Remembrance Sunday
St ANDREWS CHURCH
NOVEMBER 7th 2021 Remembrance Sunday
ENTRY OF THE WREATHS
TWO MINUTES OF SILENCE
The Act of Remembrance
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
We will remember them.
In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields (John McCrea)
O CANADA Karrah Cochrane
LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- Thank you Rev. Shirley Cochrane for leading our worship on this Remembrance Sunday. We thank Karrah Cochrane and Don Cann for laying the wreaths this morning and John Hanna for reading In Flanders Field.
- We continue to pray for Rev. Ena van Zoeren as she prepares for surgery in Vancouver on the 17th. May God bless and undertake in all matters, guiding the hands of the surgeons and restore you to health. Bless you Ena.
- November's Loonie Offering will be going to the Salvation Army Lighthouse to help with sheltering the homeless in these cooling temperatures.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Praise the Lord, all you saints!
Praise God, all you heavenly hosts!
Let us praise the name of the Lord:
For the name of God is above all names!
God will reign in mercy and righteousness for all generations.
Let us praise the Lord and seek to honour God with our lives.
HYMN`` 611 For all the saints
- For all the saints who from their labours rest,
who thee by faith before the world confessed,
thy name, o Jesus, be forever blest.
Hallelujah, hallelujah!2. Thou wast their rock, their fortress and their might,
thou, Lord, their captain in the well fought fight,
thou in the darkness drear their one true light.
Hallelujah, hallelujah!3. Oh may thy soldiers, faithful, true and bold,
fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
and win with them the victor's crown of gold.
Hallelujah, hallelujah!4. O blest communion! fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
yet all are one in thee, for all are thine.
Hallelujah, hallelujah!5. And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
and hearts are brave again, and arms are strong.
Hallelujah, hallelujah!6. The golden evening brightens in the west;
soon, soon to faithful warriors cometh rest;
sweet is the calm of paradise the blest.
Hallelujah, hallelujah!7. But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day;
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of glory passes on his way.
Hallelujah, hallelujah!8. From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast,
Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost:
Hallelujah, hallelujah!
CCLI 11394548
PRAYER of ADORATION
God of justice and peace, We gather at this solemn time of year, aware of the costliness of human history. n the face of hostility between nations and neighbours, you have come to us in Jesus Christ, carrying no sword, calling us to serve as peacemakers. In this time of worship, renew in us the hope that you will turn swords into ploughshares, and lead the world you love away from the study of war to the promise of peace with justice for all your peoples. Together Lord we confess to you …..
UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God of justice and mercy,
we confess that the world around us is in a mess.
Countries turn disputes over territory into threats of terror.
Old enemies stir up conflict within their tribes and nations.
Threats of violence keep us all on edge.
We confess we have not learned from past conflicts
what leads to peace with justice among nations and neighbours.
Forgive us and lead us in a better way. In Christ’s name AMEN
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Friends, through God’s mercy, our sin is forgiven. May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” And also with you.
THE PEACE
HYMN 683 I know not how God’s saving grace
- I know not why such wondrous grace
to me God has made known;
nor why, unworthy as I am,
Christ claimed me for his own,
Refrain:
but I know whom I have believed
and am persuaded that Christ is able
to keep that which I've committed
unto him against that day.2. I know not why this saving faith
to me God did impart,
nor how believing in the word brought
peace into my heart,
Refrain
but I know whom I have believed
and am persuaded that Christ is able
to keep that which I've committed
unto him against that day.3. I know not how the Spirit moves,
convincing me of sin,
revealing Jesus through the word,
creating faith in him:
Refrain
but I know whom I have believed
and am persuaded that Christ is able
to keep that which I've committed
unto him against that day.
CCLI 11394548
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Psalm 146
1 Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, my soul.
2 I will praise the Lord all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
3 Do not put your trust in princes,
in human beings, who cannot save.
4 When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
on that very day their plans come to nothing.
5 Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord their God.
6 He is the Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them—
he remains faithful forever.
7 He upholds the cause of the oppressed
and gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets prisoners free,
8 the Lord gives sight to the blind,
the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down,
the Lord loves the righteous.
9 The Lord watches over the foreigner
and sustains the fatherless and the widow,
but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.
10 The Lord reigns forever,
your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the Lord
HEBREWS 9: 24-28
24 For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. 25 Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. 26 Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
SERMON
I speak in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
This coming Thursday , our nation honors men and women who have served our country. Even today, veterans are coming home from war with scars, injuries, and some of them are having a very hard time. Sadly there are veterans that are homeless today
Today we also take time to honor families who have stood by husbands, wives, sons, daughters, and others who make a great sacrifice when their loved ones serve our country.
That’s not all that we do, of course. We do not simply mourn our dearly departed on this day. We also give thanks for their lives and witness. Most importantly, we proclaim faith in the One who continues to hold us, together with them, in the great communion of saints that stretches across time and space.
What is it like to sign your name to a paper that could possibly mean the end of your life? What is it like to walk down the cold hallways of a processing station? What is it like to sleep in a squeaky bunk bed where men and women have laid down - their lives to never come home again? Or drive down a road wondering where all the land mines are ? It takes the faith of a soldier – great faith!
I have no military background My husbands grandfather Rev. James Hyde served as a Presbyterian Chaplain in Belgium during WW1. My father served in the Canadian Navy in WW2. But our families have no battle stories to tell. In Sunday School us post war children sang with great ferver the hymn “ Onward Christian soldiers marching on to war “ and that’s the closest we understood war.
Today is not about saying our country is perfect or even that our veterans are perfect people. But we do have a heritage of faith that is still seen in soldiers today. However tthe most important faith is in our Father in heaven.
Many readers of the Bible are shaken or even horrified at the frequent Old Testament stories of war –often initiated by God in the establishment of the nation of Israel. Over the centuries differing stances have developed in Christian thought and practice over the participation in wars - not that we will explore that today
The promises of God in scripture speak to something more than concerns about social justice or economic inequality. They speak against an enemy more fundamental than political opponents or social media trolls. Death is the universal enemy, and in the texts for today, God becomes the death of Death.
Isaiah speaks of death as “the shroud that is cast over all peoples, the sheet that is spread over all nations” (Isaiah 25:7). Death is the great equalizer. There is no nation, no people, immune from its reach. The enemy is Death itself, - all living things will eventually disappear, swallowed up forever.
Though we do not personify Death as the ancients did, its power over us is as strong as its power over them. Death has swallowed up many, many lives in our world today and has indeed cast a shroud over all peoples. Covid has made even the rituals we do have more difficult. Countless people have not been not able to say good-bye to their loved ones in person. Funerals are postponed or livestreamed, the comfort of each other’s presence—of real, fleshly bodies embracing each other—lost. It is right and proper that we also acknowledge these losses on this Sunday.
As we continue to look at the letter to the Hebrews I find it can be overwhelming. Chapter 9, I think, is perhaps the most overwhelming The author weaves together so many aspects of the Levitical priesthood , and moves from comparing the first covenant and the second covenant to contrasting it and back and forth,
Throughout Hebrews a number of words are used to relate aspects of the earthly and the heavenly things, In each instance, the heavenly is the “true” or “better,” while the earthly is the “shadow” or “representation.” The earthly helps the people of God understand the heavenly. That is an important function. The earthly is a silhouette that shows us the shape of Christ’s offering.
Jesus—as both priest and offering—does not enter the earthly tabernacle to perform his act of worship; instead, he enters the heavenly tabernacle with his perfect self-offering being the cross
Christ’s coming ushered in a new era in which everything changed. No more were annual sacrifices required. No longer were people subject to Jewish law. No longer was being the people of God restricted to only the people of Israel. Now people from every nation under heaven could worship Christ and know salvation from their sins.
The Greek word athetesis means to abolish or cancel or annul. Jesus’ mission was to sacrifice himself on the cross to abolish or to cancel the sin of the world.
Here the emphasis is on the timing. Since his offering covers all sins for all of human history, Christ’s work would be reduced to his death. The resurrection is after all, one of the keys to his distinctive priesthood; ( 7:23–28.)
The author says that Jesus appears in heaven “on our behalf” (9:24). This is a picture of his mediation and intercession. In Hebrews 9:26, the author reiterates the contrast between the single offering of Christ and the many offerings of the Levitical priests
The final two verses of this selection (7:27–28) must be taken together. Again, the author presents an important comparison between Jesus and his “companions.” He is a human, just as they are, and human beings only die once. Thus, not only is it not necessary for Jesus to die again and again because his offering is effective, but also it is not possible. “Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many” (7:27a).
But he will come again. Here, in Hebrews 9:28, we have a succinct presentation of the doctrine of the parousia or “coming” of Christ. The author emphasizes that the sins of the people will not be addressed again; Christ did that. When Christ returns, he will “bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”
This picture of the people waiting, emphasizing aspects of salvation that remain unrealized, complements what the author presents elsewhere. He describes them as those who are “made perfect” (10:14) and those who “have come” to “thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly” (12:22). But Hebrews 9 presents them waiting.
Something incredible happens to our faith when we begin to care about other people. If you want great faith, you have to care about other people.
If you want great faith, you need to believe His Word. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God (another good reason to go to church). If you want great faith, you need to also speak His Word!
Jesus is the Source of Faith – Faith is not something we conjure up. Faith comes from knowing Jesus and being close to Him. If you want great faith, you have to be with the Great Lord. That relationship is going to cost you something – time, energy, passion, your life.
THE COST IS GREAT (John 15:13 ) Greater love has no one than this, that he lays down his life for his friends.
Jesus said to count the cost- following Christ really means salvation yes, but it also means sacrifice. There is no greater feeling than to realize that your sacrifice makes a difference. When we follow Christ and His will, we are fulfilled. CHRISTIANS ARE SOLDIERS OF THE CROSS
In Revelations we read See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them as their God; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away (Revelation 21:3-4 - KJV).
War will be no more. Death will be swallowed up forever. We will celebrate this final victory together with all the saints at the great marriage feast of the Lamb. The only tears allowed at this feast are ones of joy at being back in the presence of those we have loved and lost.
These are powerful images to anchor our hope And then, with all the saints, we proclaim the sure promise of the One who is the Resurrection and the Life. See, I am making all things new.” May it be so. AMEN
HYMN 682 Just as I am
- Just as I am, without one plea,
but that thy blood was shed for me,
and that thou biddest me come to thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.2. Just as I am, though tossed about
with many a conflict, many a doubt,
fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.3. Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
sight, riches, healing of the mind,
yea, all I need in thee I find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.4. Just as I am, thou wilt receive,
wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
because thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
CCLI 11394548
OFFERING
The scriptures today speak of generosity and the risk it involves, and God’s faithfulness to generous actions. In this season of remembrance, the risk and generosity of others is often on our minds. Let their legacy inspire us to risk generous gifts as we present 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
Receive our gifts this day, O God, and bless them with your love and power. Use them in the struggle for justice and the work for healing and peace, undertaken by your faithful people here and everywhere, in the name of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
God of all the ages past, hope of years to come: We gather in this season of remembrance, grateful that you hold each one of us in your memory and your mystery, now and for all the time to come. Today, we remember all those who have served to uphold justice and freedom in the wars of the last century, in conflicts of our own generation, and in peacekeeping and relief efforts around the world. Especially we pray for those who have died in this service and for those who carry scars on body and soul, having returned from conflict. We remember their courage and we pray for their families who still ache for lives surrendered at a great cost. Faithful God, Remember them now and for all the time to come.
O God, we remember before you the victims of conflict, hiding in forgotten corners of the world, longing for safety and peace. Especially we pray for people in Afghanistan who fear for their lives and their future. We remember victims of violence in our own country, still fearful and uncertain about what the future holds for them. Give us the courage to speak out for their protection and recovery.
O God, we remember those around us who struggle day by day; those who must cope with the fear of forgetting those who matter most to them, and those who face the fear of being forgotten. Help us remember to reach out in comfort and support so that no one is forgotten.
O God, we remember those around us who carry on under the burden of sad and hard memories ;those weighed down by grief, disappointment, anger, pain and loss. Inspire us to offer a listening ear and an understanding heart whenever we can.
Precious and healing God we lift to you those on our minds and in our hearts …………
God of all the ages past, hope of years to come, help us to remember you day by day. Keep us prepared to shine the light of your gospel into the dark corners of the world so that hope is renewed, and need is exposed for the sake of Jesus, who taught us to pray together, saying:
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 797 Shall we gather at the river
Shall we gather at the river?
Where bright angel feet have trod
With its crystal tide forever
Flowing by the throne of God
Yes, we'll gather at the river
The beautiful, the beautiful river
Gather with the saints at the river
That flows by the throne of God
Soon we'll reach the shining river
Soon our pilgrimage will cease
Soon our happy hearts will quiver
With the melody of peace
Yes, we'll gather at the river
The beautiful, the beautiful river
Gather with the saints at the river
That flows by the throne of God
CCLI 11394548
BENEDICTION
As you go forth into the world today may the God who shakes heaven and earth , who death can not contain, who lives to disturb and heal us bless you with power to go forth to proclaim the gospel. May the grace of God ,the love of Christ and the comfort of the Holy spirit be with you now and always
CLOSING SONG