Sunday, February 14th, 2021
Welcome to the season of Epiphany the church season that stretches from Christmas to Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent! Christmas is not far behind us, so we are still carrying the freshness of the Miracle with us day by day, just as light lengthens day by day. With a new year, a new season, and a new age before us, everything is possible because nothing is impossible with God.
Every second of every minute,
every minute of every hour,
every hour of every day -- is God's.
Every breath we take,
every heart that beats,
every laugh lived,
every tear shed -- is God's.
Gift of the Creator.
Gift of the Christ.
Gift of the Spirit.
Gift of God.
And so, we are JOYFUL!
And so, we are GRATEFUL!
And so, we are BLESSED!
And so, we come to worship GOD!
We Sing! As this is my last Sunday presiding at worship here at St. Paul's, I thought I'd share some of my favourite hymns. "Jerusalem," with words by Blake and music by Parry, is often characterized as England's second national anthem, after God Save the Queen. It's not because of its English roots that I love it; the poetry and imagery -- arrows of desire, clouds unfurl, chariots of fire -- are beautiful and stir my imagination. The musical setting is one of the great tunes of the church and requires a big organ and even bigger voices.
God be with you!
Lighting of the Christ Candle.
Epiphany is the season of light, the time of year when the days get longer, the sun gets brighter, and God's light shines into the darkest corners. Jesus said, 'I am the Light of the World,' and so we light a candle to remind us of Jesus, God's light, which is a lamp before us, showing us the way. May Christ's light shine within us, through us, and around us. Amen.
Scripture Reading: Patsy reads the Transfiguration, Mark 9: 2 - 9
Sermon: "Transfigured by the Epiphany." Rev. Dan.
Music: "Great is Thy Faithfulness"
Offering
With God's promise of a light that overcomes all shadows and darkness, we promise ourselves, our gifts, and our commitment to be God's hand and feet in the world, building God's kingdom of peace, justice, and love where all are welcomed and treasured.
Our offering is both a practical and symbolic act of our commitment to serve Christ and build His church. Although we can’t actually ‘pass the plate’ online, you are encouraged to continue your gift to the church, as the work of the St Paul’s and the staff continues:
Drop your envelope (cheque or cash) at the church;
Mail your cheque to the church;
Go on PAR (call the church for details);
Use the Donate button at the top of the page (it will take you to SPUC’s Canada Helps page where you can donate online and get an instant tax receipt).
May these gifts open others to the blessings you, O God, freely give:
the gift of childlike wonder,
the gift of peace that passes all understanding,
the gift of joy that knows no bounds,
and the gift of grace that overcomes all obstacles.
Amen.
Prayer of the People.
God of transfiguration and epiphanies, illuminate our lives and our paths that we may follow your ways out of the darkness and the shadows. We are deeply aware of the ways that we so easily stray from the path, distracted by a glimmer here or a shine there, so often a bit of darkness masquerading as the true light. Guide us back to the right light, the authentic light of your love, where there are no shadows, no hidden corners, no gloom.
Transform us, O God, in making plans and thinking ahead in ways that magnify your light for all those around us: those in need, those who grieve, those feeling alone, neglected, or abused, those who can find no room at the inn or the table but need to be housed by your shelter and fed from your nourishing banquet. Strengthen our generosity, that we may share the blessings we have, so that all may be blessed. Laugh with us, O God, when our plans go awry and we stumble before getting up and laughing ourselves.
Yo Yo Ma plays Elgar's Salut d'amour as part of his COVID Songs of Comfort series online. This is one of my favourite pieces by Elgar and one of Grant Campbell's repertoire (who, incidentally, I think plays it better -- although I confess to being biased).
And, of all the prayers silent and spoken, we pray the one prayer that unites us in your presence (you can sing with the video or recite the words below):
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.
Closing Hymn:
Benediction.
Let us go into the world with a daring and a tender heart. Let
Let us go in peace, the world is waiting.
And, whatever we do, may we do it mindful of the one who leads us onward in light.
Now, may the love of God, the grace of Jesus,
and the fellowship of the Spirit be with us all,
today, tomorrow, and always.
Amen
One Last Thought. This is an anthem from "Annie" that is full of optimism for the possibilities of tomorrow.
Even one more last thought, from John Gardner, SPUC Board Chair.
Closing notes:
Don’t forget to extinguish your candle(s)
Zoom Coffee Time on Sunday at 11:30. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8294323094 or by phone: +1 647 558 0588, Meeting ID: 829 432 3094.
Note that portions of this service are drawn and adapted from 'Gathering,' a worship resource published by The United Church of Canada.
Thanks to Patsy for reading Scripture today, Haewook Kim for her piano leadership, and Max Laumeister for his web script that makes our Youtube videos work.
