Autumn, Is it an Ending?

 

Fort Whyte Alive the beginning of  Fall Colours

What is it about the fall season that turns our thoughts towards endings and death? Is it the shorter days?  The falling leaves?  The migration of birds, especially the long lines of geese in flight? Is it that we have come through another spring and summer which are so filled with life and activity to the slower days of autumn and the hibernation of winter?

Autumn while resplendent in beauty marks an end.  The green lets go and the vibrant reds, oranges and yellows burst forth for a short period.  Then slowly drift to the ground quickly covering grass.  Walking has more than a rustle of leaves it has a crunch.  It has a finality to the summer of life.  Many people, while they find the colours glorious, struggle with autumn.  Depression increases.  Dread for the coming winter and darkness takes hold. Autumn can not be enjoyed for many people.

Just this week I had an interesting discussion, via the telephone, with a person.  All I have is a name and a general location of where they live.  This person was inquiring as to whether I would be willing to do a funeral when the time comes as he is not a member of my church congregation.  My response was, of course!  He was shocked and that question led us to a long conversation during which he would repeat again and again that he thought it would not be possible to have this, should he decide this was the route he and his family would like to pursue.  It was obviously important to him and when we finished our conversation, he was much relieved.  This got me thinking about the autumn of life and what becomes important to people.

Our mortality steps into the fore front as we watch the earth prepare for the changing season.  The harvest is well underway.  Pumpkins are ready, apples are being picked (the baskets of them smell so good and my favourite Honeycrisp is back in the stores), watering hoses and wheelbarrows and patio furniture are going back into storage as we prepare our outward physical surroundings.  But what does the autumn teach us for our inward peace?  Have we lived life to the fullest these last seasons?  Have or can we let go like the leaves?  Do we trust the process?  Or do we like that last leaf struggle to hang on to everything?  Do we see the beauty and enjoy it or do we see only deep darkness and despair?  Are we like the person on the other end of the telephone line realizing that when our end comes, we’d like to have options available of how our life is celebrated in a ceremony?  And are we brave enough, like this man, to ask for what will bring us peace, satisfaction or closure despite expecting to be told it was not possible? 

Life is filled with change and growth.  Each season reminds us of the unique perspective that it brings, each gift that is offered.  Autumn reminds us that everything in life changes.  Autumn reminds us that we too have grown, changed and sometimes we need to let go and embrace the next step.  Our autumns remind us of the importance of embracing life fully and enjoying every experience whether or not they are unique. 

Everyday my Golden Retriever and I walk through parks and along side walks.  He finds the autumn rather fascinating and curious.  If you kick the leaves be prepared for the total enjoyment that brings to a puppy who will take you in tow to further investigate.  And then there are the smells that require frequent stops to check out as many leaves as possible.  And what’s a walk with out having a good roll in the leaves?  If the wind blows, then it is game on because the leaves must be chased and caught.  I would like to say that I find as much enjoyment in the process as he does, but being taken in tow is frustrating and he is learning (most of the time) to leave it.  But what I do know is the beauty in the colour that is laid out like a carpet for us to walk on.  The crispness of the leaves adds to the sensory enjoyment and I confess I can’t help kicking the leaves just to see the reaction and the joy that comes with the necessary investigating.  Autumn marks an end (I confess I really do not like winter) but it also signifies that the earth is beginning to rest so that life and all its challenges and glory can be renewed in the spring.

Enjoy your walks, ponder necessary changes, listen to the leaves under your feet, touch the trees and feel the continuum of life under your fingers as new buds take this time to get ready for a new season.  Let go of what holds you back and celebrate the beauty around, even if it means this is the preparation for a final harvest.  Celebrate each moment and take the opportunity to enjoy each experience to the fullest.

The Migration of the Geese is a phenomenal sight 

when they return in the evenings

September 27, 2020 -- St. Michael and All Angels

 

St. Michael and All Angels Sunday 

Prelude Jerusalem the Golden

Dialog of the Angels:
Bless the Lord, all you multitude of angels.
Bless the Lord, O inhabitants of earth.
God sends forth his angels for divine service:
To serve those who are to inherit salvation.
The Lord commands the angels concerning you:
To watch and guard you in all your ways.
When the Son of Man comes with the clouds: 

He will order his angels to gather the elect.
Then 'round the throne we all shall gather: 
And sing with all the heavenly host: "Holy, Holy, Holy Lord!"

Gathering Hymn      God has Spoken

Chorus: God has spoken to the people Alleluia!
             And the words are words of wisdom, Alleluia!

Open your ears, O Christian people,
Open your ears and hear good news.
Open your hearts, O royal priesthood,
God has come to you 
God has come to you.                      Chorus

Those who have ears to hear God’s message
Those who have ears, then let them hear.
Those who would learn the way of wisdom,
Let them hear God’s word
Let them hear God’s word              Chorus

Israel comes to greet the Saviour;
Judah is glad to see his day.
From east to west the peoples travel,
God will show the way
God will show the way

Chorus
God has spoken to the people Alleluia!
And the words are words of wisdom, Alleluia!
God has spoken to the people Alleluia! 
And the words are words of wisdom, Alleluia!

The Gathering of the Community
Where is God?
God is in the rock and the water.
Loving God, be with us now and forever.
Where is God?
God is in the darkness, and in the light.
Loving God, be with us now and forever.
Where is God?
God is in our living and in our dying.
Loving God, be with us now and forever.
Come, let us worship the God who is in us and all around us.

Prayer of the Day
Loving God, help us to be patient as we travel the road of life: help us to trust you, and love you, and serve you. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

A New Commandment (New Zealand Prayer Book)
Hear the teaching of Christ:
A new commandment I give to you, 
that you love one another as I have loved you.
                Spirit of God, search our hearts

The Collect of the Day
Eternal God, you have ordained and constituted in a wonderful order the ministries of angels and mortals. Grant that as your holy angels stand before you in heaven, so at your command they may help and defend us here on earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

The Proclamation of the Word

A Reading from the Book Daniel (10:10-14; 12:1-3)

But then a hand touched me and roused me to my hands and knees. He said to me, ‘Daniel, greatly beloved, pay attention to the words that I am going to speak to you. Stand on your feet, for I have now been sent to you.’ So while he was speaking this word to me, I stood up trembling. He said to me, ‘Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for twenty-one days. So Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, and I left him there with the prince of the kingdom of Persia, and have come to help you understand what is to happen to your people at the end of days. For there is a further vision for those days.’

‘At that time Michael, the great prince, the protector of your people, shall arise. There shall be a time of anguish, such as has never occurred since nations first came into existence. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. 

Listen to the leading of the Spirit          R: Thanks be to God

Psalm 103:19-22

The Psalm Refrain is : Bless the Lord, O my Soul

The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.
Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, obedient to his spoken word.

Bless the Lord, O my Soul

Bless the Lord, all his hosts, his ministers that do his will.
Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul.

Bless the Lord, O my Soul 

A Reading from the Revelation of John (12:7-12)

And war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels fought back, but they were defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. The great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, proclaiming, “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Messiah, for the accuser of our comrades has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. But they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they did not cling to life even in the face of death.
Rejoice then, you heavens and those who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you with great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!”

Listen to the leading of the Spirit          R: Thanks be to God

Gradual Hymn     445 God the Creator
God the Creator, you in love made me
who once was nothing but now have grown.
I bring the best of all my life offers;
for you I share whatever I own.

O Christ the Saviour, you in love called me
who once was no one, lost and alone.
I pledge to go wherever you summon
making your will and purpose my own. 

O God the Spirit, you in love made me
who once was nowhere and felt unknown.
I know my need of you for companion:
all things can change when not on my own.

And with the people summoned together
to be the church in which faith is sown
I make my promise to live for Jesus
and let the world know all are his own 



The Gospel

The Lord be with you           And also with you 
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. John
Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ

When Jesus saw Nathanael coming towards him, he said of him, ‘Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!’ Nathanael asked him, ‘Where did you come to know me?’ Jesus answered, ‘I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.’ Nathanael replied, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’ Jesus answered, ‘Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.’ 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.’

The Gospel of Christ                   Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ

Homily

An Affirmation of Faith (~ posted on The United Church of Canada website.) 

We are not alone, we live in God's world.

We believe in God: who has created and is creating, 
who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh,
to reconcile and make new,
who works in us and others by the Spirit.

We trust in God.

We are called to be the Church:
to celebrate God's presence,
to live with respect in Creation,
to love and serve others,
to seek justice and resist evil,
to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen,
our judge and our hope.

In life, in death, in life beyond death,
God is with us.
We are not alone.

Thanks be to God. Amen.



Litany of the Angels (from the Evangelical Lutheran church in America)

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth and all the orders of creation. God created humankind to have dominion upon the earth, and he created the angels to serve as guardians and messengers of his holy word of love and salvation. Let us pray to the Lord of the angels for all our needs and the needs of people everywhere.

Almighty God, we thank you for the wonder of your creation and the variety of orders within it. We thank you for your servants, the angels, whom you send to us on our behalf. Above all we thank you for your Son, enthroned above the cherubim, for the salvation which he bought us by his blood.
We praise you, O God.

As you sent angels in dreams to visit Jacob and Joseph with messages of your will, help us also to know your will for our lives and lead us to do it.
Lord, send us your holy angels.

As you sent angels to rescue Lot and his family in Sodom and to save Hagar and Ishmael in the wilderness, so rescue us in our times of need and adversity.
Lord, send us your holy angels.

As the angel of the Lord stood between the people of Israel and the Egyptians at the Red Sea, so stand between us and our enemies, and lend us your guard and protection.
Lord, send us your holy angels.

As the angel went before the Israelites to lead them through the wilderness into the Promised Land, so send an angel before us that we might follow your path of righteousness into your promised kingdom.
Lord, send us your holy angels.

Make us as welcoming of strangers as Abraham and Sarah, who received and entertained angels unaware.
Hear our prayer.

Give us eyes that are as open as Balaam and his donkey to see the wonder of your angels standing before us.
Hear our prayer.

Guard our children with your guardian angels as they venture into life without us, and bring them to faith in the Christ who received the little children.
Hear our prayer.

Send holy Michael, the archangel, great defender of the faithful, to be our defender in times of trouble and temptation.
Good Lord, deliver us.

Send your archangel Gabriel, holy bearer of glad tidings, to bring us your word and to help us to understand it.
Good Lord, redeem us.

Send your archangel Raphael, great healer of your people, to bring healing and health to all our diseases and distresses.
Good Lord, heal us.

And at the last, send forth your trumpeting angels to waken us from our sleep and take us to your heavenly kingdom.
Good Lord, save us.

Holy God, mighty Lord, King of the universe, in your goodness and by your grace, you show favor to your people by giving us your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and by sending your holy angels to minister to us as they ministered to him in the wilderness. For all this, we thank you. And we ask that you would hearken to our prayers, so that we might praise your holy name in one voice with all the host of heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Confession and Absolution (New Zealand Prayer Book)

God has promised forgiveness for all who truly repent, turn to Christ in faith and are themselves forgiving. In silence we call to mind our sins.
Let us humbly offer our wrong doings before God

Merciful God, we have sinned in what we have thought and said,
In the wrong we have done and in the good we have not done.
We have sinned in ignorance:
we have sinned in weakness:
we have sinned through our own deliberate fault.
We are truly sorry. We repent and turn to you.
Forgive us, for our Saviour Christ’s sake and renew our lives to the glory of your name. Amen

Through the cross of Christ, God have mercy on you, pardon you and set you free. Know that you are forgiven and be at peace. God strengthen you in all goodness and keep you in eternal life. Amen


The Peace
The Peace of Christ rule in our hearts
The Word of Christ dwell in us richly

The Celebration of the Eucharist

Offertory Hymn      Thuma Mina
Thuma mina, thuma mina,
Thuma mina, So mandla

Send me Jesus, send me Jesus
Send me Jesus, send me Lord.

Lead me Jesus, lead me Jesus
Lead me Jesus, lead me Lord.

Fill me Jesus, fill me Jesus
Fill me Jesus, fill me Lord.

Roma nna, rom anna
Roma nna, modimo.

Prayer over the Gifts
God of glory, as you have appointed angels to minister in your presence, so may all our worship bring you worthy praise. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Eucharistic Prayer 3
The Lord is here.
God’s Spirit is with us.

Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth; we give you thanks and praise, because, in the mystery you disclose to us, you reveal your glory as the glory of your Son and the Holy Spirit: three persons equal in majesty, undivided in splendour, yet one Lord, one God, ever to be adored in your everlasting glory. Therefore with all the company of heaven we raise our voices to proclaim the glory of your name.

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.  Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

We give thanks to you, Lord our God, for the goodness and love
you have made known to us in creation; in calling Israel to be your people;
in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus your Son.

For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Woman Mary,
to be the Saviour and Redeemer of the world.
In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you.

In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.
On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, a death he freely accepted, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples,
and said, “ Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you.
Do this for the remembrance of me.”

After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them,
and said, “Drink this, all of you: this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”

Therefore, Father, according to his command,

we remember his death, we proclaim his resurrection, we await his coming in glory;

and we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, Lord of all;
presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.
We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts,
that they may be the sacrament of the body of Christ and his blood of the new covenant.

Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we, made acceptable in him,
may be sanctified by the Holy Spirit.  In the fullness of time, reconcile all things in Christ,
and make them new, and bring us to that city of light where you dwell with all your sons and daughters;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation,
the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation;
by whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all honour and glory are yours, almighty Father, now and for ever.  Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer:

We gather our prayers together into the prayer which Jesus taught us, (using a version from the New Zealand Prayer Book.) 

 Eternal Spirit,

Life-giver, Pain-bearer, Love-maker, Source of all that is and that shall be, Father and Mother of us all, Loving God, in whom is heaven:
The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!
The way of your justice is followed by the peoples of the world!
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom sustain our hope and come on earth.
With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.
From trials too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us. 
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love, now and forever. Amen.

The Breaking of the Bread

“I am the bread of life,” says the Lord. “Whoever comes to me will never be hungry; whoever believes in me will never thirst.”
Taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are they who trust in him!

The Communion
Music during the communion:
The Dragon - Michael Card – pre-recorded

Prayer after Communion
Eternal God, you have fed us with the bread of angels. May we who come under their protection, like them give you continual service and praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

The Doxology
Glory to God,
whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Glory to God from generation to generation, in the Church and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever. Amen.

Closing Hymn      618 Glorious in Majesty
Glorious in majesty, holy in His praises
Jesus our saviour and our king
Born a man yet God of old, let us all adore Him
Filled with His Spirit let us sing

Refrain      Living is to love Him
                  Serving Him to know His freedom
                  Come along with us to join the praise of Jesus
                  Come to Jesus now, Go to live His word rejoicing

Victory He won for us, freeing us from darkness,
Dying and rising from the dead
Living with the Father now, yet He is among us
We are the body, He the head

One in love, as family, living with each other
Gladly we share each other’s pain
Yet He will not leave us so, soon He is returning
Taking us back with Him to reign

The Blessing

The Dismissal
Go now to love and serve the Lord. Go in Peace
We go in the name of Christ. Thanks be to God, Alleluia.

Postlude      I Will Sing 
I will sing, I will sing a song unto the Lord,
I will sing, I will sing a song unto the Lord,
I will sing, I will sing a song unto the Lord,
Alleluia, glory to the Lord.

We will come, we will come as one before the Lord,
We will come, we will come as one before the Lord,
We will come, we will come as one before the Lord,
Alleluia, glory to the Lord.

If the Son, if the Son shall make you free,
If the Son, if the Son shall make you free,
If the Son, if the Son shall make you free,
You shall be free indeed.

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy,
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy, 
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy, 
Alleluia, glory to the Lord.

Ev’ry knee shall bow and ev’ry tongue confess, 
Ev’ry knee shall bow and ev’ry tongue confess,
Ev’ry knee shall bow and ev’ry tongue confess,
That Jesus Christ is Lord.

In his name in his name we have the victory,
In his name in his name we have the victory,
In his name in his name we have the victory,
Alleluia, glory to the Lord.

Pentecost 16

 

Prelude     How Can I Keep from Singing (Solo Rachel Cameron)

Gathering Hymn 474 Jesus Where'er thy People Meet

Gathering the Community

We will bless the name of God forever
God is great, we are witnesses of the awesome acts
We pause, pray, meditate on the bounty of God’s greatness to all of creation
God is gracious, merciful and compassionate to all of creation, even those slow to recognize or accept all that God offers to us
So, we are called to proclaim the glory of God
God is great and worthy of our praise, let’s worship together

Liberating God, we seek your journey. With parted waters, set us free. With cloud and fire, guide us.
With gushing waters, quench our thirst. With food from heaven, feed us. Draw us out with joy and singing, that we might know your ways. Amen.

The Collect
Almighty God, you have created the heavens and the earth, and ourselves in your image. Teach us to discern your hand in all your works and to serve you with reverence and thanksgiving; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

The Proclamation of the Word 

Old Testament Reading
A Reading from the Book Exodus (16.2–15)

The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. The Israelites said to them, ‘If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and ate our fill of bread; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.’

Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not. On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on other days.’ So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, ‘In the evening you shall know that it was the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, and in the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your complaining against the Lord. For what are we, that you complain against us?’ And Moses said, ‘When the Lord gives you meat to eat in the evening and your fill of bread in the morning, because the Lord has heard the complaining that you utter against him—what are we? Your complaining is not against us but against the Lord.’

Then Moses said to Aaron, ‘Say to the whole congregation of the Israelites, “Draw near to the Lord, for he has heard your complaining.” ’ And as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the Israelites, they looked towards the wilderness, and the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud. The Lord spoke to Moses and said, ‘I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, “At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.” ’

In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, ‘What is it?’ For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, ‘It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.

Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church              R: Thanks be to God


Psalm 105.1–6, 37–45

The Psalm Refrain is: Remember me, O Lord, with the love you have for your people

O give thanks to the Lord, call on his name, make known his deeds among the peoples.
Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wonderful works.
Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually.
Remember me, O Lord, with the love you have for your people

Remember the wonderful works he has done, his miracles, and the judgements he has uttered,
O offspring of his servant Abraham, children of Jacob, his chosen ones.
Remember me, O Lord, with the love you have for your people

Then he brought Israel out with silver and gold, and there was no one among their tribes who stumbled.
Egypt was glad when they departed, for dread of them had fallen upon it.
Remember me, O Lord, with the love you have for your people

He spread a cloud for a covering, and fire to give light by night.
They asked, and he brought quails, and gave them food from heaven in abundance.
He opened the rock, and water gushed out; it flowed through the desert like a river.
For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham, his servant.
Remember me, O Lord, with the love you have for your people

So he brought his people out with joy, his chosen ones with singing.
He gave them the lands of the nations, and they took possession of the wealth of the peoples,
that they might keep his statutes and observe his laws.
Praise the Lord!
Remember me, O Lord, with the love you have for your people

New Testament Reading
A Reading from the letter of Paul to the Philippians (1.21–30)

For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labour for me; and I do not know which I prefer. I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.

Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing. For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well— since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church              R: Thanks be to God

Gradual Hymn     I know that My Redeemer Lives

The Gospel
The Lord be with you              R: And also with you
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. Matthew (20:1-16)
Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ

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

The Gospel of Christ                              R: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ

The Homily

An Affirmation of Faith

We believe in God the Creator,
who created and is creating everything:
the universe, the world, the plants and animals, and us;
each of us, unique, individual and beloved of God.

We believe in God the Christ,
who saved and is saving everything:
the universe, the world, the plants and animals, and us:
each of us; unique, individual and beloved of the Christ.

We believe in God the Holy Spirit,
who guided and is guiding everything:
the universe, the world, the plants and animals, and us;
each of us, unique, individual and beloved of the Spirit.

We believe that this one God in three persons,
is present among us,
working directly in our lives
and the lives of all who are born into this world,
striving to bring us back into harmony
with all creation and with God:
forgiving, healing, touching everyone,
never rejecting any who willingly receive
this freely offered gift of love and grace and eternal life.

— Copyright Lisa Frenz, from a Thanksgiving Liturgy written for the Mount Carmel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Portland, Oregon. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission.

The Prayers of the People

Confession and Absolution
The spirit calls each of us

God of fruitful labor, work sometimes brings out the worst in us.
At home, at school, in the workplace, even in our relationship with you,
we too easily question what others do and get,
instead of taking care of our own business.
Take away our bitterness. Teach us the art of the careful complaint.
Give us grateful hearts, we pray. Amen.

Words of Assurance (based on Exodus 16: 2-15, Philippians 1: 21-30)

Hear the good news: what we do matters,
but our salvation is God's doing.
God hears our complaints, but also our prayers.
God will not forget us.
In Christ's name, we are forgiven. Amen. 

—from the Ministry Matters website. 

The Peace
With a gentle nod or a reverent bow, we offer one another the Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ, may it rest upon you today and every day.

The Celebration of the Eucharist 

The Offering Hymn     The Gift of Love

Prayer over the Gifts
God of power, the glory of your works fills us with wonder and awe. Accept our offering this day, and help us to live in peace and harmony with all your creation, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

The Great Thanksgiving     Eucharistic Prayer 4

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is right to give you thanks and praise, O Lord, our God, sustainer of the universe, you are worthy of glory and praise.
Glory to you for ever and ever.

At your command all things came to be: the vast expanse of interstellar space,
galaxies, suns, the planets in their courses, and this fragile earth, our island home;
by your will they were created and have their being.
Glory to you for ever and ever.

From the primal elements you brought forth the human race, and blessed us with memory, reason, and skill; you made us the stewards of creation.
Glory to you for ever and ever.

But we turn against you, and betray your trust; and we turn against one another. Again and again you call us to return. Through the prophets and sages you reveal your righteous law. In the fullness of time you sent your Son, born of a woman, to be our Saviour. He was wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities. By his death he opened to us the way of freedom and peace.
Glory to you for ever and ever.

Therefore we praise you, joining with the heavenly chorus, with prophets, apostles, and martyrs,
and with those in every generation who have looked to you in hope, to proclaim with them your glory, in their unending hymn:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed are you, Lord our God, for sending us Jesus, the Christ, who on the night he was handed over
to suffering and death, took bread, said the blessing, broke the bread, gave it to his friends,
and said, “Take this, and eat it: this is my body which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”

In the same way, after supper, he took the cup of wine; he gave you thanks, and said, “Drink this, all of you: this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Glory to you for ever and ever.

Gracious God, we recall the death of your Son Jesus Christ, we proclaim his resurrection and ascension,
and we look with expectation for his coming as Lord of all the nations.
We who have been redeemed by him, and made a new people by water and the Spirit, now bring you these gifts.

Send your Holy Spirit upon us and upon this offering of your Church, that we who eat and drink at this holy table may share the divine life of Christ our Lord. Glory to you for ever and ever. Pour out your Spirit upon the whole earth and make it your new creation.

Gather your Church together from the ends of the earth into your kingdom, where peace and justice are revealed, that we, with all your people, of every language, race, and nation, may share the banquet you have promised; through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ, all honour and glory are yours, creator of all.
Glory to you for ever and ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer
As our Saviour taught us, let us pray,
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. Amen.

Breaking of the Bread
We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.
We, being many, are one body, for we all share in the one bread.

Invitation to the Feast
These are the gifts of God for the people of God
Thanks be to God

If your preference is not to receive the Eucharist please indicate by folding your arms across your chest. This will indicate that you prefer a blessing

Music During Communion

Prayer after Communion
Ruler of the universe, all creation yearns for its fulfilment in your Son. May we who have shared in holy things grow into maturity in him. This we ask in the name of the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

The Doxology
Glory to God,
whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Glory to God from generation to generation, in the Church and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Closing Hymn  MV 127 I Saw the Rich Ones

The Blessing
Go out from here as workers in God’s upside-down kingdom,
where the last are first and the first are last, where needs are met in miraculous ways,
and there is grace enough for all!

And may the blessing of God, the love of Jesus Christ, and the presence of the Holy Spirit
surround you and sustain you in the coming days.  Amen.

The Dismissal
May God, who has begun a good work within us, continue that work until the day when Christ Jesus returns.
May our love overflow more and more;
may we continue to grow in knowledge and understanding,so that we can clearly discern what really matters
The God who calls us is faithful, and will do it.
We go now into the mission field with the help of God to do the work.  Thanks be to God Alleluia

Postlude Music

Pentecost 14 -- September 3, 2020

 

Gathering Song 536 Singing Songs of Expectation
Singing songs of expectation, onward goes the pilgrim band,
Through the night of doubt and sorrow, marching to the promised land.
Clear before us through the darkness gleams and burns the guiding light:
Trusting God, we march together stepping fearless through the night.

One the light of God’s own presence, o’er his ransomed people shed,
Chasing far the gloom and terror, brightening all the path we tread:
One the object of our journey, one the faith which never tires,
One the earnest looking forward, one the hope our God inspires.

One the strain the lips of thousands lift as from the heart of one;
One the conflict, one the peril, one the march in God begun:
One the gladness of rejoicing on the far eternal shore,
Where the one almighty Creator reigns in love for evermore.

Gathering together
Hallelujah, sing to God a brand-new song and praise God in the company of all who love the Creator
Exult in the King, dance and strike up the band with great music
Everyone break out it praise where ever you are sitting
Praise and celebrate God everywhere
God delights in creation, crowning it with honour and glory
Let us worship together

Loving God, we praise you for this present moment and this time together. Fill us with your joy and empower us with your Holy Spirit, that our strength may be renewed to sing a new song of your glory in a world which longs for your justice and peace.

Collect together
Stir up, O Lord, the wills of your faithful people, that richly bearing the fruit of good works, we may by you be richly rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

A Reading from the book Exodus (12:1-14)

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: This month shall mark for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you. Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth of this month they are to take a lamb for each family, a lamb for each household. If a household is too small for a whole lamb, it shall join its closest neighbor in obtaining one; the lamb shall be divided in proportion to the number of people who eat of it. Your lamb shall be without blemish, a year-old male; you may take it from the sheep or from the goats. You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month; then the whole assembled congregation of Israel shall slaughter it at twilight. They shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. They shall eat the lamb that same night; they shall eat it roasted over the fire with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted over the fire, with its head, legs, and inner organs. You shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn. This is how you shall eat it: your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it hurriedly. It is the passover of the Lord. For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both human beings and animals; on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord. The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live: when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt. This day shall be a day of remembrance for you. You shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord; throughout your generations you shall observe it as a perpetual ordinance.

Listen for the Leading of the Spirit      R: Thanks be to God

Psalm 149
Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel be glad in its Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King.
Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre.
For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with victory.
Let the faithful exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their couches.
Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands,
to execute vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples,
to bind their kings with fetters and their nobles with chains of iron,
to execute on them the judgment decreed. This is glory for all his faithful ones. Praise the Lord!

A Reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans (13:8-14)

Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet”; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.

Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

Listen for the Leading of the Spirit          R: Thanks be to God

Gradual Hymn      500 Servant Song

Sister, let me be your servant,
Let me be as Christ to you;
Pray that I may have the grace to
Let you be my servant too.

We are pilgrims on a journey,
Fellow travellers on the road;
We are here to help each other
Walk the mile and bear the load.

I will hold the Christ-light for you
In the nighttime of your fear;
I will hold my hand out to you,
Speak the peace you long to hear.

I will weep when you are weeping;
When you laugh I’ll laugh with you.
I will share your joy and sorrow
Till we’ve seen this journey through.

When we sing to God in heaven,
We shall find such harmony,
Born of all we’ve known together
Of Christ’s love and agony.

Brother, let me be your servant,
Let me be as Christ to you;
Pray that I may have the grace to
Let you be my servant too.

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. Matthew (18:15-20)
R: Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ
“If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”

The Gospel of Christ          R: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ

Homily

Affirmation of Faith (bettergatherings.com, Anglican Diocese of Sydney)
We believe in God the Father,
maker of all things.
We believe in his Son Jesus Christ,
Lord and Saviour of the world.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
giver of life and light.
We belong to the Church,
God's family everywhere. Amen.

Prayers of the People      Led by Mikaela Oldenkamp

Offering Hymn          Lord Jesus, Of You I Will Sing

Lord Jesus, of you I will sing as I journey,
I’ll tell everybody about you wherever I go:
You alone are our life and our peace and our love.
Lord Jesus, of you I will sing as I journey.

Lord Jesus, I’ll praise you as long as I journey.
May all of my joy be a faithful reflection of you.
May the earth and the sea and the sky join my song.
Lord Jesus, I’ll praise you as long as I journey.

As long as I live, Jesus make me your servant,
To carry your cross and to share all your burdens and tears
For you saved me by giving your body and blood.
As long as I live, Jesus, make me your servant.

I fear in the dark and the doubt of my journey
But courage will come with the sound of your steps by my side.
And with all of my people you saved by your love
We’ll sing to your dawn at the end of our journey.

Prayer over the Gifts
Great and holy God, accept our offering of labour and love. May we bring you true and spiritual worship and be one with you. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen

Supplementary Eucharistic Prayer 2 (S2)
Presider      May God be with you.
People      And also with you.

Presider      Lift up your hearts.
People      We lift them up to God.

Presider      Let us give thanks to God our Creator.
People      It is right to offer thanks and praise.

Eternal God, Source of all being, we give you thanks and praise for your faithful love. You call us into friendship with you and one another to be your holy people, a sign of your presence in the world. When those we trust betray us, unfailingly you remain with us. When we injure others, you confront us in your love and call us to the paths of righteousness. You stand with the weak, and those, broken and alone, whom you have always welcomed home, making the first last, and the last first. Therefore, we raise our voices with angels and archangels, forever praising you and saying

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed are you, O Holy One: when Hagar was driven into the wilderness you followed her and gave her hope.
When Joseph was sold into bondage, you turned malice to your people’s good. When you called Israel out of slavery, you brought them through the wilderness into the promised land.
When your people were taken into exile you wept with them by the river of Babylon and carried them home.
People      Restore us, O God, let your face shine!

At the right time you sent your Anointed One to stand with the poor, the outcast, and the oppressed. Jesus touched lepers, and the sick, and healed them.
He accepted water from a woman of Samaria and offered her the water of new life. Christ knew the desolation of the cross and opened the way for all humanity into the redemption of your reconciling love.
On the night he was betrayed, Jesus, at supper with his friends, took bread, gave you thanks, broke the bread, gave it to them, and said, “Take and eat: this is my body which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
After supper he took the cup of wine, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: this is my blood of the new covenant which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Loving and Holy One, recalling Christ’s death and resurrection, we offer you these gifts, longing for the bread of tomorrow and the wine of the age to come.
Therefore, we proclaim our hope.

People      Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory.

Pour out your Spirit on these gifts that through them you may sustain us in our hunger for your peace. We hold before you all whose lives are marked by suffering, our sisters and brothers. When we are broken and cast aside, embrace us in your love.

People      Restore us, O God, let your face shine!

Through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory are yours, O Source of all life, now and for ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer
As our Saviour taught us, let us pray

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. Amen.

The Breaking of the Bread
We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.
All      We, being many, are one body, for we all share in the one bread.

The Communion
These are the gifts of God for the People of God.
Thanks be to God.

Song During Communion      We Will Rise
As we hope in the Lord
We will gain our strength
We will run for miles
We will stand up straight
We will not grow weary
We will not grow faint
With the wings of an eagle we will rise

With the wings of an eagle we will rise
With the wings of an eagle we will rise
For our hope is found in the power of God
With the wings of an eagle we will rise
With the wings of an eagle we will rise

For the Lord who is God
Calls God’s people home
Not to be afraid
As they journey the road
Hand in hand we’ll be walking
With the Lord our God
On the wings of an eagle we will rise

With the wings of an eagle we will rise
With the wings of an eagle we will rise
For our hope is found in the power of God
With the wings of an eagle we will rise
With the wings of an eagle we will rise
With the wings of an eagle we will rise
With the wings of an eagle we will rise

Prayer after Communion
All your works praise you, O Lord.
And your faithful servants bless you. Gracious God we thank you for feeding us with the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ. May we, who share his body, live his risen life; we, who drink his cup, bring life to others; we, whom the Spirit lights, give light to the world. Keep us firm in the hope you have set before us, so that we and all your children shall be free, and the whole earth live to praise your name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Blessing
The Spirit of God inspires…listen!
The Spirit of God transforms…grow!
The Spirit of God empowers…go…and be…and do!

And may you…
those you encounter…
and those who are touched beyond that encounter…
discover and know the grace, love, and peace of God
each and every day. Amen.

by Scott Cervas, pastor 

at Meadowthorpe Presbyterian Church 

The Dismissal (based on Psalm 105:4, 7-8)
As you go from here into the week ahead,
Keep your eyes open for God, watch for God’s works; be alert for signs of God’s presence.

For This is God—our God—in charge of the whole earth.
And God remembers the Covenant— for a thousand generations God’s word has been good.

So let us go with confidence and joy, knowing that God goes with us.
Thanks be to God. Alleluia



Sending Hymn 312 Praise to the Lord



Praise to the Lord, all of you, God’s servants.

Blessed be the name of our God now and ever.

From the rising up of the sun

May the Lord be praised, praise to the name of the Lord!



There is none like our God in the heav’ns or on earth,

Who lifts the weak out of dust, placing them with the mighty,

Who stoops to raise the weak and low:

May the Lord be praised, praise to the name of the Lord!



Praise to the Lord, all of you, God’s servants.

Blessed be the name of our God now and ever.

From the rising up of the sun

May the Lord be praised, praise to the name of the Lord!

From the rising up of the sun

May the Lord be praised, praise to the name of the Lord!