Epiphany Service for Oct 01 2023

The flowers in the Sanctuary today are to the Glory of God and in loving memory of a dear husband Jack, given by Ella Davies

 

*Bake Garage Rummage Sale.  September 30.  9:30 till 12:00.  Hot Dogs and bags of chips at front door.  Set up Friday at 1:00 p.m.  Volunteers needed.  Esp. Pack up, take away. Please price large items, & items over 2$

*We need some volunteers to do the clothes due to injury.

*Take posters today to advertise.  Posts.  Your front door.  Bulletin boards.

*Penny Social – Friday October 20

*Draw for London Knights Hockey.  Friday November 17.  Winning ticket will be drawn last Sunday in October.  1 for $2.  3 for $5.  $170$ Value.  Includes parking pass at the market.

*Trivia Night for Risers. Sat Oct 7 – 7-10 PM. Book a team with Adam. The Grand has donated two tickets for Clue as a prize.

*The Manor Park Evening Post – Variety Show.  Sat Oct 14 at 7:30 PM.  $25.  Proceeds to the work of the church.  

*Food Cupboard.  Butch  519-615-9106. Text or call.  

*Light lunch after church Sunday Oct 01 .  All welcome.  Thanks to those who donated the lunch food and those who worked before and after lunch setting up and cleaning up.  

*Coffee News – Our Ad was printed in this week’s Coffee News (Sep 18 and Sep 25 edition). Unfortunately due to an administrative error, it missed the Online version, but will appear there next week. 

*Mint smoothies Sandra $3.

*Cancelled stamps. Gloria Thompson.

*Rinsed empty drink containers for Keanna

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

 

*Nov. 5 All Saints

*Nov. 11.  Remembrance day.  

*Nov. 18 Bazaar. 

*Dec. 3  Advent one.  White Gift.   Food donations.  Gift Cards.

*Dec. 9. Cookie Tins.  6 dozen cookies.  Non gooey.  Non frozen.  

*Dec. 10 Carol Service and Cookie Draw.    Stephen. 

*Dec. 24.  Christmas Eve.  Sunday.  No church in morning.  7:00 for 7:30

*Sat. Dec. 30 Set up for New Years.  

*Sun Dec. 31.  Morning Prayer.  

*Sunday Dec. 31 New Years Eve.  Clean up day and time?

*Mon. Jan. 1 New Years Day

 

*Meat Pies.  Jan. 25-27?  

*May 12.  Bishop Todd visits.  Communion that day.

 

 

 

 

*If you wish, our regular weekly donations or special donations may be sent to our Envelope Secretary:

 

Barb Smallman

4860 Whiteoak Road

London, Ontario

N6E 3Y8

 

519-680-0649

Bible Readings for October 01 2023

• Exodus 17:1-7 and Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 

• Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 and Psalm 25:1-9  

• Philippians 2:1-13  

• Matthew 21:33-41

 

Audio for October 01 Service

Please note that due to technical difficulties we are repeating the audio service from October 04 2020 

Reading Matthew 21:33-41

The Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers

³³ “Hear another parable: There was a certain landowner who planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a winepress in it and built a tower. And he leased it to vinedressers and went into a far country. 

³⁴ Now when vintage-time drew near, he sent his servants to the vinedressers, that they might receive its fruit. 

³⁵ And the vinedressers took his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another. 

³⁶ Again he sent other servants, more than the first, and they did likewise to them. 

³⁷ Then last of all he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ 

³⁸ But when the vinedressers saw the son, they said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and seize his inheritance.’ ³⁹ So they took him and cast him out of the vineyard and killed him.

⁴⁰ “Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vinedressers?”

⁴¹ They said to Him, “He will destroy those wicked men miserably, and lease his vineyard to other vinedressers who will ^a]render to him the fruits in their seasons.”

 

Prayers:

Friends in Christ,
God invites us to hold the needs of our sisters and brothers
as dear to us as our own needs.
Loving our neighbors as ourselves,
we offer our thanksgivings and our petitions
on behalf of the church and the world.

Prayers: Christine A.; Bob A.; Bob H.; Hilda; Dori;  Garfield; Eunice S.; Connie C.;  Jack and Julie. (Church)  Kim; Belinda,;  Ross B., Francis & Bill W.; Jeff G. (Dori); Kenny;  Diane; Norma A,;Dave F.; Peter T.;  Dan B.;. (Garfield & Diane);   Wendy; Sarah-Jane P.; Linda H.; Sharon D.; Philip D; Jacquie and Cam D.; Janice L & Darrin R;  Roland;  Helene.(Suzie D.)   : Maryanne; Gus; Jay P.;; Randy; Rick W.;.; Sharon;  Anne F.; Marcel D.; Jeff B.; (SandraJoel; Melanie; Marlene H. Pam B. (Barb & George);  Ella D., Keanna, Nancy (Dan & Sue); Donna Mc.; (Ron and Jan); Jamie; (Gloria); Marilyn; Val ; Karen T.;Bill, Sheila, Jessica, Sonya, Jamie (Peter);

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.

 

Glory to God,

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.

Blessing from the Book of Common Prayer:

The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you, and remain with you always. 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.

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

Epiphany Service for September 24 2023

 

 

 

The flowers in the Sanctuary today are to the Glory of God and in loving memory of  grandparents Catherine and Leo and Esther and Fred given by Adam.

 

*Bake Garage Rummage Sale.  September 30.  9:30 till 12:00.  Hot Dogs and bags of chips at front door.  Set up Friday at 1:00 p.m.  Volunteers needed.  Esp. Pack up, take away. Please price large items, & items over 2$

*We need some volunteers to do the clothes due to injury.

*Take posters today to advertise.  Posts.  Your front door.  Bulletin boards.

 

*Penny Social – Friday October 20

 

*Draw for London Knights Hockey.  Friday November 17.  Winning ticket will be drawn last Sunday in October.  1 for $2.  3 for $5.  $170$ Value.  Includes parking pass at the market.

 

*Trivia Night for Risers. Sat Oct 7 – 7-10 PM. Book a team with Adam. The Grand has donated two tickets for Clue as a prize.

 

*The Manor Park Evening Post – Variety Show.  Sat Oct 14 at 7:30 PM.  $25.  Proceeds to the work of the church.  

 

*Food Cupboard.  Butch  519-615-9106. Text or call.  

 

*Lite lunch after church Sunday Sept. 24 .  All welcome.  Thanks to those who donated the lunch food and those who worked before and after lunch setting up and cleaning up.  

 *Coffee News – Our Ad was printed in this week’s Coffee News (Sep 18 edition). Unfortunately due to an administrative error, it missed the Online version, but will appear there next week. 

*Mint smoothies Sandra $3.

*Cancelled stamps. Gloria Thompson.

*Rinsed empty drink containers for Keanna

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

 

*Nov. 5 All Saints

*Nov. 11.  Remembrance day.  

*Nov. 18 Bazaar. 

*Dec. 3  Advent one.  White Gift.   Food donations.  Gift Cards.

*Dec. 9. Cookie Tins.  6 dozen cookies.  Non gooey.  Non frozen.  

*Dec. 10 Carol Service and Cookie Draw.    Stephen. 

*Dec. 24.  Christmas Eve.  Sunday.  No church in morning.  7:00 for 7:30

*Sat. Dec. 30 Set up for New Years.  

*Sun Dec. 31.  Morning Prayer.  

*Sunday Dec. 31 New Years Eve.  Clean up day and time?

*Mon. Jan. 1 New Years Day

 

*Meat Pies.  Jan. 25-27?  

*May 12.  Bishop Todd visits.  Communion that day.

 

 

 

 

*If you wish, our regular weekly donations or special donations may be sent to our Envelope Secretary:

 

Barb Smallman

4860 Whiteoak Road

London, Ontario

N6E 3Y8

 

519-680-0649

Bible Readings for September 24 2023

• Exodus 16:2-15 and Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45  

• Jonah 3:10-4:11 and Psalm 145:1-8 

• Philippians 1:21-30  

• Matthew 20:1-16

 

Audio for September 24 Service

 

Opening: 

God of all who wander in the wilderness,

you go before us as beacon and guide.

Lead us through all danger,

sustain us through all desolation,

and bring us home to the land

you have prepared for us. Amen.

 

Reading Philippians 1:21-30

1:21 For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain.

1:22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer.

1:23 I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better;

1:24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you.

1:25 Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith,

1:26 so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.

1:27 Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel,

1:28 and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing.

1:29 For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well–

1:30 since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

 

Sermon:

Philippians 1:12-30

An online literary magazine known as Smith 

           challenged its readers 

                    to write the story of their own lives

                               using just six words. 

 

The title was six words: 

Not Quite What I Was Planning, 

Six-Word Memoirs. 

 

John Kurtz wrote: 

        “Kentucky trash heap yields unexpected flower

 

Or How about this one? 

            “70 years, few tears, hairy ears.” 

==

Now in today’s reading ;

St. Paul is writing to the church at Philippi

          from a prison cell. 

 

==

He knows that his situation is precarious.

 

He knows that he could be facing martyrdom 

            and so he begins to ponder what this might mean. 

 

And here is his conclusion it’s a win/win situation.

 

In fact, 

           he sums up his situation in what could easily be

                  two four-word memoirs:

                           “to live is Christ; 

                                         to die is gain.”

 

Let’s begin with that first memoir: “To live is Christ.”

 

 What a wonderful way to sum up Paul’s life. 

 

At first, he had been a persecutor of Christians. 

 

However, when Paul met Christ on the Damascus Road 

           he gave himself to Christ completely. 

That is why he had such a profound effect 

              on the development of the early church. 

 

For Paul it could easily be said,

                                “To live is Christ.”

 

You and I would probably use different language,

           but could we state our life purpose

                    that briefly? 

 

For example we might say, 

            “To leave this world a better place

                           and to serve  Christ in all I do.” 

 

Or we might say,

              “To live a life of love following 

                               the example of Jesus Christ.” 

==

“To live is Christ.” 

             

. What could we substitute in its place? 

         “To live is work?” 

              “To live is hockey?” 

                     “To live is my family.” 

 

We all have different purposes in life.

==

There is a scene in a movie.

A salesman, 

I talking to the bewildered students:

 

“Value this time in your life, kids,

               because this is the time in your life

                            when you still have your choices.

                                  It goes by fast.

 

“When you’re a teenager, 

                 you think you can do anything

                         and you do. 

 

Your twenties are a blur.

 

“Thirties you raise your family, 

                 you make a little money. 

                     

“Forties,. 

      The music starts to get too loud, 

 

“Fifties, you have a minor surgery .

 

“Sixties, the music is still loud, 

 

“Seventies, you and the wife retire to Fort Lauderdale. 

You start eating dinner at 2:00 in the afternoon, 

you have lunch around 10:00,

 breakfast the night before,

 spend most of your time wandering around malls

 looking for the ultimate soft yogurt .’

 

“The eighties,  you spend all day stretching to stay mobile.

 

Then he turns to the children and asks, “Any questions?” 

 

And the real question is, 

“Is that all there is?” 

And the answer is that without Christ

           that really is all there is. 

 

No wonder people seek to lose themselves in their work, 

                 lose themselves in meaningless recreation,. 

 

If that is all there is, 

           life is hardly worth the effort.

 

 But that is not all there is. 

          “To live is Christ,” said St. Paul. 

===

In his book, The Pursuit of Happiness, 

        David Myers surveys all the research that’s been done 

                  on happiness. 

 

He looks at 

        money, power, fame 

            and all the other things

                  the world calls us to follow. 

 

In the end, he concludes that the happiest people 

              are those who are volunteer in their church

 

 and who do some form of social ministry

               serving others.

 

That doesn’t surprise us at all.

 

Paul said it

          “To live is Christ.”

===================

But what about that second four-word memoir: 

             “To die is gain”? 

 

That requires a greater faith. 

               =We talk about the eternal dimension of our faith.

 

 Yet it is a big  part 

            of what it means to follow Jesus.

Here St. Paul’s faith shines through once again.

 

 Listen to his words, 

          “For to me, 

                 to live is Christ

                              and to die is gain.

 

 If I am to go on living in the body, 

                this will mean fruitful labor for me. 

 

Yet what shall I choose? 

                            I do not know! 

 

I am torn between the two: 

             I desire to depart 

                       to be with Christ, 

                                 which is better by far; 

 

but it is more necessary for you 

                      that I remain in the body.

 

Convinced of this, 

            I know that I will remain, 

                  I will continue with all of you

                           for your progress and joy in the faith.

 ==

St. Paul couldn’t lose. 

If he lived,

           he could continue sharing his faith in Christ,

 

 If he died, 

         he knew he would be going home

                                                 to be with Christ

 

                             – win/win.

==

That is basically what St. Paul is saying. 

                 “To live is Christ . . . 

                           there is much yet to be done.” 

 

However, “to die is gain . . . 

               I’m going home to be with Christ.”

==

There  an old fable from Holland 

              about three tulip bulbs. 

 

These bulbs were named NO, MAYBE, and YES. 

 

Someone had placed them

           in the bottom of a tin

                to save them until planting time.

 

One day they were discussing

               their future as tulip bulbs.

 

NO said, 

          “As far as I am concerned, this is it. 

 

We have come as far

            as we are going to come as bulbs. 

 

That’s all right.

           I’m content. 

          I don’t need anything else.”

 

MAYBE said,

     “Well, maybe there is something more. 

             Perhaps if we try real hard 

                good things will happen to us.” 

 

YES, on the other hand said,

          “I believe there is something more, 

 

I have heard that there is One 

             who can help us be more than we are

                   if we simply trust him.”

 

One day a hand reached down

            into the tin to select bulbs

                  for planting. 

 

NO and MAYBE shrank back 

                but YES trustingly

                    gave himself into the hand of the gardener. 

He could scarcely believe 

           what was happening 

            when he was buried underneath a mound of dirt. 

 

But when the springtime came 

            YES burst forth in radiant color.

 

 He was now a beautiful flower. 

 

When we surrender our lives

                    to the Master Gardener, 

                         our lives become a beautiful flower in this world.

 

Paul adds, 

    from his own lived experience,

       even when this life is over 

               we shall be even more beautiful than before.

 

 “To live is Christ and to die is gain.”

 

Hymn: Sing a New Song

Sing a new song unto the Lord
let your song be sung from mountains high.
Sing a new song unto the Lord,
singing alleluia.

Yahweh’s people dance for joy.
O come before the Lord.
And play for him on glad tambourines,
and let your trumpet sound.

Sing a new song unto the Lord
let your song be sung from mountains high.
Sing a new song unto the Lord,
singing alleluia.

Rise, O children, from your sleep
your Savior now has come.
He has turned your sorrow to joy,
and filled your soul with song.

Sing a new song unto the Lord
let your song be sung from mountains high.
Sing a new song unto the Lord,
singing alleluia.

Glad my soul for I have seen
the glory of the Lord.
The trumpet sounds the dead shall be raised.
I know my Savior lives.

Sing a new song unto the Lord
let your song be sung from mountains high.
Sing a new song unto the Lord,
singing alleluia.

 

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God,

the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit

and born of the Virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again.

He ascended into heaven,

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again

to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.

 

Prayers:

Friends in Christ,
God invites us to hold the needs of our sisters and brothers
as dear to us as our own needs.
Loving our neighbors as ourselves,
we offer our thanksgivings and our petitions
on behalf of the church and the world.

Prayers: Christine A.; Bob A.; Bob H.; Hilda; Dori;  Garfield; Eunice S.; Connie C.;  Jack and Julie. (Church)  Kim; Belinda,;  Ross B., Francis & Bill W.; Jeff G. (Dori); Kenny;  Diane; Norma A,;Dave F.; Peter T.;  Dan B.;. (Garfield & Diane);   Wendy; Sarah-Jane P.; Linda H.; Sharon D.; Philip D; Jacquie and Cam D.; Janice L & Darrin R;  Roland;  Helene.(Suzie D.)   : Maryanne; Gus; Jay P.;; Randy; Rick W.;.; Sharon;  Anne F.; Marcel D.; Jeff B.; (SandraJoel; Melanie; Marlene H. Pam B. (Barb & George);  Ella D., Keanna, Nancy (Dan & Sue); Donna Mc.; (Ron and Jan); Jamie; (Gloria); Marilyn; Val ; Karen T.;Bill, Sheila, Jessica, Sonya, Jamie (Peter);

 

Hear our prayers, God of power,

and through the ministry of your Son

free us from the grip of the tomb,

that we may desire you as the fullness of life

and proclaim your saving deeds to all the world. Amen

 

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.

 

Glory to God,

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.

 

Prayer based on Scripture:

O God,

from your providing hand even the dissatisfied and grumbling

receive what they need for their lives.

Teach us your ways of justice

and lead us to practice your generosity,

so that we may live a life worthy of the gospel

made known through your Son Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

 

Blessing from the Book of Common Prayer:

The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you, and remain with you always. 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.

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

Epiphany Service for September 17 2023

 

 

The flowers in the Sanctuary today are to the Glory of God and in loving memory of special parents Glenn and Betty Whittington, and sister Susan, given by Mary-Liz and Joe Whalls

*Thank you Peter for preaching at the 11 a.m. service.

 

*Doors Open at St. James.  Sept 16 and 17.  1 till 4.  Play by Adam and Kydra at 1:00 and 3:00 lasting 30 minutes.  

 

*Bake Garage Rummage Sale.  September 30.  9:30 till 12:00.  Hot Dogs and bags of chips at front door.  Set up Friday at 1:00 p.m.  Volunteers needed.  Esp. Pack up, take away. Please price large items, & items over 2$

*Take posters today to advertise.  Posts.  Your front door.  Bulletin boards.

 

*Penny Social – Friday October 20

 

*Draw for London Knights Hockey.  Friday November 17.  Tickets Draw.  Last Sunday in October Draw.  1 for $2.  3 for $5.  $170$ Value.  Includes parking pass at the market.

 

*Here’s to Sondheim – Musical Revue Sat Sept 23 & 24 Fundraiser for Arts 4 All Kids. See Adam for tickets.

 

*Light lunch after church Sunday Sept. 17.  All welcome.  Thanks to those who donated the lunch food and those who worked before and after lunch setting up and cleaning up.  

 

*Bumper Stickers.  Coffee News.

 

*Mint smoothies Sandra $3.

 

*Food Cupboard.  Butch. 519-615-9106. Text or call.  

 

*Cancelled stamps. Gloria Thompson.

 

*Rinsed empty drink containers for Keanna

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

 

*Trivia Night for Risers. Sat Oct 7 – 7-10 PM. Book a team with Adam. The Grand has donated two tickets for Clue as a prize.

 

*The Manor Park Evening Post – Variety Show.  Sat Oct 14 at 7:30 PM.  $25.  Proceeds to the work of the church.  

 

*If you wish, our regular weekly donations or special donations may be sent to our Envelope Secretary:

 

Barb Smallman

4860 Whiteoak Road

London, Ontario

N6E 3Y8

 

519-680-0649

 

 

Bible Readings for September 17 2023

• Exodus 14:19-31 and Psalm 114 or Exodus 15:1b-11, 20-21  

• Genesis 50:15-21 and Psalm 103:(1-7), 8-13  

• Romans 14:1-12  

• Matthew 18:21-35

 

Audio for September 17 Service

 

Opening: 

Through dreams and visions, O God,

you broaden the horizon and hope of your people,

that they may discover the meaning of your covenant,

even in the midst of trial and exile.

Increase the number of those who believe in your word

so that all people may joyfully respond to your call

and share in your promises. Amen.

Reading

Matthew 18:21-35
18:21 Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?”

18:22 Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.

18:23 “For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves.

18:24 When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him;

18:25 and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made.

18:26 So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’

18:27 And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt.

18:28 But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’

18:29 Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’

18:30 But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt.

18:31 When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place.

18:32 Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me.

18:33 Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’

18:34 And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt.

18:35 So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

 

Sermon
Matthew 18:15-20

Today’s Gospel is about getting along with others.

                      Not always an easy task. 

 

Being kind with others,

             is important.

                We are all in this together…

==

It is like a story:

    A man is in a boat. 

         He is not alone, but acts as if he were. 

 

Then, without warning, 

        he suddenly begins to cut a hole

                                           under his seat.

 

The other people on the boat shout at him: 

            “What on earth are you doing? 

                             Have you gone mad?

                            Do you want to sink us all? 

                              Are you trying to destroy us?”

 

Calmly, the man answers: 

          “I don’t understand what you want. 

                What I’m doing is none of your business. 

                         I’m not cutting under your seat.

                                                Leave me alone!” 

 

The truth of the tale

            is that all of us are in the same boat.

 

What others do matters to us.  

                   No one is an island.  

 

_________________________

So what do we do,

        how do we get along with others.

===

Maybe an idea is from school in days gone by… 

 

Schools opened  last week, 

           Someone  remembered something from one of the teachers.

 

 Like all good teachers, 

              she has certain expectations — 

                    standards of behavior — for her students.

 

 The students agree to these  norms 

                              are posted in the room. 

 

When a rule was broken, 

                  the offending student was assigned

                            to the clearly labeled stop-and-think chair. 

 

There the child sits pondering 

              their actions 

                 before they can return to the class.

             .

Would that work in other settings — 

               like drivers,  

                     or other places…

 

It’s a silly thought, but still.

          Imagine if all communities —

                    had a quiet spot designated 

                            for the stop-and-think chair.

 

You’ve heard of stop, drop, and roll in a fire? 

               How about stop, sit and think, in a conflict? 

                     

When we allow for a moment of reflection, 

             it often provides enough space 

                      for thinking of another path

                                     in getting along with others. 

 

Even if the thinking chair

              is walking away for a bit.

 

Such silence becomes a space

        for the Spirit of God 

              to intrude in surprising ways…

===

As the scripture today points out,

            The one thing we can control

                                        is our inner lives.  

 

Like the great story of

              When Bill Clinton met 

                   Nelson Mandela for the first time,.

 

He had a question on his mind: 

           “When you were released from prison, Mr. Mandela,”

                  the former President said,

 “I woke my daughter at three o’clock in the morning.

             I wanted her to see this historic event.”

 

 Then President Clinton zeroed in on his question: 

             “As you marched from the cellblock 

                   across the yard to the gate of the prison, 

                         the camera focused in on your face.

 

 I have never seen such anger, 

            and even hatred,

                  in any man 

                     as was expressed on your face at that time. 

 

That’s not how you are  today,” said Clinton.

                  “What was that about?”

 

Mandela answered, 

          “I’m surprised that you saw that, 

                 and I regret that the cameras caught my anger.

 

 As I walked across the courtyard that day 

             I thought to myself, 

                    ‘They’ve taken everything from you that matters. 

                          Your cause is dead. 

                                  Your family is gone. 

                                           Your friends have been killed. 

 

Now they’re releasing you, 

             but there’s nothing left for you out there.’ 

 

And I hated them 

         for what they had taken from me.

 

 Then, 

     I sensed an inner voice saying to me, 

‘Nelson! 

For twenty-seven years you were their prisoner, 

                            but you were always a free man! 

 

Don’t allow them to make you into a free man,

                             only to turn you into their prisoner!'”

 

You can never be free to be a whole person

                                     if you are unable to forgive.

 

——

 

A story to gether all these thoughts,

About Getting along as the Gospel asks of us….

 

Once upon a time, 

      two brothers who lived

               on adjoining farms fell into conflict.

 

 It was the first serious rift 

          in their 40 years of working together. 

 

It began with a small misunderstanding, 

                          and grew into a major difference,

                                  and finally exploded

                                        into an exchange of bitter words 

                                                       followed by weeks of silence. 

 

One morning, there was a knock on one Brother John’s door. 

 

He opened it 

         to find a man with a carpenter’s toolbox. 

 

“I’m looking for a few days’ work,” he said. 

“Perhaps you would have 

                  a few small jobs 

                          that I could help with?

 

Yes,” said the older brother.

 

 “I do have a job for you.

 

 Look across the creek at that farm. 

 

That’s my younger brother!

 

 Last week,

            there was a meadow between us, 

                         but he took our bulldozer 

                                 and dug a small river between us.

 

 Well I’m going to do him one better. 

 

See that pile of lumber?

 

 I want you to build an 8 foot high fence between us. 

 

Then I won’t need to see 

          his place or his face anymore.”

 

 The carpenter said,

        “Show me the nails and the tools, 

                          and I’ll do a good job for you.”

 

The older brother had to go to town,

                                 so he left for the day.

 

At sunset, when he returned, 

              he eyes opened wide, 

                     and his jaw dropped. 

 

There was no fence there at all.

 

The carpenter had built a bridge 

               that stretched from one side of the river

                           to the other, with handrails and all!

 And his younger brother, 

            was coming toward him, 

                       his arms outstretched. 

 

“You’re quite the guy,” he said, 

                       “after all I’ve said and done.”

 

 The two brothers met in the middle, 

                         embraced each other. 

 

They turned

    Just in time to see the carpenter leaving.

 

 “No, wait! 

             Stay a few days. 

                 I’ve a lot of other projects for you,” 

                                             said the older brother. 

 

“I’d love to,” the carpenter said, 

         “but I have many more bridges to build.”

                         It is my specialty you see.

 

Hymn:  Amazing Grace

Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind but now I see

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come
This grace that brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home

When we’ve been here ten thousand years
Bright, shining as the sun
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we first begun

Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind but now I see

 

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God,

the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit

and born of the Virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again.

He ascended into heaven,

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again

to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.

 

Prayers:

Creator God,
you call us to love and serve you
with body, mind, and spirit
through loving your creation
and our sisters and brothers.
Open our hearts in compassion
and receive these petitions
on behalf of the needs of the church and the world.

Prayers: Kim; Belinda,;  Ross B., Francis & Bill W.; Jeff G. (Dori); Kenny;  Diane; Norma A,;Dave F.; Peter T.;  Dan B.;. (Garfield & Diane);   Wendy; Sarah-Jane P.; Linda H.; Sharon D.; Philip D; Jacquie and Cam D.; Janice L & Darrin R;  Roland;  Helene.(Suzie D.)   : Maryanne; Gus; Jay P.;; Randy; Rick W.;.; Sharon;  Anne F.; Marcel D.; Jeff B.; (Sandra); Bob H.; Hilda; Dori;  Garfield; Eunice S.; Connie C.;  Jack and Julie. (Church)  Joel; Melanie; Marlene H. Pam B. (Barb & George);  Ella D., Keanna, Nancy (Dan & Sue); Donna Mc.; (Ron and Jan); Jamie; (Gloria); Marilyn; Val ; Karen T.;Bill, Sheila, Jessica, Sonya, Jamie (Peter);

Holy One,

hear our prayers and make us faithful stewards

of the fragile bounty of this earth

so that we may be entrusted with the riches of heaven. Amen

 

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.

 

Glory to God,

 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.

 

 Prayer based on Scripture:

Seed-planting, fish-netting, bread-baking, pearl-hunting God,

you shape us into living parables.

Pray with your Spirit in us

so that we may understand our experiences

as healing metaphors,

and become creative and abundant stewards

of the environment you entrusted to our love. Amen.

 

Blessing from the Book of Common Prayer:

The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you, and remain with you always. 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.

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

September 10, 2023

 

The painting in the header was by the wife of the first minister of our little church, Rev. Shore

 

Bible Readings for September 10, 2023

• • Exodus 12:1-14 and Psalm 149   

  • Ezekiel 33:7-11 and Psalm 119:33-40  

  • Romans 13:8-14 

  • Matthew 18:15-20 

 

 

Have you ever wanted to visit Canterbury Cathedral in London England.
Check out the sung eucharist and or the choral evensong services for this week on you tube.

You may have to click on the time/play bar at the bottom of the page to get it started.

Cheers.

Evensong becomes active neat 12:30 local time

Food Cupboard Wish List

 

Here’s an updated wish list for our food cupboard

Brown Beans with or without pork,

Mushroom soup,

Vegetable soup and

Chicken noodle soup,

Canned vegetables except cream corn,

Uncle Bens Rice,

Sidekicks,

Minute Rice,

Pancake Mix (just add water kind),

Pancake Syrup,

Sugar,

Jam,

Cheese Whiz,

Canned fruit,

Any canned meat like Tuna, Flakes of Ham, Chicken or Turkey and luncheon meat.

Laundry soap,

Plus anything else you think of except tomato soup, toilet paper and instant coffee which we luckily have an abundance of.

Thank you  for your generous donations. 

 

Cans for Keanna

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