ST ANDREW’S CHURCH
September 25, 2022
 
LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Next Sunday we will celebrate World Communion.

 
CALL TO WORSHIP
Here God speaks to us words of challenge and comfort.
Here Jesus stands among us, calling us to acts of mercy.
Even now, the Holy Spirit is moving in our midst,
filling us with hope and inspiring us to faithfulness.
Let us worship God, ever Three and ever One.
Let us praise God’s holy name together!
HYMN       65  All people  that on earth do dwell

PRAYER OF ADORATION
Creating God, beauty and harmony mark your creation. As the seasons change,  we see you are always at work in the world, transforming hearts and situations. We praise you for all you do to repair injustice, to bring peace to places of war, working for goodness to prevail in all nations. You offer us new possibilities day by day, and so we place our trust in your redeeming power. Renew our energy for mission this autumn and open our eyes to new opportunities to reach out in Jesus’ name.  Through the power of the Spirit, make us participants in your work, bringing justice and joy into the world you love. Hear us now as we bring to you our prayers of confession …..
 UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Compassionate God, you open your heart to those in need,
and to your aching creation. We confess we often turn away
so that we do not have to see pain, suffering or injustice,
right before our eyes.  We don’t like to feel uncomfortable
or pressed into service. Forgive us, and
give us courage to love others as you love us
and reach out with the care we have witnessed in Jesus.
In his name we pray. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
The prophet Micah declared that God requires of us three things: to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with God. To all who repent, who act for justice and seek to serve God and neighbour in kindness, God offers forgiveness and peace.
 
THE PEACE
The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
HYMN         378 Jesus, Jesus, Jesus in the morning

SCRIPTURE READINGS

Psalm 146
1 Timothy 6:6-19
SERMON
Give us your Spirit of wisdom, O God, so that we may hear your Word speaking through the Scriptures with ears that understand and hearts moved to love. Amen.
I suspect  most of us  feel  we know at least something about Paul, the author of the scripture reading today. He has shared quite a bit of detail on his life  in many of his letters  written to  congregations and individuals . Much of   our  faith  may  be  grounded in the gospel according to Paul.
This month  we have been reading  from Paul’s  letter  to  Timothy. But  who  is this Timothy ? From time to time I get curious about these names we read – but  don’t often  know  much about their  background.
Timothy was born in Lystra to a Jewish mother and a Greek father.  Timothy, his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois were converted to Christianity  during the first  visit of Paul and Barnabas to city of Lystra.  The group of followers grew in numbers and for a time, all was well However  opponents  arrived in the city  and  were able to  turn  peoples opinion of Paul and Barnabas into anger against their  message of Christ  Quickly this got to the point of stirred up folks  stoning Paul.  He survived  and the two leaders fled. They  did not return for  perhaps a year. During this time young Timothy pledges his faith and is ordained  for the work of preaching . When Paul returns,  he recognizes the devotion and abilities  of Timothy and invites him to join the group in their evangelizing  journeys. As the travel around the area co-workers  Timothy becomes to Paul  “ his beloved and faithful Child “ ( 1 Corth 4:17)  Timothy  continues to  carry on the work  through several of Paul’s  imprisonments. Thus we have the two epistles- 1st and 2nd  Timothy written while Paul was in prison. As one of  Paul’s most responsible associates, Timothy helps develop and nurture many small flung congregations  around the Greek world
Paul has warned Timothy about the problem with false teachers. As we come to today’s text, Paul is urging Timothy to live differently than the false teachers.
While it is true that Paul’s writing is directly aimed at Timothy, and therefore also at Christian leaders, the characteristics Paul lists should mark every Christian. In that sense, these characteristics apply to every one of us. Verses 11-16 show us five characteristics that mark both a Christian leader .and a follower of Christ
A Christian Leader and those who are grounded in Jesus Knows What He Flees From (6:11a);  Knows What He Follows After (6:11b):  What He Fights For (6:12a):  Knows What He Fastens Onto (6:12b) :  Knows What He Is Faithful To (6:13-16) :
As Paul writes to Timothy, he mentions that godliness with contentment is a good thing. Paul is about the only person I know that ever lists contentment with godliness and a righteous life.
When reading this week’s passage, we may be easily able to imagine Paul, the beloved mentor and father figure for Timothy, holding Timothy’s hands in his aged hands. We need to understand  Paul as a passionate and compassionate spiritual guide and mentor – a caring parent sharing precious life lessons with his children. Then, we should be ready to do deep and thorough reading of the given passage containing several moral, ethical, and spiritual “dos” and “don’ts” that the author wants his readers to practice: pursue righteousness, godliness,  faith, love endurance and gentleness ( v 11)
Throughout the history of humankind, individuals have used baubles and bangles to convince themselves and others that they are important and special. Livestock  were perhaps the earliest symbols of wealth, importance, and being special. Necklaces and rings rose to early prominence and have been in vogue ever since. For men it was the size of his horse and the build of his chariot that proclaimed in uniqueness.
We have not come very far from the practices of our ancestors. Diamonds and pearls , Name brand clothes – expensive vehicles  -and the latest in Bluetooth technology,- all of these “necessities” help us feel important, special.  Our Day Planners and calendars are often crammed full because we believe deep down in the core of our being that life is short and we need to pack into this life as much as we can.[SC1]
None of the baubles and bangles that I’ve mentioned are bad in and of themselves. Yet Paul states “For the love of money  is a root  of all kinds of evil” They become evil when we they become our gods, or if we use them to give us something they cannot provide
It is important to ask ourselves, though, if these items actually accomplish the purpose for which we purchase them. Certainly, they can make us feel good and special. They may also make people think that we are important, and some might even envy us.  Having them though does not necessarily make us content.
Actually, if the truth be told, they cannot add to our value or worth—especially for the Christian. Why can’t we be satisfied with food, clothing, shelter and family?
Our worth comes to us from the cross of Jesus Christ, when it is written God so loved you and me that God gave his only Son. Our worth comes to us from our Baptism where God touched our lives, made us God’s children, filled us with the Holy Spirit, and called us to be his disciples and servants. Nothing else can add to our worth.
Our contentment comes from God’s grace in our lives. We are able to simplify our lives because of our faith that God does love us, and there is nothing in the entire universe that is able to separate us from that love.  The Shaker community gave us a beautiful hymn that echoes this thought. They sang, “’Tis a gift to be simple, ‘tis a gift to be free.”
Significantly for Christians who, historically, have been seduced by imperial and national expressions of power, Psalm 146—provides a critical lens through which to view the princes and mortals who make grand promises of “help.”
In our political age, when reading the news is a genuinely stressful activity, and when that stress leads us to place our hope in charismatic leaders who promise to save us (even though we know better), Psalm 146 offers a grounded orientation: don’t trust in the plans of politicians and world leaders. Instead, live your life in joyful accordance with what YHWH is doing right now.
It is helpful to keep in mind the context of this section where Paul had just warned Timothy about the problem with false teachers. As we come to today’s text, Paul is urging Timothy to live differently than the false teachers.
Paul begins verse 11 with these words, “But as for you, O man of God.” Although Timothy did not know it at the time, he is the only person in the New Testament that is ever called a “man of God.” I am sure that when Timothy read these words, he did a double-take. Did he read that correctly? Who was Paul referring to as a “man of God”? Surely not himself. But, as he read and re-read those words it became blindingly clear that Paul was calling Timothy a “man of God.” In his Second Letter to Timothy, Paul did refer to every pastor as a “man of God.” But at the time of Paul’s writing of this letter, no one was called a “man of God.”
Paul gives the command to Timothy in verses 14-15a, “to keep this  command without spot or blame  unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God  will bring about in his own time.” Paul charges Timothy to preach the word and to do so until until Jesus’ return.
Which commandment, I wonder, is the apostle talking about? It could be any of them, really, but I’m going to suggest that, if it could be any of them, it could certainly be the third commandment, the one that says, “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain” (Deut. 5:11; cf. Ex. 20:7). In the long run, the commandment that Timothy is to keep is the entire word of God.
Having mentioned the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, Paul goes on to write an astonishing description of Jesus in verses 15b-16, “the blessed and only Ruler , King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal, who  lives  in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.” Paul often broke into doxology and worship and praise. He does so here again. He wants Timothy to be faithful in his worship of the one who has called him to salvation and into service.
Ordination is the setting apart of a person  by God to serve God and his people.[SC2]  It seems  that Paul is thinking of Timothy’s ordination service when he is writing the words which we read in our text today. Perhaps Paul is restating the charge that he had given to Timothy on the day of Timothy’s ordination. Paul sets down several characteristics that mark a Christian leader and now as he brings his letter to a close, Paul reminds Timothy of what he had said to him on that occasion.  Fight the good fight of the faith
Paul’s words catch us by surprise, if we really believe that life is short. Paul writes to Timothy,” Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (12) Timothy, though still physically alive was living an eternal life. How much longer a life do we want or need than an eternal life?
Based on this truth, we are able to step out in faith and simplify, God is our security, and we live each and every day of our lives in that reality.
Christians believe that our security is in God. God has promised his steadfast love and his abiding presence. God will never leave us nor forsake us. God has also promised to provide us with everything we need for daily living.  A simplified life not only can enable you to achieve and maintain a balance in your life, but it can also be a witness to those around you of God’s eternal love and presence.  AMEN
HYMN          637 Take my life, and let it be

OFFERING
Prophets and parables remind us again and again to share our wealth with those living on the margins. Your contributions to the life and mission of this congregation help change the world by bringing God’s love and goodness to those standing outside the gate. Through sharing, your gifts will have worldwide impact. Let us bless God with our offering.
 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
Loving God, we bring you our gifts, grateful that we have something to share, and glad to be part of a network of mission and mercy which circles the earth. Bless the ministries supported by our congregation. Use our gifts to multiply their impact in the world you love through Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
God of mystery and wonder, we look around at the beauty of this world and the worlds beyond us, and sense that you have given each precious thing its place and a way to sustain itself. Thank you for the care you hold for your whole creation. We also look around at the aching of the world and sense that many precious things are under threat. Too many pieces of your creation have fallen out of balance with each other. Show us how we can help restore that balance  and protect what is at risk for the health of your whole creation.
God of energy and life, we look around at the peoples of this world and see your image and dignity in every variety of face and culture. Thank you for the care you hold for all humankind. Yet we look around at the people of this world and see the aching of the hungry and hurting; we hear the groans of parents whose children die in their arms and feel the tears of children whose parents die too soon. We know neighbours who are suffering and hear of strangers who can’t imagine how to make it through tomorrow. Awaken our generosity to offer what healing and hope we can to the lives you cherish in every neighbourhood and nation.
We pray that all of us be kept steadfast in faith and service. May we be assured that the fullness of God’s glory be shown and shared with others through us.
God of promise and possibility, We look around at places where people collide with each other  We pray for the people of Russia who are  beginning to revolt against the politics of the Russian  leaders
We hear the grumbling of nations locked into old rivalries and grievances. We watch the jousting of leaders impressed more by polls than effective policies. We worry about the future of our communities and our children. We hear your call to do justice and live generously. Guide us as citizens to act for justice that brings peace and well being to communities near and far.
We pray fro the folks in Atlantic Canada and the USA, the Caribbean  Islands  and  all places  that have  felt the damaging force of hurricane Fiona .
Loving God we have placed before you our  joys and concerns
……………..
God of faithfulness and surprise, we look at ourselves and sometimes doubt we can make a difference or have an impact. Challenge us to recognise the kinds of power we do have: The love and compassion, The courage and commitment, The laughter and friendship, The generosity and mercy You inspire within us. In all these gifts we know your power. Through all these gifts, our lives have been changed. Using these gifts in our lives, bring Christ’s love and mercy to the world you love, and so we pray the words he taught us:
 
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                690 Fight the good fight

BENEDICTION
Go from our gathering with confidence in your hearts, for God’s Spirit goes with you to give you strength, God’s Son walks beside you to see you through each day, and God’s holy presence will bless you with grace and mercy now and evermore.  Amen.
CLOSING SONG