BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH
7th SUNDAY OF EASTER
WORSHIP SERVICE
May 24, 2020
[The video recording of this service can be found here]
Gathering: The music of Chipembi Mission of the United Church of Zambia
Words of Welcome & Announcements – Lorrie Lowes DM
Good morning! On behalf of Bells Corners United Church, I welcome and greet you in the name of Jesus Christ whose love and teachings bind us together on this seventh Sunday of Easter. Wherever you are, whatever time of the day, if you are with family or if you are alone, we are so glad you have joined us in our virtual worship service!
In this time of church closure, 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 our weekly announcements and updates.
Beyond worship service, there are other weekly activities and meetings offered online. And in this time of pandemic, I encourage you to make a difference by connecting with each other through emails, phone calls and prayers.
Friends, let us gather together today where our journeys overlap.
Lighting of Christ Candle
Lorrie Lowes BCUC:
No matter when or where we gather,
If we gather in Christ’s name,
we are assured of His presence among us.
And so, as we begin out service of worship today,
We light a candle as a symbol of that Holy Presence with Bells Corners United Church…
Keith Jeacle, Emmanuel United Church:
… and we light a candle as a symbol of that Holy Presence with Emmanuel United Church…
Representative from Chipembi, Zambia:
… and we light a candle as a symbol of that Holy Presence with Chipembi.
May Christ bless us as we join our hearts in loving partnership.
Call to Gather: Lorrie Lowes
From the comfort of our homes,
Alone or in small family groupings
We gather our hearts in worship.
In this time of uncertainty, we seek connection to the Divine.
We seek the companionship and warmth of the community we so dearly miss.
Let this shared experience of worship remind us of the love that connects our faith family,
Whether we are in one building or spread around the globe.
In spirit, let us worship God together.
Prayer of Approach*: Lorrie Lowes
Let us pray…
God, you invite us into community with you – at your table and in your world.
The responsibility is awesome
To love one another as Christ loves us.
Thank you – for this community of love.
Thank you - for being more than we can imagine.
Thank you, God!
Amen.
*Written by Richard Bott, Gathering, Lent- Easter 2016, p30. Used with permission
Opening Hymns: You Are Holy (MV45)
1. You Are Holy, You show us the way (4x)
You show us, You show us, You show us the way (4x)
2. You Are Freedom, You show us the way (4x)
3. You Are Justice, You show us the way (4x)
Words & Music © Traditional song South Africa
English paraphrase and arrangement More Voices 2007
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved
Know That God is Good (MV104)
Know That God is Good (3x), God is good, God is good. (English)
Mu-ngu ni mwe-ma (3x), ni mwe-ma, ni mwe-ma. (Swahili)
C’est vrai Dieu est bon! (3x), Dieu est bon! Dieu est bon! (French)
Ka-ton-da mu-lun-gi, (3x), mu-lun-gi, mu-lun-gi. (Luganda)
Words & Music © Traditional song Congo Song #94990.
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved.
Storytime for the Young at Heart with Erin Berard
Alright, take one of your hands and tuck it behind your back! Now that you have just one of your hands, think of some things that might be really tricky to do now. Like, can you tie your shoe with only one hand? Or how about operate a can opener? Or, how about putting your hair up in a pony tail? Sometimes having two hands is definitely better than one!
Think about some games and things we do for fun. Have you ever tried riding a seesaw by yourself? Or playing a game of Battleship? It's a lot more fun when you have 2 people!
Think, too, about group projects you've done at school before. Sure, it's sometimes tricky working with other people. Somebody might boss the group around, or some people might not do their fair share of the work, and you have to get consensus on all the different ideas you have. But working together lets us benefit from everyone's strengths. You get to share ideas and build off of one another. It should make work easier, and hopefully a lot more fun, too. We can all help each other succeed.
In today's service, we get to learn more from Lorrie about BCUC's partnership with the Chipembi community in Zambia.
Think more about partnerships as you check out this week's Sunday School materials, and also check out BCUC's Facebook page. There's a post there with a question for you. You can comment or add a photo of your ideas of how two is better than one.
Children’s Hymn: I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me – Voices United #575
1. I’m gonna live so God can use me
Anywhere, Lord, any time!
I’m gonna live so God can use me
Anywhere, Lord, any time.
2. I’m gonna work so God can use me…
3. I’m gonna pray so God can use me…
4. I’m gonna sing so God can use me…
Words & Music © African American Spiritual Song #95386
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved.
Prayer for Illumination: Reader: Neil Lowes
O God, we pray that you will open our hearts and minds
to hear your message of love
in this reading today.
May it inspire us as we continue your work in the world. Amen.
Reading: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (The Message)
The Value of a Friend
9-10 It’s better to have a partner than go it alone.
Share the work, share the wealth.
And if one falls down, the other helps,
But if there’s no one to help, tough!
11 Two in a bed warm each other.
Alone, you shiver all night.
12 By yourself you’re unprotected.
With a friend you can face the worst.
Can you round up a third?
A three-stranded rope isn’t easily snapped.
Hear what the Spirit is saying to all of us. Thanks be to God!
Reflection: Lorrie and Neil Lowes
We have been waiting so long to tell you about this last visit to the Chipembi Mission in Zambia! This pandemic has really affected so many aspects of our lives and this is just one small example.
When we left for Zambia on March 12 of this year, news of the Covid-19 virus was still fairly new. We were concerned that the trip might be cancelled - either by flight cancellations or border restrictions, or maybe that the people receiving us might see us as a health threat – but we were assured that everything was under control and that the people of Chipembi were eagerly awaiting our arrival. So, off we went, armed with Lysol wipes, and hand sanitizers to keep us safe on the plane and in the airports.
This was not a first visit to Chipembi for me. I traveled there two years ago with a group of Young Adults, including Hazel and Doyle Smith from our own congregation. It was a profound experience for me. One of the big realizations I had at that time was that this kind of visit has a limited effect. The visitors often have their eyes opened to life in cultures very different from their own. The hosts put a great deal of work into making the experience meaningful for the guests and appreciate getting to know something about us and our culture too. The concern and the work that is done during the visit is appreciated. The “partnership” aspect, however, seems to be lost once the visitors have returned home. Hopefully, we visitors come home with a renewed outlook on the world - but often the connection between new friends gets lost as life goes back to normal in both corners of the world. So, I returned from that first trip, determined to change that for us here at BCUC and for our new friends in Chipembi.
Our reading today focusses on working together in a partnership. It makes me wonder – What is the difference between helping out a neighbour on a one-time basis and becoming partners? I think it all comes down to relationship. In order to be partners, all parties need to be in a relationship of mutual care and respect for each other. The help and support are mutual things – every member is concerned for and ready to help make the others the best they can possibly be – for the benefit of everyone involved. Think of this in terms of teamwork… Games are not won by one member of the team. It takes the skill and the resources and the effort of every player to reach a victory. Some may stand out from time to time as the “stars” of the team but they reach that status with the support of the rest of the team.
When we think of this in terms of outreach work in the church, this moves us from a traditional charity model – where there is one magnanimous giver and one or more humble receivers – to a model that benefits all parties. As Christians, we want to help others – and that’s a good thing. We aren’t always as willing, however, to express our own needs or accept help from someone else. I think the important aspect that’s often missing in that traditional charity model is respect – and that’s something that is foundational in a partnership – and foundational in the concept of loving one’s neighbour.
On the wall in my office, I have posted an African Proverb:
“I see you and you see me, and therefore we shall be concerned for each other.”
It’s an expression of the Africa concept of “ubuntu”, a philosophy that I believe expresses this concept well. Ubuntu is an African word which means "I am who I am because of who we all are". It highlights the fact that we are all interdependent. We can compare it to “The Golden Rule” in western culture but I think it takes it a step further. I think it gives a clearer picture of what it means to be in relationship as partners in creation.
Today’s reading from Ecclesiastes also gives us the image of a three-stranded rope – an image I love for our context. The partnership we are building includes three communities – Bells Corners United Church, Emmanuel United Church, and the community of the Chipembi Mission. Like the three-stranded rope, we are all strong and vibrant communities on our own but can be so much stronger when we work together.
I have so many things to tell you about our last visit with our friends in Zambia! Neil will share some of his reflections with you this morning but there will be many more stories to tell once we can be together again in community.
My Reflections of Chipembi and the way ahead – Neil Lowes
My first trip to Zambia and I had been warned that the country and the people would affect me. Too true…..I found the people open, warm, caring, and above all receptive to our combined mission (BCUC and Emanuel United) of renewing the Partnership Agreement with the Chipembi Congregation of the United Church of Zambia.
We stayed at the farm of Omega Bula (Makumba Farm) named after her father who was a United Church Minister. The farm is a 40 minute walk to the village. Early in the trip, Lorrie and I walked to the village to orient ourselves to our surroundings. We only saw 1 snake on the trip and the hike had made me a little warm despite the summer clothes and ventilated hat I was wearing. I decided that a beard trim and a hair trim would solve things. So picture this old white guy sitting on a wooden chair with the barber working his magic, while three local children stood on a chair outside the window watching the old white guy get his head shaved and his beard trimmed close to his face. I think a good project would be to get hydro in his barber hut so his clippers wouldn’t rely on charge state of the 12V car battery.
Working, viewing, and discussing the workings of the Chipembi Mission site over the time we were there enabled us to identify many potential “Projects” that would improve the life and well being of the citizens of Chipembi, and the members of the United Church of Zambia in Chipembi.
The community “Leaders” are an ad-hoc committee made up of the minister of the United Church, Head Teacher (Director) of the Chipembi Girls Secondary School, Head of the Basic School, Head of the Chipembi Agricultural College, Secretary of the United Church Congregation, Director of the Chipembi Medical Centre, and several forward thinking young people. We met with these folks several times over the course of the week, and came to an understanding that while we all agreed there were projects that we all would like to fund and see to completion, however,
it would be the responsibility of the Chipembi Leaders to prioritize projects based on agreement among the leaders as to what projects are on the project lists and the importance of each.
This is an important aspect of the partnership so that the “we” side of the partnership doesn’t deliver a project that would not meet the goals of the Chipembi leaders. For example, while in church on our first day there it was hot and I thought ceiling fans would be a great idea to keep up air circulation and cool things down a bit. Then I noticed several men in suit coats and sweaters, while the women were covering their legs with a chitenge (like a blanket). Clearly, I was using our Canadian values to solve a perceived need that was not shared by this congregation.
Some of the projects identified over the course of our meetings, in no particular order are:
• Addition to the Church Building:
The committee has had architectural drawings done of the building addition, but the project has not yet had a project estimate done. Scope of the project would provide the minister with a proper office facility rather than the cupboard he currently uses.
In addition to a proper minister’s office, the addition would provide a Vestry Room, lounge, and conference room with washroom facilities. The current church building is used as a conference room when required. For example, The Director of the Girls Secondary School uses the church when he needs to address his full student population of 600 girls.
The new conference room would also be used as a community centre, providing space for activities such as sewing lessons for the women. There have been a number of sewing machines donated but there is no place to use them.
• Expansion of the Chipembi Basic school building to include Secondary school to grade 12:
Currently, the primary school in Chipembi stops at Grade 8 and students going on to grade 12 attend a secondary school 13KM away. Both boys and girls go for the week, walking to get there while carrying their food for the week. Expanding the Chipembi school would improve safety, security and overall learning performance for the students in Chipembi.
• Establishment of a computer Lab in Basic school with basic LAN, MS Office and Internet access:
There exists an 8 computer “Lab” in the primary school but the computers are old and no longer supported by Microsoft. There is no connectivity between any of the computers, each is an island unto its own.
This project would be an ongoing exercise to equip the younger generation with computer skills aimed at preparing them for the world towards which Zambia is rapidly moving. There is an extensive cellular data network in and around Chipembi and pretty much everyone has a smartphone. Laptop Computer Expansion within the student population at the primary and secondary schools would facilitate their ability to prepare for country wide standardized testing which they must take using the scarce numbers of computers available
• Bursaries for deserving students at Primary and Secondary Levels
It costs $75 US to send a student to school for a year. Not all families are able to afford this so deserving students don’t get the education they should. If the school waives the tuition, the school suffers funding loss paying the teaching staff and for projects they would otherwise undertake. The community leaders are the committee that decide which students would receive the bursary.
• Equipment for Medical centre
We toured the medical Centre and witnessed a shortage of medical support items that would be beneficial. Proper hospital beds are needed, maternity chairs / beds, and wheelchairs to name a few.
For example, on our tour we saw a wheelchair with only 3 wheels. I priced a replacement while I was in Lusaka, the city, and a brand new wheelchair is $350 US. Certainly a worthwhile project.
Overall a life changing experience, and, working in partnership with Emmanuel United, I believe the opportunity exists to not only fundraise for projects, but I believe we can become true partners with Chipembi by having members of the BCUC family participate both here and on site in Zambia to bring the prioritized projects to completion.
Lorrie
One small image I will leave with you is the overwhelming emotion I felt during the church service we attended on our first Sunday there. The music and the joy were amazing! And for me, one of the most powerful moments was when we recited the Lord’s Prayer. The words may be ancient and sometimes feel foreign to our modern ears, but when people come together from far apart places on this earth and recite those words together in worship, the feeling of being united in a faith family stirs the heart.
For thine is the kin-dom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever….
Amen.
Prayers of the People & The Lord’s Prayer
Our prayer this morning is a meditation from Africa by Michael Colpey and Guy Gibbon
(The People - Meditations from Africa - Michael Colpey and Guy Gibbon)
Let us pray:
May we heal the fissures and cracks in our collective soul
May we see ourselves from a different point of view
May we let go of outmoded beliefs
May we recognize the opportunities our stories offer for growth and acceptance
May we release the love
May love replace fear
May we each accept our personal responsibilities to make a difference
May we see that there is enough for everybody
May we eradicate poverty consciousness from our destiny path
May we be open to receive abundance from the law of sharing
May we dedicate ourselves to the Earth and her changes
May we make a leap of faith into a new way of relating to our planet and her people
May we stand in our truth and not be afraid to dream big
May we acknowledge that each person has something beautiful to offer
May we not be blind to these sacred gifts
May we not put limits on our creator
May we remember our true purpose
May each soul be like a bead strung on the necklace of cooperation and teamwork
May humility have its way
May we experience balance and beauty
May we commit ourselves to peace
May we celebrate our diversity in the oneness of love
May we be ourselves and flower freely
May we resonate and glow
May we take the next step
The Lord’s Prayer
And we respond in the familiar words that Jesus taught his followers:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name.
Thy Kingdom 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 kingdom, the power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.
The Offering
I now invite you to a time to express our gratitude for God’s blessings by offering our gifts of time, talents and resources. If you are not on PAR and wish to send in your offering and donations, you can drop them in the slot by the kitchen door of the church or mail them to BCUC. You can also send in your support through e-transfer. Thank you for your continued love and support to BCUC.
Offertory Music: Chipembi Mission of the United Church of Zambia
Offertory Prayer*
Gracious Creator, we’re never really sure where giving ends and receiving begins. Or is it where receiving ends and giving begins? All we know is that in the process of giving and receiving, we are warmed by your goodness. May this offering be only the beginning of your good work in us. Through Jesus we pray. Amen
*Written by Kate Gregory, Gathering, Pentecost 1 2020, p47. Used with permission.
Sending Forth*
And may God, who brought us into being to care for creation and one another,
bless us as we leave:
May we be blessed in the air we breathe,
the relationships we nurture,
and the acts through which love is shared,
That God’s blessing, light and love will be known by all.
Go in joy, blessed to be a blessing.
Amen.
*Written by Bob Root, Gathering, Pentecost 1 2020, p48. Used with permission.
Closing Hymn: Alleluia, Praise to God - More Voices #59
1. Alleluia, praise to God
Alleluia, praise to God
Praises, high praises, we bring you, O God.
Alleluia, praise to God.
2. Songs of joy sing out to God.
Songs of joy sing out to God.
Dancing and singing, we praise you, O God.
Songs of joy sing out to God.
3. Beat the drums, sing out to God.
Beat the drums, sing out to God.
Praises, high praises we bring you, O God
Beat the drums, sing out to God.
Traditional Yoruba song, Nigeria translation © Emmanuel Badejo
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved.