Sunday May 24

Thank you for worshiping with us today.

The Prelude by Stephen Holowitz and Paul Stevenson, Scripture and Reflection and Hymn are available on the audio file below. Or you can read the text version. Thank you Adam for your technical help and for leading our hymn.

Alleluia! Christ is risen.

The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!

 May our Lord’s grace and peace be with you.

May Our Lord fill our hearts with joy.

Acts 1:6-14 (251)
1:6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?”

1:7 He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority.

1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

1:9 When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.

1:10 While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them.

1:11 They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

1:12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away.

1:13 When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.

1:14 All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.
–

Sermon based in Acts 1:6-14

There is a well known story.

Ivan Denisovich endured the horrors of a Soviet prison camp. One day he is praying with his eyes closed when a fellow prisoner noticed him. The other prisoner said mockingly,  “Prayers won’t help you get out of here any faster.” Opening his eyes, Ivan answered, “I do not pray to get out of prison but That I may do the will of God.”

Prayer is always important.  In Acts we read “All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer.”

 =====

In Acts we also read” So when the disciples had come together, they asked the risen Jesus, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” When will the kingdom of love come.

There are cartoons called  “Pot Shots.” There is one:  Two people with walking sticks in hand are climbing a mountain in knee-deep snow. The caption reads: “Keep Climbing Upwards! You may never reach the top, but it’s definitely in that direction.”

That could be an ad for Christianity, for following Christ.  We have to continue to work toward unity and understanding – That is the Kingdom of Love.  We may never reach the Kingdom of God’s Love, but by working toward it, at least we’ll be going in the right direction.

==

In Acts Jesus promises: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses.”  Witnesses of Love.

Love, is so difficult…Like a story:

An rabbi once asked his pupils how they could tell when the night had ended and the day had begun. “Could it be,” asked one student, “when you can see an animal in the distance and tell whether it’s a sheep or a dog?” “No,” answered the rabbi. Another asked, “Is it when you can look at a tree in the distance and tell whether it’s a fig tree or a peach tree?” “No,” answered the rabbi. “Then when is it?” the pupils demanded.

The Rabbi answered “It is when you can look on the face of any person and see that it is your sister and brother. Because if you cannot see this, it is still night.”

In other words when you can witness that in God’s light, we are all of us, brothers and sisters.  When we can see everyone on earth is one family; when we can understand that we are connected deeply, that to help another anywhere on earth is to help us….

==

In Acts we also read:

As they were watching, Jesus was lifted up, a cloud took him up out of their sight.

he was going, they were gazing up toward heaven…

Now, Sometimes we think this is silly, to think heaven is up.  But then again…think of this…

When Humans were still traveling to the moon there was an astronaut, named David Scott, who looked up into the heavens at the planet he was from. As he stepped outside his spacecraft, on to the moon’s surface, he said, “I can look straight up and see the earth.” At the same time, millions of People heard these words on their radios and TV’s, they  could look straight up to see the moon. From the moon above, you could look “up” and see the earth below. And from the earth below, you could look “up” and see the moon above.

Maybe in our universe, to go anywhere else, to another realm, we go up.  Maybe to talk about going up is not silly, it is simply true.

==

Reading on:

While Jesus was going, they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two persons in white robes stood by them.   The persons in white robes said, “So, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? He is coming back…

The friends of Jesus get caught looking up, instead of getting on with living…with loving….it is like that sometimes.

Is this the first time someone said, as Oliver Wendall Holmes did, “Don’t be so heavenly minded that you are no earthly good?”

==

Were the angels sent to remind the disciples that they have work to do, to stop looking up, to get going?

WE all have something to contribute in life.  We may not think we do, but we do…

Like a story:

Folks of a seacoast town watched the village smith day after day as he painstakingly wrought every link of a great chain he was forging. They wondered at such care being taken on such an ordinary thing like a chain. But the craftsman worked on.

Eventually the chain was attached to a great anchor on the deck of an ocean vessel. For months it was never put to use. But one day the vessel was disabled by a breakdown in its steering gear while nearing the coast in a storm. Only a secure anchorage could prevent the vessel from being driven onto the rocky coast.

Thus the fate of the ship and hundreds of passengers depended on the strength of that chain. No one knew of the care and skill that had been lavished on each link of that chain by an obscure smith doing his best. Lo and behold, the chain held, both the ship and its passengers and crew were saved. The blacksmith had saved many lives that day.  But no one knew him, or even thought of him.  He received no credit, not thanks…

That is like us, every day we live, and we don’t know what we have done for Love …

We pray to do the will of God, we  Keep Climbing Upwards striving for the Kingdom of Love, where we know everyone everywhere is our family.

 

Our Prayers are asked for:

Avery;  Ralph; Linda Melanie; Marlene; Pam; Zaden; Kendra; Bill, Sheila, Jessica, Sonya, Jamie Nancy & Clyde; Sylvia; Sharon; Jim; 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; Michael; 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.

==

Hymn: Take my Hand, Precious Lord.  Tommy Dorsey.

Precious Lord, take my hand

Lead me on, let me stand

I’m tired, I’m weak, I’m lone

Through the storm, through the night

Lead me on to the light

Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

When my way grows drear precious Lord linger near

When my light is almost gone

Hear my cry, hear my call

Hold my hand lest I fall

Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

When the darkness appears and the night draws near

And the day is past and gone

At the river I stand

Guide my feet, hold my hand

Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

We now continue reading our service.

Our Creed:

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 defense, and not fear the power of any adversaries;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Our Prayers ae asked for:  Avery;  Ralph; Linda Melanie; Marlene; Pam; Zaden; Kendra; Bill, Sheila, Jessica, Sonya, Jamie Nancy & Clyde; Sylvia; Sharon; Jim; 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.

We remember and pray for Michael, for all who mourn his passing, especially his family and friends.

Creator of the universe, the light of your glory shines in the

darkness of our lives. Make us attentive to your presence,

prompt to serve you, and ever eager to follow in the steps of

the one who is our true light, Jesus Christ your Son our Lord.

Amen.

Epiphany Announcements for May 24:

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.

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.  Contact info: Sara Shrubsall  –  theshrubs@hotmail.com

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

*Our thanks to the people who are continuing their envelope givings because the church expenses continue, even while we are not at weekly worship..  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

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

As our Saviour 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.

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 May 24

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

 

Bible Readings for Sunday May 24

Here are our weekly recommended Bible Readings:

• Acts 1:6-14

• Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35

• 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11

• John 17:1-11

 

From Rev Teresa

* Link for May 10 and May 17 Services in case you missed them.

May 17

May 10

*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 people who are giving to the food cupboard.

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

Mrs.Barb Smallman

4860 White Oak Road

London, Ontario

N6E 3Y8

519-680-0649

* Meat Pies. $4.  Barb S. 519-680-0649 Some Veg. Teresa

*All Events  Postponed. 

*Apportionment: Thank you to all giving,  In various ways, weekly in our envelopes etc.

*Sandra: handmade cards.  $2.  * MINT SMOOTHIES $2 

*Collecting: Batteries, Cancelled Stamps

*RINSED Pop Cans for Keanna

*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

St James Reflections

Here’s a link to some recorded audio services at our Mother Church St James Wesminster. Thanks to the St James worship team; Rev Keith Nethery, Steve Holowitz, Paul Stevenson, Paul Grambo, Shen Jones, Victoria Piovesan, Gerry Adams, Hana Scorrar and Keith Nethery. Thanks also to our friend John who serves as recording engineer.  Please sit back and enjoy some spiritual renewal time.

http://justatinker.com/stjames/

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.