MORRIS-ROSENFELD ECUMENICAL SHARED MINISTRY

ORDER OF SERVICE FOR SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2025

THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

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 of one of your favourite hymns and listen for God’s voice. Those who have the internet may find the songs on YouTube.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

The first ministers were the twelve disciples. There is no evidence that Jesus chose them because they are brighter or nicer than other people. Their sole qualification seems to have been their initial willingness to rise to their feet when Jesus said, “Follow me.”

~Frederick Buechner

Before we worship, we reflect…

Playgrounds still resound with “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” But those words ring hollow. As adults, and as children, we know only too well the power of words to do harm. In contrast, the scriptures for today point us to the word that bears hope, promise, and life. Human words can hurt or fail, but now we hear this holy word of wisdom, challenge, instruction, and hope that really does form us in God’s promise. Rather than words that tear down, we are invited by the prophets and Jesus into God’s living words with and among friends. Jesus, in coming home and attending the synagogue, reads from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. Jesus announces good news to those struggling economically on the fringes of society, hope to those who are imprisoned, healing to those without sight, a lifting of the burden from those who are weighed down or oppressed, and even the in-breaking of a holy year of favor. Standing in a tradition of prophets and priests who speak, engage, and teach God’s word, Jesus now offers one thing more—fulfillment. The words of those who dream and hope, who work for justice and mercy on behalf of God, are now true. Today as we look around and see people spending time speaking, reading, and even playing games with words, this is an opportunity to ground ourselves in the one full Word that bears life. This word counters sticks and stones and all that oppresses; Jesus’ address announces God’s liberating actions. This Word sounds promise to all who hear; it is an invitation to see God at work among God’s people.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT & PRAYER

We acknowledge we gather and worship on Treaty 1 Territory, the original lands of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and on the homeland of the Red River Métis Nation.

Source of all life, you have created all lands and all peoples.  You have given abundantly, yet we have not been so generous to our sisters and brothers who share this earth.  We have been harsh to the earth itself, and suffer the consequences of our choices, our need for more.  Great Spirit, fill our hearts with the contentment of being alive, having enough, while celebrating friends and family.  Teach us to be kind to the earth, and all the lives it supports.  Teach us to be a people of generosity and peace.  Amen.

CALL TO WORSHIP 

We have come to worship God, the living God,

Who calls prophets and teachers to bear witness.

We have come to praise God, the almighty God,

Who answers the forces of hatred and hurt with the power of grace.

We have come to worship God, all-gracious God,

Who chooses even you and me, to receive and carry the Word of life and hope.  All glory to God!

Adapted from a post on the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways Archive. http://www.ucc.org/ 

GATHERING SONG:  With One Voice  549  I Want to Walk As A Child Of The Light

CENTERING PRAYER

Blessed Lord God, you have caused the holy scriptures to be written for the nourishment of your people. Grant that we may hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that, comforted by your promises, we may embrace and forever hold fast to the hope of eternal life, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

MISSION AND SERVICE: 

A Network of Hope:  London Community Chaplaincy provides a welcoming and safe social setting for adults to connect and grow as parents.

Becoming a parent or guardian is a life-changing, complex experience that doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. As kids, we looked to adults for guidance as we navigated the world with fresh eyes. Now, as adults, we recognize that we’re still figuring things out as we go, and there’s always an opportunity to grow our skills and minds.

In London, Ontario, Mission and Service partners with the London Community Chaplaincy as they respond to parents and guardians who want to build a network of support, share the parenting journey, and develop new skills as they navigate raising children in a low-income setting. Together, these parents are working hard to build a positive future for their children and families.

Each week, London Community Chaplaincy provides a welcoming and safe social setting for adults to connect and grow as parents. Not only do they learn how to guide a child through critical stages of development, but also how to navigate being a parent or guardian while also managing financial stress, food insecurity, housing complications, and more. Gathering with other adults in a similar situation allows participants to share their struggles and triumphs, further building a sense of community.

Your gifts to Mission and Service support partnerships like the London Community Chaplaincy as they help empower parents along the parenting journey. Thank you.

CHILDREN’S CHAT

When I was growing up, my sisters and I were raised by our parents to do as we were told and be polite and respectful to everyone.  All good teachings!

Did I always do as I was told by my parents?  Nope.  Did I know what the consequences of my choice would be if I disobeyed?  Yep!  Did I do what I wanted to do anyway?  Often.  Truthfully, as a child, I hoped I could get away with it!  Not!

When it came to being polite and respectful to others, I almost always was.  I love people, so it was easy for me to be polite and respectful.  The hard part was when others, including adults, were not polite and respectful to me.  Still, my parents stressed that I was to remain polite and respectful, as Jesus wanted me to be.

Today we read a Bible story where God’s people return to their homeland after a war.  The enemy took them away to another land during the war.  God had warned God’s people that if they did not follow God’s rules and look after one another, worship God regularly, be generous to others and kind, well, they would be taken as prisoners to another land as a consequence of disrespecting their relationship with God.  They knew their choice and consequence and chose to turn their backs on God.

The beautiful teaching of this story is that once back in their own country, the Israelites listened to a priest, who was also a scribe, named Ezra, as he read their Bible to them.  They listened to the love God had for them in the words, and realized that they had sinned – they had turned away from God.   When they realized God forgave them, loved them and wanted to be in relationship with them, they cried, they laughed, they rejoiced!  They realized that being in a healthy relationship with God, looking after each other, being kind, generous and respectful, made life so much better!

All of life is about choices, and what happens to us with those choices.  My prayer is that everyone makes choices based on love for God, love for family and love for neighbour.

A NEW CREED

We are not alone; we live in God’s world.

We believe in God:  who has created and is creating, who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh,
to reconcile and make new, who works in us and others by the Spirit.

We trust in God.

We are called to be the Church:  to celebrate God’s presence, to live with respect in Creation, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope.

In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us.  We are not alone.

Thanks be to God.

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

God of mercy, you promised never to break your covenant with us. In the midst of the multitude of words in our daily lives, speak your eternal Word to us, that we may respond to your gracious promises with faithfulness, service and love. Amen.

READINGS AND PSALM

First Reading: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10

The exiles have returned and rebuilt Jerusalem. Now Ezra, the priest, reads the law of Moses to them in the public square. When they hear it, they weep for their sins and for the long years in exile, but Ezra reminds them that “the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

¹ All the people  gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They told the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had given to Israel. ² Accordingly, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with understanding. This was on the first day of the seventh month. ³ He read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law. ⁵ And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. ⁶ Then Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. Then they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. ⁸ So they read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.

⁹ And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. ¹⁰ Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our Lord; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Psalm 19

¹ The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaims its maker’s handiwork.

² One day tells its tale to another, and one night imparts knowledge to another.

³ Although they have no words or language, and their voices are not heard,

⁴ their sound has gone out into all lands, and their message to the ends of the world, where God has pitched a tent for the sun. 

⁵ It comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber; it rejoices like a champion to run its course.

⁶ It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens and runs about to the end of it again; nothing is hidden from its burning heat.

⁷ The teaching of the Lord is perfect and revives the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure and gives wisdom to the simple.

⁸ The statutes of the Lord are just and rejoice the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear and gives light to the eyes.

⁹ The fear of the Lord is clean and endures forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
¹⁰ More to be desired are they than gold, more than much fine gold, sweeter far than honey, than honey in the comb.

¹¹ By them also is your servant enlightened, and in keeping them there is great reward.

¹² Who can detect one’s own offenses?  Cleanse me from my secret faults.

¹³ Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins; let them not get dominion over me; then shall I be whole and sound, and innocent of a great offense.

¹⁴ Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. 

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a

The apostle and pastor Paul uses the metaphor of the human body to describe how intimately connected we are in the church. For this struggling congregation in Corinth, Paul delivers a vital message of unity that is a mark of the church today.

¹² For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. ¹³ For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

¹⁴ Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. ¹⁵ If the foot would say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. ¹⁶ And if the ear would say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. ¹⁷ If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? ¹⁸ But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. ¹⁹ If all were a single member, where would the body be? ²⁰ As it is, there are many members, yet one body. ²¹ The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” ²² On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, ²³ and those members of the body that we think less honorable we clothe with greater honor, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect; ²⁴ whereas our more respectable members do not need this. But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior member, ²⁵ that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. ²⁶ If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.

²⁷ Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. ²⁸ And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. ²⁹ Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? ³⁰ Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? ^31a But strive for the greater gifts.

Gospel: Luke 4:14-21

Near the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, he visits his hometown of Nazareth. In the words of Isaiah, he states and claims his identity, purpose, and mission.

¹⁴ Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. ¹⁵ He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.
¹⁶ When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, ¹⁷ and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:

¹⁸ “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the

oppressed go free, ¹⁹ to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

²⁰ And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. ²¹ Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

HYMN: Voices United 81  As With Gladness

SERMON

In November the Morris Museum had the joy of once again hosting Christmas tours to the Morris School students.  We had to cancel last year due to a break in.  Everyone was excited!

Our theme was “Christmas from the past”.  We divided the class.  Joy Dickson had the children doing an activity on her side, while my group were making, in the spirit of Christmas past, a handmade Christmas ornament.  I still am not sure how the conversation got started, and I do believe it was the children who led the conversation, but as they were making their ornaments and I was telling them about my Christmas experiences as I grew up, the subject of discipline arose.  Interesting.

I said that when I was growing up, my sisters and I were expected to do as we were told, and risked a spanking if we disobeyed.

“That’s illegal!” was the outcry!

“Not back then it wasn’t!”, I replied.   Then I said, “The whole point of my telling you this is that my parents rarely had to give us a spanking because we were good, obedient kids.  We were polite and respectful, so my parents had no need to discipline us.  If you live your life following the rules that were made to keep you safe and healthy, help others and be respectful, life usually is really good!”

I hope the children heard me.

Enter in this text from Nehemiah.  Commentator Debie Thomas provides a quick backstory:

Nehemiah is a minor figure in the court of Artaxerxes, the king of Persia.  When Nehemiah hears that Jerusalem is a broken, fire-razed wreck, he begs the king to let him return to his homeland and rebuild the city of his ancestors.  The obstacles to the rebuilding are fierce and numerous, but Nehemiah persists, and finally succeeds in restoring Jerusalem’s wall and gates.  He then invites his people back from exile, and asks them to gather in the square before the Water Gate for an assembly.

Our lectionary picks up there, at the moment when the prophet Ezra “opens the book in the sight of all people,” and reads from the law of Moses “from early morning until midday.” He reads until the assembly of men and women gathered in the square open their ears, understand, stand up, raise their hands, worship “with their faces to the ground,” say, “Amen, Amen,” weep as they hear the words God has for them, and then return to their homes to “eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared,” because “the joy of the Lord is their strength.”^[1]

It was the people of God who asked Ezra to read the Torah.  Their hearts desired to hear the word of God.

And now to the weeping…

So many interpretations abound.  Logically, the people realized how they had turned away from God, and how badly that ended.  There were tears of repentance, grief and loss.  Understandably so.  What is not imparted so clearly in this text is that the scriptures were being interpreted for the people as Ezra read the scrolls so that no one would be left out of comprehending God’s word. Unfortunately, the end of the Book of Nehemiah ends with all the foreign wives being divorced from their Israelite husbands and being sent back with their children to Babylon, apparently according to God’s order – or was it?  Now THAT is a cause for much weeping!!

I have struggled greatly with stories from the Hebrew Bible.  The violence, the God-directed genocide of the Canaanites, the harsh, almost impossible rules to follow in order to stay in God’s good graces…God and I have had many a word, I can tell you!

In those moments I fall back onto my theatre training and Michael Shurtleff’s guideposts for acting, one of the most important questions being, “Where is the love?”

True, in this moment we are not aware how this story ends.  We are aware that there was great emotion, humility, repentance, possibly even shame.  Thankfully, Nehemiah reminds the Israelites that today is a day of celebration.  The walls of Jerusalem have been rebuilt, the Temple has been rebuilt, albeit on a much less grand scale than Solomon’s Temple.  The people are back in their country, and realize that God loves them and still desires a relationship with them.  They are a restored people and need to celebrate that restoration, to move forward from the sin of the past and focus on building a healthy relationship with God now, and with one’s neighbours.  Indeed, did you notice the instruction to share the celebratory meal with those who do not have the means to purchase and prepare one on their own?  The building of a new relationship begins now.

For me, Jesus is the love in this text.  More specifically, Jesus quoting Isaiah in our gospel from Luke is the fulfillment of love for God’s people who have lived through so much war, exile, hatred, you name it.  The people are hurting, in need of hearing that God loves them and has not forgotten them.  As Jesus reads the passage, the people are equally as attentive as those who listened to Ezra.  Jesus’ ministry is not a ministry of division, rule keeping, shame and guilt.  His is a ministry of love, compassion, forgiveness and grace.  Jesus strives to help everyone, eventually, to understand that God embraces every single person.

The word of God must always be interpreted with a foundation of love, or we are not being true to our calling from Jesus.  God’s word is a living word, yes, it is a word that challenges our turning away from God and focusing on ourselves.  None of us is immune.  We are all tempted to think of “ME!”  The beauty of God’s word and Jesus’ love is the call, like Nehemiah, to remind us that we do not need to stay stuck in “ME!”  The beauty of God’s word and Jesus’ love is the call to serve others, become involved in the life our faith family, community, all those neighbours in Christ whom we have not yet met.  When we choose to follow the call of Jesus, our lives have greater meaning, become richer for the experience.

True, it will be challenging, frustrating, possibly even annoying at times.  Still, the encouragement remains to stay focused on the present, embrace forgiveness and celebrate the unconditional love of Christ that gives us the strength to keep taking a step forward.

As I reflect on that conversation in the museum, I want to weep.  I want those children to choose love in all they do so that they don’t need to think about negative consequences because their actions will be filled with love, kindness and respect.  I want to weep with the Israelites whose hearts were moved with the desire to hear the word of God, who acknowledged their sin, repented and celebrated God’s love for them. I want to weep for all those people whose lives are motived by money and stuff, yet who are, deep down, not happy or fulfilled.  I want to weep for all those people who believe they do not need God, need to connect with anyone associated with God, and yet are so lost!

One does not have to be carried off to a foreign country to experience exile.

Look to Jesus, listen to his voice, as he fulfills the call of the Spirit to reconcile, make new, redeem and make whole all of God’s creation through US!  Amen.

HYMN OF THE MONTH:  Voices United 93  When Heaven’s Bright With Mystery

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

With the Spirit of Christ shining upon us, let us boldly pray for the church, the world, and all of creation.

As your word is opened in our midst, we give thanks for all who share scripture: for parents, grandparents, and godparents; teachers and mentors; deacons, pastors, bishops, and scholars. Inspire passion for the stories of faith. God of grace,

hear our prayer.

As heavens declare your glory and the sky proclaims your work, we lift our voices in awe of quarks and atoms, vast stars and solar systems. Guide us to speak on behalf of your handiwork. God of grace,

hear our prayer.

As Jesus proclaimed life and freedom in his community, energize communities and nations to eliminate poverty, engage in prison ministry and transformative justice, and envision new ways of working together for your promised reign. God of grace,

hear our prayer.

As your word and presence revive the soul, accompany all experiencing depression, anxiety, or eating disorders; be a source of strength for all affected by memory loss and their caregivers; draw near to all undergoing medical treatment or surgery. God of grace,

hear our prayer.

As we are made one body in baptism, strengthen all who serve. Renew and inspire all who use their gifts in this congregation, community, and the world. God of grace,

hear our prayer.

As our faith is strengthened by saints who have gone before us, we remember leaders of the early church especially Timothy, Titus, Silas, Lydia, Dorcas, and Phoebe, and beloved friends and family who have died. God of grace,

hear our prayer.

We entrust our prayers to you, O God, in the sure and certain hope that your promise is revealed among the people.

Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it

is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against

us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

SENDING SONG:  Voices United 96  Will You Come And See The Light?

BENEDICTION

The Spirit of the triune God ☩ bless you with joy, anoint you with compassion, and send you in love.

Amen.

 

 

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[1] https://www.journeywithjesus.net/essays/2060-when-he-opened-the-book