Life is streaming from the sun
A garden blessed, the bird that sings
Nature gives us everything
Awake everyone, the time has come
To mend, to tend, our common home
To give our thanks, sow our seeds
Extend the hand to those in need
When the soul yearns for love
It comes flowing from above
Mercy, hope, humility
These are the words to live by every day
Walls will crumble, we arise
To work as one, abide, provide
Mercy, hope, humility
These are the words we whisper in our sleep
When in doubt the nights are long
Wear the smile, wear the sun
To comfort us when alone
Holding your heart, love will come
Walls will crumble as we abide
Restore the house, we shall provide
Love, compassion, unity
These are the words to live by every day
Awake everyone, the time has come
Life is streaming from the sun
Mercy, hope, humanity
These are the words
These are the words
These are the words
(and as an edit I would stongly recommend watching the video)
Gathering of the Community
Leader: Let us shape a space for The Three:
One the Spirit as breath of life
Two: the Bread as food of heaven
Three: the Love in relationship
Let us shape a space that tangles all three through our life and our worship held in relationship and met here
Let us shape a space for the many faces of God woven together and revealed in each of us On this Trinity Sunday Let us shape a space to be found together in worship
Prayer of Approach
God of the Heavens, keeper of the stars, Lord of the darkest, most remote places of the universe, the one who hovered and breathed life, and the Creator of every living thing: Be our salvation, our comfort, our hope, for you are holy and righteous, your words are true and your light dispels all darkness. Glory to the Almighty God, Sun of Righteousness and Breath of Life. Amen.
Proclamation of the Word
A READING FROM THE BOOK OF GENESIS
In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. And God said, "Let there be a dome in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters." So God made the dome and separated the waters that were under the dome from the waters that were above the dome. And it was so. God called the dome Sky. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day. And God said, "Let the waters under the sky be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear." And it was so. God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, "Let the earth put forth vegetation: plants yielding seed, and fruit trees of every kind on earth that bear fruit with the seed in it." And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation: plants yielding seed of every kind, and trees of every kind bearing fruit with the seed in it. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the third day. And God said, "Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years, and let them be lights in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth." And it was so. God made the two great lights - the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night - and the stars. God set them in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day. And God said, "Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the dome of the sky." So God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, of every kind, with which the waters swarm, and every winged bird of every kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth." And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day. And God said, "Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind." And it was so. God made the wild animals of the earth of every kind, and the cattle of every kind, and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, "Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth." So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth." God said, "See, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food." And it was so. God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude. And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation. These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created.
Psalm 8
Refrain O Lord our governor, how exalted is your name in all the world!
O Lord our governor, how exalted is your name in all the world!
Out of the mouths of infants and children your majesty is praised above the heavens. R
GENESIS 1:1-2:4A
Psalm 8
Refrain O Lord our governor, how exalted is your name in all the world!
O Lord our governor, how exalted is your name in all the world!
Out of the mouths of infants and children your majesty is praised above the heavens. R
You have set up a stronghold against your adversaries, to quell the enemy and the avenger.
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars you have set in their courses, R
What is man that you should be mindful of him? the son of man that you should seek him out?
You have made him but little lower than the angels; you adorn him with glory and honour; R
You give him mastery over the works of your hands; you put all things under his feet;
All sheep and oxen, even the wild beasts of the field, R
The birds of the air, the fish of the sea, and whatsoever walks in the paths of the sea.
O Lord our governor, how exalted is your name in all the world! R
A READING FROM THE SECOND LETTER OF PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS
Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.
Song She Comes Sailing on the Wind Author: Gordon Light
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars you have set in their courses, R
What is man that you should be mindful of him? the son of man that you should seek him out?
You have made him but little lower than the angels; you adorn him with glory and honour; R
You give him mastery over the works of your hands; you put all things under his feet;
All sheep and oxen, even the wild beasts of the field, R
The birds of the air, the fish of the sea, and whatsoever walks in the paths of the sea.
O Lord our governor, how exalted is your name in all the world! R
A READING FROM THE SECOND LETTER OF PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS
Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.
2 CORINTHIANS 13:11-13
Refrain:
She comes sailing on the wind,
her wings flashing in the sun;
on a journey just begun,
she flies on.
And in the passage of her flight,
her song rings out through the night,
full of laughter, full of light,
she flies on.
Silent waters rocking on the morning of our birth,
like an empty cradle waiting to be filled.
And from the heart of God the Spirit moved up on the earth,
like a mother breathing life into her child.
She comes sailing on the wind,
her wings flashing in the sun;
on a journey just begun,
she flies on.
And in the passage of her flight,
her song rings out through the night,
full of laughter, full of light,
she flies on.
Silent waters rocking on the morning of our birth,
like an empty cradle waiting to be filled.
And from the heart of God the Spirit moved up on the earth,
like a mother breathing life into her child.
Many were the dreamers whose eyes were given sight
when the Spirit filled their dreams with life and form.
Deserts turned to gardens, broken hearts found new delight,
and then down the ages still she flew on.
(Refrain)
To a gentle girl in Galilee, a gentle breeze she came,
a whisper softly calling in the dark,
the promise of a child of peace whose reign would never end,
Mary sang the Spirit song within her heart.
Flying to the river, she waited circling high
above the child now grown so full of grace.
As he rose up from the water, she swept down from the sky,
and she carried him away in her embrace.
(Refrain)
Long after the deep darkness that fell upon the world,
after dawn returned in flame of rising sun,
the Spirit touched the earth again, again her wings unfurled,
bringing life in wind and fire as she flew on.
(Refrain)
THE HOLY GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO MATTHEW
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
when the Spirit filled their dreams with life and form.
Deserts turned to gardens, broken hearts found new delight,
and then down the ages still she flew on.
(Refrain)
To a gentle girl in Galilee, a gentle breeze she came,
a whisper softly calling in the dark,
the promise of a child of peace whose reign would never end,
Mary sang the Spirit song within her heart.
Flying to the river, she waited circling high
above the child now grown so full of grace.
As he rose up from the water, she swept down from the sky,
and she carried him away in her embrace.
(Refrain)
Long after the deep darkness that fell upon the world,
after dawn returned in flame of rising sun,
the Spirit touched the earth again, again her wings unfurled,
bringing life in wind and fire as she flew on.
(Refrain)
THE HOLY GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO MATTHEW
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
MATTHEW 28:16-20
Reflection
Dear Lord, I can’t. You Can. Please Do.
Awake everyone, the time has come
Life is streaming from the sun
Mercy, hope, humanity
These are the words to live by every day
(from These are the Words by Patti Smith)
Perhaps it is fortuitous that we have the Genesis reading set for this Trinity Sunday. We watch the news, participate in demonstrations, add our voices from isolation in support and cry out against the racism visited upon other human beings – God’s creation. Perhaps it is a timely reminder from our story to remember who we are and whose we are.
The creation story takes time to unfold and if you are detail oriented it sometimes appears to not have unfolded in a “proper” order. After all verses 11 and 12 outline the vegetation came before the seeds,
Then God said, ‘Let the earth put forth vegetation: plants yielding seed, and fruit trees of every kind on earth that bear fruit with the seed in it.’ And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation: plants yielding seed of every kind, and trees of every kind bearing fruit with the seed in it. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the third day.”
So, what is God’s image? In the times we are living in we are reminded that we are failing to recognize it. The supremacy of one over another, based on skin colour, has been shown in significant and horrific ways. Do you still believe that God is an old man? Up in the sky? With a long white beard and white hair? And likely white? Our childhood image of God tends to reflect back what we immediately see around us ( would hope that has changed as we have matured and grown in faith.) But let’s reflect on verses 26 and 27 in Genesis
“God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; … So God created humankind in his image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.”
And then, somewhere along the line we forgot this. Somewhere along the line someone thought they were better, smarter, greater because they were lighter in complexion. Somewhere along the line it was translated that to be of a light complexion (preferably as white as possible) was to be superior, was to be better, was to be preferred. Even Hollywood highlighted the importance of a lighter complexion when in the movie The Blue Lagoon (1980) towards the closing scene when Emmaline and Richard were found, Emmaline was told that her skin was too dark and it would need to be lightened up for polite society. I believe lemons were recommended! The idea is everywhere in our society and yet Genesis reminds us that ALL are made in God’s likeness.
The plural that is used also reminds us on this Trinity Sunday of how we refer to God.
God – the Creator
God – the Redeemer
God – the Sustainer
And then I heard the words to the song, These are the Words (Patti Smith). Through out the song she sings “Mercy, hope, humility, These are the words to live by every day”.
Imagine that description of the Triune God
God of Mercy – Creator
God of Hope – Jesus Redeemer
God of Humility – Spirit Sustainer
And then in the final verse of the song she switches out humility and sings
“Mercy, hope, humanity
These are the words to live by every day”
God of Mercy – Our Creator
God of Hope – Jesus our Redeemer
God of Humanity – Spirit Sustainer (of our humanity)
A timely reminder, indeed, to have the creation story as part of Trinity Sunday to remind us all to be better, to do better, to stand as ONE lovingly created by God to care for all of the created order. Look for the face of God in all that you meet and pray that they see God’s face reflected in you.
Mercy – Hope – Humility (Humanity) may it be our guiding principle and may we reflect it daily through our actions constantly reminded that it is God’s creation and we have been entrusted with the responsibility to care for the whole of it as human beings reflecting God in the world.
These are the words … “love, compassion, unity these are the words to live by everyday…”
Song for reflection: Love, Take a walk Listen here
℗ 2015 Ana Hernandez & Fran McKendree
Released on: 2015-10-31 Auto-generated by YouTube.
The Prayers of the People
Holy, holy, holy God, in calling forth creation from the void, revealing yourself in human flesh, and pouring forth your wisdom to guide us, you manifest your concern for your whole universe. You invite us, as your people, to gather the world's needs into our hearts and bring them before you saying
Blessed Trinity, One God; how exalted is your Name in all the world.
Holy and mysterious One, you have given to your church peace with the Father through our Lord Jesus Christ, and through Christ we have been justified by faith and obtained access to the grace in which we stand: Guide your Church into all truth through the Spirit of truth, that we may faithfully praise you and serve you always.
Blessed Trinity, One God; how exalted is your Name in all the world
Holy and mysterious One, you have given to your church peace with the Father through our Lord Jesus Christ, and through Christ we have been justified by faith and obtained access to the grace in which we stand: Guide your Church into all truth through the Spirit of truth, that we may faithfully praise you and serve you always.
Blessed Trinity, One God; how exalted is your Name in all the world
Your majesty is praised from the mouths of infants and children: Let the leaders of our nation and all in authority throughout the world follow your wisdom, know your peace, and create communities of compassion and love.
Blessed Trinity, One God; how exalted is your Name in all the world
In your Spirit you reach everywhere to bless all humanity, created in your divine image: Send forth your Wisdom to direct the human race, that all may listen to her voice and live into the fullness of life as you intend.
Blessed Trinity, One God; how exalted is your Name in all the world
Blessed Trinity, One God; how exalted is your Name in all the world
In your Spirit you reach everywhere to bless all humanity, created in your divine image: Send forth your Wisdom to direct the human race, that all may listen to her voice and live into the fullness of life as you intend.
Blessed Trinity, One God; how exalted is your Name in all the world
You have led us into a good community where neighbors attend to one another with mutual care and accountability: Let us hear the call of wisdom and understanding, that we may live creatively and increase the measure of truth, beauty, and goodness that can be shared among all people.
Blessed Trinity, One God; how exalted is your Name in all the world
Your divine wisdom rejoices in this inhabited world and delights in the human race. Let our suffering produce endurance, and endurance produce character, and character produce hope which does not disappoint us:
Blessed Trinity, One God; how exalted is your Name in all the world
Your divine wisdom rejoices in this inhabited world and delights in the human race. Let our suffering produce endurance, and endurance produce character, and character produce hope which does not disappoint us:
Hear our prayers for those for whom we intercede, especially for…..
Accept our gratefulness for your goodness and blessing toward us, especially for ….
Receive into your eternal life those who have died, especially for….
Blessed Trinity, One God; how exalted is your Name in all the world
Holy, holy, holy God, fill us with strength and courage, with discernment and compassion, that we may be your instruments of justice and love in this world, that it may be on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
Accept our gratefulness for your goodness and blessing toward us, especially for ….
Receive into your eternal life those who have died, especially for….
Blessed Trinity, One God; how exalted is your Name in all the world
Holy, holy, holy God, fill us with strength and courage, with discernment and compassion, that we may be your instruments of justice and love in this world, that it may be on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
Offering Hymn You Reign
Listen here (Video includes the lyrics please open in another window)
Living God, receive all we offer you this day. Grant that hearing your word and responding to your Spirit, we may share in your divine life. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen
The Lords Prayer
Collect of the Day
Father, we praise you: through your Word and Holy Spirit you created all things. You reveal your salvation in all the world by sending to us Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. Through your Holy Spirit you give us a share in your life and love. Fill us with the vision of your glory, that we may always serve and praise you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
Father, we praise you: through your Word and Holy Spirit you created all things. You reveal your salvation in all the world by sending to us Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. Through your Holy Spirit you give us a share in your life and love. Fill us with the vision of your glory, that we may always serve and praise you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
Closing Prayer
So now we leave this time of worship
And while so much of the road ahead is uncertain,
the path constantly changing,
we know some things that are as solid and sure
as the ground beneath our feet,
and the sky above our heads.
We know God is love.
We know Christ’s light endures.
We know the Holy Spirit this there,
found in the space between all things,
closer to us than our next breath,
binding us to each other,
until we meet we again,
Song The Canticle of the Turning
And while so much of the road ahead is uncertain,
the path constantly changing,
we know some things that are as solid and sure
as the ground beneath our feet,
and the sky above our heads.
We know God is love.
We know Christ’s light endures.
We know the Holy Spirit this there,
found in the space between all things,
closer to us than our next breath,
binding us to each other,
until we meet we again,
Go in peace.
~ Rev. Nora Vedress,
Calvary United Church in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Song The Canticle of the Turning
Listen here
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 one who waits.
You fixed your sight on the 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.
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 those who would for you yearn,
You will show your might, put the strong to flight,
for the world is about to turn. (Refrain)
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
every tyrant from his throne.
The hungry poor shall weep no more,
for the food they can never earn;
These are tables spread, ev'ry mouth be fed,
for the world is about to turn. (Refrain)
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 that holds us bound,
'Til the spear and rod be crushed by God,
who is turning the world around. (Refrain)
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 one who waits.
You fixed your sight on the 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.
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 those who would for you yearn,
You will show your might, put the strong to flight,
for the world is about to turn. (Refrain)
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
every tyrant from his throne.
The hungry poor shall weep no more,
for the food they can never earn;
These are tables spread, ev'ry mouth be fed,
for the world is about to turn. (Refrain)
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 that holds us bound,
'Til the spear and rod be crushed by God,
who is turning the world around. (Refrain)
Paraphrase of Luke 1:46-58 (Magnificat)
Words: Rory Cooney (1990)
Music: STAR OF THE COUNTY DOWN (Irish Traditional Folk Song)
No comments:
Post a Comment