ORDER OF SERVICE FOR SUNDAY, APRIL 30, 2023
FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER / GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY
Due to copyright limitations, we are unable to print the words to many of the songs. However, our musicians have chosen music to fit the scriptures. We invite you to look up the words in your worship book and ponder them. If you do not have a worship book, ponder the words to one of your favourite hymns and listen for God’s voice. Those who have internet may find the songs on YouTube.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
In most churches, when they have images of the good shepherd, they show Jesus carrying a nice fluffy lamb. Now fluffy little lambs don’t stray from their mommies. The sheep that will stray is the most obstreperous, troublesome one.
~Desmond Tutu
BEFORE WE WORSHIP, WE REFLECT…
Jesus said, “I am the gate.” The theological significance of “I am” is profound in John’s gospel. It highlights the significance of God’s name as revealed to Moses. What does Jesus mean when he says “I am the gate,” or even “I am the way, and the truth, and the life”? Unfortunately, these statements of Jesus have been weaponized at times against those who do not confess the name of Jesus. However, there is a wideness in God’s mercy, which embraces the whole of creation in love. Diversity and plurality are God’s gifts of grace for the world. No one can claim privilege or higher status in the name of Jesus. Neither can anyone deny another their right to human dignity and worth, because the equalizing fact is that we are all created in the image of God!
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We acknowledge we gather and worship on Treaty 1 Territory, the original lands of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation.
Help us to use our gifts, our knowledge, our skills, our positions in society, and our strength in Christ, as a community of faith, to support our indigenous neighbours. Give us humility and the wisdom to know when and how to follow their lead in seeking solutions, and in making positive changes. Open our hearts, our minds, and our spirits to new possibilities when the steps our Indigenous leaders and neighbours wish to take may be uncomfortable or unfamiliar.
We pray for our Indigenous neighbours. We ask that you will help us to let our Indigenous neighbours know that we honour them, we want to live together with them in harmony, and we share their hope for a blessed future together, for growth in mutual understanding and respect, for healing, for justice, and for reconciliation. We pray for all our relations. Amen.
CALL TO WORSHIP ~ By Nancy C. Townley
Though the way seems long and the road rough,
Yet will we trust the One who leads us.
Though the direction is unknown and we don’t know the outcome
Yet will we place our lives in Christ’s loving care.
It is Christ who brings us out to green pastures and restores our souls.
It is Christ who gives us hope and peace. Praise be to Christ our Lord. Amen.
CHILDREN’S SONG: I Just Wanna Be A Sheep
CENTERING PRAYER
We are standing at the gate, O loving Shepherd, not sure about the journey. But you have called our names, and in your voice we hear such love and surety. Bring us safely on the journey and strengthen us that we may serve you in all that we do. Amen.
MINUTE FOR MISSION: The Incredible Difference Your Gifts Make: Bill’s Story
None of us can go a single day without having an impact on someone’s life. And we can’t always predict how what we do to help change a life might wind up changing ours, too.
Take Bill Darnell. Bill’s love affair with nature began at camp, but it didn’t end there. Far from it. Bill’s childhood experience of camp wound up inspiring one of the world’s most influential environmental movements.
“Camping had a big effect on me. I grew up in suburbia and didn’t have much access to the natural world. Camping was an opportunity to go out and be in nature. It was amazing. Being at camp solidified my strong connection with the natural world,” he says.
Bill’s early camp experience instilled such a love of nature that when he became an adult, he became an environmental activist. “When I was 25 years old, not far removed from my years in camp, I saw that they were testing nuclear weapons. That was so obviously wrong that I felt I had to do something to stop it,” he says.
So Bill and a small group of friends anxiously climbed on board an 85-foot fishing boat later dubbed Greenpeace. Together, they set sale for Alaska to stop the testing of a nuclear bomb. Greenpeace as a movement was born.
Bill’s story proves that camping experiences in childhood can lead to a lifelong commitment to care for God’s creation.
As scientists and activists sound the alarm around climate change and experts report that not spending enough time outside is having an impact on our children’s health and well-being, outdoor ministry has never been more crucial. It’s just one of the many reasons why Mission & Service really matters.
Your Mission & Service gifts support over two dozen United Church-run camps across the country. Every year, your generosity gives thousands of children an opportunity to go to camp. There, they learn life skills, meet other campers, explore faith, and spend time outside.
Like Bill, some young people may leave camp so impressed by the natural environment that they get on board a movement to take care of it. “Camping made an incredible difference in my life. I know it will make an incredible difference to young people across Canada. I give thanks to those who support it,” Bill says.
CHILDREN’S CHAT
How weird would it be if I introduced myself to someone and they replied, “Hi! I am the gate.” So, does that mean their name is “gate”, or is that their position in their job, or are they just playing with my head?!
Jesus says that he is the gate for the sheep. In case you didn’t figure it out already, we are the sheep. What Jesus is saying is that he is our shepherd. In other words, he leads us and looks after us out of love. He watches over us. This doesn’t mean that bad things will never happen to us, because we have all been given the freedom to make our own choices. What Jesus does mean when he calls himself the gate is that even if bad things do happen, Jesus is there to give us strength and comfort through the people around us. Not only that, Jesus welcomes everybody into the hug of love that Jesus gives. Think of how wonderful that would feel if you thought no one cared about you, and then Jesus put someone into your life to give you a hug and let you know that you are loved! Beautiful!
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Almighty God, by your Holy Spirit, illumine the sacred page, we pray, that our minds may be open to receive your Word, our hearts taught to love it, and our wills strengthened to obey it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
READINGS AND PSALM
First Reading: Acts 2:42-47
Today’s reading is a description of life in the community following Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost, when the Spirit was poured out on God’s people. The new community is sustained in worship and fellowship, shares what they have, and ensures that everyone has enough.
42 devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
43Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. 44All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, 47praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
Psalm 23
1The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want.
2The Lord makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters.
3You restore my soul, O Lord, and guide me along right pathways for your name’s sake.
4Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil;
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil, and my cup is running over.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Second Reading: 1 Peter 2:19-25
Doing the right things does not guarantee that one will not experience difficulties, hardships, rejection, or even suffering. Here Christ is presented as the model for our path of endurance and loyalty to God, particularly amid adversity.
19It is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly. 20If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God’s approval. 21For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps.
22“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
23When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. 24He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 25For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.
Gospel: John 10:1-10
Jesus uses an image familiar to the people of his day to make a point about spiritual leadership. Those who listen to Jesus are led to abundant life.
1“Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. 2The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
7So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. 9I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. 10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
HYMN: MV 126 Are You A Shepherd?
SERMON
Seems simple enough. Jesus is the gate/shepherd and we are the sheep. What I want to know is…is being a sheep a compliment? What do you know about sheep? What sayings about sheep have you heard in your life? If they are the same as mine, being considered a sheep is not a compliment.
This gospel situation is taking place in Palestine, over 2,000 years ago. Sheep were a big deal then. Certain breeds were favoured over others for their larger fat content. Things are looking up for me being a sheep!
In all seriousness, sheep were a big deal in the middle east in antiquity because sheep could find grass to graze in the most unlikely places. They were bred for their meat, wool and milk. Fertile land was used for grain farming. The rough terrain with its spotty growths of grasses were used for grazing. The beauty of sheep was that they did not need the best pasture in order to fill their bellies. They were a secure source of income, woolen goods and cheese.
Being a conscientious pastor, I researched as much as I could about sheep and shepherding. The more I read, the more I understood why Jesus used the analogy of himself as the gate/shepherd and we humans as the sheep. Here are some facts about sheep. See if you recognize yourself – or your neighbour – in any of them:
Sheep are social animals, so try and prevent seclusion.
Sheep by nature are followers; let them follow and don’t drive them as you would cattle.
Sheep are docile animals by nature.
Sheep have good memories; these memories need to be positive ones as much as possible. Sheep react to their surroundings, this includes the working environment and facilities
Sheep like routine, so be patient when introducing something new.
Sheep reactions are predictable, so use them.
Sheep react negatively to loud noises and yelling.
Sheep will bunch up in corners to protect themselves.
When moving, gathering or sorting sheep, the more efficient the operation the better; wool grabbing and rough handling will cause bruising.
Sheep tend to move in the opposite direction of the handler.
Sheep have a flight zone, determine what this is for your flock.
Sheep move best when not afraid, so work slowly and calmly.
Sheep do not like to move into the darkness
Sheep move better on a flat surface or uphill.
Sheep resist moving from one type of surface to another.
Sheep have no depth perception, so shadows, dark surfaces and water are an issue.
Sheep fear new visual objects.
Sheep and other farm animals have a well-developed sense of hearing. They capture a wider frequency of sound than is audible to our ears. Thus, it is important while feeding and caring for the animals that you talk to them in a calm, reassuring voice. When they sense that you mean no harm, they will turn to their usual business of eating, drinking and feeding their young.
Something else I learned from all my research…that whole “my sheep know my voice” statement is true with sheep. AND, do you know WHY that is? It is because the shepherd uses food as a motivator/reward so that the sheep associate the shepherd with the positive element of food. To get the flock moving, a shepherd will often shake a can of grain to motivate the motion. However, the shepherd must eventually feed the flock, or those smart sheep stop following. Over time, it is possible to create a bond that does not require food. Such a bond takes a LOT of patience.
Now, think of all the times where Jesus uses food to connect with his disciples and others. Think of the feeding of the thousands and then remember they followed Jesus around the lake because they wanted more food!
At the wedding at Cana; Jesus saves the day by creating the best wine ever!
Jesus was called a glutton and a drunkard. There had to be a reason why.
Jesus was criticized for eating with and dipping his fingers in the same water bowl as tax collectors and prostitutes. Apparently, Jesus didn’t care what others thought because he continued to eat with said people. Do we know what conversations Jesus had with these folks? Not a clue. What was said is not important. What is important was that the shepherd saw some of his flock isolated from the fold, saw their pain, anxiety and discomfort and through food and his presence embraced them in love and included them in his flock.
Sheep are social creatures. WE are social creatures. Enter in the co-vid 19 virus and suddenly we better understood how much like sheep we really are! While we watched videos of worship services online, read our own worship services and my sermons on the church website, turned on the radio and sang with a Christian program; we all knew that deep down, we were all hurting and feeling isolated. maybe feeling a bit panicky because we are social creatures, we are Christians who are used to worshiping together, sharing a pew, communing together, giving each other hugs, experiencing the presence of Christ in a very real way together and the self-isolation away from our flock was wearing us down in body, mind and soul! Indeed, Jesus, we are sheep. We are YOUR sheep. We need light and we need a gate and a place to feel safe. We need to hear your voice, Jesus. That calm, quiet, soothing voice that reminds us that even though we may be by ourselves, we are not alone.
Jesus is the shepherd who feeds us and leads us through the gate into a place of unconditional love. Unconditional love gives strength to the body, mind and soul. Unconditional love reminds us that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Unconditional love holds on to hope and dares to dream. Unconditional love prays without ceasing, sings without music, dances without a drummer and invites others into the fold.
Yes, we are sheep. We are Jesus’ sheep. We are loved, cared for, led to green pastures, clear water and community. With the calm, gentle voice of Christ, we will continue to look for each other. We are social creatures. We are a flock. We stick together and place our trust in the shepherd. Amen.
HYMN OF THE MONTH: MV 162 Christ, Within Us Hidden
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
United in the hope and joy of the resurrection, let us pray for the church, the world, and all in need.
You are the shepherd who gathers us in your mighty and loving arms. Help your church to listen for your voice, especially when the voices of sin, idolatry, and oppression threaten to overpower us. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
The green pastures, still waters, and dark valleys of this earth all belong to you, O Lord. Sustain your creation with a love that is both mighty and just. Where there is destruction, bring healing. Where there is desolation, bring abundance. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
You proclaim shepherding love, comfort, and protection for all people and all of creation. Direct leaders in our own time to learn from your example and instruction. Give them servant hearts, that they generously seek the good of all. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
You journey with us wherever our paths may lead. We pray for those feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or depression or suffering in any way. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
You are the sheep gate that gives safety to your beloved flocks. Provide protection for refugees, victims of domestic violence, those who are imprisoned, and all people who are vulnerable to violence and mistreatment. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
You call your sheep by name and lead them through the valley of death. We give you thanks for those who have died and now dwell in your house forever. Be with those who mourn, and give them hope in the promise of resurrection. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Rejoicing in the victory of Christ’s resurrection, we lift our prayers and praise to you, almighty and eternal God; through Jesus Christ, our risen Lord.
Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
SENDING SONG: VU 273 The King Of Love My Shepherd Is
BENEDICTION
Come through the gate of joy and hope, moving into the world that needs to hear the words of peace. Go in peace to all God’s people, bringing good news of Christ’s abundant love for them. Amen.