The flowers in the Sanctuary today are to the Glory of God and in loving memory of dear mother and father Don and Doris Cavanagh given by the family.
*Canadian church calendars. Beautiful informative great quality Talk to Barb. A few still available. $8
*Draws. Cookie draw, $5, 5 for 20$. Handmade Afghan by Heather Jamieson. $2 or 3 for $5. Also thanks to Millard George we have hockey tickets $2 or 3 for $5. Ask Barb.
*Our food cupboard. Butch 519-615-9106.
*Penny Social Thank You.
*All Saints Nov. 3. New list of names by Barb at church .
*Calendar/Planning meeting Nov. 5 at 1:00 p.m.
*Remembrance at our Cenotaph. Mon. November 11 10:30
*Cookie Tin Assembly. Sat. Dec. 7. Donations of Cookies before 10 a.m. please. Fresh not Frozen / non gooey, non mint squares/cookies needed. Tickets available. 5 for $20 or $5 each.
*Mint smoothies Sandra $3
*Veggie pies only left. 5$ for a great meal
*Christmas Card program. Save Money and help the church.
*Christmas Star Bazaar. Saturday November 16. 9:30 to 12:30 Donations of new items needed. Baking. Grocery Draw. Grocery donations for draw. Suggested price for your baking?
*White Gift and Toonie lunch. Sun Dec. 1. Food donations, gift cards, etc. Proceeds to our food outreach. Soup & Buns.
*There are three ways to support our church. Volunteering at events. Generosity. Prayer. Our church is a team
*Cancelled stamps. Gloria Thompson.
*If you wish, our regular weekly donations or special donations may be sent to our Envelope Secretary:
Eternal One, whose thoughts and ways are not ours,
you alone are God, awesome, holy, and most high.
School us in the ways of faith and wisdom,
that we, like Job,
may learn to truly see and hear,
and in humility find blessing. Amen.
Reading Mark 10:35-45
Warnings to ambitious disciples
10:35James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”
10:36And he said to them, “What is it you want me to do for you?”
10:37And they said to him, “Appoint us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.”
10:38But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”
10:39They replied, “We are able.” Then Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink and with the baptism with which I am baptized you will be baptized,
10:40but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to appoint, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
10:41When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John.
10:42So Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that among the gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them.
10:43But it is not so among you; instead, whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant,
10:44and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all.
10:45For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Sermon
Mark 10:35-45
During the American Revolution a man in civilian clothes rode past a group of soldiers repairing a small defensive barrier.
Their leader was shouting instructions, but making no attempt to help them.
Asked why by the rider, he retorted with great dignity, “Sir, I am a corporal!”
The stranger apologized, dismounted, and proceeded to help the exhausted soldiers.
The job done, he turned to the corporal and said, “Corporal, next time you have a job like this and not enough men to do it, go to your commander-in-chief, and I will come and help you again.”
With that George Washington got back on horse and rode off.
Where did Washington learn such leadership skills?
I have no doubt he learned them in these words of Jesus:
Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.
The young corporal had these words modeled to him from the man at the top.
The disciples, likewise, receive from their leader a picture of servant hood.
====
It is now five days before Jesus’ crucifixion.
If the Disciples are going to start adopting Jesus’ teachings
in their life it ought to be now.
But it doesn’t happen.
Moments before the most crucial events in their life
they are a bickering, petty, bad-tempered quarrelsome lot.
We need to learn from this
not-so-flattering moment
in the life of the disciples.
How is it that critical moments can be so close at hand
and they are wondering what’s in this for me?
I
The disciples wanted position.
As you read the Gospels
you come across numerous occasions
when the disciples misunderstand Jesus’ teachings,
when their actions are inappropriate,
when they jump to conclusions that are way off mark.
Here is a unique situation,
something a little different than their usual blunders.
Within their own ranks they are jockeying for position.
Here’s what happened.
It is the last week of Jesus’ life.
James and John,
two brothers born to a man named Zebedee,
sense their opportunity to claim leadership positions.
Calling his disciples together Jesus tells his disciples,
“You know those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles
lord it over them,
and their high officials exercise authority over them.
Not so with you.” Jesus says.
The kingdom of God will have no hierarchy.
Don’t fight to be leader of all;
fight for the least position of all.
Be a servant.
II
James and John want status.
“Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left
when you come into your glory”
is the request of James and John.
They want a piece of the action.
They assumed,
that there would be great glory and honor
given on the disciples
when they rode in military victory over the Romans.
How, you might ask,
did they think that little Israel could conquer the Empire of Rome?
One need only be reminded of David and Goliath.
There are plenty of examples of God’s people
overcoming impossible odds.
But glory would not come through battle this time.
Looking at James and John he said,
“You do not know what you are asking.
It is not my right to grant you these seats.
These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”
They have turn upside down everything.
James and John thought the positions
on Jesus’ right and left were earthly positions of power.
They were not.
Just exactly what Jesus means by these two positions is uncertain.
Perhaps he means the left and right side of his cross
where the two criminals were crucified.
Or, perhaps he means Moses and Elijah
who stood with him on the mount of Transfiguration.
Still yet he might mean the positions
beside him in heaven.
It is not clear.
The one thing that is clear
is that James and John have misunderstood
what lies ahead of them.
Prestige is not coming to the disciples.
III
James and John wanted power.
Notice that the other ten disciples
became indignant
when they heard what James and John were up to.
It was a power play,
a strategic maneuver,
and the other disciples resented it.
We are drawn to power, to wield it over another.
Jesus shows them that real power resides
in humble acts of service.
Jesus calls the disciples around him:
“Whoever wants to become great among you” he said,
“ must be your servant,
and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.
For even the son of man did not come to be served,
but to serve,
There is a story about the three trees?
The trees were talking in the forest one day
about their dreams for the future.
The first tree said it would like to be made into a cradle,
so that it might go on living
as a support for the fragile life of a tiny new baby.
The second tree wanted to be made into a big ship,
so that it might go on living,
carrying important cargo and influential people
to exotic new lands.
The third tree longed to stay right where it was,
existing only as a tree,
but growing ever taller,
and pointing ever higher,
to remind everyone that there is a God in heaven
who loves them.
Those were their dreams:
One wanted to be a cradle,
one wanted to be a mighty ship,
and one wanted to be a tall tree,
pointing people toward God.
But then one day the woodcutters came
and chopped down the three trees…
and destroyed their dreams.
The first tree was not made into a cradle,
but into a simple feeding trough,
a manger for animals.
But the manger was sold to a family in Bethlehem,
and on the night Jesus was born,
that simple feed box became the cradle for the Christ Child.
The second tree was built into a boat,
but not the kind it had dreamed of—
not a mighty ocean-going vessel—
but a tiny inexpensive fishing boat.
A man named Simon Peter bought the boat,
and on one warm afternoon when the crowds pressed in,
Jesus himself climbed aboard that small fishing boat
that he might preach good news to the multitudes.
The third tree also was deprived of its dream.
It wanted to remain standing tall
and pointing toward God.
Instead, it was cut down and shaped into a cross.
But it was on that very cross that Jesus was crucified,
a powerful reminder of God’s eternal love for all the people.
The three trees were humbled,
but in the plan of God,
they were exalted.
That’s the way it works:
When we,
in humility,
give ourselves to God,
our Lord can do great things through us and for us—
greater than we can ever imagine.
Hymn: All Glory Laud and Honour
All glory, laud, and honor
to you, Redeemer, King,
to whom the lips of children
made sweet hosannas ring.
You are the King of Israel
and David’s royal Son,
now in the Lord’s name coming,
the King and Blessed One.
The company of angels
is praising you on high;
and we with all creation
in chorus make reply.
The people of the Hebrews
with palms before you went;
our praise and prayer and anthems
before you we present.
To you before your passion
they sang their hymns of praise;
to you, now high exalted,
our melody we raise.
As you received their praises,
accept the prayers we bring,
for you delight in goodness,
O good and gracious King!
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God,
the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again
to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
Prayers:
Creator God,
you call us to love and serve you
with body, mind, and spirit
through loving your creation
and our sisters and brothers.
Open our hearts in compassion
and receive these petitions
on behalf of the needs of the church and the world.
Prayers: Barry and Linda B; (Church);Debbie R. (Mary Liz)Jamie;Jackie M (Gloria); Paul; Suzanne; Peter (Ron and Jan);Kenny; Jim T.; Norma A,;Dave F.; Peter T.; Dan B.;. (Garfield & Diane Mike J.; Scott H.; Lisa (Keeling), Roger & Maxine M.; Wendy;Eric P,; Beverley P.;,Sarah-Jane P.; Linda H.; Jacquie and Cam .; Janice & Darrin R; .(Suzie D.)
Holy One,
hear our prayers and make us faithful stewards
of the fragile bounty of this earth
so that we may be entrusted with the riches of heaven. Amen
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,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Glory to God,
whose power, working in us,
can do infinitely more
than we can ask or imagine.
Glory to God from generation to generation,
in the Church and in Christ Jesus,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Prayer based on Scripture:
Creator God,
you are wrapped in light as a garment,
clothed with honor and majesty.
Enlighten us with true faith and humble obedience
that seeks to serve others in your name. Amen.
Blessing from the Book of Common Prayer:
The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you, and remain with you always. Amen.
Our Parting Blessing Song:
May God’s blessing surround you each day
As you trust Him and walk in His way
May His presence within guard and keep you from sin,
The flowers in the Sanctuary today are to the Glory of God and in loving memory of dear mother and father Don and Doris Cavanagh given by the family.
*Canadian church calendars. Beautiful informative great quality Talk to Barb. A few still available. $8
*Draws. Cookie draw, $5, 5 for 20$. Handmade Afghan by Heather Jamieson. $2 or 3 for $5. Also thanks to Millard George we have hockey tickets $2 or 3 for $5. Ask Barb.
*Our food cupboard. Butch 519-615-9106.
*Penny Social Thank You.
*All Saints Nov. 3. New list of names by Barb at church .
*Calendar/Planning meeting Nov. 5 at 1:00 p.m.
*Remembrance at our Cenotaph. Mon. November 11 10:30
*Cookie Tin Assembly. Sat. Dec. 7. Donations of Cookies before 10 a.m. please. Fresh not Frozen / non gooey, non mint squares/cookies needed. Tickets available. 5 for $20 or $5 each.
*Mint smoothies Sandra $3
*Veggie pies only a few left. 5$ for a great meal
*Christmas Card program. Save Money and help the church.
*Christmas Star Bazaar. Saturday November 16. 9:30 to 12:30 Donations of new items needed. Baking. Grocery Draw. Grocery donations for draw. Suggested price for your baking?
*White Gift and Toonie lunch. Sun Dec. 1. Food donations, gift cards, etc. Proceeds to our food outreach. Soup & Buns.
*There are three ways to support our church. Volunteering at events. Generosity. Prayer. Our church is a team
*Cancelled stamps. Gloria Thompson.
*If you wish, our regular weekly donations or special donations may be sent to our Envelope Secretary:
Eternal One, whose thoughts and ways are not ours,
you alone are God, awesome, holy, and most high.
School us in the ways of faith and wisdom,
that we, like Job,
may learn to truly see and hear,
and in humility find blessing. Amen.
Reading Mark 10:35-45
Warnings to ambitious disciples
10:35James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”
10:36And he said to them, “What is it you want me to do for you?”
10:37And they said to him, “Appoint us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.”
10:38But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”
10:39They replied, “We are able.” Then Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink and with the baptism with which I am baptized you will be baptized,
10:40but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to appoint, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
10:41When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John.
10:42So Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that among the gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them.
10:43But it is not so among you; instead, whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant,
10:44and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all.
10:45For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Sermon
Mark 10:35-45
During the American Revolution a man in civilian clothes rode past a group of soldiers repairing a small defensive barrier.
Their leader was shouting instructions, but making no attempt to help them.
Asked why by the rider, he retorted with great dignity, “Sir, I am a corporal!”
The stranger apologized, dismounted, and proceeded to help the exhausted soldiers.
The job done, he turned to the corporal and said, “Corporal, next time you have a job like this and not enough men to do it, go to your commander-in-chief, and I will come and help you again.”
With that George Washington got back on horse and rode off.
Where did Washington learn such leadership skills?
I have no doubt he learned them in these words of Jesus:
Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.
The young corporal had these words modeled to him from the man at the top.
The disciples, likewise, receive from their leader a picture of servant hood.
====
It is now five days before Jesus’ crucifixion.
If the Disciples are going to start adopting Jesus’ teachings
in their life it ought to be now.
But it doesn’t happen.
Moments before the most crucial events in their life
they are a bickering, petty, bad-tempered quarrelsome lot.
We need to learn from this
not-so-flattering moment
in the life of the disciples.
How is it that critical moments can be so close at hand
and they are wondering what’s in this for me?
I
The disciples wanted position.
As you read the Gospels
you come across numerous occasions
when the disciples misunderstand Jesus’ teachings,
when their actions are inappropriate,
when they jump to conclusions that are way off mark.
Here is a unique situation,
something a little different than their usual blunders.
Within their own ranks they are jockeying for position.
Here’s what happened.
It is the last week of Jesus’ life.
James and John,
two brothers born to a man named Zebedee,
sense their opportunity to claim leadership positions.
Calling his disciples together Jesus tells his disciples,
“You know those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles
lord it over them,
and their high officials exercise authority over them.
Not so with you.” Jesus says.
The kingdom of God will have no hierarchy.
Don’t fight to be leader of all;
fight for the least position of all.
Be a servant.
II
James and John want status.
“Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left
when you come into your glory”
is the request of James and John.
They want a piece of the action.
They assumed,
that there would be great glory and honor
given on the disciples
when they rode in military victory over the Romans.
How, you might ask,
did they think that little Israel could conquer the Empire of Rome?
One need only be reminded of David and Goliath.
There are plenty of examples of God’s people
overcoming impossible odds.
But glory would not come through battle this time.
Looking at James and John he said,
“You do not know what you are asking.
It is not my right to grant you these seats.
These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”
They have turn upside down everything.
James and John thought the positions
on Jesus’ right and left were earthly positions of power.
They were not.
Just exactly what Jesus means by these two positions is uncertain.
Perhaps he means the left and right side of his cross
where the two criminals were crucified.
Or, perhaps he means Moses and Elijah
who stood with him on the mount of Transfiguration.
Still yet he might mean the positions
beside him in heaven.
It is not clear.
The one thing that is clear
is that James and John have misunderstood
what lies ahead of them.
Prestige is not coming to the disciples.
III
James and John wanted power.
Notice that the other ten disciples
became indignant
when they heard what James and John were up to.
It was a power play,
a strategic maneuver,
and the other disciples resented it.
We are drawn to power, to wield it over another.
Jesus shows them that real power resides
in humble acts of service.
Jesus calls the disciples around him:
“Whoever wants to become great among you” he said,
“ must be your servant,
and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.
For even the son of man did not come to be served,
but to serve,
There is a story about the three trees?
The trees were talking in the forest one day
about their dreams for the future.
The first tree said it would like to be made into a cradle,
so that it might go on living
as a support for the fragile life of a tiny new baby.
The second tree wanted to be made into a big ship,
so that it might go on living,
carrying important cargo and influential people
to exotic new lands.
The third tree longed to stay right where it was,
existing only as a tree,
but growing ever taller,
and pointing ever higher,
to remind everyone that there is a God in heaven
who loves them.
Those were their dreams:
One wanted to be a cradle,
one wanted to be a mighty ship,
and one wanted to be a tall tree,
pointing people toward God.
But then one day the woodcutters came
and chopped down the three trees…
and destroyed their dreams.
The first tree was not made into a cradle,
but into a simple feeding trough,
a manger for animals.
But the manger was sold to a family in Bethlehem,
and on the night Jesus was born,
that simple feed box became the cradle for the Christ Child.
The second tree was built into a boat,
but not the kind it had dreamed of—
not a mighty ocean-going vessel—
but a tiny inexpensive fishing boat.
A man named Simon Peter bought the boat,
and on one warm afternoon when the crowds pressed in,
Jesus himself climbed aboard that small fishing boat
that he might preach good news to the multitudes.
The third tree also was deprived of its dream.
It wanted to remain standing tall
and pointing toward God.
Instead, it was cut down and shaped into a cross.
But it was on that very cross that Jesus was crucified,
a powerful reminder of God’s eternal love for all the people.
The three trees were humbled,
but in the plan of God,
they were exalted.
That’s the way it works:
When we,
in humility,
give ourselves to God,
our Lord can do great things through us and for us—
greater than we can ever imagine.
Hymn: All Glory Laud and Honour
All glory, laud, and honor
to you, Redeemer, King,
to whom the lips of children
made sweet hosannas ring.
You are the King of Israel
and David’s royal Son,
now in the Lord’s name coming,
the King and Blessed One.
The company of angels
is praising you on high;
and we with all creation
in chorus make reply.
The people of the Hebrews
with palms before you went;
our praise and prayer and anthems
before you we present.
To you before your passion
they sang their hymns of praise;
to you, now high exalted,
our melody we raise.
As you received their praises,
accept the prayers we bring,
for you delight in goodness,
O good and gracious King!
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God,
the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again
to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
Prayers:
Creator God,
you call us to love and serve you
with body, mind, and spirit
through loving your creation
and our sisters and brothers.
Open our hearts in compassion
and receive these petitions
on behalf of the needs of the church and the world.
.Prayers: Barry and Linda B; (Church);Debbie R. (Mary Liz)Jamie;Jackie M (Gloria); Paul; Suzanne; Peter (Ron and Jan);Kenny; Jim T.; Norma A,;Dave F.; Peter T.; Dan B.;. (Garfield & Diane Mike J.; Scott H.; Lisa (Keeling), Roger & Maxine M.; Wendy;Eric P,; Beverley P.;,Sarah-Jane P.; Linda H.; Jacquie and Cam .; Janice & Darrin R; .(Suzie D.)
Holy One,
hear our prayers and make us faithful stewards
of the fragile bounty of this earth
so that we may be entrusted with the riches of heaven. Amen
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,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Glory to God,
whose power, working in us,
can do infinitely more
than we can ask or imagine.
Glory to God from generation to generation,
in the Church and in Christ Jesus,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Prayer based on Scripture:
Creator God,
you are wrapped in light as a garment,
clothed with honor and majesty.
Enlighten us with true faith and humble obedience
that seeks to serve others in your name. Amen.
Blessing from the Book of Common Prayer:
The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you, and remain with you always. Amen.
Our Parting Blessing Song:
May God’s blessing surround you each day
As you trust Him and walk in His way
May His presence within guard and keep you from sin,
The flowers on the altar are in loving memory of our dear Father & Mother, Fred and Brenda Chatterley. Given by Anne & Jim Scott, Fred & Carole Chatterley, Ted Chatterley & Susie Weaver, Linda & Don Bates, Deb & Jim McGee
The flowers in the Sanctuary today are to the Glory of God and in loving memory of a dear mother Kay Delves given by her daughter Gail Rees and family.
*Canadian church calendars. Beautiful informative great quality Talk to Barb. A few still available. $8
*Draws. Cookie draw, $5, 5 for 20$. Handmade Afghan by Heather Jamieson. $2 or 3 for $5. Also thanks to Millard George we have hockey tickets $2c or 3 for $5. Ask Barb.
*Our food cupboard. Butch 519-615-9106.
*Penny Social. Friday October 18 at 6:30 for 7:30 All ages fun! Set up Friday at 1:00.
*All Saints Nov. 3. New list of names by Barb at church .
*Remembrance at our Cenotaph. Mon. November 11 10:30
*Craft Club. Third Saturday at 10 a.m. All welcome.
*Cookie Tin Assembly. Sat. Dec. 7. Donations of Cookies before 10 a.m. please. Fresh not Frozen / non gooey, non mint squares/cookies needed. Tickets available soon. 5 for $20 or $5 each.
*Mint smoothies Sandra $3
*Veggie pies only left. 5$ for a great meal
*Christmas Card program. Save Money and help the church.
*Christmas Star Bazaar. Saturday November 16. 9:30 to 12:30 Donations of new items needed. Baking. Grocery Draw. Grocery donations for draw. Price our own baking please.
*White Gift and Toonie lunch. Sun Dec. 1. Food donations, gift cards, etc. Proceeds to our food outreach. Soup & Buns
*If you wish, our regular weekly donations or special donations may be sent to our Envelope Secretary:
O God,
in your Son Jesus Christ
you richly bless us with all that we need,
bread from the earth and the bread of heaven,
which gives life to the world.
Grant us one thing more:
grateful hearts to sing your praise,
in this world and the world to come. Amen.
Reading Matthew 6:25-33
God will care for all our needs
6:25″Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?
6:26Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
6:27And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to your span of life?
6:28And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin,
6:29yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these.
6:30But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you–you of little faith?
6:31Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’
6:32For it is the gentiles who seek all these things, and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
6:33But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Sermon Thanksgiving
The first official, annual Thanksgiving in Canada
was celebrated on 6 November 1879,
though Indigenous peoples in Canada
have a history of celebrating the fall harvest
that predates the arrival of European settlers.
Sir Martin Frobisher and his crew
are credited as the first Europeans
to celebrate a Thanksgiving ceremony
in North America, in 1578.
The celebration featuring
the uniquely North American turkey, squash and pumpkin
was introduced to Nova Scotia in the 1750s
and became common across Canada by the 1870s.
In 1957,
Thanksgiving was proclaimed an annual event
to occur on the second Monday of October.
There is something healthy about giving thanks.
Notice not something healthy about Thanksgiving meals.
Most of us will overindulge this Thanksgiving,
just as we do every Thanksgiving.
But, The act of giving thanks
is one of the most spiritually beneficial exercises
we can perform.
Giving thanks reminds us how blessed we are.
If you can attend a church
without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death . . .
you are more lucky than three billion people in the world.
If you have food in the refrigerator,
clothes on your back,
a roof overhead and a place to sleep . . .
you are richer than 75% of this world.
If you have money in the bank,
in your wallet,
and spare change in a dish some place . . .
you are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy.
If you hold up your head
with a smile on your face
and are truly thankful . . .
you are blessed because
but most do not.
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In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus
spoke these magnificent words:
“Do not worry about your life,
what you will eat or drink;
or about your body,
what you will wear.
Is not life more important than food,
and the body more important than clothes?
Look at the birds of the air;
they do not sow or reap or store away in barns,
and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are you not much more valuable than they?
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
So do not worry, saying,
‘What shall we eat?’
or ‘What shall we drink?’
or ‘What shall we wear?’
For the pagans run after all these things,
and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Giving thanks also reminds us
of the source of our blessings.
Giving thanks reminds us
how much God loves us.
One year for Christmas,
Phyllis Wohlfarth’s husband gave her a gold lapel pin.
Phyllis said she only took a second
to thank her husband for his gift.
A week later,
as she put on the lapel pin to wear to an event,
she reflected on her husband’s thoughtfulness.
With more sincerity,
she thanked him again.
Her husband explained that the pin
had belonged to his grandmother,
so it was very special to him.
Phyllis noted that if she hadn’t offered
the second “thank you,”
she might have never learned the significance of the pin.
It was only when she took the time
to reflect on the gift and offer a more sincere “thank you”
that she really learned to appreciate her husband’s gesture.
IT is this way with us and God,
When we take the time to offer a real thankyou…we are changed.
When you start counting your blessings,
you are reminded just how good God has been to you.
After all, these blessings don’t just happen.
There is a Source of everything we have.
===
Pastor Jack Walchenbach tells about a professor of chemistry
he had in college.
One day this professor said to him,
“You know,
what holds an atom together is not the nucleus,
but an invisible force between the protons and the electrons.
The professor continued,
“I think that has something to do with religion,
but I don’t know how to express it.”
Well, it does have something to do with religion.
Our lives didn’t just happen.
There is a creator God
who gave us every wondrous gift.
When we give thanks
we are reminded of the source of everything we have.
===
And one final thing.
When we give thanks
we are reminded to share with others
what the Lord has done for us.
===
If you are truly thankful for the blessings
God has bestowed upon you,
then share the blessings.
A pastor, Ann Spleth,
tells about meeting a woman in a children’s playground.
The woman,
was with children
who were wearing Nice new clothes.
“These are my Christmas family kids,” this woman said.
“Not this Christmas about ten years ago.
My church sent me out with a Christmas basket.
I couldn’t just leave it and walk away.”
The more she talked,
the more amazing her story became.
Sent to a home to deliver a Christmas basket,
she had developed a great affection for the family
in that home,
and ever since then has involved herself
in a self-giving way in their lives.
“I’m shameless when it comes to grades,” she said.
“I give five bucks for an A, three for a B, nothing for a C.
Then they start to lose privileges,
like this Sunday outing.
The teenage boys go down to my son’s college to play basketball
in the gym on Sundays,
so they’ll know what they’re working for.
The little ones come to some place like this with me.”
Here’s how Spleth describes this woman’s act of compassion,
“She could have let the screen door through which she handed
that basket become a chasm, but she didn’t.
It was just a gate
and it opened at the touch of her hand.”
====
You and I have been so blessed.
We need Thanksgiving to remind us
of those blessings
and to remind us of the Source of those blessings.
Now we go out,
share because of
how much the Lord has done for [us].
And that is thanksgiving.
Hymn: Now Thank We All Our God
Now thank we all our God
with heart and hands and voices,
who wondrous things has done,
in whom his world rejoices;
who from our mothers’ arms
has blessed us on our way
with countless gifts of love,
and still is ours today.
O may this bounteous God
through all our life be near us,
with ever joyful hearts
and blessed peace to cheer us,
to keep us in his grace,
and guide us when perplexed,
and free us from all ills
of this world in the next.
All praise and thanks to God
the Father now be given,
the Son and Spirit blest,
who reign in highest heaven
the one eternal God,
whom heaven and earth adore;
for thus it was, is now,
and shall be evermore.
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God,
the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again
to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
Prayers:
God clothes the grass of the field
and feeds the birds of the air.
On behalf of the church and the world,
we offer our prayers
more from our need to be transformed
by our awareness of them
than from any need of God to be reminded of them.
Prayers: Debbie R. (Mary Liz)Jamie;Jackie M (Gloria); Paul; Suzanne; Peter (Ron and Jan);Kenny; Jim T.; Norma A,;Dave F.; Peter T.; Dan B.;. (Garfield & Diane Mike J.; Scott H.; Lisa (Keeling), Roger & Maxine M.; Wendy;Eric P,; Beverley P.;,Sarah-Jane P.; Linda H.; Jacquie and Cam .; Janice & Darrin R; .(Suzie D.)
Free us from all fear and worry
that, trusting in your goodness,
we may always praise your mighty deeds
and give you thanks for the bounty of your gifts.
We make our prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Glory to God,
whose power, working in us,
can do infinitely more
than we can ask or imagine.
Glory to God from generation to generation,
in the Church and in Christ Jesus,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Prayer based on Scripture:
God of the living,
with all your creatures great and small
we sing your bounty and your goodness,
for in the harvest of land and ocean,
in the cycles of the seasons,
and the wonders of each creature,
you reveal your generosity.
Teach us the gratitude that dispels envy,
that we may honor each gift as you cherish your creation,
and praise you in all times and places. Amen.
Blessing from the Book of Common Prayer:
The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you, and remain with you always. Amen.
Our Parting Blessing Song:
May God’s blessing surround you each day
As you trust Him and walk in His way
May His presence within guard and keep you from sin,
At the firehall three bells indicates all safe home. At Epiphany on all saints day we ring our bell as each name on our All Saints list is read. When everyone’s name has been read we ring the bell three times to indicate all safe home.
Peacefully at Southbridge London, on Monday, May 27, 2024, Constance “Connie” Chatterson passed away with family by her side at the age of 102. Beloved wife of the late James “Jim” Chatterson (1983). Predeceased by her son David Chatterson (2020). Loving grandma of Scott and his wife Sarah and Ted and his wife Betty. Cherished great-grandmother of Josh, Ashley, Graham and Isla. A private family graveside service will take place at Courtland United Cemetery, Courtland. In memory of Connie, donations may be made to The Church of the Epiphany, 11 Briscoe Street West, London, ON N6J 1L9. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
Peacefully passed away, with loved ones by her side, on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at the age of 67. Beloved mother and best friend of Lindsay Hall (nee Trelford), and cherished mother-in-law of Nathan. Devoted daughter of the late Donald and Mildred McColl. Much loved sister and sister-in-law of Janet and Ron Stewart, and Wendy and Rod MacSween. Loving “auntie” to Suzanne Hallay (Peter), Cait and Sara Stewart, and Scott MacSween (Carmen). Dear “great auntie” to Mason, Max, Ivy, Carter and Bazil. She will be fondly remembered by her extended family and friends.
Donna was a long time employee of Bank of Montreal, and closed out her career in banking and finance at Point B Financial, making lasting friendships along the way. She was extraordinarily independent, had an unmatched work ethic, and was stunningly brilliant. Donna was a reader, a life-long learner, and loved to travel, going on annual adventures with her daughter. Her life was filled with music and laughter, sarcasm and wit. Donna was an animal lover, and she will be missed by her furry friends, Kenny and Dolly. She was young at heart, had a twinkle in her beautiful green eyes, and was a fighter until the very end.
Family and friends are welcomed for visitation on Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 12-1 p.m. with a memorial service beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 1997 Dundas Street East. Interment at Forest Lawn Cemetery to follow. For those who wish, donations may be made to Thames Valley Education Foundation “Caring Fund.” Online condolences may be shared at www.forestlawnmemorial.ca
Peacefully at Victoria Hospital on Sunday, November 26, 2023, at the age of 95. Norman was born on July 16, 1928. Loving husband of the late June Evelyn (née Lilley) Ball. Father of James Ball (Coral) of North Bay and Susan Daines (late Richard) of Stoneycreek. Grandfather of four grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Brother of Marjorie Wilson (late Bruce), Ena Parker (late Douglas) and the late Jessie Butson. A funeral service will be conducted at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at 12:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment at Woodland Cemetery, London. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Norman are asked to consider the LHSF – Cancer Program or a charity of their choice.