Church At Home St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church – Pembroke, Ontario 4 June 28, 2020

Call to Worship

God calls us ’s own, children of God’s own creation. We open our minds and hearts to the surprising blessings of God. We affirm our God-given identity with gratitude and celebrate with joyful service. Let us worship.

Hymn – This Is My Father’s World - #824 (Lyrics and Tune Public Domain) If you wish to sing please use this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIRVqikQg9U

1 This is my Father’s world, 3 This is my Father’s world; and to my list'ning ears oh, let me not forget all nature sings, and round me rings that, though the wrong seems oft so strong, the music of the spheres. God is the ruler yet. This is my Father’s world; This is my Father’s world; I rest me in the thought why should my heart be sad? of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; The Lord is king, let the heaven ring; his hand the wonders wrought. God reigns, let earth be glad!

2 This is my Father’s world; the birds their carols raise; the morning light, the lily white, declare their maker’s praise. This is my Father’s world; he shines in all that’s fair. In the rustling grass I hear him pass; he speaks to me ev'rywhere.

Prayer of the Day O God, you direct our lives by your grace, and your words of justice and mercy reshape the world. Mold us into a people who welcome your word and serve one another, through Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

First Lesson Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18 Second Lesson Jeremiah 28:5-9 Romans 6:12-23

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The Gospel – :40-42 The Holy Gospel according to Matthew. Glory to you O Lord.

“Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a —truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.”

The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you O Christ.

Reflection

Working alongside Eric Zadow and the staff of the funeral home to produce Church At Home has been a real pleasure these last eight weeks. So often, Eric has the chapel set up before Charlotte and I arrive. All we have to do is last minute things like review the hymns and set up the banner. Eric then finds his seat by the recording equipment and we are ready to go – well not quite. Then comes my last request, “Eric, could I trouble you for a glass of water?” Off he goes and, in a few seconds, he returns with a glass of cold water in his hand. Yes, a cup of cold water for my sometimes-dry throat.

The Gospel lesson for this day is rather difficult and left me at the point of wondering where to begin.

Much of Matthew’s chapter ten is about discipleship. Last week, you may remember, we heard Jesus commissioning the twelve; gave them authority over unclean spirits – drive them out, empowers them to cure the sick. He sends them out into the countryside to proclaim the Kingdom of God is at hand. Jesus does this not without warning of coming persecutions; that the gospel will spark divisions – man against father, daughter against her mother, daughter-in-law against mother-in-law; calls them to take up their cross and follow me. Finally, all those who are faithful, Jesus promises life.

At the end of today’s reading we hear the word “even” – a small word and have you ever noticed that this word creates such importance in a sentence. We often use the word when emphasizing something surprising or extreme. This is how Jesus uses the word.

“and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple— truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.” (Matthew 10:42).

I believe sometimes we think of discipleship as a huge undertaking requiring sacrifice and great acts of achievement and sometimes it does. Yet, Jesus is telling the disciples of his day and you and I today that this is not always the case – even giving a cup of cold water to the one in need is enough. Jesus is saying discipleship is about giving a hug to someone who is lonely, offering your shoulder to a person who is grieving, calling someone who has received devasting news, helping out at St. Joseph Food Bank or The Grind Community Kitchen, make a donation to CLWR or a

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charity in need, even place a sign in your front window or on your front lawn to thank the front line workers during this pandemic.

These are small gestures; you and I both know that. Yet in the kingdom of God, there is no small gesture when done in faith. Each and every act of kindness and generosity has an impact well beyond our imagination. Jesus tells us no act of generosity or kindness will be forgotten. You will never know the difference your faithful actions may have. And here is the thing, we have an opportunity to be Jesus’ disciples and make a difference in the world each and every day no matter where ever we may be; whatever we are doing. We are not called to genuine discipleship, the kind of discipleship characterized by everyday faith; everyday in the sense of ordinary.

I would like to share with you a short story entitled “The Starfish Story.” Maybe you have heard it before. The author Unknown and adapted from "The Star Thrower" by Loren C. Eiseley.

An old man was walking on the beach one morning after a storm. In the distance he could see someone moving like a dancer. As he came closer, he saw it was a young woman picking up starfish and gently throwing them back into the ocean. “Young lady, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?” “The sun is out and the tide is going out, and if I don’t throw them in they will die” she said. “But young lady, don’t you realize that there are many miles of beach and thousands of starfish? You cannot possibly make a difference.” The young woman listened politely, then bent down and picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea. “It made a difference for that one.”

What you do as a disciple does matter and does make a difference.

Let’s face it, these last three months have not been easy. We have isolated, stayed home; not able to hug and touch loved ones and friends but that hasn’t impeded you from doing the work you have been called to do: loving others, getting groceries for a vulnerable person, making and sharing muffins with the neighbours, calling a friend who is not well, delivering Church At Home to those with no internet service. I observe these things and more; for which I am grateful because those who are receiving are so appreciative for your acts of grace and mercy,

You see, even, yes even the gift of a cup of cold water makes the world a better place and gladdens the heart of God. For this I say, “Thank you Eric.”

Prayers of Intercession

Called into unity with one another and the whole creation, let us pray for our shared world.

A brief silence.

God of companionship, encourage our relationships with our siblings in Christ. Bless our conversations. Shape our shared future and give us hearts eager to join in a festal shout of praise. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

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God of abundance, you make your creation thrive and grow to provide all that we need. Inspire us to care for our environment and be attuned to where the earth is crying out. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of mercy, your grace is poured out for all. Inspire authorities, judges, and politicians to act with compassion. Teach us to overcome fear with hope, meet hate with love, and welcome one another as we would welcome you. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of care, accompany all who are in deepest need. Comfort those who are sick, suffering from COVID-19, lonely, or abandoned especially: Elizabeth, Judy, Frank, Christa, Clayton, Mildred, Lois, Mary, Stan, Eveline, Margaret, Marie, Anne and for those we name aloud or in our hearts (long pause for private prayers). We pray also for the people of Leamington/Kingsville who continue in Stage 1 designation of re-opening. Where anger, frustration and harmful expressions of discrimination to foreign workers exists bring generous gifts of patience for love of neighbour. Renew the spirits of all who call upon you. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of community, we give thanks for this congregation called St. Timothy’s. Give us passion to embrace your mission and the vision to recognize where you are leading us. Teach us how to live more faithfully with each other. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of love, you gather in your embrace all who have died. Keep us steadfast in our faith and renew our trust in your promise. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Receive these prayers, O God, and those too deep for words; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Gathered into one by the let us pray as Jesus taught us……….. 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.

Benediction The Lord bless you and keep you, The Lord’s face shine upon you and be gracious unto you, The Lord look upon you with favour and give you (+) peace. Amen.

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Hymn – Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound - #779 (Lyrics and Tune Public Domain) If you wish to sing please use this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4x0PePMWcq8

1 Amazing grace!– how sweet the sound– 4 The Lord has promised good to me; that saved a wretch like me! his word my hope secures; I once was lost, but now am found; he will my shield and portion be was blind, but now I see. as long as life endures.

2 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, 5 When we've been there ten thousand years, and grace my fears relieved; bright shining as the sun, how precious did that grace appear we've no less days to sing God's praise the hour I first believed! than when we'd first begun.

3 Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come; 'tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.

Go in peace. Christ is with you. Thanks be to God.

Prayers used by permission by Augsburg Fortress – Sundays and Seasons

Offerings……Thank you for your on-going support of St. Timothy’s in these challenging times.

A reminder that offerings can be made by placing a cheque in your offering envelope; placing it into a plain envelope; addressing it to the church and either delivering it to the church or mail it to the church. There is now a mail slot installed in the front door so incoming mail goes immediately into the building. If you do not have an offering envelope please follow the same procedure. In either case, please do not place cash in the envelope.

You may also make a donation on line by going to our website www.sttlc.ca and using the donate button. Again, thank you for remembering St. Timothy’s.

Eternity for Today has arrived. If you are a regular recipient, please contact Pastor Bruce either by using his home phone 613-735-5631 or email [email protected] and arrangements will be made to ensure you receive your copy.

Calling All Painters! St. Timothy’s cabin at Lutherlyn needs a new coat of paint. If you are willing to help please contact Janet Goulard via her email: [email protected] for further details. By the way………no experience is required!

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