Saturday, July 4, 2020

Worship for Sunday 5th July - I get by with a little help from my friends


I get by with a little help from my friends
(1 Cor 10:16-17,  1 Peter 2:4-5)

Lynne McGee writes
“It all began when the dental hygienist, who was scraping tartar off my teeth, asked, “Do you spend about four minutes each time you brush your teeth?” With a gurgling tube hanging from my lip, I responded, “A liddle lessth than that.”
“You really should,” she said, “or you will lose your teeth.” I vowed to myself that I would floss, pick, brush and rinse as instructed.
“At my annual physical examination the doctor asked,” How often do you exercise?” “Do you limit your salt intake?” and “Does your diet contain much cholesterol?” I thus began an intensive fitness program, which I checked off on the daily “Personal Maintenance Schedule” on the refrigerator door.
 “I soon learned personal maintenance was not all that I had to worry about. At the appliance-repair shop, the clerk examining my coffee maker asked, “Do you run white vinegar through it each month?” This began my “Home Maintenance Schedule,” which took its place next to my personal maintenance schedule.
“Several other appliances, too, began demanding my attention. When I discovered that the Video recorder also required cleaning, the Air conditioner filters needed washing and so many more.
I wondered how long I could keep up this rigorous program of persona and household maintenance. I was sleeping four hours a night, had lost touch with my husband and children, and had no social life, not to mention no room left on the refrigerator door.
“It all came crashing down one night when I was reading an article entitled: “Are You Endangering the Lives of Your Loved Ones by Failing to Dust Your Smoke Alarms Regularly?”
“I ran to the refrigerator and tore the schedules to shreds. In their place I have established a policy in which I respond to all questions about my behaviour not answering on the grounds I might incriminate myself

Sometimes Church feels like that – just add one thing to your list – Prayer bible reading attending church, being kind to your neighbours…
Yet the bible is more about our identity than our doing – It is more about who we are (whose we are) than anything else. 
What does it mean to say you are a Christian – is you answer Do words – like a believer or a follower
Or are they BE words – like a Child of God or One with Christ
                Or using the words of 1 peter – a living Stone built on the foundation of Jesus
So a Christian is not just someone who is forgiven or has a home in heaven when they die it is something I AM – it is my identity.
Our redemption does not just depend on what Christ did, but on who he is in the depths of his being—one with God and one with us.
                        Gary Deddo

1 Cor 10:16f talks about this using the word communion or Fellowship or koinonia
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?       I Corinthians 10:16
  • ·         Greek   - Koinonia
  • ·         GNT   - a sharing in
  • ·         NIV    - A participation in..
  • ·         ISV      -  our fellowship in
Paul is saying we have a shared Christian experience of grace and forgiveness but more than that we have the deepest of bonds. 
I was thinking about going to a rugby game .  You can all be at the same game but your experience can be very different – if your side wins or loses, if you are in the rain or in the stands.  Koinonia is about sharing more than a common experience of grace but a joining together in deepest intimacy – the closest bonds.  Some people are like that with schools – the bonds they shared and the common experience forged a bond that time can never erase.     Catching up after many years sees the time fade away and it was like it was yesterday.
In 1 Cor 10 Paul talks about a participation or sharing in the blood of Jesus.  This means we all share a common experience of grace and forgiveness but deeper than that, we share in or participate in the death of Jesus. so Paul could say in Gal 2:20 – “it is no longer I who lives but Christ who lives in me.”
The same is true for the Body – represented in the bread.  The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?” but he goes on to say “ Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.”  I Corinthians 10:16-17  This means our bond is not just with Christ but one another.  There is a upward and an outward dimension.

This is illustrated in  2 Peter 2:4-5
As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house
 I like the idea that as we come to him the living stone we ourselves become living stones that are being built together.
It is this sense of identity that is both up and out – with Christ and with each other.
Our belonging to Christ means we belong to each other.  WE are not just fellow beleivers but brothers and sisters.

This is important because Peter was writing to a people under pressure – the world was definitely  against them. And Peters solution was to strengthen not their prayer life but their sense of identity with Chirst and as the people of God together.


I used the illustration of the resilience Donut a few weeks ago.  It is a model that says if you want to build resilience you have to look at your identity (I have, I am, I can) but also the other factors. You will see that 4 our of the 7 factors in the colored segments are relational
  • ·         Parents or Partners
  • ·         Peers
  • ·         Family
  • ·         Community  
The other 3 are Education, skills and money (resources)
Lynn Worsley says of you want to have resilient people you need to have 3 strong factors out of the seven.
Peter would say our connection with Jesus cuts right to the core – Our Sense of identity who I am as well as giving us a community and peers and a family to belong to.
The Beatles were right all along – I get by with a little help from my friends.  But if Christ  if your friend – you more than Get by you discover a new identity. I like the way Paul in 1 Cor 1:30 talks about all the riches of Christ which are ours in Christ Jesus   
God has brought you into union with Christ Jesus, and God has made Christ to be our  wisdom. By him we are put right with God (our Righteousness); we become God's holy people (our Holiness) and are set free (our redemption).
                                                                1 Cor 1:30


 

 Opening prayer

 Dear God, we come to you with thanksgiving today. 

We  are grateful for who you are. A great God, the God of Majesty and power. The God of creativity and colour, reflected in the things you have made. You are a God who is full of compassion and loyal to your people. 

You never turn us away and long for everyone to return to you and be saved.

God, knowing you, we have confidence to come before you today, to seek your blessing and help. More than you want to be with you, to you know you more.

We need more of your father's love, we need more of the Grace that Jesus gives, we need more of the Spirit's power and wisdom and guidance. 

On this day we honour you.

 This is our prayer through Jesus amen.

Prayers of the Faithful

For the Church – that we will find meaningful ways to live lives of faithfulness and reflecting your love and to speaking the good news of your Kingdom in today’s world.

 

For government  and city leaders – that they have clear understanding of what is right, discern between good and evil and always act in the best interests of their communities. WE think especially of the response to the carona virus and economic upheaval.

 

For parents who are unable to provide for their family  – that they will be patient in their struggles, not become embittered by their hardship, will be supported by family, friends, and community, and able to receive with grace what is offered to them.

 

For youth and young adults – that they will do what is good, choose what is right, and be attentive to the calling of the Spirit within their own hearts. We pray especially for families as they start the school holidays this week and for the Holiday program at St Columba’s.

 

For our world, still tortured by covid-19 – that those in refugee camps and other cramped living spaces will be protected, the sick healed, the grieving consoled and the pandemic ended. We think especially for people in Melbourne and places where there is little medical care available.

 

For our family and friends – that they would know your love and care.  Help them seek the wisdom and strength you offer.  May they discover your grace and love in every aspect of their lives. 

This is our prayer – offered in Jesus Name. Amen

 

Saturday, June 13, 2020

Worship for June 14th at St Columba's

Sunday, June 14th    2020

Welcome to Worship

Good morning!

 For those  worshiping at home – Greetings.

The videos are uploaded now

WE are delighted you are finding ways to join us in worship and thanking God for his goodness.  I am conscious of many for whom the lockdown has taken its toll. But hopefully being at level one means a return to a more normal life.  I had the first of our services at Atawhai this week and I have my first service at Patoka this weekend. I have heard Mainly music and other activities are starting again soon. 

Call to worship

Even young people grow faint and weary,

the young fall exhausted;

but we who wait for the Lord shall find our strength renewed.

Have you not heard?

We shall mount up with wings like eagles.

We shall run and not be weary.

We shall walk and not be faint.

This is true for those who wait for the Lord.

It is true for us who wait for the Lord and worship him.

  

Our opening prayer

We are grateful for your blessings; you refresh and renew us when we wait on you.  Like rain on arid farm land you bring shoots of new life. Like an oasis in a desert wilderness, we find refreshment and renewal when we find you and drink deeply of your life giving water. 

You say those who wait upon the lord will find their strength renewed.  You say we can rise on wings like eagles –in the effortless movement carried by your grace.  Yet this waiting on you is the hardest thing.

We feel the need to take things in to our own hands, to push ourselves, to seek every way to solve our own problems rather than stop and wait on you.  We forget you are the good shepherd seeking his missing sheep, the father in heaven with arms outstretched waiting for your prodigals to come home.

Forgive us for not being still long enough for you to find us or rather for us to find that you have been there all along with hand outstretched offering peace and promise of your help.

Help us find a new centre of stillness and to see you power at work in our lives as you do what we cannot.

 

Let us say the lord’s prayer together

Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be your name

Your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. And Lead us not into temptation

And deliver us from evil.

For yours is the Kingdom, the power and the glory. Forever and ever amen

 

If you are with others share your highs and lows for the week. If you are doing this with just you and God, pause and ponder the things of your week that you are grateful for:  the people you know and love, the company you have shared….

 

Don’t forget the low points – what have you struggled with this week?

 

Opening Songs at St Columba this week are

1.      As the deer

2.     Turn your eyes up on Jesus

 Brett talks to the children about how long it takes different planets to do one circle of the sun.  Mercury: 87.97 days (0.2 years)  Earth: 365.26 days(1 year)  Mars: 686.98 days(1.9 years) Jupiter: 4,332.82 days (11.9 years) Saturn: 10,755.70 days (29.5 years) Neptune: 60,190.03 days (164.8 years)  The further out the longer it takes – the further away from God the more we need to scramble to complete what is required of us.

 

The children sing – my lighthouse


 

Bible Readings: (if you watch the video- the Bible readings and sermon start at the 29 minute mark)

  Isaiah 40:25-31    

 

Romans 8:18-30

 

 Brett’s Message:     - When the future looks unsure


Today I had 2 different visitors who spoke about the effect the Lockdown was having.  One told of her child’s marriage breaking up and the second said it was her marriage that was in trouble.  Sure, there were underlying stresses but this time has pushed things over the edge.  When you are pushed to the edge, or beyond your limits, when your future looks uncertain what can you do?

 

Today I want to talk about 2 words one from Isaiah 40 – the word “Wait”

And one from Romans 8 – the word “Groan”

These two words I think are Keys to resilience to enduring when the journey is long and tough and the future uncertain

 

In the opening verses of Chapter 40, the prophet announces that they will be going from Babylon back to their hometowns, back in Israel.  That sounded exciting – a fulfilment of God’s promise but it was also a 1,126 km walk from Babylon to Jerusalem. (the same distance from Cape Reinga to Wellington via Napier) at least 6 weeks walk probably more like 10.

 More than enough to tire the youngest and fittest. Let alone those a little older. 

Sometimes the journeys end seems too far away and all we can do is take the next step because even thinking one hour ahead is overwhelming.

When the future looks uncertain, daunting, overwhelming Isaiah points us to God the source of strength.

As we said last week’s Isaiah 40 depicts

·         A God of compassion –Comfort ye my people v1

·         A God whose word is eternal (the grass fades and the flower falls but the word of the Lord endures forever )v8

·         A God who takes care of his flock like a shepherd. v11

·         A God who is incomparable in power and wisdom (v12-14)

In today’s verses in the later part of the Chapter Isaiah goes on to say God is without equal (v 25-26) as the Creator of the stars they stare up at from their campfires. 

And he is a God who knows where they are (they are not lost or forgotten (v27-28)

God does not grow tired or weary (v28) but gives strength to the weary v29.

The readers of these words are told to look to this God for the strength, guidance and power we need.

When I was a new Christian I learned many key bible verses off by heart.  IS 40:30-31 was one.

“Even those who are young grow weak; young people can fall exhausted.
But those who trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed.
They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary;
    they will walk and not grow weak.”

The version I learned had “Those who wait on the lord find their strength renewed” v 31`

(I see the NIV translates it as to hope in the lord. All 3 are reasonable translations)

The Hebrew word for “wait” is qavah (קָוָ×”) literally ‘binding together, eagerly waiting, hoping for, expecting, to look eagerly for, (ps 25.3; 37:9) In Isaiah 5:4 it is used for Looking for a harvest of good grapes.

I like the idea of binding together.  It is not just hoping or waiting but binding your life with God’s looking and eagerly expecting God to work. The idea is of a piece of string, which cannot lift very much weight because it does not have very many strands in it. A piece of rope, however, can lift hundreds of kilos because it consists of many strands. When a rope lifts or pulls a load, it becomes taut, the individual strands are pulled and squeezed closer together. While this “stress” is on the rope, the individual strands work together to lift or pull the load. No one individual strand does all the work. If it did, it would snap. A rope’s strength comes from all the strands working together. The “rope” of our lives gains strength by being twisted or woven or bound together with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

To the one who waits for the Lord in trust and eager expectation we find our strength renewed….

To face the stress of the journey- to find strength renewed we bind ourselves to God in faith and Hope

But Romans 8 adds another word to our Journey – that word is “groan”

Can you imagine the groans after walking for a week or 2 – “Ok kids time to get up, another 30 kilometers today.”

Common Gramma – you hip is not that sore, the blisters on your feet are not that bloody - Groan.

 (I must I am feeling more and more sympathy for the Israelites in the desert with Moses as I think about this).

Paul as he writes talks about Groans – not as a complaint but as an unfulfilled longing – more like I wish an eager longing.  (Are we there yet?)

In v22  the creation is groaning in eager longing (Hope) as it waits for its fulfilment of God’s promises.

In V23 Christians groan in eager longing (Hope) waiting for fulfilment of God’s promises.

And in V26 the Holy Spirit is also groaning – in eager longing (Hope) for the fulfilment of God’s promises.

V26  In the same way the Spirit also comes to help us, weak as we are. For we do not know how we ought to pray; the Spirit himself pleads with God for us in groans that words cannot express.

The spirit is praying in noises that words cannot express – have you ever felt that – wanting to say something and not having the words - -Pauls assay a groan or words that are not words coming from the deepest part of our being can be the best prayer ever – from the spirit with us direct to God

What is the Holy Spirit groaning about?  What is he eagerly longing for?

I think there are a few clues in the Passage

1.      That we might move from weakness to strength – that the promise of IS 40:31 would be fulfilled in us.

2.       That we might experience 2 gifts from the Spirit _ Patience and hope. The word Hope occurs 6 times in Romans 8. Hope is - the optimistic attitude of expecting a positive outcome. But, hope needs his friend patience for without hit it descends to worry and despair.

3.      That we would know God is at work – Another bible verse I learnt which I frequently recall is v 28  “We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose.”   Paul outlines God’s purposes as becoming like Jesus in v29 and ultimately sharing Christs glory in v30

Paul finishes the Chapter by saying nothing can thwart God’s purposes

35 Who, then, can separate us from the love of Christ? Can trouble do it, or hardship or persecution or hunger or poverty or danger or death?.... No, in all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us! 38 For I am certain that nothing can separate us from his love: neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers or powers, neither the present nor the future, 39 neither the world above nor the world below—there is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Our 2 words are vital for the tough journey we are on

·         The need to wait on the Lord –

·         The need to groan in eager longing

Neither word sounds very powerful but they both point to  deeper reality – success doesn’t come by hard work and determination – that only leads to exhaustion

But by allowing God to renew our strength

By allowing God to lift us up and carry up on his wings

By allowing the Holy Spirit to give us hope and patience and fulfil the plans God has for our lives

 

 

 A  reworking of Psalm 23 by the Japanese poet Toki Miyashina:

 

The Lord is my pacesetter, I shall not rush.

he makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals.

He provides me with images of stillness which restore my serenity.

He leads me in ways of efficiency, through calmness of mind,

and his guidance is peace.

Even though I have a great many things to accomplish this day,

I will not fret, for his presence is here.

His timelessness,  His all-importance,

Will keep me in balance.

He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity

by anointing my head with the oil of tranquillity.

My cup of joyous energy overflows.

Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruits of my hours,

for I shall walk in the place of my Lord,

and dwell in His house forever.

 

 


 

 Is there other connections between your bible readings and your highs and lows for the week?

Was there a word, sentence, or phrase that stood out to you in the readings today?

 

Pray for those who shared their highs and lows giving thanks for the blessings and asking for God’s help with the struggles.

 

This Prayer for others was written by Esther Woodcock  

Let us pray. 

Today dear Father of all, there is much unrest throughout the world.  We long for peace.  We long to be rid of dictators in the world and have only non-partisan leaders with compassion and decisions of caring and order for each of us.  We pray for those leaders, as we think of our own country’s anthem ending in “God Defend New Zealand”. May we not be the looters and destroyers of property or people, for a negative doesn’t right a negative.  We pray that the leaders who are watching this happen find peaceful ways to engage and listen to the people who are asking to be recognized. May our words be of love and concern for one and all, for “Jesus Loves the Little Children, all the children of the world…” Yes, you love us, each and every one of us and we are asked to approach you as a little child.

Ruler of all, we bow to you asking for food for the needy, clothes for the poor and most of all homes for each person or family.  This is even truer as we come out of Covid 19 lockdown and consider those who have no money to pay for their rent, whether it is for their businesses or for their homes.  May our country, our leaders and we your people, aide in finding ways for them to retain their homes and their businesses.  May we show caring and love for our neighbors who are suffering in this way.

There are many, dear Jesus, who are still sick with Covid-19, or others that are suffering illnesses but afraid to go seek medical attention.  We pray that you will hold them in your hand and comfort them, for your “yoke is easy and your burden is light”.  For those who have lost family members to this horrific virus, may they lean into you and know your faithfulness.

Lord of All, we plead with you to help those who are jobless to be able to find new jobs, whether they are skilled laborers, or they are businessmen and women who have been employed as the supervisors or owners of businesses.  May we who are able, help them in finding employment and being merciful to them. 

Our gracious Lord, we see neighbors and their children who have little.  May we use integrity in following your example of sharing through the loaves and fishes serving the thousands.  May we continue in our monetary gifts and food gifts that will extend to people throughout our community and the world. For those of us who have hands and feet help in building, in baking, in picking fruit or vegetables that our neighbors and children have more.  May we be a light to the people of our community, still smiling through adversity.

Our compassionate Father, we ask that you help us be the light to the world, an unyielding flame of hope for the gentleness and kindness you have taught.  As an example to others may we offer a smile, may we be kind, may we be complimentary, and may we listen carefully.  May we be as the writer says: So if you're walking down the street sometime, And spot some hollow ancient eyes, Please don't just pass 'em by and stare, As if you didn't care, say, "Hello in there, hello"   We are your people and submit our lives to you, praying that we are able to help others in the way that you ask us, despite our own frailties.  It is with prayerful thanksgiving, with grateful hearts, with unyielding love that we praise you and thank you for the many mercies you give us daily.  May our possession of you Christ, be our influence on all people, rather than our profession of you Christ.

In your precious name, Amen.

Amen.

 Final HYMN   In Christ alone

 

 

Say this to one another – (and yourself)

 

The Lord bless you and keep you;
May the Lord be kind and gracious to you;

the Lord look upon you with favour and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24ff

 

Go now in peace, Go now in peace. May the love of God surround you, Everywhere, everywhere, you may go.

 

 

NOTICES

 

 

  The Prayer Team: If you or someone you know would benefit from having some prayer support we have a prayer chain so please feel free to send your requests to office@stcolumba-taradale.org.nz and the team will spring into action. (You can be assured of confidentiality). 

 Ministers  all the people   Parish contact details         

Website: www.stcolumba-taradale.org.nz

Church office  8445004

Brett

Home    06 8442256       Mobile  0274083658

brettjwalker@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/stcolumbataradale/

or go to  https://brett-walker.blogspot.com

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Thanks for stopping by and reading this. You will find links to St Columba's services, helpful information and a few more personal thoughts.

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Married with Children. my wonderful wife is Sue. I have 2 sons Paul in Gisborne David In Napier