22nd March 2020 – Service
Call to Worship:
The Lord is our Shepherd
God Leads beside still waters.
Christ restores our souls.
The Spirit leads us in right paths
Even though we walk through the darkest valleys
We fear no evil for God is with us
Come let us worship God, ever Three and ever one.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, although we are not able to meet to worship you with those whom we love and care for in our own church and fellowship, still we are one in your Spirit before you as we pray in our own homes.
God our Father, you are the source and sustenance of our lives, the compassionate hearer of all who call to you in prayer.
You are our healer, bringing wholeness to those who cry out in pain. You are the truth at the heart of our lives showing the way to everyone who wants to know you.
You are our hope, renewing the promise of a new start with every new day. You have blessed us with joy and plenty in our lives and you give us grace to share all things in the Name of Jesus, Your eternal Son.
Holy Spirit, you minister to all our needs, and you remind us that we are children of light, children of the one who lives in glorious unapproachable light, and you invite us to reflect him to each other.
We affirm our love and trust in you today in this time of prayer.
You challenge us when we fail you, when we hurt each other with words or actions, with carelessness or malice and this makes us ashamed. We allow darkness and dark thoughts to influence our behaviour and infect our relationships. In fear we judge others and excuse ourselves, we are harsh when we should be kind.
Offering us a better, a holier and fuller life, you call us to turn away from all sin and darkness, and to trust your grace to help us to be your people. Speak your word of forgiveness and restoration to us today and bid us go and sin no more.
We claim and receive your pardon and peace with humility and gratitude.
Source of light for our world, refresh our vision and give us hope in the face of our fears.
We claim wisdom and understanding from you and embrace your Word speaking through the Holy Scriptures we read.
In Jesus Name hear our prayer, Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:-
The Readings Psalm 23 – A psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 He refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
for ever.
Ephesians 5:8-14
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible – and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.
14 This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. Amen.
This is the Word of the Lord, to Him be all praise and glory.
(You may also wish to read 1 Samuel 16:1-13 and John 9:1-41 to understand the full import of the sermon.)
Sermon
I hope that during your time of worship today you will take time to read all the Bible passages which are prescribed for this Sunday. The unifying theme is Jesus the Light of the World. I am basing these thoughts upon St Paul’s words in Ephesians 5 where he calls us all to live as “children of light”
There are various messages which we could have focussed upon this Sunday, it is after all Mother’s Day in the secular world. We could have looked at the story of Samuel choosing a king for Israel and being told that God does not look on the outward appearance of a person, but upon the heart. Or we could have picked up on Psalm 23 and emphasised our faith once again on the love and mercy of God.
The third scripture is about the man born blind whom Jesus healed. It is a story which challenges our inner blindness. The lessons from that passage are about how much light we have in our own lives and the question it poses is: Where do you and I fit in this drama?
Are we like the Disciples who avoided engaging with human need by talking about it rather than by helping?
Are we like the man’s Neighbours who saw him as a curiosity to be talked about?
Are we like the Pharisees who rejected or condemned those who did not match their view of righteousness?
Are we like his parents who accepted no responsibility for what their son did?
Or are we prepared to acknowledge, with sincerity of heart, that we need the light of God precisely because we know we haven’t all the answers, and can say with the man himself, “I was born blind, but Jesus has touched my life with loving healing, and I began to see. Now I am a committed disciple and I don’t care who knows it.”
So, where do we fit? Maybe you find aspects of yourself in more than one character? One thing remains sure: The Spirit of Jesus is still ready to minister to our personal need, and to heal all our forms of blindness.
In Ephesians however, Paul takes the matter one stage further. He declares to us that because we are Christians, we must actively show that we are children of the light and consciously refuse to allow any darkness to remain in our lives.
It is a truism that crises bring out the best and the worst in people. The conflict between self-preservation and altruistic care for others comes to the surface in all of us. I observed this in an incident in the supermarket, when one person pushed a fully laden large trolley into the self-checkout section. Looking neither right nor left, with a set jaw which seemed to dare anyone to challenge, this person was clearly looking after Number One. Perhaps the motive was fear, as in: “I’m not risking waiting in the long lines of full trolleys; I’m getting out of here as soon as I can.” When I saw this, it made me think about selflessness, grace, light and compassion.
Imagine my surprise when I later read my favourite Christian blog and the writer spoke about just this very conflict. I thought I would share her thoughts, and I think it is the first time in my life I’ve encountered toilet paper in a sermon! Here is what she wrote:
“In these last days it has occurred to me that you and I are living in unprecedented times. At least this is so in my memory in this part of the world. I know without a doubt that the sort of uncertainty, anxiety, and yes, fear that has been expressed in my community and which has, now and then, found harbour in my own heart is something with which others in other times and places are much more accustomed. And yet, here we are. And yes, it is to this moment that we are called to ‘live as children of light.’
And of course, I have seen plenty of examples of the opposite in these last days.
Now this is a small thing, I suppose, but I had heard, for instance, that toilet paper was running in short supply all over town. (It turns out this has also been true of any kind of cleaning product, laundry detergent, cleansing wipes, bottled water and on and on…) I happened to step into a local pharmacy a few days ago and I walked by the toilet paper aisle. I have plenty of toilet paper at home. And yet, it took an almost physical act of will for me not to grab a package or two for good measure. I did not. I left it there. And I made myself stand still in the truth that I am certainly as susceptible to this threatening darkness as anyone. For me that moment in the toilet paper aisle is as emblematic of the struggle of these days (so far) as anything else.
In addition to such darkness, though, I am grateful to be able to say that I have also witness to many among us seeking to live as ‘children of light.’
I saw it, for instance, in a group of folks who sat down and wrote out greeting cards to be delivered to members who find themselves particularly isolated in this time — especially those in care centres where now visitors are not allowed. And I am hearing it in the voices of those who are wondering how we can stay connected to other vulnerable people from whom we are physically cut off in these days.
And I saw ‘children of light’ at work in a Saturday morning gathering of local school personnel and community members who put their heads together to plan how best to make food accessible to the many children in our community who, with schools being closed for at least the next few weeks, would otherwise be hungry without these efforts. And oh, I expect I will continue to see ‘children of light’ at locations all over town in the next few weeks where our children will be fed, no questions asked. (I am glad that in North Queensferry children are being encouraged to help deliver necessities to the over seventies who are being asked to self-isolate. Other good suggestions are being made in both congregations which may be shared through the website and Facebook). And yes, I gratefully saw it when leaders of the place I am called to serve quickly set aside money to assist local food pantries do what they always do, but will need to do more of, as those who are already food insecure become more so in the days and weeks to come. And yes, just a short time ago as they sat down to make plans to care for those who call First Lutheran Church home, to bring their best creativity to how we might continue to sustain one another with Good News when we cannot physically be together, and to pay attention to and begin to respond to the needs of the larger community and beyond.
(I will keep my eyes wide open in these next days and weeks for other such examples of those living as Children of Light. Won’t you join me in that? And won’t you consider sharing what you see and hear and experience?)
In the grand scheme of things, these may be small things, yes, but isn’t it so that all these small things can add up to bring brilliant light to and for a world that is otherwise too often dark?
As is clear in my example of my struggle over toilet paper, I am convinced that we do not necessarily naturally ‘live as children of light.’ At least I know I don’t. Moment after moment, hour after hour I need to fight back the impulse towards the darkness of fear which leads to selfishness (and worse) which breaks down all that binds us to one another. It helps, though, if I simply look for and call out examples of those living as ‘children of light’ because then I can perhaps begin to see myself in them and even take the first steps to live as they do, too.
As clichéd as it may sound, we do live in unprecedented times when much of what held true before does not seem quite as true today. And yes, in the place I live and serve we made the decision to set aside that which helps many of those who seek to live as ‘children of light’ do so in the company and with the support of others. (Indeed, for the first time in my ministry we are calling off the in-person gathering of God’s People for reasons other than a snowstorm.) It surely was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make as a pastor. It runs against all that I hold dear. And yet, in this time it seems this may be one way we can help keep the most vulnerable among us safe. And this is also living as ‘children of light,’ is it not? So it is that we will simply have to find other ways to encourage and assist one another as we seek to be the people God calls us to be:
• Living in the light.
• Bearing light.
• Sharing light.
The letter to the Ephesians this week calls us to live as ‘children of light.’
• What does that mean for us in these uncertain times?
• Where have you lately seen ‘children of light’ doing what is ‘good and right and true?’
• Could it be that it was precisely to this moment of darkness that you and I have been called to be and bear light?
Indeed, it occurs to me now that you and I are only at just the beginning of discovering what this will mean for us as we seek to follow the call of Jesus now.
I am praying for you and for me and for all of us together as we seek to live into this so far ‘unprecedented time.’
As Children of Light.” Janet Hunt.
I don’t think I could improve upon the message of this blog, it is a sermon in itself and I commend its message to you. Amen.
God has given us life and breath, and made the world in order and beauty.
In Christ, God has given us a Saviour to renew our lives. Through the Spirit, God gives us gifts, and opens our hearts with generosity. In gratitude, let us dedicate to God our offering.
Prayer of Dedication
Loving God, accept these our gifts, we pray. Bless them and use them to bring
peace to places of unrest, love to places of hatred, joy to places of fear,
and hope to places of loss. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession
Merciful God, the world is full of doubt, judgement and despair. Yet, in all this, your light shines in Christ Jesus to bring hope into every dark corner of life. Thank you for opening our eyes and restoring our sight that we may see the fullness of your vision for the world and embrace it with courage.
We remember before you today:
People who are in need without enough friendship or support. Make us aware when friends or neighbours are struggling to keep going, and give us courage to ask when we need help for ourselves.
(Hold a brief silence and meditate.)
People who are lonely or confused, and any who feel lost in life who have nowhere to live or are outcast.
(Hold a brief silence and meditate.)
People whose lives and relationships are troubled by addiction or fear, or are limited by influences and forces too strong for them to resist.
(Hold a brief silence and meditate.)
All who suffer pain in body, mind and spirit, the dying and those who grieve any kind of loss. We pray for families and communities affected by Covid 19 infections, for all who have added burdens in their lives as they care for the sick and elderly, or who must make changes to work and family life, and face loss of income or security.
(Hold a brief silence and meditate.)
We pray for all leaders who must make difficult decisions in the face of conflicting information, advice and criticism and that you will overrule unwise and foolish actions and place your restraining hand where leaders are ruthless and greedy, or where laws are unjust and self-serving or only for a few.
(Hold a brief silence and meditate.)
Our families and friends: spouses, partners, parents, children, companions and co-workers. May they find contentment, meaning in life, peace and faith through challenging days. Bless all for whom motherhood is a privilege and joy as we thank you for their love and dedication to their children and grandchildren. May there be light and laughter in the face of today’s fears.
(Hold a brief silence and meditate.)
O God, receive our prayers, both spoken and unspoken as we offer them confidently in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Sending out:
When the noise and haste surround you
and threaten to take you hostage,
May God’s gentle voice soothe you
and guide you to a place
of quiet strength;
When the days seem cold and dark,
and the nights unbelievably long,
May God’s smile illumine
and warm you from within;
When you feel alone and dismal,
May God send someone to you with a daisy.
May you truly go forth in joy
and be led back in peace;
May all creation sing around you;
And may the weeds of mourning
turn into flowers
wherever you walk.
“A Prayer for Dorisanne” by Katie Cook, 1993 Sacred Seasons, 2005
Benediction:
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us and all whom we love, now and evermore. Amen
Hymns:
Here are some hymn suggestions to check on YouTube if you wish to sing along:
Open your eyes see the glory of the King
Lord of all being throned afar
The Lord’s my Shepherd The Townend version
The King of love my shepherd is
I want to walk as a child of the light
I want to walk with Jesus Christ or I want to walk with Jesus Christ – an alternative version
For Children:
Music has always been an important part of my life. I love all kinds of music, but the music I love the most is the music that we sing about Jesus. I have a hymnal this morning and I have marked a few of the hymns that are among my favourites.
Here is one of my favourites, “To God Be the Glory.” What a great hymn of praise to God.
Here is another that has always been a favourite of mine, “All the Way My Saviour Leads Me.” It tells about how Jesus leads us through the difficult times in our life.
Oh! This is one song that is on my list of all-time favourites, “Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine.”
Did you know that all of these favourites that I have named this morning have something in common? They were all written by the same person. In fact, there are many hymns in our hymnal written by that person. Her name was Fanny Crosby.
When Fanny was six weeks old, she had an eye infection. Her regular doctor was out of town, and a man posing as a doctor gave her the wrong treatment. Within a few days, she was blind.
If that happened to me, I am afraid I would be very bitter, and I would probably spend a lifetime feeling sorry for myself. Fanny was never bitter, and she never felt sorry for herself.
When she was only eight years old, she wrote this poem:
Oh, what a happy child I am,
Although I cannot see.
I am resolved that in this world,
Contented I will be.
How many blessings I enjoy
That other people don’t.
To weep and sigh because I’m blind,
I cannot and I won’t!
Instead of being bitter and feeling sorry for herself, Fanny used the gifts that God had given her to write over 8,000 hymns and poems to praise and glorify God.
One day Jesus was walking with his disciples when they passed by a blind man. When they saw him, the disciples asked Jesus who was to blame for the man’s blindness. Was it because of his sin or was it because of his parent’s sins?
Jesus answered them and told them that no one was to blame, he was blind so that God’s works could be shown in him. Then Jesus healed the man and the people praised and glorified God for his goodness.
What about Fanny Crosby? God didn’t heal her blindness. Perhaps if God had healed her, she might never have written all those beautiful hymns — and the world would never have heard of Fanny Crosby. She used the tragedy of her blindness to glorify God. I pray that tragedy will never come into your life, but if it does, remember that everything that happens can be used to praise and glorify God!
Dear Lord, the difficulties in our life seem small when compared to what others may be facing. Help us not to grumble and complain, but to praise and glorify you in every situation. Amen.
Chorus for Children: