The Presbyterian Church in Canada Sunday Worship Bulletins · 2018. 3. 27. · Advent 2014 to Reign of Christ 2015 Sunday Worship Bulletins The Presbyterian Church in Canada This

Advent 2014 to Reign of Christ 2015

Sunday Worship

Bulletins

The PresbyterianChurch in Canada

This brochure displays the full year of bulletin samples from November 30th, 2014 to November 22nd, 2015.

Set 1 begins with bulletin #301114 on page 2. Set 2 begins with bulletin #310515 on page 16.

2

God’s “self-revelation” is the common thread that runs through thereadings today. The Reformed tradition stressesthat God is holy and other. This forces the question,how may humans even know God? The answer: we see as God gives us glimpses into the life of theblessed Trinity.

Isaiah longs for God to be revealed again in power;like fire that energizes water and causes wood toburn bright. Isaiah retells God’s powerful selfrevelations—so unexpected were they thatmountains quaked and nations trembled! Isaiahreminds his audience that God’s face is hidden;God’s power to save is removed as a consequenceof Judah’s dirty laundry: “our righteous deeds arelike a filthy cloth.” But Isaiah ends with a messageof hope—that God’s children will be lovinglyreshaped by God’s hands.

As we begin Advent, a journey towards God’sperfect self revelation in Christ, we begin whereIsaiah left off: Hope. May we experience a “re-forming” Advent.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

Isai

ah 6

4:1-

9; P

salm

80:

1-7,

17-

19; 1

Cor

inth

ians

1:3

-9; M

ark

13:2

4-37

301114 First Sunday of Advent

The Rev. Reid Chudley is minister at Trinity in Victoria, BC.

Photo: St. James, Sherbrooke, NS, photo by Audrey CameronThe Presbyterian

Church in Canadapresbyterian.ca/worship First Sunday of Advent

“The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ.”

Simple but powerful words open Mark’s Gospel

as he sets the scene for Jesus.

These words begin the book;

they begin John’s wilderness preparations,

and they begin Mark’s witness

to the choices every follower of Jesus has to confront.

The Sundays of Advent remind us we are beginning again,

beginning to retell the stories of Jesus’ birth;

beginning to reflect on God’s unfolding purposes

in the words of the prophets and waters of the Jordan.

Those purposes also unfold in us

when we make our daily choice to follow Jesus

through the wilderness life can sometimes become.

The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ

is a new beginning for us all

in the face of sorrow or challenge,

amid pressures and possibilities.

The beginning of the good news reminds us

by God’s grace in Christ

we can always begin again.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

Isai

ah 4

0:1-

11; P

salm

85:

1-2,

8-1

3; 2

Pet

er 3

:8-1

5a; M

ark

1:1-

8

071214 Second Sunday of Advent

The Rev. Dr. Nancy Cocks is minister at St John’s,

Medicine Hat, AB, the church where she began.The Presbyterian

Church in Canadapresbyterian.ca/worship Second Sunday of Advent

301114First Sunday

of Advent

071214Second Sunday

of Advent

3

It’s the season of light! Houses, churches, candles, Christmas trees, and nativityscenes are lit up to welcome the "Light of the World."What about us? Are we shining with the light of God’slove this season? Is our light bringing good news tothe poor, joy and gladness to those who mourn,healing to the broken-hearted and release to thecaptives?

Try this: first thing in the morning, take five deep, slow breaths.

Inhaling, think "BE IN ME, JESUS."

Exhaling, think "SHINE THROUGH ME TODAY."

On breathing in, you are inviting Christ’s light to shineinto your life bringing hope and joy.

On breathing out, you are offering yourself as achannel for the Spirit for light and love to a dark andneedy world.

Try it at noon, supper, and bedtime, too. Breathing isalways a good thing, especially when it is focused onthe Light of the World.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

Isai

ah 6

1:1-

4, 8

-11;

Psa

lm 1

26 o

r Luk

e 1:

46b-

55; 1

The

ssal

onia

ns 5

:16-

24; J

ohn

1:6-

8, 1

9-28

141214 Third Sunday of Advent

The Rev. Wendy Paterson is minister at Paulin Memorial

in Windsor, ON.

Photo by Hannah Carter, Knox, Waterloo ONThe Presbyterian

Church in Canadapresbyterian.ca/worship Third Sunday of Advent

God of Love,you have looked with favourupon the world of your creation.Your faithful love extends to all peoplethrough all generations.From age to age we know your blessing.

The message of this Advent seasonis a call to claim the good news of your love.The Bible story tells of your promiseto David, to Mary, and to all people,that your love is not bound by timenor limited to our understanding.In our own day and time,may our response be to say,“Here am I, the servant of the Lord.”

Help us to live as people readyto welcome Christ among us.

Come Lord Jesus Christ.These days of adventure

when all things waitare days for the advent of love.

chorus of “people in Darkness” by Ken Stright

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

2 S

amue

l 7:1

-11,

16;

Luk

e 1:

46b-

55 o

r Psa

lm 8

9:1-

4, 1

9-26

; Rom

ans 1

6:25

-27;

Luk

e 1:

26-3

8

211214 Fourth Sunday of Advent

The Rev. Gordon Timbers has most recently shared ministry

with the congregation of Unionville in Markham, ON.

Photo: chancel window, Knox, Ottawa, ON, photo © 2004 by John SchmidtThe Presbyterian

Church in Canadapresbyterian.ca/worship Fourth Sunday of Advent

141214Third Sunday of Advent

211214Fourth Sunday of Advent

4

God stirs in the night and brings about joy in the morning,

stirs in our hearts and brings hope for living,

stirs in our minds and brings wisdom.

God stirs in the world and puts on flesh

and comes as the Christ child,

so that we might have true, full, and everlasting life.

And so we come to sing praises with the angels

to bow with the shepherds

to kneel in wonder with the wise men

to adore with Joseph

to ponder God’s mystery with Mary

We come this night, because God first came to us.

We love because God first loved us.

We serve, because God first served us.

We come praising the Creator, Christ and Holy Spirit,

one God, this day and always.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

Isai

ah 9

:2-7

; Psa

lm 9

6; T

itus

2:1

1-14

; Luk

e 2:

1-14

, (15

-20)

241214 Christmas Eve / Christmas Day

Canadian Ministries

Photo: Kirk of St. James, Charlottetown, PE, photo by Amanda Henderson-BoltonThe Presbyterian

Church in Canadapresbyterian.ca/worship Christmas

T’was the first Sunday after Christmas

and all thru the church, not a creature was stirring,oh well, maybe a mouse!

The gifts have been unwrapped and put away,decorations have come down, the nativity scene put away, and Christmas has come and gone foranother year.

The hustle and bustle of the season has left us all alittle tired and when the Christmas bills replace theChristmas cards we are in anything but a merry andworshipful mood. But then the psalmist speaks andreminds us that we are to continue praising Godfrom the highest heaven.

“Praise the Lord! Kings of the earth and all peoples,princes and all rulers of the earth! Young men andwomen alike, old and young together! Praise theLord!”

So let us raise our voices and Praise the Lord for thejoyful gift of the Christ child is not just for Christmasday but lives in our hearts all year through.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

Isai

ah 6

1:10

-62:

3; P

salm

148

; Gal

atia

ns 4

:4-7

; Luk

e 2:

22-4

0

281214 First Sunday after Christmas

The Rev. Kim Barlow is minister at St. Peter’s in Stanley, NB.

Photo by Bonnie Sitter, Exeter, ONThe Presbyterian

Church in Canadapresbyterian.ca/worship

241214Christmas Eve /Christmas Day

281214First Sunday

after Christmas

5

“And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their owncountry by another road.” (Matthew 2:12)

Having caught sight of authentic kingship in Bethlehem,the stargazers felt no need to retrace their steps to consultwith King Herod in Jerusalem on their way home.

The humble scene they encountered in Bethlehem puteverything to shame they had seen in any palace.

In a baby who could not even speak they saw the Word of God.

In an infant nestled in a feedbox they saw enthroned the King of kings.

In the poverty and simplicity of a cattle-stall, their faith led them to understand

that there was a new and better power at work in the world.

In their faith we come to understand a pattern of faith for all of us.

Faith calls us to find Christ in the common and the ordinary:

to find the Word of God in human words,to be born to a deeper life through ordinary water,to taste the grace of God in common bread and wine,to find the Son of God in one another.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

Isai

ah 6

0:1-

6; P

salm

72:

1-7;

Eph

esia

ns 3

:1-1

2; M

atth

ew 2

:1-1

2

040115 Epiphany Sunday

Canadian MinistriesThe Presbyterian


After a wedding ceremony

at which I officiated, the bride’s minister wasinvited to say grace before the meal. He startedoff: “Lord, we thank you for Alan and…uh, uh…his new wife…!”

He made a difficult and awkward recovery.

We’ve all forgotten things like our keys, glasses,appointments, and yes, even the names of peoplewho are important to us. In a spiritual sense, we’vesometimes forgotten the very foundation of ourfaith and fabric of our covenantal relationship.

John declares that the work of God in the baptismof water and Spirit is going to be fulfilled by thePromised One. This is a reminder that God stillextends his covenant to people. And when Jesuswas baptized he was—indeed needed to be—reminded that he was beloved of God. This is ourreminder that we, too, are beloved of God andknown by name.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

Gen

esis

1:1

-5; P

salm

29;

Act

s 19:

1-7;

Mar

k 1:

4-11

110115 Baptism of the Lord

The Rev. Daniel Cho is minister at Rexdale in Toronto, ON.

Photo: Rockburn, QC, photo by Norm RennieThe Presbyterian


040115Epiphany Sunday

110115Baptism of the Lord

6

“Samuel, Samuel.”Three times the young Samuel heard his name being called.

Three times he ran to the old priest, Eli, saying “Here I am, for you called me.” But Eli had not calledand after the third time, realizing that it might beGod’s voice, Eli told Samuel that if he heard the voiceagain he should respond, “Speak, Lord, for your servantis listening.”

This is how Samuel came to hear God’s call to him.

We might ask, “What is the meaning of my life? What does God want from me? If only God wouldwrite the answer in the sky.”

How do we hear God’s call?

As in the story of Samuel, – it may come unexpectedly;

– another person may help us to recognize it; – quite possibly it will come as a surprise.

If we are alert and willing, we will hear it. And that callwill lead to a life of grace.Le

ctio

nary

Rea

ding

s: 1

Sam

uel 3

:1-1

0, (1

1-20

); Ps

alm

139

:1-6

, 13-

18; 1

Cor

inth

ians

6:1

2-20

; Joh

n 1:

43-5

1

180115 Second Sunday after Epiphany

Annemarie KlassenThe Presbyterian


Struggling with a terminal illness,

Becky quietly shared the source of her strength:

“Over the years I have had several experiences of trustingGod when life’s problems seemed overwhelming, andGod has honoured that trust. As a result I have beenable to trust God more and more, so much so that nowI journey each day grounded in and upheld by thattrust. God is my rock. I am at peace.”

Becky’s words echo the refrain of the psalmist: “God alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken.” (Psalm 62:2,6)

Trust—or we could say “faith”—is not a static gift ofgrace but one that must be accepted and nurtured.Over time it becomes stronger and able to withstandthat which “assails” and “batters” us in life. It becomesengraved on, anchored in, the Rock that is our“Salvation,” our “Refuge,” our “Fortress.” Then we, too,can add our voices to the recurring refrain of Beckyand the psalmist:

“God alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.”

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

Jona

h 3:

1-5,

10; P

salm

62:

5-12

; 1 C

orin

thia

ns 7

:29-

31; M

ark

1:14

-20

250115 Third Sunday after Epiphany

The Rev. Dr. Shirley Gale is a retired minister of

The Presbyterian Church in Canada and lives in Guelph, ON.

Photo by Bonnie Sitter, Exeter, ONThe Presbyterian


180115Second Sundayafter Epiphany

250115Third Sunday

after Epiphany

7

“Now I know the importance of conservation agriculture for my crop’s performance. I hope my maize production will increase because I have the right knowledge and skills now.”

Samuel Green in Malawi received training and seeds to improve his nutrition

and overcome environmental challenges like drought.

“I had hope to live again. Thank you. Super thank you!”Nene Guiuan and her family received desperately needed food assistance

and emergency supplies after being trapped in their home when

Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines.

“The training opportunities I received have strengthened my worth as a woman and helped me understand that women are not destined to live deprived of our freedoms… I havestrengthened my self-esteem, participation and leadership as a woman.”

Maria Lopez in Guatemala is part of a women’s

group that is improving the economic situations

of women, educating them about their rights and

encouraging women’s involvement in community

decision-making.

As we respond to the world’s pain and despair, webear witness to the love of God among us, knowingthat this amazing work would not be possible withoutyour prayers and support. Thank you!

Faithful to our calling, we respond together.

010215

50 Wynford Drive, Toronto, ON M3C 1J7 1-800-619-7301 ext. 291

WeRespond.ca

PWS&D is a proud member of

PWS&D is the international development and emergency relief agency of The Presbyterian Church in Canada.

Inspired by God’s promise of abundant life,

we envision a sustainable, compassionate and just world.

“Above all, love each other deeply, becauselove covers a multitude of sins. Each of youshould use whatever gift you have receivedto serve others, as faithful stewards of God’sgrace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:8&10)

In a world filled with need, our churchwalks hand-in-hand with the distressedand marginalized. Working with partnersat the grassroots level, PresbyterianWorld Service & Development (PWS&D)responds with programs in emergencyrelief, food security, health and humanrights. Together we work to restorehuman dignity, ease the pain of wantand build more sustainable futures.

Have you known God’s strength

when you felt your weakest?

Have you been hungry for God’s truth since the beginning?

Have you heard the winds move within creation and sensed God’s presence?

Have you understood, but still dwelled within the mystery of God?

Have you been faint and the Lord brought endurance?

Have you in your fragility felt the Lord’s power?

Have you been made powerless and the Lord restored your might?

Have you been stressed and the Lord eased your weary mind?

Have you felt an absence of the Lord, only to find it wasmore about God’s timing than yours?

Have you desperately waited for God, and been lifted up to soar on wings?

Run life’s race and not become weary? Walked a difficultline and not become faint?

Do you continue to seek God’s abiding strength and power?

I pray you have.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

Isai

ah 4

0:21

-31;

Psa

lm 1

47:1

-11,

20c

; 1 C

orin

thia

ns 9

:16-

23; M

ark

1:29

-39

080215 Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

Jessica Foy is an MDiv student at Knox College in

Toronto, ON, and has a passion for youth ministry. The Presbyterian


010215PWS&D Sunday /Fourth Sundayafter Epiphany

080215Fifth Sundayafter Epiphany

8

Listen in SilenceOn a journey, in the company of prophets askingquestions, Elisha tells them to “keep silent.”

In a court setting, God “does not keep silence.”On a mountain top, a voice says, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him.”

Throughout scripture we read about hearing in thesilence. This is hard to imagine, for we associatelistening with words and sounds. Often we have to re-read a passage to see that indeed it is in thesilence that God speaks and the person hears.

Elisha needed silence to ponder the changes thatwere happening in his life.

The Israelites needed to hear that theirpractices needed to be altered.

Peter, James and John needed to listen toJesus with new understanding.

In the midst of our lives filled with words andsounds, silence will surprise us. Listen in silence for God speaking to us.

Terrie-Lee Hamilton is a diaconal minister and

Senior Administrator for the General Assembly Office

in Toronto, ON. The Presbyterian

Church in Canadapresbyterian.ca/worshipLe

ctio

nary

Rea

ding

s: 2

King

s 5:1

-14

or 2

Kin

gs 2

:1-1

2; P

salm

30

or P

salm

50:

1-6;

1 C

orin

thia

ns 9

:24-

27 o

r 2 C

orin

thia

ns 4

:3-6

; Mar

k 1:

40-4

5 or

Mar

k 9:

2-9

150215 Transfiguration / Heritage Sunday

The season of Lent is a reflective time

to consider anew our self denial because of our

relationship to Jesus Christ. It is his forty days

fasting in the wilderness that inspires this

church season of the same.

Historically, people ate less and removed the

fats from their homes on Shrove Tuesday, which

in French is Mardi Gras. We are encouraged to

give up something for Lent or add some new

act of kindness or giving, because of our

relationship to the Lord.

Today’s scriptures remind us that God makes

promises and keeps them. God saved Noah and

his family. God saves us from our sins as we

trust Jesus Christ and gives us grace through

the storms of life.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

Gen

esis

9:8

-17;

Psa

lm 2

5:1-

10; 1

Pet

er 3

:18-

22; M

ark

1:9-

15

220215 First Sunday in Lent

The Rev. Dr. Jonathan Dent is minister at St. David’s

in St. John’s, NL.The Presbyterian

Church in Canadapresbyterian.ca/worship First Sunday in Lent

150215Transfiguration /

Heritage Sunday /Sixth Sunday

after Epiphany

220215First Sunday

in Lent

9

The God whom we meet in the midst of difficult times

In one of his Holy Sonnets, the 17th century English poetJohn Donne writes,

“Batter my heart, three-person’d God…That I may rise, and stand, o’erthrow me, and bendYour force, to break, blow, burn, and make me new…”

We may find ourselves unable to change either ourselves orthe circumstances that surround us. At such moments wemay fall into resignation or frustration, feeling hurt byothers and our own selves.

Nevertheless, the good news is that God overthrows thedarkness within us and around us with God’s own light. Godbends God’s force and burns the old so that we may knowGod is “God almighty” (Genesis 17:1) who creates the new.

In the sonnet John Donne says, “Take me to you, imprison me, for I, Except you enthrall me, never shall be free.”

When Abraham thought he had been lost and left alone,God appeared to him and enthralled him with the covenantof God’s faithfulness, which heals his unfaithfulness. Rightin the midst of darkness we meet the God who reveals thehope against hope, and gives it abundantly and unceasingly.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

Gen

esis

17:

1-7,

15-

16; P

salm

22:

23-3

1; R

oman

s 4:1

3-25

; Mar

k 8:

31-3

8 or

Mar

k 9:

2-9

010315 Second Sunday in Lent

The Rev. Dr. Joon Ki Kim is a minister of

The Presbyterian Church in Canada.The Presbyterian

Church in Canadapresbyterian.ca/worship Second Sunday in Lent

Most of us like to think of ourselves as wise.

We pride ourselves on our education and on ourstreet-smarts. We take great care to be seen asbeing logical and savvy. We don’t want to beassociated with anyone or anything that might beconsidered foolish.

Yet Paul says that in the message of Christcrucified, our ideas of wisdom and foolishness arecompletely turned upside-down. How is it that Godcould come as a Saviour who is seemingly crucifiedand defeated? In Paul’s time this was an idea forwhich nobody was prepared—“a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.”

We still wrestle with this today. We want acommanding Saviour; one that is going to live upto our ideas of what powerful should look like. Butin the message of the cross we see God’s wisdom; a wisdom which suggests that there is nothingmore powerful than self-sacrificing love.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

Exo

dus 2

0:1-

17; P

salm

19;

1 C

orin

thia

ns 1

:18-

25; J

ohn

2:13

-22

080315 Third Sunday in Lent

The Rev. Brad Blaikie is minister at Summerside

in Summerside, PEI.


Church in Canadapresbyterian.ca/worship Third Sunday in Lent

010315Second Sunday in Lent

080315Third Sunday in Lent

10

The spring and summer were transitional.

Retirement, a move across the country,renovations, frustrations with bureaucracy in a new province and city, and then my husband’s near death from anaphylactic shock immediatelyfollowed with a basement filled with sewer waterwas overwhelming.

Yet we rise to meet big events like these. It’s oftena small thing that follows the upheaval thatundoes us.

My tipping point arrived as I was baking an applepie. The pastry was rolled out forcefully; angrily. It should have been inedible. Instead, it was superb.

When the pie emerged golden and perfect fromthe oven, it became a sign of grace: something likethe bronze serpent on the pole…neither importantin their own right, but important for their capacityto point beyond themselves to the One whosegoodness and grace is with us always.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

Num

bers

21:

4-9;

Psa

lm 1

07:1

-3, 1

7-22

; Eph

esia

ns 2

:1-1

0; Jo

hn 3

:14-

21

150315 Fourth Sunday in Lent

The Rev. Kate Jordan is enjoying retirement

in Abbotsford, BC.The Presbyterian

Church in Canadapresbyterian.ca/worship Fourth Sunday in Lent

As the church continues to move through the season of Lent, we walk with Jesus toward the cross. Traditionally a time of self-examination and reflection in the light ofJesus’ movements, many of the weekly readingshave a sombre and even ominous tone. Not today’sreadings though.

Today’s lessons call us to remember newness andpromise. Jeremiah speaks about a new covenant.Hebrews reminds us of Jesus’ work realized by hisdeath, resurrection and ascension. John gives us aword picture of Jesus that remains both winsomeand profound. Even the psalmist reminds us thatno season is all ominous and gloom.

All is not about what we have not done and howwe have not measured up to the way of Jesus. Yes, regular self-examination and self-reflectionare part of Christian maturity, but so is realizingthat God’s promises are also about restoration and new possibilities.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

Jere

mia

h 31

:31-

34; P

salm

51:

1-12

or P

salm

119

:9-1

6; H

ebre

ws 5

:5-1

0; Jo

hn 1

2:20

-33

220315 Fifth Sunday in Lent

The Rev. Herb Hilder is minister at St. Giles’

in Prince George, BC.

Photo: Camp Geddie, Merigomish, NS, photo by Audrey CameronThe Presbyterian

Church in Canadapresbyterian.ca/worship Fifth Sunday in Lent

150315Fourth Sunday

in Lent

220315Fifth Sunday

in Lent

11

On the Sunday, Jesus enters Jerusalem,

welcomed as a king in David’s line hailed by crowds shouting "Hosanna! Save us!"

They want freedom, justice, peace.Weary of tyranny, they seek a new ruler to set things right.

Jesus knows their burdens. That is why he has come. But he brings no weapons or armies for the task.

Jesus comes as the sustainer of the weary, the carefullistener,

the deep encourager of those rendered exhaustedand powerless

by the forces of brutality and death.

Jesus comes as the fellow-sufferer who hides not hisown face from insult,

who endures with humility and trust in God.

Jesus comes as the servant, undeterred by the resistanceof the world,

establishing even through death on a cross an everlasting reign of freedom, justice, peace born of divine love and reconciliation.

Let us have the same mind that was in Christ…

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

Litu

rgy

of th

e Pa

lms/

Litu

rgy

of th

e Pa

ssio

n:Ps

alm

118

:1-2

, 19-

29; M

ark

11:1

-11

or Jo

hn 1

2:12

-16

Isai

ah 5

0:4-

9a;

Psal

m 3

1:9-

16; P

hilip

pian

s 2:5

-11;

Mar

k 14

:1-1

5:47

or M

ark

15:1

-39,

(40-

47)

290315 Palm / Passion Sunday

The Rev. Iona MacLean is minister at First in Pictou, NS.

Photo: Caven, Exeter, ON, photo by Bonnie SitterThe Presbyterian

Church in Canadapresbyterian.ca/worship Palm/Passion Sunday

On the Thursday, Jesus took the cup, saying:

“This cup is the new covenant in my blood.Do this, as often as you drink it,

in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:25b)

On the Friday, Jesus“poured out himself to death” (Isaiah 53:12)

for the life of the world.

So in this broken, unjust, war-torn, suffering world,in fear and trembling and, dare we say it, hope,

we “lift up the cup of salvation” (Psalm 116:13a)the cup of suffering and sorry,

the cup of blessing and grace,in remembrance and

in the name of countless millions,our fellow humans,

who know only the cup of desolationand who yearn for life in all its fullness;

in remembrance andin the Name of the Crucified and Risen Onewho alone can bring the world

healing, justice, comfort and peace.

030415

The Rev. Iona MacLean is a parish minister in Nova Scotia with

a heart for social justice and the well-being of the planet.

Photo: Calvin, Toronto, ON, photo by Ian McDonaldThe Presbyterian


290315Palm / PassionSunday

030415Good Friday

12

From death to life in twenty short verses.

How can it be so?

Amidst the darkness of that Easter morning—

three encounters, three responses.

One sees and believes.

One returns home shocked, confused, perplexed?

One weeps, searches, yearns and longs for…

Absence overwhelms, disorients, unhinges

All seems lost

Until it comes, that call, that voice so familiar

yet so unexpected.

“Mary!”

Turning. Awakened. Breathless

“Rabouni!”

Even now we hear her proclamation

to those who would follow

“I have seen the Lord!”

May we hear and believe.

Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

Isai

ah 2

5:6-

9 or

Act

s 10:

34-4

3; P

salm

118

:1-2

, 14-

24; 1

Cor

inth

ians

15:

1-11

or A

cts 1

0:34

-43;

John

20:

1-18

or M

ark

16:1

-8

050415 Easter Sunday

The Rev. Dr. Pamela McCarroll, is Assistant Professor of

Pastoral Theology & Director of Theological Field Education

at Knox College in Toronto, ON.The Presbyterian

Church in Canadapresbyterian.ca/worship Easter

Our Struggle to Understand and Accept

Thomas said that he would not believe

that Jesus had risen from the dead until

he had seen and handled the print of the

nails in his hands and thrust his hand

into the wound the spear had made in

Jesus’ side.

Thomas doubted just to be sure;

and when he did, his surrender to Christ

was complete.

Our faith is certainly born from the Word;

it is also inspired by the witness of our

forebears, including Thomas.Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

Act

s 4:3

2-35

; Psa

lm 1

33; 1

John

1:1

-2:2

; Joh

n 20

:19-

31

120415 Second Sunday of Easter

The Rev. Dr. Dong-Ha Kim is minster at

First in Brandon, MB. The Presbyterian


050415Easter Sunday

120415Second Sunday

of Easter

13

In the gospels, the resurrection appearances and the recognitionof Jesus by others happens in the context ofcommunity!

They are a witness that the kind of humanityrevealed and made possible in Jesus is still possibleafter his crucifixion. There is not a power on earththat can extinguish the life made possible in Jesus.We read that the experience of Jesus happensamong those trying to take his life seriously.

Jesus is indeed alive in our actions—in our selflessexpressions of gratitude for life, in our selfless actsof compassion, in our selfless insistence of enoughand fairness for all. This is what it means to be achild of God. This is how we and others experiencethe risen Christ today.

Understanding the purpose and meaning of Jesus’ life, execution and resurrection only comesthrough understanding God’s plan for humanityand the kind of human beings we are called to be.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

Act

s 3:1

2-19

; Psa

lm 4

; 1 Jo

hn 3

:1-7

; Luk

e 24

:36b

-48

190415 Third Sunday of Easter

The Rev. Mark Tremblay is minister at Knox in Calgary, AB.

Photo: Afghanistan girls’ education, photo by CWS-P/A, courtesy of PWS&DThe Presbyterian


As the 23rd Psalm reminds us,

we have a Good Shepherd who watches over us.Mission Sunday reminds us that we are to be goodshepherds too! Our calling is to exemplify the loveand saving grace of God. It’s available! It’s free!

Let us remind one another that we are Christ’sambassadors; that we are to be a good example for those around us: our children, our neighbours,even, as Jesus said, our enemies.

In prayer, in person and through the support of ourmission agencies including Presbyterians Sharing,Women’s Missionary Society, Atlantic MissionSociety and Presbyterian World Service &Development we can be agents of Good News. We can care for the sick, visit those in prison, feed the hungry, clothe the naked.

You get the idea! With God’s help we can do it! Believe it, it’s true.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

Act

s 4:5

-12;

Psa

lm 2

3; 1

John

3:1

6-24

; Joh

n 10

:11-

18

260415 Fourth Sunday of Easter / Mission Awareness Sunday

Betty Siverns lives in Langley, BC, and is President of

the Women’s Missionary Society.

Photo: Kenya, photo by Paul Jeffrey, ACT Alliance, courtesy of PWS&DThe Presbyterian


190415Third Sunday of Easter

260415Fourth Sunday of Easter /MissionAwarenessSunday

14

Do you fear? Do you hate?

The scriptures tell us that “perfect love casts out

fear.” They tell us that if we claim to “love God,”

but “hate” our brothers or sisters, we are “liars.”

Strong words. Yet sometimes we need strong words

to challenge us. How much does our faith in God

engage our deepest fears and hates?

The medicine we are given is the love who is God,

for “God is love.” Love inspires us to love ourselves

as we are, not only as we may become. Our fear

comes from feeling inadequate, flawed, not in

control. But “perfect love casts out fear.”

Love teaches us to love others even though they

are different and even though they may not be

positively inclined toward us. How do we do this?

If we really believe God is love, we will be creative

and committed in our efforts.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

Act

s 8:2

6-40

; Psa

lm 2

2:25

-31;

1 Jo

hn 4

:7-2

1; Jo

hn 1

5:1-

8

030515 Fifth Sunday of Easter

The Rev. Dr. Harris Athanasiadis is minister at

St. Mark’s in Toronto, ON.

Photo: Canada Youth 2014, photo by Audrey CameronThe Presbyterian


“They’ll know we are Christians by our love…”

The theology of 1 John 5:1-6 seems to haveinfluenced Peter Scholtes when he wrote this songthat many of us frequently sang in church andaround campfires. The song captures the messagethat those who come from God love God andothers in God’s name. 1 John tells us that there isan interconnectedness to love; the way we loveothers demonstrates our love for God.

While this song is sung easily and readily sticks inour mind, it’s much more challenging to actuallylive the message out. Loving those who are like usis one thing, but loving those who are differentfrom us or challenge us is quite another. Beingunified and guarding another’s dignity and pride is not always easy.

If our actions speak louder than words, what doour actions tell others about how we love God?

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

Act

s 10:

44-4

8; P

salm

98;

1 Jo

hn 5

:1-6

; Joh

n 15

:9-1

7

100515 Sixth Sunday of Easter / Christian Family Sunday

The Rev. Gale Turnball-MacDonald is minister at

Clarkson Road in Mississauga, ON.

Photo: Camp Kintail, photo by Travis Allison, www.travisphoto.caThe Presbyterian


030515Fifth Sunday

of Easter

100515Sixth Sunday

of Easter /Christian Family

Sunday

15

Have you ever stood at the edge of a very high building?

The sensation of being on the precipice of a great height can be

terrifying! Now, imagine that you are looking over the top of

that same building, but this time there is an iron railing to hold

onto. The addition of something to grasp as you peer over the

side provides security that you will not accidentally fall off the

building and plummet to the ground below.

Often we think of barriers and rules as negative, preventing us

from things we want. Although the railing is a barrier, it also

provides protection. Psalm 1 tells us that “blessed is the one

who…delights in the law of the Lord.” To “delight” in something

also means to find

• Pleasure

• Happiness

• Joy

• Glee

When you think about the rules in the Bible, do you experience

these positive emotions? It is difficult to think about rules with

joy and happiness, but if we equate biblical laws to the railing

on a tall building, their significance takes on a different

meaning. They are a barrier, but they are also a means of

protection. God’s laws are intended to guide and protect us

for our own happiness, security and wellbeing.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

Act

s 1:1

5-17

, 21-

26; P

salm

1; 1

John

5:9

-13;

John

17:

6-19

Act

s 1:1

-11;

Psa

lm 4

7 or

Psa

lm 9

3; E

phes

ians

1:1

5-23

; Luk

e 24

:44-

53

170515 Seventh Sunday of Easter / Ascension Sunday

The Rev. Joel Sherbino is minister at

Paris Presbyterian Church in Paris, ON.The Presbyterian


“In hope we were saved”Hope is an important aspect for healing and reconciliation aswe continue to develop our relationship with our Aboriginalneighbours. Hope is our foundation as we reach out andcontinue on our journey together. We recognize The SevenSacred Teachings of our Aboriginal communities: love,respect, courage, honesty, wisdom, humility and truth, andbuild on these teachings as our foundation for our continuedhealing and reconciliation.

The word “hope” is in The Presbyterian Church in Canada’sConfession to the First Nations of Canada. The concludingparagraph of that confession states, “It is our hope that thosewhom we have wronged with a hurt too deep for telling willaccept what we have to say. With God’s guidance our Churchwill seek opportunities to walk with Aboriginal peoples tofind healing and wholeness together as God’s people.”

If we do not enter into this journey together, the Confessionis merely a twenty-one-year-old piece of paper. If we walktogether, the future is bright for all of us. The scripture says,“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness.” May God’sblessings be on us as we put hope into action and truereconciliation guided by God’s Spirit becomes strength forour church now and forever.

240515 Pentecost / Healing & Reconciliation Sunday

David Phillips is a retired teacher and has served the denomination as Leading

with Care coordinator and Healing and Reconciliation Animator.

He worships with St. Andrew’s-Chalmers in Uxbridge, ON.

Photo: TRC national event, Vancouver, BC, 2013, photo by Stephen KendallThe Presbyterian


170515Seventh Sundayof Easter /Ascension Sunday

240515Pentecost /Healing &ReconciliationSunday

In Psalm 29, the poet-king, David,

nudges God’s people towards more vibrant worship

by dramatically illustrating the powerful, majestic,

thundering, tree-snapping, ox-tossing, earth-shaking

voice of God. It is, for David, a voice that garners

attention and inspires awe.

National Football League enthusiasts might remember

the September 15, 2013 game at which Seattle

Seahawk fans set a Guinness World Record for stadium

noise by reaching the painful decibel level of 136.6 at

one point during the contest. That’s roughly equivalent

to the roar of a jet engine. Ironically, the tens of

thousands of passionate fans were silenced, and the

game delayed for one hour, while a thunderstorm

howled through the area hurling brilliant lightning

forks and spawning fierce winds.

We might see this as a modern reminder that we are

still dwarfed by the matchless glory and power of the

triune God. Let us worship the Lord reverently and

welcome gifts of divine strength and eternal peace.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

Isai

ah 6

:1-8

; Psa

lm 2

9; R

oman

s 8:1

2-17

; Joh

n 3:

1-17

310515 First Sunday after Pentecost / Trinity Sunday

The Rev. Don Muir is Associate Secretary, General Assembly.The Presbyterian


We are halfway between the North American festivities of Mother’s Day and Father’sDay. Today we are asked to consider family relationships.

Word is out that Jesus is healing people. Unknown peopleare following him. The family is worried: is he out of hismind? Family members go to see him and try to verify thereports being received from well-meaning friends.

The good news? He is not out of his mind: he simply wantsto share good news with everyone.

Jesus expands the definition of family beyond the hearth.He wants to include strangers into the family. Jesus doesn’trepudiate his family: he includes new people.

Nous sommes à mi-chemin entre les célébrations de la Fête des Mères et la Fête des Pères.Aujourd’hui, on nous demande de considérer les relationsfamiliales.

On chuchote que Jésus guérit les gens. Des inconnus lesuivent. La famille est inquiète: Jésus a-t-il perdu la tête?La famille va le voir et essaie de vérifier les récits qui leurparviennent d’amis bien intentionnés.

La bonne nouvelle? Jésus est complètement en santé. Jésus élargit la définition de la famille au-delà du foyer. Il veut inclure des étrangers dans la famille. Jésus ne reniepas sa famille: il inclut ses amis.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

1 S

amue

l 8:4

-11,

(12-

15),

16-2

0, (1

1:14

-15)

or G

enes

is 3

:8-1

5; P

salm

138

or P

salm

130

; 2 C

orin

thia

ns 4

:13-

5:1;

Mar

k 3:

20-3

5

070615 Proper 5(10) / Second Sunday after Pentecost

Paul Clarke is Executive Director of Action Réfugiés in Montréal, QC.

Photo: Action Réfugiés Montréal’s twinning program provides support and

friendship to refugee women and helps them begin new lives in Canada.The Presbyterian


310515First Sunday

after Pentecost /Trinity Sunday

070615Proper 5(10) /

Second Sundayafter Pentecost

16

Set #2 begins with

bulletin 310515

There are moments when we realize there is more than meets the eye. The first time we attended thecommunity dinner, I remember my kids were pretty quiet and nervous.They were nervous because a burly man sat in front of them, notsaying a word, not a smile, or offering to small talk. He just ploppedhimself down, waiting for his hot meal to be served. His face told hislife story, washed out from exhaustion and hardship.

My son Jayden was picking out the broccoli from his plate; I leanedover to him and asked him to eat them. All of a sudden he looked atme and asked, "Mom, what’s something you don’t like to eat?" I hadto think about this one… After a few seconds I blurted out chicken’sfeet! Right at that moment, the burly fella sat up straight and his facelit up. He leaned forward with this beaming smirk and told us howdelicious they were. My children asked him many questions: “Whendid you have it? Where did you have it?” They did not care about hisappearance anymore but welcomed him as an unexpected friendbefore they knew.

살다보면 겉으로 보이는 것이 전부가 아니라는 것을 깨닫는 순간이 있습니다. 마을 분들에게 식사 대접하는 일을 시작했던 날이었습니다. 험상궂은 인상을 지닌 한 사람이 말 없이 제 아이들 앞 자리에 앉았고, 아이들은 무서움을 느꼈는지 금새 조용해 졌습니다. 고단하고 힘겨운 삶의 자욱이 얼굴에 드리워져 있는 듯 했습니다.

제 아들 제이슨이 음식에 있던 브로컬리를 골라내고 있길래 가리는 것 없이 다 먹어야 된다고 일러 주었습니다. 제이슨은 갑자기 제게 “엄마가먹기 싫어하는 음식은 무엇이냐”고 물었습니다. 잠시 생각하다가 무심결에 “엄마가 싫어하는 음식은 닭발이라”고 했습니다. 바로 그 순간무표정했던 그 사람 얼굴이 갑작스레 밝아졌습니다. 환한 미소를 띄며 “자신이 닭발을 얼마나 좋아하는지” 우리에게 이야기를 들려주었습니다.제 아이들도 말문이 열려 그 사람에게 계속 물어 보았습니다. “어디서 닭발을 드셔 보셨어요? 언제요?”그 행색이 어떻든, 뜻밖에 만난 친구가된 그는 우리와 함께, 좋아하는 음식 이야기를 기쁘게 나누고 있었습니다.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

1 S

amue

l 15:

34 -

16:1

3 or

Eze

kiel

17:

22-2

4; P

salm

20

or P

salm

92:

1-4,

12-

15; 2

Cor

inth

ians

5:6

-10,

(11-

13),

14-1

7; M

ark

4:26

-34

140615 Proper 6(11) / Third Sunday after Pentecost

The Rev. Joanne Lee is minister at St. Andrew’s in Innisfail, AB.

Photo: Trinity, Victoria, BC, Simon and friend, photo by Mary ChudleyThe Presbyterian


“Reconciliation is neither automatic, nor inevitable;

every step towards the goal of justice andreconciliation requires sacrifice, suffering andstruggle.” This is God’s appointed time for vigorous and positive action.

Paul continues a plea with the Church in Corinth and his plea was for reconciliation, not in the futurebut now. He appeals to them not to respond in such a way that God’s grace in Christ will have nomeaningful effect on them and also points out thatGod’s Kairos, God’s appointed time, is now.

In our context where we continue to do ministry, there are many who are still experiencing hurt, angerand loss in their lives but still desire participation inthe process of reconciliation. The lives of Aboriginaland Non-Aboriginal peoples intersect where thechurch lives, and it is here when the gospel is preached and heard, the Kairos, the time of God’ssalvation is experienced.

Our continued journey of reconciliation is possiblebecause the grace of God enables us to move beyondany hindrance to us experiencing that grace. Amen.

The Rev. Germaine Lovelace is minister at First in Kenora, ON.

Photo: All Nations Canoe Gathering, TRC national event, Vancouver, BC, 2013,

photo by Stephen KendallThe Presbyterian


210615 Aboriginal Day Sunday

140615Proper 6(11) /Third Sundayafter Pentecost

210615Proper 7(12) /Fourth Sundayafter Pentecost /Aboriginal DaySunday

17

18

Are you weak enough to follow Jesus?Sounds like from the two stories that hope or desperationbrought these people to Jesus, but in truth, it was faith, even if a quiet, unsure and tentative one. Out of depths they cried to the Lord and it turned out that God listened and their faithchanged their broken life to whole.

As we hear these stories the question arises in us: can we byfaith heal and grow strong at our broken places?

The central symbol of Christian faith is a cross—a symbol ofweakness and defeat. But God turns the cross into a symbol of love that heals the world.

The first step to experience that healing is to trust God, andthen impossible things can happen. If you are weak take thepsalmist’s advice: “Wait for the Lord, wait with your wholebeing, and put your hope in his word.” By God’s grace, yourfaith can become a healing force.

Testvérem, elesett vagy-e annyira, hogy Jézust kövesd?Úgy tűnik mintha a remény vagy a kétségbeesés terelte volna ebajban levőket Jézushoz, de valójában, a még bizonytalan zsengehitük által érkeztek közelébe. Nyomorúságuk mélységébőlkönyörögtek az Úrhoz és Ő meghallgatta kérésüket, hitük átsegítetteőket életük nagy megpróbáltatásán.

Hallva e történeteket felmerül bennünk a kérdés: lenne a mihitünknek ilyen gyógyító és erőt adó ereje a nyomorúságban?

A keresztyén hit szimbóluma a kereszt—mely a kiszolgáltatottság ésaz elveszettség jelképe. De Isten a keresztet a szeretet győzelménekjelképévé tette, mely képes gyógyítani a bajokkal, betegségekkelküzdő világot.

A gyógyulás megtapasztalásához az első lépés az Istenben valóbizalom, s ha ez megvan hihetetlen dolgok megtörténhetnek. Ha gyenge vagy, fogadd meg a zsoltáros tanácsát: „várj az Úrra,lelked teljességével, várj Reá és bízzál szavának hatalmas erejében”.Mert hited az Ő kegyelme által gyógyító erővé válik benned.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

2 S

amue

l 1:1

, 17-

27; P

salm

130

or L

amen

tati

ons 3

:22-

33 o

r Psa

lm 3

0; 2

Cor

inth

ians

8:7

-15;

Mar

k 5:

21-4

3

280615 Proper 8(13) / Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

The Rev. Zoltan Vass is minister at First Hungarian in Toronto, ON.The Presbyterian


What do we tell our children?Psalm 48 describes in great detail the beauty of Mount Zion on whichJerusalem is built.

How great is that city, protected and defended by God!

God promises to establish Jerusalem forever.

The psalmist envisions visiting the temple to ponder and reflect on thesteadfast love of God, whose praises reach to the end of the earth.

The psalmist urges Mount Zion to be glad, the cities of Judah to rejoiceover God’s judgments.

The psalmist invites God’s people to walk all around Zion to counts itstowers, to consider its ramparts and to go through its citadels.

In a prophetic voice the people are urged to keep in their minds a strong,visual image of God’s holy city. Why?

The psalmist foresees a time when the next generation, born in exile, will never see that beautiful place, the dwelling place of the Most High.

Parents should tell their children about God’s holy temple. Then they toowill carry that same image throughout their lives.

Zion, the psalmist says, has become a sign, a testimony to the God whowill be our God and Guide forever and ever!

Wat zullen we onze kinderen vertellen? Psalm 48 beschrijft de schoonheid van de berg Sion, waar Jeruzalem is opgebouwd. Wat een prachtige stad.

God zelf beschermt en verdedigd haar en zal Jeruzalem voor altijd bevestigen!

De steden van Juda en zelfs de berg Sion moeten zich verheugen overGod’s rechtvaardige uitspraken.

Het volk van God wordt aangemoedigd om om Sion heen te lopen, goed tekijken naar haar sterke muur en intussen haar torens te tellen!

De psalmist moedigt God’s volk aan om het beeld van Jeruzalem met haarprachtige paleizen en gouden tempel goed in hum geheugen te prenten.

Want all die gebouwen zijn een getuigenis van God’s eeuwige liefde en trouw.

Zo zullen zij hun leven lang, zelfs in ballingschap, niet ontmoedigd worden,maar vol goede moed hun levensloop voltooien.

God’s eeuwige liefde en trouw is hun burcht, een God die hen zelfs in dedood niet los laat. Le

ctio

nary

Rea

ding

s: 2

Sam

uel 5

:1-5

, 9-1

0 or

Eze

kiel

2:1

-5; P

salm

48

or P

salm

123

; 2 C

orin

thia

ns 1

2:2-

10; M

ark

6:1-

13

050715 Proper 9(14) / Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Dineke Kraay is a member of St. Andrew’s in Saskatoon, SK.The Presbyterian


280615Proper 8(13) /Fifth Sunday

after Pentecost

050715Proper 9(14) /Sixth Sunday

after Pentecost

19

How appropriate these words are for the worship! Paul begins the letter to the Ephesianswith a glorious picture of being a child of God. Thesewords declare that we are not just mortal, frail and sinfulhuman beings but we are exalted to be wonderful children of God. Our existence is exalted. I can hear theoutcry of the psalmist: “I praise you, for I am fearfully andwonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I knowvery well.” (Psalm 139:14)

Ephesians 1:3-14 is one sentence in Greek. In one breath,Paul describes God’s wonderful works in us. All persons ofthe Trinity work together to create the kind of persons thatwe are. Each one of us is this precious to God. Let us loveone another!

에베소서 1장 13-14절은 예배드리는 하나님의 사람들에게 참 복된 말씀입니다. 에베소서 초반부에 사도바울은 우리가얼마나 귀한 하나님의 자녀인지 그림을 그리듯 보여줍니다. 죽음을 피할수 없는, 연약하고 죄 많은 우리가 아름다운 하나님의 자녀로 살게 되었습니다. 이 큰 은혜로 인한 기쁨의 찬양을 시편 139편 14절 말씀에서도 듣게 됩니다. “내가 주께 감사함은 나를 지으심이 심히 기묘하심이라. 주께서 하시는 일이 기이함을 내 영혼이 잘 아나이다.”

희랍어 원문에서는 에베소서 1장 13-14절 전체가 한 문장입니다. 사도 바울은 우리 안에 역사하시는 하나님의 아름다운 일을 이렇게 단숨에 증언합니다. 성부∙성자∙성령께서 우리를 온전히 하시기 위해 함께 역사하십니다. 우리 모두 이렇듯 하나님께 소중하니 서로 사랑하기 원합니다.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

2 S

amue

l 6:1

-5, 1

2b-1

9 or

Am

os 7

:7-1

5; P

salm

24

or P

salm

85:

8-13

; Eph

esia

ns 1

:3-1

4; M

ark

6:14

-29

120715 Proper 10(15) / Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

The Rev. In Kee Kim is minister at St. Timothy in Toronto, ON.

Photo: Ella at Camp Kintail, photo by Travis Allison, www.travisphoto.caThe Presbyterian


“Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves

and rest awhile.” (Mark 6:31a)

The apostles had been very busy: teaching, casting out demons, anointing the sick.

There was no time even to stop for lunch.

Jesus, the Great Physician, prescribes rest forthem—rest in a quiet, deserted place.

But a crowd beats them to it and when they arrivethe deserted place looks more like Banff Town Siteon a summer weekend, complete with this crowdlike sheep milling about without a shepherd.

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, calms down the crowdand teaches them many things. One of the thingshe taught them, I’m sure, was the need for all of us, caught up in the frantic pace of life, fromtime to time to come away all by ourselves and rest awhile.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

2 S

amue

l 7:1

-14a

or J

erem

iah

23:1

-6; P

salm

89:

20-3

7 or

Psa

lm 2

3; E

phes

ians

2:1

1-22

; Mar

k 6:

30-3

4, 5

3-56

190715 Proper 11(16) / Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

The Rev. Helen Smith is minister at Centennial in

Calgary, AB, and vacations at a cottage called “Eremos”

(New Testament Greek for “a deserted place”).The Presbyterian


120715Proper 10(15) /Seventh Sundayafter Pentecost

190715Proper 11(16) /Eighth Sundayafter Pentecost

20

“…do not be afraid”The angels sang it at Jesus’ birth.

The angel said it to the woman at Jesus’ emptytomb.

Jesus says it to the disciples tossed about in a boaton the sea.

“…do not be afraid.”

Too easily we narrow the meaning of faith to referexclusively to belief in God.

But the fuller definition of faith is trust. Maturefaith trusts that God’s loving and unending work ofredemption is at work in our lives, in our churches,in our relationships, and in the world.

Faith trusts that God is at all times and in all placesconverting

death into life,chaos into peace,

confusion into insight,want into sufficiency,

and fear into trust.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

2 S

amue

l 11:

1-15

or 2

Kin

gs 4

:42-

44; P

salm

14

or P

salm

145

:10-

18; E

phes

ians

3:1

4-21

; Joh

n 6:

1-21

260715 Proper 12(17) / Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

Canadian Ministries

Photo: Camp Geddie, Merigomish, NS, photo by Audrey CameronThe Presbyterian


House of BreadA few years ago I served in Bethlehem as an EAPPI (EcumenicalAccompaniment program in Palestine and Israel) observer. I sawa huge concrete wall surrounding the city. Countless picturesand writings covered the wall. Among them, I saw the words“Jesus Wept.” I remember how deeply those words touched myheart. The word Bethlehem means “House of Bread,” but there I saw a multitude of suffering caused by poverty, injustice, and fear. No wonder Jesus wept.

Two thousand years ago we were asked to love each other, butlittle love was to be found in Bethlehem. Humanity is slow toaccept God’s gift, but Jesus who weeps with his own continuesto offer his spirit, the bread of life. Still, there is hope for thesalvation for those who are groaning in pain through our LordJesus Christ.

2-3년전, 베들레헴에서 EAPPI 의 일원으로 일하고 있었을 때였습니다.베들레헴은 도시 전체가 큰 벽으로 둘러 쌓여 있습니다. 그 벽에는 수 많은 문구가 적혀 있고 셀수 없을 만큼 많은 그림이 그려져 있습니다. 그 중에 "예수께서 눈물을 흘리시더라”는 성경 말씀이 있었습니다. 그 말씀을 그곳에서 대하며, 말할 수 없이 큰 감동을 받았습니다.

베들레헴이라는 말은 ‘양식의 집’이라는 뜻이지만 저는 그곳에서 빈곤, 불의, 두려움에 시달려 고통받는 많은 사람들을 보았습니다. 예수께서 눈물 흘리시는 이유일 것입니다.

2000년전 우리에게 서로 사랑하라 부탁하셨지만, 오늘 베들레헴은 장벽에 둘려쌓인 아픔의 도시입니다. 많은 이들이 주님의 사랑을 깨닫지못해도, 예수님께서는 생명의 떡인 영으로 이 세상 가운데 계십니다. 눈물 흘리는 그리스도께서 깊은 고통과 두려움에 신음하는 모든 이들을구원하실 유일한 소망이 되십니다.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

2 S

amue

l 11:

26 -

12:1

3a o

r Exo

dus 1

6:2-

4, 9

-15;

Psa

lm 5

1:1-

12; P

salm

78:

23-2

9; E

phes

ians

4:1

-16;

John

6:2

4-35

020815 Proper 13(18) / Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

The Rev. Jeanie Lee is minister at Knox in Neepawa, MB.The Presbyterian


260715Proper 12(17) /

Ninth Sundayafter Pentecost

020815Proper 13(18) /

Tenth Sundayafter Pentecost

21

Every time I come to The Table, and sometimes when I come to my own table, I remembertwo conversations. Both were with little people.

It was long before “Children at The Lord’s Table” was adiscussion in my little home congregation and I was sitting in worship with my three-year-old niece. It wasCommunion Sunday. As the invitation was offered toreceive communion, she looked at me and asked, “Can Ihave bread? I love Jesus.” When the plate was passed, she indeed had bread. She had several pieces. As many as a little three-year-old hand could hold.

I never received communion again without thinking ofthat moment.

Several years later, I was sitting in another church withanother seat-full of little people. Again, The Table wasmade ready. There was bread. Everyone was preparing toreceive but perhaps none more so than the little one nextto me. With a tug at my arm and a loud whisper in my ear,my little friend spoke his words of truth. “I am so hungryfor bread.”

So now, when I come to The Table and sometimes to myown table, these two stories are recalled, and because ofthem I understand a little more about Jesus being theLiving Bread.

“I love Jesus.”

“I am so hungry for Bread.”

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

2 S

amue

l 18:

5-9,

15,

31-

33 o

r 1 K

ings

19:

4-8;

Psa

lm 1

30 o

r Psa

lm 3

4:1-

8; E

phes

ians

4:2

5-5:

2; Jo

hn 6

:35,

41-

51

090815 Proper 14(19) / Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

Audrey Cameron lives, one day at a time,

in East River St. Mary’s, NS.The Presbyterian


There are connoisseurs of many things,

good food, fine wine, art. There are many who claim to be expert judges in the matters of taste. My friendLawrence is one.

Lawrence has declared himself to be an authority on bread.To be honest, I am not sure how much bread he has eatenin his three and a half years. I know his parents ensure hehas a balanced diet of healthy food. And though he hastravelled to Italy and more, his bread knowledge may belimited to the local bakeries. That being said, Mary is alegend in the community for her bread-making skills, so he does have an informed palate!

One day, Lawrence declared to his parents that he haddiscovered the best bread, and it was not Mary’s. It was ona Sunday. He had shared in communion. When the specialbread and special cup were passed, he received his andsimply and clearly declared, “Church has the best bread!”

Lawrence is an authority on bread. He made it known that Sunday when he ate the special bread and met theBread of Life and knew it to be the best.

“I am the Bread of Life.”

It is the best bread.

Ask Lawrence.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

1 K

ings

2:1

0-12

; 3:3

-14

or P

rove

rbs 9

:1-6

; Psa

lm 1

11 o

r Psa

lm 3

4:9-

14; E

phes

ians

5:1

5-20

; Joh

n 6:

51-5

8

160815 Proper 15(20) / Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

Audrey Cameron lives, one day at a time,

in East River St. Mary’s, NS.The Presbyterian


090815Proper 14(19) /Eleventh Sundayafter Pentecost

160815Proper 15(20) /Twelfth Sundayafter Pentecost

22

“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.” (Psalm 84:10)

What makes coming to church so special every week?

Is it because you meet your friends?

Is it because of the food?

These are incentives but ultimately, what makes coming tochurch so special is because we come and worship God.

The psalmist yearns and even faints for the house of theLord because of God’s mercy and love.

Psalm 84 tells us that God is to us a sun and shield, guidingus through the dark and difficult places.

If we walk in the path of our Lord, it is like we dwell in God’shouse and we will be able to go from strength to strength.

「在你的院宇住一日，勝似在別處住千日」(詩篇84:10)

是什麼讓來教會如此特別？是與你的朋友碰⾯嗎？是享受愛餐嗎？這些都是吸引⼈的地方，不過真正讓來教會如此特別是因為我們來敬拜我們的上帝。

詩篇的詩⼈羨慕渴想上帝的殿宇因為上帝充滿了憐憫與慈愛。詩篇八十四篇告訴我們上帝是我們的日頭也是我們的盾牌，祂帶領我們走過⿊暗與困難之地。

如果我們行走在上帝預備的道路，我們就好像住在上帝的殿宇之中，我們行走也會⼒上加⼒。

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

1 K

ings

8:(1

, 6, 1

0-11

), 22

-30,

41-

43 o

r Jos

hua

24:1

-2a;

Psa

lm 8

4, 1

4-18

or P

salm

34:

15-2

2; E

phes

ians

6:1

0-20

; Joh

n 6:

56-6

9

230815 Proper 16(21) / Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

The Rev. Andy Kuo is minister at Toronto Formosan

in Toronto, ON.

Photo: San-ti-mun Church, Taiwan, photo by Heather ChappellThe Presbyterian


The heart, the tongue, and lifeThe word “heart” in the Bible expresses the main elements of thehuman: the will, and the thought, and the feelings. Solomon says,“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life” (Proverbs 4:23). God shows us love by proclaiming awonderful plan for us and God wants us to respond to God’svoice (Song of Songs 2:10,14). When we interact with the word of God, our lives will be changed.

God asks us to love and to give our hearts over to God: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart…”(Deuteronomy 6:5); “My child, give me your heart” (Proverbs 23:26).

When our hearts are filled with God’s love, our lips and tongueswill praise: “My heart overflows with a goodly theme” (Psalm 45:1).

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

Son

g of

Sol

omon

2:1

8-13

or D

eute

rono

my

4:1-

2, 6

-9; P

salm

45:

1-2,

6-9

or P

salm

15;

Jam

es 1

:17-

27; M

ark

7:1-

8, 1

4-15

, 21-

23

300815 Proper 17(22) / Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

The Rev. Amin Mansour is minister at Almanarah, Hamilton, ON.

Photo: Canada Youth 2014, photo by Audrey CameronThe Presbyterian


230815Proper 16(21) /

ThirteenthSunday after

Pentecost

300815Proper 17(22) /

FourteenthSunday after

Pentecost

23

The Practical Wisdom of Compassion

Proverbs is concerned with practical wisdom—it iswhere abstract ethical principles meet the messycomplexities of everyday life. The scripture passages inJames, Mark, Psalms and Proverbs are united throughteaching the practical wisdom of compassion.

As intellectual wisdom, compassion is concerned withjustice, fairness and wellbeing. As spiritual wisdom, it is about connecting to our shared humanity in God,and treating each person with the same abundant lovethat flows from, and connects us to, God. As heartwisdom, it is about overcoming emotional barriers(suspicion, scorn, apathy, fear, distrust, racism, sexism,homophobia, ageism) that prevent the formation ofinclusive communities where human dignity flourishes,and where every person can share their gifts of theSpirit and feel a deep sense of belonging.

In compassion, wisdom of the head, heart and Spiritare woven together. Let us exercise compassion with passion.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

Pro

verb

s 22:

1-2,

8-9

, 22-

23 o

r Isa

iah

35:4

-7a;

Psa

lm 1

25 o

r Psa

lm 1

46; J

ames

2:1

-10,

(11-

13),

14-1

7; M

ark

7:24

-37

060915 Proper 18(23) / Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Katharine Masterton is Program Coordinator

for Justice Ministries.

Photo: Latif and son, Syrian refugees, photo courtesy of Canadian Foodgrains BankThe Presbyterian


Who decided it was time for a wardrobe change, painting each leaf with red, orange, yellow and brown?

Who told the warm air to cool down by walking it off?Who asked the evening to arrive earlier and asked day to

share its limelight?Who gave the apple patience to ripen after all other fruits

have been picked?

Who warned the squirrel to start storing food for the winter months ahead?

Who taught the geese where to go in the V-formation?Who fashioned an extra coat for the deer and chipmunk alike?Who gifted humans with the harvest of ripe gold?

The heavens declare the glory of God;The skies proclaim the work of God’s hands.

누가 자연의 색깔이 바뀔 때를 정하셨으며, 나뭇잎마다 빨강이나 주황으로, 노랑이나 갈색으로 물들이실까?

누가 더운 공기로 하여금 조금씩 차가워지도록 하셨을까?누가 저녁은 때 되어 찾아오고 낮은 그 빛난 광채를 나누도록 하셨을까?

누가 사과로 하여금 다른 과일들이 다 수확된 다음까지도 여전히 익어가도록 하셨을까?

누가 다람쥐에게 겨울이 오기 전 양식을 준비하라고 일러 주셨을까?누가 기러기에게 V편대로 날아가는 것을 가르쳐주셨을까?누가 사슴이나 청솔모에게 털 외투로 덧입혀 주셨을까?누가 사람들로 하여금 황금 인생을 맞도록 하셨을까?

하늘은 하나님의 영광을 선포하고,궁창은 그 손으로 하신 일을 드러내는 도다.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

Pro

verb

s 1:2

0-33

or I

saia

h 50

:4-9

a; P

salm

19

or P

salm

116

:1-9

; Jam

es 3

:1-1

2; M

ark

8:27

-38

130915 Proper 19(24) / Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

The Rev. Angie Song serves as Pastor of Missions & College

Vaughan Community Church English Ministry in Vaughan, ON.The Presbyterian


060915Proper 18(23) /Fifteenth Sundayafter Pentecost

130915Proper 19(24) /Sixteenth Sundayafter Pentecost

24

As believers, we sometimes miss the mark of our calling. It is not surprising to see people in the churchseeking respected positions. Everyone wants to be great. In Mark 9:30-37, Jesus predicted his death the second time,but the disciples did not understand it. However, they foundthemselves arguing about who will be the greatest.

In order to be great, we have to learn to submit ourselves likelittle children. Let us not lose the purpose of our calling inthe Lord, for we have been called to serve, not to be served.Positions do not lead us to God, but service in the Lord does;we must be the last, for God will surely exalt us at the righttime. Let us serve the Lord in submitting ourselves to God.

En tant que croyants, nous manquons parfois la marque de notre vocation. Il n’est pas surprenantde voir des gens dans l’église qui cherchent des postesrespectés. Tout le monde veut être grand. Dans Marc 9:30-37,Jésus a prédit sa mort une deuxième fois mais les disciples ne le comprenaient pas. Cependant, ils se sont trouvésargumenter pour savoir qui sera le plus grand.

Pour être grand, nous devons apprendre à nous présentercomme des petits enfants. Ne perdons pas le but de notrevocation dans le Seigneur, car nous avons été appelés à servir,non pour être servi. Positions ne nous conduisent pas à Dieu,mais le service dans le Seigneur fait ; nous devons être ledernier, car Dieu va nous élever au bon moment. Servons leSeigneur en nous soumettant à Lui.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

Pro

verb

s 31:

10-3

1 or

Jere

mia

h 11

:18-

20; P

salm

1 o

r Psa

lm 5

4; Ja

mes

3:1

3 - 4

:3, 7

-8a;

Mar

k 9:

30-3

7

200915 Proper 20(25) / Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

Sampson Afoakwah is a graduate of

The Presbyterian College in Montreal, QC.

Photo: Philippines, photo by Karen Bokma, PWS&DThe Presbyterian


“For everyone will be salted with fire.

Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can youseason it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace withone another.” (Mark 9:49-50)

I love the idea of being salted. After all, salt sustains life.It’s a preservative that slows spoilage and a condimentthat adds zest and savour to food. It heals and cleansesand changes what it touches: food, ice, water. It’s funwhen it is shared with others in a bag of popcorn at themovies or cheese and crackers while visiting.

Mission work is about both being salt in the world andreceiving salt from others. Through PresbyteriansSharing we are salting one another: sparking love ofGod and love for one another as we do mission andministry together. My life is richer because we are achurch together. Over the years, I have been inspired by international and Canadian mission partners. I have learned from people at workshops held to equip congregations. I have been encouraged when wehave spoken out for the voiceless or the marginalized.And I hope I have, at times, salted others.

As Associate Secretary for Stewardship for The Presbyterian

Church in Canada, Karen Plater loves exploring ways to

use our gifts to do God’s mission. The Presbyterian

Church in Canadapresbyterian.ca/worshipLe

ctio

nary

Rea

ding

s: E

sthe

r 7:1

-6, 9

-10;

9:2

0-22

or N

umbe

rs 1

1:4-

6, 1

0-16

, 24-

29; P

salm

124

or P

salm

19:

7-14

; Jam

es 5

:13-

20; M

ark

9:38

-50

270915 Presbyterians Sharing Sunday

200915Proper 20(25) /

SeventeenthSunday after

Pentecost

270915Presbyterians

Sharing Sunday /Proper 21(26) /

EighteenthSunday after

Pentecost

25

“Do this in remembrance

of me” (1 Corinthians 11:24)

We do this and we remember

that as we were welcomed at the table we must make room for everyone.


that as we have been fed we must ensurethat others do not go hungry.


that as we have been served we are called to serve others.


that as we have seen God’s goodness we are sent into the world to show it.

041015



Last summer, my husband and I

were visiting Prince Edward Island. Somehow whenI visit the island, I am so much more aware ofGod’s abundance. Has God blessed the Islandersmore abundantly? I don’t think so. But perhapsbecause I’m on holidays and away from the hecticpace, I have more time to appreciate God’swonders and goodness. Psalm 126 reads, “Yes, theLord has done amazing things for us! What joy!”

And what joy indeed. Are we not blessed! So forsure we go to God when we’re in need—in times of illness, anxiety or loss. And God is always there.But we need to remember to take time every dayto praise and thank God for all our blessings. Wereceive from God 86,400 seconds every single day.Let’s take a few of those seconds and be thankful.Matthew 6, verse 32: Your heavenly father alreadyknows all your needs and will give you all you needfrom day to day if you live for God and make thekingdom of God your primary concern.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

Job

23:1

-9, 1

6-17

or A

mos

5:6

-7, 1

0-15

; Psa

lm 2

2:1-

15 o

r Psa

lm 9

0:12

-17;

Heb

rew

s 4:1

2-16

; M

ark

10:1

7-31

; Joe

l 2:2

1-27

; Psa

lm 1

26; 1

Tim

othy

2:1

-7; M

atth

ew 6

:25-

33

111015 Harvest Sunday

Janet Clapp is an elder at St. Paul’s in Winchester, ON.The Presbyterian


041015Proper 22(27) /NineteenthSunday afterPentecost / WorldCommunionSunday

111015Proper 23(28) /Twentieth Sundayafter Pentecost /Harvest Sunday

26

Job is the story of an upright man

who has suffered great loss—family, wealth, health.Why? Why does a good person suffer?

Dismissing answers given by his wife and so-calledfriends, Job demands that God appear and respond tohis question, bringing an end to his agony. Our text ispart of God’s response, a response in which Job ispowerfully reminded of the distance between humanand divine understanding. It is an answer that, whilenot an answer, is foundational to any search forknowledge.

Those of us who teach in a theological school knowhow important it is that students ask questions asprofound and as pressing as the one asked by Job. We encourage them to do so. We also know the limitsof such knowledge, that “now we see in a mirror,dimly” (1 Corinthians 13:12).

May our searching and questions always honour thatdifference.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

Job

38:1

-7, (

34-4

1) o

r Isa

iah

53:4

-12;

Psa

lm 1

04:1

-9, 2

4, 3

5c o

r Psa

lm 9

1:9-

16; H

ebre

ws 5

:1-1

0; M

ark

10:3

5-45

181015 Students and Colleges Sunday

The Rev. Dr. Dorcas Gordon is Principal and Associate Professor of Biblical

Interpretation and Preaching at Knox College in Toronto, ON.

Photo: Knox College, photo by Terry TingchaleunThe Presbyterian


We live in the information age.

Need to know something? Just Google it and in .38 seconds you will have 128,000 references atyour fingertips. Every hour, no, every minute we are bombarded with thousands of bits ofinformation to process.

We have become connoisseurs of the trivial. Wehand out million dollar prizes to those who cancompute the most mundane pieces of data. Yet we take pride in our knowledge: we are the mostintelligent beings to ever live. Is there anything we don’t comprehend? We are know-it-alls.

But in the midst of knowing it all, of having ananswer to everything, have we lost sight ofmystery? For all our knowledge, all our information,all our trivia, life and breath remain a mystery,comprehended fully only by the God who gave it:who gives it to us, who gave it to Job.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

Job

42:1

-6, 1

0-17

or J

erem

iah

31:7

-9; P

salm

34:

1-8,

(19-

22) o

r Psa

lm 1

26; H

ebre

ws 7

:23-

28; M

ark

10:4

6-52

251015 Reformation Sunday

The Rev. Allyson MacLeod is teaching pastor at

Keswick Presbyterian in Keswick, ON.The Presbyterian


181015Proper 24(29) /

Twenty-firstSunday after

Pentecost /Students and

Colleges Sunday

251015Proper 25(30) /Twenty-second

Sunday afterPentecost /

ReformationSunday

27

To celebrate All Saints Day

is to affirm hope.

Christian hope trusts

that all things are in the hands of the

God of yesterday, today, and tomorrow

who is on the side of life;

who is always bringing new life

from what has past;

who is even now in the midst of

whatever is broken or painful

working wholeness and healing;

and who has prepared a future where

all will be redeemed and made new.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

Rut

h 1:

1-18

or D

eute

rono

my

6:1-

9; P

salm

146

or P

salm

119

:1-8

; Heb

rew

s 9:1

1-14

; M

ark

12:2

8-34

; Isa

iah

25:6

-9; P

salm

24;

Rev

elat

ion

21:1

-6a;

John

11:

32-4

4

011115 All Saints Day



Nellie McClung, devout Christian,

politician, friend, and mother made the following diaryentry the 04 Dec 1915:

“This morning we said good-bye to our dearson Jack at the CNR station.

“When we came home, I felt strangely tiredand old, though I am only forty-two. But Iknow that my youth has departed from me. It has gone with Jack, our beloved, our firstborn, the pride of our hearts. Strange fate,surely, for a boy who has never held a gun inhis hands, whose ways are gentle and full ofpeace…”

Although a journal entry of almost a hundred yearsago, the sentiments continue to ring very true forthose who have found themselves in tearful embracesas they said good-bye to loved ones departing for waror deployments. We remember and pray for those wholost so much and for the chaplains of the Canadianmilitary who minister to the men and women inuniform and their families.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

Rut

h 3:

1-5;

4:1

3-17

or 1

Kin

gs 1

7:8-

16; P

salm

127

or P

salm

146

; Heb

rew

s 9:2

4-28

; Mar

k 12

:38-

44

081115 Remembrance Day Sunday

Commander Bonnie Mason is chaplain with

5 Canadian Division in Halifax, NS.The Presbyterian


011115Proper 26(31) /Twenty-thirdSunday afterPentecost / All Saints Day

081115Proper 27(32) /Twenty-fourthSunday afterPentecost /Remembrance DaySunday

28

I wonder about Eli. What kind of priest cannot recognize a person in distress?What kind of liturgist can’t fathom someone’s praying? As Hannah’s lips pulse slowly to the music of her bitterpleas, Eli looks on and says to himself—“Oh, great, anotherdrunk in the House of the Lord. A woman no less. I’m sotired of this! A.A. meets Thursdays and Sundays in thebasement, lady. That’s where you belong. Not here. Not before the altar. Not before The One.”

Hannah, to her credit, won’t have it. She talks back, withundue respect and kindness, and dares to lay herself openbefore the Lord and the Lord’s bored and blinded priest.“I’m not drunk, sir,” she says, “but dismayed, depressed,desperate. Will God hear me, even if you can’t?”

I wonder about old Eli. Did he ever dream that his standardbenediction, “Go in peace; the God of Israel grant thepetition you have made to him,” would really be a vehicleof God’s grace? I hope so. I hope he knew Hannah’s new-born joy in Samuel. He didn’t seem a lot sharper when, afew years later, he sleepily told Samuel how to respond toThe One’s calling in the night. “Speak, Lord, I’m listening…”

I wonder about old Eli. Did he ever, himself, learn to listen?Or did he ever catch on, that worship moves to the beat ofa hungry heart?

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

1 S

amue

l 1:4

-20

or D

anie

l 12:

1-3;

1 S

amue

l 2:1

-10

or P

salm

16;

Heb

rew

s 10:

11-1

4, (1

5-18

), 19

-25;

Mar

k 13

:1-8

151115 Proper 28(33) / Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost

The Rev. Dr. Ian Victor is a retired minister of

The Presbyterian Church in Canada.

Photo: Malawi, photo by Carl Hiebert, PWS&DThe Presbyterian


Today is the festival of the Reign of Christ,

a day that reminds us that the One whose name we

bear, the One we try to serve is sovereign over all

other powers of this world. The festival celebrates

the in-breaking of the reign we seek every time

we pray, “Thy kingdom come…”

We profess that Christ is King, and that his reign

is not established or preserved by political power.

Jesus, standing before Pontius Pilate, declares that

his kingdom is not of this world. After Pilate’s

interrogation, Jesus’ coronation was marked with a

crown of thorns. The reign of Christ comes not by

power over us, but as power in us through the

self-giving, unconditional love of God in Christ.

The One who seeks to be King in our hearts calls us

not to love power, but to be subject to the power

of love in our lives every day.

Lect

iona

ry R

eadi

ngs:

2 S

amue

l 23:

1-7

or D

anie

l 7:9

-10,

13-

14; P

salm

132

:1-1

2, (1

3-18

) or P

salm

93;

Rev

elat

ion

1:4b

-8; J

ohn

18:3

3-37

221115 Reign of Christ

The Rev. Dr. Jean Morris is minister at Grace in Calgary, AB.



151115Proper 28(33) /

Twenty-fifthSunday after

Pentecost

221115Proper 29(34) /Reign of Christ

Documents

The Presbyterian Church in Canada Sunday Worship Bulletins · 2018. 3. 27. · Advent 2014 to Reign of Christ 2015 Sunday Worship Bulletins The Presbyterian Church in Canada This