Please feel free to contact Rev. Tim at revtim@cogeco.net or 226-218-3322
January 17 – 2nd Sunday After Epiphany
Sermon: “A Light in The Darkness”
January 17, 2021 – 2nd Sunday After Epiphany
Words of Welcome
Announcements
Lighting of the Christ Candle
Call to Worship
You are here for us, O God; you give us security in an uncertain world. You encourage us to learn new songs; you joyfully set our worship free. You challenge us as we go on the journey of life; it is your gracious way that leads to fulfillment. There is no end to the love you lavish on us; we know your love is there for us, in time and beyond time.
Opening Prayer
O God, you call to us today, just as you called to the boy Samuel so long ago. Gathered today, we are many different ages, but we pray for the maturity of faith to hear your call and respond to your Word. Open our ears and our hearts as we worship, as we work, and as we care for one another. We ask that you would give us courage and integrity to answer your call with the heart-felt words, “Here I am!” Amen.
Hymn: #299 – “Teach Me, God, To Wonder”
1st Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1-10
Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread. At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ and he said, ‘Here I am!’ and ran to Eli, and said, ‘Here I am, for you called me.’ But he said, ‘I did not call; lie down again.’ So he went and lay down. The Lord called again, ‘Samuel!’ Samuel got up and went to Eli, and said, ‘Here I am, for you called me.’ But he said, ‘I did not call, my son; lie down again.’ Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. The Lord called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said, ‘Here I am, for you called me.’ Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, ‘Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” ’ So Samuel went and lay down in his place. Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ And Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’
A paraphrase of Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24
You know everything, God. You know me inside and out. You know when I sit down, you know when I stand up; you can read my mind. Before I take a step, you know where my foot will fall. You know what I will say before I say it. I cannot get away from you. Wherever I turn, whatever I do, you are there. Sometimes your constant presence makes me feel fenced in; you are larger than life, and I am next to nothing. I cannot possibly match wits with you; I might as well try to fly like an eagle, or swim like a seal. If I could, I would rebel against you; I would assert my independence. But how can I do that, when we are so hopelessly unequal? You live in the nooks and crannies of the mind; you live in the biosphere of our planet. I cannot escape your presence anywhere. If I travelled with the speed of light to the farthest reaches of the universe, you would be there, too. Wherever I go, whatever I do, you will be part of my life. I will feel your hand in the small of my back, pushing me along. I would hide in the darkness but what is darkness to you? You see right through it, as you see right through me. You are my permanent partner in life. No wonder you know me so well, God. Before my mother knew I existed, you wrote the genetic code of my cells. You created my life. Wombs and worlds are one to you; they have no secrets from you; you are the essence of all life. As once you shaped the cells that formed my fingernails and my hair, so still you guide me through each day. Even if I am only a fleeting thought flickering through your mind, I am in good company. All of creation owes its existence to you, God. I can no more imagine your thoughts than I can recall every detail of my dreams. But you are not a dream, for when I wake, you are still with me.
Hymn: #87 – “I Am the Light of the World”
2nd Scripture: John 1:43-51
The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, ‘Follow me.’ Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, ‘We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.’ Nathanael said to him, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ Philip said to him, ‘Come and see.’ When Jesus saw Nathanael coming towards him, he said of him, ‘Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!’ Nathanael asked him, ‘Where did you come to know me?’ Jesus answered, ‘I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.’ Nathanael replied, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’ Jesus answered, ‘Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.’ And he said to him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.’
Sermon: “A Light in The Darkness”
Hymn: #367 – “Come Down, O Love Divine”
Prayers of the People and Lord’s Prayer
Eternal God, you are the maker of us all, and we are your creation, people formed in your image, as individuals, as community; formed and fed and furnished with understanding of who you are and of who and whose we are. We worship you today in recognition of your calling, of your communicating, of your caring to invite us to share in your creative and healing work. We are here because we have heard you speak in us and through others. Help us, dear Lord, to ever respond to you and your invitation to your grace…Lord hear our prayer…God of all our moments, of our days and our nights, you speak and you act in the world around us, not only to call all people to you, but also to direct and guide us in the way of healing and wholeness. Awaken us Lord, to hear what you would say to us. Help us to open our ears, our eyes, and our hearts to your presence. Help us to know when it is your voice we are hearing and it when it is our prejudices and desires to which we are paying heed….Lord hear our prayer…Lord, we pray that your church may rise up with renewed commitment in answer to your call, that your people may be instruments of your grace and love….Lord hear our prayer….We pray for those who consider themselves inadequate and dismiss or avoid your calling in their lives. Give them a new vision, a vision in which you are their strength and their hope…Lord hear our prayer….We pray for those who, in answering your call, must leave the known for the unknown, the oasis for the desert, the comfortable for the uncertain. Grant them courage and steadfast faith…Lord hear our prayer….We pray too, today, O Lord, for those in want and need – for those of us and of the larger community who suffer in body or in soul…Lord, hear our pray….Loving God bless us all with an abundant faith, a fruitful ministry, a joyful life. Bless us and all those who gather together to continue the work of Jesus, who came to heal, save, and deliver us all, and who taught us to pray as one family, saying…Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Hymn: #506 – “Take My Life and Let It Be”
Commissioning and Benediction
What does God call us to do as we leave the church? Does God call us to listen for God’s call in unlikely places? Does God call us to forgiveness, when it is the last thing we want to do? Does God call us to serve God’s people and those who are definitely not God’s people, with compassion? Does God call us to meet poverty and powerlessness in the Way of Jesus? Speak God! Your servants are “all ears”! May the Love of God surround you, may the Grace of God astound you, may the Hope of God ground you. Amen.
Choral Closing: #965 – “The Lord Bless Thee”
The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: the Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Amen.
January 10 – The Baptism of our Lord
Sermon: “Now What?”
January 10, 2021 The Baptism of Our Lord
Words of Welcome
Announcements
Lighting of the Christ Candle
Call to Worship
The heavens open. The Spirit descends. Jesus emerges from the water. And a voice echoes through the blue expanse. “This is my child, the Beloved, with whom I am well-pleased.” Jesus is named. Claimed. We come to the water. We remember we are named. Claimed. Can it be so? What a thing to be named. Claimed. Let us worship the one who names and claims us still.
Opening Prayer
O Star-flinging God, whose light dances across eternity, dazzle us into your presence this new year. Open our hearts to the mystery of your love. Awaken us to your presence, knit to the ordinary. Reveal to us what is possible, but not yet present. Heal us, that we might be healers. Reconcile us to you and to ourselves, that our living might be reconciling. Stop us often, we pray with news that is good with hope that holds with truth that transforms with a Word tailored to this trail we’re on. May the word of your grace guide our steps like the sun by day and the north star by night, as we travel into the gift of a new year and as we share in this time of worship. Amen.
Hymn: #100 – “When Jesus Comes To Be Baptized”
1st Scripture: Acts 19:1-7
While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the inland regions and came to Ephesus, where he found some disciples. He said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?’ They replied, ‘No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.’ Then he said, ‘Into what then were you baptized?’ They answered, ‘Into John’s baptism.’ Paul said, ‘John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.’ On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied— altogether there were about twelve of them.
Prayer of Confession
We gather to welcome the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Like the crowds on Jordan’s bank, we come humbly, for we have much to confess. We gather expectantly, for we are ready to hear the prophetic Word. God calls us to listen carefully, plan enthusiastically, and to respond practically. We gather to make the new start that baptism symbolizes. With that Jordan crowd, we confess our fear of change, but affirm our willingness to turn our lifestyle around. We gather to witness the awesome power of the Holy Spirit. We will be inspired to renew our relationships and to work in community to enliven our neighborhood. We are asked are ready to change our ways: to forgive freely, to give of ourselves with generosity, to listen carefully, to meet needs promptly, to respond faithfully, to act justly? And we answer, yes we are ready! God’s pardon and peace are ours. Thanks be to God! Amen.
Hymn: #445 – “A Little Child The Saviour Came”
2nd Scripture: Mark 1:4-11
John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, ‘The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’ In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’
Sermon: “Now What?”
Hymn: #348 – “O Love, How Deep”
Prayers of the People and Lord’s Prayer
Let us pray to God, who is made manifest in Jesus Christ. As the prophet Isaiah rang out, “Arise, shine; for your light has come”; empower your Church, O God, to ring out the Good News of the Light of your son Jesus, which pierces even the deepest darkness. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer. As a star rose high into the nighttime sky to draw the nations to the Christ-child; send your blessing, O God, on this nation, and every nation, and draw the whole world to your peace and truth. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer. As John the Baptist guided throngs of people to the edge of the wilderness and baptized Jesus in the River Jordan, we pray that you would guide our country and our leaders to the ways of justice and righteousness. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer. Like the Magi who traveled from afar to bring gifts and celebrate the Savior’s birth; we pray for this community, and for those who celebrate their own birthdays and anniversaries; Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer. As Jesus climbed the mountaintop, and proclaimed blessings on the people of the world; we pray for the sick and the distressed, the poor and the lame. We especially pray for those in our thoughts today. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer. As Jesus called his disciples to leave their nets and boats, and follow him; we pray for those we love and who have answered your call to follow Jesus to your Heavenly Kingdom. Give them your peace. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer. Lord Jesus, Light of the World, hear our prayers, and make us reflections of your Light, that the places of darkness in our world would be pierced by your Light, and that all nations would be drawn to you and be overwhelmed with joy. We ask this in the name of our baptized Saviour who taught us to pray together: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Hymn: #710 – “Shall We Gather At The River”
Commissioning and Benediction
We go from this time of worship with joy. We have the gift of forgiveness; we have the Word of encouragement; we have the promise of God’s presence; we have the support of the faith community; we have the example of Jesus in front of us. We go with joy and know the peace of God in every day and in every situation. We go in peace; let us love and care for one another in the name of Christ; and may the Spirit of God which filled John and Jesus, fill our hearts, souls and minds; may the power of God which upheld them, strengthen us for each day; and may the love of God which directed their every action be our guiding light and your shining star, both now and forevermore. Amen
Choral Closing: “Go Now In Peace”
Go now in peace. Never be afraid.
God will go with you each hour of ev’ry day.
Go now in faith, steadfast, strong and true.
Know he will guide you in all you do.
Go now in love, and show you believe.
Reach out to others so all the world can see.
God will be there watching from above.
Go now in peace, in faith and in love.
January 3 – 2nd Sunday after Christmas
Sermon: “Witness To The Light”
January 3, 2021 – 2nd Sunday After Christmas
Words of Welcome
Announcements
Lighting of the Christ Candle
Call to Worship
Come and see! The light of God has come into our world to proclaim God’s justice and love; it has overcome the darkness and brought new life. Come and follow! Christ our companion has redeemed our world, He draws us into a loving family, from every tribe and family and culture. Go and tell! The Spirit has equipped us for service, to love our neighbours as we do ourselves, to bring God’s salvation to the ends of the earth. Come and see, come and follow, go and tell! In God’s Love the nations of the earth will put their hope.
Opening Prayer
God, you touch our lives with mystery and hope and light. We come to this place today,
ready to see your power working through us. Help us to be open to your Word, and to answer your call among us. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Hymn: #529 – “Great, God, We Sing That Mighty Hand”
1st Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-14 (NRSV)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance towards redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.
Hymn: #413 – “O Splendour Of God’s Glory Bright”
2nd Scripture: John 1:(1-9) 10-18 (NRSV)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, ‘This was he of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.” ’) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.
Sermon: “Witness To The Light”
Hymn: #61 – “Of The Father’s Love Begotten”
Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession and Lord’s Prayer
Eternal God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, we praise you for the witnesses of all times and places who have walked the road of faith before us and beside us. For their witness to your love and their commitment to your justice, for their trust in your mercy regardless of the circumstance, we give you thanks and praise. God of all creation, we praise you for all your servants who have witnessed to your truth, who have shown us your love, who have inspired us to have hope. By their example of faith, hope, and love, remind us of your calling to join in making your new creation real in this world and the next as witnesses to the light. God of grace and peace, we praise you for women and men and children who reflect your love into our world.
Guide us to continue their faithful work as we too walk in the light of your love. God of all today we especially remember the saints from among this community and beyond who through the decades have provided faithful witness, for their courage amidst strife and their hope in the face of death. We remember so many who have walked this road with us, whom we name before you in our hearts. Continue to inspire us by their faithful witness, that we too might join in bringing
your justice, mercy, and peace to our world. Eternal God, as we walk this pilgrim way,
make our faith firm, our hope clear, and our love pure, that we might join the witnesses of all the ages in praise eternal, through Jesus Christ our Lord who taught us to prayer together: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Hymn: #530 – “All Beautiful The March Of Days”
Commissioning and Benediction
With every step you take into the new year, God goes with you. God says, “Take the time to celebrate!” We say, “We will dance and laugh and sing, as we remember your gifts in creation.” God says, “Take the time to forgive!” We say, “In your powerful love, there is no one who cannot be forgiven.” God says, “Take the time to pray!” We say, “In our time of quiet reflection, you will speak to the most hurting and the most creative parts of us.” God says, “Take time to work for justice!” We say, “We will search out the poor and the oppressed, and stand beside them.” May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all.
Choral Closing: #454 – “May God Who Creates You”
May God who creates you give you light;
May God who sustains you make you wise;
May God who protects you give you joy,
May God who surrounds you give you peace.
