Epiphany Service For May 22, 2022
Image: Meadow with Poplars by Claude Monet
The flowers in the Sanctuary today are to the Glory of God and in loving memory of a dear husband and father Don Hawkins, given by Carole Hawkins and family
*Crafts Third Saturday 10 till 12.
** Weekly service on website. Thank you everyone.
*Altar Flower dedication, Dan & Sue Davies (shrimpforbait@rogers.com). A donation of $20 is appreciated
*Tues June 21. 7 p.m. Calendar Planning meeting.
*Food Cupboard. Thank you everyone! Butch. 519-615-9106. Wish list On reverse, but anything you give, is great!
* Mint smoothies Sandra $3.
*Bible Study Tuesday at 10 a.m Rev. Peter.
*Cancelled stamps. Gloria Thompson.
*The Church Website http://www.thechurchofepiphany.com/
*Please Like Our PAGE on Facebook.
*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
*Thank you. Ron Adam Anusha Stephen. Dan D for helping with this weekly on line service.
Audio for May 22 Service
Bible readings for May 22
Opening: (until Pentecost)
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
The Lord is Risen indeed. Alleluia!
May his grace and peace be with you.
May he fill our hearts with joy.
Almighty God,
All to you all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from you no secrets are hidden.
Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name;
through Christ our Lord. Amen
Prayer:
God of boundless grace,
you call us to drink freely of the well of life
and to share the love of your holy being.
May the glory of your love,
made known in the victory of Jesus Christ, our Savior,
transform our lives and the world he lived and died to save.
We ask this in his name and for his sake. Amen.
.
Reading John 14:23-29
14:23 Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.
14:24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me.
14:25 “I have said these things to you while I am still with you.
14:26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.
14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.
14:28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I.
14:29 And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe.
Sermon:
1347 John 14:23-29
Now it is said that the pandemic had many side effects.
One apparently is that
we are living in a pandemic of loneliness.
But despite the severity of the loneliness epidemic today,
it did not start with covid19.
Even before that,
this has been a serious societal ailment
that 21st century people have begun to face,
no matter what their age.
In a time when much of life is virtual,
busyness dominates everyday life,
spirituality is longed for but not full,
so we need to pay more attention
to our emotional, physical, and spiritual health.
==
We don’t just need relationships.
We need deep, meaningful, close relationships
that matter,
Ones that we help others in
And are helped.
So We are grieving a lack of intimacy,
a feeling of being known,
truly known.[3]
We need relationships that create a bond,
that assure us we are not going at life alone,
that someone is out there thinking of us,
that someone has our backs.
Without these kinds of deep and real relationships,
not only do we suffer emotionally,
but also physically,
and spiritually as well.
Volunteer work.
After all,
we can feel lonely while in a crowd of people.
Or we can feel completely fulfilled
when spending time alone.
The difference is in the perception of connection,
worth,
value that an individual has in social connections.
The negative effects of loneliness and social isolation
are not limited to mental health issues,
such as depression and anxiety,
but also include physical
In infants,
failure to thrive is well documented
when adequate human touch
is not available.
In fact, a recent study cited
that the harmful effects of social isolation
were on par with those inflicted on a human body
from heavy smoking.
Think about it:
Isolation has been used as punishment
throughout human history.
Connection is the antidote.
As we emerge into this next phase,
Creating the opportunities to connect with church folks
all are proactive ways
we can care for each other and ourselves.
Thank goodness we will be getting back to our volunteer
Work too.
Our clubs like Civitan.
The ”pandemic of loneliness”
has gotten so bad
that societies and organizations,
such as the “Unlonely Project,”
are appearing.
But it’s hard,
because loneliness is a very unique kind of emotion.
It’s intricately tied to grief.
When people are lonely,
they are essentially grieving for love and connection.
They are literally thirsty to
“know and be known,”
to be in meaningful relationship with others.
This is what it means to be human.
We are interdependent creatures,
not meant to be alone.
When we are,
we grieve,
acutely from the depths of our souls.
==
This is what the disciples
are feeling in our scripture for today:
grief.
Deep and painful grief.
Fear,
confusion,
loneliness,
the expectation of being left without their leader and guide,
without direction and purpose,.
In short, they were distraught,
Suddenly needing to live
without their deep relationship
with Jesus
their close friend and companion
So, Jesus needs to assure them
that they will not be alone.
He will not leave them alone.
He will return.
But he will return differently.
We know from experience,
Jesus will return in Spirit,
To be with us all ever more,
Everyone who opens the door
And invites him in to their lives.
Still, the first companions
are feeling knocked off-kilter
by what he is telling them.
Their closest companion,
Jesus, is going away
they are left
with a sense of impending grief and loss.
They have what is called
Anticipatory Grief,
What will I do when…without….
Now,
When we feel spiritually lost,
it affects us physically.
===
The author John Steinbeck once smartly penned,
“A sad soul can be just as lethal as a germ.”
It is a clever phrase and it is spot on.
In fact, science backs it up.
Therefore Medical experts note that
“as we approach the hopeful end of the pandemic
it’s not enough for us to pay attention
to our emotional reactions or our physical maladies,
but “it is time we address our souls.”
====
Now this is interesting for church folks…..
The medical experts note:
In fact,
we know that those who feel spiritually supported,
who feel connected to God
do not feel as alone.
===
A recent book written by Dr. Lisa Miller in fact called
“The Awakened Brain”
suggests that spirituality combats depression.
She notes that spiritual connection awakens us.
It awakens our “attention, connection, and our hearts”
in a way that nothing else can.
Increasingly scientists and psychologists
are looking at ways of increasing “spiritual wellness.”
Worship is one way for sure,
But it is not enough alone.
====
Rather, spiritual wellness comes to us
through acts of kindness.
“Dr. Jamil Zaki, a neuroscientist and psychologist,
studies how showing acts of kindness to others
is good for us.
His lab found that giving to strangers
created the same changes in our brain
as eating a piece of chocolate.
Additionally,
when we help others cope with stress,
that helps soothe our stress.
Acting generously toward others
increases our happiness.”
—-
As consciousness researcher
Tom Campbell says
Life is “Soul school”.
The goal is to be loving to all,
Not just those we know,
But everyone.
After all in God we are all family.
==========
Christians however know the value
of our relationship with Jesus.
Because Christ returns as Spirit,
We find that no matter where we are
what we are doing,
we are never alone.
Christ walks with us.
This is why
whenever Jesus shows up
in the new testament
after his physical death…..
He always says something like
“peace be with you.”
Don’t be afraid.
He stills his friends hearts
Just by being with them.
In our scripture for today,
Jesus is addressing his disciples’ grief.
Jesus tells them,
help is coming.
Companionship, guidance, and peace is coming.
He will return to them
in the person of the “Constant Companion,”
the Holy Spirit.
In the person of Spirit,
Jesus will always be there,
always with them.
They will not be alone.
In everything they do,
they can be “at peace.”
Jesus is telling us the same even today.
This is the beauty of the resurrection!
Our peace,
that feeling of stillness,
relief from grief,
restlessness,
and loneliness inside of us,
comes from awareness of the Holy Spirit,
We through prayer
Are in continual relationship
with God in Christ
who is always here,
always present,
always “with” and “within” us.
So Let us all today to take a moment,
close our eyes,
just still our souls.
Feel the Holy Spirit’s presence
around you and within you
Let the Holy Spirit’s
healing and quieting power
wash over you from head to toe.
The Holy Spirit of Christ is your constant companion.
When you leave this worship experience
Spirit goes with you,
Spirit stays with you always.
May you know and feel His presence
and the peace He offers you.
Go in peace.
Hymn: Breathe on Me Breath of God
Breathe on me, Breath of God,
fill me with life anew,
that I may love the way you love,
and do what you would do.
Breathe on me, Breath of God,
until my heart is pure,
until my will is one with yours,
to do and to endure.
Breathe on me, Breath of God,
so shall I never die,
but live with you the perfect life
for all eternity.
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
Prayers:
Holy God,
you have called us to follow in the way of your risen Son,
and to care for those who are our companions,
not only with words of comfort, but with acts of love.
Seeking to be true friends of all,
we offer our prayers on behalf of the church and the world.
Prayers p. 126: Linda; Allan; (Brian G.);Linda P; Brian; Dorothy; Mary; Marcel D.; Tara; Jeff B.; Nicole; Shelley (Sandra); Jean N.; Marilyn B.; Connie C.; Jack B.; Jack and Julie. Keanna, Ella D.; Evelyn Mc; (Church) Norma A,;Dave F.; Peter T.; Dan B.;. (Garfield & Diane); Merico (Darlene); Debbie H (Lorenz); Donna Mc.; John (Ron and Jan); Val ; Karen T.;Bill, Sheila, Jessica, Sonya, Jamie (Peter); Jade (Carol R.); Dori; Belinda,; Kim; Ross B., Francis & Bill W.; Jeff G. (Dori & Jack); Michelle P.;(Jim P.) Pat P; Grant K; Kathy W. (Jack & Julie); Melanie; Marlene H. Pam B. (Barb & George); Lynda D . (Mary Beth & Paul); Jean (Bruce J.); Brian (Jeanne); Joyce and Jim W.; Sharon D.; Philip D; Jacquie and Cam D.; Diana, Ian, Edna, Mathew & Annika; Janice L & Darrin R; Roland; Pansy V; Clark & Helene.(Suzie D.)
Guide us in the path of discipleship,
so that, as you have blessed us,
we may be a blessing for others,
bringing the promise of the kingdom near
by our words and deeds. 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.
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.
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Mary Bosley
Bosley, Mary Ellen
It is with deep sadness that we share that Mary Ellen Bosley passed away peacefully on February 19, 2022 in her 82nd year at Victoria Hospital in London, ON.
Mary was born on August 15, 1940 to Herbert and Beatrice Bosley in London, ON. Mary graduated from Western University while she pursued a career at London Life which she enjoyed for 35 years. Mary was an avid investor who enjoyed the occasional night out at the symphony.
Mary was predeceased by her parents, Herbert and Beatrice. She is survived by her brother, Alex, and sister-in-law, Shirley; her nephews, Keith (Beverly), Kevin (late Gloria), David (Pamela) and Darren; her great-nieces and nephews, Kayla, Rachel, Olivia, Philip and Brandon; and her cousin Barbara (late Steve) Clarke and her family.
Mary’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thank-you to Patty, Jean and the various PSW staff for their dedicated help.
Visitation is to be held Tuesday, February 22 from 1-2 p.m. at Harris Funeral Home, 220 St. James St. at Richmond in London with the funeral service to follow at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated by the family.
Marion Rice
RICE, Marion…
Peacefully at Chelsey Park Long Term Care, London, Marion Rice passed away on Sunday, January 23, 2022, her 102nd birthday. Beloved wife of the late Frederick Rice (2012). Loving mother of John Rice (Barbara) of Manitoba, Annette Pole (Ken), Tom Rice (Gail) and Jane Kowalski (late Rom) all of London and Tim Rice (Cathy) of Glencoe. Loved grandmother of 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her granddaughter Shahna Rice. Marion was the only child of Nellie and Leonard Greenaway. Her life was centered around her family and beloved husband of 72 years.
A private memorial service will be held on Friday, January 28, 2022 at 1:30 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home. As per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, a limited number of people can attend. All those attending are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols. Family and friends are invited to watch the funeral service live from the comfort of their homes, by visiting the AMG Funeral Home YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpfL6_cm3hysYQm6qoamdgQ?app=desktop or our website and clicking on the YouTube logo. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Church of the Epiphany Memorial Fund, 11 Briscoe Street West, London, ON N6J 1L9 would be appreciated. Online condolences, memories and pictures shared at www.amgfh.com
Cans for Keanna
Don’t throw out that aluminum. Save it and bring it to Epiphany. Crush it down first if you are able.
Epiphany Service For May 15, 2022
Image: The Pink Peach Tree by Vincent van Gogh
The flowers in the Sanctuary today are to the Glory of God and in loving memory of a dear father Maurice Delves given by daughter Gail Rees and family.
The flowers in the Sanctuary are dedicated to the Glory of God in memory of Don Rake, loving husband of Marion Rake.
*Thank you Rev. Peter for Preaching at 11 a.m. this third Sunday of the month.
*A Community Service of Covid Healing. Wesley Knox United Church. May 15, 2022 at 2:30 p.m. Teresa taking part. We are invited to attend.
*Weekly service on website. Thank you everyone.
*If anyone has a new Altar Flower dedication, they can contact Dan & Sue Davies (shrimpforbait@rogers.com). A donation of $20 is appreciated (mark as flowers on your envelope) or forward to Barb Smallman
*Tues June 21. 7 p.m. Calendar Planning meeting.
*Food Cupboard. Thank you everyone! Butch. 519-615-9106. Wish list On reverse, but anything you give, is great!
*Mint smoothies Sandra $3.
*Bible Study Tuesday at 10 a.m Rev. Peter.
*Cancelled stamps. Gloria Thompson.
*The Church Website http://www.thechurchofepiphany.com/
*Please Like Our PAGE on Facebook.
*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
*Thank you. Ron Adam Anusha Stephen. Dan D for helping with this weekly on line service.
Audio for May 15 Service
Bible readings for May 15
Opening: (until Pentecost)
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
The Lord is Risen indeed. Alleluia!
May his grace and peace be with you.
May he fill our hearts with joy.
Almighty God,
All to you all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from you no secrets are hidden.
Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name;
through Christ our Lord. Amen
Prayer:
Living God,
long ago, faithful women
proclaimed the good news
of Jesus’ resurrection,
and the world was changed forever.
Teach us to keep faith with them,
that our witness may be as bold,
our love as deep,
and our faith as true. Amen.
Reading John 13:31-35
13:31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him.
13:32 If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once.
13:33 Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’
13:34 I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.
13:35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Sermon: Love One Another
John 13:31-38
A junior high music teacher had
just organized a band in her school.
The principal was so proud
of the music teacher’s efforts
that without consulting her
he decided that the band
should give a concert for the entire school.
The music teacher wasn’t so sure
her young musicians were ready
to give a concert,
so she tried to talk the principal
out of holding the concert,
to no avail.
Just before the concert was ready to begin,
as the music teacher stood on the podium,
she leaned forward
she whispered to her nervous musicians,
“If you’re not sure of your part,
just pretend to play.”
With that, she stepped back,
lifted her baton and with a great flourish
brought it down.
Lo and behold, nothing happened!
The band brought forth a resounding silence.
===
Sometimes we in the church
are like that junior high band,
unsure of our parts,
tentative in our roles,
reluctant to help to love
as God desires of us.
We can just be unsure,
Others may question us,
Make us unsure….
==
An incident several summers ago Texas, illustrates
what I’m talking about.
It was a hot, 99-degree August day
when a ten-month-old baby girl
was accidentally locked in a parked car
by her aunt.
Frantically the mother and the aunt
ran around the car in near hysteria,
while a neighbor attempted
to unlock the car with a clothes hanger.
The infant was bawling at the top of its lungs,
beginning to turn purple
from the intense heat inside the car.
It had quickly become a life-and-death situation
when Fred Arriola,
a tow-truck driver, arrived on the scene.
He grabbed a hammer from his truck
smashed the back side window of the car
to bring the baby to safety
.
Was he heralded a hero?
Not so.
According to an article in the San Antonio Tribune,
he is quoted as saying,
“The lady was mad at me
because I broke the window.
I just thought,
‘What’s more important –
– a baby or a window?’ ”
The baby’s mom and aunt
Made the tow truck driver unsure
Of helping….as God would have him do.
===
This morning’s Gospel reading
shows us what is most important
for us to do for God.
Jesus says this morning,
“A new commandment I give to you:
that you should love one another,
even as I have loved you,
you should love one another.
You may be made to feel uncertain,
When you trumpet forth Love,
But that is what God has you do says Jesus.
No matter what it may cost you, Love others.
Jesus says:
By this all will know
that you are my disciples,
if you love one another.”
No matter what we may do,
if we do not love one another,
we miss what God desires most of us.
Love in action –
Jesus calls us to love one another.
To bring that love to light
in the way that we treat those around us.
It’s easy to love people in general,
to affirm that love is a good thing.
But it’s another thing altogether
to put that love into action,
to make love concrete in our actions toward others.
Love one another.
Jesus says, “As I have loved you, love one another.”
Most authorities tell us that love
is a learned response.
That’s what we are talking about this morning:
learning to love one another.
Some say the whole purpose of life,
Is as a soul school
In which we learn to love.
===
Look at the foundation of this love laid for us.
Jesus says, “As I have loved you,
love one another.”
The truth is that we love
because he first loved us.
We enjoy the benefits of our faith community
because others experienced God’s love
then decided to share that love with others.
They experienced God’s love for them
sacrificed
shared to make God’s love
the foundation of Christianity.
===
And now it is our turn.
It is our time to experience God’s love
to share it with others.
As we gather today
As we hear Jesus’ say a new commandment you are given,
Love one another…
regardless of what the world does,
Love.
===
Our prayer is that God would strengthen us
for service to God
and help us to love one another.
We pray that God would use the example
of Jesus’ love in action
to teach us how to love as well,
to show us
how to give of ourselves for others,
Love for others is the primary witness
of the church in the world today.
Jesus made that clear when he said,
“By this shall all know that you are my disciples,
if you have love for one another.”
We are to stand out by our Love.
How can we love so we may ask…
===
A number of years ago Henry Drummond
wrote a classic sermon titled
“The Greatest Thing in the World.”
He concluded his sermon
by suggesting
that if you put a piece of iron
in the presence of an electrified field,
that piece of iron itself will become electrified.
And in the presence of that electrical field,
it is changed into a magnet.
As long as it remains in contact
with that field of power,
it will continue to attract other pieces to itself.
We are like that piece of iron.
In the presence of Christ,
we experience his love
Ww take on his likeness.
Our Christian love,
living as faithful members of the church,
is not just a matter of willpower.
It is not just deciding that we
will love others.
It just doesn’t happen that way.
Loving one another happens
when we are connected to God’s love.
===
In a world all too often filled with people
concerned about themselves first,
characterized with a “what’s in it for me” attitude,
we are called to witness to something more important –
love that gives of itself for others;
love that cares about others;
love that makes our lives meaningful
in giving to others.
This is soul school.
The goal….
Is as Jesus says,
“As I have loved you, love one another.”
Hymn: They will know we are Christians by our love
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord;
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord;
And we pray that all unity will one day be restored.
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,
they’ll know we are Christians by our love.
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand;
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand;
And together we’ll spread the news that God is in our land.
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,
they’ll know we are Christians by our love.
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
Prayers:
O God, your Son remained with his disciples after his resurrection,
teaching them to love all people as neighbors.
As his disciples in this age,
we offer our prayers on behalf of the universe
in which we are privileged to live
and our neighbors with whom we share it.
Prayers p. 126: Linda; Allan; (Brian G.);Linda P; Brian; Dorothy; Mary; Marcel D.; Tara; Jeff B.; Nicole; Shelley (Sandra); Jean N.; Marilyn B.; Connie C.; Jack B.; Jack and Julie. Keanna, Ella D.; Evelyn Mc; (Church) Norma A,;Dave F.; Peter T.; Dan B.;. (Garfield & Diane); Merico (Darlene); Debbie H (Lorenz); Donna Mc.; John (Ron and Jan); Val ; Karen T.;Bill, Sheila, Jessica, Sonya, Jamie (Peter); Jade (Carol R.); Dori; Belinda,; Kim; Ross B., Francis & Bill W.; Jeff G. (Dori & Jack); Michelle P.;(Jim P.) Pat P; Grant K; Kathy W. (Jack & Julie); Melanie; Marlene H. Pam B. (Barb & George); Lynda D . (Mary Beth & Paul); Jean (Bruce J.); Brian (Jeanne); Joyce and Jim W.; Sharon D.; Philip D; Jacquie and Cam D.; Diana, Ian, Edna, Mathew & Annika; Janice L & Darrin R; Roland; Pansy V; Clark & Helene.(Suzie D.)
Open our hearts to your power moving
around us and between us and within us,
until your glory is revealed in our love of both friend and enemy,
in communities transformed by justice and compassion,
and in the healing of all that is broken. 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.
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.
Intro to Ramadan
Above is a picture of our friend and neighbour, Nazia along with Rev. Teresa and Judy
A few weeks ago our Muslim neighbours Nazia & Humaira (Members of ICNA Sisters London) contacted Epiphany through our website with the following beautiful words.
Rev. Teresa responded and the result was a small informal get together last week. I have added a couple of links at the bottom of this post for those of us who wish to know more about our Muslim neighbours and the celebration of Ramadan.
Greetings of Peace and everlasting Health!
I am writing to you today to express my wish to extend a small symbol of my respect and neighborly love for you and your Church community. I am a Muslim neighbor of yours and a member of a Muslim women’s organization called ICNA Sisters Canada, and we are reaching out to you in friendship and goodwill.
This year as we celebrate Eid, which is a celebration at the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting, we want to share our happiness with you. Islam teaches us, as I believe Christianity does too, to spread love and peace and instructs us to begin with those nearest to us. Moreover, not only are we neighbors but brothers and sisters in the Abrahamic tradition. As Muslims, we honor and recognize the immense love for God the Creator that you, as Christians, have in your hearts and see your dedication to all things good as an example for humanity. If you would like, we would love to drop by and hand you a small Eid gift some time/date to your preference.
What is Ramadan
Ramadan Fasting and Traditions
ICNA Sisters
Epiphany Service for April 10, 2022
The flowers in the sanctuary today are to the honour and Glory of God and in loving memory of the Black and Whittington families given by Doris and Jack Black.
*Board Meeting Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Holy Week
*Maundy Thursday. 7 p.m. The Last Supper.
*Good Friday. 11 a.m. Jesus’ Crucifixion.
*Weekly service on website. Thank you everyone.
*Masks over nose & mouth must be worn. Easter?
*Food Cupboard. Thank you everyone! Butch. 519-615-9106
*Mint smoothies Sandra $3.
*Bible Study Tuesday at 10 a.m Rev. Peter.
*Cancelled stamps. Gloria Thompson.
*The Church Website http://www.thechurchofepiphany.com/
*Please Like Our PAGE on Facebook.
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
*Thank you. Ron Adam Anusha Stephen. Dan D for helping with this weekly on line service.
Bible Readings for Passion Sunday – Liturgy of the Palms
Bible Readings for Passion Sunday – Liturgy of the Passion
Audio for Psalm Sunday Service
Opening:
Dear friends in Christ,
during Lent we have been preparing
for the celebration of our Lord’s paschal mystery.
On this day our Lord Jesus Christ
entered the holy city of Jerusalem in triumph.
The people welcomed him with palms and shouts of praise,
but the path before him led to self-giving, suffering, and death.
Today we greet him as our King,
although we know his crown is thorns and his throne a cross.
We follow him this week from the glory of the palms
to the glory of the resurrection
by way of the dark road of suffering and death.
United with him in his suffering on the cross,
may we share his resurrection and new life.
Let us pray.
Assist us mercifully with your help,
Lord God of our salvation,
that we may enter with joy
into the celebration of those mighty acts
whereby you give us life and immortality;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer:
Giver of light,
your steadfast love endures forever.
Open our hearts to the Blessed One who comes so humbly,
on a borrowed colt.
Open before us the gates of your justice,
that we may enter,
confessing in heaven and on earth
that Jesus is Lord. Amen.
Reading Luke 19:28-40
19:28 After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.
19:29 When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples,
19:30 saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here.
19:31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.'”
19:32 So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them.
19:33 As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?”
19:34 They said, “The Lord needs it.”
19:35 Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it.
19:36 As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road.
19:37 As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen,
19:38 saying, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!”
19:39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.”
19:40 He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”
Sermon: Palm Sunday Luke 19:28-44
Today we begin to reenact
Seven days that changed the world
For love.
These seven days have inspired
the greatest painters,
the most skilled architects,
the most gifted musicians.
=
These 7 days have also changed
The lives of human beings,
Women, men, children….
Around the world.
=
Yet ironically
these seven days
as they played out in Jerusalem
were of little significance
to anyone
but a few people involved.
=
So , What happened on those seven days?
let’s summarize:
-
On Sunday the first of the seven days,
Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey
to the shouts of Hosanna,
fulfilling an old prophecy in Zechariah 9:9.
-
On Monday
he walked into the Jerusalem Temple
overturning tables
where money exchange occurred.
Roman drachmas
were being exchanged for shekels.
Roman coins were not allowed.
The image of Caesar
was a violation of the second commandment.
-Have no graven image of me.
But the Temple authorities
were using the Commandment
as means to cheat the people
Making the Temple a place of profit
rather than a place of prayer.
-
On Tuesday
Jesus taught in parables,
warned the people against the Pharisees,
predicted the destruction of the Temple.
-
On Wednesday,
the fourth day, we know nothing.
The Gospel writers are silent.
Perhaps it was a day of rest for Jesus
-
On Thursday,
in an upper room,
Jesus celebrates the Passover meal
with his disciples.
He gives it a new meaning.
No longer would his followers
remember the Escape from Egypt
in the breaking of bread.
Later that evening
in the Garden of Gethsemane
he agonized in prayer
at what lay ahead for him.
-
On Friday, the fifth day,
following betrayal, arrest,
false trials,
beatings and sentencing,
Jesus carried his own cross beam
to “The Place of the Skull,”
where he was crucified
with two other prisoners.
-
On Saturday,
Jesus lay dead in a tomb
bought by a rich man named Joseph.
-
On Sunday,
his Betrayal, agony was over,
the stone had been rolled away.
Jesus is alive.
In God the end is not the end,
But the doorway to a new life….
Jesus appears to Mary,
to Peter,
to two disciples on the road to Emmaus,
to the 11 disciples gathered in a locked room.
Jesus is acting out of a sacrificial love
=it makes us want to act sacrificially.
I
Yet for all the festivity,
The cheerfulness of Palm Sunday….
The events of Palm Sunday are a tragedy.
A tragedy????
Look again at the events
of what we call Palm Sunday.
Excitement was running high in the city
as it always did at the time of such festivals
as the Passover.
But the natural excitement
was intensified
by this procession,
this strange parade
that wound its way toward the city gates.
There at the head
rode a quiet man
on a donkey.
All about him
the crowds gathered,
curious at first,
but soon they were shouting
singing
People grabbed anything
they could get their hands on.
They broke palm branches from trees.
They threw them in his path.
The shouts of hosanna,
which meant “save now,”
grew louder.
They waved the green palms
more and more frantically.
Something tremendous was about to happen.
Singing,
shouting
the crowd,
swept through the city gates.
Surrounding the man on the donkey.
They finally stopped
in front of the Temple,
There, Jesus dismounted.
What a fitting
What an appropriate place
for Jesus to make his big move.
The crowd,
tense with anticipation,
watched his every move now.
After all,
this was the Messiah, the Chosen One,
The miracles told us it was He…
The Messiah
for whom legions of angels
would come down from heaven
To re-establish the Kingdom of Israel.
Can we possibly even imagine
what these people were feeling.
We can understand the need for liberation
From an occupying torturing occupier like Rome.
Those citizens looked at Jesus,
The saw Rescue.
Jesus was a one man liberation army
that had marched right into the heart of Jerusalem
in the midst of these poor troubled peoples
under the yoke of pagan Rome.
This was the moment
that had kept their faith alive
throughout the centuries.
This had been their hope,
. They saw Jesus
as the right man for the right time.
===================================
Then the moment
that everyone had been waiting for came.
Jesus entered the temple.
They crowd grew quiet,
Only a low murmuring now
as all eyes focused upon the Christ.
Time passed.
More time passed.
An uneasy restlessness
came over the crowd.
What was Jesus going to do?
Just so we can keep the record straight
I will read to you what Jesus did
as it was recorded
verbatim from the Gospel of St. Mark.
Mark Says:
He went into the temple,
when he looked around at everything,
since the hour was already late,
he went out again,”
And as they say,
that’s it,
there isn’t any more.
He went into the Temple,
looked around, turned,
walked back out.
He did absolutely nothing.
The crowd was stunned.
Disappointed.
Perhaps no event in history
has built up to a greater let-down
than those behind Palm Sunday..
==
Then, slowly,
one by one,
the crowd began to melt away.
All that was left
was this kind of eerie silence
– this empty feeling in the heart.
That was the end
of their singing and shouting,
the hosannas,
the waving of palms.
No liberation from the romans…
Something quite obviously had failed
to come to life here.
For Folks
It was a tremendous buildup
to an equally tremendous let down.
We know:
The crowds
will begin to turn against him
because the occupiers have sway over their minds.
And for that reason
The events behind
Palm Sunday
was Tragedy.
II
But we also know
Palm Sunday
God’s way
of turning things upside down
was a success.
=
Here’s why:
it marked the triumph of love over hate;
What was expected was war,
but what folks received was sacrifice.
There is forever
a triumph of love over hate,
of life over death.
Because from that time on
Jesus really
lives amoung us,
guiding us….
The world is changing for love
Hymn: All Glory Laud and Honor
-
All glory, laud, and honor
To You, Redeemer, King,
To Whom the lips of children
Made sweet hosannas ring.
You are the King of Israel
and David’s royal Son,
Now in the Lord’s name coming,
The King and Blessed One. -
The company of angels
Is praising You on high;
And we with all creation
In chorus make reply.
The people of the Hebrews
With palms before You went;
Our praise and prayer and anthems
Before You we present. -
To You before Your passion
They sang their hymns of praise;
To You, now high exalted,
Our melody we raise.
As You received their praises,
Accept the prayers we bring,
For You delight in goodness,
O good and gracious King!
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
Prayers:
Caught between joy and despair,
we yearn for the fulfillment of God’s desire
beyond the brokenness and neediness of this life.
We offer thanksgiving for God’s presence with us
and petitions for the transformation
of the church and the world.
Prayers: Brian; Dorothy; Mary; Marcel D.; Tara; Jeff B.; Nicole; Shelley (Sandra); Linda; Allan; Aunt Frankie; (Brian G.);Dave F.; Peter T.; Dan B.;. (Garfield & Diane); Merico (Darlene); Marilyn B.; Connie C.; Jim P. Jack B.; Jack and Julie. Keanna, Ella D.; Evelyn Mc; (Church) Debbie H (Lorenz); Greg; Alexandra; Donna Mc.; John (Ron and Jan); Val ; Karen T.;Bill, Sheila, Jessica, Sonya, Jamie (Peter); Jade (Carol R.); Dori; Belinda,; Kim; Edie K., Ross B., Francis & Bill W.; Jeff G. (Dori & Jack); Michelle P.;(Jim P.) Pat P; Grant K; Kathy W. (Jack & Julie); Melanie; Marlene H. Pam B. (Barb & George); Lynda D . (Mary Beth & Paul); Jean (Bruce J.); Brian (Jeanne); Joyce and Jim W.; Sharon D.; Philip D; Jacquie and Cam D.; Diana, Ian, Edna, Mathew & Annika; Janice L & Darrin R; Roland; Pansy V; Clark & Helene.(Suzie D.)
Life-giver, Pain-bearer, Love-maker,
day by day you sustain the weary with your word
and gently encourage us to place our trust in you.
Awaken us to the suffering of those around us;
save us from hiding in denials or taunts that deepen the hurt;
give us grace to share one another’s burdens in humble service. 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.
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.
Sing-a-long at Epiphany
On the afternoon of March 17th, St Patrick’s Day the Little Church that Cares hosted an afternoon of sing-a-long music.
Thanks to Steve and Suzanne.
All Saints Safe Home
