BELLS CORNERS UNITED CHURCH
21st SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
CELEBRATION OF BAPTISM
October 17, 2021
The video recording of this service can found here.
You can also dial-in by phone to listen to the audio recording at 613-820-8104.
Gathering Music: River MV3
(Words & Music: Julian Pattison, 2003)
1. River, rush-a-down to the ocean blue,
River from a mountain high.
River, as you do what rivers do,
River, draw the Spirit nigh.
2. Spirit, come-a-down to the river-side,
Spirit, spark of wondrous thought.
Spirit, I am free for you to guide,
Spirit, pray that I be taught!
3. Water, let me drink of your healing pow’r,
Water, strength and life you give.
Water, as I travel with each hour.
Water, help my body live.
4. River, flow-a-down where you ran before, River, source of clearer view.
River, as I walk your rocky shore,
River, see my journey through.
See my journey through. (2x)
Welcome & Centering for Worship Rev. Kim. Vidal
Good day everyone! On behalf of BCUC, I welcome and greet you in the name of Jesus Christ on this 21st Sunday after Pentecost. Today, we are happy to welcome the families and friends of Jessica & Kory Thomas as we celebrate the baptism of their child, Makenzie Bertrand Thomas during the onsite service in the sanctuary. 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, at the font and at the table, in the church and in the world, in our tears and in our laughter, we meet Christ. Let us come as faithful people, centering ourselves in God as we worship together.
Lighting of the Christ Candle Acolytes: Peck-Jones Family
Friends, as we light this Christ candle, remember the promise expressed by these words: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.” (Isaiah 43: 1-2)
Call to Gather Rev. Lorrie Lowes
(Bill Steadman, Gathering Pentecost 2-2018 Year B. Used with permission)
We come into this space,
prepared to celebrate the God of energy and truth,
aware of the needs of the world,
and open to the Spirit that leads us.
We trust in God to guide our journey.
God supports us as we seek to share life with others.
In words and in songs, in stories and in prayers,
in quiet times and happy times,
God is with us!
Opening Prayer
(Gord Dunbar, Gathering ACE 2016-2017 Year A. Used with permission)
Let us pray…
Holy God, you have fashioned and formed us in your image, calling us by name.
You fire in us a shining glaze that reflects your tender loving care.
We ask that you pour your love upon us, a refreshing, cleansing water
calling out all that is Christ in us, shining into our world.
Remind us in our gathering today that we are your beloved,
for we see your love reflected in ourselves and in one another.
In the name of God: Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, we pray. Amen.
Hymn: Praise the Lord with the Sound of Trumpet VU 245
(Words & Music: Natalie Sleeth, 1975)
1 Praise the Lord with the sound of trumpet,
praise the Lord with the harp and lute,
praise the Lord with the gentle sounding flute.
Praise the Lord in the field and forest,
praise the Lord in the city square,
praise the Lord anytime and anywhere.
Praise the Lord in the wind and sunshine,
praise the Lord in the dark of night,
praise the Lord in the rain or snow
or in the morning light.
Praise the Lord in the deepest valley,
praise the Lord on the highest hill,
praise the Lord, never let your voice be still.
2 Praise the Lord with the crashing cymbal,
praise the Lord with the pipe and string,
praise the Lord with the joyful songs you sing.
Praise the Lord on a weekday morning,
praise the Lord on a Sunday noon,
praise the Lord by the light of sun or moon.
Praise the Lord in the time of sorrow,
praise the Lord in the time of joy,
praise the Lord every moment,
nothing let your praise destroy.
Praise the Lord in the peace and quiet,
praise the Lord in your work or play,
praise the Lord everywhere in every way!
Celebration of Baptism: Makenzie Bertrand Thomas
Parents: Jessica & Kory Thomas
Godparents: Cheryl Moore & Mark McCue
In our onsite worship service today, we welcome Makenzie Bertrand Thomas, child of Jessica and Kory Thomas. Today we welcome her into our church family through the sacrament of baptism. We also welcome the godparents, Cheryl Moore and Mark McCue. Let us offer our support, our prayers and our congratulations to Makenzie and her family on this momentous occasion.
Children’s Anthem: Welcome to the Family of God (N. Sleeth) CGS & Bell Canto Directed by Erin Berard
Welcome! Welcome!
Welcome! Welcome!
Welcome to the fam’ly of God!
You’ve been washed in the water
and given a name;
Never again will you quite be the same!
So, Welcome! Welcome!
Welcome! Welcome!
Welcome to the fam’ly of God!
Welcome! Welcome!
Welcome! Welcome!
Welcome to the fam’ly of God!
You’ve been blessed by the Spirit and greeted with love
Chosen and claimed by the Lord up above!
So, Welcome! Welcome!
Welcome! Welcome!
Welcome to the fam’ly of God!
Storytime Rev. Lorrie
When I was setting the table for our Thanksgiving dinner last weekend, I counted all the people who would be there – and we were 13! So, I put all the leaves in the table and figured out how to get that many of us around the table… I put 5 chairs on one side of the table, against the wall, and 6 on the other side where there was more room to pull your chair out, and one at each end. When I was just finishing, my grandsons came in and started choosing where they wanted to sit. This is a new house for all of us, so nobody has a “usual” seat.
What seat would you pick? Would you want to be on the wall side where there was more elbow room or on the other side where you could push your chair out if you wanted to leave the table? Or would you want to sit at one of the ends – at the head of the table? Which is the best seat?
In our Bible reading today, two of the disciples – James and John – come to Jesus with a request. They want to pick the best seats in heaven, one on each side of Jesus. They want to get their dibs in first and they want Jesus to promise them those best seats right now. And Jesus says, “Really? Are you sure you want those seats?” He understands that those places come with a lot of work and responsibility. They will have to be willing to face all the work and suffering that Jesus has to deal with – but they assure him that they are up for the challenge.
When the other disciples hear what James and John are trying to do, they aren’t very happy. What makes those two think they are so special? Well, Jesus tells them all that he can’t make that decision anyway and that the places of honour they imagine in heaven will be places that are earned, not just picked. To earn that special place, they will be expected to be servants to each other and the world. Leaders don’t just have privileges, they have huge responsibilities. If you want to be a leader, Jesus tells his friends, you have to be willing to put others ahead of you, to help them first. You don’t become a leader by pushing your way to the front, you become a leader because you make life better for the people around you.
Our Thanksgiving table worked out really well. In the end, the kids picked seats on the side with more chairs – because they know they are smaller and take up less space than the adults. They also were proud to be able to help clear the dishes and let the adults relax after dinner.
Everyone was comfortable and happy. I’m proud of those kids! Can you guess which seat I picked? The one right next to the kitchen! I think it’s the best place of all – and it was even better because I had three helpers!
Let’s finish with a prayer:
Loving God, sometimes we think we can ask you for anything and you will give it to us because we know you want us to be happy. But often you know better than we do what will be best.
Help us to think carefully about the wishes we have and the choices we make. Help us see that we are happiest when we make sure the people around us are happy too. Amen.
Hymn: Let Us Build A House MV1
(Words & Music: Marty Haugen, 1994)
1 Let us build a house where love can dwell and all can safely live,
A place where saints and children tell how hearts learn to forgive.
Built of hopes and dreams and visions, rock of faith and vault of grace;
here the love of Christ shall end divisions:
All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place.
2 Let us build a house where prophets speak, and words are strong and true,
where all God’s children dare to seek to dream God’s reign anew.
Here the cross shall stand as witness and as symbol of God’s grace;
here as one we claim the faith of Jesus:
All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place.
3 Let us build a house where love is found in water, wine and wheat;
a banquet hall on holy ground, where peace and justice meet.
Here the love of God, through Jesus, is revealed in time and space;
as we share in Christ the feast that frees us:
All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place.
4 Let us build a house where hands will reach beyond the wood and stone
to heal and strengthen, serve and teach, and live the Word they’ve known.
Here the outcast and the stranger bear the image of God’s face;
let us bring an end to fear and danger:
All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place.
5 Let us build a house where all are named, their songs and visions heard
and loved and treasured, taught and claimed as words within the Word.
Built of tears and cries and laughter, prayers of faith and songs of grace;
let this house proclaim from floor to rafter:
All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place.
Prayer for Illumination Reader: Jordan Berard
God of Wisdom, as we ponder on your Word, remind us again that we are your beloved children. Open us to receive your spirit of grace and inspire us to embrace your life-giving Word. Amen.
Gospel Reading: Mark 10: 35-45 (NRSV)
The Request of James and John
35 James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”
36 And he said to them, “What is it you want me to do for you?”
37 And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.”
38 But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”
39 They replied, “We are able.” Then Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized;
40 but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
41 When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John.
42 So Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them.
43 But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant,
44 and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all.
45 For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
May the Light of Christ dwell where the Word is spoken. Thanks be to God!
Sermon: “Who Wants to Sit Beside Jesus?” Rev. Kim Vidal
May the words of my mouth and the meditations of all our hearts be acceptable to you, O God, our rock and our strength. Amen.
Let’s admit it! Seating arrangements can be at times frustrating, tricky or deceiving! How many of you have attended a wedding reception and did not enjoy every minute of it because you were seated with someone that you are not on good terms with? What about in a public gathering when someone asked you to move because you are sitting in a VIP seat? Or that time in a restaurant when you waited to be seated for more than 30 minutes because you were in a party of 2 and those in larger groups were seated first even if you were way ahead of them?
In high school, I always wanted to sit in the front row so I could listen well to the teacher. But I also had a selfish motive behind this. I would like the teacher to notice how attentive I was so if I ask a question she would at least remember me and perhaps give me a good mark. On one particular day, the class was preparing for project presentations. One classmate asked if she could switch seats with me because she was a bit nervous and sitting in front will give her enough confidence. I told her I was in the same boat with her and I don’t want to be called first. I managed to convince her to stay where she was. With assurance, I told her not to worry because I felt that the presenters would be called by their last names in alphabetical order as that was the usual practice. My classmate’s last name is M and mine is V so that would have given us enough time to muster our confidence when it was our turn to speak. To my surprise, the teacher announced that the presentations will be done row by row beginning with those sitting in the front row. My assumptions were totally wrong. To add to my consternation, I was called first. That did not sit well with me and I was not able to deliver my presentation with confidence. A lesson learned.
“Be careful what you wish for.” How many times have we heard this aphorism? Singer
songwriter Luke Combs wrote a song with the same title and this is what he said:
“…sometimes things are not what you think they're going to be. What you want is not always what you need…Sometimes what you think you'll find. It is not quite what real life has in store
So be careful what you wish for.”
In our Gospel story today, brothers James and John made a peculiar request to Jesus. Known as the Greek word “boanerges” meaning “sons of thunder”, the brothers were outspoken, hot-tempered and were not shy to ask or tell Jesus or anyone else what they want. They were the ones who asked Jesus, in another story, to rain down fire on those people who refused to offer Jesus and the disciples hospitality. But there’s another side of their upbringing as to why they are so assertive. James and John came from a more affluent family than Simon and Andrew and the rest of the other disciples. Their father Zebedee, owned a fishing business with large fishing boats and employed many people. They must have received whatever they have asked from their wealthy parents. They felt they were entitled to be treated differently from the other disciples. After all, didn’t they follow Jesus and left a life of comfort behind? Why wouldn’t they expect a little something in return on the day when their leader moves up on top? They were counting on Jesus to be a winner not a loser. They followed Jesus and had seen him in action – teaching, healing the sick, socializing and doing some extraordinary things - someone who will bring down the Roman oppressors and liberate the people from their impoverished state. They truly believed that Jesus was a winner and being on the good side of the winner makes them winners too!
James and John approached Jesus and said, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” Whatever we ask! We have words for this attitude: demanding? high maintenance? arrogance? “We’re entitled to something here, Jesus. After all, we’ve sacrificed a lot to be your disciples.” The request sounds a bit like children asking their mom or dad to promise to give their request or their wish without even telling them first what it is. “Please swear on your heart that you’ll do this for me!” This way of asking is almost always part of our prayers. “Oh, God, please give me this and give me that. I am counting on your answering this prayer of mine because I deserve it.” Ever requested or prayed for one like this before? Well, Jesus, being how good and considerate he was, listened to the brothers’ request but Jesus did not make any promises. Neither did he reprimand them – something he is quite capable of doing at other times. He simply listens to their question, and responds with a question, “What is it that you want me to do for you?” How may I be of service to you?
Without mincing their words, James and John say: “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” “Glory” isn’t a word we use much these days. It sounds very churchy and sacred. But let’s face it: we do have our modern version of glory in this day and age. Prestige, fame, entitlement, privilege, distinction, success, honour, pride. James and John do not only want to get the best seat with Jesus but they want to retire as privileged disciples of Jesus. In fact, they don’t simply want this honour; they’re convinced that they deserve them. That they’re entitled to them. So what’s the big deal about sitting at the right and left of Jesus? It was customary in Jesus’ time, when gathering for a dinner or a feast, for example, to have the places of honour assigned to the VIP’s – the very important people. The most coveted positions were at the right or the left hand-side of the host. Those seats were reserved for those representing people with power.
Jesus replied with disbelief at their request, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” Jesus was actually telling them, “I am going to suffer a great deal, I don’t think this is the joyride you’re expecting. Are you willing to drink the cup – to experience tremendous challenges and hardships and be baptized with the baptism of rocky road and service? Do you still want to follow me?” Impulsively, the brothers replied, “Yes, we are able!” This may be a call to all of us. How much do we say “I am able” when really, we are not? Not because of our own limitations or inabilities. But because what is being asked of us is not who we are and should be. James and John and perhaps the rest of the disciples do not understand who Jesus is or what his whole mission is about. Jesus did not come to be a powerful ruler but to be a servant-leader.
The word that is translated as follow in most instances in the Gospel is rooted in the Greek word for "road." To follow Jesus, to claim a place in the reign of God, is to be on the road, journeying with the rest of humanity, embracing what may happen along that road. To follow Jesus, first and foremost, is not merely to secure a glorious seat. To drink the cup and to be baptized by the same spirit as Jesus is to be on the road, encountering life in movement and motion, rather than anticipating a stationary life seated at the right or left of some royal throne. To drink the cup and to be baptized is to feast at a table of grace; and this life is a life far more concerned with giving than with keeping, a life more attuned to sharing than possessing, more committed to caring than indulging. To live this life, one must be prepared for living, a life of service. Out of this service, a spirit of servant leadership emerges. Leadership comes through those who are prepared, not to dominate, but to serve and even to suffer at the side of Jesus. Jesus is saying not only to James and John but to all of us – “If you will be my followers, prepare to serve with love because that is what your faith is about.”
We may be angry at James and John’s request like the other 10 disciples. But on a more positive side, I think the two brothers placed their full trust in Jesus. Debie Thomas writes: “James and John cling to the belief that Jesus will win in the end. They put their trust in him — his word, his love, his leadership, his faith. Given what they’ve seen, heard, and experienced, they can’t conceive of a meaningful future apart from their Teacher. Their personal hopes and dreams —imperfect though they might be — are rooted in Jesus… Jesus tells his disciples that true greatness is not found in climbing to the top and exercising power over others. Rather, true greatness, true leadership is found in serving and loving others.”
Today we have witnessed the baptism of Makenzie. We have committed to nurturing her, supporting her and her family to live a life of love and justice. Remind yourself that our true worth lies in our relationships: with God, with each other, the whole of creation and how we treat one another. When we treat the other with value and dignity, loving each other, encouraging each other, recognizing each other’s gifts, and helping each other live out our individual callings in the world… when we are free of the desperate need to “be on top,” free of our fear, that we find our self-worth and real selves.
Do you want to sit beside Jesus? Then prepare yourself for a life of service and love.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
Sources: The BCUC Lectionary Group
Joseph S. Pagano, “Winners and Losers”, October 17, 2021, Sermons That Work website.
Kathleen L. Wakefield, “How We Want” October 19, 2003 Sermons That Work website.
Debie Thomas, What Glory Looks Like, 14 October 2018. Journey with Jesus. net
Prayers of the People & the Lord’s Prayer Rev. Lorrie
Holy One, we give you thanks today for the blessing of welcoming a young child into our faith family, for the joy of hearing a little one’s voice in this place after so many months of pandemic restrictions. We miss the sounds of children in this place. We miss seeing familiar faces, raising our voices in song, and gathering together for fellowship. Give us the patience and the wisdom we need to see this dark time through.
Open our senses to the many blessings that surround us at this time of year – the changing colours, the bountiful harvest, the busy-ness of birds, animals, and people as we all begin to prepare for the winter ahead. Thank you for the rhythms of life that remind us that life is still abundant, constant, and hopeful, even in times of ongoing restrictions.
We pray for those in our faith family who are facing difficulties due to illness, isolation, insecurity, and grief. May they continue to feel your presence and our love. May these be the lights on their paths to comfort and healing.
We pray for all those in our home communities, especially those dealing with struggles we cannot see. We pray for our neighbouring communities of faith, our friends at Christ Church, St. Martin de Porres, and the Jami Omar mosque. Help us in our common work toward making the world a better place for all.
We pray for our leaders, municipal, provincial, and federal and for leaders around the globe. Give them the wisdom to see responsibility of the privilege and power they possess so that they are used for the common good rather than personal gain. May we all learn to align our wishes and wants with the dream of your kin-dom on earth.
Source of gratitude, love, and hope, hear the joys and concerns we express aloud and the ones we hold silently in our hearts as we recite together the words that Jesus shared with his followers so long ago…
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
On a morning like this, when we celebrate the blessing of a new baby and the joy of baptism, we are reminded to share our many blessings with others. And so, we take this time to offer our gifts of time, talents and treasures. 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
(Glad Faith Klassen, Gathering, Pentecost 1, 2021 Year B. Used with permission)
God our Creator, giver of all good and perfect gifts, we bring our praise for who you are, the one who is and was and is to come. You continue the work of creating, of giving and forgiving, and we give thanks for it all, embracing your grace and love. Help us on our journey to live the mystery of being born of water and spirit. Be patient with us as we learn to embrace your grace and extend it to others. We offer up to you all we are, all we have, and all we are becoming, in the name of Jesus, our perfect example. Amen.
Sending Forth Rev. Kim
(Inspired by the prayers of David Sparks and Beth Johnson, Gathering 2016-17. Used with permission)
People of God,
We have listened, we have shared.
We have sung, we have prayed,
We welcomed a new child and her family.
We have been about God’s work.
Go forth from this holy place with hope.
Christ will be recognized among family,
friends and strangers.
Go forth as God’s baptized people,
knowing that the refreshing waters
will sustain you in your journey. Amen.
Hymn: Would You Bless Our Homes and Families VU 556
(Words: Walter Farquharson, 1974; Music: Ron Klusmeier, 1974)
1 - Would you bless our homes and families,
source of life who calls us here,
in our world of stress and tension,
teach us love that conquers fear.
Help us learn to love each other
with a love that constant stays;
teach us when we face our troubles,
love’s expressed in many ways.
2 – When our way is un-demanding,
let us use the time that’s ours.
To delight in simple pleasures,
sharing joys in gentle hours.
When our way is anxious walking
and a heavy path we plod.
Teach us trust in one another
and in you, our gracious God.
3 – From the homes
in which we’re nurtured,
with the love that shapes us there,
teach us God, to claim as Family
everyone whose life we share.
And through all that life may offer,
may we in your love remain,
may the love we share in families
be alive to praise your name.
4 - Let us reach beyond the boundaries
Of our daily thought and care,
Till the family you have chosen
spills its love out everywhere.
Help us learn to love each other
with a love that constant stays;
teach us when we face our troubles
love’s expressed in many ways.
Departing Music: I Have Called You by Your Name MV 161
(Words & Music: Daniel Charles Damon, 1995)
1 I have called you by your name, you are mine;
I have gifted you and ask you now to shine.
I will not abandon you; all my promises are true.
You are gifted, called, and chosen; you are mine.
2 I will help you learn my name as you go;
read it written in my people, help them grow.
Pour the water in my name,
speak the word your soul can claim,
offer Jesus’ body given long ago.
3 I know you will need my touch as you go;
feel it pulsing in creation’s ebb and flow.
Like the woman reaching out,
choosing faith in spite of doubt,
hold the hem of Jesus’ robe, then let it go.
4 I have given you a name, it is mine;
I have given you my Spirit as a sign.
With my wonder in your soul,
make my wounded children whole;
go and tell my precious people they are mine.
Monthly Zoom Fellowship – 11 am