BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH
WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY / AGAPE MEAL (COMMUNION)
October 3, 2021
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 Music: There’s A Spirit in the Air VU 582
(Words: Brian Wren, 1969; Music: John Wilson, 1969)
1 There's a spirit in the air,
telling Christians everywhere:
"Praise the love that Christ revealed,
living, working in our world."
2 Lose your shyness, find your tongue,
tell the world what God has done:
God in Christ has come to stay.
Live tomorrow's life today!
3 When believers break the bread,
when a hungry child is fed,
praise the love that Christ revealed,
living, working, in our world.
4 Still the Spirit gives us light,
seeing wrong and setting right:
God in Christ has come to stay.
Live tomorrow's life today!
5 When a stranger's not alone,
where the homeless find a home,
praise the love that Christ revealed,
living, working, in our world.
6 May the Spirit fill our praise,
guide our thoughts and change our ways.
God in Christ has come to stay,
live tomorrow's life today!
Acknowledgement of Territory Rev. Lorrie Lowes
As we begin our worship today, we remember that, in this congregation, we live and work on the unceded traditional territory of the Algonquin and Anishinaabe Peoples. We give thanks for their stewardship of the land and the water, the plants and the animals, through many generations. We also acknowledge their story, and our place in it, with sorrow. As we continue to live on this land with respect for it and for its people, may we commit to working toward truth, justice and reconciliation. All my relations.
Welcome & Announcements Rev. Kim Vidal
Good day everyone! On behalf of BCUC, I welcome and greet you in the name of Jesus Christ on this Fourth Sunday of Creation Time in the Season of Pentecost. Today, we are celebrating World Communion Sunday with an Agape Meal. Wherever you are, whether you are joining us via online, or onsite, or even reading the printed text of the service in the comfort of your homes, we are glad that you have joined us today.
We continue worshipping in the sanctuary on Sunday mornings at 10 am with a maximum number of 50 people. Due to the Covid variants that continue to pause some health threats to the community, the Public Health recommends staying at home, but if you wish to attend the service, you are most welcome. As a faith community called to love and serve others, let us be mindful of the health protocols such as masking, social distancing, hand sanitizing and staying home if you feel unwell. It is also highly recommended to get vaccinated as one of the best precautionary measures to protect yourself and others.
During this time of pandemic, the work of the church carries on. Please take time to keep in touch with each other through prayers, phone calls, emails or via Zoom. Check also the many announcements on our website including Sunday School resources for your children at bcuc.org to keep you informed and give you opportunities to respond.
Friends, on this World Communion Sunday, as we gather around the table of grace and partake the bread and the cup, may God the Creator nourish us by the sacrament of a welcoming and inclusive love. Let us now gather in worship.
Lighting of the Christ Candle Acolytes: Kim Family
We light this candle to remind us of God’s love and light, and that the Risen Christ is always with us. As we gather for communion, let us be reminded of these words from the Apostle Paul: “Let no one deceive you with empty words. For once you were like night, but now in Christ you are light. Love as children of light- for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true.” (Ephesians 5:8-10)
*Call to Gather & Opening Prayer Rev. Lorrie Lowes
(Inspired by the prayer of Kate Crawford, Gathering, Pentecost 2, Year A, 2014. Use with Permission.)
In the presence of loaves and drink on our table,
and in the company of all the saints in the world,
we gather in this sacred place to prepare an earthly feast.
Yeast and flour and oil combine, freshly pressed wine,
like hope and love and joy.
The bread of faith rises in our midst.
The cup of grace touches us with hope.
God calls us to come and dine this day
with our brothers and sisters of the global village.
We come and dine in the presence of God whose Spirit ministers to us.
Let us pray:
Loving God, as we gather to share bread around this table,
we pause to remember other tables, other times, other hands.
We come remembering the taste of bread and wine.
We come acknowledging the freedom of forgiveness and the strength of your presence.
Gather us in to be your people: in love, in faith, in service. Amen.
Hymn: Come In, Come In, and Sit Down VU395
(Words & Music: James K. Manley, 1984)
Refrain:
Come in come in and sit down,
you are a part of the family.
We are lost and we are found,
and we are a part of the family.
1 You know the reason why you came,
yet no reason can explain,
so share in the laughter and cry in the pain,
for we are a part of the family. R
2 God is with us in this place,
like a mother's warm embrace.
We're all forgiven by God's grace,
for we are a part of the family. R
3 There's life to be shared in the bread and the wine, we are the branches Christ is the vine. This is God's temple, it's not yours or mine, but we are a part of the family. R
4 There's rest for the weary and health for us all, there's a yoke that is easy, and a burden that's small. So come in and worship and answer the call, for we are a part of the family. R
Storytime Rev. Lorrie
Welcome, everybody!
I know that Rev. Kim already welcomed everyone to this morning’s worship service – but I want to make sure that you know that message of “Welcome!” was meant especially for you… yes, you! Each and every one of you.
I really miss seeing you all in person on Sunday morning. I miss saying good morning to each of you as you arrive with your families or walk past my office door. Saying it on a video just isn’t the same as when I see you in person. I miss you soooo much! But, we have to keep each other safe until this pandemic is over, and that means our welcomes can’t include hugs, even our smiles are hidden behind masks. A video is about the closest thing I can offer you for now. So, “WELCOME!!!” and I hope you feel all the love and excitement I am trying to put into that word.
I’ve been thinking about that word, “welcome” this week. You see it on welcome mats at people’s front doors. You see it on signs as you enter a new town or city. I’m not sure that’s the kind of welcome I’m trying to send to you though… It’s missing something… and, know what? I think our Bible story gives us a hint about that missing piece!
It’s a story you are familiar with – one I usually read at baptisms. The disciples are trying to keep the children from bothering Jesus and when he notices this, he tells them “No, don’t stop them! Let them come to me.” And then it says, “he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.” He didn’t say, come over here kids and sit quietly while I talk to the grown-ups. “He took them up in his arms.”
When I read that last part, I picture Jesus crouching down with his arms wide open and a big smile on his face. He wouldn’t even have to say the word “Welcome!” It’s the kind of welcome you get from your grandma when you knock on her door. It’s the kind of welcome that says, “I love you so much!”
That’s the kind of welcome I want to give each and every one of you this morning. And I think that’s the kind of welcome God wants to give us every day. So, next time you say a prayer, I hope you picture God with arms wide open, ready to scoop you up in love.
Now, when Grandma or Grandpa opens up their arms to welcome you, I bet you open your arms for that hug… so, this morning, when we say our prayer, let’s open our arms to receive that hug from God. Ready?
Dear God,
Thank you for loving us. Thank you for welcoming us with open arms.
Thank you for the love of our faith family at BCUC and keep us safe until we can welcome each other again in person. Amen.
Hymn: I’m Gonna Shout MV183
(Words & Music: Bruce Harding, 1998)
1 I’m gonna shout, shout, shout out my love
for Jesus, for Jesus!
I’m gonna shout, shout, shout out my love
for God’s most holy child!
For whatever I might do today,
at home, at school, at work, at play,
I’ve got Jesus’ love deep down inside of me!
2 I’m gonna raise, raise, raise up my hands
for Jesus, for Jesus!
I’m gonna raise, raise, raise up my hands
for God’s most holy child!
For whatever I might do today,
at home, at school, at work, at play,
I’ve got Jesus’ love deep down inside of me!
3 I’m gonna dance, dance, dance all around
for Jesus, for Jesus!
I’m gonna dance, dance, dance all around
for God’s most holy child!
For whatever I might do today,
at home, at school, at work, at play,
I’ve got Jesus’ love deep down inside of me!
Prayer for Illumination Reader: Rick Morrison
Gracious God, be with us now as we turn to the pages of your Word.
We ask for your Spirit of Wisdom, to help us understand your will for us. Amen.
The Reading: Mark 10:13-16 (NRSV)
Jesus Blesses Little Children
13 People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. 14 But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 15 Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.
May the Light of Christ dwell where the Word is spoken. Thanks be to God!
Sermon: “Bring the Children to the Table” Rev. Kim Vidal
I still remember the first communion I received as a child. In the United Methodist tradition, we gathered around and knelt on a rail when we receive the elements from the pastor. At age 11, I was so excited to join the other children as we anticipate the snack of the day! A small bread cut in 1 by 1 inch and grape juice poured in mini cups. At that young age, I may have never understood what it meant to participate in a communion but for me, it certainly was the highlight of the service which was far better than listening to the long-winded sermon!
Today, Christians, particularly those from the mainline Protestant denominations who are members of the World Council of Churches, are celebrating World Communion Sunday – that’s right! It’s worldwide – not just here in Canada but all over the world. Originally named as Worldwide Communion Sunday, this special Sunday was first introduced in 1933 by a Presbyterian minister, the Rev. Hugh Thomson Kerr who ministered at that time in a large church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It takes place every first Sunday of October, the purpose of which is to bring Christian churches together in a service of unity and ecumenical cooperation. This is one Sunday every year for many Christians around the world to experience God’s invitation to feast together, affirming their journey with Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life. Although we are celebrating this sacrament in the context of a global community, reality is - there are still some Christian denominations who makes the sacrament of communion an exclusive privilege for the few. Some churches have some boundaries or policies regarding who can or cannot take communion. There are some churches who will only offer communion to their members or those of the same denomination. Other churches have a special card like a passport for those who can take communion. Some churches do not even serve communion to children or those youth who have not been confirmed.
In our gospel story today, the disciples displayed an unwelcoming behaviour. They were shooing away the parents who brought their children to be touched by Jesus. But Jesus got upset with the disciples for doing this. Let’s be honest—sometimes children drive us crazy. For modern readers like us, this particular story sounds like a case of annoyed disciples rolling their eyes because a disruptive child is making it impossible to hear the sermon during a worship service. Why do you think the disciples stop people from bringing the children to Jesus? Several reasons come to mind. In Jesus’ time, children were considered nobodies. They were powerless. It could be that the disciples were trying to protect Jesus from the crowds in general, trying to give their leader some breathing space. Jesus had far more important things to do than entertaining these nobodies. Or perhaps the disciples were just applying the norm of the day - cultural values that deny children a meaningful place in society. Another possibility is that these children were sick, diseased, even gravely ill. After all, their parents are bringing them to Jesus “that he might touch them,” a phrase in Mark that is almost always associated with healing. The desperate parents want Jesus to reassure them that things will get better for their children. Children embody a particular kind of heartbreak when they are ill because they are so innocent, young, and vulnerable. And so perhaps the disciples were trying keep at bay the possible endless stream of parents who would bring their sick and diseased children to him.
There might be other hundreds of reasons for the disciples doing wat they have done but what we do know is that Jesus will have none of it. Jesus scolds his disciples’ snobbish attitude and welcomes the children as guests and friends. Jesus takes a step further by saying that it is “to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.” Think about that, for a moment. God’s reign belongs to the children – those who have no voice, the weak, the ill, the marginalized, the most vulnerable. If this is true, it is like no other kingdom or reign we’ve ever heard of. Not only that, but Jesus also says that only those who receive the Kingdom of God like these children will enter it. I like what Rev. David Lose has to say about this: “When we look to our strengths or power or possessions to secure our future and good, we will be disappointed. Only those aware of their brokenness and need, after all, can receive help…Those who are confident of the kingdoms of the world will look upon this spectacle as foolishness. But those who are broken, hurting, alone or ill will look and see God there…eager to gather them into God’s healing arms and embrace them in redemptive love.”
Sometimes we are just like the disciples. We get irritated when children run around the sanctuary or make some noise during the service. We want the children to act like adults when they should act like children. If Jesus so welcomes the children to come to him and be blessed by him, who are we to put a stop to them? Why do some churches bar children from taking communion? Communion is a sacrament of grace. In the holy moment of eating and drinking, one can feel the presence of God. God welcomes people of all ages, colour or faith at this table of grace, so why would we get in the way of that sacred meeting? We also need to remind ourselves that this table is not our table. It is God’s table. This is not a Bells Corners United Church table. It is a table for everyone who accepts the invitation to eat and drink together remembering Jesus as the gracious host. Communion is like a family meal time where everyone – children and adults alike gather to eat and share the stories of the day There’s no children’s table that is separate from this table. Some parents say, “We don’t let our children partake communion until they fully understand what’s going on.” Children might not fully understand what’s going on, but they know what it means to be left out. And I will never tolerate having a child feel that way in any congregation I am called to minister. For me, it’s OK if we let our children think that communion is like a snack time. We have the responsibility as adults to teach them as we journey together. Children will eventually understand the meaning of communion when we teach them and let them experience this sacrament of remembrance. Instead of saying to the children, “the bread and grape juice is the body and blood of Christ” why don’t we say to them “with this bread and juice, Jesus wants you to remember how much God loves you.” That’s all they need to know. That’s all any of us need to know.
We are the body of Christ. We are all God’s children who gather around God’s table of grace. Jesus shared a simple meal of bread and wine to have his disciples remember him, something he had shared with them countless times before, and something they would share together after he was gone. Together they would sit, share the stories of Jesus, break the bread, share the wine in remembrance, in fellowship and in thanksgiving.
Today, Christians from Canada, the United States, Philippines, Brazil, South Africa, England, Ireland, Scotland, South Korea, Australia - all over the world are gathering to be fed. They gather in cathedrals, churches, urban and suburban places of worship. They gather in small buildings, in chapels, outdoors, indoors, in Zoom, wherever two or three are gathered. God’s children, like you and I, people of different race and economic means, of different political persuasion, people of different abilities, those who know freedom, those who do not, migrant workers, peasants, royalty, all gather today to be fed with the bread and wine - to appease their deep physical, spiritual and moral hunger for God.
Friends, on this World Communion Sunday, when we remember that God comes to us in the caring acts of the community gathered, let us return our gratitude for the grace offered to us in Jesus the Christ. And let us find, at this table, strength for our journey. Let's recommit ourselves to the Good News, welcoming such as these children as Jesus taught us. Thanks be to God. Amen.
Sources used:
BCUC Lectionary Group
David J. Lose, Reflections on Mark 10:13-16, davidlose.net
Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer Rev. Lorrie Lowes
(written by Rev Abi and posted on A Place for Prayer, http://revgalprayerpals.blogspot.ca/)
Lord as we gather around this wonderful meal
everywhere and in every place;
bless us all your children.
As we eat this bread and drink this cup
linking arms around the world,
pour your grace into us all.
Grace us with your presence
as we quietly and loudly pray to you.
May we see in each other
your light, your love and you.
May it not matter our differences,
our names, our languages,
our looks, and our way of doing things.
May what matter today and everyday be that we are one in you.
And as we pray many we call to mind our brothers and sisters
who are unable to be with us today whether in body or spirit.
May you bring comfort to those who are grieving, lonely,
heartbroken, ill or broken of spirit.
May you strengthen those whose lives feel shattered,
don’t make sense, in crisis, and experiencing loss.
May you say the healing word to those who need it.
May you bring the human touch of love
to those who have not been touched.
May you love the unloved through us.
May you shine your light
into those whose world is covered in darkness.
May you use us to feed the hungry,
clothe the ones who need clothes,
give a cup of water to those who are thirsty,
shelter the homeless, visit the sick and those in prison.
May lives be awakened to you, Lord,
to your love and to your kingdom
whose door is always open to all.
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.
Communion Hymn: We Gather Here VU 469
(Words & Music: Bryan Jeffery Leech, 1984)
We gather here in Jesus' name,
his love is burning in our hearts like living flame; for through the loving son God fashions us as one: Come take the bread, come drink the wine, come, share the Lord.
No one is a stranger here,
- everyone belongs;
finding our forgiveness here,
we in turn forgive all wrongs.
He joins us here, he breaks the bread,
the One who pours the cup is risen from the dead; the One we love the most is now our gracious host:
Come take the bread, come drink the wine,
come, share the Lord.
We are now a family of which Christ is the head; though unseen he meets us here
in the breaking of the bread.
We'll gather soon where angels sing;
we'll see the glory of our Lord and coming King; now we anticipate the feast for which we wait: Come take the bread, come drink the wine, come, share the Lord.
The Agape Meal Rev. Kim Vidal & Rev. Lorrie Lowes
I now invite you for an agape meal. Please make sure you have a piece of bread or crackers and a cup or a glass of your favourite drink.
“Agape” is the New Testament Greek word for “self-giving love”. The kind of love that comes from God and models God’s loving choice for our well-being and all of Creation. In the Christian tradition, agape is also the name for informal meals and times of togetherness and mutual sharing which remind us of all those meals Jesus shared with his friends and the unity that his Spirit continues to give us even today.
Invitation (Kim)
(Gord Dunbar, The Gathering, Pentecost 2, 2021 (Year B). Used with permission)
The table is for everyone, a table of new light and of generous welcome.
To this table we bring our fears and our dreaming.
The risen Christ invites the whole human race to become light and love.
With hundreds of millions of our siblings worldwide – we are gathered by God’s invitation – in all our diversity and in all our difference.
The call to this table is for each person: doubtful or uncertain, broken or whole, stranger of friend, neighbour or foe. No one is barred. All are welcome to be nourished in Christ’s name.
Prayer of Consecration (Lorrie)
Loving friend and companion, we welcome your presence with us. May these gifts of bread and cup, nourish our bodies, hearts and minds. And may our spirits be refreshed as we live in the light of your presence, with us now, and at all times and places. Send now your Holy Spirit upon this bread and this cup, O God that they might be our remembrance and our proclamation of the presence of Jesus Christ with us, through us and in us. Amen.
The Sharing of the Bread and the Cup (Kim)
Let us now share and partake the bread and the cup reminding us of God’s unconditional love.
This is the bread – food for the journey. Take, eat and be nourished by God’s love.
This is the cup – drink for the journey. Take, drink and be sustained by God’s grace.
Prayer after the Meal (Lorrie)
For the bread we have eaten, for the wine we have tasted, for the life we have received, we thank you, loving God. Empower us to live as Jesus has lived, to bring new life to others and to give light to the world. 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
God of the global village, we bring this offering to join the gifts of others around the world.
We offer these gifts and our lives in your service. Amen.
Sending Forth Rev. Kim Vidal
On this World Communion Sunday,
we have tasted God’s goodness,
we have seen God’s generosity and fairness.
we have been blessed with a legacy of faith,
we have welcomed children to the table.
Go out to live love, to serve others, to rejoice in our communion,
in the name of God, Creator, Christ and Companion. Amen.
Hymn: Christ Has No Body Now but Yours MV171
(Words adapted by Stephen S. Warner, 2003 from St. Teresa of Avila; Music: Rick Gunn, 2006)
Refrain
Christ has no body now but yours
no hands but yours.
Here on this earth, yours is the work,
to serve with the joy of compassion.
1. No hands but yours to heal the wounded world, no hands but yours to soothe all its suffering, no touch but yours to bind the broken hope of the people of God. R
2. No eyes but yours to see as Christ would see, to find the lost, to gaze with compassion; no eyes but yours to glimpse the holy joy of the city of God. R
3. No feet but yours to journey with the poor, to walk this world with mercy and justice. Yours are the steps to build a lasting peace for the children of God. R
4. Through ev’ry gift, give back to those in need; as Christ has blessed, so now be his blessing, with ev’ry gift a benediction, be to the people of God. R
Departing Music: He Shall Feed (Handel)
Zoom Fellowship will be held on Sunday, October 17, 2021 at 11 am.