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Prelude
Welcome and Announcements *Call to Worship Psalm 95 O come, let us sing to the Lord! Shout to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into God’s presence with thanksgiving, singing joyful songs of praise. *Hymn Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God, Almighty! Glory to God 1 Prayer of Confession Mighty and merciful God, you have called us to be your people and claimed us for the service of Jesus Christ. We confess that we have not lived up to our calling. We have been timid and frightened disciples, forgetful of your powerful presence, ignoring the strength of your Spirit among us. O God, forgive us in our weakness, strengthen us anew, and gift us with everything we need to fulfill our common calling, through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Take, O Take Me As I Am Glory to God 698 Assurance of Forgiveness The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. I declare to you, in the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. May the God of mercy, who forgives all your sins, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, keep you in eternal life. Amen. Old Testament Reading Psalm 103 Time With Our Young Disciples New Testament Reading 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 Morning Message I read a church ministry article this week that was supposed to be encouraging, but, it rubbed me the wrong way. The article addressed service and leadership in the church, which is something with which we are all concerned. Our whole service today is built around it. God has called several of our members to particular roles. They will take vows to serve and we will make vows to support them. We will ask God to bless all our efforts in advancing God’s kingdom here in Barboursville. That’s what we’re about. But, the article spoke to the method used to call church folks to service. The writer said, in seeking help for our varied ministries, the church is more like amateur sports than professional sports. In amateur sports you play with whoever shows up. In professional sports you have resources that allow you to draft and trade and fund big salaries and lavish perks on your players. In other words, if you have the goods, you can get whoever you want to get the job done. In the church you’re stuck with whoever gets out of bed and makes it to church on time. Our task then is to somehow inspire people to greatness and be thankful for the attempt. Ok. I can agree that churches rely on a volunteer work force. That’s a fact. And, in seeking to call competent people to the Lord’s work, we may not readily see who has what gifts. But, there’s an important difference: in the church, or at least every church I’ve been a part of, what qualifies people for service is not their resume or pedigree. What qualifies any of us is our faith and devotion to Jesus Christ, his church and his people. Have you ever been recruited to serve on a committee or help with a project, and at the first meeting, you are overwhelmed with the vast nature of the job? You think, “There’s so much to do. I don’t know the first thing about this, and I’m pretty sure no one else does either.” But, somehow, through honest effort and a will to succeed, and maybe a lot of elbow grease, the work is done, the tasks are completed, and the project is declared a success. The committee is dismissed with thanks. Not all church work is pleasant. Sometimes it’s fraught with emotional or physical landmines threatening to blow. I was once tapped to lead an administrative commission to investigate problems that were deeply dividing one of our churches. I had never done this, didn’t know where to start. But, to my surprise, as the AC met, the personalities of the members emerged, their gifts emerged. Lawyers who guided our research, a counselor who showed us how to communicate effectively, a forensic accountant who ferreted out deposits and receipts and missing checks and eventually over $100,000. We had one goal: to bring order and healing to a broken church. It took time and laboring over details. And about three years later, we celebrated with a church that had experienced a real renaissance. My point is that it is no accident that we are here today. God called us here. Each one of us. And those whom God calls, God equips. Whatever is needed for Kuhn Memorial Presbyterian Church to be a witness for Christ is here and it is enough. One of my all-time favorite books is Christy, by Catherine Marshall. I read it first as a teenager and it was influential in my own call. Catherine Marshall’s mother had served as a teacher in a missionary school in Tennessee. Christy is the story of her life and faith. The excerpt may be found in Christy, by Catherine Marshall. *Affirmation of Faith The Apostles’ Creed Glory to God p. 35 Service of Ordination and Installation Through the voice of the church, God has called the following members to ordained and active service: Clara Adkins, Hala Mosrie Through the voice of the church, God has called the following member to return to ordained and active service: Mary Minichan Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer Presenting Our Tithes and Offerings Prayer of Dedication Blessed are you, O God of all creation; through your goodness, we have these gifts to share. Accept and use our offerings for your glory and for the service of your church. Amen. *Hymn I, the Lord of Sea and Sky (Here I Am, Lord) Glory to God 69 *Blessing Now may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Alleluia! Amen. *Postlude Announcements Elder of the Month Nancy McIntosh Birthdays and Anniversaries Prelude
Welcome and Announcements Call to Worship The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. God alone is our sovereign, to whom we bow in allegiance. Come, let us worship the Lord, our God, the Ruler of all nations. *Hymn O Beautiful for Spacious Skies Glory to God 338 Call to Confession This is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. I will forgive their evil deeds, and remember their sin no more. Prayer of Confession Gracious God, our sins are too heavy to carry, too real to hide, and too deep to undo. Forgive what our lips fear to tremble to name, what our hearts can no longer bear, and what has become for us a consuming fire of judgment. Set us free from a past we cannot change, open to us a future in which we can be changed, and grant us grace to grow more and more in your likeness and image, through Jesus Christ, the Sovereign Lord. Amen. Take, O Take Me as I Am Glory to God 698 Declaration of Forgiveness Hear the good news! Who is in a position to condemn? Only Christ, and Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us. Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. The old life is gone and a new life has begun. Friends, believe the good news of the gospel: in Jesus Christ our sins are forgiven. Alleluia! Amen. Time With Our Young Disciples Scripture Reading Isaiah 58:1-12 Morning Message As I was reading this passage from Isaiah, it reminded me of one of our Presbyterian distinctives: The Great Ends of the Church. These are a set of statements, drafted in the early 20th century, to guide the vision and mission of the Presbyterian Church. So, how would we use the great ends? How do we apply them to our faith and life? We might use them at the end of a church year to reflect on the ways in which we lived out the great ends as a church. We would likely put newsprint around the room and order pizza to make it more fun. Hopefully, there will be a number of good memories to reflect on. The end of the meeting might find all of us in a prayer of thanksgiving for what God had done through us. So, who can name all six of the great ends of the church? I confess, I can’t. So I did a little research this week. Here we go: The first great end is the proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind. This is how a church in New jersey lives that out: They have joined a ministry called “The Church Has Left the Building.” One Sunday in October, the church closes its doors and sends small groups of all ages out into the community to proclaim the gospel through hands-on work. Rev. Eryn Mera says “We have to re-think what the church is.” Groups have been sent to do community clean-up and beautification, making blankets for cancer patients, serving the hungry through a food pantry or community meal, visiting the elderly and shut-in, and working on Habitat for Humanity projects. Five other churches are part of the “Church Has Left the Building” effort. At the end of the day, all the work groups come together as one united community of faith, giving thanks and praise to God for their experiences. They like to say that this project helped them discover how Jesus can prompt his people to live on the outside what we believe on the inside. The second great end is the shelter, nurture and spiritual fellowship of the children of God. In Lincoln, Nebraska, the congregation of the Eastridge Presbyterian Church gather early one Sunday morning a month to participate in “GIFT,” which stands for “Growing in Faith Together.” Gift features an intergenerational learning activity, fellowship time and breakfast. A theme is adopted each season. Some past themes have been “loving thy neighbor,” “faith and service,” and “special days in the church year.” I loved learning about this project because it originated with a colleague of mine, Thomas Dummermuth, who came to the US from Switzerland to be near his fiancé while she was a medical resident at CAMC. He served the Ravenswood Church while they lived in the area. Lincoln, Nebraska is her hometown. They married and moved there as soon as she finished her training. God be good to them and their three children. The third great end is the maintenance of divine worship. Faith Presbyterian Church in Greensboro, North Caroline has created a worship space for children called “The Prayground.” In order to accommodate a casket for a funeral service, some pews were removed from the small sanctuary. Instead of re-installing them, they placed a child-size table and chairs in front of the pulpit. The children gather there as the service begins. A variety of art supplies are provided so that they may interpret what they see and hear in worship. The pastor, Rev. Karen Ware Jackson, engages both the children and the adults in sermon conversations, the reading of scripture and prayers. She likes to say that “this little church made space for God to bring new life out of death. The prayground is making us whole. We are the body of Christ. Kids are a loud and messy part of the body, but when we pull the kids out, it’s like trying to worship blindfolded. Kids are distracting, yes, but they bring us life and they bring us joy, and they bring surprising depth and mirth. They understand the holy power of prayer and praise. They are hungry for God.” The fourth great end is the preservation of the truth. Megan and Dave Collins are co-pastors of Maitland Presbyterian Church in Orlando, Florida. They host a pod-cast called “Everything Jesus Taught.” They take up topics like money, forgiveness, family, and explore the way Jesus’ life and teaching can inform these topics in the 21st century. Dave says, “Truth isn’t something we receive. We have to interact with it, talk about it, digest it, parse out how it works in our lives. We wrestle out loud as we work to fully comprehend what Jesus taught.” “Truth is what he taught, but how can we translate that in the world we live in and the lives we live is the challenge,” Megan Collins says. To engage in this type of conversation takes special skill, the ability to really listen, and to respond well to criticism. It is hard, courageous work. I believe it is the Lord’s work. The next great end is the promotion of social righteousness. There are not many Presbyterians in Idaho, but, as soon as the Presbyterian Church in the Tetons opened its doors in 2012, a young woman, Monica, became curious about the church and began worshiping there. Recently approved to stay in the US through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, she received a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation and got a work permit and a driver’s license. Monica found a job with the local Family Safety Network. In that capacity, she was often interacting with Emily Bilcher, who happened to be the wife of the Pastor of the Church in the Tetons, Karlin Bilcher. This frequent interaction allowed Monica to open up and share her life story, its challenges and hardships, its joys and blessings, her hopes for the future. Before long, other members of the church, having heard Monica’s story, were interested in helping the immigrant population in their community. The church also struck up a relationship with the primarily Hispanic Good Shepherd Catholic Church nearby. As you might expect, not everyone in the church is enthused about the direction this ministry has taken. But, as the pastor explains, the community and the church are both made up of a diverse collection of people who don’t always think or believe the same way. So they practice what they call “radical hospitality,” because we “don’t know much about the lives of people who are different from us.” They believe this is their call. The last great end is the exhibition of the kingdom of heaven to the world. Sometimes an idea is sparked or a new initiative sounds interesting to church folks. But, such things are disregarded because there are obstacles or there are meager resources, financial or human. This is the situation in which two women at Memorial West Presbyterian Church in Newark, New Jersey found themselves. They had concerns about the working poor in their town. They could see every day the plight of their neighbors. They may work, but at very low wage jobs. They had childcare problems, children had school problems, families had their own issues. A lot of this was brought on through no fault of their own. Paychecks just could not stretch to meet their needs and that led to a multitude of issues. So, on Reformation Sunday, these two women went to talk to members of the Livingston Presbyterian Church to consider how to meet the needs of the suffering in their community. What quickly developed was the Seventh Street Bistro, a ministry offering free meals every Saturday. The Bistro also provides help with personal care items and clothing. But that’s not all. They have sponsored health fairs and special holiday events and opportunities. As positive as these events are, the people involved say the greatest benefit is the relationships that have been formed, the prayers and support that are in good supply among the workers and the guests. The take-away would seem to be that, if you have a sense that someone near you has need, and you feel inadequate to address it, or think you aren’t prepared or resourced, think again. Reach out for help. It may well lead to a reformation. So, those are the great ends of the Presbyterian Church. And examples that jumped out at me. Keep your eyes, ears, and hearts open…God’s people are living out the great ends of the church. *Affirmation of Faith The Apostles’ Creed Glory to God, p. 35 Gloria Patri Glory to God 581 Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer Presenting Our Tithes and Offerings Prayer of Dedication Almighty and merciful God, from whom comes all that is good, we praise you for your mercies, for your goodness that has created us, your grace that sustains us, the discipline that corrects us, your patience that has borne with us, and your love that has redeemed us. Receive our gifts, offered in humility and gratitude, that the world may know, love and serve you. We give in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. *Hymn Live Into Hope Glory to God 772 *Blessing Go out into the world in peace; have courage; hold onto what is good; return no one evil for evil; strengthen the fainthearted, support the weak and help the suffering; honor all people; love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. *Postlude Announcements A congregational meeting will be held at the beginning of worship next Sunday, July 11, for the purpose of electing Trustees. Newly elected Elders and Trustees will be ordained and/or installed during worship. The Session will meet after worship next Sunday, July 11. Prelude
Welcome and announcements *Call to Worship We worship the God who inhabits our world and indwells our lives. We need not look up to find God… we need only to look around… within ourselves… beyond ourselves… into the eyes of another. We need not listen for a distant thunder to find God… we need only to listen to the music of life…the words of children, the questions of the curious, the rhythm of the heartbeat. Let us worship the God who inhabits our world and indwells our lives. Hymn Great Is Thy Faithfulness Glory to God 39 Prayer of Confession God, you know us better than we know ourselves. You know our thoughts, our weaknesses, our sins, and you love us still. Forgive us when we don’t believe such love is true or possible, when we wonder how you could love us just as we are, When we forget our intricate instruction, that we are fearfully and wonderfully made…in your image! Remove from our minds every thought that keeps us from you. Break down the walls, push aside the pride, and help us trust anew. You know our hearts and you love us still. Amen. Take, O Take Me As I Am Glory to God 698 Take, O take me as I am. Summon out what I shall be. Set your seal upon my heart and live in me. Repeat. Assurance of Forgiveness Nothing is impossible with God. There is no place you can go, no end of the earth to which you can run. There is nothing on earth or beyond death that can separate us fron the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. You are forgiven and freed to live in God’s infinite love, grace, and peace. Scripture Reading Lamentations 3:23-33 Moments With Our Young Disciples Scripture Reading Mark 5:21-43 Morning Message Sometimes, in spite of good worship and preaching plans, events take place during the week that are so significant, they have to be set aside in order address more relevant and timely issues. That’s where I found myself this week and what prompts the need for two gospel readings. On Thursday, we heard and saw images of a tractor-trailer accident on I 64 that spilled its contents onto the road. The contents were a herd of cows that created all kinds of havoc and additional accidents. It presented a huge challenge for local law enforcement and others. I admit, though, it was somewhat amusing. I sent links to the story to my kids in North Carolina. They found humor in it, too, but then they weren’t wrangling cattle that had crossed the bridge and were strolling through Chesapeake. Later, from a breaking news report, we learned of a condominium collapse in Miami, Florida. It fell in a cloud of dust and rubble, trapping many people inside. The video of the moment of collapse took me right back to 9-11, the moment the twin towers fell, and of the fear and heavy losses the country sustained that day. And with this event, I knew, we knew, that such a catastrophe doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It stuns a multitude while its leaders try to serve a grieving city. On Friday, we learned the fate of two individuals convicted in major court cases. One in Minnesota and one here in Cabell County. I found myself quite concerned for the moment when the Derek Chauvin verdict was handed down. No one wants a repeat of last summer’s racial unrest. We have much work to do to heal those wounds. Closer to home, a young man, a neighbor of ours in his childhood, was sentenced for the violent crimes he committed. I felt compelled to reach out to his family, though I had no idea what to do or say. So, I tested the waters with a non-probing, hopefully, text. There were a few exchanges, and I know if they want to speak further, the door is open. Also that day, I learned that a person in my orbit was suffering a variety of problems, both physical and emotional. At such times I can offer the balm of the Church- the support of our prayers and the blessed assurance we have in God’s eternal presence and love. In our Mark text, Jesus is summoned to the home of Jairus. This man’s daughter was very sick, close to death. Before Jesus can make his way to her, a woman, who had suffered an illness for twelve years, approaches him. This woman has suffered physical and emotional pain. She has been isolated from her loved ones. She could not go about the town or go to the market, or even serve her family, because, in that day, she was considered unclean. To interact with her would render others unclean, too. Twelve years she endured this. There’s a gospel song that goes, “Give Me that Old Time Religion, it’s good enough for me.” I say, “ No, thanks!” I, for one, would not want to return to those old-time religious practices. This woman has lost a lot, but the one thing that can’t be taken from her, is her belief and trust in the power of Jesus. If only she could touch a little bit of his robe, just a little bit of Jesus- she would be healed. She could resume her life. And that’s just what happened. She acted at great risk. She didn’t announce herself. Jesus did not seek her out. We don’t even know if Jesus was at all aware of her before she touched him. But, Jesus felt the power “go out” from him. She poured out her whole story and Jesus gives her his blessing, saying her faith had made her well. By the time Jesus has finished his encounter with this woman, report came that the daughter of Jairus had died. Or so they thought. But, Jairus persisted and so did Jesus. Upon entering the place where she lay, Jesus stretched out his hand and simply says, “Talitha cum.” “Little girl, get up!” And to the others, he says, “Give her something to eat.” Dying bodies have no need for food. Only the living. She would live. These are dramatic stories. Miraculous stories of the power of Jesus to heal, to restore. In each case, we are to believe that the faith and trust of those in need had affected their healing. OK. But, what about the others, throngs of believers, generations deep, who have known, loved and served Jesus? All those who have encountered trouble, trauma, devastating illness, tragedy. What about their faith? Is it defective? Of course not. Sometimes Jesus restores the health of the sick. But, sometimes this does not happen. Or, at least, we can’t see any of the normal signs of healing. But, that doesn’t mean that we can’t be made whole, at peace with God and accepting of our circumstances. Here’s where our Matthew text comes thru for us. He urges: “Come to me, all you who are heavy-burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” A yoke is a device that is applied to two beasts of burden so that they move together- at the same pace and in the same direction. If one stops to drink, it’s safe to assume, the other also drinks. If one stops to rest, the other does the same. This is how close Jesus is to us. We do not carry our burden alone. We are yoked to Jesus who helps us carry that heavy load. I know you probably hear way too much about my grandchildren, but, they do provide good sermon material. Tad, the younger one, has been sick this past week. It started out as restlessness and crying in the night. His parents would comfort him and return him to his bed. After a day or two, a fever developed and an earache. A visit to the doctor was in order. Ear infection, sinus infection, and tonsillitis. Two kinds of antibiotics. And a lot of TLC. Tad still hurts and the medicine upsets his stomach, and he can’t go the neighborhood pool, which he loves. But, just being in the presence or the lap of Mommy or Daddy is all the reassurance Tad needs. He feels better the closer he is to them. I am aware of some of your burdens. I am aware of the burdens some of you carry for others. Mother Teresa used to say, there is always someone to pray for and there’s always a front step to sweep. It is always appropriate to seek God’s healing and wholeness- for ourselves and all those experiencing brokenness. It would be great if we could wake up tomorrow and think, “This might just be the best day ever!” But, in case it’s not, let me offer this prayer for all of us: Lord, I want to be made well. I reach for the hem of your garment, and there I find those who clothe me with love, and deep listening, and encouragement, and wisdom, and gentle correction, just as you would. I ask for your hands on me and I get hugs, and emails, and texts with GIFs, and prayers said on my behalf, as if they had come directly from you. Though others take me by the hand and feed me spiritual and physical food that revives my soul and body. out of the abundance of the health you offer. May I share your peace widely. Laura Stephens-Reed *Affirmation of Faith The Apostles’ Creed Glory to God p. 35 Gloria Patri Glory to God 581 Sharing Our Joys and Concerns Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer Presenting Our Gifts of Tithe and Offering Prayer of Dedication *Blessing Go now, with your hope set on Jesus Christ. Let the Spirit guide you. Let your righteousness shine like the sun until darkness and light are one. And wherever you go, whether you scale the highest heavens or plunge to the depths, may God’s presence be known to you, may Christ Jesus welcome you into his embrace, and may the Spirit assure you that you are loved. *Postlude Congregational Meeting Announcements There will be a congregational meeting immediately following worship. The purpose of this meeting is to elect a member of the congregation to the Nominating Committee and to elect the next class of elders to serve on the session. Nominees are: Hala Mosrie Mary Minichan Valerie Wood Clara Adkins Prelude
*Call to Worship Come, sing praises to God! Rejoice in God’s presence, for he is our God: Father to the fatherless, and the defender of all who need protection; the One in whom the lonely find a home, and the prisoner finds release! Hymn This Is My Father’s World Glory to God 370 Prayer of Confession God of power and love, We hear the stories in scripture, the ones that speak of your strength and miraculous power, and wonder if you still act to still storms and raise twelve-year-old girls from the dead. We still have storms that destroy and diseases that rob people of life. We still need your help, aware that help may come in ways we cannot imagine or expect. Forgive us when our faith is trembling, when our hearts are troubled and our minds worn out. Help us to believe that we are your beloved children, whom you will never leave nor forsake. Amen. Take, O Take Me as I Am Glory to God 698 Assurance of Forgiveness Fear not! God is always with us, stilling our storms, pointing us in hope’s direction, and restoring the joy of our salvation. Believe the good news of the gospel: know you are forgiven and live in God’s peace. Amen. Old Testament Reading Psalm 133 Time With Our Young Disciples Gospel Reading Mark 4: 35-41 Morning Message Summertime has always been translated “pool-time” for our family. I think my kids were always happiest when we were at the pool or on the beach. Happy, carefree, laughing and playing with their friends or their sisters. Fueled with peanut butter sandwiches and juice boxes. When our older two, Katy and Sarah Beth, were ten and five, we joined the Guyan Estates pool, mainly for swimming lessons. At the time, taking swimming lessons there led to participation on the swim team. We decided to give it a try and see what happened. On the first day of lessons, at 9:00 in the morning, Katy gingerly made her way into the cold water, uncertain that she wanted to be there. Sarah Beth jumped into water over her head and came up ready to race. Both girls learned quickly, and because everyone else was on the swim team, they joined in. Swim meets were posted on our calendar. We hoped it would be a good experience for the whole family. Katy has asthma, so swimming was good exercise for her. She worked hard at every stroke, every kick. But, even though she expended great energy, she often finished last in her events, sometimes through tears. I know some of you have experienced this: your heart hurts to see one child struggle while an- other excels in a skill or a sport. And that’s exactly what happened. It was humiliating for Katy to be out-done by her little sister and in front of a crowd. There were easily a hundred people gathered around whatever pool was hosting a meet. We were more than willing to let her quit, but she would not admit defeat. She would struggle on with our support. We all struggle sometimes. The proverbial water turns choppy and threatening. Or we find ourselves in over our heads. We need to change course before it’s too late. Our scripture text describes the disciples in a similar situation. Jesus is teaching and preaching and people are responding. His message is compelling. His miraculous works are drawing crowds. Teaching one day on the Sea of Galilee, the crowd grows so large that he has to speak from a boat on the water so that people can see and hear him. At the end of a long day, probably in search of rest, Jesus has them cross to the other side. Now they set sail at the widest point of the sea. It is estimated to be thirteen miles across. And Jesus, exhausted from his work, falls asleep. I have never been out in open water when a storm blows up. I have only been as close as the shore, the beach. But, that’s been close enough. The sky can change color. I’ve seen everything from gray to purple to a weird green announce an impending storm. The air changes from hot bursts to cold blasts. The air even smells different. Have you been there, too? Do you rush to gather up your belongings and hurry off the beach, maybe prompted by cracks of thunder? Lightning slashing at the sky? That’s what I imagine happening to the disciples that day. I can imagine their fear. And I can imagine their fear turning to anger as Jesus slumbers on, blissfully unaware of their plight. “Wake up, man! Don’t you care that we’re about to die out here? Do something!” The boat is rocking wildly. It is taking on water. Catastrophe is imminent. And from Jesus, a stern command: “Silence! Be still!” And the wind and the sea obey. As he has sternly commands nature, he sternly demands an answer from his disciples: “What’s the matter with you? Have you no faith yet?” This is the most interesting part of the whole episode to me: Jesus sleeps through the storm and the disciples interpret that as he doesn’t care about them. They have witnessed his interaction with many other people in need by this time. They know first-hand that his love and compassion for people is genuine. They know the awesome nature of his power. They know its source is God. They wake Jesus. Jesus has made them privy to every interaction he has had with people in need. He has demonstrated that his love and care and power are genuine. They know the source of all that is God. And now, the very ones who are closer to Jesus than anyone else on earth, are terrified and are accusing him of not caring. I can imagine how Jesus responded to that. I can imagine him feeling angry. I can imagine he wonders if his ministry, his message, have been futile. And, friends, I can imagine this scene playing out in families everywhere. A crisis hits and family members accuse one another of not caring or not responding appropriately. They doubt each other’s love. They question each other’s commitment. Soon, the crisis, whatever it is, increases in intensity, and the family is trapped in the cycle of fighting with each other instead of fighting the problem that is threatening their lives. They forget that Jesus is in their boat. It happens. It has happened to me, maybe to you as well. Facing a problem, a serious one, we do as our faith instructs us. We pray. We wait. We hold on and Jesus seems to be asleep. We ask our friends to pray. They call us to check in. They bring food. And Jesus is still sleeping. Maybe we get so frustrated or angry that we shake our fists and shout, “What’s the matter with you, Jesus? We’ve been good and faithful and you don’t even care!” Jesus slept. At the end of a long, crowded day, Jesus piled his friends in a boat and tells them to go to the other side. Then he retreats for rest. Could it be that Jesus, the rabbi, the master teacher, has so much confidence is his message, and so much confidence that his message has been taken to heart, that he trusts his disciples to cross the troubled waters relying on their faith, their skill, his blessed assurance that he will never leave them nor forsake them? They don’t know it yet, but, Jesus has so much confidence in them that one day they will receive power to do mighty, miraculous things themselves. When we consider the long arm of history, the centuries of information, knowledge, and wisdom God’s people have accumulated, the risks brave people have taken, the catastrophies that have shaped human experience, the threats that have prompted research, the discoveries, the developments, the inventions that have made our lives so rich and rewarding, I am left with this one truth: Jesus is in our boat. And I’m counting on Jesus being there as we try to make our way to the other side of the communal angst of this time. I’m counting on Jesus to be there as we work out our differences, as we recognize our prejudice. I’m counting on Jesus being there when we change laws that have kept some of God’s children oppressed. And I’m counting on Jesus being there when we grow so weary and worn it hurts to breathe. My little girl who wanted to swim in spite of asthma worked as a lifeguard all through college. My fearless child still jumps first and figures things out as she goes. They’ve both suffered storms, hurricanes even. The kinds that leave homes lying like sticks strewn on the ground. But, they made it to the other side. Maybe you or someone you love has suffered deeply, with their lives lying like sticks strewn on the ground. You, and they, can make it to the other side, too. This I know: Jesus is in your boat. *Affirmation of Faith The Apostles’ Creed Glory to God p. 35 Gloria Patri Glory to God 581 Sharing Our Joys and Concerns Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer Presenting Our Tithes and Offerings Contributions may be left in the offering plates on the Communion table or on the table in the narthex. Prayer of Dedication (same as we’ve been using) *Blessing Shine, O Lord, upon the homely mosaic of West Virginia’s land: upon her steep-hewn hills and angled draws, her maple-strewn valleys and ridges clad in mountain rhododendron. Shine, Lord, upon her citizens, armed only with freedom, scrappers all for such measure of dignity as fearlessness and faith may win. Shine, O God, into those deep recesses where thou hast abundant riches, that those who dig in the earth, and those who watch for their return, may know the radiance of thy light and the safety of thy love. Bright be the cleaning fire of thy truth in the hearts of the people, and in the public weal of their common life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Washington National Cathedral, prayed for the week starting March 1, 2020. *Postlude Congregational Meeting Announcements There will be a congregational meeting today immediately following worship. The purpose of the meeting is to elect one member of the congregation to the Nominating Committee and to elect elders to the Class of 2023. Nominees are: Hala Mosrie Mary Minichan Valerie Wood Clara Adkins Next week is ECCHO Sunday. Please bring contributions of cereal. We will also receive the Cents-ability Offering for the hungry in our community. Prelude
Welcome and Announcements *Call to Worship 1 John 4:9-10 In this is love, not that we have loved God, but that God has loved us and sent God’s Son into the world so that we might live through him. Prayer All powerful God, in Jesus Christ you turned death into life, and defeat into victory. Increase our faith and trust in him, that we may triumph over all evil, relying on the strength of the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen. Hymn In the Bulb There Is a Flower (Hymn of Promise) Glory to God 250 Prayer of Confession Almighty God, you love us fully, completely, but, we have not loved you with our whole selves. You call, but we do not listen. We walk away from neighbors in need and we condone prejudice, conflict, and greed. God of grace, help us admit our sins, that we may turn from indifference and ignorance, and turn toward you, see the needs of the world, and resolve to speak with your voice and walk in your ways. Amen. Take, O, Take Me As I Am Glory to God 698 Take, O take me as I am, summon out what I shall be. Set your seal upon my heart and live in me. Repeat. Assurance of Forgiveness Scripture declares that God sent his Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Friends, believe the good news of the gospel: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Be at peace. Old Testament Reading Psalm 20, 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13 Time With Our Young Disciples Gospel Reading Mark 4:26-34 Morning Message What a noisy spring we've had! And how surprised we've been to have it. Five years ago we bought a house on a lot covered with trees, mostly pines, some hardwoods, a few dogwoods. When we stood in the kitchen with the realtor and looked into the forested back yard, we knew we would buy. Oh, how we loved those trees! The way they surrounded and framed our house, the shade they provided, the birds and squirrels they sheltered, the way that large maple silhouetted the house in flaming red leaves in the fall. As one friend said, "This is a real tree house." It was a tree house. And we were happy there. Until the storm blew through last May. In addition to the 23 diseased pines we'd just had removed, another 16, mostly hardwoods, were lost in the storm-splintered by lightning, snapped by strong wind. Once the debris had been cleared, what remained was--there's no other word for it--our once beautifully wooded lot was ugly. It was bare and it was ugly. Last summer and fall were difficult. No green canopy of shade in July. No brilliant red backdrop in October. I did plant a few trees in November, most of them little more than twigs. Another package of twigs arrived in March. I planted those, too. I planted the twigs because it seemed like the right thing to do. In truth, though, I had no idea what would happen with them. The decimation of our yard felt so complete, it was hard to imagine it coming to life again. As spring approached, I wondered what it would be like. What would, what could come back to life? What would become of all those twigs I planted? What would spring be like this year after the storm? Spring this year has been noisy. And colorful. And surprising. Not only have nearly all the trees I planted blossomed or spouted leaves, but 8-10 hardwood trees, mostly maples, have sprung up out of nowhere. The birds who left for a time have returned. The squirrels who searched frantically all fall for new places to hide their acorns are as fat and sassy as they used to be. Parts of our yard still look desolate, but there is so much more life there than I ever knew, more life than I ever dreamed of. According to the gospel writer, my blooming, noisy, vibrant yard is what the kingdom of God is like. Seeds are planted--sometimes even in ugly, desolate places--seeds are planted; and, somehow--I don't know how--somehow life emerges from those seeds. Sprouts and twigs and flowers and leaves and branches. Someday, as we did with those 23 pines before the storm, someday these new, just-developing trees will have served their purpose, and they too will need to be harvested. But, today, these seeds, seedlings, and saplings are bursting with life. They are a reminder that even when things seem dead, when hope seems pointless, in deep places we cannot see or know, life is stirring, moving, growing...whether we understand it or not, the life in those seeds will burst forth in undeniable, incontrovertible ways. That's what happened with Mr. Ballantine. The day the elderly man was shoved out of a car and deposited on the doorstep of a homeless shelter, another homeless man named Denver offered to help. In response, the drunken Ballantine spat out curses and racial slurs. Denver helped him anyway. Even more than he hated people of color, Mr. Ballantine hated Christians...so much so that he would rather have starved than endure chapel sermons to obtain a free meal at the shelter. When Denver went through the serving line, he'd always get a second plate and take it upstairs to Mr. Ballantine. Denver continued taking meals to Ballantine even after the older man had been moved to a government-run nursing home two miles away. When Ballantine's room was messy and unclean, as it often was, Denver cleaned the room and its occupant. Each time he came to visit, Mr. Ballantine cursed Denver and called him names. One day a friend went with Denver to visit Mr. Ballantine. He asked the old man if he could get him anything. "Ensure and cigarettes," the man said. Denver and the friend went to a nearby drugstore to purchase the items. The friend sent Denver back to the nursing home alone. Here's how Denver relates his conversation with Mr. Ballantine in the book titled Same Kind of Different As Me: When I went back to Mr. Ballantine's room, he asked me who paid for the cigarettes and I told him Mr. Scott. "How am I going to pay him back?" he asked. I said, "You don't." "Why would that man buy me cigarettes when he doesn't even know me?" "Cause he's a Christian." "Well, I still don't understand. And anyway, you know I hate Christians." I didn't say [anything] for a minute, just sat there in a ole orange plastic chair and watched Mr. Ballantine lyin there in his bed. Then I said to him, "I'm a Christian." I wish you coulda seen the look on his face. It didn't take but a minute for him to start apologizing for cussin Christians all the time I'd knowed him. Then I guess it hit him that while I'd been takin care of him--it was about three years by then--he'd still been callin' me names. "Denver, I'm sorry for all those times I called you [names]," he said. "That's okay." Then I took a chance and told Mr. Ballantine that I'd been takin care of him all that time, 'cause I [knew] God loved him. "God's got a special place prepared for you if you just confess your sins and accept the love of Jesus." I ain't gon' kid you, he was skeptical. Same time, though, he said he didn't think I'd lie to him. "But even if you aren't lying," he said, "I've lived too long and sinned too much for God to forgive me." He laid there in that bed and lit up one a Mr. Scott's cigarettes, starin' up at the ceiling, smoking and thinking. I just kept quiet. Then all of a sudden he piped up again. "On the other hand, I'm too...old for much more sinning. Maybe that'll count for something!" Well, Mr. Ballantine stopped callin me [names] that day. And wadn't too long after that I wheeled him through the doors at McKinney Bible Church...We sat together on the back row, and it was the first time Mr. Ballantine had ever set foot in a church. He was 85 years old. After the service, he looked at me and smiled. "Real nice," he said. (Ron Hall and Denver Moore, Same Kind of Different As Me. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2006, 162-3.) Jesus said: The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. Thanks be to God! In the name of our God, who creates us, redeems us, sustains us, and hopes for our wholeness. Amen.
Affirmation of Faith the Apostles’ Creed Glory to God p. 35 Gloria Patri Glory to God 581 Sharing Our Joys and Concerns Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer Presenting Our Tithes and Offerings *Blessing *Postlude Prelude
Welcome and Announcements *Call to Worship I wait for the Lord, my soul waits. Our hope is in God’s Word. My soul waits for the Lord, more than those who watch for the morning. Our hope is in God’s Word. Hymn Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation Glory to God 394 Prayer of Confession God of perfect love, you continually bring forth life. transforming sadness to joy, and despair to hope. We are weak, but you are strong. Our ways are flawed, but your ways are true. Sometimes we stray from your way. You are always faithful. Forgive us, redeem us, transform us. Take away the sin that burdens us, and restore us to the people you would have us be, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. Take, O Take Me As I Am Glory to God 698 Take, O take me as I am; summon out what I shall be. Set your seal upon my heart and live in me. Repeat. Declaration of Forgiveness God seeks us out relentlessly. With abundant grace and boundless mercy, God seeks us out and calls us by name. This is the good news: in Jesus Christ we are loved and forgiven. Be at peace. Reading from the Psalms Psalm 138 Pew Bible p. Time With Our Young Disciples Gospel Reading Revelation 21: 1-6 Morning Message I’ve spoken these words at countless funerals. I have leaned on their promises, trusted in their truths. I’ve reassured loved ones and have had them spoken over the pew that held my own family in our times of grief and loss. But I don’t think I have ever un-packed them in a sermon before. The first thing I noticed is that the text says, “God makes all things new.” It does not say, “God makes all new things. “What’s the difference? Rev. Dr. Janet Hunt offers us an idea about that. She says God does not simply replace all that has been broken, defiled, betrayed, polluted, adulterated, or destroyed. Rather, somehow, God gathers it all up and makes the old new again. God redeems what we thought was beyond the human capacity for hope. Again and again. And Janet says, even though these six verses are speaking to a time in the future, the churchy word is “escatalogy,” or in the “fullness of time,” we can catch a glimpse of their wonder even now. Recently, Janet paid a visit to the county jail in the state where she lives. Have you ever been to a jail? I’ve been as close as the courtroom where I witnessed people sentenced to jail, or prison. One was for multiples DUIs. The other was for murder. That’s as close as I ever plan to get. It is an odd and desperately serious experience. Janet went to the jail with a purpose, to see a particular inmate. The inmate was a young woman. She was not a church member. In fact, she had little to no experience with the church or any faith community at all. But, Janet had become acquainted with her and her need for support through one of the church’s outreach ministries. When Janet made arrangements for the visit she was told that she could bring very little to the inmate, but she could bring her a Bible. And so she did. Janet says when she placed it before her on the table, it was obvious that she didn’t know Genesis from Revelation. She gave her a quick overview and then Janet showed her where to find a verse she found helpful, hoping it might bring some comfort to this scared young woman. The verse was Isaiah 43: “I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. And through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you.” Janet returned several times and they would discuss Bible passages the woman found interesting or puzzling. She may not have been familiar with the scriptures when they first met, but she was now a devoted student. Every time Janet visited, they would spend time in prayer. Their time together was increasingly valuable. Meaningful. This past March she was sentenced and has been moved many miles away to another city. A visit now would involve a day’s drive. A few weeks ago, Janet received a letter, clearly identified as having come from a prison inmate, the woman Janet had befriended. The message filled Janet in on how she was getting along since the move. Janet was truly glad to hear from her. So she sat right down and wrote a response so she could get it into that day’s mail. Soon she received a reply. In part, this is what it said: “I was very happy to hear from you! Thank you as always for the love and prayers. Sometimes I feel like I can actually feel the prayers from everyone. Especially when I am surrounded by some very trying people. I know that God is with me and is helping me to get through the days. I thank God every day for continuing to help me with love, patience, understanding, and strength. I’ve prayed not only for my family and friends, but also for the people I don’t get along with so well.” She continues: “There was a lady that stopped me in the bathroom last night and asked me if I ever feel like the “black sheep” of the family because I’m here. My response made her smile and she thanked me. I told her, no, I don’t feel that way. I told her to remember that God loves her and gave his life for HER! She agreed. I then asked her to read Isaiah 43:1-4. I also reminded her that she’s never alone and she’s worth more than she will ever know. I told her what room I’m in and to come find me if she ever needed to talk. This morning I saw her and asked her how she was doing. She is much better. That made my heart happy!” Now, we all know that this woman’s new-found faith doesn’t erase her past, her crimes. None of this proves that God is making all things new in the lives of those she offended, including her family. We don’t know about their desire or their capacity for forgiveness. That may be asking too much at this point. But, even so, God is doing something amazing here. Some kind of awesome “newness” forming in her heart that was never there before. Even in those dreadful circumstances. Even in a place where she is reminded every day of her sins and every day is paying for that with the loss of her liberty, God is indeed already making things new. Revelation speaks to us of a new heaven and a new earth. Can we even imagine what that might look like? When I first began studying this text, the first images that came to mind were scenes of the opposite- of destruction- the aftermath of hurricanes, tornadoes, fires- leaving people in a state of profound loss and despair. Even so, we know that wherever God’s people are suffering, God is there. God is there with first responders and long-serving workers who come to restore order in the midst of chaos. God makes things new on a very personal level, too. We have some pretty great neighbors. We all have daughters so we have had a lot of shared experiences. The daughter of one set of neighbors was eleven when they moved in across the street. She was full of energy, always positive and friendly. She was a natural-born cheerleader. Like the others, she grew up, went to college, moved to a bigger city and holds an important job in the public policy sector. The world was her oyster…until she was diagnosed with cancer. She approached it like she has done everything else in her life: full steam ahead. She’s been cancer-free for years now. We danced at her wedding to a fine young man and were delighted when God dropped two little tornadoes into their lives: twins! God does work in mysterious ways, his wonders to perform. Words of scripture are faithful and true: tears wrought from disease will be wiped away, but not all tears. Some spring forth in response to joy and become showers of blessing. God is about to do a new thing in one of our sister churches. Today the Highlawn Church is meeting the person I hope will become their new pastor. They have the opportunity to take a bold step into the future. I believe in the adage, “a rising tide lifts all boats.” When one of our churches thrive, it is a blessing to all of us. I urge you to add your prayers to mine this morning for this important decision. God makes all things new. Who in your life needs to hear those words? Who needs to hear that one day sorrow and suffering and grief will be a memory? What within yourself does God long to make new? *Affirmation of Faith The Apostles’ Creed Glory to God p. 35 *Gloria Patri Glory to God 581 Sharing Our Joys and Concerns Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer Presenting Our Tithes and Offerings With gratitude for God’s faithfulness and with thanksgiving for all that we have received, we bring our gifts to God. All contributions may be left on the Communion table in the plates provided. Prayer of Dedication O God, with faith and hope, we offer these gifts. Use them, even as you use us, to accomplish your purposes in Jesus Christ, the head of the church and the Lord of our lives. Amen. *Blessing Go forth from this place trusting that God is always with us and for us in every moment of every day. May you know the blessings of grace, love, and companionship through the Triune God. Amen. *Postlude Announcements The session will meet next week following worship. June Birthdays and Anniversaries Elder of the Month Kevin Dennison Prelude
Welcome and Announcements *Call to Worship Carmina Gadelica, Vol. III Bless to me, O God, each thing mine eye sees; Bless to me, O God, each thing mine ear hears; Bless to me, O God, each fragrance that goes to my nostrils; the Three that seek my living soul. Bless to me, O God, each taste that goes to my lips, each note that goes to my song, each ray that guides my way, each thing I pursue, each lure that tempts my will, the zeal that seeks my living soul; the Three that seek my heart; the zeal that seeks my living soul; the Three that seek my heart. Hymn Morning Has Broken Glory to God 664 Old Testament Reading Genesis 1:1-2:4 Page Time With Our Young Disciples Gospel Reading Matthew 28:16-20 Page Morning Message Today is Trinity Sunday. If you think of the church year as the face of a clock, we are right about 6:00. Starting off the church year with Advent, at the end of November, we have moved through Christmas, Epiphany, Ash Wednesday, Lent, Holy Week, Easter, Ascension and Pentecost. And now we come to Trinity Sunday. We are half-way through the cycle of church seasons. Next week, we begin a long stretch of time- Kingdomtide, also called Ordinary Time. It is called Ordinary Time, not because it is insignificant, but because it refers to the orderly counting of weeks that ends on Christ the King Sunday, or 11:59 on our clock, the last Sunday of the liturgical year. From now until then, our objective is to follow the Great Commission, going into all the world, making disciples, building the kingdom of God. Trinity Sunday calls us to celebrate God in three persons: God, the Father, or Creator, God the Son, Jesus Christ, the Redeemer, and God, the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, also called the “Paraclete.” The doctrine of the Trinity is among the most difficult concepts to explain. Many a well-meaning Christian has been called out or even condemned as a heretic over the proper way to explain the Trinity. Which is a good reason why I won’t attempt to define it, but will simply suggest that we understand the three natures of God- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as the Holy Other, existing together eternally. The term “Trinity” does not appear in Scripture. The doctrine took shape in the early Church as it began to discern, to witness, to understand God’s relationship to human beings, to you and to me. Today’s Old Testament text directs our attention to the creation story, the work of God, accomplished in the span of six days, as described by the author of Genesis. Sometimes, with the prospect of a long, cold winter ahead of us, I’ve wished we lived in a warmer, less harsh, climate. But, then a beautiful Christmas Eve snowfall blankets everything, as it did this year, and once again I am reminded of how much I enjoy each season in its turn, and how our lives crave a sense of order. Ed went out to run some errands Wednesday night. I received a text from him immediately that directed me outside to see a remarkable sight: against a blue and purple sky, was a circular fuchsia rainbow. Incredible. It left me in awe of a sky that is always changing, with colors in dynamic shades and combinations. God surprises us in new and fresh ways all the time. God’s wonders are new every morning and sure as the sunrise. In nearly 65 years, this was the first circular rainbow I had ever seen. It was awesome. All of nature has its genesis in the mind of God. And you and I can’t even raise a blade of grass without the mind of God to give it form and function and life. Did you notice as we read this text, that when God completes his work each day, God leans back and considers the results, and then pronounces it “good?” The day God created man and woman is declared “very good.” When I preached from this text last year on Trinity Sunday, there was a deep adversarial spirit throughout the country. Tremendous unrest and unspeakable violence raged through the land. Tempers rose in public, in private, and even around our dinner tables. I don’t know about you, but, I wondered many times how we could have fallen so far from what God had pronounced “good.” As the months wore on, the divisions became chasms, communication was strained to the breaking point. The longer the conflict went, the more hurtful the accusations, the more destructive the actions. A person who serves in a high public office was interviewed during the chaotic summer months. She wanted to encourage the American people to be hopeful. She is a woman of Christian faith who said that this world God created is still good, very good. That has not changed. God still creates. God still redeems. God still comforts and sustains. In her opinion, we would emerge from these troubled times, hopefully as better citizens, better caretakers of one another. The follow-up question came swiftly: where do we find this hope? I hope to never forget her answer: Hope is found where it always is, between faith and charity, or love. We recall this truth from the love chapter of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians:. “Faith, hope, love abide, these three. But the greatest of these is love.” So, with faith as our sure foundation, and acts of love our goal, how did we start to turn this around? The Rev. Stephen Bryant, of the Upper Room Ministries, offers this thought: “The call of Christ leads us to share in his life, his suffering, and his ministry, to do each day what he would do in our place. And he asks the questions we are all asking, “Where do we begin? What would Jesus do in our place?” Bryant recommended three practices:
And…it’s working! Look around at the changes we’ve made since March of last year. Note the changes we’ve made since the first Sunday of April this year. We are on our way. A year ago, we were watching our grandson, Tad, while his parents moved from Charlotte to Raleigh, NC. He was so easy to entertain. He would stand at our patio doors, inside or out, watching for the wildlife to show up. Rabbits, squirrels, birds, and an occasional blue-tailed lizard. For hours, it seemed, he would watch in anticipation, jumping and bouncing, and calling to them, obviously trying to establish some form of communication. Waving at them, hoping to coax them to come just a little closer. If we weren’t nearby, he would run and urge us to come quick so we could witness with him the wonder of God’s good creation. Pure delight. We have a lot to learn from children. Tad seemed to know instinctively where hope was. Right there between faith and love. And as a result, he delighted at the appearance of creatures unlike himself, who navigated the world unlike he does. Creatures who will never speak his language. But, with whom he shared his bread, the warm sun, the cool, dewey grass of the morning. This summer, Tad is learning new things about this good creation. He can ride a two-wheeler. He can read some words. He has much more mastery over his body and is learning that actions and attitudes have consequences. But one thing hasn’t changed: he can always go to Mommy or Daddy for help, for comfort, for solace, for love. One thing has not changed for us: we can always turn to God, whom Jesus called Father, for our needs as well. And, it is good. It is very good. *Affirmation of Faith The Apostles’ Creed Glory to God p. 35 *Gloria Patri Glory to God 581 Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer Presenting Our Tithes and Offerings Special Music *Blessing May God bless you this week, from morning’s waking til night’s folding. Bless your comings and goings, the spinning of your labor and lives. May the ones you meet, even those with whom you compete, be the better for it. God bless this week. God bless this journey. God bless your work and your leisure. Amen. William John Fitzgerald, A Contemporary Celtic Prayerbook, Chicago, IL, 1998. *Postlude Prelude
Welcome and Announcements Call to Worship Joel 1, 2 The Word of the Lord to the prophet: I will pour out my Holy Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your old shall dream dreams, and your young shall see visions. Prayer of the Day Christina Rosetti, 1830-1894 As the wind is your symbol, so forward our goings. As the dove, so launch us heavenward. As water, so purify our hearts. As a cloud, so abate our temptations. As dew, so revive our languor. As fire, purge out our dross. Amen. Hymn Breathe On Me, Breath of God Text: Edwin Hatch, 1878 Music: Robert Jackson, 1888 Breathe on me, breath of God; fill me with life anew, that I may love what thou dost love, and do what thou wouldst do. Breathe on me, breath of God, until my heart is pure, until with thee, I will one will, to do and to endure. Breathe on me, breath of God, so I shall never die, but live with thee the perfect life of thine eternity. Prayer of Confession Almighty God, you poured out your Spirit upon the gathered disciples, creating bold tongues, open ears, and a new community of faith. We confess that we hold back the force of your Spirit among us. We do not listen for your word of grace, speak the good news of your love, or live as a people made one in Christ. Have mercy on us, O God. Transform our timid lives by the power of your Spirit, and fill us with a flaming desire to be your faithful people, doing your will for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Response Take, O take me as I am. Summon out what I shall be. Set your seal upon my heart and live with me. Repeat. Assurance of Forgiveness The Lord separates us from our sins as far as the east is from the west. Know you are forgiven and freed to live in peace, to testify to the saving love of God through Jesus Christ, and are empowered by the indwelling Spirit. Amen. Recognition of Our Graduates Chau-tle’ Haught Master of Social Work, Marshall University Brennan Moore Cabell Midland High School Time With Our Young Disciples Reading from Scripture Acts 2:1-8, 11b-21 Morning Message It was a beautiful July day at Cooper’s Rock State Forest near Morgantown. The loud, fierce storm that had blown thru the night before had left the world a bright, fresh green. Wedding guests had assembled…as many as could be seated under the roof of the picnic shelter. The music had begun…there’s nothing more lovely to a West Virginian than the sound of stringed instruments against a backdrop of majestic mountains and sweet summer air. Nothing lovelier except the bride, my daughter. In antique white lace, an exquisite veil falling from the crown of her head, over her shoulders, gently blowing in the breeze. Prayers, promises, rings, and the moment for which all the little cousins waited…the kiss…and the wedding party made their way of out of the shelter to pose for a few quick pictures before joining the guests. Perfect. This was the second time I was officiating clergy and mother of the bride and I was feeling a great sense of relief. I was looking forward to the cake and champagne. And then we heard the groom’s father shout, “Dad!” And then the groom shout, “Papaw!” We all turned to see a woman in a green taffeta dress streak across the shelter, hurdling benches. She started slapping the head of an elderly man with the crowd rising to their feet, some running toward the commotion and others making room for help to move in, the gentle strains of guitar and violin drowned out by gasps of guests and cries of family members. And then we saw it…the plume of smoke…and it seemed to be coming from Papaw. On his way out of the picnic shelter, he had tripped on the stone floor and stumbled into the unity candle, catching his hair on fire! My sister, Amy, was the one smacking him on the head in an effort to put out the flame. She was successful and no permanent damage was done, though it gave us all a fright. Later, trying to elicit a smile from me, my husband observed that we had re-enacted the Pentecost event as described in the book of Acts. A crowd gathered from the four corners of the country, a service of worship, lots of conversation in all kinds of dialects, and flames dancing over the head of at least one person. I wasn’t amused and only stopped shaking sometime in the middle of the next week. Pentecost, Shavout, in Hebrew, is a Jewish festival held on the fiftieth day after Passover, to celebrate the spring fruits. Later, it was expanded to include the arrival of the Hebrew people from Egypt to Mt. Sinai, and the gift of Torah. At the time of the event described in the text, devout Jews were obligated to assemble each year in Jerusalem in celebration of both Passover and Shavout. In our text, we find Jesus’ disciples and other followers gathered in the upper room on that day. In addition to the obligation to assemble in Jerusalem for this festival, the disciples were following the explicit instructions given by Jesus to remain there until that time when they are baptized by the Holy Spirit and empowered to take the Good News of salvation to the ends of the earth. So on that day they were waiting. And suddenly from heaven came the noise and the wind and the fire, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them. Pilgrims from every nation were gathered in Jerusalem that day and they were drawn to the site of all this commotion, amazed, because they were hearing about God’s mighty acts of power each in their own language, in a way they could understand. What was this language? Was it the kind we speak, with subjects and predicates, verbs that can be conjugated, and participles threatening to dangle? Or was it the phenomenon of ecstatic language, glossalalia, described as a gift of the Holy Spirit? I can’t answer that. But one of my go-to scholarly sources, Dr. Bob Newman, offers this helpful information: “God’s Holy Spirit does not eliminate cultural differences from his modus operandi, but on the contrary, moves in and inhabits cultural differences, co-ops them, in this case different languages, so that these cultural differences become working instruments, tools valuable and necessary in order to make witness real and true. It is worth remembering that the Hebrew Torah insists one time that “you shall love your neighbor as yourself,” while there are many, perhaps innumerable, examples throughout the Hebrew canon which insist upon love for the alien, or the stranger whom you may encounter.” It is about the importance of language, a valuable and necessary tool, that can make witness real and true, that I want to lift up today. Here’s why: I recently sat with a session engaged in a pastoral search. We talked about what initially attracted them to the church and what might be said to a newcomer about what they find meaningful there. I saw a look of pain cross the face of one of the members. His grief and concern were evident as he shared his observation that there is a palpable sense of depression in the community, and in the wider world, but people aren’t turning to the church for help, for fellowship, guidance or support. This church member asked the question we should all ask: “Where do people find help, where do they find meaning for their lives? We find it in a relationship with Jesus Christ, but have we lost our ability to bear witness to Christ’s message in such a way as the family of faith expands?” As I drove away, I recalled a sermon I once heard given by Rev. Dr. James Forbes. Before he retired, Forbes was the Senior Minister of the famed Riverside Church in New York City. I have been blessed to hear him preach from that pulpit. His reputation is that of a strong progressive voice for the mainline Church and social justice issues in particular. Briefly, the sermon I remembered was titled “Are All the Children In?” Forbes grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina, one of eight children in a Christian home. When the family would gather around the table each night for supper, before anyone prayed over the meal or took even a bite of food, his mother would look around the table and ask, “Are all the children in?” And if someone was missing, they set about fixing a plate so that the one absent would have something to eat when he or she did arrive. He says this simple question has served as a guide to his life and ministry over the years, especially when working through areas of conflict. Many conflicts erupt in the church about who’s in and who’s out, who’s worthy to be a member, or an ordained officer. In particular, Forbes says, this little question was helpful in working through the issues of sexual orientation related to the church membership and ordained service. When he asked himself if inclusion would advance the kingdom, the answer was always yes. God made us for God’s self and calls all of us to the table. That was not an easy sell. Ever. But when he applied himself to listening, really listening to the various concerns, he heard the language of fear. Once the language was identified, he could work on that, and in time, through love and grace and lots of reassurance, folks would come around. He says, quite honestly, he could relate to their fears, because he had once had them, too. But, as scripture tells us, love casts out fear. Friends, I don’t have to tell you the church has changed. We simply can’t do church the way we did it fifty years ago, or even two years ago. But, our call is still them same: to be Christ’s witnesses to the ends of the earth. We Presbyterians do that thru works of justice, kindness and mercy. Here are a few ways we are being called into service today: In the Greensboro-Winston-Salem- area of North Carolina, Christian and Jewish congregations have joined efforts at sponsoring and supporting a number of Syrian families who have been cleared for residency in the US. This involves a lot of work. It is costly in time, resources and reputation. The American faith communities are heavily invested in helping the refugee community assimilate into American culture and to find a home of peace and security. Those who are involved in this effort report this as the most meaningful, even if socially risky, work they have ever undertaken. Through our gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing, Central Americans recently arriving at the US border by caravan are being provided emergency assistance of food, first aid, temporary shelter and legal assistance. Closer to home, Second Presbyterian Church of Huntington has intentionally partnered with the recovery community and have offered a warm welcome to those living in a nearby residential facility. Living in the village of Barboursville is a blessed reality for most residents. But, for some, having an adequate food supply is a challenge. Some have little opportunity to socialize and enjoy the benefit of conversation over a meal. To help meet those needs, the churches in Barboursville, including Kuhn Memorial, invite the whole community to fellowship meals on a regular basis. It will be our turn soon to be the hosts. Stay tuned for more on that. The Spring Valley church welcomes residents of their neighborhood into the church every Wednesday for food distribution. Highlawn Presbyterian has a heart for the children and families surrounding the church. Two years ago, they sent about thirty kids to Bluestone summer camp where each one of them was included and celebrated as a precious child of God. I’m sure they will repeat that practice when Bluestone is fully operational again. These are just a few examples of how some congregations are engaged in their communities. Each of them has experienced change in their circumstances. The reality is that as churches decline in membership and resources, human need rises. Interpret that as more opportunity to speak the language of love and belonging to our hurting world, more opportunities to ask if we are doing everything we can to widen the family circle and draw more children of all ages and circumstances in. That language can start at home. Or at a wedding. I share this because so many are dealing with the challenges of dementia and Alzheimer’s. You see, some would say that the accident with the unity candle wouldn’t have happened if Papaw had not attended the wedding in the first place. His health was declining. He had cognitive issues. There was anxiety over whether or not he should attend. Some of you have been there and understand the challenges. But, love conquers fear. The bride and groom and other family members expressed their deep desire to include this man that had been central to their lives, guiding and shaping their character and their faith. But there would have been no judgment should Grandmother have decided the best course would be to stay at home in Kentucky. But, the family’s support gave her courage and strength to bring her husband and be there on that special day. As we are welcomed to the Lord’s Table this day, we look forward to the day when we are gathered at the marriage feast of the Lamb. I can envision that glorious moment when Christ Jesus, our Savior, our brother, and our friend, will look around the vast table and declare with joy that “All the children are in.” Affirmation of Faith The Apostles’ Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell. The third day, he rose from the dead, he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. Sacrament of Communion Invitation, Words of Institution, Great Prayer of Thansksgiving, Distribution of the Elements Prayer After Communion Gracious God, may we, who have received this sacrament, live in the unity of your Holy Spirit, that we may show forth your gifts to all the world, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. *Blessing Women: Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us. Men: Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us. Leader: Melt us, mold us, fill us, use us. All: Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us. *Postlude Announcements Today is Pentecost, the day we celebrate God’s gift of the Holy Spirit to the Christian Church. We will celebrate the Sacrament of Communion today. The elements are contained in sanitary sealed packages. At the appointed time, please come forward, take the elements from the tray, and return to your pew. We will serve those who prefer to remain seated. When all have been served, we will take the bread and juice together. Tithes and offerings may be left in the offering plates at the front of the sanctuary. Your contributions are appreciated. Thank you to the congregation for observing the health and safety protocol related to Covid 19 for over a year. The session and Covid Task Force are in agreement that vaccinated people may now attend worship without wearing masks. This decision follows the guidance of public health professionals and institutions. Please be aware: 1) masks may still be required in some settings 2) individuals may choose or be advised to wear masks due to vulnerable health conditions For more information, contact your health care provider or go to cdc.gov. Prelude
Welcome and Announcements *Call to Worship If we receive human testimony, the testimony of God is greater. Those who believe in the Son of God have testimony in their hearts. This is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life. We gather knowing that we have eternal life. Let us worship together this Lord of life. Prayer of the Day Almighty God, your blessed Son before his passion prayed for his disciples that they might be one, as you and he are one. Grant that your church, being bound together in love and obedience to you, may be united in one body by the one Spirit, that the world may believe in him whom you have sent, your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Hymn Crown Him With Many Crowns Text: Matthew Bridges, 1851 Music: George Job Elvey, 1868 Crown him with many crowns, the Lamb upon his throne; hark, how the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own! Awake, my soul, and sing, of him who died for thee, and hail him as thy matchless King through all eternity. Crown him the Lord of love, behold, his hands and side, rich wounds, yet visible above, in beauty glorified; no angel in the sky can fully bear that sight, but downward bends his burning eye at mysteries so bright. Prayer of Confession Eternal God, in whom we live and move and have our being, whose face is hidden from us by our own sins, and whose mercy we forget in the blindness of our hearts: Cleanse us from all offenses, and deliver us from proud thoughts and vain desires, that with humble hearts we may draw near to you, confessing our faults, confiding in your grace, and finding refuge and strength, through Jesus Christ your Son. Amen. Assurance of Pardon Hear the good news! Who is in a condition to condemn? Only Christ, And Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us. Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. The old life is gone and a new life is begun. Know you are forgiven and be at peace. Amen. Time for Young Disciples Prayer of Illumination Reading from Scripture John 17:6-19 The Morning Message This exquisite passage has been affectionately called “the other Lord’s Prayer.” Sometimes it is called “Jesus’ high priestly prayer.” Words describing it fail us. The setting is the upper room, where so much has happened that night…a Passover meal, the institution of the Lord’s Supper, the washing of feet, a betrayal. Still in Jesus’ presence, the disciples remain attentive to his words. But now, the words are not directed to them. Here, Jesus is praying for them. Jesus is praying for that time when they would carry on his ministry, but without his earthly company. Commentators say this is the most detailed prayer of Jesus in all the gospels. In the fifth century, CE, the Bishop of Alexandria, whose name was Clement, said that in this prayer Jesus was fulfilling his role as a high priest for his people. This is the origin of the term, “high priestly prayer.” In the Old Testament, there were three holy offices: Prophet, Priest, and King. No one assumed these offices on their own. Only those called by God and anointed by the Holy Spirit entered into these offices. As we look back over the entirety of Jesus’ life, we can see how he came to fulfill these holy orders. At his birth, Jesus is referred to as the infant king. You recall that Herod decreed that all baby boys two years of age and younger were to be put to death because Jesus’ birth was interpreted as a threat to Herod’s rule and reign. Throughout his ministry, from the time he read scripture in the Temple, to his trek down to the seashore, in visiting the crowded cities, and dining at the homes of his friends, Jesus was prophet. Remember, when we come across the term “prophet” in scripture, we may substitute the word “preacher.” Jesus preached, or prophesied, wherever he went. But, here, in these last few moments with his disciples, in the upper room, their gathering place, it is Jesus, the High Priest, speaking. The work of the priest was to mediate between human beings and God. People would bring their sacrifices to the temple and the priest would present them to God. There were thank offerings that were burned. There were memorial offerings that were waved. And then, there were the sin offerings that were sacrificed. As the people brought their offerings forward, the priest would take the animal, present it to the Lord, sacrifice it, throw some of the blood on the curtain in front of the Holy of Holies, and then throw some of the blood on the sinner. As he performed this rite, the priest would say, “The Lord has forgiven you all your sins.” The High Priest did not mediate for a specific man, woman, or family. The High Priest mediated for the whole nation of Israel collectively. The High Priest carried out one special offering to the Lord. Every year, on the Day of Atonement, the High Priest would enter alone into the Temple. No one else was permitted to enter. He would take one animal, a lamb, into the temple, on behalf of the whole nation, and sacrifice it at the altar. He would then take the blood of that one lamb behind the curtain, into the Holy of Holies, and pour it out onto the Ark of the Covenant, where God himself was believed to dwell. The High Priest would atone for the sins of whole nation by one sacrifice, “once for all.” We can see how Jesus is, for us, the Great High Priest. He mediates between us and God. He offers himself, the Lamb of God, to take away the sins of the world. In this prayer, Jesus gives us a glimpse into the warmth and depth of the relationship between himself and God. He prays for his friends. He prays for us in our generation. This passage is exclusively prayer. There are no instructions, no charges, no challenges. Jesus is asking God to bless his friends with the kind of relationship he has with God, whom he calls Father. He asks that God bring his friends together as one, as he and God, Father and Son, are one. He pleads for unity among them. He expresses his deep desire that they love one another as he has loved them. How very important these things will be to the fledgling church. To be united in purpose and love would strengthen and empower the believers in the strife-filled years to come. The love of Christ will compel his followers to mighty heroic acts, breaking the chains of oppression and bringing relief to those who suffer. They would advance the kingdom, in size and in spirit, and bear it to generations yet unborn. I’d like to spend a few moments reflecting on the impact of unity. In the last year, we have witnessed what can be accomplished when unity is valued and applied to a challenge. By following a reasonable protocol, we did our part to reduce the damage of a deadly virus. It wasn’t a perfect performance. The challenges came swiftly and with gravid cruelty. There was a psycho-social ingredient added to the mix, and we could explore that, but I think it’s been analyzed to death at this point. In spite of ourselves, and forces beyond our control, we have achieved a sense of unity. We have seen the real benefits from its use. I’ve witnessed some other significant demonstrations of unity. A few days ago a crack was discovered in the Hernando de Soto Bridge that spans the Mississippi River between Arkansas and Tennessee. The discovery called for an immediate closing of the bridge. An inspector actually called 9-1-1 to report the emergency and seek help stopping traffic. But that wasn’t the only concern. The traffic passing under the bridge, the boats and barges, would have to be re-directed, too. Think about that a moment. Picture yourself trying to cross that bridge. Maybe its rush hour and you are anxious to get home, pick up your kids, let the dog out. And you are not alone. Hundreds of others have urgent reason to get to the other side. Those on the river have products to move, deadlines to meet. We can almost feel the adrenalin pumping. With a single goal, a unified purpose, that community prevented a tragedy. The repairs will take awhile and will be inconvenient. But I predict there will be a great unified celebration, with the governors of both states in attendance, and high school bands marching from one side of the bridge to the other on the day it re-opens to traffic. Sadly, we can point to incidents when the power of unity is mis-used. People can be compelled to unite around destructive ideas. They can be emboldened to perform heinous acts. Jesus recognizes this and asks God to protect his friends from the evil one. We don’t talk much about evil, but we are all aware of its power in the world. The theological term for this is theodicy, or the study of evil. One of the best books I have ever read on this subject is M. Scott Peck’s, People of the Lie. It is probably out of print, but it is not out of relevance. The antidote to Covid is a vaccine. Being vaccinated is a process. I’ve been through it and survived. First, you have to qualify by age or condition or occupation. Get your name on a list. Show up when its your turn. Roll up your sleeve. Feel a tiny pinch. Wait fifteen minutes, then off you go. Hopefully, you will not suffer side effects. The antidote to evil is love. No qualifying, no waiting, no pain, no side-effects. For God is love. And, as you’ve heard before, those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. Affirmation of Faith The Apostles’ Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen. Ascription of Praise Gloria Patri Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. World without end. Amen. Amen. Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer Presenting Our Gifts of Tithes and Offering Hymn Crown him the Lord of peace, whose power a scepter sways, from pole to pole, that wars may cease, absorbed in prayer and praise. His reign shall know no end; and round his pierced feet fair flowers of paradise extend their fragrance ever sweet. Crown him the Lord of years, the potentate of time; creator of the rolling spheres, ineffably sublime. All hail, Redeemer, hail! For thou hast died for me; Thy praise shall never, never fail throughout eternity. *Blessing Go out into the blessing of a new week. As Christ prays for you, pray for one another. As Christ forgives you, forgive one another. As Christ loves you, love one another. And may the grace of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit go with you today and always. Amen. *Postlude Announcements The session meets today after worship. You may place your tithes and offerings in the plates provided on the Communion table. We are refraining from passing the plates through the congregation per health and safety guidelines. Elder of the Month- John Thomas Birthdays and Anniversaries Prelude
Welcome and Announcements Call to Worship John 14:15 If you love me, says the Lord, Then you will keep my commandments. Prayer of the Day Eternal God, our Creator, As you sent your Son, Jesus, to live in a human family, you set us to live in families. On this Mother’s Day, we commend to your care all the homes where your people live. Make them places of peace and welcome. May they acknowledge you as Lord of heart and home, the unseen guest at every meal. May all who dwell within know the gifts of faith, kindness, compassion, generosity, humor, and forgiveness. Give to mothers and fathers and the families in their care a sense of spiritual purpose that they may know the blessing of joy in your service. Let children and parents be knit together in enduring affection, with life-long love and respect. Light the fire of kindliness among us all, that we may show the beauty of your love within our homes and beyond our doors. Amen. Hymn Though I May Speak Text: Hal Hopson, 1972 Music: English folk melody Though I may speak with bravest fire, and have the gift, to all inspire, and have not love, my words are in vain, as sounding brass and hopeless gain. Though I may give all possess, and striving so, my love profess, but not be given by love within, the profit soon turns strangely thin. Come, Sprit, come, our hearts control; our spirits long to be made whole. Let inward love guide every deed, by this we worship and are freed. Prayer of Confession Gracious God, we confess we have sinned in thought, word, and deed. We have not loved as you command. We have clung to our own desires, failed to observe your commands, and neglected to walk in your ways. Forgive us, we pray, and renew a right spirit within us, that we may be find joy in obedience and peace by your grace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Response Take, O take me as I am; summon out what I shall be. Set your seal upon my heart and live in me. Repeat. Assurance of Pardon Hear these comforting words: By the sacrifice of Christ our Savior, God separates us from our sins as far as the east is from the west. Believe the good news of the gospel. Our sins are forgiven. Be at peace. Alleluia! Amen. Time for Young Believers Prayer of Illumination Scripture Reading John 15:9-17 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit-fruit that will last-and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other. The Morning Message Today, being Mothers Day, is all about love. To show our love, we may give Mom, or someone who has been like a mom to us, a beautiful bouquet, or maybe we send her a card expressing our love and appreciation. Maybe we’ve been on the receiving end of the giving. I have a dresser drawer full of cards I’ve received over the years. The dresser doesn’t hold all of them anymore so now there’s a stack in my closet. I bet you have a colletcion, too. Sweet and serious, funny, wacky. Some of them handmade. All expressions of family life. Let’s hold that image in our minds for awhile this morning and turn it just a little. Let’s say we’re all on the receiving end of gifts and cards today. We can feel the love all around us. For the next few moments, I’d like for you to think about giving something back to your family. A card or a letter. Maybe a message via smartphone. On this day that we celebrate families, especially honoring mothers, what is it that must be said? What is love’s most important message? If you think that’s too tall an order, we can look to our scripture text today. You’ll remember that in last week’s gospel lesson, Jesus began what scholars call the Final Discourse. After the resurrection, Jesus appeared to his friends on several occasions. But, he will not stay. He must, as he says, “Ascend to his Father.” So Jesus prepares them for his departure. In last week’s message, we heard Jesus explain his relationship to God and his relationship to his followers. We are to understand that we are included as his followers. The image Jesus uses is three-fold: gardener, vine, and branches. He identifies the gardener as God, the creator, and the one who tends to the vine: shaping, caring, pruning, when necessary, in order to produce the best fruit. In one of the “I am” sayings of Jesus, for which John’s gospel is famous, he calls himself “the vine.” He calls his believers “the branches.” Jesus paints a beautiful image, doesn’t he? What do you notice? I picture the scene in the morning, the dew still so fresh I can feel it as I walk though a lush, fertile vineyard. I see a long-standing arbor, weather-worn, bearing the weight of vines, all glossy brown, intent on twisting and turning, but carefully trained across the arbor’s frame. I see the slim new shoots of branches, their leaves with faces turned up to the warm sun. I don’t see the gardener, or vintner, but the signs of his work are evident. Gardener, vine, and branches. According to Jesus, the whole relationship originates with God- the energy, the mind behind the whole creation. It extends to Jesus, God’s Son, then to us. But the story does not stop there. It continues, because these relationships exist for a purpose. Jesus speaks of that purpose: He speaks of the branches “bearing fruit.” This is a metaphor that people familiar with the Old Testament would recognize. When vineyard imagery is used in the Hebrew text it refers to the faithfulness of the Jewish community. Jesus uses it in a new way. “Bearing fruit” emerges here as a way to speak about the works of love that are required of Jesus’ believers. We will hear it again in the letters of Paul. We will hear about “fruit of the Spirit” in a few weeks at Pentecost. To bear fruit is the believer’s purpose. In this text Jesus is summarizing the most important message he wants to leave with his friends. He reminds them of the command to love one another as he has loved them. On the last night in the upper room, he demonstrated his love in a dramatic way. He washed the disciples’ feet and told them to wash one another’s feet. He says, “I give you a new command: love one another.” Jesus says when we love like he loves, this deep, comprehensive love, that originates in God, flows through himself, and makes its way to faithful disciples, his joy will be complete. Bible scholars say that verse 13 is the most explicit statement in the Gospel of what it means to love as Jesus loves: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Jesus’ death is the ultimate demonstration of his love. So, what we have here, these verses of John chapter 15, is the love letter of Jesus, at the end of his life, to his friends and to us. Let’s sit with that a moment. How can we describe such a love? Have we ever witnessed such a love? Is it even possible this side of heaven? Our next-door neighbors have two grandchildren. Their daughter is a full-time nurse and they have always provided child care for the little ones. One day when their grandson was still a toddler, he tobbled over to his grandmother and held up his sippee cup, which, in toddler language is the sign for “more.” She refilled the cup and when she turned to hand it to him, she found him passed out on the floor, still as a stone. Eyes closed. Limp. She couldn’t rouse him. You can just imagine the terror of that moment. She immediately called for help. Minutes later her husband arrived from work. He beat the ambulance to the house. Baby was revived. It appeared he had suffered a seizure, cause unknown, and was bundled off to the hospital, sirens screaming. As soon as I could, I headed that way, too. My pastor’s badge got me into the ER and right back to the exam room. The scene took my breath away. This little boy, so tiny and pale in that stark white bed, clutching his security blanket, safe in the embrace of his mother, who was in the sure embrace of her mother. On the end of the bed sat grandfather. He turned toward me as I entered the room. His expression said it all: he would die for that little boy. I hope they never again experience such a scare. But I do hope they will hold the impact of it in their hearts forever. I hope they will recall it with their grandson as he matures. I hope they will describe it as the moment they experienced love’s true power and love’s true cost. Love’s true joy. That little toddler is now a healthy long-legged ten-year-old. He loves to ride his bike and shoot baskets in his down time. He likes Mexican food. He teases his little sister when his parents aren’t looking. His teacher says he’s one of the best readers in his class. As it is for all parents, taking good care of him is a full-time job. But, who would want it any other way? It is a labor of love. Love that bears rich fruit. I have witnessed your love in the year I have been your pastor. Many of you live in family settings, with more than one generation around your table. Many of you are living with the memory of family around the table. You know the full measure of love. You have lived out stories that are not mine to tell, but, I urge you to share them. Tell your family today what love’s most important lessons are. Better yet, write them down. It will be a gift for you as well. *Affirmation of Faith The Apostles’ Creed I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. Amen. *Ascription of Praise Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. World without end. Amen. Amen. Joys and Concerns of the Church Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer Presenting Our Tithes and Offerings *Blessing *Postlude Announcements Happy Mothers Day! We pray God’s blessing on our mothers and all who have been like mothers to us. May you be in touch with your loved ones today and supported by their prayers and ours. The session will meet next Sunday, May 16. You may place tithes and offerings in the plates provided on the Communion table. We are refraining from passing them through the congregation per health and safety guidelines. Elder of the Month for May: John Thomas Birthdays: May 2 Donna Thomas 5 Elizabeth Dilley 6 Leslee Cassidy 12 Carson Wilson 13 Renee Lemley 16 Doug Frost Kim Stooke 29 MacKenzie Cassidy Dante Angelo Roma 31 Shannon Bates Anniversaries: May 2 Jeremy and Mary Ellen Winters 22 Matt and Robin McComas |
PastorCinda Harkless Archives
June 2021
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