BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH
13th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
August 22, 2021
Worship Leader: Rev. Lorrie Lowes
Music: Abe TeGrotenhuis
Sermon Theme: Shake the Dust From Your Feet
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: Be Thou My Vision – arr: Mark Hayes Ellen, Chris, Bernice & Angela
1. Be thou my vision, O joy of my heart
Naught be all else to me, save that thou art
Thou my best thought, by day or by night
Waking or sleeping, thy presence my light
2. Be thou my wisdom, my calm in all strife
I ever with thee and thou in my life
Thou loving parent, thy child may I be
Thou in me dwelling and I one with thee
3. Be thou my battle shield, sword for the fight
be thou my dignity, thou my delight
thou my soul’s shelter, thou my high tower
raise thou me heavenward, O power of my power
4. Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praise
Thou mine inheritance, now and always
Thou and thou only first in my heart
Great God of heaven, my treasure thou art
5. Great God of heaven, after victory won
May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's sun
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall
Still be my vision, O ruler of all
Song #117636 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved
Welcome & Centering for Worship
Good morning! On behalf of BCUC, I welcome you to our worship service in the name of Jesus, our guide and companion, on this 13th Sunday after Pentecost. I’m so glad that you have joined us for worship!
As we continue to be under pandemic restrictions, please be reminded that the work of the church carries on. Take time to keep in touch with each other through prayers, phone calls, emails or Zoom. As well, don’t forget to check the many announcements on our website at bcuc.org to keep you informed and give you opportunities to respond.
Our sanctuary has re-opened for in-person worship service on Sunday at 10 am with a maximum number of 50 people. If you wish to attend the service and feel safe and comfortable doing so, we will be happy to see you! For the safety of all attendees, the usual health protocols will continue to be in place including masking, social distancing, hand sanitizing and staying home if you feel unwell. Take note too that our worship service will still be offered via YouTube, by email, and by telephone.
Friends, whether you are joining us in the sanctuary on Sunday morning or connecting through the wonders of technology at a different time or place, together, we are the church, united in faith. Let us join our hearts as we centre ourselves for worship.
Lighting of the Christ Candle Acolytes: Rick and Sue Morrison
Throughout these days when “gathering” for worship does not always mean that we are together in one place, let us pause to remember that we are connected by God’s love, no matter how scattered around the world we may be. We light this candle as a reminder that God is always with us, and to centre our hearts and minds for worship.
Call to Gather & Opening Prayer
We gather now to worship God: Kind Creator, Compassionate Friend, Ever-present Spirit.
God’s promise is to meet us here and to go with us as we journey onward, helping us to be faithful disciples of Jesus, empowered by the Spirit, here in this holy place and to the ends of the earth.
With love and gratitude, let us worship God.[1]
Let us pray:
Holy One,
Renew us again in worship. Renew us with the strength to conquer all that is ahead this week. Renew us. Fill us. Bless us with your spirit so we may touch your world with a heavenly kiss. Amen.[2]
Hymn: God, We Praise You for the Morning - Voices United #415 Susan, Mary & Bram
6. God we praise you for the morning;
Hope springs for with each new day,
New beginning, prayer and promise,
Joy in work and in play.
7. God, we praise you for creation,
Mountains, seas, and prairie land.
Waking souls find joy and healing
In your bountiful hand.
8. God, we praise you for compassion,
All the loving that you show;
Human touching, tears, and laughter,
Help your children to grow.
9. God, we praise you for your Spirit,
Comforter and daily friend,
Restless searcher, gentle teacher,
Strength and courage you send.
10.God, we praise you for the Saviour,
Come that we may know your ways.
In his loving, dying, rising,
Christ is Lord of our days.
11.Hallelujah, hallelujah!
Hallelujah, hallelujah!
Hallelujah, hallelujah!
Christ is Lord of our days!
Words & Music © 1984 Jim and Jean Strathdee, Desert Flower Music
Song #59964 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved
Storytime: Erin Berard
Guess what?! We're leaving on a camping trip this afternoon! I’m very excited. I'm just checking that we've got everything we need packed. The cooler, sleeping bags, stove and cooking tools, our clothes, and tent are already in the van. And in this bag I've got the flashlights, sunscreen, bug spray, towels, some books and games. Yes, I think I'm good to go!
You know, though, in today's Bible passage we'll hear how Jesus sends the disciples out to teach and heal in the nearby villages and basically tells them not to take any provisions with them - no food, no tent, no money! Wow - they'd really have to trust that God had their backs. But really, where would they stay? How would they get food?
I guess Jesus' plan was that without any supplies, they'd have to actually talk to people and get to know people in these other villages, so the villagers would trust the disciples and welcome them in. Just like, I suppose, if I'd forgotten matches or dish soap or something, and I'm out at the campground, I could ask someone at a neighbouring campsite. I think Jesus did a lot of important teaching just being with people, hearing about their worries or illnesses, and especially sharing a meal.
I suppose, though, that some people might not be willing or able to share what they have or be nervous around strangers (Covid sure makes that even harder). Actually, Jesus tells his disciples to expect that, but not to stress out about it, and just move on and try to make a connection with someone else. When Jesus travelled to the town where he grew up and tried to teach them about God's kin-dom, most of his old neighbours just saw him as 'Mary and Joseph's' kid, and didn't really listen to his message and weren't willing to be helped and healed. So Jesus and the disciples just picked up and moved on.
I wonder how you'd react if a new kid in the neighbourhood approached you looking to talk, wanting to play, or asking for help? How can I be welcoming to the new students in classes this Fall? When I meet new people, do I sometimes jump to conclusions about what they’re going to be like? And, I wonder, what am I missing out on if I do turn people down or don't bother getting to know them?
Hmmm… some things to think about when I'm out on a hike later today…
Hymn: “One More Step” - Voices United #639 BCUC choir
1.One more step along the world I go;
one more step along the world I go,
From the old things to the new,
keep me traveling along with you.
And it’s from the old I travel to the new,
keep me traveling along with you.
2.‘Round the corner of the world I turn,
more and more about the world I learn;
all the new things that I see;
you’ll be looking at along with me.
And it’s from the old I travel to the new,
keep me traveling along with you.
3.As I travel through the bad and good,
keep me traveling the way I should;
where I see no way to go,
you’ll be telling me the way, I know.
And it’s from the old I travel to the new, keep me traveling along with you.
4.Give me courage when the world is rough;
keep me loving though the world is tough;
leap and sing in all I do,
keep me traveling along with you.
And it’s from the old I travel to the new,
keep me traveling along with you.
5.You are older than the world can be,
You are younger than the life in me,
Ever old and ever new,
keep me traveling along with with you:
And it’s from the old I travel to the new;
keep me traveling along with you.
Words and Music; Sydney Carter © 1971, Stainer & Bell Ltd Song # 03216
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved
Prayer for Illumination Reader: John Boivin
May the reading of your word, O God, give us inspiration, hope, and confidence. Amen.
Reading: Mark 6: 1-13 The Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth
6 He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 2 On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. 4 Then Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house.” 5 And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. 6 And he was amazed at their unbelief.
The Mission of the Twelve
Then he went about among the villages teaching. 7 He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; 9 but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. 10 He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. 11 If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” 12 So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. 13 They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
May we find wisdom for today in these ancient words.
Sermon: “Tough Crowd!”
It all started out well.
Way back when, I was accepted at McMaster University into a program where I earned two degrees concurrently – a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Social Work. It was a tough program to get into and my family was really proud of me. My parents hadn’t had the opportunity to go to university so you can imagine how excited they were and how interested in the work I was doing. They loved to hear stories about the families and the kids I was working with. Well, sometime after graduation, I was visiting home when my brother was going through a period in his life that was causing grief for those around him, including my parents. Looking through my new eyes as a Social Worker, I made some observations and probably even suggested some places where he might get help.
Whew! Big mistake!
Just who did I think I was? Just because I worked with people who needed help, doesn’t mean that everybody needs that kind of help – and certainly not anyone from our family!
Much as we love our families, sometimes it’s hard to go home again. Even though we grow up and manage careers and families, we will always be that same “child” in the eyes of our parents, our siblings, and Mrs. Smith next door. Most of the time, that’s a good thing, a comforting thing.
Don’t get me wrong, they were all still proud of me – as long as I didn’t try to challenge their view of the world.
When I read this story from the Gospel of Mark, I can empathize with Jesus. He had been creating quite a stir in the area with his charismatic leadership, his teaching – and of course all those healing miracles! He headed home to Nazareth, maybe for a little break. There’s nothing like mom’s home cooking and time amongst family and friends to help recharge your batteries. I bet they were really happy to see him and excited to hear all about his new ministry, his new career as a rabbi. Their small town boy had really done big things! The stories of his mission would certainly have made their way to this town ahead of him.
We hear in this passage today that his disciples followed him to Nazareth. What a great time they would have! He would have been happy to introduce them to his family and friends. I can imagine they spent a few days sharing stories of Jesus as a little boy. Mary would have been fussing around, making all of his favourite dishes. What a great visit!
Now, the custom of the time was that visiting teachers would be asked to read and interpret scripture in the synagogue if they were there on the Sabbath. So, it makes perfect sense that Jesus would have been asked to do this. And they were amazed at his eloquence – “astounded” is the word the NRSV Bible uses. He was so wise! He had done so many marvelous things! And he was just “one of us”.
It all started out well.
Mark doesn’t tell us what happened to change the attitude of the congregation that day, just that, suddenly, they “took offense at him.” The story is told the same way in the book of Matthew. Luke also tells the story but he adds some details. Perhaps we can borrow from Luke to give us a possible explanation. I am reading from Luke 4: 16-22:
“When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”
And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
Well, that caused quite a stir! “Isn’t this the carpenter? He’s that kid who grew up down the street from us - Mary’s boy (notice they don’t call him Joseph’s boy, which would have been the usual custom at the time). We know his whole family, they are just like us. What makes him think he’s so special?”
Tough crowd!
So tough, in fact that he is unable to do much there. He laid hands on a few sick people and cured them. “And he was amazed at their unbelief,” says the author of Mark. It was a strong case of “familiarity breeds contempt.” The people in Nazareth were unable to hear the word of God because it came from the mouth of a carpenter’s son, the boy who grew up down the road, the son of Mary - whose parentage was questionable.
We might think that’s crazy! This was Jesus speaking! How could they not know that they were hearing the Word of God? But then, I wonder, would we have been any different? Are we any different today? Is God speaking to us today? Would we recognize it if He did?
I met a young woman, recently, who is going through a difficult period in her life. She is a single mom and has had to make some pretty significant changes in the past while. Sometimes, when she is faced with hard decisions, she tells me, she prays to God, “Just give me a sign! What should I do?” And there are times when she realizes after the fact that she had been given many signs - an advertisement for a job right below the announcement of an event she wanted to attend… a chance meeting with a friend of a friend who just happened to know about that job opening … her mother telling her, “You would be really good at a job like this…” And still she asked God to give her a sign. Sometimes, she told me she prays to God “You know I’m really stupid God, I’m just not seeing the signs. You’re going to have to make it really hit me over the head.” She couldn’t hear the voice of God because it wasn’t coming in the way she expected to hear it. It was happening in everyday conversations with ordinary people.
She applied for the job, by the way - and got it. She is really happy in this new position and laughs when she looks back at the “signs” that she missed.
And then there is the story - perhaps you’ve heard it - about the man living through an incredible flood in his area. Everyone was told to evacuate but he insisted on staying put. “God will provide!” was his response when they came knocking on his door with the evacuation order. The flood waters rose to the point where the man had to go out on his roof. Some folks came by with a boat and said, “Get in! We will take you to safety.” but… “God will provide!” was his only response. A while later he was clinging to the very peak of his roof while the water swirled around him and a helicopter flew overhead. “We are going to lower a rope and harness to you! Strap yourself in and we will get you out of here.” Nope… he wasn’t budging, “God will provide!”
Well, that man eventually drowned clinging to his house and when he arrived in heaven to meet God, he said, “Why did you desert me? I waited for you to save me and you let me drown in that flood!”
And God answered, “I sent you an evacuation notice, a boat and a helicopter, what more did you want?”
He couldn’t hear the Word of God because it came from an ordinary worldly source.
The people of Nazareth didn’t recognize God in their midst because that Spirit was housed in the ordinary carpenter who grew up just down the road.
Can you imagine how Jesus must have felt at that moment? This was his home! These were people he loved. He could have gotten angry - maybe tossed a few tables? - or maybe he felt hurt. He might have felt defeated or that he was a failure. I mean, if you can’t help out the folks in your own home town, what chance do you have to change the world? Perhaps he might have stayed on, tried to convince them…
But that wasn’t his reaction at all. Instead, he and his disciples moved on. This time he sent them out, two by two. That must have been a scary thought, having just witnessed what Jesus went through!
But he sent them well prepared. He had a pretty simple set of instructions for them:
Travel in pairs - This way you can support each other and be safe.
Travel light - You have everything you need to do this work - you have the tools for the job within you and the authority over evil. You don’t need to carry extra money or food or clothing. Just a walking stick and a couple of pairs of good walking shoes because you won’t be staying in one place too long.
Live simply - Stay in the first place that welcomes you, don’t go looking for luxury hotels!
And if you experience what I just experienced here in Nazareth, just shake the dust off your feet and move on.
He didn’t send them out to fail but he also didn’t send them out with the unrealistic expectation that everyone would welcome their message with open arms. He showed them, first-hand, how to carry on in the face of failure. And he even gave them a ritual for when it might happen. “Shake the dust off your feet.”
In today’s world it seems hard to tell people around you that you are a Christian, let alone to share the Word of God! Many people equate that label of “Christian” with the extreme fundamentalist views they read about in the media. Many people believe that “truth” is the same thing as “fact” and that, because the Bible’s stories can’t be proven as historical fact or because some of the books in the Bible contradict each other, then it’s all a pack of lies - no “truth” here.
Tough crowd!
We are blessed to be part of a community of faith that sees the Bible as a collection of books written by people who were trying to make sense of the world with the knowledge they had at the time. A collection of stories that try to make sense of that Great Mystery of creation and community and spirituality and living in right relation with all of it, that Great Mystery that we call God and Spirit and Jesus. We know the people of Old Testament times, or even New Testament times, didn’t have it all figured out. I don’t think we have it all figured out yet - and that’s ok.
We do know that there is a lot of “truth” in those ancient stories - truths that are as important today as they were thousands of years ago.
So, what message does this story from Mark and Matthew and Luke have for us in the 21st century? What “truth” is there for us today?
Let’s take another look at the instructions Jesus gave those disciples as he sent them off to spread the Word:
Travel together - support each other, treat each other with respect, keep each other safe. that’s one of the wonderful benefits of coming here on a Sunday morning - that supportive community we have built together.
Travel light - you have everything you need to bring the Kingdom of God to the world around you. You have the tools for the job within you.
Live simply - you don’t need a flashy light show or a big orchestra to take the Message out there. It’s all about how you live your life, how you are in the world.
If you face a tough crowd - and of course you will from time to time - don’t worry. Don’t fight back. Just shake the dust off your feet and carry on.
Simple instructions for a very powerful life.
Thanks be to God.
Prayers of the People & the Lord’s Prayer
God of us all,
We give thanks for all the blessings in our lives – for summer days, for celebrations, and for the gradual reopening of the world and long-awaited opportunities to spend time with friends and loved ones.
We pray for this planet and for the many situations in the world that are making life scary and difficult for many – forest fires, floods, and earthquakes caused by climate change, oppression, war, and violence caused by human greed for power and possessions. Be with us as we take your message and your Way out into the world as disciples of Jesus. Help us to be steadfast in your message of love, even when faced with tough crowds.
There are so many in this world who are suffering.
We pray for all those who hunger for food – in their bodies or in their souls.
We pray that they will be filled.
We pray for those who suffer injustice, oppression, and discrimination
That they may be lifted.
We pray for all those dealing with grief, sorrow, and loss.
That they may be comforted.
We pray for our families, our friends, and our neighbours, near and far,
That they may be strengthened by your love.
We offer up to you all the blessings and concerns that we share aloud or hold silently in our hearts,
Knowing that you hear each one.
We ask all this as we continue in these familiar words together:
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
We take time now to offer our gifts of time, talents and resources to further the mission and ministry of our church.
If you are not on PAR and wish to send in your offering and donations, you can drop them in the mailbox 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
Take what we offer this morning, O God:
Take our caring for neighbours from a distance; take our phone calls, texts, and social media greetings with our families; take our action of staying home and physical distancing; take all we offer this morning in word, in action, and in donation, blessing us and our giving in Jesus’ name. Amen.[3]
Sending Forth
God send you from here in the power of love.
God keep you filled with the Holy Spirit.
God build in you the reign of Christ.
Amen.[4]
Hymn: “Go Make a Diff’rence” - More Voices #209 Music Team
Refrain: Go make a diff’rence. We can make diff’rence.
Go make a diff’rence in the world. (2x)
1. We are the salt of the earth, called to let the people see,
the love of God for you and me.
We are the light of the world, not to be hidden but be seen.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
2. We are the hands of Christ reaching out to those in need,
The face of God for all to see.
We are the spirit of hope; we are the voice of peace.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
3. So let your love shine on, let it shine for all to see.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
And the spirit of Christ will be with us as we go.
Go make a diff’rence in the world!
Words and Music © 1997 Steve Angrisano and Tom Tomaszek spiritandsong.com
Song # 82988 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved
Departing Music: Go Now in Peace – Besig & Price Ellen, Chris, Bernice & Angela
Song #78821 Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-733214. All rights reserved
Zoom Fellowship – 11 am
[1] from: Phil Hobbs, Gathering Pentecost 1 2021, p42. Used with permission.
[2] From: Elaine Bidgood Sveet, Gathering Pentecost 1 2015, p33. Used with permission.
[3] Gord Dunbar, Gathering Pentecost 1 2021, p51. Used with permission.
[4] Robin Wardlaw, Gathering Pentecost 1 2021, p53. Used with permission.