AgeWell Sunday Worship Resources
October 2016
Contents:
1. Introduction ...... 3 2. Worship Service for AgeWell Sunday 2016 ...... 4 3. Exploring Ageing Well as a Theme ...... 17 4. Sample sermon ...... 18 5. Notes on the Scripture Readings ...... 24 6. Other Scripture Readings ...... 30 7. Suggestions for hymns ...... 31 8. Jesus love me (for Seniors) ...... 33 9. Useful websites and articles: ...... 34 10. Acknowledgement ...... 35
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1. Introduction
Seniors’ Week, celebrated early in October each year, is a time to celebrate the contribution Seniors have made/continue to make in our communities, within our families, and in the church, our faith family. It is an opportunity to acknowledge ageing, affirming that it is one of the stages in life (to be embraced, not ignored). It can also be a push to consider the practicalities of our worship services: are they ‘Senior friendly’? (seating, timing, hearing aids, warmth etc).
Within these resources you will find a sample service, and additional resources which include a sermon, short commentaries on the lectionary readings, suggestions for other Scripture readings, suitable hymns, possible topics and links to a number of websites. Please adapt the material to suit your congregation(s). This particular Sunday service might be the time to have a shared-lunch, invite one of the AgeWell chaplains, staff, Board or Committee members to give a brief presentation, or have an intergenerational story sharing segment; baby photos in the Church Hall with a ‘guess who this is’ game…there are lots of possibilities.
Within the context of faith, it is important to stress that whilst growing old can have its benefits (such as seeing great-grandchildren) it can signal much grief (death of friends, loss of particular body functions, moving into assisted care, inability to attend worship). Pastoral care should include all members of the church; look at ways to provide for the spiritual needs of the shut-ins, those unable to attend church. When visiting, ask if they would like to partake in Communion (portable Communion kits are easily available if your church does not have one). If someone is unable to attend but is still able to read, ask if they would like a copy of the sermon to read (print it in bold, using a large font size). If your congregation records the service, or has a down-load facility, see if this can be utilised. More seniors are staying in their own homes for longer, drawing on community services; this can be an opportunity for local congregations to offer pastoral care.
Seniors’ Week is a time to remember and celebrate the many blessings we have received from God. Seniors are one of those blessings. Seniors’ Week is also a time for us to give thanks for the many agencies that care for, and/or intervene on behalf of Seniors. We give thanks for our own Uniting Church agencies, especially Uniting AgeWell (formerly Uniting Aged Care) and UnitingCare. Seniors’ Week may spur us to donate money, or time (as a volunteer) to an aged care facility, to a senior neighbour, or to start up a program at our church.
May you enjoy Senior’s Week; in the words of a Jewish blessing (see the Children’s Talk for an explanation) “May you live until 120!”
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2. Worship Service for AgeWell Sunday 2016
Based upon the lectionary readings for October 2nd, Pentecost 20 Year C Lamentations 1:1-6 Lamentations 3:19-26 (27-28), or Psalm 137 2 Timothy 1: 1-14 Luke 17: 5-10
Call to Worship
(say together) ‘By the rivers of Babylon-there we sat down and there we wept when we remembered Zion. On the willows there we hung up our harps… How can we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?’ (Psalm 137:1-2, 4)
Or
(say together) ‘Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength is spent. O God, from my youth you have taught me, And I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and grey hairs, O God, do not forsake me…’ (Psalm 71:9, 17-18)
Or
(say together) ‘Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God all my life long.’ (Psalm 146:1-2)
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Greeting
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you.
(if your congregation passes the peace, continue with:
The peace of the Lord be always with you And also with you. and invite them to exchange a sign of peace with one another)
Opening Prayer
O God of all our years, of all our days, of all our hours and of all our minutes and seconds, You are Holy. You are our Creator, who loves each one of us dearly for we have been created and formed by you, in love, to live in the world that you have created. Today we gather as part of your family, in order to worship you. May this time of worship remind us of your holiness, of your salvific works, of your presence…and of your abiding love, Amen.
Welcome/Introduction to the theme
Today we gather, as we do week by week, to worship together. (welcome any visitors). Today’s theme will be that of the aged, or the Seniors in our community, and indeed Seniors in the wider world.
Ageing is part of life; once conception takes place, we age.
How do we celebrate the various stages, or seasons in our lives?
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What would it mean if we could truly embrace our years, and not be so fearful, as we ‘sing a new song’ in what is often portrayed as a hostile world, the landscape of old age?
May today’s service bring you strength, comfort, love and HOPE!
Hymn:
(You may wish to choose a traditional hymn of praise, one that may be lodged in the childhood/early adult memories of the older members of the congregation, such as ‘Now thank we all our God’ 106 (TIS) 14 (AHB) or ‘Praise my soul, the king of heaven’134 (TIS), 68 (AHB). The latter hymn was part of the royal wedding ceremony for Elizabeth 11 and Philip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh, in 1947; some members of the congregation may know this, and may have included it in their own wedding ceremony for this very reason.)
Prayers of Praise, Thanksgiving and Confession
Gracious God,
We come before you with our strengths…and with our frailties to worship you, our Creator God.
Through you we have this earth to cherish, with its canyons, mountains, pebbles, oceans, rivers, streams, puddles and rain drops, trees, saplings, and leaves, animals, birds, fish and insects.
You have created a universe of extraordinary things…some that are ancient…mountains, redwood trees, turtles, elephants…and some of a more transitory nature, such as bees, dragonflies, and cherry blossom, and we humans are somewhere in between.
Teach us to number our days.
Thank you for all your gifts…for the gift of life, the gift of family, the gift of church, the gift of faith.
For bodies that have birthed us, for hands that have protected us, for minds that have moulded us, for lives that have inspired us, we give you thanks.
We thank you that we have been able to help others, serving with our minds and with our bodies. When we are unable to physically minister to others, enable us to use our minds and hearts, through the ministry of encouragement, speaking supportive words to others, and through the ministry of prayer.
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As we acknowledge these gifts, Creator God, we know that we, in our humanness, have fallen short in what we have thought, what we have said, or neglected to say, and what we have done, or should not have done.
Forgive us.
When we have given in to despair, when we have railed against our ageing bodies, rather than befriending them
Forgive us.
When we have cried because of what we can no longer physically do, rather than what we can still do, or think, or feel…
Forgive us
When we have judged others to be more fortunate, because of their age, or their beauty,
Forgive us.
Forgive us when we have forgotten, or not believed, that we are still partners with you, whatever age we are.
And in a time of silence, we remember and seek forgiveness for other matters in our lives.
(silence)
Declaration of Forgiveness
God is love. Through Christ, our sins are forgiven (thanks be to God) Take hold of this divine gift of forgiveness and live your life, whatever your age, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen
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Children’s talk
(If there are no children, still include this informal address/conversation with the congregation, because it introduces the theme in a positive way)
‘When it is someone’s birthday, what do we say?’
(Happy birthday!)
‘Yes, ‘have a happy birthday’ or ‘congratulations!’
In Judaism, they have a special birthday blessing:
‘May you live until 120!’
Is that a strange birthday greeting?
Did anyone here in the congregation say, or think: ‘Please, no!’
(Talking to the children): ‘How old are you?
Does turning 120 sound impossible? Can you imagine the candles on the cake!
Well, this Jewish birthday blessing is traced back to one of our Bible heroes, or Bible family members…Moses.
Do you remember Moses? During a time of persecution, he was hidden in a little papyrus basket, in the bulrushes, and was rescued by the pharaoh’s daughter. He grew up in the pharaoh’s palace in Egypt, and later led the Israelites out of slavery, through the Red Sea, to freedom.
Imagine that!
The Bible says he was 80 when he led them out of Egypt! (turn to the congregation). ‘Do we have anyone 80 years or older here today? Can you imagine leading people from one land to another…not on an electric scooter…but on foot!’
‘How old do you think the oldest person in the world has been, since keeping records in modern times?
Jeanne Calment, died in France in 1997-at the age of 122 years and 164 days (that is 44, 724 days!) At the age of 13 years, she was helping out in her uncle’s shop, where she sold coloured pencils and a canvas to the artist Vincent van Gogh. She saw the Eiffel Tower being built. At the age of 85 she took up the sport of fencing; she continued to ride her bike
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at the age of 100, and lived by herself until she was 110. Jeanne Calment credited her long life to not worrying, and laughing a lot.
Earlier this year, back in May, Susannah Jones, from the United States, died at the age of 116 years. Her family credited her long life to caring for others. Susannah had helped set up a college scholarship for young Afro-American women. She also helped look after the public housing building she lived in-until she was 106. She also slept for 10 hours a day, and didn’t drink or smoke.
It is interesting to hear what some of the oldest people in the world have said are their secrets to long life:
‘all about being positive’; ‘keeping in touch with God’; ‘breakfast of bacon and eggs’; someone else said ‘eating plenty of sushi.’
One lady said that she never smoked, rarely drank, but loved to dance! I love these secrets from Jessie Gallan, a Scottish lady, who said, at the age of 109, that her secrets were: ‘eating porridge, avoiding men (she never married), and knitting.’
God hopes that we look forward to each additional year with anticipation and with excitement. We are to make the most of the opportunities offered at every stage of life.
Let’s go back to the birthday blessing: ‘May you live until 120.’
‘Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died; his sight was unimpaired and his vigor had not abated.’ (Deuteronomy 34:7) Here’s a secret! In another part of Deuteronomy, in Deuteronomy 31:2, Moses says “I am now one hundred and twenty years old. I am no longer able to get about…”
So he wasn’t as fit as we might have thought. He was tired.
The Jewish greeting in Hebrew is:
‘ad meah v’esrim.’ Let’s try that together! In English it is: ‘May you live until 120!’
BUT if we change one letter of the Hebrew, to ‘ad meah k’esrim’ it means ‘may you live until 100 (feeling) like you are twenty!’
I like that greeting! A bit more in line with our dreams and our ageing, sore bodies.
When we say that greeting, it is saying that we want out seniors to live well; that we will cherish them, no matter what age they reach. God loves them, and has throughout the whole of their long lives…and God loves us too.’
Let’s turn around and say the greeting to the whole congregation:
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‘May you live until 120!’
Let us pray:
Thank you God for the years you have given us. May we treasure all stages of life; babyhood, childhood, youth, and adulthood. Remind us that you are always with us. Teach us to number our days, and treasure the opportunities they bring. May we continue to delight in your world, and to lovingly serve you, and others, in Jesus’ name, Amen
(Addressing the congregation):
‘Can anyone name a song they learnt in Sunday School, many years ago?’
(This should elicit ‘Jesus loves me.’ If not, gently prompt until you get that answer.)
‘Yes, Jesus loves me. That was the first song I remember learning too. Today we have an updated version, for Seniors. It is printed in the Order of Service (or on the screen).’
Hymn :‘Jesus love me’ (for Seniors). (The words are in the Resources section.)
Bible readings:
(These are the Lectionary Readings set for October 2nd, 2016. Seniors’ Week dates differ for Victoria and Tasmania, so this week has been the compromise between those two Sundays. The other reason for these readings, compared with those set for October 9th or 16th, is that the readings for October 2nd have more to say about Seniors. Of course you do not have to use these readings; I have listed alternatives in the Resources section.)
Lamentations 1:1-6 Lamentations 3:19-26 (27-28), or Psalm 137
(If you choose Psalm 137, you may want to sing it instead: Hymn 85 (TIS) By the Babylonian waters.
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If you use recorded music, you may want to get hold of the Bony M version from 1978 and play that instead: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ybv4DOj-N0
2 Timothy 1: 1-14 Luke 17: 5-10
Sermon
See 4 Sample Sermon and 6 Notes on the Scripture Readings
Hymn
Hymn 154 (TIS) Great is your faithfulness (or another hymn)
Offering and Notices
Offering Prayer
Gracious God, we thank you for all your gifts to us. May our offerings of monetary gifts, and the gifts of time, talent and prayer be used in the wider world, so that all may know they were created, and are still much-loved, by you. In the name of Christ Amen
Notices and concerns
(Here or at the usual time in your church service)
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Prayers of the People, concluding with the Lord’s Prayer
Loving, compassionate God, we know you listen, we believe you care.
We bring before you our concerns about the wider world, and matters closer to home, including events in our own lives.
We pray for…(name key events that have happened/ are happening in the world at present).
We pray and give thanks for the examples of our ancestors of faith, from the Bible, and in our own lives.
In our own church community we pray for…(ones who are ill/dying/have died, and for the bereaved).
We pray for those in government, for policy makers. As key people in their families age, may this insight guide policies that pertain to Seniors, particularly to the financial needs of pensioners, and to those struggling with ongoing medical expenses.
We pray for community services, agencies, and facilities, especially those involved in caring for seniors. We remember and give thanks for doctors, nurses, care managers, personal carers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, cooks, cleaners, receptionists, and others working in the field. Strengthen them in their work and calling.
We pray for our Church’s Uniting AgeWell and UnitingCare services, and for their governance. We pray for wisdom for the Senior Executive Team of Uniting AgeWell, and pray especially for Rev John Clarke, their Director of Mission.
We give thanks that the church is actively involved in caring for people, at all stages of life, including the last phase, or season. God, gift the staff with the gentleness needed when attending to the needs of the frail, understanding for those who are finding it difficult moving from their family homes, from their community, into assisted care, and deep abiding love and compassion when accompanying the dying.
We remember, and pray for, the aged in poorer regions of the world where, for many, ageing is not an option. Many die young from starvation, illness, or from over-work. Be with aid workers and charities as they labour, often in difficult, and sometimes dangerous conditions, to ensure better standards of living for all.
Finally, we pray for ourselves; give us the strength needed when we find it hard to keep going; give us gentle, kind hands, and a lightness of heart, so that we can continue to sing to
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you. As we age, enable us to continue to partner with you in ministry and mission, praying for justice and peace to take deep root in your world, and praying for the needs of our brothers and sisters.
In the words our Saviour taught us, we are confident when we pray to say:
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The Lord’s Prayer
(You may wish to use the traditional version, saying this is the version many of us remember learning. Alternatively, you may invite half of the congregation (ie left side of the church) to pray the traditional version, and when they have concluded, have the other half of the congregation pray the modern version)
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be down on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Our Father in heaven hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
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Hymn
Hymn 590 (TIS) 165 (AHB) What a friend we have in Jesus, or Hymn 588 (TIS) 504 (AHB) In heavenly love abiding, or Hymn 547 (TIS) 455 (AHB) Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart
Blessing
(Which may include one of the following, to be read responsively):
‘The righteous flourish like the palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. In old age they still produce fruit; they are always green and full of sap, showing that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.’ (Psalm 92: 12-15)
‘The glory of youths is their strength, but the beauty of the aged is their grey hair.’ (Proverbs 20:29-30)
Or
‘even to your old age I am he, even when you turn gray I will carry you, I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.’ (Isaiah 46:4)
AMEN!
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Dismissal
666 (TIS): We are marching in the light of God, or 779 (TIS): May the feet of God walk with you, or 557 (AHB): verse 5:
‘Lord of all being, I give you my all; if I ever disown you, I stumble and fall; but, led in your service your word to obey, I’ll walk in your freedom to the end of the way.’
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3. Exploring Ageing Well as a Theme
Topics that might be addressed in a sermon:
How age is addressed/mentioned in the Bible. All stages in life created by God. Biblically affirmed, even if not by many in Western society (such ads on tv, which either focus on youth, or perpetuate myths about the elderly) Jesus didn’t become a senior? part of the problem Some of the seniors in the Bible include: Joseph, Anna and Simeon, Abraham and Sarah, Moses. how to age when one has been a ‘doer’ (especially church family) What Seniors can offer: ministries of encouragement, and of prayer Problems such as mobility, hearing and sight loss (how this can make it difficult to attend church) Loneliness (suggestions for church congregations re afternoon gatherings on Sunday afternoons that may include a church service, because some cannot attend/be ready in time for the morning time slot) Fear Reminiscing, gratitude for many blessings through life Death: God’s waiting room . Somebody once said dying is like taking off a tight shoe.’1 or . Stepping over a threshold into another room.
1 Karen Speerstra and Herbert Anderson, The Divine Art of Dying: How to Live Well While Dying (Divine Arts; Studio City, 2014), p.233
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4. Sample sermon
When I walk to my local library, which is situated within a small green space, complete with rose bushes, a fountain, and a well-manicured lawn, I usually visit the enormous, old oak.
When I place my hand on its broad trunk, I think of its well-aged sap, its many years providing shelter, shade, and oxygen.
Yesterday, when I visited the library (and the tree) I wondered about the similarities between this elderly oak, and our seniors.
The tree has been, and still is, a gift to the community, both human and non-human.
Our seniors are gifts to families and communities, some providing us, nurturing us, with stories. If we take the time to listen, to spend time with our elders, our seniors, holding the hands with the aged blood within, the papery thin skin…or leaning over, bending to hear the quietly whispered single words of wisdom…then we are enriched. Even if one is unable to speak, to be in their presence is to be present, and to receive the gift of presence.
Not all Seniors are as elderly as that sounds (they have fewer tree rings!), yet sometimes they too, are overlooked, or deemed ‘invisible.’
What about considering the art of dendrochronology? (the science of dating and studying the annual rings in trees). Can we count the years on your skin? When did we begin to have visible wrinkles? These lines are ‘life lines’; they record some of our significant experiences, such as illness, or a bereavement…as well as a daily report of our age.
Do you feel invisible? At what age did this start? One of my friends thinks she started being invisible in her early forties.
We may feel invisible, but we are never invisible to our Creator. In Scripture there are a number of examples of the invisible being made visible, often to illustrate an important message. Remember the lepers, trying to keep invisible from the rest of society; the blind, the deaf. The bleeding woman, the woman at the well…all were (and still are) invited into God’s realm, to bask and shine with God’s light.
This sounds quite light and wonderful, but we know that ageing can be very difficult, sometimes compared to visiting a foreign country.
What do we need in order to navigate this ‘foreign land’? A light heart in order to prompt us to sing, but… how can we sing the Lord’s song in a ‘foreign land’? is the question asked in the psalm set for today, Psalm 137.
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The Lord’s song.
Not the songs from the time of our youth…but the Lord’s song.
The reading from the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) is from the Book of Lamentations Is consists of 5 poems, which are really funeral dirges.
Cheerful stuff!
The opening word is ‘how.’
‘How lonely…’
In Hebrew, Lamentations is translated as ‘the book of how.’
-‘the book of how.’
Sounds a little like a DIY book, and, in a sense it is.
‘How’ is an appropriate title for today’s sermon, as we consider ‘how’ to sing the Lord’s song, ‘how’ lonely (in Lamentations), in Luke, the disciples ask how to increase their faith; in 2 Timothy Paul tells Timothy ‘how’ to be a faithful servant of the gospel.
‘how’, ‘how’, ‘how.’
Today, some of you are navigating your way through your own ‘hows’
How do I cope with my loss of mobility? How do I stop my tremors? How do I get through another empty day?
The ‘hows’ can also have a practical dimension:
How do I get to church on time, when it takes me so long to get ready in the morning? I am so slow. How do I get up after the service (these chairs/pews have no arms on them to help me) How can I worship when I cannot hear properly? How can I sing when I have little breath; singing tires me out. How can I stand when my hips are so sore?
How
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We speak about the various stages in life, our seasons, if you like…and we know that Jesus didn’t make it to old age. We do not have stories of how Jesus coped with creaking, aching, old joints
BUT there are other examples in the Bible, and in legend.
Abraham is a wonderful example, as is Sarah. A son in their old age. Adventures in their twilight years.
Legend has it that Mary’s mother and father were elderly. In many items of medieval devotional art, Mary’s mother, Anne (and less frequently her father, Joachim), are pictured visiting the baby Jesus…so maybe…just maybe…Jesus had a wonderful relationship with his grandparents, and also some inside information about the challenges of ageing.
How
How do we sing…how do we celebrate…when we find life difficult?
In Lamentations, the inhabitants of Jerusalem have been carted off, now in exile in Babylon. Jerusalem and all its beauty, including its temple, has been destroyed. In Chapter One, the poet depicts the city of Jerusalem as a lonely, grieving widow, inconsolable. There is no one there to help; maybe everyone else is too caught up in their own grief to notice another’s pain, or maybe they do not have the strength, or they lack the capacity to reach out to another. Think back to your own experiences, and how exhausted you may have been; depleted of all energy, you were unable to give to others.
In Psalm 137, how do we sing our religious songs when we are in exile, away from our temple and the religious authorities? Our place of worship has been destroyed.
We even put away our harps, we can no longer sing. How can we praise whilst mourning?
BUT
In 2 Timothy, Paul, in his suffering, reminds Timothy not to despair, not to give in: ‘for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love …’ (vs 7)
In Luke 17 we are to hold on to our faith, even if it is only the size of a grain of mustard…for it is enough, it is sufficient…for it belongs to God’s realm.
Faith…and discipleship.
How?
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By hanging on to our legacy.
Paul reminds Timothy of his faithful family, of his mother, Eunice and of his grandmother, Lois.
Remember your legacy. Who has inspired you? Who continues to inspire you in your faith?
Paul urges Timothy to ‘guard the good treasure.’
What is your ‘good treasure’? Who is your ‘good treasure’?
In Lamentations 3, the narrator, or poet, writes out of his gloom:
‘The thought of my affliction and my homelessness is wormwood and gall!
My soul continually thinks of it and is bowed down within me.
But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.’
‘therefore I have hope…’
Many of you treasure these words, encased within the beauty of the hymn ‘Great is thy faithfulness.’ (or, in TIS: “Great is your faithfulness’) This passage of Scripture gave voice to one of the best-known and much loved hymns, ‘Great is Thy Faithfulness.’ The writer, Thomas Chisholm, had a hard life, compounded by much chronic illness. He had to give up ministry at a young age, because of ill health. Yet this hymn was written as a testament to God’s faithfulness, as a ‘thank you’ for getting him through tough times.
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We get through suffering, not because of our perseverance, but because of God’s strength, and through support from others, family, our community of faith, and from the wider community.
Another well-known hymn came about during extremely difficult times in the hymnist’s life. Horatio Spafford wrote a hymn after several traumatic events in his life, the first being the death of his son, at the age of two, the second was the 1871 Great Chicago Fire, which ruined him financially. Horatio had been a successful lawyer, investing in property in Chicago, which had then been destroyed in the fire of 1871. After the economic downturn (or Depression) of 1873, he decided to travel with his family to Europe. At the last minute, Horatio had to change his travel date; he remained behind to attend to some urgent business, but planned to join them later. While crossing the Atlantic, the ship his family were on collided with another vessel; all four daughters died, the sole survivor of his family was his wife. Shortly after, Horatio sailed to meet her. As the ship passed near, or over the spot where his daughters had drowned, Horatio was moved to pen the hymn ‘it is well with my soul’.
But that is not the end of the story. The family went on to have three more children. The son died at the age of 4, of scarlet fever. The Presbyterian Church regarded their tragedy as divine punishment. In response, the Spafford’s formed their own religious group, and set sail, arriving in Jerusalem. Here they formed a group called the American Colony. This organization helped run soup kitchens, hospitals and orphanages. They looked after people of all religions, never trying to convert Jews or Muslims to the Christian faith. As a result, they were well loved and respected.
Difficult times…yet ‘it is well with my soul.’
How?
How can I sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?
Perhaps by penning your own!
Faith…the size of a grain of mustard is sufficient…when placed in the right hands and heart.
The way we live our lives can be our hymn, imitating, or modelling Christ.
Finally, how do we sing…when we are no longer able to physically sing?
-if we have forgotten how to sing, or if we have no breath?
THEN
THEN
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We come into being as a community…and SING to them!
We become the song for the voiceless, the notes for the mute.
That is how, that is discipleship, that is faith the size of a mustard seed, that is passing on advice and examples of faith through the generations, the Christian legacy, that is our ‘good treasure’, which is there at every stage of our lives, because the treasure is the love of Christ for each one of us.
How, why, where and when.
How…we’ve touched on;
Why…because each one of us is a much loved member of God’s family;
Where…here, and everywhere we reside and visit;
When…at all times.
May you hear the songs of faith that reside in your heart, and may you respond with hope and thanksgiving, whatever your age!
Amen
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5. Notes on the Scripture Readings
Hebrew Scriptures
Lamentations 1:1-6 and Lamentations 3:19-26 The book is attributed to Jeremiah, but its authorship is unknown, it dates somewhere between 586-516 BCE. The book of Lamentations consists of five poems. Within this short book, there is much heart ache. The first four chapters of Lamentations speak of unbearable grief. The book’s narrative addresses the anguish of inhabitants if Judah in the wake of the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BCE, and what it means to be in exile.
In Judaism, the book is placed in Writings, with other festival scrolls; in the Christian canon, it is known, and read, as one of the Prophetic books.
The Jewish community read sefer ‘ekāh (the Hebrew title for Lamentations, which is literally ‘the book of how’) during the Ninth of Av. This date commemorates five catastrophes in Jewish history, including the destruction of the First and Second Temples by the Babylonians (786 BCE) and the Romans (in 70 CE/AD) respectively.
In the opening verses of Lamentations, we hear the personified city of Jerusalem, grieving, lamenting her situation. The first word ‘How’ is usually part of a funeral song, sung by one who has lost her children (see verse 5) and her husband (see Isaiah 1:21, Jeremiah 48:17, Lamentations 2:1, 4:1-2). The city has become ‘like a widow.’
During these times, widows were among the most vulnerable group in society; if they had no adult son, circumstances were very difficult indeed.
Those in exile, and Jerusalem the city, here a character, believe that God has afflicted them, and that God is the only one who can end their despair. In their pain, they turn to God for mercy.
The section we consider today belongs to a longer block (1:1-11b). In the verses set for today, we see the differences between Jerusalem’s (Daughter of Zion, the personified city) current desolation, and her former glory. The narrator blames the Daughter of Zion, not God, but the Daughter of Zion states that the suffering comes from the Lord.
Lamentations 3:19-26 The Book of Lamentations is bleak, overflowing with grief…but here we find a treasure…hope!
In the midst of pain and suffering, there is hope.
The narrator looks forward to God’s deliverance. Here, the poet recalls the good God has done in the past. The narrator-poet decides he will wait and hope in God.
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He moves into a bit of light, and changes from being a victim, to becoming a survivor. In these circumstances, in spite of all evidence to the contrary, God is a God of hope, a God of hope, and a God of love.
Perhaps one of the ways back from dark times is through community. In the Book of Lamentations, there does not seem to be a strong community. Perhaps they are too overwhelmed with grief to be able to support one another. The narrator-poet seems to be alone.
Hope can be found, because God is faithful and just and will bring salvation and deliverance.
This passage of Scripture gave voice to one of the best-known and best-loved hymns, ‘Great is Thy Faithfulness.’ The writer, Thomas Chisholm, had a hard life, compounded by much chronic illness. He had to give up ministry at a young age, because of ill health. Yet this hymn was written as a testament to God’s faithfulness, as a ‘thank you’ for getting him through a hard patch.
We get through suffering, not because of our perseverance, but because of God’s strength, and through the support received from others.
Discussion/sermon possibilities
Widows: then and now. Perhaps use these verses to explore how widows are portrayed. What can we do for those experiencing grief and pain? Rituals of grief: mourn together, pray, light candles, feed/care for the mourners We are not alone when we are suffering, or when we are grieving. When have you found hope in a dark time? Strength of the church community Blessings are new every morning, even if we cannot see them. How can we become more conscious of gratitude, being grateful, of giving thanks? In the words of an old hymn, ‘Count your blessings, name them one by one.’ Experiences by virtue of having lived a long time: what have the passing of the years taught us? ‘It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord’ (Lam 3: 26)
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Psalm 137 This psalm is a lament for Jerusalem, after the Babylonians had invaded and destroyed it.
It is one of a few psalms linked with a particular historical setting; it cries out during their time in exile, captive in Babylon.
When one is grieving, this is not the time for light, musical entertainment. The psalmist cries out that they are to put away those things (here, musical instruments) that remind them of better, happier times. The captors tease them, asking them to sing these sacred songs, mocking their faith.
The Songs of Zion, songs of faith linked with a particular national identity, seem to be out of place in captivity. In verse 4 the psalmist speaks of these songs, songs that don’t belong in a foreign land.
Vss7-9: painful and shocking verses, which, of course, are not to be followed. It is thought that the Edomites helped in the destruction of Jerusalem. It could also be a reminder of long-held animosity against the Edomites, descendants of Esau, Jacob’s brother. We could view these violent verses as recognition that all of us have thoughts of which we are ashamed, but when we think them, we are to bring them to God to deal with them.
Discussion/sermon possibilities
How can/do we worship when we are grieving, dealing with trauma, or inhabiting a dark place? The importance of singing: the tradition/history of hymns. How hymns have supported us, as musical prayers. Many of the hymns have been written after times of grief (for example, explore the history of the hymn ‘It is well with my soul’ for a powerful story: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It_Is_Well_with_My_Soul Link with the epistle set for today: 2 Timothy 1: 8-9 This psalm reminds us of people who are still in exile; those in modern slavery, refugees and asylum seekers, those who have seen their families murdered, their homes and communities destroyed…perhaps we understand their feelings for revenge (vss 7-9) a little better? How do we pray for those who have hurt others? How do we pray for collaborators?
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New Testament Readings
2 Timothy 1:1-14 In the Bible, there are a number of instances of leaders, about to die, who offer reflections on living, passing on sound advice. In Genesis 49: 1-28 Jacob blesses his sons, Moses uses most of the Book of Deuteronomy to speak of his experiences and leadership, David imparts political advice to Solomon in 1 Kings 2: 1-9, and Jesus’ remarks at the Last Supper, could be seen as a summing up of his life, a type of testament, especially in the Gospel of John. In 2 Timothy, Paul (or someone writing in his name; it was probably written within a decade of the year 100 CE, long after Paul’s death) leaves his last instructions to Timothy. This is a letter with much tenderness amongst the pain; Paul addresses Timothy as ‘my beloved child.’ Paul expresses his thanks to God for the gift of Timothy (vs 3) and prays constantly for him.
Paul encourages Timothy to nurture the same qualities that enabled Paul in his ministry and mission; this is a poignant passage for within its heart-felt words we hear Paul’s ‘Farewell’ speech, his final advice, his legacy.
In this passage the themes of continuity and succession are prominent. Timothy’s family has grounded him in faith, through the lives and examples of his mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois. Timothy’s faith, and his calling, are deeply embedded in him. He has ancestors of faith, as well as spiritual kinship with Paul.
Paul counsels Timothy to remain faithful, to follow his own example, even if this means suffering. Timothy is not to let his heritage down by cowardice, he is stand firm. (vs 7) Paul is concerned about the churches during this time of persecution; Timothy is to guard the gospel.
Paul is not only telling Timothy how to live, but also, how to die. He is to live with confidence, relying on God’s promises, which are true to the end.
Verses 8-14 are a reflection of Jesus’ ministry and a reminder of his suffering. Paul, who is in prison, and foreseeing his own death, is living out a pattern of discipleship that Jesus inaugurated through his suffering and death on the cross. Jesus suffered in Jerusalem, Paul is suffering for the Gospel in Rome.
Timothy is to stand firm, through the hostility that will accompany him, which is part of the way of the disciple.
If we listen carefully, we can hear Paul’s exhaustion; a life well –lived, proclaiming the good news of Jesus, through decades of suffering. This is ‘the good treasure’ (vss 13-14); the faith and love of Christ. Timothy is to continue this tradition, this is his spiritual heritage.
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Discussion/sermon possibilities
What does it mean to grow up ‘in the faith’? Who has influenced you? In our society, where we can worship freely, are there any hindrances? Who are your spiritual ancestors? How do they continue to influence you? What advice would you like to pass on before you die? Does the way you live make it easier to face death? What do you want to leave as your legacy? What is your ‘good treasure’?
Luke 17: 5-10 Within these 5 verses are two sets of sayings about following Jesus:
Verses 5-6 speak about the nature of faith, and verses 7-10 address what is expected of disciples, what it means to follow Jesus. Both relate to discipleship; discipleship is about simple expressions of faithfulness, having a ‘mustard-seed’ type faith.
This passage follows on from advice about how to deal with a disciple who sins by causing little ones to stumble. The disciples, concerned and probably despairing about this, cry out: ‘Increase our faith!’ (verse 5); in other words, “Help us so we don’t sin…it all seems to be so hard to be your disciple!”
Jesus, as is his wont, does not answer their request in a simple way. In the Greek, Jesus’ impatience comes through; he suggests that they lack even minimal faith.
They have all the faith they need. Luke links the saying about mustard seed faith (from the Q source) (Matthew 17:20) with Mark’s comment about the fig tree, and faith being able to move a mountain into the sea (Mark 11: 20-25). In Mark, the mountain is connected with the temple mount in Jerusalem; the saying refers to a specific religious and political conflict. In Luke, it is not a mountain that is moved, but a tree, it is about ordinary discipleship, and having enough faith, not about religious and political problems.
Throughout Luke, there are many examples of faith, faith where we least expect it: the woman, the ‘sinner’ who washes and anoints Jesus’ feet and kisses them (7: 37-50); the blind beggar (18.42); the Samaritan leper (17:19); the Roman centurion (7:9) and the bleeding woman (8:48). Contrast this with the disciples, who at times seem to have little of the stuff: during the storm (8:25), and Peter who will betray Jesus (22:32).
We do not need much faith, the size of a mustard seed will do, for with daily nourishment this ‘seed’ of faith grows and becomes a tree.
The next saying, about the slave owner and his slave, is a tricky one, especially in our society. Perhaps we need to remember that in ancient times a slave was totally devoted to
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his/her master. We can read this passage in light of devotion to Christ, what it means to be faithful, each day serving without expecting a reward, for we cannot possibly earn God’s love; that is pure grace. As the slave does not expect reward and praise for his/her service, we, as Christians, do not expect to be praised for serving Christ.
Discussion/sermon possibilities What is faith? What does it mean to be a disciple, living out simple expressions of faithfulness daily? If, due to age or disability, we are unable to provide care for others [such as meals for the grieving, helping on church groups, unable to take services etc], how can we still serve? [prayer, ministry of encouragement] Faith has sometimes been thought of as an accomplishment, or we might hear that if one has enough faith, they will overcome illness/economic hardship etc. What are the dangers of these ways of thinking? What does ‘mustard-seed faith’ look like?
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6. Other Scripture Readings
Psalm 146:1, 2, 5-9 Psalm 121 Psalm 72 Psalm 42 Psalm 90 Psalm 37:25 Psalm 71:9, 17-18 Psalm 92:13-15 Psalm 148:12-13 Proverbs 20:29 Proverbs 16:31 Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Leviticus 19:32 Isaiah 46:4 Ruth 1:1-22, 4:13-16 Job 12:10 Luke 2:36,37 Luke 21:1-4 Titus 2: 2,3
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7. Suggestions for hymns
We have listed large number of possible hymn choices, for a number of reasons, the first being that every congregation is different, is familiar with some hymns, and not with others. I have (for the most part) confined my suggestions to those from Together in Song, or from The Australian Hymn Book, because they are the two hymnals the majority of Uniting Church congregations use. Some of the hymns are only found in Together In Song (TIS), but if they are in The Australian Hymn Book (AHB), those hymn numbers are listed as well.
New hymns need to be written to reflect all stages of life. It was difficult to find hymns which mentioned old age (it was easier to locate ones about death, but being a senior is much more than about waiting to die!) I have included general hymns which speak about comfort, about companionship, about hope. In 484 (TIS) the elderly are mentioned; in Robin Mann’s song ‘When the earth was created’ (also known as the Pentecost Prayer) found in All Together Now, (No. 99), the words, calling on the Holy Spirit, are powerful, and include the aged: ‘Make me warm when I am cold, make me young, when I am old.’ In several of the verses there are references to disability, and physical limitations as well. We may struggle with the dream of being young again, but I think Mann was referring to being moved by the Spirit to feel refreshed, creative, inspired, rather than a yearning to be chronologically young.
Another Robin Mann hymn, ‘How shall I call you?’ also from All Together Now, (No. 43) includes the line: ‘Lord of the seasons and Lord of the years’. Perhaps we need to remember that being alive is to live out the particularities of each season in our own lives.
We have included a Seniors’ version of ‘Jesus Loves Me’. If we can get past the ‘snow white hair’ reference in verse one, we may see that the following words form a prayer, asking for Christ’s continued comfort, strength, and companionship. There is also a recognition that God’s work for each person is not yet over…there is more to come. The prayer reminds the singer/reader/listener that each person has been created for a purpose, and that God’s presence and strength has been there from the beginning, will be there until the end, and will continue beyond this earthly life.
585 (TIS) 500 (AHB) I heard the voice of Jesus say 111 (TIS) 28 (AHB) Praise to the Lord 650 (TIS) Brother, sister, let me serve you 692 (TIS) Sometimes a healing word is comfort 123 (TIS) 48 (AHB) Be still my soul 607 (TIS) Make me a channel of your peace 609 (TIS) 537 (AHB) May the mind of Christ my Saviour 590 (TIS) 165 (AHB) What a friend we have in Jesus 687 (TIS) God gives us a future 619 (TIS) 552 (AHB) Have faith in God, my heart
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107 (TIS) 25 (AHB) Sing praise and thanksgiving, let all creatures living 602 (TIS) 525 (AHB) O Love that wilt not let me go 90 (TIS) 44 (AHB) I’ll praise my maker while I’ve breath 588 (TIS) 504 (AHB) In heavenly love abiding 586 (TIS) 502 (AHB) Abide with me 613 (TIS) 546 (AHB) Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy 654 (TIS) When love is found and hope comes home 76 (TIS) 21 (AHB) I to the hills will lift my eyes 112 (TIS) 30 (AHB) Through all the changing scenes of life 682 (TIS) When human voices cannot sing 134 (TIS) 68 (AHB) Praise my soul, the king of heaven 605 (TIS) I am alone, yet not alone 624 (TIS) Christ be my leader by night as by day 593 (TIS) Lord, take my hand and lead me 207 (TIS) 136 (AHB) Jesus shall reign where’re the sun 211 (TIS) 139 (AHB) Jesus, lover of my soul 26 (TIS) Just as a lost and thirsty deer 128 (TIS) 55 (AHB) Sometimes a light surprises 564 (TIS) 49 (AHB) O God of Bethel, by whose hand 382 (TIS) Now the green blade rises 549 (TIS) 456 (AHB) God be in my head and in my understanding 671 (TIS) Made in God’s likeness 162 (TIS) 114 (AHB) Thank you for giving me the morning Pentecost Prayer: When the earth was created; Robin Mann in All Together Now, No. 99 How shall I call you? All Together Now, No 43. 168 (TIS) For the fruits of all creation 779 (TIS) May the feet of God walk with you 47 (TIS) 46 (AHB) Our God, our help in ages past 137 (TIS) 77 (AHB) For the beauty of the earth 626 (TIS) 557 (AHB) Lord of creation, to you be all praise! 392 (TIS) At the dawning of salvation 693 (TIS) Come as you are, that’s how I want you 647 (TIS) Comfort, comfort all my people 547 (TIS) 455 (AHB) Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart 100 (TIS) 3 (AHB) All creatures of our God and King 106 (TIS) 14 (AHB) Now thank we all our God 484 (TIS) Here in this place…’
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8. Jesus loves me (for Seniors)
1. Jesus loves me , this I know though my hair is white as snow, though my sight is going dim, still He bids me trust in Him.
Chorus: Yes, Jesus loves me…
2. Though my steps are oh, so slow, with my hand in His I’ll go on through life, let come what may, He’ll be there to lead the way.
Chorus: Yes, Jesus loves me…
3. Though I am no longer young I have much which He’s begun. Let me serve Christ with a smile, go with others the extra mile.
Chorus: Yes, Jesus loves me…
4. When the nights are dark and long, in my heart He puts a song. Telling me in words so clear, “Have no fear, for I am near.”
Chorus: Yes, Jesus loves me…
4. When my work on earth is done, and life’s victories have been won. He will take me home above, then I’ll understand His love.
Chorus: Yes, Jesus loves me…
6. I love Jesus, does He know? Have I ever told Him so? Jesus loves to hear me say that I love Him every day.
Chorus: Yes, Jesus loves me… (Author unknown)
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9. Useful websites and articles:
www.unitingagewell.org http://www.aihw.gov.au/ageing/ http://www.pc.gov.au/research/completed/ageing-australia http://www.australianageingagenda.com.au/ http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/740654 (spirituality and ageing) http://lifehopeandtruth.com/relationships/aging/growing-old-gracefully/ http://www.iriss.org.uk/resources/spirituality-and-ageing-implications-care-and- support-older-people http://www.spiritualityandaging.org/ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lewis-richmond/five-spiritual-practices-aging- well_b_1165552.html (uses Buddhist practices, but could just as easily be Christian principles) http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/january/22.52.html (joy of ageing) http://www.thinkingfaith.org/articles/20120911_1.htm (Catholic theologian writing about living for a long time; how to do that authentically) http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2014/november-web-only/billy-graham-96-and- still-preaching.html https://www.benetas.com.au/sites/default/files/downloads/2012- 08%20A%20Theology%20of%20Ageing%20Summary%20WEB.pdf (A theology of Ageing by Rev. Canon. Dr. Stephen Ames)
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10. Acknowledgement
These resources have been created and compiled for Uniting AgeWell by Rev Barbara Allen E:[email protected], a minister of the Uniting Church, who has served in congregational, chaplaincy and educational placements within the Church for more than twenty years.
If you would like to consider inviting one of the Uniting AgeWell chaplains, staff, volunteers, board or board committee members to give a brief presentation please contact Rev John Clarke, 03 9251 5209, [email protected]
If you would like to explore other resources or services with Uniting AgeWell, please contact 1300 783 435 or http://www.unitingagewell.org.
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