Worship Service for June 9, 2024

June 9, 2024 – Third Sunday after Pentecost and Christian Education Sunday

Introit

Prelude

Lighting of the Christ Candle

This is the Christ Candle. We light the candle to help us remember that Jesus Christ, the light of the world, is with us in every place and every time.

Call to Worship

One: Let us give thanks to God with our whole hearts;
All: We give thanks for God’s steadfast love and faithfulness.

One: Call upon God to increase our strength of soul.
All: In the midst of troubling times, God reaches out to us.

One: So we gather to worship God, trusting in God’s goodness and guidance.
All: We come to offer our prayers and praise, seeking God’s renewing love day by day.

Opening Hymn

“Praise, I will Praise” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 420). Original French words (1976) by French composer and musician Claude Fraysse (1941–2012); English translation (1989) by American hymnwriter Kenneth I. Morse (1913–1999). Music (1977; tune “Je louerai l’Éternel”) by Fraysse; arrangement by Alain Bergèse. Original French words copyright © 1976 Claude Fraysse; English translation copyright ©1989 The Hymnal Project; used by permission of Brethren Press. Music copyright copyright © 1977 Claude Fraysse.

Prayers of Approach and Confession, & Lord’s Prayer (sins)

God of all creation,
we marvel at all the detail and grandeur you call into being. You tend the fragile beauty and balance in the world, receiving praise from the depths of the sea to the tops of the mountains. You have seen your Church grow from tiny beginnings into a worldwide community, full of diversity in voice and vocation. Open our eyes to your purposes for each of us and all of us, and for the Church in every location. Awaken us with insights from your Holy Spirit and show us how to fulfill your will in the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord.

God of purpose and possibility,
you give us work to do and the skills we need to do it. Yet we prefer to follow our own ways. We think we know better. Forgive our stubborn natures. By the power of your Holy Spirit, create in us a teachable spirit so we can learn new ways to serve you.

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.

Declaration of Pardon

The prophet Micah reminds us that God requires three things of us: to do justice, to love kindness, and walk humbly with our God. To all who turn away from self-interest and seek reconciliation with God and neighbour in kindness and humility, God offers forgiveness and peace. The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
All: Thanks be to God!

The Peace

One: The Peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
All: And also with you.

The Life and Work of the Church (Announcements)

Mission Moments by the Mission and Outreach Committee (LOFT)

Presented by Don MacOdrum.

Musical Reflection

Fun with the Young at Heart (children’s story)

We sing verse 1 of “Jesus loves me this I know”.

“Jesus loves me, this I know” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 373). Words (1859 or 1860) by American writer Anna Bartlett Warner (1827–1915). Revisions to v2 and v3 by Canadian Anglican priest David Rutherford McGuire (1929–1971). Music (1862; tune: “Jesus loves me”) by American musician William Batchelder Bradbury (1816–1868). Words, revisions, and music in the public domain.

Presentation and Prayer by the Nuture and Education Committee given by Rev. Helen Smith.

Scripture Reading

Mark 3:20–35  <– this links to on-line text of the NRSV bible

Click here for additional scripture readings from today’s lectionary. Links courtesy of the Revised Common Lectionary, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library.

Mark 3:20–35

20 Then he went home, and the crowd came together again, so that they could not even eat. 21 When his family heard it, they went out to restrain him, for people were saying, “He has gone out of his mind.” 22 And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, “He has Beelzebul, and by the ruler of the demons he casts out demons.” 23 And he called them to him and spoke to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. 26 And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but his end has come. 27 But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his property without first tying up the strong man; then indeed the house can be plundered.

28 “Truly I tell you, people will be forgiven for their sins and whatever blasphemies they utter, 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit can never have forgiveness but is guilty of an eternal sin”— 30 for they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.”

31 Then his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. 32 A crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for you.” 33 And he replied, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” 34 And looking at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

Sermon

May we read the first verse from today’s text, verse 20. “Then he went home, and the crowd came together again, so that they could not even eat.”

Jesus went home. It is important to acknowledge Jesus had his home and he came home. This home is more likely referring to the house of Peter and Andrew which was described earlier in chapter 1: 29–31.  In this text, the writer does not specify whose home it was. The text simply indicates that Jesus went home. It is likely that Peter’s home became a home for Jesus as well.

However, the story we read today does not end with Jesus coming home. The Gospel of Mark tells us what happens after Jesus arrives home.

Mark 3:20–22, 20 Then he went home, and the crowd came together again, so that they could not even eat. 21 When his family heard it, they went out to restrain him, for people were saying, “He has gone out of his mind.” 22 And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, “He has Beelzebul, and by the ruler of the demons he casts out demons.”

………

In this text, Jesus’ home is taken away. It is occupied by the crowd demanding more from him, by his family who wants to stop him and restrain him, and by the scribes who accuse him of being possessed by an evil spirit. This home, once filled with God’s healing and those who cared about Jesus and his ministry, is now occupied by spectators, customers, abusers, and accusers. A home that used to be a place of welcome, prayer, and healing has become a place of loneliness, shame, and accusation.  Jesus becomes homeless.

In the moment when his home is no longer there for him, when the place of welcome and healing has turned into a place of accusations and shame, this is how Jesus responds:

Mark 3:31–35, Then his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him.  A crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for you.” And he replied, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

First, instead of reacting angrily by saying, “They can go to hell,” Jesus asks and invites to reflect with him, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” Second, he looks at those around him and invites them to join his spiritual family: “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” ….

I believe that encapsulates the essence of our Christian message. We are called to welcome each other as God’s children.

Please, join our Sunday worship service at 11 am, either in person or virtually, to hear the full version of the sermon.

Hymn

“Will you come and follow me” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 634). Words (1987) by Scottish hymn-writer and Church of Scotland minister John L. Bell (1949–) and his Scottish hymn-writing partner Graham Maule (1958–2019), both affiliated with the Iona Community. Music (Scottish traditional; tune “Kelvingrove”) arranged in 1987 by Bell. Words and arrangement copyright © 1987, Iona Community, GIA Publications, Inc. agent; used by permission of One License, license number 722141-A. Music public domain. Arrangement copyright © 1987 GIA Publications; used by permission of One License, license number 722141-A.

Offering

As Jesus gave himself for us, let us return to God the offerings of our life and the gifts of the earth.

Musical Reflection

We remind everyone that we must continue to pay our bills; in the absence of being present at Sunday worship, you may sign up for pre-authorized remittance (PAR), donate online, or drop off your offering envelope in the mailbox at the church. Do not leave a cash donation unattended in the mailbox; instead, please call the office (416.261.4037) to ensure someone will be there to receive it. The building will be checked daily for mail and phone messages. If you are not comfortable leaving an envelope, you are welcome to contact the office (once again, 416.261.4037) and someone will pick up your offering.

Dedication of our Gifts

Our offering will now be received.

Doxology 306

“Praise God from whom all blessings flow” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 306). Based on the tune “Old 100^th” with words (1989) by English hymnwriter Brian A. Wren (1936–). Words copyright © 1989 Hope Publishing Co.; used by permission of One License, license number 722141-A. Music public domain.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
praise God all creatures high and low;
praise God in Jesus fully known,
Creator Word and Spirit One.

Prayer of dedication

God of growing gardens and growing hope, receive our gifts and our gratitude this day. Bless what we bring and what we do, so that we become expressions of your abundant love, in Jesus’ name.

The Prayer of Thanksgiving and Hope

God of grace and compassion, We offer you our thanks for the communities in which we share, for our friends and families, our neighbours and fellow citizens, and we pray for the widening circles of our lives. We lift up those nearest and dearest to us, naming them before you with affection and gratitude, knowing that your love touches the depths of their needs and celebrates the joys of their journeys.

We celebrate the life of this church community whose worship and witness strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ and challenge us to live what we believe. Awaken us to opportunities to serve you in the friendship and fellowship we share. Grant us courage to reach out in Jesus’ name into the midst of any sudden crisis or situation of deep human need.

We remember before you nations and neighbourhoods facing ongoing conflict and violence, those who crowd together in refugee compounds and homeless encampments, or who face the consequences of nature’s unpredictable forces. We join our prayers with the desperate wherever find themselves: grant us courage and resilience to meet the steepest challenges and inspire our hope.

As summer approaches, we give you thanks for beauty throughout your creation, and for the refreshment and recreation it provides. Yet we feel your passion rising when we overlook the cost of our lifestyle on creation’s fragile balance. Show us how to act for justice with compassion so that nothing precious, no one precious is overlooked.

We know in our hearts the tug of your grace and compassion, so we offer these and all our unspoken prayers in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Closing Hymn

“Love divine, all loves excelling” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 371). Words (1747) by English Methodist leader and hymnwriter Charles Wesley (1707–1788). Music (1844; tune: “Hyfrydol”) by Welsh composer Rowland Prichard (1811–1887). Words and music public domain.

Changing the Light

Now, it is time to change the light. The light that was in one place can now be in every place and every time going with you wherever you go.

Benediction

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ (the risen Christ), the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you always. AMEN.

Blessing

“Danish Amen” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 780). Words and music (tune: “Amen (Danish)”) traditional. Words and music public domain.

Postlude

Copyright © 2024 Guildwood Community Presbyterian Church

Last updated 2024-06-15 22:25 – Added Sermon text; adjusted Fun with the Young at Heart (children’s story).