Sunday July 12

 

Epiphany Service For July 12, 2020.

Thank you for worshipping with the Church of the Epiphany this week. Today we will sing Joyful Joyful performed by Lauren MacDonald and Stephen Holowitz. Thank you to Adam for the technical work. Thank you to  Ron S. for his excellent work on the website. Also we are sending a call out for volunteers to water our gardens. 

Flowers in the Sanctuary for Jul 12

The flowers in the Sanctuary today are to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Jack Davies and Ken & Eleanor O’Liari and dear friend Eleanor Shrubsall – given by Sue and Dan Davies

 Opening:

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,

and the love of God,

 and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,

be with you all.

And also with you

 

Reading:

Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

13:1 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea.

13:2 Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach.

13:3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: “Listen! A sower went out to sow.

13:4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up.

13:5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil.

13:6 But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away.

13:7 Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them.

13:8 Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

13:9 Let anyone with ears listen!”

13:18 “Hear then the parable of the sower.

13:19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path.

13:20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy;

13:21 yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away.

13:22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing.

13:23 But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

 

Sermon:

Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

Some years ago CBS ran a Sunday morning show called “On The Road with Charles Karault.” In the very first episode he returned to Stanton, Virginia where 12 years earlier he happened upon a beautiful rode side park. As he walked through this park he said that he began to wonder about the battalion size maintenance crew that must have been hired to keep it up. Much to his surprise he discovered that it was the work of just one 83-year-old man.

His parents had raised him to believe you need to  leave this earth a better place than when you found it. So this park was his gift to life. He had worked on it for twenty years now.

Anyway, here it was twelve years later,  Charles Karualt decided to go back to Stanton, to see just what had happened to that park. He wondered as he drove down the road, had the weeds and thorns indeed taken over the garden.

Much to his surprise and total delight, however, he discovered that the garden was in tact and more beautiful than ever. What had happened? Just a few months after he had filmed the original story a lady of Korean descent  drove by and stopped at the park. She too was met by the kindly old man. She said that she didn’t really want to go through the entire garden but he insisted. A few weeks later, after she had returned to her home to the West Coast, the gentleman called her and pleaded with her to come and live in the guesthouse. He told here that when he was gone he wanted the garden to be hers. The idea appealed to her and she moved into the quest house.

As she stood there with Charles Karualt explaining her story she said, next to my mother, no person in life ever showed so much care to me as did the old gentleman.

Charles Karault closed the show by saying that the gentleman would be pleased to know that weeds and thorns had not taken over his lovely garden.

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Jesus would like that story.  Jesus also  talked about gardens  .

Like in todays Gospel reading.

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Jesus is describing four kinds of people.

First of all,

First the seed on the path

Jesus says the seed that falls on the path is like people who hear the Gospel but they don’t want to  accept it, they don’t take it into their hearts. They hear the Gospel, but do not make it their own.

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Then Jesus moves to another group

“The seed falling on rocky ground,” says Jesus, “refers to someone who hears the word. They are so excited  At once they receive  it with joy. But since they have no root, no depth, they last only a short time. When trouble comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.”

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Like another case:

In professional baseball, coaches talk about the “morning-glory” syndrome.

This name, morning-glory, is given to young recruits in professional baseball who perform marvelously in spring practice but then as they travel north and experience the lengthy baseball season, they begin to wilt like a morning-glory flower. By June their batting average drops.

Morning-glory is a name that could be applied to many  believers who make an initial commitment to Christ but then fall away.

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But there is a third group. WE COULD call this group, “the distracted.”

The third group, says Jesus, consists of the seed that falls “among the thorns.” Here he is referring to someone “who hears the word, but the worries of this life choke the word, making it unfruitful.”

The weeds are maybe “distractions” because that’s what worldly worries do to us. They keep us from focusing on Christ for our lives. We talk nowadays about distracted driving, but what about distracted living where we focus on nearly everything except Christ and his will for our lives?

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THEN WE HAVE the seed that falls on good soil. WE COULD call this soil the company of the committed. Jesus says the good soil refers “to someone who hears the word and understands it. The one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” That is beyond reason results.

The company of the committed refers to people that Christ can always count on.

Jesus is saying to us that when we give Christ our best service– our work is magnified more than we can  ever dream possible.

Our service in our family, our community, even our world is greater than we can possibly ever know or imagine.

==

Like a story shared by a lady called Dale Bourke. Dale years ago attended a publishing conference. A friend named Bruce offered her a ride to the airport. As they were about to leave, the doorman from the hotel stopped them. The doorman says the hotel bus had broken down. Would they mind taking another passenger from the conference to the airport? They agreed, and the man who would be riding with them gratefully jumped into the back seat.

Bruce asked the man where he worked. The man mentioned a Christian publishing house.  Bruce perked up at this. He said, “I have really fond memories of that group, because I attended a weekend retreat one time, and that’s where I had a deep spiritual experience. It was in 1972 in New Hampshire.”

Bruce said that retreat changed my life.

Their passenger, the man who was with the organization that sponsored that retreat, grew strangely silent. Then he said quietly, “I led that retreat. It was my first time as a conference leader, and I felt like a total failure. Until this moment, I have always believed it was one of the biggest failures of my life.”

The seeds planted yielded 100 fold — beyond reason

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In our life with Christ, you never know. You sow a small seed into someone’s heart—and the result is a harvest that is a hundred-fold. And who knows where it will lead?

So this day let us pray that Christ will help us be the good soil where the harvest is amazing, astouding—we pray to be good soil so that our life might have purpose.  That the world will be enriched beyond reason because we have walked with Christ.

==

Our Creed:

All together.

We believe in one God,

the Father, the Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth,

of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,

the only Son of God,

eternally begotten of the Father,

God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God,

begotten, not made,

of one being with the Father.

Through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation

he came down from heaven:

by the power of the Holy Spirit

he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,

and was made man.

For our sake he was crucified

under Pontius Pilate;

he suffered death and was buried.

On the third day he rose again

in accordance with the scriptures;

he ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory

to judge the living and the dead,

and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit,

the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father.

With the Father and the Son

he is worshipped and glorified.

He has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic

and apostolic Church.

We acknowledge one baptism

for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come. Amen

 

Our Prayers

O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you

is eternal life, to serve you is perfect freedom. Defend us your

servants from the assaults of our enemies, that we may trust in

your defence, and not fear the power of any adversaries;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Our Prayers are asked for:

Norma; Jim, Henry; Jan; Sylvia;  Carol; Mike;  Avery;  Ralph; Linda Melanie; Marlene; Pam; Zaden; Kendra; Bill, Sheila, Jessica, Sonya, Jamie Nancy & Clyde; Sylvia; Sharon; Mary;  Keanna,  Ella; Alex; Sonia; Evelyn; Marion; Mark; Dan; Alanna; Howe; Jeff; Brian; Doug; Alex,  Gord; Jim . Jack; Pat; Grant; Kathy; Lynda; Aunt Frankie; Diane; Jean; Ola and Roman; Mildred; Brian; Belinda,;  Kim; Edie; Ross; Francis & Bill ; Jeff;  Diana, Ian, Edna, Matthew & Annika; Evie & Rodger; Darrin; Joanna; John & Lynda; Val; Grace; Craig; Erika.

As our Savior taught us, let us pray,

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.

Closing:

Glory to God,

All whose power, working in us,

can do infinitely more

than we can ask or imagine.

Glory to God from generation to generation,

in the Church and in Christ Jesus,

for ever and ever. Amen.

 

Our Parting Blessing Song:

May God’s blessing surround you each day

As you trust Him and walk in His way

May His presence within guard and keep you from sin,

Go in peace, go in joy, go in love.

 

Our Hymn : Joyful Joyful

1. Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,

   God of glory, Lord of love;

   Hearts unfold like flow’rs before Thee,

   Op’ning to the sun above.

   Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;

   Drive the dark of doubt away;

   Giver of immortal gladness,

   Fill us with the light of day!

2. All Thy works with joy surround Thee,

   Earth and heav’n reflect Thy rays,

   Stars and angels sing around Thee,

   Center of unbroken praise.

   Field and forest, vale and mountain,

   Flow’ry meadow, flashing sea,

   Singing bird and flowing fountain

   Call us to rejoice in Thee.

3. Thou art giving and forgiving,

   Ever blessing, ever blest,

   Wellspring of the joy of living,

   Ocean depth of happy rest!

   Thou our Father, Christ our Brother,

   All who live in love are Thine;

   Teach us how to love each other,

   Lift us to the joy divine.

Epiphany Today

Hi Everyone

Even though we are not attending our church as usual we wish to acknowledge and remember the loved ones who are no longer with us. We will continue to do this through our weekly “Flowers in the Sanctuary” program

Flowers in the Sanctuary for Jul 12

The flowers in the Sanctuary today are to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Jack Davies and Ken & Eleanor O’Liari and dear friend Eleanor Shrubsall – given by Sue and Dan Davies

 

Bible Readings for Sunday Jul 12

Here are our weekly recommended Bible Readings for July 12

• Genesis 25:19-34 and Psalm 119:105-112

• Isaiah 55:10-13 and Psalm 65:(1-8), 9-13

• Romans 8:1-11

• Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

Our Prayers are asked for:

Norma; Jim, Henry; Jan; Sylvia;  Carol; Mike;  Avery;  Ralph; Linda Melanie; Marlene; Pam; Zaden; Kendra; Bill, Sheila, Jessica, Sonya, Jamie Nancy & Clyde; Sylvia; Sharon; Mary;  Keanna,  Ella; Alex; Sonia; Evelyn; Marion; Mark; Dan; Alanna; Howe; Jeff; Brian; Doug; Alex,  Gord; Jim . Jack; Pat; Grant; Teresa; Kathy; Lynda; Aunt Frankie; Diane; Jean; Ola and Roman; Mildred; Brian; Belinda,;  Kim; Edie; Ross; Francis & Bill ; Jeff;  Diana, Ian, Edna, Matthew & Annika; Evie & Rodger; Darrin; Joanna; John & Lynda; Val; Grace; Craig; Erika.

From Rev Teresa

*Links for  June 28  and July 05 Services in case you missed them.

June 28

July 05

____________________________________________________

*Pastoral Phone Calls.  In these unusual times, Please do not hesitate to call.  To chat, to share, to touch base.  Teresa 519-671-0577

A Message to the Diocese from Bishop Townshend

Dear friends,

Many of us are deeply missing the opportunity to gather as church to worship God.  Premier Ford’s statement today that worship services may resume in many parts of our province has been greeted with both hope and anxiety by many Anglicans.  Ten days ago, together with the provincial House of Bishops, I decided that we would not be making any changes in how we use our church buildings for worship until after Labour Day, September 7.  Nothing has changed: church buildings may be used to offer online worship (no more than five people present to lead the service, following all current church guidelines) and to provide essential ministries such as food sustainability ministries or 12-step programs.  No indoor gatherings for worship will be held in churches in the Diocese of Huron until after Labour Day at the earliest. This will provide us with the opportunity to plan well for September, and to get some summer rest.

Some parishes have been wondering about holding outside worship during this good weather.  That is currently under consideration.  I will have more to say about that in a week or two.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we prioritize the safety of all.

Yours in Christ,
+Todd
Bishop of Huron

*Our Weekly Service will now be on the website by Saturday.    If you have trouble getting it, just email, and we can send it out to you.  Thanks for taking part.  So far one week we had almost 200 worshippers, last week we had 100.  *The Church Website You can just click here:  http://www.thechurchofepiphany.com/  

*Pastoral Phone Calls.  In these unusual times, Please do not hesitate to call.  To chat, to share, to touch base.  Teresa 519-671-0577

*Our thanks to the people who are continuing their envelope givings because the church expenses continue, even while we are not at weekly worship. We are missing our fundraisers.  If you wish, if you are able, you may mail your donation to:

Mrs.Barb Smallman.  Envelope secretary

4860 White Oak Road

London, Ontario

N6E 3Y8

519-680-0649

*Food Cupboard.  *Our thanks to people who are giving to the food cupboard. For needs text Butch. 519-615-9106.  Butch says we are helping 20 people a week right now.  Reply to this email or call about donations.

*Still Collecting: Batteries, Cancelled Stamps

.*RINSED Pop Cans for Keanna.Exciting News! Keanna is in the early stages of getting a work up to have a kidney transplant at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto! We are very appreciative of all the pop cans, and other returnable for deposit containers, to help with expenses in Toronto.  Eventually when transplant happens we will be in Toronto for up to eight weeks! Thanks for your continued support! The Shrubsall Family.  The Davies can be contacted to donate.

 *There are three ways to contribute at Epiphany : Prayer for the church; Help at events; donations if possible. Our Lord knows us.

*Thank you for your generous love of Epiphany.  Our Church does much good, quietly, without fanfare.   Let’s all keep up our Good Work!

*The Church Website http://www.thechurchofepiphany.com/

The Little Church that Cares
www.thechurchofepiphany.com

Contact: Rev. Teresa Corrigan

email: teresacorrigan1@gmail.com

phone: 519-671-0577 [cell]

The Church phone is unmonitored. Please feel free to leave a message and we’ll get back to you. 519 432 2837

Canada Day at Epiphany

Hello Everyone

I know we can’t be together at Epiphany on Canada day, but I want to share our Music Director Anusha’s version of O’Canada with you.

She very generously shared it with Rev Teresa. So here it is for all to here. Let’s all pretend we’re together and loud as possible sing along with Anusha’s playing.

Anusha O’Canada

Services at Epiphany Cancelled

Hello Everyone.

It is with a heavy heart that I have to tell you that effective immediately all services at Epiphany have been put on hold. We don’t anticipate gathering before the upcoming Easter Weekend. Please keep you and your loved ones safe. Our prayers are with you and everyone affected by the Covid-19 virus pandemic outbreak.

Cans for Keanna

Don’t throw out that aluminum. Save it and bring it to Epiphany. Crush it down first if you are able.