God almighty, Jesus Christ.

3 Enough for him, whom cherubim
worship night and day, a breast full of milk, and a manger full of hay. Enough for him, whom angels fall down before, the ox and ass and camel which adore.

Words: Christina Rosetti 1872; Music:  Gustav Holst, 1906
Song Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

See Amid the Winter Snow – Voices United #76 v1,3,5

1 See amid the winter’s snow,
born for us on earth below,
See, the tender Lamb appears,
promised from eternal years. 

Refrain:
Hail, thou ever-blessed morn;
Hail, redemption’s happy dawn;
Sing through all Jerusalem,
Christ is born in Bethlehem.

3 Say, ye holy shepherds, say
What your joyful news today;
Wherefore have ye left your sheep
On the lonely mountain steep? R 

5 Sacred infant, all divine,
What a mighty love was thine,
Thus to come from highest bliss
Down to such a world as this! R 

Words: Edward Caswall, 1851; Music:  John Goss, 1871
Song Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Welcome and Announcements        Rev. Kim Vidal

Good day everyone! On behalf of the staff and the congregation at BCUC, I welcome and greet you in the name of Jesus Christ on this First Sunday after Christmas. I especially welcome the congregation of Glen Cairn and Kanata United Churches joining us in today’s service of Christmas Poetry and Music.

Today’s service is offered via Youtube, audio and text formats. Please check our website at bcuc.org for the link. You can also listen to the service by dialing 613-820-8104.

Here are some announcements for Bells Corners United Church:

- On January 3, Epiphany Sunday, there will be no in-person service and no video available to give a break to our worship team. Here are some options how you can still worship this day:

1. A text format of the service will be emailed to the congregation and will be posted on the website.

2. Or join Stittsville United Church at 10 am to be offered on Facebook Live and can be found on the Stittsville United Church Facebook page or on the website to be viewed live or at any time afterward.  Links to this service will be posted on our website and theirs.

3. Or check YouTube for worship services offered by Riverside United Church, Glen Cairn UC or Kanata UC. Many other churches across the country will also be offering video worship services that day. We encourage you to take this opportunity to visit another community of faith.

- Video, audio and text formats of the worship service will resume on Sunday, January 10th. Please check the website for updates and information.

Centering for Worship

Friends, let us take a moment to reflect and remember what Christmas and the coming year mean for us. Let us now centre ourselves in God’s presence as we gather in worship.

Lighting the Christ Candle         Acolyte: Raven Miller

“The Light of Love”[1]

Through the darkness, there came a light 
Though so far but yet so bright. 
I close my eyes and look deep insight.
I walk this darkness without a fright. 

I never believed I'd find this love, 
Like that beautiful star from above. 
I questioned love and what I feel 
With Jesus’ light, my love is real. 

(The Christ Candle is lit)

Sung Response:[2]  Take Up This Light   (Tune: More Voices #213)

Take up this light of Christ and share it with the world
Take up this light of Christ and shine it brightly
In every moment of the journey we live the light of Christ
Dare to shine, hope, peace, joy and love
This candle of Christ       

Music © 2005 Laura Herman; Arr. © 2006 Robin King;
Song # 84482 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

*Call to Gather        Rev. Lorrie Lowes

Come to this place to be opened to the wonder and mystery that awaits you.
We come to catch a glimpse of God’s mystery as we search for new meaning this Christmas.
Come and let your hearts be touched by God’s presence.
We come to be filled anew with God’s love.
Come to hear God’s voice through words that empower and carols of celebration.
May the wonder and joy of this night open our hearts to receive the miracle of Christmas - Emmanuel, God-with-us. 

A Christmas Prayer of Confession:[3]   Rev. Kim Vidal

God of stable, stars and surprises;
Of light and hope and new life:
Open our eyes and hearts to your presence in our world;
Forgive our obsession with property and possessions;
Forgive our compromises and narrowness of vision.
Open us to your grace,
That we might hear again the song of the angels,
And respond with a song in our hearts,
And in our lives. Amen.

(Moment of Silent Reflection) 

Assurance of Love: Calling on God[4]

We stumbled, and fell in through the door,
and found ourselves gathered
at a familiar table of forgiveness.
The wonder is, you met us where we were,
and welcomed us as we are.
Thanks be to God. Amen! 

Carol:  Once in Royal David’s City  -   Voices United #62

1 Once in royal David's city 
stood a lowly cattle-shed, 
where a mother laid her baby 
in a manger for his bed.
Mary was that mother mild, 
Jesus Christ her little child. 

2 He came down to earth from heaven, 
who, with God is over all, 
and his shelter was a stable, 
and his cradle was a stall.
There among the poor and lowly 
lived on earth our Saviour holy. 

3 For he is our lifelong pattern; 
daily, when on earth he grew; 
he was tempted, scorned, rejected,  
tears and smiles like us he knew.
Thus he feels for all our sadness, 
and he shares in all our gladness. 

4 And our eyes at last shall see him, 
through his own redeeming love; 
for that child who seemed so helpless 
is our Lord in heaven above; 
and he leads his children on 
to the place where he is gone.

Words: Cecil Frances Alexander, 1848; Music: Henry John Gauntlet, 1849;
Harmony © 1957 Mann, Descant © 1970 Willcocks, Song # 84482 & 100901
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Poem: “Christmas is for Children” (Anonymous)    Readers: Noah & Nicholas Berard

Christmas is for children--
at least that's what they say,
It's time of wide-eyed wonder,
a magic holiday

When candy canes and gingerbread
fill tummies with delight
And little sleepyheads try hard
to stay up through the night.

Yes, Christmas is for children-
anyone will tell you so.
The twinkling, colored lights on trees
make youngsters' eyes just glow!

Each package and each stocking
is approached with childish joy
And toys bring squeals of laughter
from each eager girl and boy.

Yes, Christmas is for children--
all they say is true.
How wonderful that at Christmas time--
grownups are children, too!

Carol: He is Born - Voices United #50  v1,2,4

Refrain: He is born, little Child divine;
play on the reeds while the lutes are strumming!
He is born, the divine Christ Child;
join the song to announce the day.

1 Through long ages of the past,
prophets have foretold His coming;
through long ages of the past,
now the time has come at last!

Chorus: Il est né, le divin Enfant,
Jouez, hautbois, résonnez, musettes;
Il est né, le divin Enfant;
Chantons tous son avènement!

2 Ah! qu'il est beau, qu'il est charmant,
Ah! Que ses grâces sont parfaites!
Ah! qu'il est beau, qu'il est charmant,
Qu'il est doux le divin Enfant!  Chorus:

4 Jesus love for all the world
Coming as a child among us
Jesus love for all the world
Grant to us your heavenly peace. Refrain 

Words: trad.19th-century French carol, trans. © 1963 George Evans; Music: 18th-century French carol
Song # 96303 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Storytime (recorded)        Rev. Lorrie Lowes

Christmas Day has passed but hopefully the spirit of the season will stay with us for a long time. We are lucky that, in our part of the world, the season changes at Christmas time. This is usually when the snow begins to stay and so we think of snow and Christmas together. I found a story that talks about how the snow can remind us and help us remember Christmas for the next few months. It is called “The Snow Speaks” It is written by Nancy White Carlstrom and illustrated by Jane Dyer.

Carol: Hark the Herald Angels Sing – Voices United #48

1 Hark! the herald angels sing ,
"Glory to the newborn King,
peace on earth, and mercy mild, 
God and sinners reconciled!"
Joyful, all ye nations, rise, 
join the triumph of the skies; 
with the angelic hosts proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem!" 

Refrain:
Hark! the herald angels sing, 
"Glory to the newborn King!"

2 Christ, by highest heaven adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord,
late in time behold him come, 
offspring of a virgin's womb. 
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; 
hail the incarnate deity. 
pleased with us in flesh to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel! R

3 Hail, the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail, the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth. R

Words: Charles Wesley, 1739; Felix Mendelssohn, 1840
Song # 83988 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Prayer for Illumination Reader: Ross Mutton

(based on Luke 2: 1-20 by poet Andrew King)

Here is the emptiness of my night
     may it be filled with your glory
Here are the silences of my heart
     may they be filled with your songs

Here is the watchfulness of my eyes
     may they be opened to wonder
Here is the listening of my soul
     may it hear the joy of your love

Here is the hopefulness of my journey
     may it lead me swift to your side
Here is the searching of my anxious mind
     may it find rest in your peace

Here is the wood and straw of my days
     may they be a bed for your presence
And here is the humble cave of my life
     may it be your home, gentle Saviour. Amen.

Reflection on a New Year: Rev. Kim Vidal

(inspired by the writing of Joyce Rupp in Out of the Ordinary)

The beginning of a New Year always merits some reflection. It is not so much a time of making new resolutions, but rather, space in which to ponder life and review personal growth. A new year is a good opportunity to look at what guides our thoughts and decisions each day, to look at the person we already are and who we want to become.

As we review the year, we look for what allows our life to receive greater meaning and what resists it. We ponder how and when hope has sung in our days. We wander through the months recalling who and what gave us strength and where enthusiasm ripened or died on the vine. We look for graced moments that we have totally forgotten, those spaces in our days when we are swept off our controlled feet by the grace of a tender God who says, “Don’t forget you are in my heart.”

When we review the past year, we often see that there’s a part of it filled with familiar melodies, some delightful and others quite jarring. Our insights and awareness touch again and again on some basic patterns and behaviours. When we see them, we sometimes say with a groan, “I’ve been here before!” However, we have noticed that almost every time we come around the circle, we know it better. We miss more of the off-key notes and disharmony as we get better acquainted with their positions and characteristics, so we feel a sense of hope in spite of the old recurring patterns.

Underneath the circle of the past, we can always spot our principles- the foundational themes and values that spur us on to live our dreams and rekindle a positive attitude. Joyce Rupp shares her wonderful thoughts as we look forward: “if I wait to be perfect before I love myself, I will always be unsatisfied and ungrateful. If I wait until all the flaws, chips, and cracks disappear I will be the cup that stands on the shelf and is never used”

On New Year’s Day, let us rearrange our inner world to make room again for offering little kindness to others. May we renew our life principles of being people of loving kindness, justice, humility and compassion. May we ask God to grace us and be Christ–like to each person we meet in the coming year! Thanks be to God. Amen.

Musical Interlude: Sing We Now of Christmas – arr. Mark Hayes          Piano – Abe

Poem: “Cradle Song” (by William Blake)    Reader: Sue Morrison

Sleep, sleep, beauty bright,
Dreaming in the joys of night;
Sleep, sleep; in thy sleep
Little sorrows sit and weep. 

Sweet babe, in thy face
Soft desires I can trace,
Secret joys and secret smiles,
Little pretty infant wiles. 

As thy softest limbs I feel,
Smiles as of the morning steal
O'er thy cheek, and o'er thy breast
Where thy little heart doth rest. 

O the cunning wiles that creep
In thy little heart asleep!
When thy little heart doth wake,
Then the dreadful night shall break.

Carol:  What Child is This?  - Voices United #74

1 What child is this, who laid to rest, 
on Mary's lap is sleeping? 
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
while shepherds watch are keeping? 

Refrain:
This, this is Christ the King, 
whom shepherds guard and angels sing; 
haste, haste to bring him laud, 
the babe, the son of Mary!

2 Why lies he in such mean estate 
where ox and ass are feeding? 
Good Christians, fear; for sinners here 
the silent Word is pleading. R

3 So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh, 
come, one and all, to own him.
The King of kings salvation brings;
let loving hearts enthrone him. R

Words: William Chatterton Dix, 1865; Music: English melody, 16th -century
Song #127456 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Prayer of a Mystic: The Traveller’s Homage (by Bruce Sanguin in If Darwin Prayed) Reader: Keith Bailey

We open now
To the way of the Magi,
Wise ones not afraid to journey
Across the borders and boundaries
That mark the territory of the tribe
To what Spirit is doing in another country,
Another tradition, and with other people.
We learn to lay our gifts before the Gift of God,
To follow the bright and beckoning star of our future
Across desserts of unknowing,
Mountainous obstacles,
And valleys of despair
To make an offering of our lives
To the “new thing” our God is birthing
In a land where we have never been.
And then, Holy One,
Lead us back home on the path of the star-gazing sages,
choosing back roads and fresh vistas,
Safe from Herod’s hoard and the passport-phobic.
Laden with spiritual gifts – new sounds, tastes and sights
Of the star-blessed stable where you were born
And the beckoning mangers where you are still born –
We discover that “home” is an expanding house,
as large as a cosmos,
As close as our hearts. Amen. 

The Lord’s Prayer (Sung)  - Voices United #959

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins 
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil,
for the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours,
now and for ever.

Music © 1986 David Haas, GIA publications
Song #01814 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Offering Invitation           Rev. Lorrie Lowes

Like the Wise Ones long ago, we bring gifts from the heart to honour the Christ Child. Like the Wise Ones long ago, may we be overwhelmed with joy at the marvelous things God is doing in this world. Let us now offer our time, talents and treasures as gratitude to God’s blessings.

Offertory Carol: In the Bleak MidWinter – Voices United 55 verse 4

What Can I give him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb.
If I were a wiseman, I would do my part,
Yet what I can I give him – give my hear.

Words: Christina Rosetti 1872; Music:  Gustav Holst, 1906
Song Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

*Offertory Prayer

We give these offerings in hope,
knowing God can use them to spread love in this world.
And with these offerings, we give ourselves;
May we live with generous hearts and with open hands. Amen

Sending Forth:  Irish Christmas Blessing        Rev. Kim Vidal

May you be blessed:
with the warmth of the season, which is hope,
the spirit of the season, which is peace,
the gladness of the season, which is joy,
and the heart of the season, which is love.
Go in hope, in peace, in joy, in love. Amen. 

*Carol: Angels We Have Heard on High   -  Voices United #38

1 Angels we have heard on high
sweetly singing o'er the plains,
and the mountains in reply,
echoing their joyous strains.

Refrain:
Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Gloria in excelsis Deo!

2 Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
which inspire your heavenly song? R

3 Come to Bethlehem and see
Christ whose birth the angels sing;
come, adore on bended knee
Christ, the Lord, the newborn King. R

4 See him in a manger laid,
whom the choirs of angels praise;
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
while our hearts in love we raise. R

Words: French trad., trans. James Chadwick, 1860; Music: French carol melody
Song #84241 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Departing Music: Irish Blessing – traditional: Music Douglas Nolan - BCUC Choir

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

[1] excerpt, Stanley Oguh.

[2] Words by Kim Vidal and Abe TeGrotenhuis

[3] Gordon Nodwell, 1980

[4] P. Bankson & D. Sokolove

Christmas Eve Service - December 24, 2020

CHRISTMAS EVE / COMMUNION SERVICE

December 24, 2020 - 7:00 PM

The Ministers: Rev. Lorrie Lowes & Rev. Kim Vidal
Music Director: Abe TeGrotenhuis

THE GATHERING

Gathering Music: Christmas is Coming – Guaraldi (Charlie Brown)            Abe-keyboard                 

Welcome & Announcements    Kim

Good evening. On behalf of BCUC, I welcome you to our Christmas Eve Service. May you find in this gathering a significant opportunity to reflect on the meaning and relevance of the Christmas story. Tonight, we not only acknowledge the story of Jesus’ birth, but, more importantly, the truth that is at the heart of its meaning, love is born at Christmas. May this celebration remind us too that we are all God’s children, no matter what colour, race or creed we profess. We are all recipients of God's welcome to the manger.

As we are in the midst of the pandemic, please note of the following reminders:

• Please remain seated throughout the service unless you want to use the washroom.

• There is only one washroom that is available for use. That is the accessible washroom between the sanctuary and the main hall. Kindly sanitize after use.

• A reminder to bring your coats with you as we are not using the coat rooms tonight. Be mindful of your valuables.

• We will be celebrating the sacrament of communion during the service. I hope that you have picked up the communion elements on your way in along with a tealight.

• Right after the sending forth, as we sing Silent Night, we are going to turn on the tealights and you will be dismissed by Lorrie in an orderly fashion. Please remain seated until Lorrie gives you the signal to leave. Please bring the tealight home.

• There will be no fellowship after the service and that once out of the building, you may leave immediately. A friendly reminder to be conscious of social distancing at all times.

• There is also an offering basket in the narthex for your Christmas offering and other donations. You may drop your offering after the service upon dismissal.

I would like to highlight a couple of announcements:

• On the First Sunday after Christmas (Dec 27) there will be a Service of Christmas Poetry and Music and we will be joined by Glen Cairn and Kanata congregations. The service will be offered in text and video formats. Link will be posted on our website at bcuc.org. You can also listen to the audio recording via telephone at 613-820-8104.

• The service on January 3, 2021 will be offered in text format only which will be posted on our website. You can also join Stittsville United’s livestream worship service on Facebook or check out other church services online.

Let us now prepare our hearts, mind and spirit as we gather in worship.

Carol:  “O Come All Ye Faithful” - Voices United #60

1. O come, all ye faithful,
joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem:
come and behold him, born the King of angels;

Refrain:
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him
Christ the Lord.       

2. God of God, light of light,
lo, he abhors not the virgin's womb,
very God, begotten, not created: R

3. Sing, choirs of angels,
sing in exultation,
sing, all ye citizens of heaven above;
Glory to God in the highest: R

4. See, how the shepherds
summoned to his cradle,
leaving their flocks, draw nigh with lowly fear;
we too will thither bend our joyful footsteps; R

5. Yea, Lord, we greet thee,
born this happy morning;
Jesus, to thee be all glory given;
word of the Father, now in flesh appearing: R

Words in English: Frederick Oakeley, 1841; Music: John Francis Wade, 1743.
Song # 592e04d371906          Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Lighting of the Christ Candle Acolytes: Monica Peck, David Jones and Samantha

(Gord Dunbar, Gathering, ACE 2019-2020)

Reader 1: In this season of expectant waiting, we have held hope in our hearts. Hope that in the vulnerable infant Jesus we find a promise for transformation.

Reader 2: Hope leads us to pray for peace, to cultivate harmony in all relations. In that peace, we find the Prince of Peace.

Reader 3: Peace transforms into joyful celebration; walls torn down, chasms filled, barriers levelled. Joy inspires us to dance with abandon.

Reader 1: Joy embraced fosters love that makes all things new. And in that newness, we discover the deep meaning of love shared.

Reader 2: Love self-given, through humility, shows us the way to Jesus, still completely vulnerable, yet filled with promise.

Reader 3: Tonight, we light this Christ candle reminding us of God’s love through the birth of Jesus.  (The Christ Candle is lit).

Sung Response:  A Candle is Burning - Voices United #6 (Verse 5)

We honour Messiah with Christ candle’s flame,
our Christmas Eve candles glad tidings proclaim.
O come, all you faithful, rejoice in this night,
as God comes among us, the Christian’s true light. 

Words © 1986 Sandra Dean, Music: James R. Murray, 1887.     
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Call to Gather (Rt. Rev. Richard Bott, posted on Facebook) Lorrie

On that first Christmas Eve,
Mary, Joseph, and the newborn
Jesus were in their family bubble;
safe and together, for that night.
We gather tonight,
distant, but together;
as families in our own homes,
but also as family with Jesus.
We may be separated from the night of his birth
by geography and time.
We may be separated from each other,
because of this pandemic.
But we are together in God's love.
Nothing can separate us from that,
or from each other in that.
So, friends - in Jesus name –
let us be together in this time of Christmas worship!
Alleluia! Alleluia, Amen!

Prayer of Approach       Lorrie

Loving and generous God, we praise and thank you for the joys of this Christmas: the music and the singing, the gathering of family and friends, the gifts we give and receive. We thank you most of all for your great gift to us, the gift born this night – your child Jesus. May Christ’s Spirit of love fill our hearts to overflowing. May Christ’s Spirit of peace be upon everyone, everywhere. Amen.

Special Music:   Heavenly Star - Valerie Mackenzie      

CGS/Bells Canto - Director: Erin Berard

Time for the Young at Heart

“Sharing the News: A Light-Hearted Christmas Pageant”

Carol: Away in a Manger - Voices United #69

1 Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, 
the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. 
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. 

2 The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, 
but little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes. 
I love you, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky,
and stay by my side until morning is nigh. 

3 Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay 
close by me for ever, and love me, I pray. 
Bless all the dear children in your tender care,
and fit us for heaven, to live with you there. 

Words: Author Unknown; Music 1895 William James Kirkpatrick
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

THE WORD

The Reading:  Luke 2:1-20    Reader:  Jan Pound

The Birth of Jesus

2 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

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

Christmas Meditation: “Love was Born at Christmas!”      Kim

It's in the air tonight and we can feel it. We are standing on the edge of Christmas Day. All our preparations are almost coming to an end and now the celebration begins. On this beautiful night, we celebrate the birth of Jesus once again. Throughout the season of Advent, we have lifted up the words of the prophet Isaiah and the gospel writer Luke who narrated the story of Mary and Elizabeth. Now we have arrived at Bethlehem to celebrate this wondrous birth!

Ask any mom or dad or grandparent about the birth of a new baby and they can describe the event in great detail. From labour pains to the birth of the baby, the stories never cease to amaze us! Birth stories are often extremely powerful. They can immediately bring us back to a joyous moment, they can sadly remind us of some couple’s struggles with health issues, they can stir our imaginations of children hoped for, and they can make us aware of the difficult circumstances some couples had to overcome in their lives. As most birth stories, the storyteller sets the stage. They describe the setting and the situation into which the child was born. They bring us into the realities of the event. Like the Gospel storytellers Matthew and Luke who wrote the birth stories of Jesus. The birth of Jesus is a joyous event, but also mysterious in so many ways. But have we thought of the questions – why are we celebrating Christmas and is Christmas still relevant for us today?

It was in the year 336 CE, during the reign of Constantine, the first Christian Roman Emperor, that the first recorded date of Christmas being celebrated on December 25th took place. A few years later, Pope Julius I officially declared that the birth of Jesus would be celebrated on the 25th December that would make this year its 1684th celebration. Like any other traditions, Christmas evolved in many different ways, in almost all countries in the world. The way we celebrate Christmas has changed over and over again.

Did you know too that the observance of Christmas was illegal in Boston in 1659 and that there was even a time under Cromwell when the Puritans banned the celebration of Christmas in England? Do you know that Christmas was pronounced as Christ-Mass for hundreds of years before it became Christmas? Did you know that Christianity’s fascination of the nativity story known also as the Christmas pageant, didn’t actually happen when Christianity began? In the 13th century, St. Francis of Assisi couldn’t fit his congregation into the church building on Christmas Eve and came up with the brilliant idea of holding the Christ-mass in the streets. St. Francis set up an altar in the niche of a rock near the town square and legend has it that because Christ-mass was an important market-time the town was full of all sorts of farmers bringing their livestock to market. That’s how the cattle, the sheep, and yes even the donkey made it into the nativity scenes, the gospels certainly didn’t mention animals.

The gospel storytellers Matthew and Luke crafted their stories about the birth of Jesus in their own unique way. Matthew for instance started the birth narrative with genealogies, focused more on Joseph and had the magi visited the infant Jesus. Luke on the other hand began his story with a census, focused more on Mary and had the angels visited the shepherds. These were the images that brought inspiration to their own communities. And what we in the churches did was to put the two stories of Matthew and Luke together and voila! We have a full nativity story. But does it matter?

I don’t know about you but I certainly do not take the stories literally. I understand that these stories are what the NT scholar John Dominic Crossan calls “parabolic overtures” designed to communicate truth beyond words. The stories of Jesus’ birth according to Matthew and Luke are parables designed to make us think beyond words. When the angel announced to Mary that she will bear a child, what does that mean to your faith? When the angels pronounced to the shepherds, “fear not!”, what does that mean as you address your own fears? When Joseph was visited by an angel in a dream, what does that have to do with your hope and vision for the future? If I take the birth story as a story of truth, not a historical fact, will it diminish my faith or make me a lesser human being? My answer is a resounding “no”! For me, the stories of the birth of Jesus, just like any birth story of a child, is the coming of love and joy and hope and peace.

“It is the incarnation of LOVE”, according to theologian Richard Rohr, “that lies at the very heart of all that is!” And Rohr continues, “The incarnation of LOVE that the nativity parables point to is the same LOVE that was encountered in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. In this radical, freethinking, boundary breaking, justice seeking, peacemaker, wound-healing individual, the people discovered the image of God who is LOVE in ways that shattered their understanding of reality…That’ s why the Christmas story has become such an important parable in our annual celebrations of life. Everything about the nativity point us to the reality of the spiritual in the everyday stuff of life. In the simple birth of a child, in the poverty of a people, in the struggle to be free, in our quest to love and to be love in the world, it is here that Christ takes on flesh and dwells among us. Wherever we are connected in right relationship, you might say, wherever we are “in love” there is the Christ, the body of God, the essence of life itself.”

Friends, to celebrate Christmas is to celebrate LOVE that is born over and over again. It is to recognize the intimate connection between the spiritual and the material and to marvel at the reality that holds it all together. To celebrate the Christ in the Christ-mass is to open ourselves to the wisdom of the ages and dare to explore the wonders that we are discovering each and every day. So, Christmas Eve is the time for stories about life way back when. But it is also a time to take in the wonders of this very night and to look forward to all that is to come. So when you encounter the question, “Is Christmas still relevant for us today? I think the answer is a resounding Yes!

Tonight, the Christmas story reveals to us the meaning of true love that lives and breathes in, with, through, and beyond us. As we pay attention to the manger, a symbol of all our potential lying there ready to grow, we can begin again to dream dreams of a new way of being in the world; dreams of joy, compassion, justice, peace, and LOVE.

Tonight, we encounter love in the face of an infant.  It’s unexpected. It’s real. It’s hopeful beyond any telling of it. Tonight, we see the human face of God through the nativity parable of Christ Jesus and in each other.  

The poet Ann Weems reminds us the meeting of the human and the holy in the stable. Listen as I read to you her poem entitled: “Christmas Comes”

“Christmas comes every time we see God in other persons.
The human and the holy meet in Bethlehem or in Times Square,
For Christmas comes like a golden storm on its way to Jerusalem –
determinedly, inevitably…
Even now it comes in the face of hatred and warring –
No atrocity too terrible to stop it,
No Herod strong enough,
No hurt deep enough, no disaster shattering enough.
For someone on earth will see the star,
Someone will hear the angel voices,
Someone will run to Bethlehem,
Someone will know peace and goodwill: the Christ will be born!” 

As we break bread and share the cup on this holy night, my prayer for each of you and indeed for all the world, is that we can see the face of Christ in one another. May the love we celebrate tonight, and every night, might usher in a new way of being. Rejoice and be glad! Love was born at Christmas! Amen.

THE RESPONSE

Christmas Prayer        Kim

Let us gather our hearts in prayer.

Blessed are you gracious God, in this season of blessing. We give you thanks for family and friends, for the time to be together and to renew our bonds of love and relationships. We give you thanks for this church family and those in our community who warmly support each other, bringing your vision of peace and hope to earth. We give you thanks for the ministry of this church and for those who offer their time, talents and resources in bringing life to our congregation, and to the communities where we live.

We thank you for the Christmas Story as it has unfolded among us tonight .Thank you for reminding us once more that through the birth of Jesus, you reveal to us that you are the God of love, in the flesh – One with us- One who is in us.

God of Light, we seek your radiant glory to shine into our lives. In a world that often seems unhappy and despairing, we need you to show us the way, the path that you would place before our feet. We think of many dark places in this world that needs your presence and your light. We pray for those who are sick and in need of your healing touch, especially those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, for all those who reach out to you for comfort and strength. We pray for those of us who are grieving and hurting. Bless those who are lonely, the depressed, the discouraged, those who are alone, all those who need your healing mercies. We pray for those who are confronted by natural disasters, political and economic upheavals, military and civil wars, environmental concerns and the daily anxiety that beset most of us. Grant us all, O God, a special measure of your light that we may experience your peace and healing power in our lives.  In the silence of our hearts, we offer to you, those concerns that are too personal for words and too intimate to name [SILENCE].

O God of joy and wonder, may the light of this season continue to shine in our hearts, and transform your people and your world until your whole creation shines with the light of Jesus. We pray in Jesus' name in whose birth we rejoice. Amen.

Carol: “Twas in the Moon of Wintertime” – Voices United #71

1. 'Twas in the moon of wintertime,
when all the birds had fled,
that mighty Gitchi Manitou
sent angel choirs instead;
before their light the stars grew dim,
and wandering hunters heard the hymn:

Refrain: Jesus your King is born,
Jesus is born, In excelsis gloria.

2. Within a lodge of broken bark
The tender babe was found,
A ragged robe of rabbit skin
Enwrapped his beauty round,
But as the hunters brave drew nigh,
The angel song rang loud and high.  R

Words: Jean de Brebeuf, 1641, English trans Jesse Edgar Middleton, 1926; Music: French Folk Song, 16th century
Song Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Celebration of Communion

The Invitation        Kim

Friends, welcome to this still, sacred night, wherein bread is broken for the gifts of compassion, and the wine poured for the healing of all. For in this moment of celebration of the common with the extraordinary, earth with heaven, and of the humanity with the Divine, the joy and mystery of Christmas is given, not just to behold, but to live out with gratitude, love and joy.

Prayer of Thanksgiving             Kim

May the peace of the Infant Jesus be with you.
And also with you!
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up before God.
Pour out your souls.

All: It is a good thing to offer our adoration and praise.
It was as a baby that you came to us, gracious God. A child in a
manger, staring out in wonder and sleeping in contentment. As we
celebrate Jesus’ birth once again, fill us with wonder and joy. As we
celebrate his birth, so we commemorate his time among us. He grew up as an adult to be
your instrument of love, healing the sick, preaching your Word, being one
among the people.

The Fraction          Lorrie

Reader 2: We remember, how, on the night that Jesus was betrayed,
he sat at supper with his disciples. While they were eating, Jesus broke bread
and as he shared it, he said, “remember me.”
Later, he took a cup of wine and shared it with these words: “remember me.”
And so, as Jesus did, we bless these gifts and share them amongst ourselves,
and in doing so, we remember his presence with us – always.
Bless us, God, in the breaking of bread and inspire us through the sharing of cup. For these unfolding gifts, we are grateful. For this living hope, we offer our lives.

The Lord’s Prayer            Lorrie

Let us recite together this prayer that Jesus taught his friends and followers in the language of your choice.

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

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

Prayer after Communion        Lorrie

We give thanks O God, because you have refreshed us at your table, touched our deepest needs, and called us to a life shared in memory and hope. Send us forth with courage and joy in the name of Jesus Christ, that we, too, may become bread and peace for one another and the world. Amen.

Invitation to Offer     Lorrie

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, remember that the gift of love came to all of us, enabling us to make the world a more welcoming place for the God of joy and peace.  I invite you to respond to that love by offering our time, talents and treasures together and present them as an offering to God.

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          

Christmas God, on this night of many gifts, when the wondrous gift is given, receive what we have offered here and bless all those whose lives it touches, in your name. Amen.

THE BLESSING

*Carol: “Joy to the World” - Voices United #59

1. Joy to the world! the Lord is come:
let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare him room,
and heaven and nature sing,
and heaven and nature sing,
and heaven, and heaven and nature sing.  

2. Joy to the earth the Saviour reigns:
let all their songs employ
While fields and floods, rocks,
hills and plains repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.  

3. No more let sins, and sorrows grow,
nor thorns infest the ground.
He comes to make his blessings flow,
far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
far as, far as the curse is found  

4. He rules the earth with truth and grace,
and makes the nations prove
the glories of his righteousness
and wonders of his love,
and wonders of his love,
and wonders, wonders of his love.

Words: Isaac Watts, 1719; Music: attrib. George Frederic Handel, 1742
Song 592e04d32d423  Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

*Sending Forth:  (Robin Wardlaw, Gathering ACE 2017-2018)    Kim

Send us forth this Christmas Eve, O Love Incarnate,
with the light of Jesus glowing within us.
Send us forth from this feast of love to celebrate
the One who is bread for the journey
and the cup of blessing. Amen. 

Departing Music:  “Silent Night, Holy Night” – Voices United #67 (recorded)

As people leave, they are invited to share the light and exit through the labyrinth door

Silent night! Holy Night!
All is calm, all is bright
round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy infant so tender and mild,
sleep in heavenly peace,
sleep in heavenly peace! 

Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight;
glories stream from heaven afar,
heavenly hosts sing Alleluia,
Christ, the Saviour, is born!
Christ, the Saviour, is born!

Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love's pure light
radiant beams from thy holy face,
with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.          

Words; Joseph Mohr, 1818, English trans. John Freeman Young, 1863 et.al. Music: Franz Xavier Gruber, 1818
Song 92350 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Sunday Worship Service - December 20, 2020

BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT - LOVE

December 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 / Carol Sing:

Good Christian Friends, Rejoice – Voices United #35

1.    Good Christian friends, rejoice
with heart and soul and voice!
Give ye heed to what we say:
News! News!
Jesus Christ is born today.
Ox and ass before him bow,
and he is in the manger now.
Christ is born today! 
Christ is born today!

2.     Good Christian friends, rejoice
with heart and soul and voice!
Now ye hear of endless bliss:
Joy! Joy!
Jesus Christ was born for this!
He hath opened heaven's door,
and we are blest for evermore.
Christ was born for this!
Christ was born for this!

Words: Latin, 14th Century, trans. John Mason Neale,1853; Music: German melody
Song #106688 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Go Tell it on the Mountain – Voices United #43

Refrain:
Go tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere;
go tell it on the mountain
that Jesus Christ is born!

1 While shepherds kept their watching 
o’er silent flocks by night, 
behold throughout the heavens
there shone a holy light. [Refrain]

2 The shepherds feared and trembled
when lo! above the earth
rang out the angel chorus
that hailed our Saviour’s birth. [Refrain]

Words: John Wesley Work II, 1907; Music: African-American spiritual 19th century
Song #106674 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Welcome & Announcements         Rev. Lorrie Lowes

Good morning everyone! On this fourth Sunday of Advent, I welcome and greet you in the name of Jesus Christ, God’s gift of Love to the world.

In this busy season, there are several opportunities for you to worship with BCUC and some are a little different from our usual offerings lately. On Christmas Eve, we will offer a live-streamed service, with Communion. You can join us on-line or in person at 7pm. We can accommodate up to 50 people in the sanctuary and the service will be recorded for uploading to the website afterward. If you wish to attend, you must register with the church office as soon as possible. Full information on procedures and safety measures are posted on our website.

On December 27, the first Sunday after Christmas, a Service of Christmas Poetry & Music will be offered in video and text formats only. There will be no in-person service that day. This is our annual joint service with Glen Cairn and Kanata United Churches. Please check the website at bcuc.org for the link.

And, on January 3, Epiphany Sunday. There will be no in-person service and no video available to give a break to our worship team. Here are some options how you can still worship this day:

1. A text format of the service will be emailed to the congregation and on the website.

2. Or join Stittsville United Church at 10 am to be offered on Facebook Live and can be found on the Stittsville United Church Facebook page or on the website to be viewed live or at any time afterward.  Links to this service will be posted on our website and theirs.

3. Or check YouTube for worship services offered by Riverside United Church, Glen Cairn UC or Kanata UC. Many other churches across the country will also be offering video worship services that day. We encourage you to take this opportunity to visit another community of faith.

This is a season of giving and there are many ways to give and offer your support to others during Advent:

1. The Service, Outreach and Social Action Committee Advent appeal is in support of the United Church’s Mission and Service Fund called Emergency-COVID 19 which aims to provide food and other essential services to many communities in crisis in the global South.

2. FAMSAC is giving out grocery gift cards for families in need instead of hampers this year. Donations are most welcome.

3. You can also continue supporting the Veteran’s House which is expected to be completed in 2021 to offer housing for 40 homeless veterans.

4. And yes – don’t forget to send in your offering and pledges for the operating fund before end of this year.

For all of these giving opportunities, you may send in your donation by cheque, by cash or by etransfer noting on the memo line which project you are supporting.

And now, let us centre ourselves for worship.

Lighting of the Advent Candle:  Love      Acolytes: The Fowler Family

(Gord Dunbar, Gathering ACE 2020-2021)

Reader 1:     Our Advent journey is nearly complete, yet the waiting continues with anticipation. We pause to ponder, to proclaim, and to prepare for what has to come but is not yet fulfilled.

Reader 2:     We come to discover love lived into a world too focused on division. We come to take up the challenge of affirming each person as worthy of love.

Reader 3:     On the first three Sundays of Advent, we light the candle of hope, the candle of peace and the candle of joy.

Today, we light our fourth candle to mark how love abides by God’s grace.

(The love Advent candle is lit.)

Sung Response:  Hope is A Star - Voices United #7 (Verse 4)

Love is a flame that burns in our heart,
Jesus has come and will never depart.
When God is a child there’s joy in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid. 

Words © Brian Wren, 1985; Music © Joan Collier Fogg, 1987
Song # 93750  Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Call to Gather: (Susan Lukey, Gathering, ACE 2017-2018)    Rev. Lorrie Lowes

Come, people of God, holy creations.
We come, seeking God’s grace to make us whole.
Come on this fourth Sunday of Advent
with trust in our hearts and hope in our steps.
We gather to proclaim that God is with us; we are not alone.
We are here to trust, listen, believe, and imagine as God’s people.
We come, O God, we come.

Prayer of Approach and Silent Confession: Rev. Kim Vidal

(Catherine Tovell, Gathering, ACE 2017-2018)

O God of love, we confess that we approach Christmas and leave Advent with more fear than hope, more fatigue than joy, more resentment than goodwill, and more stress than peace. Forgive us, God, and open our hearts to your love and the opportunity that comes from such a wonderful gift. Prepare our lives to receive the Christ-Child born in Bethlehem.

(Silent Confession)

Words of Assurance: Hear the good news and rejoice! When we open ourselves to God, courage and gladness comes to our cynical hearts. We are loved. We can walk with God’s grace. Amen.

Advent Hymn:   All Earth is Waiting – Voices United #5

1.    All earth is waiting to see the Promised One, and open furrows await the seed of God.
All the world, bound and struggling,
seeks true liberty; it cries out for justice
and searches for the truth.

2. Thus says the prophet to those of Israel:
'A virgin mother will bear Emmanuel,'
one whose name is 'God with us' our Saviour shall be; through whom hope will blossom once more within our hearts.

3. Mountains and valleys will have to be made plain; open new highways, new highways for our God, who is now coming closer, so come all and see, and open the doorways
as wide as wide can be.

4. In lowly stable the Promised One appeared; yet, feel the presence throughout the earth today, for Christ lives in all Christians
and is with us now; again, on arriving,
Christ brings us liberty.

Words & Music © 1972 Alberto Taule; English trans. © 1987 Gertrude Suppe, Song # 80401 & 59721 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Storytime for the Young at Heart        Rev. Kim Vidal

Today is the fourth and last Sunday of Advent. This means that Christmas is really getting near! Are you getting excited? I know, I am! What are some of the things that you look forward to at Christmas, besides opening presents and having a delicious meal with your family? This year, celebrating Christmas will be different because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But we still can enjoy it! Maybe if we get a lot of snowfall, your family can make a snowman or go for a drive to look at the colourful lights near the Parliament Hill. Or maybe you get to decorate a Christmas Tree with your favourite ornaments. What about making a gingerbread house? I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time putting it together.

Can you think of some of the family traditions your family has? The thing I remember most about Christmas growing up is the hanging of stockings on the bedposts. Most of you know that I was born and grew up in the Philippines. On Christmas Eve, we hang stockings or long socks on the bedposts and wait for Santa to show up. But I did not expect a toy or an expensive gift in the stocking. You might be surprised to hear this but I was waiting for Santa to give me apples and oranges! And he never disappoints! Apples and oranges in the Philippines on those days were a BIG treat! You can only have them during Christmas. Another important tradition in our family is a get-together and dinner at midnight after attending the Christmas Eve service in the church where we go to. I come from a big family of 11 children so you can imagine the merriment and fun as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.  Oh yes, our house was very loud with laughter, games, carol-singing, dancing, food and stories!! 

Our Gospel story today tells us what happened when God sent the angel Gabriel to tell Mary that she was going to have a baby and that she would name him Jesus. Can you imagine how Mary, a teenager, engaged to marry Joseph, must have felt to hear news like that? I’m sure she was nervous and scared or maybe a little excited? After a while, the story tells us, that Mary hurried to the home of an older relative, Elizabeth to tell her the news. Elizabeth who is much, much older than Mary, was also expecting a baby and the story tells us that when she heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Elizabeth blessed Mary and said to her, "God has blessed you above all women, and the baby you are carrying is also blessed." That is awesome! Before Mary even said a word about having a child, Elizabeth already knew and that Mary’s child was going to be a very special baby!  So, Christmas story begins with the celebration of Jesus’ birth and it was an event that was shared with family. Even Santa, for sure, believed that it was love through Jesus that makes Christmas so special and because of Santa’s love for Jesus, he brings love and joy to every child at Christmas.

The symbol for our tree this Sunday is a loving family. As we celebrate the birth of, Jesus, it is certainly fitting to celebrate Christmas with our families and loved ones just as Mary did with Elizabeth.

Let me close with a prayer: Loving God, you are Emmanuel, you are God-with-us. We give you thanks for this time of joyful celebration of Jesus’ birth. We pray that we will honour his birthday as a time of celebration with our families and loved ones. In the name of Jesus, who is Love, we pray. Amen.

Hymn:  My Soul Cries Out - More Voices #120  

1.My soul cries out with a joyful shout
that the God of my heart is great,
and my spirit sings of the wondrous things that you bring to the ones who wait.
You fixed your sight on your servant’s plight, and my weakness you did not spurn,
so from east to west shall my name be blest. Could the world be about to turn?

Refrain
My heart shall sing of the day you bring.
Let the fires of your justice burn.
Wipe away all tears, for the dawn draws near, and the world is about to turn!

2.Though I am small, my God, my all,
you work great things in me,
and your mercy will last from the depths of the past to the end of the age to be.
Your very name puts the proud to shame, and to those who would for you yearn,
you will show your might, put the strong to flight, for the world is about to turn. R

3.From the halls of power to the fortress tower, not a stone will be left on stone.
Let the king beware for your justice tears,
ev’ry tyrant from his throne.
The hungry poor shall weep no more,
for the food they can never earn;
there are tables spread, ev’ry mouth be fed,
for the world is about to turn. R

4.Though the nations rage from age to age,
we remember who holds us fast:
God’s mercy must deliver us
from the conqueror’s crushing grasp.
This saving word that our forebears heard
is the promise which holds us bound,
‘til the spear and rod can be crushed by God, who is turning the world around. R

Words © 1990 Rory Cooney; Music: Traditional melody, Ireland
Song # 90528 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Prayer for Illumination   Reader:  Neil Lowes

(Susan Ivany, Gathering A/C/E 2020/21, p32)

Gracious God, in this season of gifts and giving, help us to accept with joy the great gift of sacred scripture. As we unwrap the readings for today, bless us in our receiving of the wisdom of our ancestors in faith. Amen.

The Reading:     Luke 1: 26-55   (NRSV)

The Birth of Jesus Foretold

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born[c] will be holy; he will be called Son of God. 36 And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

Mary Visits Elizabeth

39 In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42 and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? 44 For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”

Mary’s Song of Praise

46 And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
    Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
    and holy is his name.
50 His mercy is for those who fear him
    from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
    he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
    and lifted up the lowly;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
    and sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
    in remembrance of his mercy,
55 according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
    to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

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

Sermon: “Something About Mary”   Rev. Lorrie Lowes

We have heard this story so many times, haven’t we? The angel visits Mary and gives her the news of her imminent and auspicious pregnancy and she goes to spend time with her cousin Elizabeth, who is also experiencing an unexpected pregnancy. The older Elizabeth actually finds her own situation a bit humorous, but Mary… well, at first, she is a bit confused but very quickly accepts her fate and thanks God for this miracle… gentle Mary, meek and mild… that’s the image we are left with. She sings praises to God and later we see her dutifully trudging to Bethlehem with Joseph, giving birth in a stable among farm animals and, finally, with a calm and peaceful smile on her face, she greets shepherds and wisemen who come to witness the birth of the newborn king. Gentle Mary, meek and mild… humble, obedient Mary, ready to do what God asks of her, no matter how strange and difficult it may seem…

Have you ever stopped to wonder why God chose this particular young woman to take on this momentous task? What was it about Mary that made God notice her? What convinced God that this maiden would be the best mother for the Son of God? We are told that she is virtuous and, by many accounts that she is beautiful… but was she the only young woman in the area with those attributes? In a patriarchal Jewish society, I would think there would be many such girls – obedient, modest, humble, devout. It was what was expected of women in those days. It was what made them marriageable and an asset to their father’s household. So, what was it about this girl, Mary, that singled her out for God’s favour? What made her the most suitable for this unorthodox role of an unwed teenager, tasked with raising a son who could transform the world?

I find it rather confusing myself – are you surprised?

So… I ask you to bear with me as I tell you a tale of my own… a sort of midrash of the text that helps me make sense of it.

God looked upon the world and was saddened by what was happening there. There was violence, and greed, and oppression. Over the years, many prophets had been sent to warn the people that they were headed in a wrong direction and to convince them to change their ways – but few people paid them much heed, or if they did listen, changes were small and short-lived. God needed a new plan. It had been a long time since God had walked among the people – all the way back to the garden at the time of Creation. How would people react if God showed up among them? The faithful believers might be ready to listen, but God wanted a way to get the attention of all the people of the earth. God needed to be a wise and respected figure to everyone – with all the wisdom of God but with the experience and credibility of being human, too… totally human and yet totally divine… How could this be achieved?

It takes a long time to create a human. There is the nine months in the womb, of course, but then there are many years of nurturing and teaching that go into the making of a mature adult. It also takes a whole lifetime of social interactions and awareness to fill that adult with wisdom – especially divine wisdom… God needed a mother. God needed a family. God needed a society that understood the wrongs of the world and the need for change. God looked around and found the little town of Nazareth, a place where many rebels gathered to hide when they were being pursued by the government leaders for speaking out against the conditions of the people. It seemed like a good place to find discussions about the state of the world and the need for revolutionary change.

Now God looked around that small town for the right people to raise this child. There were many good young women and men in this town of Nazareth… people who loved God, loved each other, and loved this world. Such a difficult choice! These young people had to be brave enough to not only take on this incredible responsibility but to commit themselves to the task with courage and perseverance. They needed to have enough love and respect for each other to support each other through this long and difficult journey.

There were many young families that loved God enough that they would be likely to agree to this request… Women who would obediently follow the word of God, no matter what… men who would be strong father figures to a growing child… families where love was present and where there was a sense of responsibility… So many good young people to choose from. So, God watched them carefully, day after day.

Now, in this town of Nazareth, there was one young woman who always seemed to be in trouble. She just wouldn’t follow the rules of being a good little Jewish girl. She was outspoken, she didn’t go to bed and leave the men to talk around the fire at night but insisted on being right there in the thick of things – asking questions that provoked them to think. She wasn’t content with just the usual domestic tasks but could be seen wandering around the hillside, striking up conversations with even the lowly shepherds. Her mother tried her best to tame her, heaven knows. Her father worried that she would never be chosen as a wife. Even God, while watching for signs of maternal instincts in the young women of Nazareth, found that she always seemed to be underfoot, disturbing the peace and trying to get her friends and neighbours to see new ways of doing things. At first, she seemed to be a nuisance and God wished she would just stop interrupting. This girl, Mary, just couldn’t seem to settle anywhere. What a strange young woman, and yet… there was something about Mary that drew God to her again and again…

It was true that she had many of the attributes God was looking for in a mother for this special child – loving, devout, in love with a strong, smart, and loyal man of faith… but she just didn’t seem to be the type to provide a peaceful and quiet home for a child.

Time went on, and God searched among the girls for the right mother, so many wonderful young women … but there was still something about Mary…

One night, God, getting a bit discouraged about it all, was talking to Gabriel about how to decide which young woman to choose. God told Gabriel about them all – and added in a comment about Mary, the one who just couldn’t seem to conform. “She is constantly disturbing the peace, and yet, there is just something about Mary that fascinates me.” And Gabriel observed, “That makes perfect sense, God! Aren’t you looking for someone who will raise a man who thinks outside the box and will make whatever disturbance is needed to make people come to their senses?”

It was an unconventional choice, but God could see that, indeed, Mary was exactly the right person for the job. So, Gabriel was sent to Mary with the news…

Mary was perplexed – so Luke tells us. And I guess so! She was already seen as a bit of a wild thing and now God wanted her to carry a baby out of wedlock! It seemed a strange way to show that God favoured her! Mary loved God and so she agreed to the plan – but, knowing that it would really cause a stir in Nazareth – let alone with her family – and Joseph! – she set out to visit Elizabeth, her older relative who, it seems had also been favoured with a pregnancy. Surely, she would understand. Hopefully she could help Mary cope with this scary turn of events.

Imagine this poor teenager faced with this really uncomfortable situation. Who would understand? It would probably freak her parents out completely – and what would Joseph think of her now? She needed time to think, probably time to cry, and definitely someone with a clear head - and a bit of physical distance from Nazareth - to talk to. Elizabeth seemed the perfect choice.

And, it seems, she was. She welcomed this distraught, frightened young woman with open arms and a message that spoke to Mary’s heart. “This baby you bear is a blessing! This child has the potential to transform the world – and God has chosen just the right mother for the job. You will help him see the world as it is. You will teach him to ask questions and seek answers. You will give him the passion and the wisdom he needs to make people listen. You can trust that God has chosen you because you are the best person for this task. I’m blessed to know you and even the baby in my womb is leaping for joy.”

And, in the end, after staying with Elizabeth for three months, Mary was able to dry her tears, subdue her fear, and hold her head high to proclaim:

I’m bursting with God-news;
    I’m dancing the song of my Savior God.
God took one good look at me, and look what happened—
    I’m the most fortunate woman on earth!
What God has done for me will never be forgotten,
    the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others.
His mercy flows in wave after wave
    on those who are in awe before him.
He bared his arm and showed his strength,
    scattered the bluffing braggarts.
He knocked tyrants off their high horses,
    pulled victims out of the mud.
The starving poor sat down to a banquet;
    the callous rich were left out in the cold.
He embraced his chosen child, Israel;
    he remembered and piled on the mercies, piled them high.
It’s exactly what he promised,

Beginning with Abraham and right up to now.

(Luke 1:46-55, The Message)

Through this time with Elizabeth, Mary was able to gain the strength, and the confidence to face this challenge from God with peace in her heart.

When I think of this story from this perspective, I have new respect for Mary. Under that serene exterior that our Bible stories portray, is a woman of deep wisdom and conviction, a woman of passion for the teachings of God, a woman who is willing to break social norms to follow her convictions. This is a woman who is equipped to raise a son who will think for himself, who will look at scripture with fresh eyes and a discerning mind, and who will take that passion and wisdom out into the world with the courage to speak truth to power.

Our Roman Catholic and Orthodox brothers and sisters give Mary a prominent place in their faith story. As a protestant denomination, we have moved Mary to the background. We bring her out at Christmas and Easter to show her as a loving mother and servant of God – but have we done her a disservice? Have we domesticated her to the point where we forget the significant role that a mother plays in the development of her child? Our society has come a long way from the time of Jesus but we are still caught in a very patriarchal system where women’s achievements are downplayed or dismissed all together. Just this week there was an Op-Ed article in the Wall Street Journal that dismissed Dr. Jill Biden’s title as not valid and undeserved. Jeffrey Epstein basically told her to drop the title and remember her place – ten paces behind her husband with her eyes lowered. We express our outrage at his arrogance – and yet we are content to downplay the significance of the role women have played in the history of our faith.  Perhaps it’s time to take a look with fresh eyes at the likes of Eve, Miriam, Ruth, Deborah, Esther, Mary Magdalene, Lydia, and the myriad of other women, named and nameless whose stories often seem to fade into the background of our lectionary. And let us begin this Christmas with Mary. I think there’s something about her that we might have missed.

With thanks to this week’s wonderful discussions with my Midrash Group and BCUC’s Lectionary Study Group.

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

May God’s love open our eyes and our hearts to the comfort and hope we can create for one another. Let us gather our hearts in prayer

God - birthing hope, in a busy world where many walks in fear, we are thankful for your presence that is near to us all, no matter what we face. Fill us with your kindness and compassion. Give us eyes to search you out in the least likely of places. Fill our lives with hope.

God - birthing peace, in a world of famine where many lives in hunger, we are grateful for opportunities to share our abundance with others. Fill our world with all that is green and growing. Give us hands to tend this earthly garden and to care for your children everywhere. Fill our world with peace!

God - birthing joy, in a world of expectancy, where many crave a sense of healing and wonder, we are blessed with a faith grounded in joy that can shed life on all that we do.
Fill this community of faith with singing and dancing as we serve in your way.
Fill us, your people with joy!

God - birthing love, as Jesus was born in Bethlehem, we are born again to a faith in your presence in the world and a commitment to spread peace and goodwill to earth. Fill our days with stories and dreams. Open us once more to new beginnings and to as many possibilities as there are stars in the sky. Fill our lives with love.

God- birthing possibilities – your powerful presence in many signs of Immanuel call us to Advent blessings as we await the birth of Jesus Christ. Let us be people who welcome and celebrate the birthing of Christ in our lives, in our homes, in our communities and in the world.

In humble preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ birth, we tune our hearts to the song of the angels, we tune our ears to the voice of the shepherds, we tune our lives to the example of Mary and Elizabeth, we tune our feet to the rhythm of carols, all of which calls us to live God’s dream for the world – to live in peace and harmony.

Holy One, you send us out into the world to live your love, to share your promise, and be empowered by your Spirit. Refresh our hearts, we pray. Give us hope and joy in the birth of Jesus who shows us the way of compassion and peace. All these things we asked in the name of Jesus who taught us this prayer that we recite in the language of our choice…

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

Invitation to Offer:      Rev. Kim Vidal

God is with us in amazing and powerful ways, bringing shining new hope into the world. Like Mary and Elizabeth so long ago, the ministry of our church is radiant with that great hope. And like Mary and Elizabeth, our congregation also trusts in the promises of God. In our giving this morning, our love overflows in generosity. Let us gather our time, talents and treasures together and present them as an offering to God. 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: (spaciousfaith.com)

Holy One, this Advent season we wait with love,
And we give with love.
Love for you, our God;
Love for your people.
Receive these generous offerings,
And use them for your works of love in our world. Amen.

Sending Forth: (Kim Falls, Gathering A/C/E 2020/21, p 34).    Rev. Lorrie Lowes

Our Advent journey is almost complete,
yet the gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love
that we have reflected upon during this
season are with us always. 
As we go into the world today,
we take these gifts with us,
treasures to hold in our hearts
and to offer to one another and to the world. 
We go as God’s beloved children.
Thanks be to God. Amen.

Hymn:     Dreaming Mary – More Voices #134

1. There was a child in Galilee
    who wandered wild along the sea.
    A holy child, alone was she,
    and they called her Dreaming Mary.
    And she dreamed, rejoicing in her saviour;
    she dreamed of justice for the poor.
    She dreamed that kings oppressed no more
    when she dreamed, that Dreaming Mary. 

2. One holy day an angel came
    with voice of wind and eyes of flame.
    He promised blessed would be her name
    when he spoke to Dreaming Mary.
    Then she spoke, rejoicing in her saviour.
    She spoke of justice for the poor.
    She spoke that kings oppressed no more
    when she spoke, that Dreaming Mary. 

3. And did she dream about a son?
    And did he speak, the angel one?
    We only know God’s will was done
    in the son of Dreaming Mary.
    Then she prayed, rejoicing in her saviour.
    She taught him justice for the poor.
     She taught that kings oppressed no more
     when she taught, that Dreaming Mary. 

4. Then Jesus grew in Galilee,
    they wandered wild along the sea.
    Now he calls to you and me
    to dream with Dreaming Mary.
    And we dream, rejoicing in our saviour.
    We dream of justice for the poor.
    We dream that kings oppress no more
     as we dream with Dreaming Mary.

Words & Music © 2005 Janet Gadeski, arr. © 2006 Patricia Wright
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Departing Music: Mary Did You Know?   –  TeGrotenhuis family

Music © Buddy Greene; alternative words © Jennifer Henry (Executive Director of Kairos)

(Poinsettia Flowers in memory of Loved Ones)

Zoom Fellowship hosted by Lorrie at 11:00 am. Link has been emailed. See you there!

Blue Christmas Service - December 16, 2020

A Service of Healing and Renewal
BCUC Blue Christmas Service

December 16, 2020

Ministers: Rev. Lorrie Lowes & Rev. Kim Vidal
Music Director: Abe TeGrotenhuis

You can also dial-in by phone to listen to the audio recording at 613-820-8104 

Gathering Music:  Before the Marvel of This Night -  Voices United #40 

Before the marvel of this night,
adoring, fold your wings and bow;
then tear the sky apart with light
and with your news the world endow.

Proclaim the birth of Christ and peace,
that fear and death and sorrow cease:
sing peace; sing peace; sing gift of peace;
sing peace; sing gift of peace!

Awake the sleeping world with song:
this is the day the Lord has made.
Assemble here, celestial throng,
in royal splendor come arrayed.

Give earth a glimpse of heavenly bliss,
a teasing taste of what they miss:
sing bliss; sing bliss; sing endless bliss;
sing bliss; sing endless bliss!

The love that we have always known,
our constant joy and endless light,
now to the loveless world be shown,
now break upon its deathly night.

Into one song compress the love
that rules our universe above:
sing love; sing love; sing God is love;
sing love; sing God is love!    

(Words: Jaroslav J. Vajda, 1979; Music: Carl Schalk, 1981)

Words of Welcome          Rev. Kim Vidal

Welcome to our annual service of hope, healing and renewal also known as Blue Christmas service. For some of us, memories of past experiences and the pain of present experiences and situations can become overwhelming. For some of us, this season of joy and wonder can be very difficult and sometimes it reminds us of the challenges in our lives, particularly, as we go through the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite all the decorations, the greeting cards received, the Christmas carols sang, the anticipated presents and dinner with families and loved ones and the advertisers who want you to believe that you can buy joy, I’m sure that some of us don’t really feel very much like celebrating. The idea that a Merry Little Christmas is all you need for your troubles to be miles away has a hollow ring to it.

I hope that you’ll find this a safe place to be transparent with yourself and with God, a safe place to admit that maybe you’re not ok at the moment, that maybe what you’re really feeling is sad, discouraged, or even angry. A place for you to be real with your struggles and your questions.

Those of us feeling a little blue at this time of the year can feel edged out and forgotten as everyone else seems caught up in the mad frenzy of their own preparations and celebrations. I hope that as you think about the Christmas message, you’ll find comfort and hope in knowing that you are not alone. We are here to give you comfort and healing love.

In this service, I invite you to listen. I invite you to pray. I invite you to sing. I invite you to meditate upon the pain and anguish you may have—and I invite you to offer your heart and tears. And as you do so, I trust that you will find hope, healing and comfort as we seek God’s light. I now invite you to open your heart and mind as we come together in God’s presence.

Call to Worship:         Rev. Lorrie Lowes                                 

Come to this place; you, who are weary;
it is waiting for you and all that you bring.
We are here seeking respite from the expectations  
and demands of this season.
Come to this place, you, who long for a safe haven;
enter into the mystery of a Holy Presence.
We are here with some hesitation,
yet also with a longing to know holiness in the depth of our being.
Come to this place, you who are resilient;
by grace, the Creator of All is with you.
We are here, waiting for divine involvement in our lives. Amen. 

The Invocation: (Don Uhryniw, Gathering ACE 2012-2013)        Rev. Lorrie Lowes

Holy One, we have come in this season when everyone is excited about Emmanuel, God-with-us, yet we sometimes feel so alone. Holy One, we feel like islands of sad emotion in a sea of joy and celebration. Holy One, light seems to surround us yet its glare hurts us and seems alien to our feelings. Holy One, in the busyness of this season, we pause to find Hope, healing and renewal, remember and be touched by you again. Amen.

Hymn:  Come and Find the Quiet Centre – Voices United #374

Come and find the quiet centre
in the crowded life we lead,
find the room for hope to enter,
find the frame where we are freed:
clear the chaos and the clutter,
clear our eyes, that we can see
all the things that really matter,
be at peace, and simply be. 

Silence is a friend who claims us,
cools the heat and slows the pace,
God it is who speaks and names us,
knows our being, face to face.
making space within our thinking,
lifting shades to show the sun,
raising courage when we're shrinking,
finding scope for faith begun. 

In the Spirit let us travel,
open to each other's pain,
let our loves and fears unravel,
celebrate the space we gain:
there's a place for deepest dreaming,
there's a time for heart to care,
in the Spirit's lively scheming
there is always room to spare!

(Words: Shirley Erena Murray, 1989; Music, attrib. Benjamin Franklin White, 1844)

A Lament: (Heather Grobb, Gathering ACE 2020-2021, p. 73)    Rev. Kim Vidal

The human journey is thwarted with struggles and challenges. Our prayer today comes in acknowledgement of this journey and in our primal need for God’s presence in our lives.

I now invite you to reflect with me in this Lament for a Blue Christmas by Heather Grobb.

Oh God, my God,
Why do I feel so far away from you?
Why does it seem like you are nowhere to be found in my life right now?
I feel so separated from your love in this time of distress?

Moment of Silence

My nights are long with sorrow.
My days are dull with pain.
No one seems to understand me.
I move wearily through life alone.
My heart is heavy with grief.
The light has gone from my eyes,
eyes made red from crying.

O God, my God, hear me in my times of sorrow.
O God, my God, be with me in my time of need. 

Moment of Silence

And yet, you are the all-loving One.
The Alpha and the Omega.
The Everlasting Day after the seemingly ceaseless night.
Beyond all time and space, you are God.
The meager things of this world will soon fade away
into the presence of your love for us. Praise be to you name, O God, my God. 

Words of Assurance:  “God does things differently”     Rev. Lorrie Lowes

(Psalm 147: 12-20, Everyday Psalms by James Taylor, p. 179)

God does things differently,
By the wisdom of this world, an unborn child has no value.
It has no name; it is not yet a person.
Yet while it is in the womb, it somersaults with joy.
Its mother’s eyes shine with hope;
her breasts swell in preparation for the milk of life.
To the mother, the unborn child within
matters more than any international agreement;
she wraps it in her own body. 

God carries us in her womb.
With her own lifeblood, God feeds us.
Like mother preparing a nursery for her newborn.
God readies the earth to receive us.
Winter gives way to spring;
frozen hearts thaw;
tightly buttoned spirits open to warmth.
That is God’s way:
out of darkness comes light;
out of ice, water;
out of pain and struggle, new life.
That is how God gives birth.
Others may not recognize this mystery.
But to us God has revealed the miracle.
Our cry of weakness is a cry of triumph;
our thirst invites us to lie close to the heart of God
and drink our fill. 

God does things differently. Thank God.

Hymn:   Silent Night – Voices United #67

1.Silent night, holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace 

2.Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing 'Alleluia!
Christ the Savior is born
Christ the Savior is born 

3.Silent night, holy night!
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth 

Prayer of Healing and Hope        Rev. Kim Vidal

God of love, we seek your light to shine into our lives. In a world that often seems dark and foreboding, we need you to show us the way, the path that you would place before our feet.

We think of many dark places in this world. There is the darkness of injustice that hovers over so many people. When children are hungry, when innocent people suffer, when the lonely have no one with whom to talk, when many are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, darkness settles like a heavy canopy shrouding all that would give us life.

We think about the dark places in our lives. There are those with whom we are unreconciled. There are past wrongs and hurts left unforgiven to fester and allow our separation to continue. And yet we are also aware of the joy of lights that shine in the darkness. Generous and gracious God, we look to you for compassion and thank you for your presence this night. 

Overwhelmed by our burdens we easily forget that you never leave us alone and that your steadfast love for us never falters.  By reaching out to each other, we find assurance and comfort that we do not suffer alone. 

You have given us strength to live through our dark moments.  Turn us to reach out to those who need hope, healing, and renewal. Grant that we may be your healing presence in their lives by bringing them your compassion and comfort that will assure them that they do not suffer alone. 

May the light of this season continue to shine in our hearts, and transform your people and your world until your whole creation shines with light of Jesus.  And now we raise our hearts together as we pray the ancient prayer that Jesus taught his friends.

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. 

Benediction:     Rev. Lorrie Lorrie

Rejoice, for God is with us -- Emmanuel.
In the darkness of our world shines God's holy light.
Now there is a reason to hope, to love, to laugh, to live.
May Emmanuel, God-with-us, heal you, body and soul. 
May your pain cease. 
May your strength increase. 
May your fears and worries be released. 
And may hope, peace, joy, and love surround you – now and always.  Amen.

Departing Music:     Dreaming Mary  - More Voices #134   

1.          There was a child in Galilee
             who wandered wild along the sea.
             A holy child, alone was she,
             and they called her Dreaming Mary.
             And she dreamed, rejoicing in her saviour;
             she dreamed of justice for the poor.
             She dreamed that kings oppressed no more
             when she dreamed, that Dreaming Mary.            

2.          One holy day an angel came
             with voice of wind and eyes of flame.
             He promised blessed would be her name
             when he spoke to Dreaming Mary.
             Then she spoke, rejoicing in her saviour.
             She spoke of justice for the poor.
             She spoke that kings oppressed no more
             when she spoke, that Dreaming Mary. 

3.          And did she dream about a son?
             And did he speak, the angel one?
             We only know God’s will was done
             in the son of Dreaming Mary.
             Then she prayed, rejoicing in her saviour.
             She taught him justice for the poor.
             She taught that kings oppressed no more
             when she taught, that Dreaming Mary. 

4.          Then Jesus grew in Galilee,
             they wandered wild along the sea.
             Now he calls to you and me
             to dream with Dreaming Mary.
             And we dream, rejoicing in our saviour.
             We dream of justice for the poor.
             We dream that kings oppress no more
             as we dream with Dreaming Mary 

Words & Music: Janet Gadeski, 2005

Sunday Worship Service - December 13, 2020

BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT / GAUDETE (JOY) SUNDAY

December 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 / Carol Sing

Angels We Have Heard on High – Voices United #38

1 Angels we have heard on high
sweetly singing o'er the plains,
and the mountains in reply,
echoing their joyous strains.

Refrain:
Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Gloria in excelsis Deo!

2 Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
which inspire your heavenly song?

Refrain:
Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Gloria in excelsis Deo!

Traditional French Carol: translation 1860 Chadwick, arr. 1937 Barnes
Song #84241 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Away in a Manger – Voices United #69

1 Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, 
the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay, the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. 

2 The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, 
but little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes. 
I love you, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky, and stay by my side until morning is nigh. 

Words: Author Unknown; Music 1895 Kirkpatrick, arr. 1982 Hassell
Song # osv-13 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Welcome & Announcements      Rev. Kim Vidal

Good day everyone! I welcome and greet you in the name of Jesus Christ, on this third Sunday of Advent also known as Gaudete Sunday a day of rejoicing, a respite from the penitential blues in Advent. Today, we embrace the meaning of joy symbolized by the pink colour.

We continue to offer Sunday in-person worship services at 10 am with a maximum number of 28 people. Please call the office to register. Full information on procedures and safety measures are posted on our website.

If you are not able to worship with us 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.

And here are some announcements:

-        There are many ways to give and offer your support during Advent:

1. The Service, Outreach and Social Action Committee. Advent appeal is going to support the United Church’s Mission and Service Fund called Emergency-COVID 19 which aims to provide food and other essential services to many communities in crisis in the global South. Nicole Beaudry will tell us more about it shortly.

2. FAMSAC is giving out grocery gift cards for families in need instead of hampers this year. Donations are most welcome.

3. You can also continue supporting the Veteran’s House expected to be completed in 2021 to offer housing for 40 homeless veterans.

4. There is an opportunity for families to remember loved ones who have passed, through a poinsettia memorial donation. A virtual flower display with the loved ones’ names will be included in the online version of the service during Advent.

5. And yes – don’t forget to send in your offering and pledges for the operating fund before end of this year.

For all of these giving opportunities, you may send in your donation by cheque, by cash or by etransfer noting which on the memo line which project you are supporting.

-        Order for Turkey Pies are now being received as well as the 2021 Canadian Church Calendars, grocery cards and the Book of Memories Volume 2.  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.

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

Minute for Mission & Service Advent Appeal     Nicole Beaudry

“We are all in this together” , “ We must all do our part”:  these are phrases often heard and repeated these days.  Yes, we must all do our part and keep ourselves and our families safe. With Christmas approaching, families and churches worry about not being able to be together.  This pandemic is bringing us a lot of worries indeed, but one thing that most of us don’t have to worry about is having enough food to eat .

In the midst of the pandemic as many as 500,000,000 people are on the verge of acute hunger, just as the world experiences the worst economic fallout since the Great Depression.  By the end of the year, 12,000 people per day living around the world could die of hunger because of the pandemic. And the situation is getting worse by the hour. 

In this year of the COVID crisis, the Service , Outreach & Social Action Committee, also known as SOSA, has  chosen a special fund of the United Church’s Mission and Service Fund as its 2020 Advent Project.   In a response to the crisis, Mission & Service has set up a fund to directly help those affected by the Pandemic - “Emergency Response-COVID-19". 

The United Church of Canada believes access to food is a basic right. Those who work to provide food—farmers, fishers, gatherers, and hunters—as well as those who transport, distribute, and prepare food should enjoy safe and dignified working conditions and earn an adequate livelihood.  The experience of the pandemic has shown us in stark relief that this is not the case for many people around the world. The fact is , vulnerable people become even more vulnerable in the midst of a crisis. A large part of the world lives with the reality of not having enough food for their families. The United Church of Canada supports local, national, and global partners as together they work to help bridge the gap between having enough to eat and being hungry.  Your support will put food on the table for struggling families and provide emergency relief to those going hungry.

Please consider supporting our Advent Project by sending a cheque, payable to BCUC with ‘Advent Project’ on the memo line, to the church office or by e-transfer choosing ‘treasurer@bcuc.org' as the email address and ‘Advent Project’ in the Message box. Thank you for helping  Shine Christ’s Light This Christmas.

Centering for Worship:   Kim

Friends, in the busyness of the Advent season, it is easy to get sidetracked with the business of preparing our homes and finding the perfect recipe for Christmas dinner. Let us take a moment to reflect and remember what Advent is meant to be: to make ready our hearts for the birth of Jesus, our joy. Let us now gather in worship.

Lighting of the Advent Candle:  Joy  Acolytes: The Berard Family

(Gord Dunbar, Gathering ACE 2020-2021)   

Reader 1:     Our Advent journey continues our time of celebration. We celebrate the coming of the Christ child who turns the world upside down.

Reader 2:     We come to dance joyfully in anticipation of this season of new life that challenges and guides, comfort and confronts. We come in joy but not to distract us from life’s pains; instead, joy emerges out of disruption and within each disappointment.

Reader 3:     Last Sunday, we light the candle of hope and the candle of peace. Today, we light our third candle, which dances in joy even as it burns.

(The joy Advent candle is lit)

Sung Response:  Hope is A Star - Voices United #7 (Verse 3)

Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn,
telling the world that the Saviour is born.
When God is a child there’s joy in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid.

Words © Brian Wren, 1985; Music © Joan Collier Fogg, 1987
Song # 93750  Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Call to Gather: (Susan Lukey, Gathering, ACE 2017-2018)    Rev. Lorrie Lowes

Come, people of God, holy creations.
We come, seeking God’s grace to make us whole.
Come on this third Sunday of Advent.
We continue our journey toward Christmas,
joyous and excited, ready to welcome God’s child
into our hearts and our homes.
Come to trust, listen, believe, and imagine what is possible
because God has come into our lives and into our world.
We come, O God, we come.  

Prayer of Approach and Silent Confession: (Catherine Tovell, Gathering, ACE 2017-2018) Rev. Kim Vidal

Holy Presence, you have led us to this moment in time, reassuring us when we face uncertainty, prodding us into action when we become hesitant and fearful, and comforting us when we are in the midst of changes. Be with us as we continue our journey through Advent. Hear us, dear God, as we offer our personal prayers at this time.

Silent Confession

Words of Assurance: Even within the deepening shadows of this season, the joy of God abounds.  We are a pilgrim people. God will be with us wherever we go.

Let us not be discouraged. Let us be open to the Light. Thanks be to God. Amen.

Advent Hymn:   Come Thou Long Expected Jesus – Voices United #2

1 Come, thou long-expected Jesus
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

2 Israel's strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art,
dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.

3 Born thy people to deliver,
born a child and yet a King,
born to reign in us forever,
now thy gracious kingdom bring.

4 By thine own eternal Spirit
rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all-sufficient merit,
raise us to thy glorious throne.

Words 1744 Charles Wesley, Music 1715 Psalmodia Sacra
Song # 83979 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Storytime for the Young at Heart        Rev. Lorrie Lowes

We lit our 3rd candle in our Advent wreath today, the candle for Joy. That means Christmas is less than 2 weeks away! That’s a cause for Joy!

It’s good to be reminded sometimes about all the joys in our lives. The Christmas stories in our Bible talk a lot about how difficult life was around the time of Jesus’ birth. The people in that area were really struggling under an oppressive ruler, and many of them were living in poverty. Things must have seemed pretty bleak back then. I bet they had a hard time finding things to make them feel joyful.

Life is certainly better for us today. We live in a wonderful country with a government we get to choose and that takes good care of us. Most of the time, we have a lot of things to be joyful about. This crazy pandemic has made some people feel a lot less joyful, though. There are lots of things we worry about and lots of restrictions on where we can go, what we can do, and who we can get together with. I know my family has been struggling with how different Christmas will be when we can’t open presents together or sit around one table for Christmas dinner.

I think everyone is waiting for some good news to lift our spirits. And there is still good news! Our usual traditions might not be possible this year, but there are some new ways to celebrate. We can’t gather on the main streets for the Santa Claus parade but there are some Santa Claus parades making new routes through neighbourhoods so they can go right past people’s houses instead. Families are still finding ways to cut down a Christmas tree, or decorate their homes in new ways. People aren’t rushing around in stores but are taking the time to order gifts or even making gifts for the people they love. And, maybe the biggest joy right now is the news of a vaccine coming soon – because that means that this strange and difficult time will end. It may not happen as quickly as we’d like, but we know that a vaccine means this pandemic is going to end.

When I think back to the Christmas stories in the Bible, I think the people of those times were probably feeling a lot like we are now. They really needed some good news too. Last week we talked about messages that angels brought. An angel came to Mary and to Joseph with news that changed their lives immediately – but then, on the night when Jesus was born a whole host of angels came to shepherds. The news they brought wasn’t just for them but for the whole world. Jesus was born to bring hope and peace to everyone and, just like the vaccine we are hearing about today, this wasn’t going to happen overnight. God didn’t send a full-grown man, after all, but a tiny baby who needed time to grow into the wonderful Messiah that the world needed. It would be many more years before anyone would hear Jesus’ teachings about how to change the world and make it the way God intended for Creation. Those shepherds still had to look after their sheep and life was still very difficult for them and all the people around them – but they were filled with joy at the news that things were on their way to getting better.

This week, I choose to be filled with joy too – joy that Christmas is coming, that new memories are being made in our homes and in our communities, and that a vaccine is coming to put an end to this hard time of Covid-19. I also choose to look for joy even on difficult days and, just like those shepherds that heard the angels that night so long ago, I will do my best to spread that joy to the people I meet. So, today I am putting shepherds on the tree in our sanctuary to remind us that joy isn’t always right in front of us but is found in messages of hope and peace and patient waiting – and that, even though it may take some time to happen, that message is worth celebrating right now.

Hymn:  Jump for Joy - More Voices #48 - Erin Berard with CGS/Bell Canto

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

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

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

Words and Music © Pat Mayberry www.patmayberry.com arr. © 2005 Marg Stubbington
Song # 123573 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Prayer for Illumination          Reader:  Marion Dugas

Show us the way, O God, to reshape our lives
with your Word of wisdom.
Open our hearts to rejoice in renewed relationships
so we can look forward to the birth of Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Reading:     Isaiah 61: 1-4, 8-11 (NRSV)

The Good News of Deliverance

61 The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners;
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn;
3 to provide for those who mourn in Zion to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his glory.
4 They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.

8 For I the Lord love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.
9 Their descendants shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom the Lord has blessed.
10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
11 For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.

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

Sermon:       “When God Disturbs”       Rev. Kim Vidal

Christmas is just around the corner – 12 days from now to be exact.  But this year, celebrating Christmas will be different due to the pandemic.  Ontario Health had issued some fun and safety ways to celebrate Christmas including a virtual holiday gathering with family and friends; a family outdoor activity; celebrating at home by baking cookies, decorating a tree; mailing cards and presents and the last suggestion says: give the gift of good health! And yes – the news about the COVID vaccine is certainly offering a glimmer of hope for many of us. Good suggestions I would say, but some have a depressing look at Christmas. Being together with family is not good news for everyone.  Not good news for those confronted with illness or grief. Not good news for the community where shelters for the homeless like The Mission and Elizabeth Fry are filling up again as the days get colder.  FAMSAC is giving out grocery gift cards instead of hampers for those who cannot afford a decent meal. There is nothing worse than feeling alone and hopeless, when the rest of the world seems to be gushing with joy.  Globally, we are not there yet in terms of joy. The COVID-19 pandemic still tops the list of worry in every country in the world. Add to that, the issues of hunger, famine and homelessness. Wars and violence have not somehow disappeared with the anticipated arrival of the Prince of Peace. We are not there yet in terms of Joy.

We have been listening to the voice of the prophet Isaiah since the first Sunday of Advent. Who is this prophet? What is he doing in this season of supposedly joyful celebration? Why do we need to listen to him? A prophet is more than a seer, a predictor of the future, or one gifted with extraordinary spiritual and moral insight. A prophet is a mouthpiece of God who lives in the present, looks around the community and addresses issues of concern. Prophets are rabble rousers, disturbers of those who live comfortably without caring for their neighbours. Prophets see injustice, poverty, political upheavals, religious callousness, immorality of all sorts. They open their mouth to protest and wag their finger to warn those in power and calls for repentance and transformation. Theologian Deborah Block explains that “prophets are voices of Advent because they say what no one wants to hear and believe. They point in directions no one wants to look. Prophets hear God when everybody else has concluded God is silent. They see God where nobody else would guess that God is present. They feel God’s compassion for us, God’s anger with us, and God’s joy in us. They dream God’s dreams and utter wake up calls. They hope God’s hopes and announce a new future. They sing God’s song and interrupts the program with a tune of disturbance.”

I once heard a preacher say that the flip side of joy is disappointment.  The prophet Isaiah tells us stories of disappointment. The Israelites were exiled. Life had become like a wilderness to the people. They had been taken in as slaves for nearly seventy ears. Then there was a shift. Those years in exile are over. Isaiah sees a highway- a road safe and secure, leading to the city gates. On it will travel the lost ones, captives and slaves, an exiled people now redeemed and able to return to their homeland. We’ve heard the reading from the 61st chapter of Isaiah written for people who had been liberated and had returned home - which had been their fervent dream and hope and prayer for generations. However, once they finally made it back to Israel, it was not exactly the sort of paradise they had imagined. Disappointment and sense of hopelessness once again confront the people. Isaiah, however, sees a vision of hope, peace and joy for the people. He sees the return of shalom - God’s reign, where God’s spirit empowering them to “bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”

These words sound familiar as words spoken by Jesus himself in the Gospel of Luke when he first preached in his hometown of Nazareth. When Jesus reads Isaiah's words, Jesus places himself inside a tradition that is alive today…that of prophetic ministry and witness. The social gospel is born in that moment and millions of people have followed Jesus down the path. These words of Isaiah proclaimed by Jesus are earth-shaking, life-changing words. It's no wonder that some people in the synagogue had a hard time hearing what Jesus was saying that day. Good news for the oppressed speak not only for those who live in poverty and the homeless, but those whose spirits and bodies need healing from illness, grief and loneliness. Release the captives could mean – freeing those prisoners of war who were taken as slaves or it could also have meant personal captivity to both spiritual and material temptations that harm both body and spirit. These words of Isaiah and spoken by Jesus 600 years later are God’s disturbing words. And when God disturbs, it takes many forms and many responses. When God disturbs, it causes us to reflect and to reach out.

I spoke with someone who I know as a caring, active and a wonderful volunteer. But a personal situation had been troubling her. Her words are full of conviction: "If I didn't have a church to come to, I don't know how I would survive." She explained that the community, the friends, and the church service all lifted her spirits and gave her the resilience to keep going. “I always leave this place feeling better than when I came in." She says. I told her I couldn't agree more. "I don't know how people do it without faith, without a spiritual life," I told her. "I know I couldn't." Sometimes disturbing news confront us – like a sense of emptiness or despair that comes unannounced. 

A scholar once asked a bookstore manager: "What are the most popular books these days?" "The first book," said the manager, "are those on who gets rich in the new information economy. The second most popular book is on spirituality and, in particular, books about Buddhism." The scholar asked the manager why books on Buddhism are becoming more popular than books on Christianity. And this was the reply: "I think it's because Buddhism is being presented as a way of life, and Christianity is being presented as a system of belief." We need to rediscover our faith as a way of life, because that's what we need the most! I have found that Christianity, when practiced with relevance and context, offers a message that relates to our deeper realities, our spiritual identities, aspects of our being that are so often ignored or neglected these days.

What happens if God disturbs us? What if God barges into the midst of our comfort zones? How would you feel? How would you respond? What change would God’s presence bring? What in your life would change? If Isaiah’s words were the clarion call for Jesus, a summary of his mission agenda, then they should be included in our mission statement as well. What is the good news for the poor and the oppressed today? Is there good news for the street people, the brokenhearted, the prisoners, the physically and mentally challenged, the unemployed?  What about the most vulnerable in our society? The children, the women, the elderly, the homeless?  Is there good news for them?  A wise preacher once said that "the truth will make you free, but first it will make you miserable." This creates for us a unique responsibility and calling. If we are touched and disturbed at the same time by the lives of our brothers and sisters, then we can respond with the same kind of love we have received from the God of love and compassion. Wouldn't it be exciting to witness what it means to "rebuild the ancient ruins," as Isaiah put it ... to see what would happen if we would radically and dramatically practice that which we preach? If we are more than willing to be nudged by God’s prophetic voice, disturbed by God’s wisdom, to be as passionate about our mission as a church and do acts of justice, love and kindness, as we are about budget line items, what miracles could we still accomplish in making a difference in the world?

I was driving to the church one day thinking about my schedule for the last few weeks leading to New Year - meetings I still need to attend, reports I need to write, preparations for the upcoming worship services, emails to check and phone calls I absolutely have to make, and what I need to cook for supper that day. All of a sudden, I found myself pulling into the parking lot at BCUC. I had driven the 10 kilometers to work and had no idea how I got there. I have been so absorbed in what was coming up that I was completely oblivious to the present.  You might be in the same boat with me. We are still in Advent but this season doesn't seem to exist in secular culture, where everything is spiraling quickly toward Christmas. No time to wait, no time to notice, no time to reflect, no time to engage, no time to be present. All of a sudden, we will find ourselves on Christmas Day not knowing how we got there. Advent is a holy season, a season that bids us to be present, to wait, to engage, to respond. So much is evoked in this season - hope, longing, joy, the bittersweet awareness that the world is both beautiful and broken. Consider all of these things. Sit with them. Pray with them. Be aware of this God time of great promise and possibility.  Today is a good time to reflect on our Advent call as followers of Jesus. I take that to mean that we have been disturbed by God compelling us to make a difference, no matter how big or how small, here and now. I am reminded of the words of the hymn, “I Am the Light of the World” that express the message of Isaiah’s words spoken by Jesus: "When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone,  When the kings and princes are home,  When the shepherds are back with their flock,  The work of Christmas begins:  To find the lost,  To heal the broken,  To feed the hungry,  To release the prisoner,  To rebuild the nations,  To bring peace among people,  To make music in the heart."  When God disturbs, take notice. God wants us to respond. Amen.
Sources:  Engaging the Spiritually Disconnected: Inviting the Culture to Move to the Deeper End of Life's Pool, patheos.org. Standing on the promises by Kathleen Norris, The Hard Work of Making Life Right by Michael Brown:, Disengage the Autopilot by Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, December 12, 2017

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer:  Rev. Lorrie Lowes

Prayer of Intercession for the Advent Season (inspired by Isaiah 35)

In patience and in hope,
let us offer our prayers to God, 
saying with one voice,

We rejoice with joy and singing
For the coming of the LORD is near.    

For all who walk in God’s Holy Way:
those in the pews and in the pulpits;
those at home and on the streets;
for all who ponder God’s promise in their hearts,
and all who carry the good news into the world,

We rejoice with joy and singing
For the coming of the LORD is near.

For the nations and their leaders:
that eyes may be opened and ears unstopped,
and that peace and justice break forth in every land.

We rejoice with joy and singing
For the coming of the LORD is near.

For all the world: heaven and earth,
the seas, and all that is in them.
For the early and the late rains,
and the precious crop from the earth.
For the gathering darkness and the light of hope.

We rejoice with joy and singing
For the coming of the LORD is near.

For this community and all who live in it,
each member of the whole body:
friend and stranger, parent and child,
brother and sister, widow and orphan.
Strengthen weak hands, dear God,
and make firm the feeble knees.
Say to those who are of a fearful heart,
Be strong, do not fear!

We rejoice with joy and singing
For the coming of the LORD is near.

For all who are nearest to you, O God:
the lonely, the out-of-work,
the sick, the fearful, the cold, and the hungry.
For the one who is sorry, and the one who is ashamed.
It is you, our God of hope, who sets all prisoners free.

We rejoice with joy and singing
For the coming of the LORD is near.

For all the departed, and all who remember,
We rejoice with joy and singing
For the coming of the LORD is near.

We are waiting, O God, with all the patience we can muster.
Beloved of angels and archangels,
Lover of saints and sinners,
God our Savior, to you alone we pray, Amen. 

~ written by Margaret D. McGee, and posted on In the Courtyard. www.inthecourtyard.com 

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

Even in difficult times we remember that God has done great things for us. We choose to live our lives in hope, counting on the goodness of God in every way.  As a sign of our trust in God, we share our gifts this morning, strengthening the ministry of this church as we seek together to extend joy to others.  Let us gather our time, talents and treasures together and present them as an offering to God. 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: (spaciousfaith.com)

Holy One, this Advent season we wait in joy,
and we give with joy.
Joy for all you have given us;
joy because of your sacred promises.
Receive these generous offerings,
and use them to spread your joy in our world. Amen.

Sending Forth:   Rev. Lorrie Lowes

(Inspired by the prayers of Robin Laidlaw and Chelsea Masterman, Gathering, Advent 2016-2017, Year A. Used with permission.)

Go into the world with joy.
We are not alone. God is with us.
Joy is promised in these Advent days.
God bless you as you wait. God bless you as you work for joy.
Your rejoicing is blessed. Go in joy! Amen.

Hymn:  Joy Shall Come - Voices United #23

Joy shall come, even to the wilderness,
and the parched land shall then know great gladness;
as the rose, as the rose shall deserts blossom,
deserts like a garden blossom.
For living springs shall give cool water,
in the desert streams shall flow;
for living springs shall give cool water,
in the desert streams shall flow.

Words and Music: Israeli traditional, Arrangement © 1987 Nixon
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Departing Music: (Poinsettia Flowers in memory of Loved Ones) Never Ending Joy – More Voices 40     BCUC Choir

Words and Music © 2006 Daniel Charles Damon     Hope Publishing
Song # 60826 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Zoom Fellowship hosted by Lorrie at 11:00 am. Link has been emailed. See you there!

Sunday Worship Service - December 6, 2020

BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT / HUMAN RIGHTS SUNDAY

December 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 Music / Carol Sing

‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime – Voices United #71

1. 'Twas in the moon of wintertime,
when all the birds had fled,
that mighty Gitchi Manitou
sent angel choirs instead;
before their light the stars grew dim,
and wandering hunters heard the hymn:
Refrain:
Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born,
In excelsis gloria.

2. Within a lodge of broken bark
The tender babe was found,
A ragged robe of rabbit skin
Enwrapped his beauty round,
But as the hunters brave drew nigh,
The angel song rang loud and high.

Refrain:
Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born,
In excelsis gloria.

Words: Jean de Brebeuf, 1641, English trans Jesse Edgar Middleton, 1926; Music: French Folk Song, 16th century. Song Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Joy to the World – Voices United #59

1 Joy to the world, the Lord is come,
Let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare him room
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

2. Joy to the world; the saviour reigns;
Let all their songs emply,
While fields and floods,
Rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

Words: Isaac Watts, 1719; Music: attrib. George Frederic Handel, 1742
Song 592e04d32d423  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! I welcome and greet you in the name of Jesus Christ, on this second Sunday of Advent when we embrace the meaning of peace or shalom as we wait for the birth of Jesus. Today is also Human Rights Sunday when we once more observe the universal declaration of human rights by the United Nations on December 10, 1948.

We continue to offer Sunday in-person worship services at 10 am with a maximum number of 28 people. Please call the office to register. Full information on procedures and safety measures are posted on our website.

If you are not able to worship with us 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.

And here are some announcements:

There are many ways to give and offer your support during Advent:

1. The Service, Outreach and Social Action Committee. Advent appeal is going to support the United Church’s Mission and Service Fund called Emergency-COVID 19 which aims to provide food and other essential services to many communities in crisis in the global South.

2. FAMSAC is giving out grocery gift cards for families in need instead of hampers this year. Donations are most welcome.

3. You can also continue supporting the Veteran’s House expected to be completed in 2021 to offer housing for 40 homeless veterans.

4. There is an opportunity for families to remember loved ones who have passed, through a poinsettia memorial donation. A virtual flower display with the loved ones’ names will be included in the online version of the service during Advent.

5. And yes – don’t forget to send in your offering and pledges for the operating fund before end of this year.

For all of these giving opportunities, you may send in your donation by cheque, by cash or by etransfer noting which on the memo line which project you are supporting.

Multi-Faith Housing Initiative is requesting cookie donations and unwrapped presents for children and youth ages 1-20. Please label the presents for a boy or a girl and the age group. You may drop off your donations and gifts to the church office or contact Barbara Bole for more information.

Order for Turkey Pies are now being received as well as the 2021 Canadian Church Calendars, grocery cards and the Book of Memories Volume 2.  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.

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

Friends, In the hustle and bustle of the Advent season, it is easy to get swept up with the business of preparing our homes and finding the perfect gift for our loved ones. Let us take a moment to slow down and remember what Advent is meant to be: a time of waiting for the coming of the prince of Peace. Let us now gather in worship.

Lighting of the Advent Candle:  Peace       Acolytes: The Davidson Family
(Gord Dunbar, Gathering ACE 2020-2021)            

Reader 1:     Our Advent journey continues our time of waiting. As we wait, we prepare ourselves and our world for the prince of Peace.

Reader 2:     In the lively dance of perspective and practice, communion and connection is forged. In the building of relationship and in the sharing of story, we come to know one another as we listen for bonds of peace.

Reader 3:     Last Sunday, we light the first candle reminding us of the way of hope. Today, we light our second candle to signify Christ’s path of peace in a broken world. (The peace Advent candle is lit)

Sung Response:  Hope is A Star (Verse 2) - Voices United #7

Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth,
giving a promise of safety and worth.
When God is a child there’s joy in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid. 

Words © 1985 Brian Wren, Music © 1987 Joan Collier Fogg
Song # 11259 & 11261 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Call to Gather:      Rev. Lorrie Lowes

(Susan Lukey, Gathering, ACE 2017-2018) 

Come, people of God, holy creations.
We come seeking God’s grace to make us whole.
Come gather around the manger on this second Sunday of Advent.
We come to hear the stories of our faith, to celebrate God’s gift of the baby Jesus,
and to imagine what is possible in this world because of God’s love.
Come to trust, listen, believe, and imagine what is possible because God
has come into our lives and into our world.
We come, O God, we come.   

Prayer of Approach and Silent Confession: Rev. Kim Vidal

(Catherine Tovell, Gathering, ACE 2017-2018)

Peace-loving God, we are not always comfortable with the messages you send us through your prophets. The world is still a place of pain and turmoil because we have not fully embraced the changes your prophets have called us to. Forgive us, we pray and help us to prepare your path of peace in our lives and for the world.

Silent Confession

Words of Assurance:

Take heart! The God of hope will fill us with peace by the power of the Holy Spirit.
We are loved! Thanks be to God.  

Advent Hymn:   Herald! Sound the Note of Gladness – Voices United #28

1 Herald! Sound the note of gladness!
Tell the news that Christ is here;
make a pathway through the desert
for the one who brings God near.

Sound the trumpet!
Tell the message!
Christ the Saving One has come!  

2 Herald! Sound the note of judgement,
Warning us of right and wrong.
Turning us from sin and sadness,
Till once more we sing the song.

Sound the trumpet!
Tell the message!
Christ the Saving One has come!  

3 Herald! Sound the note of pardon!
Those repenting are forgiven;
God receives these wayward children,
and to all new life is given.

Sound the trumpet!
Tell the message!
Christ the Saving One has come!

4 Herald! Sound the note of triumph!
Christ has come to share our life,
bringing God's own love and power,
granting victory in our strife.

Sound the trumpet!
Tell the message!
Christ the Saving One has come!

Words © 1968 Moir A. J. Waters; Music: adapt. From Joachim Neander, 1650
Song # 31672 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Storytime for the Young at Heart         Rev. Lorrie Lowes

Today we lit the second candle in our Advent Wreath. This one stands for Peace.

I’ve been thinking a lot this week about that word, “Peace”. I think it means different things to people at different times. Sometimes, I think of peace as a quiet place – maybe beside a lake or even just when the lights go out at bedtime. It makes me sigh a happy sigh and settle my body and my thoughts for sleep. So maybe one way we can describe peace is “quiet and calm”.

When I’ve been really worried about something – my kids driving home in a snowstorm, an assignment that I have to do for school, or how everyone in our church family is coping with the pandemic, I feel anything but peaceful. Sometimes a simple phone call or message from someone can make that worry go away. So maybe another way to describe peace is having your mind at ease.

We talked about peace just recently, on Remembrance Day, didn’t we? We heard a lot about peace meaning no more wars and fighting. At that time, I remember thinking how frightening it must be for anyone who is in a place where there is a war going on. It would be scary at times to be a soldier – and I think it would be scary for all the people who live there too. Can you imagine how it would feel to be afraid all the time? So, maybe one of the ways we can describe peace is “no reason to be afraid”.

And that reminds me of the angels who appear in our Christmas stories. An angel comes to Mary to tell her that she’s going to have a baby – a very special baby. An angel appears to Joseph in a dream to tell him to take care of Mary and that baby. Angels appear to the shepherds in the field to announce the baby’s birth… I don’t know about you, but I think if an angel showed up suddenly in front of me, I’d be pretty frightened! And, you know, I think the angels must know that their sudden appearance would be a shocking thing to anyone because, every time an angel appears, the first thing they say is, “Do not be afraid.” Those angels also have news for those they visit that might make them feel anxious or worried. I bet Mary worried about how she could be a good mother to such a special child and I bet Joseph worried about how he would be able to take care of Mary and that baby, especially on that night in Bethlehem. I think they needed that message from the angel – “Don’t be afraid.” I think it helped to give them some peace.

While we go through this Advent time of waiting for Christmas this year, we might have some things that worry us or make us afraid. We might worry about people we love getting sick, or that Christmas won’t feel as special when we can’t all be together. Maybe you are worried that Santa won’t be able to deliver presents because of the quarantine. Well, let me reassure you that I saw a news article on CTV that took that worry away for me! It said that Santa is considered an essential worker and has delivered presents during other pandemics. Santa has done his research and is taking all the health precautions required in each place he visits. Does that give you a little peace? I hope so.

So, the symbol I want to put on the tree this week is an angel. I think it will remind us that the angels in our Christmas stories always said, “Don’t be afraid.” I think it will also remind us to be angels to those around us and do the kind of things that bring peace to our families, our friends, and our world.

Remember the words of the angels in our Bible stories:

“Don’t be afraid”
Peace be with you. 

Hymn:  Prepare the Way of the Lord  - Voices United #10 - Erin

Prepare the way of the Lord!
Prepare the way of the Lord!
Make a straight path for him,
make a straight path,
prepare the way of the Lord! 

Words: Isaiah 40:3, adapt. & Music © 1990.Michael Burkhardt            Morningstar Music Pub
Song # 117711 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Prayer for Illumination      Reader:  Susan TeGrotenhuis

Open us, O God to your unfolding vision of peace.
Through your Word, shape us for shalom
by the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen. 

The Reading:      Isaiah 40:1-11(NRSV)

God’s People Are Comforted

40 Comfort, O comfort my people,
    says your God.
2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
    and cry to her
that she has served her term,
    that her penalty is paid,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand
    double for all her sins.

3 A voice cries out:
“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be lifted up,
    and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
    and the rough places a plain.
5 Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
    and all people shall see it together,
    for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

6 A voice says, “Cry out!”
    And I said, “What shall I cry?”
All people are grass, their constancy is like the flower of the field.
7 The grass withers, the flower fades,
    when the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely the people are grass.
8 The grass withers, the flower fades;
    but the word of our God will stand forever.
9 Get you up to a high mountain,
    O Zion, herald of good tidings;
lift up your voice with strength,
    O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings,
    lift it up, do not fear;
say to the cities of Judah,
    “Here is your God!”
10 See, the Lord God comes with might,
    and his arm rules for him;
his reward is with him,
    and his recompense before him.
11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd;
    he will gather the lambs in his arms,
and carry them in his bosom,
    and gently lead the mother sheep.

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

Sermon:  “When God Comforts”        Rev. Kim Vidal 

The Spirit listened as I uttered my mind.
The Spirit said not a word as I pleaded and pined
And then the Spirit spoke in the language of conviction
Saying, "Comfort isn't comfort in the absence of affliction." 

Today marks the 31st anniversary of the murder of 14 female engineering students at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal on December 6, 1989, by an act of gender-based violence. The 25-year-old Marc Lepine walked into the engineering school on that tragic day, separated the men from the women and began shooting and killing 14 women. He then killed himself.  

December 6th now represents a time to reflect on the tragic issue of violence against women in our society including the murdered and missing aboriginal women. It is also a day for communities and individuals to speak out against all forms of violence against women and its impact on victims and their families and friends.

A few years ago, the faces of five women who have spoken out about sexual harassment appear on Time magazine's Person of the Year front cover - along with a mystery right arm belonging to a sixth woman.  These women represent "the Silence Breakers" - the thousands of people, particularly women across the world who have come forward with their experiences of sexual harassment and assault. In the bottom right-hand corner of the cover is the arm of an anonymous woman, with the remainder of her body deliberately cropped out of shot. The arm belongs to an anonymous young hospital worker from Texas who was a sexual harassment victim, who fears that disclosing her identity would negatively impact her family. Time Magazine discloses that she represents all those who are not yet able to come forward and reveal their identities.

On December 10th this year marks the 72nd year of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations on December 10, 1948. In its preamble and in Article 1, the Declaration proclaims the inherent rights of all human beings: “Disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of humankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people...All human beings – women and men - are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”

Human rights violation is very much present in the Bible including the book of Isaiah.  About six hundred years before Jesus was born, the writer we have come to know as Second Isaiah, wrote Chapters 40-55, when the Israelites were exiled in Babylon. The defeated people were taken as prisoners and slaves to a foreign land - men, women and children - most of them from affluent families, the elite of the society, the intellectuals and the noble. Their homeland had been taken over by the colonizers and their temple, the symbol of their identity as God’s people, had been destroyed.  

Isaiah 40 begins with powerful words: “Comfort, O comfort my people”. To comfort literally means “to soothe, to console, or to reassure.” The Hebrew verb nachamu translated as “to offer comfort” means, “to cause to breathe again.” In other words, God is speaking to the exiled people through the voice of second Isaiah, that they can breathe again. These words of comfort were directed not only to those in exile but also to all of us right now, because there are many of us, like those women mentioned earlier, who were taken away into exile by the circumstances in our lives and places where we don’t want to be. At last Tuesday’s lectionary discussion, Jan Pound mentioned that this COVID-19 pandemic had brought many of us to exile and isolation. We are barred from doing many of those things that we enjoy. This pandemic curtailed our freedom to physically connect, to touch, to hug, to travel, to eat out, to worship, to celebrate happy occasions. And most of us, our place of exile is our own home, the place where we seek comfort and refuge. But what about those who do not have homes? the homeless who sleep on streets or makeshift shelters? How are they going to find comfort from the harsh, cold winter? Yes - many of us are in exile right now and what we need most of all is… comfort.

This reminds me of a story of a little girl who came home from a neighbour's house where her best friend had died. "Why did you go?" questioned her father. "To comfort her mother," said the child. "What could you do to comfort her?" "I climbed into her lap and cried with her."

In the December issue of Broadview magazine, I read this story of comfort from an article titled Who Deserves a Good Death? written by Karin Olafson. This is an excerpt of what Olafson wrote: A homeless person in downtown Victoria, Ille Jocelyn, knew in early spring that her cancer was incurable. And just as the days began to get longer and warmer last May, she died. But she didn’t die alone or in a dark downtown alley. She didn’t die delirious from pain. She died in a bed, cared for by people she trusted, with her end-of-life wishes fulfilled. Thanks to mobile palliative care workers Katie Leahy, a registered nurse and Dr. Fraser Black who are part of Victoria’s Palliative Outreach Resource Team. They came to Ille Jocelyn’s rescue, checked on her, stayed with her, gave her medicine that she needs, a gift card for groceries and a dose of compassionate care. At the time of her death, a shroud of uncertainty hung over the world, burying it under the weight of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite his heavy grief, Jocelyn’s friend Patrick Smith held a socially distanced memorial shortly after her passing. A small group gathered in May. Together, they grieved. Together, they shared memories of Jocelyn. They talked about her quick sense of humour and her fierce intelligence. They shared stories from when she owned a chocolate factory and helped lead a hedgehog rescue society. Olafson closed her article with these words of comfort: “And years after that springtime gathering, that group of people will remember who Ille Jocelyn was, beyond the challenges she experienced in life. It’s what everyone deserves.”

The reality is that when people suffer and need comfort but receives none, they often begin to feel a deep sense of isolation and abandonment, and then resorts to other things that may harm them instead of comfort them. Like the exiled Israelites, from time to time, we long to hear words of comfort. We want someone to console us, love us, heal us, and take us home. Imagine the darkest places of your life; the fear, the anger, the pain, the hurt. Wondering when, or whether, it will end. You carry guilt and regret like a worn-out suitcase wherever you go. The days are filled with “should haves” and the nights with “if only.” Over and over you see your life replayed to the point that you can see no future - only moments of exile, of alienation, of wilderness.

“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God".  We are summoned by God to offer comfort in many ways that we can, through words and acts of love. These words need to be heard and felt by those who face death and life-threatening illnesses; those who suffer because of broken relationships; those who lost their jobs, those who face issues of economic poverty, homelessness, or those who experience great financial loss. These words must address those who lost everything as a result of a dictatorship government, or the greed and corruption of political leaders. These words need to be heard and felt by children and teenagers who are intimidated, bullied, rejected by their peers, those who have no friends, those who are abandoned by family. The victims of abuse badly need to hear these words. Women and children who suffer behind closed doors, because of physical, sexual and emotional abuse!  You need to hear these words of comfort if you carry the heavy burden of self-blame or guilt. If you are pressed down by stress, hopelessness, sadness, loneliness and heartache, you need to be comforted. And when people, places and all of creation are truly comforted, true peace will come.

Jerusalem is about 600 miles from Babylon, and all of it—almost every mile—is desert – a desolate place, wilderness. Being in exile takes us to the wilderness. It’s a scary place to travel, a hard road to walk. The wilderness that the writer painted in this text may both be taken literally and metaphorically. Many of us have climbed the mountains of arrogance, ego, and pride. Likewise, we have descended into the valleys of despair, depression, and fear. We have travelled the rough and uneven ground of sorrow, loss, and pain. The wilderness is not so much about the geography around us as it is about the landscape within our heart, mind and spirit.  To prepare the way of God is hard work. The writer declares, “elevate the valleys and flatten the mountains.” To prepare the way passable needs a whole transformation – and certainly not just on the potholes and curbs of the road – but a proper reconstruction of the heart – a transformation of everything that is wrong with oneself. The greed and hatred that distresses our soul - the selfishness– the unforgiving heart, these are things that prevent us being ready in this season of waiting. These are things that hinder the presence of peace in the world. Prepare the way for new life to come into your life. Make way for something new by letting go of irrelevant matters. Make way for new hopes by letting go of old disappointments. Make way for new joys by letting go of old fears. When you are able to name the places of exile and wilderness in your life, you will be able to name also the opportunities for comfort and homecoming. Then and only then, can people truly experience the gift of shalom, salaam, peace.

Advent is an intentional time of truth-telling and advocacy work. And it comes with a price – great self-reflection, risk-taking, self-sacrifice and the work of transformation. And the people will be healed. And the land will be restored. And the world will be at peace. Thanks be to our Advent God. Amen.

Sources:

BCUC lectionary Group,  rickmorley.com, Bruce Epperley, patheos.org, Michael K. Marsh, interrupting the silence.com, Tim Suttle, patheos.com.

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

Let us gather our hearts in prayer…

O God we call… We call that your way into our hearts may be prepared. We pray that the path among us, by which your voice is heard, be made straight. Disturb us in the hustle and bustle of our lives – to take initiative and responsibility for hope and peace for the world.

O God we call… Prepare among us the path of hope. We thank you for your presence in our lives and for the renewal of hope that you inspire within us each day. Guide us to live as though we are on a sacred journey savouring each day as a blessing. Let the peace that comes from Christ be our hope.

O God we call… Prepare among us the path of healing. We pray for those of us who need healing– those of us who are overwhelmed by illness, recovery of treatment and health challenges. We remember those who are grieving – those who mourn the death of a loved one. We pray for those who are distressed by the end of relationships or employment, for those who are homeless, those who live in the midst of emotional difficulty or economic poverty. We continue to pray for our health and essential workers and all of us and the world affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

O God we call… Prepare among us the path to peace. Grant us peace for ourselves – whatever problems or stresses that beset us, remind us, O God, that you are our constant companion. Grant us the peace that comes in treating others fairly, in questioning the systems that oppress those whose voices are barely heard or not heard at all. We pray for a world where peace and the exercise of human rights among nations abide. We pray for those who live in terror, women, men and children, who are beaten or abused and those human rights are violated. Heal us all, God of peace.

O God we call… Prepare among us the path of justice. We pray for those in the world seeking justice in the midst of terror and fear - that their rights to live as human beings may be reaffirmed. We pray for those serving us in uniform that they may exercise their power and authority with fairness and justice. Teach us to have a heart that is vigilant – treating others and all of your creation with dignity, worth and love.

Now in silence, we call on you to hear the petitions and longings of our hearts….

O God we call… we call on you to grant us the grace to prepare a welcoming space for you in our lives. Help us to embrace the gifts of Advent that we may hear your voice crying to us in our lives. We ask these in the name of Jesus Christ who taught his followers this prayer that we recite in the language of our choice:

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

Invitation to Offer:     Rev. Lorrie Lowes

In this busy season, our most important preparations will happen here in our hearts when we make a way for God to come into our lives, when we "prepare the way of the Lord." In the midst of our preparations, we bring gifts to share so that God's love will shine brightly through the ministry of this church and in our own lives as well.

Let us gather our time, talents and treasures together and present them as an offering to God.

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: (spaciousfaith.com)

Holy One, this Advent season we wait in peace,
And we give in peace.
A peace deeper than our anxiety and fear.
A peace growing from our trust in your loving power.
Receive these generous offerings,
And use them to bring your peace to our world. Amen.

Sending Forth:   Rev. Kim Vidal

(Robin Wardlaw, Gathering A/C/E 2017/2018, p30. Used with permission.)

Enter this Advent week with peace.
Enter this Advent with patience.
May our waiting be rich and the presence of our God
full and near to us.
Bear God’s peace to this world,
like one candle overcoming the shadows.
May God’s peace sustain us all. Amen.

Hymn: Comfort, Comfort Now My People – Voices United #883

1 Comfort, comfort now my people,
speak of peace, so says our God;
comfort those who sit in darkness,
mourning under sorrow's load.
Cry out to Jerusalem
of the peace that waits for them;
tell them that their sins I cover,
and their warfare now is over.

2 For the herald's voice is crying
in the desert far and near,
bidding all to true repentance,
God’s judgement now is here.
O that warning cry obey!
Now prepare for God a way!
Let the valleys rise in meeting
and the hills bow down in greeting.

3 Then make straight what long was crooked,
make the rougher places plain;
Let your hearts be true and humble,
as befits his holy reign.
For the glory of our God
now on earth is shed abroad;
and all flesh shall see the token
that God’s word is never broken.

Words: Johannes G. Olearius, 1671; trans. Catherine Winkworth, 1863; Music: Louis Bourgeois, 1551. Song Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Departing Music: (Poinsettia Flowers in memory of Loved Ones)

Domine Fili Unigenite     - Vivaldi      Abe & Spencerville Community Choir voices

Zoom Fellowship hosted by Lorrie at 11:00 am. Link has been emailed. See you there!

Sunday Worship Service - November 29, 2020

BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT / CELEBRATION OF AGAPE MEAL

NOVEMBER 29, 2020

*Check the audio recording and link to video recording of this service at bcuc.org
You can also dial-in by phone to listen to the audio recording at 613-820-8104 

Gathering Music / Carol Sing: O Come All Ye Faithful (vs. 1, 2) Voices United #60

1 O come, all ye faithful, 
joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
come and behold him,
born the King of angels. 

Refrain:
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

2 God of God,
light of light,
lo, he abhors not the virgin's womb,
very God,
begotten, not created. Refrain 

Words in English: Frederick Oakeley, 1841; Music: John Francis Wade, 1743. Song # 592e04d371906  Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

All Poor Ones and Humble (vs. 1) Voices United #68

1 All poor ones and humble
and all those who stumble
come hastening, and feel not afraid;
for Jesus our treasure,
with love past measure,
in lowly poor manger was laid.

Though wise men who found him
laid rich gifts around him,
yet oxen they gave him their hay,
and Jesus in beauty
accepted their duty,
contented in manger, he lay. 

Then haste we to show him
the praises we owe him,
our service he ne’er can despise;
whose love still is able, to show us that stable; where softly in manger he lies. 

Words: v1 Katherine Emily Roberts, 1927; Music: Welsh carol, harmony Erik Routley 1951
Song # 89840 & 58064   Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Welcome & Announcements

Good day everyone! I welcome and greet you in the name of Jesus Christ, on this first Sunday of Advent with an agape meal. Advent is a time of waiting, of preparing, of getting ready as we welcome and celebrate the birth of the Christ child. This year has not been what we had expected due to the COVID-19 pandemic with modified ways of doing Advent and Christmas. It is hard to not be able to celebrate in the ways which we are accustomed to. But here is hope as we anticipate Jesus’ birth at Christmas. We are invited to share in both new and familiar ways.

Next Sunday, we have an opportunity to gather in the sanctuary for a modified worship service at 10 am. A maximum number of 28 people are invited to gather. Please call the office to register. Full information on procedures and safety measures are posted on our website.

If you are not able to worship with us 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.

And here are some announcements:

-        Please support the Advent Appeal recommended by the Service, Outreach and Social Action Committee. In a little while, you will know more about it when Ellie Topp informs us about it.

-        There is an opportunity for families to remember loved ones who have passed, through a poinsettia memorial donation option for Advent this year. As in the past, you may donate a minimum of $10. A virtual flower display with the loved ones’ names will be included in the online version of the service.  Some live flowers will also be placed in the sanctuary. Call the office for more information.

-        Order for Turkey Pies are now being received as well as the 2021 Canadian Church Calendars, grocery cards and the Book of Memories Volume 2.  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.

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

Minute for Mission & Service: SOSA Advent Appeal   Ellie Topp

Good morning! This morning I’d like to introduce you to the 2020 Advent Project at Bells Corners - supporting the Mission and Service Fund.

The Mission and Service Fund of the United Church of Canada, thanks to global partnerships, has been working to help some of the most vulnerable people during the COVID 19 crisis. Here is a glimpse of what is happening in three different areas of the world because of our donations to the M&S Fund: the Middle East, Africa and China.

Can you imagine how difficult it is to keep six feet apart from others when living in a crowded refugee camp? Accessing food is always a challenge for the vulnerable at Al Husn Refugee Camp in Jordan and now it is even more difficult with COVID 19 restrictions.  Earlier in the year, the United Church’s Mission & Service fund helped Jordan’s  Department of Services to Palestinian Refugees  respond quickly and distribute over 150 food hampers to those with the greatest need.  It is interesting to note that the vegetables were grown in the camp’s two greenhouses which were built the previous year with M&S funds.

In Africa, the United Church has worked with the Zimbabwe Council of Churches to supply many households with basic food needs. In addition they provided education on good hygiene practices and distributed soap and clean water to minimize the spread of the virus.

In China, the UCC has had a long time partnership with Amity Foundation in Hubei Provence working to fill holes in the government social safety net.  Since January 2020 Amity has been actively working to help contain the COVID-19 outbreak, supporting hospitals and communities in remote areas in fighting the virus.  

We may be thousands of miles apart but our givings to Mission and Service can make a real difference in the lives of the people in these areas and also many places in Canada. Please give generously to our Advent project as detailed in the church announcements.

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 as we prepare to receive the gift of Advent hope. Let us gather in worship.

Lighting of the Advent Candle:  Hope  Acolytes: The Wightman Family
(Gord Dunbar, Gathering ACE 2020-2021)  

Reader 1:     Our Advent journey has begun. We prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth.
We come to embrace the good news of the Light of the World.

Reader 2:     It is within the hidden mysteries of life we discover vulnerability. Within the dancing shadows cast by a flickering candle flame we discover the promise of hope and of new possibilities

Reader 3:     We light a candle reminding us of the way of hope.

(The first Advent candle is lit)

Sung Response:  Hope is A Star (Verse 1) Voices United #7

Hope is a star that shines in the night,
leading us on till the morning is bright.
When God is a child there’s joy in our song.
the last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid. 

Words © Brian Wren, 1985; Music © Joan Collier Fogg, 1987
Song # 93750   Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Call to Gather: (George Allan, Gathering, ACE 2020-2021)  Rev. Lorrie Lowes

We gather in this time of waiting we call Advent
to reflect upon our lives, our faith,
our past, present and future.
We gather to support each other
through the coming season of Christmas
with its joy for some, sorrow for others.
We gather to reset ourselves on our faith journey
within our Christian family, the church.
Let us gather to praise and worship! 

Prayer of Approach and Silent Confession: Rev. Kim Vidal

(Catherine Tovell, Gathering, ACE 2017-2018)

As we begin our Advent journey, O God, we find ourselves waiting in hope. Waiting is nothing new. We seem to always be waiting for something. Yet in this time, you call us to wait with hope, not frustration or despair, trusting that you are with us and will show us the way. Open us up to this hopeful waiting.

Silent Confession

Words of Assurance

Even within the deepening shadows of this season, the light of God abounds.

We are a pilgrim people; we set out on journeys that lead to new insights and reveal new experiences, knowing that God will be with us wherever we go.

Let us not be discouraged. Let us be open to the light. Let us give thanks to God. Amen.

Advent Hymn:   O Come, O Come Emmanuel (vs 1-4) - Voices United #1

1 O come, O come, Immanuel,
and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.

Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.

2 O come, O Wisdom from on high,
who ordered all things mightily;
to us the path of knowledge show
and teach us in its ways to go. Refrain

3 O come, O come, great Lord of might,
who to your tribes on Sinai's height in ancient times did give the law
in cloud and majesty and awe. Refrain

4 O come, O Branch of Jesse's stem,
from every foe deliver them!
That trust your mighty power to save,
and give them victory o'er the grave. Refrain

Words: trans by John Mason Neale, 1851; Music: 15th Century plainsong arr. Healey Willan
Song # 92288     Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Storytime for the Young at Heart     Rev. Lorrie Lowes

Today is the first Sunday of Advent! That means Christmas will soon be here! I bet you are getting excited.

Have you started your Christmas wish list yet – things you hope will be under the tree for you this year? Well, that’s actually a good place to begin our preparations for Christmas. A wish is very much like Hope – and Hope is what the first candle in our Advent wreath stands for. Now, it doesn’t really stand for the toys and presents you will open on Christmas morning. It stands for the things we hope for this world – and there are lots of things to hope for this year! We might hope for a vaccine to protect us from the pandemic, or an end to this pandemic altogether. We might hope for peace in places in the world where there is war and violence. We might wish for all people to have clean water and good food, and safe, warm places to sleep. So many big wishes – big hopes - for this big world of ours!

When I was thinking about wishes this week, I remembered how I sometimes wish on a star! It’s kind of interesting that we do that, isn’t it? I think perhaps it’s because a star is a bright light that shines when the night is darkest – a little flicker of light just when we need it most. Hope is like that too. When things seem scary or dark, hope is that little bit of light that reminds us that things will not always be this way and that there are still amazing things happening in the world.

Do you remember the star in the Christmas story? It told the magi that something wonderful was going to happen! That gave those wise men hope and it showed them the way to get there. That same star showed the shepherds where the baby Jesus was sleeping when it stopped over that little stable in Bethlehem – and seeing that a little baby could be born even when there was no room in a warm inn for that birth to take place, gave those shepherds hope that wonderful things can still happen when times seem bleak.

As we start our Advent journey toward Christmas, I think I’d like to mark this first Sunday with a star. I hope it will remind us that something wonderful and good is coming. I hope it will remind us to wish for all the things the world needs to make it like God’s dream. I hope it will also remind us to do what we can to be a little bit of light in these dark days.

It’s just one little light in our wreath this week but it is the spark of hope that good things are on the way!

Hymn:  Lord Prepare Me to Be a Sanctuary  -  More Voices #18 – Erin & friends

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary,
pure and holy tried and true; with thanksgiving,
I’ll be a living sanctuary for you. 

Words & Music ©  John W. Thompson and Randy Scruggs, 1982  Kruger Organisation Inc
Song # 119603    Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Prayer for Illumination       Reader:  Tamara Glanville

Help us, O God, to be alert to signs
of your reign breaking into our lives.
May your Word of hope inspire us to bring
your promises to life in our waiting world. Amen.

The Reading:      Isaiah 64:1-9 (NRSV)

Tear Open the Heavens

 O that you would tear open the heavens and come down,
    so that the mountains would quake at your presence—
2  as when fire kindles brushwood
    and the fire causes water to boil—
to make your name known to your adversaries,
    so that the nations might tremble at your presence!
3 When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect,
    you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence.
4 From ages past no one has heard,
    no ear has perceived,
no eye has seen any God besides you,
    who works for those who wait for him.
5 You meet those who gladly do right,
    those who remember you in your ways.
But you were angry, and we sinned;
    because you hid yourself we transgressed
6 We have all become like one who is unclean,
    and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth.
We all fade like a leaf,
    and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
7 There is no one who calls on your name,
    or attempts to take hold of you;
for you have hidden your face from us,
    and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity.
8 Yet, O Lord, you are our Father;
    we are the clay, and you are our potter;
    we are all the work of your hand.
9 Do not be exceedingly angry, O Lord,
    and do not remember iniquity forever.
    Now consider, we are all your people.

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

Sermon: “When God Hides”    Rev. Kim Vidal 

The Christian liturgical year has turned, and the Advent season is staring us in the face. As the curtain rises on this first Sunday of Advent, we see the writer of third Isaiah on centre stage reciting a message of lament and hope for the Israelites. Generally, a lament is a prayer that cries out to God from the midst of desperate grief, pain, or any circumstance that seems out of control. It vocalizes the hurt to God with the conviction that God can and will bring relief. A lament is not just the venting of frustration, but is a profound statement of faith in God from the midst of utter human hopelessness.

As a point of history, Isaiah chapter 64 was written around 6th century before common era, during the post-exilic period when the exiled Israelites were just returning to Jerusalem from so many years of captivity and exile in Babylon. The Persian king Cyrus had defeated the Babylonians (539 BCE) and established a decree that the exiles could return to their homeland. Threats, divisions, land battles and power struggles erupted between and among returnees, those who had remained in the land, and those who had settled there from other places after Jerusalem was conquered by foreigners. The whole time they had been in Babylon, the exiled people had thought and dreamed about coming home. They imagined returning to their houses and their fields as they remembered it and prayed about returning to their Temple. But when they did come home, they found their city in shambles and their Temple in ruins. They were devastated beyond compare. Something went terribly wrong.

The writer of Isaiah 64 uttered some daring words. After all, he is a product of the prophet Isaiah’s school of thoughts - of consolation and encouragement. And yet what he wrote here speak to a people which seem to be at the end of its rope. The exiles who returned from Babylon were desperate. Listen to his voice. Listen to his lament, his cry of distress that calls out from this morning’s reading. “O that you would tear open the heavens and come down,” he yells at God.  “Make things better, God! Come and shake the mountains! Make yourself known to the nations. Do the things you did in days of old when people really knew you were God!” This is a desperate voice, a voice of someone who is yearning for a change, longing for a saving act, wishing for a complete reversal of events.

The writer confesses that all of the people have sinned. Yet even that confession seems to blame God: “You were angry, and we sinned; because you hid yourself, we transgressed. It’s not our fault, God! If you were not so far off, if you were not absent when we needed you, we wouldn’t have sinned.” The writer believes that God has hidden in anger. In their sin, the people had become like a filthy cloth and fading leaves. Their lives had become barren, painful and empty brought on by the consequences of their sinfulness. We feel the writer’s honest feelings: anger, longing, confessing, blaming lamenting.

Today, we might say that this passage portrays utter depression in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. In times of crisis such as the current pandemic, as people of faith, hope is what we look for. In a New York Times article on March 10, 2020, Italian journalist Mattia Ferraresi wrote the following: “Holy water is not a hand sanitizer and prayer is not a vaccine….But for believers, religion is a fundamental source of spiritual healing and hope. It’s a remedy against despair, providing psychological and emotional support that is an integral part of well-being. It’s also an antidote to loneliness, which several medical experts point to as one of the most worrisome public health issues of our time. At a deeper level, religion, for worshipers, is the ultimate source of meaning. The most profound claim of every religion is to make sense of the whole of existence, including, and perhaps especially, circumstances marked by suffering and tribulation. Take such claims seriously enough, and even physical health, when it is devoid of greater purpose, starts to look like a hollow value.”

Looking at the world around us, I think it might be reasonable to come to the same conclusion. Something is wrong. There is the wrath of nature: there are hurricanes and tsunamis. There are wildfires and earthquakes and floods. There is war, famine and disease. And then there is the suffering brought on by human behaviour. There is corruption and greed. There is fear and anxiety as our nation and the world seem to slip into economic recession. And what about our own lives? We struggle every day with difficulties and challenges. We struggle with illness, with depression, with grief and loss. We struggle with job insecurity, and the constant battle to make ends meet. We struggle with the loss of friendships and relationships and lovers and spouses. We struggle with addiction and isolation.

We too sometimes utter words of desperation: “Where are you God? Why don’t you do something earthshaking? Why don’t you come to our rescue?” We have all been in life situations that give rise to those kinds of questions that are turned into prayers of anguish. In the struggles of a church in conflict, someone cries out, “O God, if only you would split the sky open and come down into the midst of this mess and heal us!” In a marriage on the brink of divorce a prayer goes out, “O God, what did I do wrong?” In a seemingly hopeless situation and the increasing limitations of hospital resources, a mother prays, “Merciful God, where are you now that my child sick of COVID needs you most?” In the persistent financial crisis, an unemployed man prays, “I haven’t had steady work for a year now. Where are you God? Give me a sign that you’re still there.” O, that you would tear open the heavens and come down!

But through the anger and sadness, the confessing and blaming, comes deep assurance - a message of hope, of faith, of trust. “Yet, O God, you are our Parent, our loving Father and our caring Mother; we are the clay and you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” The writer assures the people, reminding you and I, that God is still present – that God is still speaking – that God is still listening through the hands, the heart, the lips, the love from fellow human beings who live in God’s ways. The writer made an appeal to God’s presence and intimacy and talks about relationship. The image of God as potter and the people as clay takes us into a new level of hope. No longer are we talking about God hiding. Instead, God is invited in – to make Godself known again. What does the writer mean for God as the potter and the people as the clay? If God is the potter then God is present with the people. God journeys with them in their brokenness and in their joyful moments. God wants to shape them and fashion them into something beautiful and useful, durable and strong. I like what the theologian Tim Suttle has to say about the image of the potter and the clay: “The potter working with clay became a powerful way for the people of God to make sense of the hiddenness of God and the pain of their lives. It fed their imagination, helping them connect the dots between their present struggle and where God was trying to take them…”

The ending of this lament is poignant: “Do not be exceedingly angry, O Lord, and do not remember our iniquity forever… we are all your people.” As we enter into this journey of Advent, I wonder what might happen to our communities if we took Third Isaiah’s reminder of communal responsibility and accountability more seriously? In our culture where division and separation are all too often the norm, what might happen if we took the concept of “we are all your people”; the notion of inclusivity; the view of “you are my neighbour” to heart? What if we thought significantly about those on the opposite side of our own spectrum – be it theologically, politically, economically, socially and considered them as part of us?  What if their past became our past?  What if their brokenness, our own?  How would we pray?  How would we lament? How would we hope?  How would we look for the long-expected Jesus we anticipate in this season? 

Too often, I think our prayers, laments, hopes and expectations are based solely on our own lived experience.  However, if we are to fully proclaim the good news, Isaiah’s reminder is that we must see others as part of our larger story.  This means that our neighbours are not merely people who live around us, they are actually a part of us who share a story and a predicament in which we need God’s presence.  Waiting calls for patience, faith, hope, anticipation, and attentiveness to the subtle moments and movements of our lives.  Isn’t this what Advent is all about? About waiting upon God who comes into our lives gracefully, unexpectedly and works for us, for our good? What should be our Advent message to those who have lost hope? With the image of the potter and the clay, I strongly believe that we are a community committed to reshaping ourselves and our communities from death to life, from despair to hope, from hate and injustice to love.

As we gather today at the table of grace, as we share the bread and the cup of blessing, we are not left without hope. God doesn’t hide. Through God-fearing, God-loving people, God continues to recreate us, mould us, shape us. Yes, God is still present. God is still speaking. God is still listening.  Welcome to Advent. Amen.

Sources that helped me with my sermon:

• BCUC Lectionary Group

• Stephen Riley, “All of Us!”, http://www.aplainaccount.org/advent-1b-1st-reading

• MagdaleneMusings.blogspot.com

• Tim Suttle, “Decrescendo”, patheos.org

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer: Rev. Lorrie Lowes

(Brenda Duckworth, Gathering A/C/E 2014/2015, p31. Used with permission.)

Holy and awesome Creator, please hear our prayer.
Be with all who suffer from oppression.
Surround with your healing power those who are ill.
Comfort all who are lonely.
Strengthen those who are weak in spirit and those who are depressed.
Protect our children, our future.
Encourage with hope the helpless and hopeless.
Enfold all creation with your magnificent, inspiring love.
We ask all this in the name of our Saviour, our Mediator, Jesus Christ,
And in these ancient words we repeat 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. 

Hymn: One Bread, One Body - Voices United #467

Refrain:
One bread, one body, one Lord of all
One cup of blessing which we bless
And we, though many, throughout the earth
We are one body in this one Lord 

1 Gentile or Jew, servant or free
Woman or man, no more. Refrain

2 Many the gifts, many the works
One in the Lord, of all. Refrain

3 Grain for the fields, scattered and grown
Gathered to one, for all. Refrain

Words and Music © John B. Foley, 1978, harm Gary Smith 1988
Song # 80673    Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

The Agape Meal:  Rev. Kim Vidal & Rev. Lorrie Lowes

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

Proclamation (inspired by 1 Corinthians 11:23-26). (Kim)
We enter the story when a meal has been shared,
when prayers of thanksgiving have been spoken, when fellowship shared.
This is the place and this is the time. Here and now,
God waits to break into our experience.
On the night when Jesus was betrayed, he took a loaf of bread,
and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said,
“This is my body broken for you. Do this in remembrance
of me.”
In the same way, he took the cup, saying,
“This cup is the new covenant. Do this, as
often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you    
proclaim Jesus who gives us Advent hope.

Prayer of Consecration (Lorrie)
Loving friend and companion, we welcome your presence with us. May these gifts of bread and cup, nourish our bodies, hearts and minds. And may our spirits be refreshed as we live in the light of your presence, with us now, and at all times and places. Send now your Holy Spirit upon this bread and this cup, O God that they might be our remembrance and our proclamation of the presence of Jesus Christ with us, through us and in us.  Amen.

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

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

Invitation to Offer:   Rev. Kim Vidal

We are the work of God's hands, the psalmist says, and God continues to shape us each day into a people of goodness and peace. That is why we bring gifts this morning: to be part of creating a more beautiful world through the ministry of this church and the witness of our lives each day. Let us gather our time, talents and treasures together and present them as an offering to God.

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 (spaciousfaith.com)

Holy One, this Advent season we wait in hope.
And we give in hope.
Hope for your coming reign;
Hope because of your presence with us even now.
Receive these generous offerings,
And use them for your work of healing and hope in our world. Amen.

Sending Forth:    Rev. Lorrie Lowes

(Robin Wardlaw, Gathering A/C/E 2017/2018, p30. Used with permission.)

Enter this Advent with Hope.
Enter this advent with patience.
May your waiting be rich and the presence
of our God full and near to you.
Bear God’s hope to this world, like one candle. Amen

Hymn:  O Come, O Come Emmanuel (vs 5-7) – Voices United #1

5 O come, O Key of David, come
and open wide our heavenly home.
Make safe the way that leads on high
and close the path to misery.

Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.

6 O come, O dayspring, from on high,
and cheer us by your drawing nigh!
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
and deaths dark shadows put to flight. Refrain

7 O come, desire of nations, bind
all peoples in one heart and mind.
O bid our sad divisions cease
and be for us the Prince of Peace. Refrain 

Words: trans by John Mason Neale, 1851; Music: 15th Century plainsong arr. Healey Willan
Song # 92288 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Zoom Fellowship hosted by Lorrie at 11:00 am. Link has been emailed. See you there!

Sunday Worship Service - November 22, 2020

BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH

REIGN OF CHRIST SUNDAY

NOVEMBER 22, 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: Agnus Dei – M.W.Smith  Vocalist: Angela Starchuk

Welcome & Announcements

Good day everyone! I welcome and greet you wherever you are in the name of Jesus Christ who reigns in our hearts forever! Today around the world, the Christian Church is celebrating the “Reign of Christ” which is also referred to as Christ the King Sunday. This Sunday signifies that our faith in Jesus the Christ is founded on the principles of justice, compassion, integrity and love.

Next Sunday, Nov 29th, we begin a new liturgical season. It’s the first Sunday of Advent and we are celebrating the sacrament of communion. We have an opportunity to gather in the sanctuary for a modified worship service at 10 am. A maximum number of 28 people are invited to gather. Please call the office to register. Full information on procedures and safety measures are posted on our website.

If you are not able to worship with us 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.

And here are some announcements:

-        The Veterans’ House project is due to be completed by January 2021 that hopes to accommodate at least 40 veterans. Please continue to support this project financially. For information on how to give, please check the website at multifaithhousing.ca.

-        The 2021 Canadian Church Calendars are now available for purchase for $8 each, as well as grocery cards and the Book of Memories Volume 2.  Please contact the office to place an order.

-        If you are interested in exploring or discussing the biblical passages that Kim or Lorrie will use in their Sunday sermon, please join the Lectionary Group every Tuesday at 10:30 am via Zoom. Please inform Rev. Kim or the office of your attendance.

-        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 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 to remind ourselves that the reign of Christ is the reign of love. Let us gather in worship.

Lighting of the Christ Candle       Acolytes: David Stafford & Barbara Bole

We light this Christ candle reminding us that the spirit of Jesus reigns in our hearts. We long for God’s love to come to our world, to break through and reign over us with compassion, justice, and peace.

Call to Gather: Rev. Lorrie Lowes
(Beth W. Johnson, Gathering, Pentecost 2, Year B, 2015) 

In a world with so many competing voices,
we are called to focus on you, O God.
In a world with many options,
we are called to make you and your ways a priority.
In a world with many stories and tales to tell,
we are called to give you praise and tell the story of God’s love and generosity.
Great and awesome God,
we come in worship today to give you thanks and praise!

Prayer of Approach: (Gord Dunbar, Gathering, Pentecost 2, Year C, 2013).

Knit us together, O God, joining us as one body in Christ’s name.
Breathe into us your inspiration for work and worship.
Light our lives with grace-filled self-giving.

Fire our hearts with the Good News of your love.
Unlock our minds with your revelation.
Gift us with your presence, we pray. Amen. 

Hymn:   Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love - Voices United #593

Refrain: Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love,
show us how to serve
the neighbours we have from you.  

1.    Kneels at the feet of his friends,
silently washes their feet,
master who acts as a slave to them. R 

2.    Neighbours are rich and poor,
varied in colour and race,
neighbours are near and far away. R

3.    These are the ones we should serve,
these are the ones we should love,
all are neighbours to us and you. R

4.    Kneel at the feet of our friends,
silently washing their feet,
this is the way we should live with you. R

Words & Music Arr. © 1969 Tom Colvin     Ghanaian Folk Song         Hope Pub.    Song # 00047
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Storytime for the Young at Heart       Rev. Lorrie Lowes

Hello! Do you know what I have here? Well, this is a set of rules that we have at BCUC for how to keep everyone in our congregation, and anyone who comes into or around our church building, safe during this covid-19 pandemic. It’s 12 pages long and pretty small print! It took a whole committee several weeks to go through all the rules and guidelines set out by the Federal government, the Ontario government and the city of Ottawa and all the medical advisors to see what applied to what is happening in our church. We want to stick together and keep as much of our church life happening while still making sure no one gets sick. That’s a lot of rules!

I bet you have heard lots about rules during this time too – rules that apply to different situations. There are rules about school, rules about wearing masks in stores and other buildings. We have to follow arrows on the floor and line up outside 6 ft apart… There are rules about washing your hands and using hand sanitizer everywhere you go. There are even rules about who you can visit or let into your house! Then, there are rules about no hugging and even no singing!

Whew! I don’t know about you, but I am getting tired of this pandemic. I am tired of worrying and tired of staying home – and I’m really tired of so many rules. I think lots of people are starting to feel this way. Some even argue about the rules and say that some are more important than others or even that some of the rules are silly. Sometimes people get really upset with each other if they disagree about what is essential. Sometimes people make mistakes and then get yelled at. Sometimes people are just rude – that’s no fun!

If I asked you which rule is the most important, I wonder what you’d say. I wonder if we would get a lot of different answers. It’s really hard to pick out just one…

Jesus was asked a question like that in the Gospel lesson today. The Pharisees tried to trick him again. They came and asked what the most important commandment was. See, the Jews had the ten commandments, which were a big deal for them. But they had even more laws on top of that, actually, hundreds of specific rules that governed how they were supposed to live. They wanted Jesus to mess up somehow by picking out one of those rules over the other ones.

He narrowed the commandments down to two key things: Love God and love others. Jesus said that the number one rule was to love God with heart, soul, and mind. That means that everything we do, think, or say should be done with God would want in mind. Jesus also said that we should love our neighbor as ourselves. And we know that he didn’t mean just the person living next door, but all the people in the world, even the ones we don’t know and the ones we don’t like. Jesus said that when we do those things—love God and love our neighbor, everything else comes into place. The other laws all hang on love. If we do both those things, it just follows that we will choose to do what is best for everyone. That’s how good rules are made in the first place. They are made to make sure that everyone is treated well and that they are treated fairly. They are made to make sure that everyone is safe and healthy.

That was true of the hundreds of laws the Jewish people were expected to follow and it’s true of the laws in our country. It’s even true of the rules for the games we play and for the rules about how we have to behave during this Covid-19 pandemic.

I would have a hard time making a list for you of all the rules that are in this 12-page document for our church – and I helped create it! But I know, that if I remember that the most important thing is to keep everyone safe and healthy, I know I will do the right thing. The most important thing to remember is that we are acting out of love – for God, for each other, and for the whole world.

So, I will do my best to keep all of you safe, and I am grateful that you are doing the same for me and for all of our neighbours. Thank you for the love you share – even when it’s hard to do.

Hymn:  What Does the Lord Require of You? Voices United #701

What does the Lord require of you?
What does the Lord require of you?
Justice, kindness,
walk humbly with your God.
To seek justice, and love kindness,
And walk humbly with your God.

Words & Music © 1986 Jim Strathdee          Desert Flower Music  Song # 60048
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Prayer for Illumination  Reader:  John MacFarlane
(Richard Bott, Gathering, Pentecost 2, Year B, 2015)

Holy God,
you are the Storyteller,
you are the Word.
Bless the reading.
Bless the listening.
Bless the sharing.
Bless the love in Christ’s name. Amen.            

The Reading:   Matthew 22 :34-40 (NRSV)

The Greatest Commandment

34 When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, 
35 and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 
36 “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” 
37 He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 
38 This is the greatest and first commandment. 
39 And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 
40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” 

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

Sermon:  “All We Need is Love!”      Rev. Kim Vidal   

Who is Jesus to you? This is a good question to ask. Nowadays, you can’t help noticing that people say a lot of things about Jesus. They write it down on books, magazines and newspapers. They say it out verbally at worship services and on street corners. They talk about it on the kitchen table and over the internet. They share it at home, in classrooms and in pulpits. In just about any context you can imagine, people say all kinds of things about Jesus, because nearly everybody has an opinion. You don’t have to be a follower of Jesus to understand that the man is big; he is as influential a figure as the planet is likely to see. They describe him, decry him, defend him, deconstruct him. They explain him, complain about him, and just plain old argue about him. The first century Jewish people did the same thing. Jesus is the most talked about Biblical figure for over 2000 years!

Traditionally, on this Sunday, we acclaim Christ's role as a “King”– that is why in some Christian traditions, particularly in the orthodox churches, they call it Christ the King Sunday. But I’m sure some of us are not comfortable with the image of Jesus as a king especially when it is understood to be an imperial title, or a symbolic head, or a monarch who could easily use his power in oppressing people; or someone who is detached and remote from the realities of the everyday world; or a king who is garbed in wealthy garments and live in a palace with guards and troops to protect him. My theological understanding of Jesus is the notion that Jesus refused to be seen as someone who is “high and mighty” but rather who is “among the least”, the compassionate one, the one who blessed children as heirs of God’s reign. Instead of being a king, I would rather describe Jesus as a kin to all – K-I-N - a kin who is one among us – one who is dear and near – one whom we can relate to, or someone that we can keep close to our hearts; someone who, in the language of Anne of Green Gables, is a bosom friend or if you wish, a brother or a comrade, one who rolls up his sleeves and find comfort in his hands-on approach to helping the needy, embracing the lonely, uplifting the poor, healing the sick.

We know that the Pharisees love to test Jesus, but perhaps the lawyer, the one who approached Jesus in today’s gospel reading had a similar feeling of being overwhelmed when he asked him, "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” — for there were 613 laws in the Torah. How was a person to keep track of them all, let alone prioritize them? The lawyer may be trying to do one of these three things when he questioned Jesus: first, he was trying to outwit Jesus; second, he may be siding with the Pharisees by confirming to the crowds that the Pharisees were far smarter than the Sadducees; and third, he may be genuinely seeking to discern what the law requires of him.  What he has heard may have inspired him to believe that Jesus is able to answer the strongest questions of his heart. Jesus answers with two commandments quoted from the Torah: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind.” (Deuteronomy 6: 5) and “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” (Leviticus 19: 18). And Jesus concluded with this statement: “On these two commandments hang the whole Law and the Prophets.” Loving God –loving others – these two tenets of love cannot be separated. You cannot love God if you hate your neighbour. Similarly, you cannot love your neighbour if you do not love God who is the source of love. Love is a profound, radical word. We say it almost all the time. We try to express it in many ways. And yet for some reasons, love is also the most violated, abused and misunderstood of all words.

The poet, Mary Oliver in some of her poems talks about the ordinary despair so many people feel in the face of the enormity of the world’s problems. ‘What can one individual do?’ she asked. Oliver may have answered her own question, as Jesus answered the Pharisees, by testifying to the power of love with her poem “Wild Geese,” which begins:
You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.
You only have to let …your body love what it loves.
          But what does love mean? Christians are, indeed, called “to love and serve the world." Some of our theological positions tell us that God sends us to love and serve others as faithful witnesses of Jesus’ way. We are taught to put into practice what we have become in the sacrament of the Holy Communion – that we are the body of Christ on earth. The sixteenth-century mystic and Carmelite reformer Teresa of Avila said, “…God so loved the world that God sent Jesus, who healed the sick, fed the poor, raised the dead and lived, preached, ate and made friends in the world alongside ordinary human beings, especially those on the margins of society...” We are Christ’s embodiment of God’s radical love!
          Much of Jesus’ earthly life and many of his undertakings were tied to giving and receiving love through hospitality. He was a guest in many homes and at numerous meals. Although without a place of his own, he acted as a host to individuals, small groups, and huge crowds, making use of places that were available to him. Jesus’ practices of a loving hospitality were often brief, intense, personal, and countercultural. Canadian theologian Douglas John Hall encourages for a “hospitable Christianity” whose love for neighbour as Jesus taught us, provides room for people of different faiths to exist together and value one another for the well-being of our world without watering down their differences – a way of being together that invites dialogue, respect and listening to each other. These words echo one of the Dalai Lama’s visions for the world: “Love and hospitality are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.”
          Fritz Eichenberg was a German born artist who moved to the United States in the 1930s. While still in Germany he started drawing politically and religiously poignant artworks. One of his drawings, called “Jesus in the Breadline” shows Jesus walking with the "least of these", men and women who most of society thought were outcasts, poor, worthless. Eichenberg portrays Jesus as a homeless man, and when you think about it, if Jesus came during the era of breadlines, He probably would have been standing in one. This type of imagery speaks to me, portraying Jesus Christ as someone journeying among us. Indeed, he declares that his neighbours, his sisters and brothers are the hungry, the thirsty, the sick, the stranger, the prisoners, the homeless. They are the people we can easily pass by and easily ignore. The Great Commandment proposed by Matthew’s Jesus is a call to profound unity of heart, mind, body and spirit. The Golden Rule is the measuring stick in loving ourselves so we that can love our neighbours in good faith: “Do unto others what you would like others do unto you.”

Who then, is our neighbour? Our neighbours are those different from us. Our neighbours are the little ones - ignored by the society yet wanting our care and compassion. Our neighbours are the street marchers who confront those in power. Our neighbours are the homeless people with the desire to have decent lives. Our neighbours are the privileged and the affluent wanting to reach out for friendship and understanding.  Our neighbours are those facing life’s uncertainties because of illness or loss of employment. Our neighbours are those in our community wanting to be affirmed and welcomed. Ours is not only about seeing others as a neighbour; our calling is also to become the neighbour we would like to meet. And you can only love your neighbour when you honestly and truthfully love God with your whole being – heart, soul and mind. To love God is to practice who and what God means to us. For me, God is the epitome of justice, compassion, kindness, peace and love. And even when we profess that we are God believers or atheists, I believe these are universal values that each human being must put into practice for the world to heal from the atrocities of violence, hatred and evil.

Loving God and our neighbour mean that we need to listen to the world and engage with it. As stewards of love, we need to be vulnerable, to pay attention, to participate in endeavours that bring hope and give life. An ideal way of engaging the world with love is to be like those children in the Special Olympics. We start out together and if one falls, another will stop and kiss the scratched knee or the bumped elbow. Another will sit down and see how we are coming along. Maybe someone else will find a Band-Aid to cover the boo-boo and another brings water to refresh the spirit. Sooner or later, everyone gets to be together as we come to the end, with each other, holding on for dear life, upholding each other in the power of community and the presence of God. No one, not even the least of these will be forgotten or ignored. As Frederick Buechner has written, “humanity is like a giant spider web. Touch it anywhere and the whole thing trembles.”

I took a break from my sermon writing and found two inspiring stories of love:

The first story talks about Max Woosey, a 10-year-old British boy, who set out to raise 100 pounds for a local hospice that looked after his neighbours who died of cancer. Days after Britain imposed a national lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19, Woosey raised money in memory of his neighbours by sleeping in a tent in his garden. People were touched by his love for his neighbours that his charity camp-out amassed more than 40,000 pounds.

The second story was shared by an Ottawa Teen named Aya Abou Rshd - Two laptops present new hope and opportunities to her and her siblings when their schooling was disrupted by the Syrian civil war, persecution from Lebanese authorities and now the global COVID-19 pandemic. Things will now be a bit easier for their new life in Canada – thanks for the love and concern of an anonymous donor who came forward and donated two brand new laptops to Aya and her family. A symbol of hope and a glimmer of light for Aya and her family.

The Reign of Christ is indeed the reign of love! We all have our love stories to tell. And yes, all we need is love to heal the world. In closing, let me share with you a Franciscan Blessing, written in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi as you go and love God, your neighbours and yourself:

May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.

May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy.

May God bless you with enough foolishness and love to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done.

Jesus the Christ reigns forever! Love reigns in us! Amen.

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

Let us gather our hearts in prayer:

God, author of our lives, create for us a life that opens a path to new visions and vistas of compassion, love and understanding.  Make us a sanctuary of a just society through our acts and deeds. We are your people, your creation and in that creation is your expectation that we offer love to the best of our ability to make that expectation a reality. Continue to challenge us, to push us, to prod us to walk the talk. Broaden our thinking with new ideas. Enrich us with your spirit. Make us a community of love who embraces a purpose of “no condemnation.”

We pray that you would guide us on our journeys through this land of such abundance. Help us not to be seduced into thinking that material resources can ever make us happy or content. Help us as we see our neighbours’ success not to feel inadequate, deprived, or greedy. Help us rather to find our strength, our comfort, and our satisfaction in knowing whose we are and to live life with a sense of hope. Provide us an inner serenity which exterior things can never bring.

God of grace and compassion we are always mindful of our tenuous hold on life and health and safe keeping. With those thoughts in mind, we ask for your healing presence to those affected by the ongoing pandemic. With love and earnest concern, we pray for those in retirement homes and long-term care facilities especially those who are affected by COVID-19 and those unnamed among us in need of your healing touch. We continue to pray for the families of those who have died from the virus, may healing love be with them in this time of sorrow. For those who are sick and those recovering from illness, may they find comfort from those who tend to them. For the health workers, first-line responders and essential workers who serve to heal the sick and who put themselves at risk, may they know that many are praying for them and rallying behind them.

For the leaders in all sectors of the society, may they lead with wisdom and foresight to act with love and true concern for the well-being of the people they are meant to serve. May we comfort those who have suffered deep losses in their lives and those who are troubled and distressed. We pray for peace in our neighbourhood and wider communities. We also bring to you those who are frail and weak - the bereaved, the dying, the lonely, the lost, the downtrodden. We pray for this church family, for its vitality and its mission to love others. Empower us to be the body of Christ in the world. Be with us as we meet and share the joys and concerns of this congregation.

God of harmony and peace, we pray for the world where your reign of love is still calling each one for transformation; where bombs of war are dropped and people live in terror and death; where people suffer under the pangs of economic upheaval – where unemployment rises in its toll and people live in despair; where people ravaged by calamities and natural disasters seek daily survival. And we pray for ourselves that we may be sustained by the hope and love that you have offered to us.

God of life, God of love, God of all that we have and all that we are, we give you thanks.

These we ask in the name of Jesus the Christ who reigns in hearts and who taught us this 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

I invite you to give lovingly, as we serve God through sharing and offering of time, talents and treasures. These gifts empower the ministry within our congregation and respond to the needs of our community and the world. 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

This offering has the power to help others.
This offering demonstrates our love for those in need.
This offering reflects your love, O God.
Bless these gifts and the givers,
we pray, in Jesus’ name.  Amen 

Sending Forth:      Rev. Kim Vidal

People of God, step forward into the world in which we live
and be lovers in word and in deed.
Keep your hearts steadfast on the priorities to which God guides us:
to love mercy, to do justice, and to walk humbly.
Let us go forth with confidence in the name
of God the Lover,
of Jesus Christ, the Beloved
and the Holy Spirit who is Love. Amen!

Hymn:   Fairest Lord Jesus – Voices United #341

1 Fairest Lord Jesus, ruler of all nature,
O thou of God to earth come down:
thee will I cherish, thee will I honour,
thou my soul's glory, joy, and crown.

2 Fair are the meadows,
fairer still the woodlands,
robed in the blooming garb of spring;
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer,
who makes the troubled heart to sing. 

3 Fair is the sunshine,
Fairer still the moonlight,
and fair the twinkling, starry host;
Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer
than all the angels heaven can boast. 

4 All fairest beauty heavenly and earthly,
wondrously, Jesus, is found in thee;
none can be nearer, fairer or dearer
than thou, my Saviour, art to me.

Words 1677 from the German Crusader’s Hymn, Music 1842 Silesian Folk Melody           
Song # 97906  Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Departing: Higher Realms        - Abe

Zoom Fellowship hosted by Lorrie at 11:00 am. Link has been emailed. See you there!

Sunday Worship Service - November 15, 2020

BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH

24th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
FALL WORSHIP SERVICE

NOVEMBER 15, 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: Roll Over the Ocean         Erin & CGS

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 continue to open the sanctuary for a small number of people each Sunday following the health protocols to keep us safe. If you would like to attend, please 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.

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 – 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:

-        Before the pandemic hit, we had planned to do another BCUC Photo Directory. We have decided to wait to complete this until things are a bit more stable. However, our photographer is happy to begin taking some of the photos now so that you can have them in time for Christmas gift giving - we just won’t produce the directory until we can get photos of the whole congregation. We have set aside Friday, November 20 for photo sittings - individuals or families - from 9:00am to 8:30pm. All health protocols will be in place and sittings will be spaced to allow for sanitizing between groups. Prints can be ordered and will be available in plenty of time for Christmas. 

-        The Ottawa West End Community Chaplaincy (OWECC) will be holding its Annual General Meeting on Sunday November 22nd at 2 p.m. via Zoom. If you are interested in attending please contact Marilyn Bruce by November 18th at     marilyn.brucei@sympatico.ca or phone her at 613-828-0704.

-        INVITATION TO JOIN THE LECTIONARY GROUP
We are pleased to invite you to join the lectionary group every Tuesday at10:30 am via Zoom. This learning group seeks to provide a nurturing space for those wanting to discuss or explore Biblical texts based on what Kim or Lorrie will preach about on Sunday. If interested please inform Kim or the office.

-        For those who are able to join us by Zoom, there will be a “Virtual Fellowship Time” every Sunday at 11:00 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    Acolytes: Amelia and Georgia Baynes

With something as small as a candle, we can do great things. We can offer a light in the darkness. We can share that light with others until the whole world is filled with its glow and no dark corners are left to cause us fear. One small candle flame can ignite a fire powerful enough to offer comfort and warmth to everyone around us. This candle we light this morning reminds us that Christ is with us as we gather for worship – no matter when or where we may be. Let it also be a reminder to take this light of Christ with us wherever we go.

Call to Gather: Noah and Nicholas Berard

All that we are is a gift of God!
All that we have is a gift of God!
Every breath we take…
Every movement we make…
The life in which we partake…
Is a gift of God!
And so we gather –to receive and give back.
To listen and to teach,
To remind ourselves that we are stewards of all God’s gifts,
Blessed in the sharing of all talents and treasures!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.[1]  

Prayer of Approach: Rev Kim

Holy One, you are invisible to us. We notice you only through your effects. 
Come to us here today, affect us that we may be changed by you.
Open our hearts and minds to the glory of your creation and to our part in that creation.
Let us feel your warm embrace.
Grant that we may trust in you so completely that we accept the risk in so doing, that we maybe challenged by the path you set us upon, and be born again through your son.
We journey upon the path you set us, thankful for our journey together! 
May we be all that we can be through your infinite love. Amen.[2]  

Hymn:   “I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me” -  Voices United #575

1.    I’m gonna live so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime.
I’m gonna live so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime. 

2.    I’m gonna work so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime.
I’m gonna work so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime. 

3.    I’m gonna pray so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime.
I’m gonna pray so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime. 

4.    I’m gonna sing so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime.
I’m gonna sing so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime.

Words & Music © African American Spiritual         Song #95386
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Storytime for the Young at Heart       Rev. Kim     

When I was 9 years old, I had this huge ambition to be a great diva singer someday. I was already a good singer and when I was 10, I learned to play the guitar.  I’ve got talent in music! One day I joined a singing contest called “Stairway to Success”. The first prize winner would win – are you ready for this? – five pesos (which is equivalent to less than 25 cents) and a litre of Pepsi-Cola! I had to enter that contest! I had to win the Pepsi – never mind the five pesos! I practiced the song, “The Way We Were” by Barbra Streisand and in a week’s time, I was so ready to win that Pepsi! To make the story short I won the contest. Yes! I’ve got talent! Looking back now, I knew that my singing talent had been harnessed somehow at a very young age and I never buried that talent – I used it all the time.

Think about some of the special gifts or talents God gave you. I got thinking about what talents people at BCUC have. I came up with a long list. Just to name a few – Noah plays piano, Nicholas sings, Arcadie draws, Inara reads well, Phoenix and Raven play the fiddle.  We have “big kids” too who have wonderful talents – Wendy dances, Keith sings, Erin plays the flute, Abe plays organ and piano, Ruth bakes…Wow!  BCUC sure got has super talents!

In our parable today, Jesus talks about talents in a very different way. It was not about what things we can do best but it was about money. A Bible scholar named Richard Henderson said that one talent was the equivalent of the wages a day labourer would make in fifteen years. So if someone earned $10,000 in one year, a talent would be about $150,000 – a huge sum of money in Jesus’ time which probably would be about 6 million dollars or more in today’s standards. 

I’m sure many of us remember this story: "A master went away on a journey, and entrusted his servants with a certain amount of money- each according to his ability.  To the first he gave 5 talents, to the second, 2 and to the third, 1."  The first two servants decided to use their talents - they invested their money and earned more out of their hard work. The third servant, however, did not use his talent.  He buried it in the ground.  Maybe because of fear.  Maybe he was not smart like the two other servants.  Maybe he was keeping it safe.  Sometimes we find ourselves like the third servant. We are afraid to use our talents because we might make mistakes or we might use them in the wrong way or simply because we don’t have the confidence.  Sometimes it is easier for us to hide them. Sometimes we feel embarrassed to show what we can do or maybe we are just holding on to them because are not given the opportunity or an invitation to use them. What do you think will happen if we do not use or share our talents?

No matter what talents or gifts you have, no matter how big or small, God expects you to use them. God wants you to say, “Yes, I can!” God doesn’t want your talents to go to waste. God wants you to take those gifts and use them to help others or to make the world a better place. Even a small act of kindness can go a long way. So use your talents! Don’t hide or bury them or else they will be wasted.

I wonder what you will be doing with the gifts and talents that you have? I hope you will take up the challenge and say, “Yes, I can!”

Let me close with a prayer. Generous God, we thank you for the gifts and talents you have given to each of us. We pray that we will use these gifts in good and wonderful ways to show others how amazing your love is. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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

1.    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! 

2.    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! 

3.    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!

Words & Music © 1998 Bruce Harding        www.evensong.ca
Song # 121969 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Prayer for Illumination     Reader:  Katrina teGrotenhuis

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 25:14-30 (NRSV)

The Parable of the Talents

14 “For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; 15 to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. 17 In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. 18 But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. 19 After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20 Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ 24 Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. 29 For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 30 As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

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

Sermon:   “Well Done, Good and Trustworthy Servant!”                    Rev. Lorrie Lowes

Yet another parable from the book of Matthew for us to ponder today! This time we hear the story of three men who were each entrusted with large sums of money while their master was away. None of the three squandered the money they were given. None of them spent it on themselves or put it in their pockets and high tailed it out of town to set themselves up for a better life, a luxurious life, free from the rule of the master. Really, all three seem quite responsible and worthy of the trust the master put in them. So, I was shocked at the master’s reaction when he returned home, weren’t you? If anything, I would have been more concerned about the huge risks the first two took with that money that didn’t belong to them. They really had a lot of chutzpah! (I thought I’d throw in a Yiddish word there to fit with the Jewish origin of the story. Chutzpah. It means audacity, or bravery that borders on rudeness.) 

The money we are talking about here are no small amounts. As Rev. Kim mentioned in her Children’s Time, by today’s standards we are talking about millions of dollars! The trust the master put in these men, the responsibility they were given was huge! Even the man who was only given one talent was holding 15 years-worth of wages for a minimum wage worker. He was handed millions of dollars in today’s terms. I can understand why he decided to play it safe and bury that money for safe-keeping until the master got back. I think I might have done the same thing. That’s a lot of responsibility and he took the safest action of the three. So, yes, I was quite taken aback at the harsh reaction of the master. And I am quite certain that the people hearing the story would have been shocked as well.

And that’s the way parables go, isn’t it? Every single one we’ve heard from Jesus contains a twist, something that just doesn’t seem to fit, something to force us to think outside the box. And so, I read the story again…

It’s obvious to me now that these men were no lowly slaves. They weren’t house-boys or men who worked in the stables. I think they must have been very well-educated, responsible men. Their relationship with their master must have involved an awful lot of trust and respect for him to leave this treasure with them when he wasn’t even close by to keep an eye on what they did with it. He must have known that they would live up to his expectation of making that money grow for his benefit and the benefit of his household.

And he was right in trusting them! Not one of them took off with the money! That’s pretty amazing in itself now that we know the value of what he gave them. Even if they were afraid of him, as the third servant seems to imply, I think you could get pretty far with that kind of coin and hide for a very long time. But, they all stayed and the master came home to find his money had not been stolen or squandered. In fact, in the case of the first two servants, it had grown substantially!

These men had no doubt about the master’s motivation in leaving them with these riches. They knew – and accepted – that it wasn’t theirs to do with as they pleased. It was entrusted to them for the glory and honour of the master – to further his influence and power – and, I suspect, they realized that doing so would mean a better life for all of them.

I heard a story once, about a basketball team playing in a championship game. This team was the underdog. Everyone figured it was a given that their opponents would beat them easily and win the championship. But, to everyone’s surprise the underdogs won! A reporter asked the coach what he thought happened. It seemed miraculous that these players could pull together such a fantastic game! “Well,” he told the reporter, “When they went into the game, everyone knew what he had to give. And each one gave more than was expected of him.

This is a real “feel good” story. Given the circumstances, it would have been completely understandable for this team to go out on the court and just play enough to make it a basketball game - just the bare minimum. But, they had enough respect for the game, respect for the coach, for their fans and for each other that they took up the challenge. They were there to do their best. They gave more than they thought they were capable of - they took the risk of pushing and they came out on top!

Sounds a bit like those first two servants, don’t you think? They could all have done the bare minimum and given the money back to the master when he returned. That was a pretty safe thing to do. And that’s exactly what the third servant did. The other two, however, took a risk. They put the talents that the master gave them to work. What a brave thing to do! If the master was upset with the servant who protected the money and did nothing more, imagine how he would have felt if the first two had risked his money and lost it!

This master knew what he was doing though. He gave to each “according to his abilities”. He gave the most to the man who he knew could handle the responsibility. He trusted that he had trained him well and that he had the tools to do a great job.

So, the first two put that training to work and doubled the investment the master gave them. Now here comes another kicker in the parable! What was the reward for taking this risk and making such a great profit? More responsibility! “You have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things!” I guess you could look at it as a kind of promotion – but I wonder if the servants saw it that way.

Mother Teresa talked about her experience with her Master: “I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish he didn’t trust me so much.”

So, back to Jesus and this parable... Just what was he trying to tell the people then and what does it mean for us today?

If we think of the master in the story as God, what is being entrusted to us the servants? Isn’t it interesting how the word “talent” is still meaningful today, in a slightly different context? When we think of God-given talents or gifts in light of this story, we can see that, just like the master who didn’t give to each servant equally, God distributes those “talents” to each according to his ability. We are also given resources - time... opportunities... finances...

What happens if we don’t cultivate these talents? If we don’t practice the piano, or speak the new language we are learning? If we don’t keep on exercising? If we don’t keep in touch with friends or family members? …We lose them!

What happens if we don’t seize opportunities? They slip by! If we are afraid to take the risk? We often live with regret.

“Use it or lose it!” the familiar saying goes.

But what happens if we do use the gifts we are given? If we have the courage to live the way God wants us to? It often leads to greater joy - and more opportunities to use those gifts in an even bigger way.

Like the master in the parable, I can imagine God being pleased when we use our gifts and when we cultivate those gifts - and being disappointed - maybe even displeased - when we play it safe. Is this what Jesus was trying to say?

Sometimes, I look around at the talents some others have been given and I confess that I wish I too had some of those gifts. Imagine the good works I could do if I had money like Bill Gates! Imagine what I could accomplish if I had the medical and scientific knowledge to cure cancer or even this virus! But God has entrusted me with talents “according to my ability” and it is up to me to use them in the best way possible. I can take the risk to do that, or I can bury them, just like the third servant. It’s up to me..

A few years ago, I retired. I had been a teacher for 22 years. I worked as a coach for other teachers in the school board and I worked with the Ministry of Education as well. I was tired and I felt that I had given all I could to teaching. I was pretty excited to be able to stay at home and be a Grandma to my three little grandchildren. I loved it! But I also found that I had quite a lot of time on my hands. So... I decided to take the Lay Preaching course. I had always been very involved at my church and I enjoy writing and speaking in front of people so this seemed to be a good fit. I was also interested in learning more about the Bible and how to write prayers - and just to spend some time with other people who were interested in the same things. Well, God had some other plans for me, I guess! An opportunity came to me to apply for a job as Congregational Designated Minister at Bells Corners United Church. At first I said, “I’m not qualified for that!” but... others thought I was and kept encouraging me to apply... The more I learned about the job, the more I realized that it was actually a pretty good fit! I have a degree in Social Work as well as my teaching degree... I have worked with volunteer organizations ... I have worked with children and adults... It started to sound like a job leading Christian Education and Pastoral Care might just be the best way to combine all the things I had done well so far in my life. Sometimes I think God saw me sitting back on the gifts I was given - burying them in the ground? - and so he offered me an opportunity to use them all, to leave my little comfort zone and try something brand new. I could have stopped at “I’m not qualified for this!” and probably thought no more about it. But am I ever glad I took the risk and applied for the job! I loved the work! I was learning and growing every day. I thought, “This is it! I have found the perfect job for me. I am using all of my talents – God-given ones and ones I worked hard to develop!”  I was ready to glide through a few more years and then look at retiring again. However, just like the two servants who worked hard to develop the money they had been entrusted with… yes, a call to more work and responsibility came through loud and clear. So, several years of work and study later later, here I am with a new title and new responsibilities – thinking, “Yes! I have finally accomplished what God had in mind for me all along.” (but, I admit that I’m almost afraid of what God will expect of me next!)

Did you notice that the master in the story was just as pleased with the servant who gave him four talents as he was with the one who gave him ten when he returned from his trip? It wasn’t the amount of the return but the effort each put into the task that counted. Big profit or small, he called both in exactly the same way to “enter into the joy of your master”.

But what about that poor guy who was condemned into the darkness? That still seems awfully harsh. It doesn’t seem to fit with the God of love and grace that Jesus taught about.  I wonder if, perhaps, that darkness was of his own making. Instead of being welcomed into the joy of his master, he was condemned to continue living in fear and anxiety about what will happen next – a pretty dark way to live for sure.

No talent is too small. God has given them to us in love. Think about the talents God has given to you. Are you using those talents in a way that gives glory and honour to God? Is there some new way you can be using your gifts? I think perhaps the message in this parable is that by accepting that challenge, we all have the opportunity to earn the praise, “Well done, good and trustworthy servant! Well done!”

Prayers of the People (Rev. Lorrie Lowes) and the Lord’s Prayer
(Sacred Dance by Wendy Morrell and friends)

Generous and challenging God,

You have entrusted us with so many gifts – the amazing beauty of your creation, the love and support of family and friends, our comfortable first-world lives, and the abilities to make those lives rich and meaningful. Is it ever enough to just say thank you and then tuck those gifts away for safe-keeping? Today we are reminded to bring our gifts out into the open, to nurture them and make them grow.

We come to you today, as we often do, with concerns big and small – concerns for ourselves, for those around us, and for the world itself. Our world is faced with the difficulties of illness and poverty, of conflict and hardship, of injustice and lack of the things necessary to healthy living. Help us to see how we can use the talents we have been given to face these concerns in ways that not only make the world a better place but that also bring honour and glory to you.

Help us to accept the responsibility that comes with the gifts you bestow on each one of us. Help us to make good use of our unique talents to make them grow and to further your dream of God’s kin-dom here on earth.

We ask these things in response to the teachings of Jesus and in the words we now repeat 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

We have all been given gifts, each one unique to God’s vision of what we can do in the world. These gifts have been entrusted to us to further the building of God’s kin-dom. Our time of offering is one opportunity to share our gifts of time, talents and resources.            

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.

Hymn: “What Can I Do?”  -  More Voices #191

What can I do? What can I bring?
What can I say? What can I sing?
I’ll sing with joy. I’ll say a prayer.
I’ll bring my love. I’ll do my share. 

Words and Music © 2005 Paul Rumbolt & Michele McCarthy, arr. © 2005 Alan Whitmore
Song # 82970 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Offertory Prayer

Loving, Gentle, Wonderful God, you gave us gifts, and we have used them, filtered them, multiplied them, regenerated them; we offer them now to you as love, gentleness, and wonder. Be pleased to accept our gifts, we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.[4]

Sending Forth:     Rev. Lorrie Lowes

May the blessing of God, the giver of every good and perfect gift;
And of Christ, who summons us to service;
And of the Holy Spirit, who inspires generosity and love,
Be with us all.[5]
Amen.

Hymn:   “Go Make a Diff’rence”  - More Voices #209

Refrain: 
Go make a diff’rence.
We can make diff’rence.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Go make a diff’rence. We can make a diff’rence.
Go make a difff’rence in the world! 

1.    We are the salt of the earth, called to let the people see,
the love of God for you and me.
We are the light of the world, not to be hidden but be seen.
Go make a diff’rence in the world. 

2.   We are the hands of Christ reaching out to those in need,
The face of God for all to see.
We are the spirit of hope; we are the voice of peace.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.  

3.    So let your love shine on, let it shine for all to see.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
And the spirit of Christ will be with us as we go.
Go make a diff’rence in the world! 

Words and Music © 1997 Steve Angrisano and Tom Tomaszek    spiritandsong.com
Song # 82988 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Departing: Breach (on video)

Zoom Fellowship hosted by Lorrie at 11:00 am. Link has been emailed. See you there!

[1] Richard Bott, Gathering Pentecost 2 2020, p35. Used with permission.

[2] Roger West, Gathering Pentecost 2 2020, p38. Used with permission.

[3] Susan Ivany, Gathering Pentecost 2 2017, p 37. Used with permission.

[4] Kate Gregory, Gathering Pentecost 2 2017, p39. Used with permission.

[5] Celebrate God’s Presence, p71

Sunday Worship Service - November 8, 2020

 BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH

23rd SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

November 8, 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:   Jimmy Findlater – David Brown

Remembering our Veterans and those Active in Uniform (Photo Slides)

Acknowledgement of Territory         Rev. Kim Vidal

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. Today, we also pay tribute to all indigenous veterans who have served in the two great wars and those who are currently serving our country in uniform. 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! I welcome and greet you in the name of Jesus Christ this time of remembering. Today we remember those “who shall not grow old” and to honour those who knew what those wars were like and lived to tell their stories.  We remember the brave souls who are out there currently serving in many parts of the world that peace may prevail. We honour and give thanks to the veterans and their loved ones. From those who shivered and starved through the winter, crouched in the muddy trenches of France, to those seaborne in the Battle of Normandy and liberation of the Netherlands, those who fought in the Korean War, or the young peacekeepers patrolling the mountains of Afghanistan and Iraq, we remember and honour them all. They remind us that all of those who fought and those who have died have real faces, real lives, real families and theirs are real stories of ordinary people who were able to make a difference in the world. Our presence today reminds us that we cannot be silent when the terrors of wars confront us. In today’s remembering, I invite you to reflect within the context of our faith, to uphold the teachings of Jesus when he declares, “blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.”

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:

-        An opportunity to have Photos for Christmas will happen on Friday, November 20 from 9:00am to 8:30pm. This is part of the photo directory project being planned for Spring 2021. If you are not able to come for the photo session on Nov 20, don’t worry, another photo session will be held in Spring. All health protocols will be in place and sittings will be spaced to allow for sanitizing between groups. Prints can be ordered and will be available in plenty of time for Christmas. Please call the office to book your appointment.

-        The Veterans’ House project is due to be completed by January 2021 that hopes to accommodate at least 40 veterans. Please continue to support this project financially. For information on how to give, please check the website at multifaithhousing.ca.

-        The 2021 Canadian Church Calendars are now available for purchase for $8 each, as well as grocery cards and the Book of Memories Volume 2.  Please contact the office to place an order.

-        If you are interested in exploring or discussing the biblical passages that Kim or Lorrie will use in their Sunday sermon, please join the Lectionary Group every Tuesday at 10:30 am via Zoom. Please inform Rev. Kim or the office of your attendance.

-        And for those of you who are able to join us via Zoom, there will be a Zoom fellowship every Sunday at 11: 00 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 opens us to the Spirit of peace and freedom. Let us gather in worship.

Lighting of the Christ Candle      Acolytes: Kael & Connor Fowler (Air Cadets)

We light this Christ candle as we honour and celebrate those who have offered
their lives in the name of peace and freedom.

The light of this candle represents our grief, our courage,
our memories, our love and our hope.

It also reminds us that the light of Christ shines on the road to peace and illuminates our most difficult moments.

Call to Gather:      Rev. Lorrie Lowes & Nicole Beaudry

(Pat Mayberry, Gathering, Pentecost 2, 2017, Year A, French Trans - Nicole Beaudry)
We gather together on this day of remembering.
We lift up our hearts in the Spirit of Life.

Nous nous souvenons aujourd'hui de ceux et celles  qui ont donné leur santé, et souvent leur bien-être et même leur vie, dans les guerres et dans leurs actions à la recherche de la justice et de la  paix. Nous élevons nos cœurs dans un esprit de mémoire.

We come together to honour the gifts of all, gifts of courage and community, of music and laughter, of justice-making and healing touch.
We lift up our hearts in the spirit of love made visible.

Nous sommes réunis dans un même esprit pour trouver de nouvelles façons d’agir, pour créer des liens nouveaux, pour tenter de comprendre, et pour garder en mémoire.

We lift up our hearts in the spirit of possibility.

Alors,  rassemblons-nous.

Come, let us gather.                                                                                                 

Prayer of Confession:      Rev. Lorrie Lowes

(Inspired by the prayers of Richard Bott and George Allan)

On this Remembrance Sunday, let us be reminded that peace is a gift from God, the presence of the Holy One. But sometimes, we forget how to act as instruments of peace and so we approach God with our prayer of confession and to ask God’s forgiveness and assurance of love. Let us pray. We know that God take no joy in deaths. We know that God take no joy in wars, in battles, in conflicts. We know that our tears are for all God’s children of every land and race, of every time and place. When we live comfortably in a peaceful land, too easily we forget about some parts of the world where there is no peace.  Forgive us, O God, when we did not answer your call to pursue your gift of peace, shalom, salaam in this world. Forgive us, we pray.

Assurance of Love

We are not alone. In every corner of the earth, in every town and village torn apart by war; in every home where our loved ones are remembered. God is present through others - healing, restoring and bringing about God’s reign of peace in the world. Grant us your peace, O God. Amen.    

Hymn:   I Feel the Winds of God - Voices United #625

1 I feel the winds of God today; 
today my sail I lift,
though heavy oft with drenching spray
and torn with many a rift;
if hope but light the water’s crest, 
and Christ my bark will use,
I’ll seek the seas at his behest, 
and brave another cruise.

2 It is the wind of God that dries 
my vain regretful tears,
until with braver thoughts shall rise 
the purer, brighter years;
if cast on shores of selfish ease 
or pleasure I should be,
O let me feel your freshening breeze, 
and I’ll put back to sea.

3 If ever I forget your love 
and how that love was shown,
lift high the blood-red flag above; 
it bears your name alone.
Great pilot of my onward way, 
you will not let me drift;
I feel the winds of God today,
today my sail I lift.

Words 1907 Jessie Adams, Trad. arranged 1904 Ralph Vaughan Williams, Oxford Univ Press
Song #6ECAD29E Reprinted with permission ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Storytime for the Young at Heart:     Rev. Lorrie Lowes

Our Children’s Story today is a reading of the book “Proud as a Peacock, Brave as a Lion” by Jane Barclay. It is a story about a young boy watching his grandpa get ready for the Remembrance Day parade. The gentle and caring grandpa answers his grandchild’s questions about what it was like to serve in the war. As the two make a game of preparing for the memorial service, the child comes to understand the importance of the solemn occasion and the act of remembering. It is read for today’s worship service by Rev. Lorrie’s granddaughter Bree Kelly and her grandpa, Neil Lowes.

An Act of Remembrance

The Story of Remembrance:[1]    Rev. Kim Vidal

Across Canada, and in many other countries, people gather on November 11 to honour the courage and devotion of brave men and women who made the supreme sacrifice of dying for their country. The hostilities of the First World War ceased on November 11, 1918, at 11:00 a.m. the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. The following year marked the first observance of a day to remember and honour those who died, as well as to give thanks for the sacrifices of those who came back from serving their country. Since then, Canadians have fought in other conflicts and many have given their lives so that we might enjoy freedom today. They too should be remembered.

*Laying of Wreath:   Capt Angela Starchuk & MCpl (ret’d) Trevor Starchuk       

Poem: “In Flanders Fields” (by LCol John McCrae)   Rev. Lorrie Lowes

In Flanders fields the poppies blow,
between the crosses row on row that mark our place;
and in the sky the larks, still bravely singing,
fly scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead.
Short days ago we lived,
felt dawn, saw sunset glow, loved and were loved,
and now we lie, in Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw the torch;
be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die, we shall not sleep,
though poppies grow in Flanders fields. 

*Response:       Rev. Kim Vidal

They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old.   
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn            
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them. We will remember them!          

*The Last Post                         
*Two-Minute Silence
*Rouse
*Lament      - David Brown

*National Anthem:  O Canada (Bilingual Version)

O Canada! Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all of us command,
Car ton bras sait porter l'épée,
Il sait porter la croix!
Ton histoire est une épopée
Des plus brillants exploits,
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

Prayer for Illumination      Reader:  Capt. Angela Starchuk

Gracious God, as we hear your Scripture today, bless us with your spirit of understanding.
Heal us from the pains of war and make us instruments of your peace. Amen.  

The Reading:   “Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids”    Matthew 25:1-13 (NRSV)

25 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise replied, ‘No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. 11 Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12 But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ 13 Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

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

Hymn: Give Me Oil in My Lamp (traditional)

1 Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning
Give me oil in my lamp I pray.
Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning
Keep me burning ‘til the break of day. 

Refrain: Sing hosanna! Sing hosanna!
Sing hosanna to the Servant King!
Sing hosanna! Sing hosanna!
Sing hosanna let us sing! 

2 Mets la joie dans mon cœur, que je chante;
Mets la joie dans mon cœur, je te prie,
Mets la joie dans mon cœur, que je chante,
Que je chante tout au long de ma vie.  

R: Chante Hosanna! Chante Hosanna!
Chante Hosanna! Pour Jésus vivant.
Chante Hosanna! Chante Hosanna!
Chante Hossana! Avec moi. 

3 Give me love in my heart, keep me serving
Give me love in my heart I pray.
Give me love in my heart, keep me serving
Keep me serving ‘til the break of day. R 

Traditional
Reprinted with permission ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Sermon:   “Waiting Gone Awry!”         Rev. Kim Vidal

At first glance, this parable is not comforting. This parable does not make me feel good.  This parable challenges most of the things I believe about God and Jesus. For me, it doesn’t make sense to compare this parable with that of the Kingdom of Heaven.  I don’t want to preach on the 5 wise bridesmaids, who have extra oil but didn’t share with the foolish. I don’t want to criticize and point fingers at the 5 foolish bridesmaids who left their post to get more oil thus making them late for the wedding. And I detest preaching about the bridegroom who was interpreted by many Christians as Jesus Christ himself shutting the door at the foolish bridesmaids and turning a deaf ear to their pleas to come in. This is not the Jesus that I follow! What do we do with a difficult parable like this? What is Matthew trying to say to us here and now?

In this parable, Matthew uses the imagery of a wedding in the first century. In ancient Jewish tradition, weddings begin with a proposal between the fathers of the bride and the groom. The fathers would arrange the marriage by exchanging an engagement contract with a waiting period that could last up to a year. It was customary to have bridesmaids, who were younger sisters or cousins or close friends, to wait for the groom carrying lamps ignited with oil. The groom was expected to arrive in a procession at night in order for the whole town to be home and be able to celebrate. When the groom arrives, he collects his bride and the bridesmaids, in a procession, singing, dancing and creating an atmosphere of celebration. The procession signifies that the period of waiting was over and then culminated in a wedding feast that often lasted up to seven days.

For most of my life, I have identified with the five wise bridesmaids, always seeking to have enough oil in my lamp – good works, values, achievements and faith – to come prepared when things get tough. The truth is- I do like to be prepared, and I bet most of you do, too. We are part of a culture that practically loves planning, organizing, forethought and preparation for the unknown that lies ahead. I think this is why we get so angry when something goes horribly wrong. We love to be on the safe side – to be like the 5 wise bridesmaids. But do we really like to see ourselves as the wise ones, those who have extra oil but refused to share with those who do not have enough? There are times too when I see myself as the 5 foolish bridesmaids, having just enough oil to last me for a day – just enough energy, just enough patience, just enough resources, just enough faith- watching as my lamp’s light slowly evaporated in thin air, sometimes quite resentful of those whose lamps still burned so brightly. What is wrong with that? Why were the foolish ones ridiculed, door shut in their faces and were not invited to the feast?  In the story, both the wise and the foolish ones, fell asleep while waiting for the groom to arrive, when they should have kept awake. Surely the foolish ones were not the only guilty ones and cannot be blamed for not being watchful enough as the story indicates. And it was the bridegroom, not the bridal party, who broke social protocol, took his time and arrived late for the banquet. So why was the bridegroom not blamed for the mishap?

But what would have happened, I wonder, had the foolish bridesmaids simply continued to wait, with flickering lamps? What would have happened if they simply waited in the darkness of the night? Waiting is difficult, waiting is hard, waiting tests our patience and our time management.  But I think this was the point Matthew was trying to emphasize in this story – the bridesmaids should have persisted waiting no matter what. Sue mentioned in our lectionary discussion last Tuesday that the foolish bridesmaids’ mistake was they did not wait – they came unprepared bringing no extra oil for emergency, left their posts, and redirected their attention by purchasing more oil and they missed the whole wedding event! The Rev. Matthew Skinner comments that this is a parable of waiting and that Christianity is a “waiting” religion. And since we have to wait, he says, we better get to work! He calls it “faithful readiness”. Lorrie said the same thing. She said that we need to wait actively not passively. The foolish bridesmaids left when they should have persistently stayed however the oil situation was. I’d like to hope that the bride and the groom would have forgiven them, welcomed them into the party, unconcerned about the state of their oil lamps, happy just to see their friends waiting.

What do we do in our waiting? As I write this sermon, the United States have not announced its new President yet. Although Democratic candidate Joe Biden is on the verge of being elected as the next US President. The whole world was waiting for the outcome of what people dubs as the most divisive election in the history of the United States. And in the moment of waiting, Trump and his cohorts have gone to the streets to protest – banging the windows and doors of the electoral polls, threatening the other party with a lawsuit for electoral fraud. Biden’s followers, were on the streets too, pushing that every ballot be counted. While loud protests are ongoing, there are also the silent majority who are earnestly praying for a smooth outcome of the election. No clear winner has been declared. And the waiting continues.

There is waiting involved too when men and women were deployed in wars. In a book she titled While They're at War: The True Story of American Families on the Homefront, author Kristine Henderson has this to share: “When our nation decides to wage war, we women and men who love America's war-fighters comfort them when they call home sounding hollow, we manage their lives while they're gone -- we pay their bills, service their cars, care for their children. We're told: "If there's a problem, don't cry to your spouses, there's nothing they can do about it, it will only distract them, and where they are, distractions can be fatal." So we solve the problems ourselves. And while we're doing all that, we're waking up every morning knowing today could be the day the staff car pulls up in front of our house and two or three people in dress uniforms walk up to our door. Today could be the day our life as we know it disappears into a black hole of grief. As a result, when our warriors return, they're not coming home to the same person they left behind. This is the war story you never hear. This is the horror story of waiting while they're at war.”

There is another thing that bothers me about this parable. What are we to do with those wise ones who did not share even an ounce of oil, those wise bridesmaids who chose their needs over the needs of others? Some preachers even elevated them to be emulated by us. How could we sympathize with their selfish behaviour when we embrace the true meaning of good stewardship or walking the talk?  How can we agree with the wise ones who held their heads up high and said: “We cannot share with you because we might not have enough for ourselves and just to be on the safe side, we’re not sharing what we have.” Is this the good news here? To be always prepared, hang onto your oil, and remember that only a fool gives it away? Well, that's depressing for me. Couldn't we reasonably conclude that perhaps Matthew portrayed the Kingdom of Heaven as not different than the empires of earth, where we hoard material goods, and embrace consumerism for our own survival?

The parable lacks many details. It doesn't say a word about motives or circumstances or reasons why the five foolish women have no extra oil. And that's significant, I think. Maybe this is not a story about how much oil you have. Maybe this is a story about the kind of oil you carry with you. To prepare for the delay not for the time being – to have extra oil for emergency – turning the other cheek, going the extra mile, forgiving the persecutors. What fills you up when you run out of oil? What replenishes your oil? Where do you find God, and how can you make sure that you get enough of that oil for your lamp, so that God can fill you up again? Because you will run dry. And when you do, you can't be a light for anybody. I like what Anna Carter Florence have to say about this parable: “There are some kinds of oil you can't borrow from anyone else. There are some kinds of preparation we can only do for ourselves. There are some reserves that no one else can build up for us. You can't borrow someone else's peace of mind or their passion for God. You can't say to your friend, "You have such a happy marriage, don't you? Could you give me some of that?" It doesn't work. You have to find it yourself. You have to figure out what fills you up, spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally and then make sure you have some to carry with you, every single minute of the day, because that's how often you'll need it.”

I strongly believe that both the wise and the foolish ones operate on the same premise of scarcity and fear. Neither trusts the love the bridegroom has for his friends. Neither trusts that the bridegroom will embrace them regardless of whether they walk in the light or wait in darkness. Yet, traditional preachers interpret this parable to praise behaviour that runs counter to the central message of Jesus: the gospel of radical inclusivity and compassion. What are we to do with this bridegroom, the one who apparently was interpreted over and over again as Christ-figure who acts so uncaring, so cold and calculating, who shut the door and tells the foolish bridesmaids to go away? This is not the same Jesus that we know, he is not the Shepherd who leaves the 99 to search for the lost one; nor is he the woman who turns her house upside down in search of a lost coin, nor the prodigal father who lovingly waits for his prodigal son to come home. Some thinks that this parable is about the end times or what others believed to be the second coming of Christ.  If the bridegroom is already with his bride when he arrives, this parable cannot be interpreted as the second coming of Christ. It can’t be. Because this parable isn’t about the return of Christ. The Spirit of Jesus Christ lives among us here and now so why would interpreters think Jesus is still not here with us?

Friends, where do you find yourself in this difficult story especially as we remember the unsung heroes – those who died in the name of peace and freedom?  Have you been the foolish ones whose lamps have run out? the wise ones who feared sharing and losing what they had? the bridegroom who refused to let people in? So, if you find yourself feeling like the foolish bridesmaids, remember to wait - even in the dark. Don’t run from it. It is a holy place and God will meet you there. If you find yourself feeling like the wise bridesmaids, remember to share what you have, even if it scares you. The opportunity to give of yourself is a holy place and God will meet you there.  And if you find yourself feeling like the bridegroom, remember to open wide the door to the banquet feast. Don’t let hurt feelings and fear insulate you from others. Welcoming those who have made mistakes and who walk in darkness is a holy place. God will meet you there.

The unsung heroes of our times, those whom we remember today, I’m sure waited for the day when finally, peace and freedom dawned. They waited patiently in the dark abyss, endlessly, with their blood, sweat and tears so that the evils of war will come to an end and people will enjoy life once more. They emulated an active waiting, doing what they need to do for the sake of others. Today, we honour and notice intentionally their courage, their dignity, their vocation, their service to the country. To wait is serious work. It is to be done with great honesty and integrity. And it is to be done with a sense of responsibility. For who and what we are today is drawn from who went before us. They have passed a torch to us and we must carry it forward.  The Rev. John Maich, a military padre shared an excerpt of the following prayerful appeal reminiscent of Jesus’ teaching: “Perhaps today will be the day that Remembrance translates into doing. Perhaps today will be the day that we acknowledge that there is no greater love than to lay our lives down for others and no greater offense than to demand others to take lives on our behalf. Perhaps today two minutes of silence will finally be enough for us to actually remember and not repeat the failures that rob our brave sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, friends and neighbours of their humanity or their lives.”

So today, as a reminder and a time of recommitment, we shall remember them. Every day, at the going down of the sun and in the morning, we actively wait for a new dawn to break. When love, justice, peace and freedom will lead the people’s hearts. And yes, in our waiting, remembrance is a must. Lest we forget. Amen.

Sources:

BCUC Lectionary Group; David R. Henson, The Breaking of the Bridesmaids – Rethinking A Problematic Parable, patheos.org;

Anna Carter Florence, Filling Stations, day1.org; David Lose, www.workingpreachers.org; pursuitsofgod.com, Matthew Skinner, huffpost.com, Kristin Henderson, npr.org.

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

Let us gather our hearts in a prayer written and inspired by Diaconal Ministers Ted Dodd and Kimiko Karpoff:

Lord, Lord,
the wedding feast is delayed.
The banquet tables do not make space for everyone.Your realm has not fully arrived.
Earth has not evolved into Eden.
Apologies have not led to reconciliation.
Too many struggles with knees on their necks and they cannot breathe.
A pandemic circles the planet with sickness, unemployment, isolation, and stress.

So, we pray …
On earth as it is in heaven.

In the meantime,
we wait, gathered together.
We prepare.
We expect and envision,
We long and yearn and hope
for a renewed creation,
for right relations,
for dignity and respect,
for sharing and inclusion.

And we pray …
On earth as it is in heaven.

While we wait, we try to be wise:
to discern, to stay alert,
to shed light at midnight,
to see the coming realm:
in the eyes of a stranger,
in the stories of survival,
in acts of courage and justice-making,
in the telling of truth to power,
in moments of compassion and community,
in study and prayer,
in the holy inbreaking of blessing and gratitude. We try to stay awake … and even be “woke.”

And we pray …
Lead us not into temptation.

And when we are drowsy and foolish,
when our lamps run dry,
when are unprepared and caught short,
when we are irresponsible and fall asleep,
we pray, surely you will not shut the door,
surely you who are mercy will let in some latecomers, surely you will tolerate a little foolishness or forgetfulness
surely you will know us.

And so we pray …
Forgive us our trespasses.

Today we remember and we pray
There are those who lived through and died in combat, And those who lived and died imprisoned by their own countries
We pray for them
We pray that what we envision is God’s kingdom, That we see ourselves as agents of peace in every aspect of our lives
That we envision a love that both holds the other, And holds each other accountable,
With compassion and kindness,
as we walk this journey together
We remember the past so we can join God in co-creating our future
We remember the past because our story emerges from these stories
We remember the past and remember that
We live the kingdom of God
Or we don’t
Lest we forget

We lift these prayers in the name of Jesus who taught us the way to peace, as we recite together these words he 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:            Rev. Lorrie Lowes

There are opportunities to give every day, certainly through gifts of time, talents and money, but also through brave and courageous action, faithful service, and loving devotion. Let us share of ourselves and of what God has so graciously given.

I now invite you to offer your gifts of time, talents, resources, bravery and courageous acts 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: (Gord Dunbar, Gathering, 2015)

Our gifts seem so insignificant against the needs and conflicts of the world, yet we still are called into witness and service. Bless us God and these gifts we offer, that we may fulfill your mission for all creation. Amen.

Sending Forth:  (Sandy Ferguson, Gathering, 2014)      Rev. Kim Vidal

People of God, once more we return to the world,
remembering what was lost to secure what we have today.
Let this Remembrance renew our faith in the peace
that God continues to create through us.
Let our witness be a guide to others
so that we will no longer have to add names
to our sacred task of remembering.
Go in peace. Amen. 

Hymn:   Make Me A Channel – Voices United #684

1 Make me a channel of your peace
Where there is hatred, let me bring love
Where there is injury, your healing power
And where there's doubt, true faith in you

Chorus:
O, Spirit grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand
to be loved as to love with all my soul 

2 Make me a channel of your peace
Where there's despair in life, let me bring hope, Where there is darkness, only light
And where there's sadness ever joy 

3 Make me a channel of your peace
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned
In giving to all that we receive
And in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Words attri. To St. Francis, Music © 1967 Sebastian Temple, Arr. © 1976 Pulkingham
Song #80478 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Departing Music: Maple Leaf Forever - David Brown

Zoom Fellowship hosted by Lorrie at 11: 00 am. Link has been emailed. See you there!

[1] Veterans.gc.ca

Sunday Worship Service - November 1, 2020

BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH

22nd SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
ALL SAINTS SUNDAY

November 1, 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: On Wings of Song - Mendelssohn

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. We gather from many places, distant yet connected by the spirit of God’s love that calls us to gather. Today, we pause and remember the saints of the past who followed and lived out God’s call to sainthood. We also celebrate the saints of today who are called to walk the talk in the name of humility and faithful service.

Nov 8 is Remembrance Sunday. We have an opportunity to gather in the sanctuary for a modified worship service on Sundays at 10 am. A maximum number of 28 people are invited to gather. Please call the office to register. Full information on procedures and safety measures are posted on our website. We are also in need of ushers for the Sunday services. Please inform the office if you are able to help.

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.

We offer our sincerest condolences to Jean Butler and family in the passing of her son, Phillip, this week. Please hold them in your thoughts and prayers.

Here are some announcements:

-        The Veterans’ House project is due to be completed by January 2021 that hopes to accommodate at least 40 veterans. Please continue to support this project financially. For information on how to give, please check the website at multifaithhousing.ca.

-        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.

-        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 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 opens us to the Spirit as we continue being the saints God have called us to be. Let us gather in worship.

Lighting of the Christ Candle      Acolytes: Susan & George Young

As we light this Christ candle,
we are reminded of those who live and have lived God’s love;
saints of yesterday and today, the hands, heart and voice of Christ.
May the light of Christ continue to shine in all of us! 

Call to Gather: (Inspired by David Sparks, Prayers to Share)     Rev. Lorrie Lowes

Wonderful Covenant Maker, we come before you.
We are your saints and you are our God, and we rejoice!
Great Teacher from the beginning, we come before you.
We are ready for fresh understanding.
God’s word will open up new ideas.
The God of our ancestors will never abandon us.
Great is your faithfulness, O God,
from generation to generation.

A Litany for All Saints:   Rev. Kim Vidal

(Worship Resources for All Saints Day, Rev-o-lution.org)

Let us remember and give thanks for all the saints, past and present:

For all the saints who have gone before us,
God, we give thanks for our ancestors in the faith.
For all the saints who have been beloved to us,

God, we give thanks for our loved ones who have passed on.
For all the saints who have left us too soon,
God, we mourn their passing, and they remain in our hearts.
For all the saints of today who exemplify the faithful life,
God, may we learn from their ways and follow you.
For all the saints at BCUC, God, we give thanks to you;
On earth, in heaven, we are one, we are your children.

May we know that we are loved by the same God, from this life into eternity.
In the name of Jesus the Christ, who lived, who died,
and who lives forever in our hearts. Amen. 

Hymn:   For All the Saints – Voices United #705

1 For all the saints, who from their labours rest, all who by faith before the world confessed, your name, O Jesus, be forever blest. Hallelujah, hallelujah!

2 You were their rock, their fortress, and their might: you were their captain in the well-fought fight; you, in the darkness drear, the one true light. Hallelujah, hallelujah!

3 O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
yet all are one within your great design.
Hallelujah, hallelujah!

4 The golden evening brightens in the west,
soon, soon to faithful warriors comes their rest; sweet is the calm of paradise the blest.
Hallelujah, hallelujah!

5 But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day the saints triumphant rise in bright array: as God to glory calls them all away.
Hallelujah, hallelujah!

6 From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast, through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost: Hallelujah, hallelujah!

Words 1864 William How, Music 1906 Ralph Vaughan Willams, Oxford Univ Press
Song #18303 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Storytime for the Young at Heart:     Rev. Lorrie Lowes

If you are watching this on Sunday morning, last night was Hallowe’en! It was a very different celebration for most of us because of Covid. In many places trick or treating was cancelled. It was disappointing for sure – but I wonder if you and your family found some new ways to celebrate.

Did you know that Hallowe’en is actually related to today’s church service? It doesn’t seem very church-like, does it? Well, the name Hallowe’en actually started out as “All Hallow’s Eve” and hallow is another word that means sort of the same as saint – and today is All Saints’ Day. If you think about Christmas Eve – that means the night before Christmas, right? So All Hallow’s Eve is the night before All Hallows’ Day or All Saints’ Day.

We often think about saints as special people who have died – maybe that’s where all the spooky stuff related to Hallowe’en come from. I’ve heard that Trick or Treating came from a time when people dressed up as ghosts and asked for food in return for not haunting you. Makes some sense! I think, like most holidays and celebrations, things have changed over time and there are lots of different traditions all rolled into one.

But, I thought it might be good to talk today about this word “saint”. In some Christian religions, like Anglican and Roman Catholic, people who have done wonderful things in their lives are sometimes officially given the title of “Saint” after they die. It’s often linked with some kind of miracle. So… that’s Saint with a capital “S”. There are even special days for them – like St. Patrick’s Day or St. Nicholas Day… but today is ALL Saints Day. So, I wonder who else that includes… can you think of some others?

You might hear people call someone a saint if they are especially kind or extremely patient. I know I’ve said it – “That man (or woman) is a saint!” In the United Church, we don’t have an official process for making someone a saint. Maybe that means we can all be saints! I wonder how we do that?

Well, I don’t think God expects us all to go around performing miracles – but I do think God celebrates when we do something that helps make the world a better place. Isn’t that something we can all do – each in our own way?

I can think of some people who just make the world a better place by being helpful to others or by bringing them comfort. Sometimes, if someone helps me with a really tricky problem or situation, they are a saint to me. Even when you just do your very best to accomplish something you are proud of… I think that’s a way to be a saint too. It means being committed enough to doing the right thing that you push through things that might distract you or slow you down. It means noticing when someone needs something or help or even a hug – and then making sure they get it.

So, today, after all the fun of Hallowe’en, let’s take this All Saints’ Day seriously. Let’s think about all the people who make this world a better place… and let’s think about all the opportunities we have to do that… and let’s celebrate the fact that God has given all of us the gifts and talents we need to be saints. Happy All Saints’ Day to every single one of you!

Hymn: I Am Walking A Path of Peace - More Voices #221

I am walking a path of peace (3X)
Lead me on. Lead me on.

I am walking a path of love (3X)
Lead me on. Lead me on.

I am walking a path of hope (3X)
Lead me on. Lead me on.

I am walking in wisdom’s way (3X)
Lead me on. I am home.

Words & Music © 2007, Janet Bauman Tissandier
Song #126815 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Prayer for Illumination       Reader:  Keith Bailey

God of all saints, you constantly surprise us with your Word
that seeks and embraces us with a welcoming grace.
As we ponder on your life-giving Word,
help us to affirm your presence in our lives. Amen. 

The Reading: “A Lesson on Humility”   Matthew 23:1-12 (NRSV)

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 
2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; 
3 therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. 
4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. 
5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. 
6 They love to have the place of honour at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, 
7 and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. 
8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students.
9 And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. 
10 Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah.
11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 
12 All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted. 

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

Sermon: “Between Words and Actions”       Rev. Kim Vidal

Today is All Saints Sunday. It is a time to remember the cloud of witnesses who have been part of our faith journey. It is also a moment to celebrate the saints of our current times. Wikipedia defines a saint as a person who is recognized for having an exceptional degree of holiness or closeness to God. Immediately we think of Biblical saints like St. Peter or St. Mary Magdalene or Teresa  of Avila, St. Patrick or St. Francis of Assisi or perhaps modern saints like Mother Teresa or Nelson Mandela.

The American theologian and preacher Walter Brueggemann in his sermon called Saints Remembered and Saints to Come[1] offers three ways in defining a saint: 1) saints are the ones through whom the light comes upon us; 2) saints are people who knows the meaning of the “other”, that is, who are kind and generous toward others and who respect people who are not like us – others of different race, age, class, culture, ethnic background and sexual orientation. Saints are those who know that the “other” may be where God meets us. 3) Saints are those who do not run when they smell death. They are unafraid of suffering and they stay in love where there is dying or violence or illness.  Bruegguemann’s definition of saints made me realize that saints are not only those who have already died and left a lasting legacy to the human world but also those who are still here, alive and well, who commit to making the world a better place. It also led me to reflect on those who have offered their lives for the sake of saving others. It reminds me of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Protestant Lutheran Pastor and theologian who opposed the policies of Hitler. Due to his opposition to the Nazi regime, Bonhoeffer was arrested and executed in a concentration camp, during the last month of the war. He remains an important symbol of opposition to Hitler’s tyranny, and his views on Christianity increasingly remain influential among biblical scholars and theologians. Bonhoeffer’s principled resistance to Hitler’s regime was a source of inspiration for other modern saints such as Martin Luther King Jr., Archbishop Desmond Tutu and shared many ideals with Mahatma Gandhi.

In our gospel reading today, Jesus alludes to another definition of saints – those who walk the talk and those whose finest virtue is humility. This is a timely theme for a sermon especially as we continue to live in this pandemic time; as the Americans head to the electoral polls to vote for their next US president; as we continue to challenge those in power on issues of racism and all sorts of injustices; as we remember those who died in the hands of hate and violence. It is a message needing our urgent attention here and now.

Karoline Lewis commented that this passage is about the “pastors and politicians as they call upon the name of God to justify their speech and actions, and yet disregard and displace the very persons Jesus loved so much…”[2]  I almost did not wear my clergy collar today. Why? Because in this text, Jesus gets upset with the religious authority. He calls them hypocrites. He reprimands the Pharisees and the scribes who proudly wear their robes with the phylacteries and fringes so that everyone would know that they were the big shots of the temple. Phylacteries are those little boxes filled with scripture and strapped to the forehead, in adherence to the law, “write these words upon your forehead”. Fringes are those tangly bits on the ends of the prayer shawls. Jesus of course was giving a word of caution to any who might like to make sure that everyone notices how well / how prayerfully / how spiritually / how energetically they are worshipping. They enjoyed sitting at the head table and the front row in synagogue/church.  And they loved their titles. In fact, they expected to be addressed by their titles.  I don’t know that there’s anything wrong with robes or clergy garb or even titles. I have a number of robes and stoles in different styles and colours that designate me as your minister. I try to wear them lightly, but it is easy to get caught up in expectations that others will recognize and honour my vocation. And sometimes I wonder too if I am walking the talk as expected of my position. 

One Sunday morning a man entered a church just before the service was to begin. He was wearing a worn and ragged shirt and jeans. The church he entered was in a very upscale and exclusive part of the city. It was the largest and most beautiful church the man had ever seen. It had high cathedral ceilings, elaborate pipe organ, beautiful stained-glass windows, plush carpet and velvet-like cushioned pews. The building must have cost millions of dollars to build and maintain. The people of the congregation were all dressed in the finest and most expensive suits, dresses, shoes and jewelry the man had ever witnessed. As the poorly dressed man took a seat, others looked at him indifferently. No one greeted him. No one welcomed him. No one offered a handshake. No one spoke to him. As the man was leaving the church, the minister approached him with these words. “We do have a dress code in this church. Before you come back in here again, have a talk with God and ask God what God thinks would be appropriate attire for worship.” The man assured the minister he would do that and left. The very next Sunday morning the man showed back up for the service wearing the same ragged jeans and shirt. Before the service began, the minister noticed the man and had a short talk with him. “I thought I asked you to speak to God before you came back to this church,” the minister said. “I did,” replied the man. “God told me that God wouldn’t have the slightest idea what was appropriate attire for worshiping in this church. God has never even been in here because you do not do what you preach.”

Jesus spoke many times about walking the talk as if he was saying “Do what you say or you lose all credibility.” Jesus knows that actions speak louder than words. In this story, he points to the Pharisees and religious leaders for not practicing what they preach. Jesus reminds them that faith is not about how many scripture passages you can quote, nor how many religious laws you claim to observe, but about how wide is your reach of love, compassion and justice. So if someone used his or her authority to divide, label, oppress or hurt others, then you are not walking the talk. Your service and intention are just empty words. The most dangerous temptations for all of us is to use words to make ourselves think that we are on the right track, when in reality our lives don’t come anywhere near to matching what we say. The best leaders lead by example.  This is true for parents, politicians, civic leaders, preachers and teachers, to name a few. Jesus says, “Do what you preach. Walk the talk.”

It's no accident that Jesus speaks about humility towards the end of this text. Humility- its root comes from the word for ground, humus. But being humble doesn't mean treating yourself like dirt. It can mean being fertile, being grounded, being filled with possibility, being open to the planting of the seeds of hope and the watering of compassion and love. Matthew’s Jesus does not mince his words: “For all who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” I like what Eugene Peterson’s version of this verse: “If you walk around with your nose in the air, you're going to end up flat on your face. But if you're content to be simply yourself, you will become more than yourself."[3]

What is this about being humble and the virtue of humility that Jesus would like us to emulate? In one occasion Jesus told his disciples that the greatest in God’s reign, are those who humble themselves as a little child. Jesus took a little child in his arms and said to them: “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name, welcomes me. Whoever welcomes we, welcomes God.” Children were not valued at the time of Jesus. They had no rights. They were not considered the greatest members of the society. They have no voice and were seen as subservient to parents. But unless we become like children, whose innocence and curiosity leads to new opportunities, children who are open to change, with humble hearts and spirits, we can never understand, we can never experience the reign of God in the world. The children among us today are not only those whose age mark them as children, Children are also those people who are not highly regarded; those without a place of their own; those without a leg to stand on; those whose voices are heard not because they have a right to be heard, but only because the more powerful indulge them from time to time; those who are seen as less important by us and by our society. These are the children in our midst.

To be humble - does it mean to feel inferior?  Does it mean to put yourself down? Does it mean to compare yourself with others and come up short? Does it mean to have a walking inferiority complex? I don’t think so. Is the word humility equivalent to being timid? To be a mouse in the corner? To be afraid to say what’s on your mind? To be scared to stand up and be counted? I don’t think so. In our lectionary group discussion this past Tuesday, Peggy Aitchison offered a wonderful definition of humility which I find very relevant: “Humility is having a sane assessment of one’s strengths and weaknesses along with a willingness to listen and learn from others.” A preacher also gave this wonderful definition of humility. He said: “At the heart of this quality of humility is an attitude of the heart which realizes that gifts come from God. All of my talents. All of my money and resources. All my personality traits which allow me to advance in life. Everything that I have is a gift from God. Humility is grounded in this deep psychological awareness. You cannot have genuine humility without it. Humility is grounded in the conviction that everything I am and everything are gifts from God. Therefore, how can I boast? How can I use these God-given gifts as a measuring stick to elevate myself above others?”[4]  Humility is one of the hallmarks of a person of authentic faith and a central principle in God’s reign.

Here at BCUC, I am surrounded by humble saints, past and present, who lived and continue to their faith on a day to day basis.  Saints who practice radical connectedness and hospitality. Saints with genuine humility, faithful love, and deep compassion. Saints who share their gifts and talents for the betterment of the community and the world. Saints who serve the vulnerable and pray for the sick. Saints who embody the vision Jesus has shared throughout his life. You are saints in your own way because you find love and fulfillment in service to others as you walk the talk.  And I am blessed to journey with saints like you as you inspire and teach me to walk the talk.

So today, let us celebrate all the saints – both past and present, as we continue in this journey called life.  I offer these words from a song written by Leonard Cohen as we go about our business of humbly walking the talk:

“Ring the bells that still can ring 
Forget your perfect offering 
There is a crack in everything 
That's how the light gets in.
Ring the bells that still can ring:
the bells of friendship, 
the bells of hope. the bells of love, the bells of joy
The cracks are there for all to see. Let the light shine in.
And still we connect. And still we embrace.
And still we stand. And still we find time.
And still we become light of the world.”

Thanks be to our loving God. Amen.

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer    Rev. Lorrie Lowes

God of us all,
We come in prayer this day to lift up all the joys and concerns of our lives.
We come to offer thanks for your presence with us and with hope and faith that your grace and
guidance will help us be the people you need in the struggles of this earthly life.
On this All Saints Day, we lift our prayers for all the saints who went before us, for those who
live beside us, and for those who live beyond us:
Thank you for witnesses of the faith, O God:
For those who have helped us hear the story of your people,
for the ways the story has touched our lives.
Thank you for the evangelists who have written the gospels;
for the power of their telling.
Thank you for the prophets who have disturbed us;
for their ability to help us examine our living.
Thank you for those people we have known who have lived out the faith;
for the inspiration they have been to us.
Thank you for the courageous disciples who have stood up for their beliefs;
for their example.
Help us also to be witnesses to the faith.
Let our living be consistent with our preaching.
Help us to be powerful prophets.
Let our work of justice and compassion influence our society.
Help us to be disciples serving and ministering in your name.
Let us convey everywhere the graciousness of your love.
We pray for the saints in our midst…
For all your saints, O God, we raise our hallelujahs.
(Celebrate God’s Presence, p 215-216)

We lift these prayers in the name of Jesus, our mentor and guide, as we recite together these
words he 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:   Rev. Kim Vidal

On this All Saints Sunday, we give thanks for the joy of being a part of the communion of saints, with those who have gone before and those scattered here and around the globe. May we continue being the saints God has called us to be.

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: (Seasons of the Spirit, All Saints Sunday, Year C)

We offer our whole selves to you, O God, creator of everything.
It is a joy and a blessing to share our gifts with one another.
As we offer these things for the work of your church,
help us to be mindful of all that we can do together
as the Body of Christ. Amen.

Sending Forth:  (Celebrate God’s Presence, p. 216)      Rev. Lorrie Lowes

May Christ, who makes saints of sinners,
Who has transformed those we remember today,
Raise and strengthen you,
That you may transform the world. Amen. 

Hymn: Three Things I Promise  - More Voices #176

Three things I promise, Holy God,
in age and youth, in life and death:
to bless your Name, and cling to Christ,
and listen for the Spirit’s breath. 

Your love unfolded time and space,
and life, and all that life became,
and so, with thankful heart and voice,
through good and ill, I bless your Name. 

I follow, serve, and cling to Christ
amid out culture’s tides and trends,
for here your Name is most revealed:
Majestic Love, and Best of Friends. 

Enlivened as the Spirit moves
to cleanse, awaken, and renew,
I pray that justice, peace, and truth,
may seed and grow in all I do. 

If I should live when vigour fades,
and family and friends are gone,
three acts of loving faith remain
when days are slow, and work is done. 

Revive and guide me, Living God,
as day by day, until my death,
I bless your Name, and cling to Christ,
and listen for the Spirit’s breath.

Words © 1997 Brian Wren, & Music © 1999, Daniel Charles Damon Hope Publishing
Song #52995 & 52996 Reprinted with permission ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved

Departing: for America - arranged by Mark Hayes

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

[1] Walter Brueggemann, Collected Sermons, p. 206.

[2] Karoline Lewis, Words For A Time Such As This, Oct 29, 2017, workingpreacher.org

[3] Eugene Peterson, The Message.

[4] Rev. Edward F. Markquart, “You May Not Want to Invite Jesus for Dinner”, http://www.sermonsfromseattle.com.