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.