BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH
9TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
SUMMER WORSHIP SERVICE
August 2, 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: Fur Elise – Beethoven Abe: piano
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. For the next three Sundays, we are reflecting on Wisdom in the book of Proverbs. Today, we are going to hear the cries of Lady Wisdom, calling us from the streets and markets, from the ordinary, common places of our lived experience.
During this time when we are not able to worship in the church sanctuary, please know that BCUC offers worship service in a number of ways. Check our website at bcuc.org, for our worship service in audio, video and text formats along with the weekly announcements, online meetings, events and other updates. You can also listen to the service via telephone by dialing 613-820-8104. I also encourage you to show that you care by connecting with each other through emails, phone calls and prayers.
Here are some announcements:
The Book of Memories Vol 2 is completed and copies are now available for purchase. You can order a print copy with a suggested minimum donation of $30 or a Digital copy with a suggested minimum donation of $15. 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 you.
David’s Flowers are back drive-through style and they are available every Saturday from 10:30 to 11:30 am. The flowers will be displayed on tables outside the main entrance, and everyone is asked to remain in their car, bring exact change or prepared cheque for donations, and follow instructions of volunteers. Thank you for your support!
Grocery cards are now available for purchase. Please call the office to place your order.
And for those of you who are able to join us via Zoom, there will be zoom fellowship every Sunday at 11 am. Link will be emailed to you or call the office for more information.
Friends, I now invite you to get ready, to listen to Wisdom’s calling. May we hear her cries and grant us the courage to respond. Let us gather in worship.
Lighting of the Christ Candle Acolytes: Marion & Pierre Dugas
As we light this candle, let us remember that light is a gift from God, a gift to be shared.
Jesus came into our midst as the light of the world,
and the Holy Spirit is present to illumine our work and witness.
Let us worship this day mindful of the light and wisdom of God.
Call to Gather: (posted on Literature & Liturgy) Lorrie Lowes, DM
Who among you is seeking the wisdom of God?
We long to hear God’s Word spoken to our hearts.
Who among you is seeking God’s bright and holy truth?
We long to learn the ways of wisdom and righteousness.
Who among you is seeking a Spirit-filled life?
We long to live lives of holiness and light.
God grants God’s wisdom generously to all who ask.
Come near, people of God!
Let us worship in wisdom and truth.
Prayer of Approach: Sophia’s Delight (by Bruce Sanguin)
We are drawn together by Sophia,
Wisdom of the universe,
nature’s intelligence,
embodied in Jesus
and present in all souls
who gather at Her table.
We gather to receive grace to give up our foolish ways,
to walk in Her light,
to delight in creation and in one another,
as Sophia delights in us.
May we open the gates of our souls,
that Sophia may enter,
making us friends of God and one another.
We open to Her transforming power. Amen.
Hymn: Come and Seek the Ways of Wisdom - More Voices #10
1. Come and seek the ways of Wisdom,
she who danced when earth was new.
Follow closely what she teaches,
for her words are right and true.
Wisdom clears the path to justice,
Showing us what love must do.
2. Listen to the voice of Wisdom,
crying in the market-place.
Hear the Word made flesh among us,
full of glory, truth, and grace.
When the word takes root and ripens,
peace and righteousness embrace.
3. Sister Wisdom, come, assist us;
nurture all who seek rebirth.
Spirit guide and close companion,
bring to light our sacred worth.
Free us to become your people,
holy friends of God and earth.
Words © 1996 Ruth Duck, Music © 1997 Donna Kasbohm, Pilgrim Press, Song # 05032 & 49254 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved
Storytime for the Young at Heart Lorrie Lowes, DM
(Today, our Story Time will be introduced by a reading of “Mo Willems Presents: That Is Not a Good Idea” It will be read by my three grandchildren and the illustrations will be on the screen. It’s a cute children’s story about a very dapper fox who sees a goose and decides he would like to have her for dinner. He invites her to go for a stroll and she accepts, then he takes her through the deep dark woods, to his kitchen, and asks her to help him make some soup. At each new invitation, little chicks are in the background saying, “That is not a good idea! That is really not a good idea!” In the end, he tries to trick her into looking into the pot to see what ingredient is missing – obviously planning to push her in! The goose outwits him though and declares, “Yes, a key ingredient is missing – YOU!” and it becomes fox soup instead. The little chicks sigh, “Well, we did try to warn him!”)
Wasn’t that a funny story? The ending was quite a surprise to me! I thought all those messages from the chicks were for the goose but they were for the fox. The fox was not very wise; he didn’t listen to those chicks at all. I think the chicks were more wise than the fox, don’t you?
Over the next few weeks, we’re going to be talking about Wisdom. Wisdom is something that we all hope we will get as we grow older, but it’s not something that just automatically happens, is it? In order to become wise, you have to learn lots, read lots, and listen to experts and listen to lots of different opinions so that when we need to make choices, we make wise ones. That’s how we become wise as we grow older.
The fox wasn’t paying any attention to what the chicks had to say because he thought the message wasn’t for him at all. Do we do that sometimes? I think we do. We think, “I don’t need to listen to that rule because it doesn’t apply to me,” or “I won’t listen to what that person has to say because they aren’t very important to me. So, I wonder if that’s a wise thing to do…
Over the next few weeks we’re going to be talking about Wisdom in the Bible. Wisdom is a way that we think about God and we are hoping that we will learn to listen for God’s voice, listen for the things that God wants us to know about how we should be in this world and how we can be good Christians as we take care of each other and the world. Let’s all keep learning, no matter how old we are. It’s a good thing to keep listening, keep learning, keep reading, and learn to become wise.
Hymn: And On This Path - More Voices #8
1. And on this path, the gates of holiness are open wide, (3X)
Open wide! (3X) The gates are open wide!
2. So enter in, the gates of holiness are open wide, (3X)
Open wide! (3X) The gates are open wide!
Words © 2000 Lynn Bauman, Music © 2003 Linnea Good, Borrealis Music
Song # 99739 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved
Prayer for Illumination Reader: Susan Young
O wise God, let your word speak in each heart. Let your truth set each one free. Let your wisdom inspire us for justice. Let your presence fill us with joy. Amen.
The Reading: “Wisdom Calls” Proverbs 1: 20-33 (NRSV)
20Wisdom cries out in the street;
in the squares she raises her voice.
21At the busiest corner she cries out;
at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:
22“How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?
How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing
and fools hate knowledge?
23Give heed to my reproof;
I will pour out my thoughts to you;
I will make my words known to you.
24Because I have called and you refused,
have stretched out my hand and no one heeded,
25and because you have ignored all my counsel
and would have none of my reproof,
26I also will laugh at your calamity;
I will mock when panic strikes you,
27when panic strikes you like a storm,
and your calamity comes like a whirlwind,
when distress and anguish come upon you.
28Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer;
they will seek me diligently, but will not find me.
29Because they hated knowledge
and did not choose the fear of the Lord,
30would have none of my counsel,
and despised all my reproof,
31therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way
and be sated with their own devices.
32For waywardness kills the simple,
and the complacency of fools destroys them;
33but those who listen to me will be secure
and will live at ease, without dread of disaster.”
Hear what the Spirit is saying to all of us! Thanks be to God!
Sermon: “Wisdom Cries Out!” Rev. Kim Vidal
A story was told about an angel who, one day, suddenly appears to a church minister in his office. Because of the minister’s faithful commitment to serve, the angel asked him to have one choice from three wishes: wealth, wisdom, or fame. The minister without thinking, immediately chooses infinite wisdom. The angel disappears, and the minister excitedly tells his wife what happened. So the wife curious to check whether her husband was given infinite wisdom asked him: “Indulge me, my dear, say something wise.” And the minister scratched his head and responds, “I should have taken the money.”
Wisdom. This is our sermon theme in the next three Sundays of August based on the book of Proverbs. Proverbs translates to the Hebrew word mashal meaning “sayings” or “riddles” or “instructions” that belongs to the genre of wisdom literature along with the books of Job and Ecclesiastes. The wisdom literature of Israel is a “collection of collections” that may have been developed in the family, in villages, the royal court, and houses of learning and instruction. If Psalms were attributed to King David, the book of proverbs was attributed to King Solomon because he was famous for having great wisdom but it does not mean to say that Solomon wrote the book. He was known as the patron of wisdom and encouraged chiefs, professional sages, wise men and women, and scribes in the service of the court, to write, collect and organize maxims and sayings about the practical, wise and intelligent way to conduct one’s life particularly about the very worth and meaning of human life. Our biblical text probably was written around 400 BCE when Jewish scribes viewed "wisdom" as encompassing not only practical guidelines for living, but also obedience to God’s law. The image of Wisdom was embraced by the author of Proverbs as a metaphor telling one how to live a moderate, practical, patient, cautious life that leads to making wise choices.
What comes to mind when you think of wisdom? A small illusive voice that whispers in the night? A rich, theological discussion? Listening to the words of a poetry being read? The choir singing or children laughing? Does it remind you of a very wise person? A lot of times, wisdom is compared to its sister, knowledge. But these two words are not synonymous at all. The dictionary defines wisdom as “the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting.” Knowledge, on the other hand, is “information gained through experience, reasoning, or acquaintance.” Wisdom is the fitting application of knowledge. Someone once said that knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, wisdom is not putting that tomato in a fruit salad. Knowledge understands the light has turned red; wisdom pushes the brakes. Knowledge sees the thunderstorm; wisdom stops the soccer game. Knowledge reads the teachings of Jesus; wisdom puts them to practice. Knowledge learns of the COVID-19 pandemic; wisdom applies social distancing. Knowledge makes use of hockey arena for kids playing; wisdom opens the arena as shelter for the homeless.
In today’s text, we hear the call and cries of Wisdom personified as a woman. Hence it is referred to as Lady Wisdom. The Greeks call her Sophia. If you are surprised that Wisdom is personified as an authoritative woman, you might be more surprised that she speaks like a prophet. She demands that her listeners decide right now to listen to her words and follow them. She knows that the consequence of not heeding her words is disaster. Wisdom calls everyone to a radical spirituality, to a way of being in the world and in right relationships. Lady Wisdom takes center stage and cries out: “Here I am. Pay attention!”
Where do we find Lady Wisdom in this text in Proverbs? You might be dismayed that she is not in the temple, not in the synagogue, not in a church assembly or the so-called holy or sacred places. Don’t even bother searching her in Ivy League schools, or where the scholars and theologians are debating about God. Lady Wisdom is right in the middle of a market place! She is standing, not on some remote mountaintop, not in some lonely spiritual retreat, not separated from the grit of everyday life; nor is she in the privacy of homes. She is on the busiest street in town at the same level as the people. She is in the sites of communal life, of bustling relationships. She is where all kinds of people do their daily living. I would say, she is one extroverted woman- watching the folks in all walks of life hurrying into shops, their arms full of goods; watching the hustle and bustle of business life; watching the people hurrying to and fro, back and forth, the constant stream of people, the endless parade of busy human lives.
Here the text places her squarely in the place we least expect to find wisdom, as if the author is trying to remind us that wisdom comes in the ordinary daily routines of life, in doing our jobs, relating to people, caring for our neighbors, dealing with finances, going to meetings or having a party. These are Wisdom’s domain. Thomas McKibbens offers inspiring comments. He says: “Wisdom is not presented here as some demure wallflower; not as some shy and blushing debutante; not as some quiet companion living in the shadow of her husband; this lady is the epitome of a competent, self-assured woman...Here is Lady Wisdom on Main Street at noontime speaking her mind for all to hear!”
Look how she delivers her message. Lady Wisdom’s voice is loud and clear. She raises her voice just as a mother might with a stubborn, resisting child. Wisdom is not just whispering her message. She is crying out in the street. There is some kind of urgency that wants to get everyone’s attention. What is her message? Why is she crying out? One can only assume that there are life issues in the world that need wise choices, wise judgments, wise decisions, wise relationships. She is crying out to beg love, compassion, justice, peace, honesty, truthfulness. Wisdom, according to Kathleen O’Connor is not particular about who follows her. She does not only call the chosen, the holy or the privilege but invites everyone – top of her list, in Eugene Peterson’s words, are the simpletons, the cynics and the idiots. You may not like the tone of
Peterson’s language, but in this case, I think Peterson just offers a genius translation because he shocks us to attention and gets our ears open – exactly what Lady Wisdom is trying to do.
She is not only speaking to the cultured elite, the religious and the spiritual, the wealthy and the powerful, as much as we might like to think that wisdom resides only with them, but is also speaking to the street people, the marginalized, the outcasts, those who walk the streets with her. Yet despite Lady Wisdom’s shouting on the street corner; after all her warnings and admonitions that have rung out loud and clear; the result is refusal from people to listen. The people clearly ignore her. Not a head is turned; not an eye is lifted. The bustle of business and traffic goes on as before. Deals are made; clients are seen; money is exchanged; stocks are bought and sold; business as usual, nothing changes! Life goes on as if no voice of warning has been lifted! But after the people completely ignore her, disaster strikes! There is panic and calamity and distress and anguish, all accompanied by the mocking, “see what I told you” laughter of Lady Wisdom. The Proverbs writer eloquently expressed: “because they turn away from the gift of life she offers, she will turn away from them when calamity strikes and will laugh at their distress. But if people have listened to her calls and cries, she will offer them true security, trust and freedom from fear because disaster will not come to her followers.”
After delivering a talk in Melbourne, Australia, the famous Viennese psychiatrist Victor Frankl was given a boomerang as a gift. Dr. Frankl thought for a few minutes and then said that he felt the boomerang symbolized human existence. People assume that the function of the boomerang is to return to the thrower. But this is not the case. The boomerang returns to the thrower only when it misses the target. The same is true in life, he said. We return to ourselves to become self-centered and self-absorbed when we have failed to find meaning in life - when we fail to use the gift of wisdom that is crying for our attention. If we live for ourselves, spend our money only on ourselves or those closest to us, if we squander our time, and exert our strength only for those things that please us, we pay the price of a meaningless existence.
How does wisdom show up in your life? Where is wisdom in your lived experience? Often, she shows up in a time of need; in moments of crisis or desperation, moments of grieving and illness, in times of uncertainty and fear. But she also lurks where joyful occasions are celebrated - the welcoming of a new season, celebrating a birthday, the gathering of the faithful where prayers are evoked and songs of praise are sung. The way of wisdom leads to life, to real life: to the vital, life-giving, Spirit-filled lives we all long for. I like what the writer of Jesus Scribbles wrote: “Wisdom touches, in widening circles, our neighborhood and city streets, daring to see
the practice of life. It is the daily and hourly practice of giving, honoring, and respecting life in all its forms. God’s face in neighbour and stranger and nurturing it, cherishing it, helping it thrive, Wisdom is the practice of life. It is the daily and hourly practice of giving, honouring, and respecting life in all its forms.”
Few months seems to have passed in the blink of an eye as we remember with heavy hearts when COVID-19 pandemic struck the world. In an instant, everything seemed different, like the world as we knew it would never be the same. There's some wisdom in that observation, I think, to hear Lady Wisdom calling us, reminding us to live life in the midst of this pandemic crisis. Wisdom calls us to listen to the voices of the government and health officials, to do our part in stopping the spread of the virus – washing of hands, wearing a mask, social distancing, while saying a prayer for health and healing at the same time. Wisdom also nudges us to rejoice in the acts of courage, compassion, and commitment of front line and essential services workers and those who come forward to making a difference in this time of crisis. Wisdom pushes us to look forward, to embrace the present that is not defined by pandemic and deaths but instead is shaped by hope, possibility, and the grace of God.
In closing, let me read to you an excerpt from a poem entitled The Lamp of Wisdom:
To all who long and strive to realize the Self,
Illumination comes to them in this very life.
This divine awareness never leaves them,
And they work unceasingly for the good of all.
When the lamp of wisdom is lit within,
Their face shines, whether life brings weal or woe.
Lady Wisdom is crying out - do you hear her? Will you listen?
Remember this- Wisdom ignored - leads to disaster. Wisdom heeded - leads to life.
Thanks be to our wise God. Amen.
Sources that helped me with my sermon:
1. Viktor E. Frankl Anthology
2. Kathleen O’Connor, Feasting on the Word, Year B, Vol. 4, pp. 51-55.
3. Sermon of Thomas R. McKibbens on Wisdom
4. https://jesusscribbles.wordpress.com/category/sermons
5. Yoga Vashishta , The Lamp of Wisdom, http://www.easwaran.org. 6. Sermon Illustration on Wisdom
Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer Lorrie Lowes, DM
God of us all,
We come to you this day, full of gratitude for our many blessings.
But we also come seeking guidance and help.
We open our hearts and minds to your Wisdom.
Lord, hear our prayers, and in your mercy answer.
We pray for our world, for all that you have created and all the gifts it gives to us.
Grant us the wisdom to use these gifts in a way that supports and nurtures all it encompasses, from the planet itself to all that inhabit it.
We pray for the environment as it struggles to heal itself from the stress we humans have put upon it…
We pray for the creatures of the air, the land, and the water…
We pray for people everywhere, our brothers and sisters around the world, as they cope with the ongoing pandemic, and hardships such as war, injustice, hunger, and fear…
We pray for Canada and for the leaders who we have chosen to guide us through these turbulent times.
Grant them the wisdom and the compassion to take us in a direction that is pleasing to you and beneficial to all…
Lord, hear our prayers, and in your mercy answer.
We pray for this faith community,
For those who are suffering from illness, both physical and mental…
For those who are feeling isolated and lonely…
For those feeling anxious about the changes surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic…
For those who are missing loved ones through distance, ill ness, or death…
Grant us the wisdom to see where we can reach out to each other to both give and receive caring support.
Lord, hear our prayers, and in your mercy answer.
All these things we ask in the name of Jesus, our example and our guide, as we continue in the words he taught his disciples…
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
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:
Sophia God, we hear and we respond to your words of wisdom, your words of call and life. May these gifts, not only of our time, talents and treasures, but of our very selves be acceptable to you and help spread your justice and love. Amen.
Sending Forth: Rev. Kim Vidal
We have opened our hearts to God’s Wisdom.
As you welcome another week,
may God’s wisdom give life to you,
to others and to all creation.
Let God’s wisdom embrace you
with goodness and love.
Let us live with hearts wide open in every
place and time wisdom calls us to be.
Go in peace. Amen.
Hymn: Forth in Your Name, O Christ - Voices United #416
1. Forth in your name, O Christ, we go,
our daily labour to pursue,
you, only you, resolved to know
in all we think, or speak or do.
2. The task your wisdom has assigned
here let us cheerfully fulfil,
in all our works your presence finds,
and prove your good and perfect will.
3. You may we set at our right hand,
whose eyes our in-most secrets view,
and labour on at your command
and offer all our works to you.
4. Help us to bear your easy yoke
in every moment watch and pray,
and still to things eternal look,
and hasten to that glorious day.
5. Then with delight may we employ
all that your bounteous grace has given,
and run our earthly course with joy,
and closely walk with you to heaven.
Words – Charles Wesley, 1749 / Music – Robert Schumann, 1839, adapt.
HAPPY 7th YEAR ANNIVERSARY AT BCUC REV. KIM VIDAL!!!
AND HAPPY WOW BIRTHDAY IDA BLACKWELL!!
Departing: Early One Morning/Happy Anniversary/Birthday! Abe: piano
Zoom Fellowship hosted by Lorrie at 11 am. Link has been emailed. See you there!