ST ANDREW’S  CHURCH   Christian Family Sunday

May 8th, 2022    4th Sunday of Easter

 

LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Happy Mother’s Day, may God bless you all even as you have been a blessing to your families and loved ones. Thank you for your caring spirits and prayerful hearts.
Thank you to Rev. Shirley Cochrane for leading and guiding our worship today.

 

CALL TO WORSHIP

Along with all those in heaven, let us cry out together:

Salvation belongs to our God who is

 seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!

Along with the redeemed, let us praise God with joyful hearts:

For this reason we come before the throne

of God and worship the Lord day and night.

Called together by the Holy Spirit, let us rejoice and sing:

We will hunger and thirst no more.

The Lamb will guide us to springs of the water of life.

Let us worship God!

 

HYMN  703  Happy the home  where God is there

 

Happy the home when God is there,
and love fills every breast,
where one their wish, and one their prayer,
and one their heavenly rest.
Happy the home where Jesus’ name
is sweet in every ear,
where children early sing his fame,
and parents hold him dear.
Happy the home where prayer is heard
and praise is quick to rise,
where parents love the sacred word
that makes the simple wise.
Lord, let us in our home agree
This blessed peace to gain;
unite our hearts in love to Thee,
And love to all will reign.

 

PRAYER OF INVOCATION AND ADORATION

God of the ages, God of today, You are compassion; our cup overflows. You are hope; you lead us into green pastures. You are truth; you lead us beside quiet streams. You are life; you restore our souls. Morning, noon and night, O God, you are the source of our joy. We gather to worship you as one family of your people  ,honoring you as our Creator, trusting you as our Saviour, celebrating you as the Spirit who gives us life. When we fail to be attentive  to the voice of the  Spirit   , we ask that  you  will hear  our  confession……

 

UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Merciful God,

we confess we stray from your ways like lost sheep. 

We follow the desires of our own hearts,

ignoring the needs of others. 

We judge ourselves more generously than others. 

We fail to offer others the forgiveness we seek from you.

We nurse grudges and cling to our own opinions.

Forgive the ways we betray your love,

and return us to your paths of truth and mercy.

In Jesus name  AMEN

 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

The Letter to the Ephesians declares that Christ dwells in our hearts through faith, for we are being rooted and grounded in his love. The forgiveness he offers is a gift of this love. Receive God’s forgiveness with faithful hearts, and be at peace with God, with yourself and with each other.

 

THE PEACE                              

HYMN                485 Saviour, like a shepherd lead us

 

Saviour, like a shepherd lead us:
much we need your tender care;
in your pleasant pastures feed us;
for our use your folds prepare:
blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
you have bought us; yours we are.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
you have bought us, yours we are.
We are yours; in love befriend us;
be the guardian of our way;
keep your flock from sin, defend us;
seek us when we go astray:
blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
hear your children when we pray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
hear your children when we pray.
Let us always seek your favour;
let us always do your will.
Jesus Christ our only Saviour,
with yourself our spirits fill:
blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
you have loved us; love us still.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
you have loved us; love us still.

 

SCRIPTURE READINGS

 

Psalm 23                               page 862

 

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want .
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3     he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of  righteousness
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  goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.

 

Acts 9 :   36 – 43                  page 1708

36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. 37 About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 38 Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!”

39 Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.

40 Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. 41 He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. 42 This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. 43 Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon

SERMON

God of wisdom, as we listen to your Word recorded by generations of your people, fill us with understanding by the power of your Holy Spirit. Reveal the mysteries of faith to us, so that we may grow in faithfulness, following Jesus, your Living Word. Amen.

 

Today is Mother’s Day  and in our tradition  we also pay tribute to Christian Family Sunday. Take a moment to think of all the mothers and families  in the world who are in need. There are millions of women throughout the world living on less than a dollar a day. There are women in this country who are wondering how they are going to feed or diaper their children from day to day. There are children who need medical attention that their parents may not be able to afford. Anyone who has ever had to worry about such things can deeply sympathize. For those of us who have escaped such worries, we can only imagine the level of instinctive stress that uncertainty can provoke. We also acknowledge that there are  many families which , for many reasons are troubled  or broken in their relationships

While God created male and female in God’s own image, God also created them different and unique. That uniqueness doesn’t make one more or less than the other, it simply helps them to complement one another. Within the woman, the one created to bear children, God created this deep desire to nurture. And when a woman does not have a family to nurture, she often uses it to nurture others.

That is why long before women were accepted as doctors, they became nurses. Before they were allowed as professors, they were invited as teachers into elementary classrooms. When someone was needed to hold things together in the office, they were the ones called to be secretaries. Only later would their full talents be realized and honored. Women are both nurturers and intelligent business people. They take care of others, but that isn’t their only skill.

And, just so you know, while men are skilled at other tasks traditionally given to them, they are powerful nurturers in their own right. I find it especially empowering to see how this generation of men are calling upon that skill and taking more time to care for their children.

Our document Living Faith reminds us all Christians are members both of a human family and of the church, the household of God. (8.1) We honour our parents who gave us life, and also the church which has nurtured us in the faith. God’s purpose for us can be realized in both single and married life. Marriage is not God’s will for everyone. Fullness of life is offered to all, both single and married The church is the family of God. Here all should be valued for themselves. We are one body in Christ: together rejoicing when things go well, supporting one another in sorrow, celebrating the goodness of God and the wonder of our redemption.

Now Paul has frequently gotten a bum rap for being a male chauvinist. However I believe it is telling that Paul could not describe the church without mentioning the significant role of women. I think it shows us the tremendous influence that women had in the early church of the male oriented first century Palestine.

After introducing Paul to the readers, Luke quickly shifts his attention back to the ministry of Peter. This time, Peter goes to Joppa where he is summoned to the home  of Tabitha  who  is dying  Why was Peter called? Did they expect a miracle, or did they want him to hold the funeral and pray for those who were bereft by their loss? Perhaps they brought him so that he could mourn with them. Instead, we find Peter raising her from the dead. This time there would be no funeral. She will die, but this was not her time.  There is no doubt  that  someone  had  heard  of Peters  teaching about the gospel of Jesus. The power of the resurrected Jesus is making  a big impact  through Peter .

I always find it amazing that the lectionary, on many occasions,  ties into the cultural theme of the day Thus it  is interesting, here on Mother’s Day, that we have a story about a woman who is not a mother. She is a seamstress , Here at the bedside of Tabitha, also known as  Dorcas, we do not find a sorrowing husband. There are no children weeping for a lost mother. There are no parents to mourn their daughter. There are only the widows of the church, gathered at her side. We do not know if she is a widow herself, or what circumstances brought her here. We only know that without a traditional family, Dorcas is still loving and giving to others.

In a culture where the wealthy often had a proclivity to hoard resources, Dorcas is guided by an ethic of care and compassion for others. She is especially committed to serving widows, who are at the margins of the society. Her compassion and care allows her to build a beloved community that becomes her family

Dorcas became a prominent disciple not because of any familial connections, or even because of her apparent wealth, but because of the networks she builds with the most marginalized in the community. Her ministry reminds readers of the early Church’s commitment to ensure that no widow is overlooked in their everyday needs (Acts 6:1-6)

Dorcas gains a beloved community by continually sharing her resources with others. We can assume the only clothing the women had are the garments Dorcas has made for them.   Her story stands out because of the impact of her ministry, but also because she does not let her lack of formal leadership undermine her ability to serve the most vulnerable.

This is also the story of the women whose community life was built together on a shared experience of loss of the beloved. It is important to note that it is the widows, the ones impacted by Dorcas’s work, who weep for her and highlight her contributions when Peter shows up

A literal translation of 9:36b reads like this, “she was full of good deeds and alms which she continually did.” The mention of alms possibly implies that she was a person of means. Luke’s suggestion that the widows show Peter the robes and other garments Dorcas made for them highlights her ability to care for them financially and her commitment to serving them.

In first century Palestine, widows were powerless and counted on their children and others for their support. The church became the providers for those women who had no children. Later James would write a letter that stated our obligation. (1:27) we read: “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”

Her story is significant because of her gender and because she was never formally appointed as a deacon or into any leadership position, but she served them as an equal. I wonder – Where were the male leaders in the church? Did they acknowledge Dorcas’ contributions to the church or weep for her?

Dorcas never carried the title of a deacon but nevertheless served as one. Based on what Luke says in this story, her work was more impactful than that of most men who were officially designated deacons. This story tells us that our work has value and impact even if those in power do not approve or acknowledge it. The worth and value of our work is best determined by those whose lives it directly impacts.

In today’s story we see, in the gathering of the church, there is power. The women gather around Dorcas. They call for the leader of the church. At minimum, they knew Peter would pray for them. People sometimes tell me they can be a Christian without going to church. I always tell them the same thing. Of course, you can, but you are missing a lot by doing it that way. In moments of crisis, it is the gathering around of those who love us that gives us strength and power. Being with our Christian family is especially important when things are going wrong.

The author Erma Bombeck is famous for many things, including a  tribute to mothers, She spoke often on mothers who didn’t get to fulfil the traditional role–her tribute to Mom’s whose children were in jail, the lonely ones. Or women who had lost children, and the loneliness they felt on this day when they didn’t have a child to honor them.

I love the idea that rather than “Mother’s Day” in Great Britain, they celebrate “Mothering Sunday,” to honor all of those who have mothered us, whether it is our own Moms, our Grandparents, aunts and uncles, teachers, or our fathers. All who mother are blessed on this day.

In today’s culture  we are individualists. We want to grit our teeth and push through. We think that we can make it on our own. We aren’t the only culture that does this. Japan actually has a name for those who die from overwork, Karoshi. They now have a policy against more than 80 hours of overtime in a single month. They encourage workers to leave the office and go home to their families.

Here on Mother’s Day, we learn a lot about being a mother, about being a disciple, about loving others, all from a woman who wasn’t a Mom. We give thanks  for our  mother – that special person in our life  and  I encourage you  to enjoy all of those who mothered and still mother you today. Thank the Lord  for  the multitude of blessings we  receive as we celebrate  our mothers  and our families .  AMEN

HYMN                357  How sweet the name of Jesus sounds

 

How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
in a believer’s ear;
it soothes our sorrows, heals our wounds
and drives away our fear.
It makes the wounded spirit whole,
and calms the troubled breast;
’tis manna to the hungry soul,
and to the weary rest.
Dear name! the rock on which I build,
my shield and hiding place,
my never failing treasury,
filled with boundless stores of grace.
Jesus, my shepherd, guardian, friend,
my prophet, priest and king,
my Lord, my life, my way, my end:
accept the praise I bring.
How weak the effort of my heart,
how cold my warmest thought,
but when I see thee as thou art
I’ll praise thee as I ought.
Till then I would thy love proclaim
with every fleeting breath,
and may the music of thy name
refresh my soul in death.

 

OFFERING

In the Easter season, we celebrate God’s most precious gift to us in Christ’s dying and his rising. As we present our offering this morning, may our generosity reflect God’s goodness to us, and the hope we have in Christ Jesus, even in these troubled times.

 

DOXOLOGY

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise him all creatures here below

Praise him above ye heavenly host.

Praise Father Son and Holy Ghost

 

OFFERTORY PRAYER

Generous God, thank you for all we have received from you in Christ and in creation.  Bless the gifts we bring and use them in the service of your reign of justice and peace, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Guide. Amen

 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

 

Lord Jesus Christ, You came to us bearing God’s love, to walk with us as our Good Shepherd, showing us how to love each other. You pray with us and for us day by day. Today we turn to you with our hopes and concerns in these uncertain times. Draw near to us and to all those for whom we pray, so that your love will be known in our world this day.

 

Lord Jesus, on this Christian Family Sunday, we pray for the families we belong to. We thank you for parents, grandparents and great-parents, for the generations who started our families and all they gave to us. Today we thank you for all those who mothered us, grateful for their care and guidance. We pray for mothers throughout the world, thinking especially of mothers in Ukraine and other places of conflict, worried for their children and the future.

 

Strengthen every care-giver’s hope and courage by the power of your Spirit, and create peace in the world so children can grow up in safety.

 

Lord Jesus, We pray for the health and well-being of families and that the relationships within them are marked by peace, love, trust and care -we pray for families in our community and around the world in these uncertain times. We remember families in need: those struggling with economic upheaval and the high cost of living, those who know sorrow because someone has died or gone away, those who live in pain or fear, or face some kind of discrimination.

Surround these families with your love and courage; bring them support from their neighbours, and guide each child and young person into the future.

 

Lord Jesus, We pray for the family of nations in this time of threat and conflict. Change the hearts of leaders bent on destruction or conquest. Give wisdom and courage to those who seek justice through negotiation, and protect all those who offer themselves in aid and advocacy work.

.

Bring peace with justice to this troubled world. We pray for the Canadian Armed Forces and all military chaplains who bring guidance and support to our troops and their families at home and abroad.

 

Lord Jesus, We pray for each other and for our church family. We give your thanks for the friendship and fellowship we share and the unique gifts each one brings to our life together. Rekindle our energy for ministry and mission and show us our path into the future.

 

Lord God  we lift to you  the  conversations  we have  just shared

We give thanks for the joys ….

We  pray for …

Those  who are  sick…..

Fro Eana

Travelling     ………….   Canns, Tina

In grief …………..

Fro our upcoming  potluck dinner   and  the meeting  of  Rev Scott  the  GA  moderator

Other ……………..

As always  Lord  there are  other  concerns  on our hearts  which remain there  and so  we lift them to you in the silence of this holy place………..        .

Make us a beacon of hope in your name  Lord Jesus, you are our Good Shepherd, guiding us through dark valleys and green pastures. May in all things  your will be done  We thank you for your presence with us in all times and situations  as we offer together the prayer you gave us as one family of followers:

 

THE  LORD’S PRAYER

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.  Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

 

HYMN                626   Lord of all power

Lord of all power, I give you my will,
in joyful obedience your tasks to fulfil.
Your bondage is freedom, your service is song,
and, held in your keeping, my weakness is strong.
Lord of all wisdom, I give you my mind,
rich truth that surpasses our knowledge to find.
What eye has not seen and what ear has not heard
is taught by your Spirit and shines from your word.
Lord of all bounty, I give you my heart;
I praise and adore you for all you impart:
your love to inspire me, your counsel to guide,
your presence to cheer me, whatever betide.
Lord of all being, I give you my all.
If e’er I disown you, I stumble and fall,
but, sworn in glad service your word to obey,
I walk in your freedom to the end of the way.

 

BENEDICTION

May the blessing  of God, the giver of every good and  perfect gft, and of Christ  who summons us to service  and of the Holy Spirit  who inspires generosity and love  be with us all  today and always

 

CLOSING SONG

Take O take me as I am