gathering ace 2018-2019 lectionary · web viewit comes from the greek word epiphainein meaning...

GATHERING, ADVENT/CHRISTMAS/EPIPHANY 2018-2019Advent to Epiphany and the Season after Epiphany Error: Reference source not found

Season of Advent...........................................................................................................................3Season of Christmas.......................................................................................................................3Season of Epiphany........................................................................................................................3December 2 – Advent 1................................................................................................................. 5December 9 – Advent 2................................................................................................................. 7December 16 – Advent 3...............................................................................................................9December 23 – Advent 4.............................................................................................................11December 24 – Christmas Eve.....................................................................................................13December 25 – Christmas Day (Tuesday)....................................................................................15December 30 – First Sunday after Christmas...............................................................................17January 6 – Epiphany (Sunday)....................................................................................................19January 13 – Baptism of the Lord Sunday....................................................................................21January 20 – Second Sunday after Epiphany...............................................................................23January 27 – Third Sunday after Epiphany...................................................................................25February 3 – Fourth Sunday after Epiphany................................................................................27February 10 – Fifth Sunday after Epiphany..................................................................................29February 17 – Sixth Sunday after Epiphany.................................................................................31February 24 – Seventh Sunday after Epiphany............................................................................33March 3 – Transfiguration Sunday...............................................................................................35

Excerpted from Gathering: Resources for Worship PlannersPublished four times a year, Gathering is a worship planning magazine for ministers and lay leaders, music directors, and United Church of Canada worship committees. Subscribe or browse single issues at UCRDstore.ca.

https://www.ucrdstore.ca/magazines/gathering

2 Gathering, ACE 2018-2019

Season of AdventDates: Advent is the beginning of the church year for most churches in the Western tradition. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, which is sometimes the last Sunday in November, and ends on Christmas Eve at sundown. Sometimes the fourth Sunday of Advent is Christmas Eve.

Feast Days* and Special Days*December 6 – St. Nicholas’ Day – provides a good antidote to the commercial Santa Claus.December 6 – National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women (Canada).

Meaning of NameThe term Advent comes via Old English from the Latin adventus (“arrival”). It is a combination of ad (to) + venire (come). In Advent, we are anticipating the arrival of the baby Jesus as well as the Second Coming of Christ.

Liturgical Colour: BlueBlue is used within most United Churches for Advent, though some continue with the older practice of using purple. Blue was adopted to symbolize hope and replace the penitential purple, associated with Lent.

Season of ChristmasDates: Christmas Day is fixed on December 25 and begins the Christmas season, which runs through January 5.

Meaning of NameThe word Christmas comes from Old English Crīstes mæsse or “Christ’s mass,” referring to the worship service in celebration of Christ’s birth.

Liturgical Colours: White and GoldWhite, which is all colours of light combined, traditionally symbolizes goodness, innocence, and God’s faithfulness. Gold reflects glory, triumph, wealth, richness, and extravagance. Together, they symbolize the light of dawn and are colours of celebration.

Season of EpiphanyDates: January 6 through to Shrove Tuesday. The length of the season of Epiphany varies, based on the beginning of Lent.

Feast Days* and Special Days*January 6 – Epiphany – also celebrated as Christmas Eve for Orthodox Christians.*Baptism of Jesus – the Sunday after the day of Epiphany.January 18–25 – Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.*Transfiguration – This feast comes from the Eastern churches, who celebrate it on August 6. It became part of the Western calendar in about the ninth century and was universally celebrated by the fifteenth century. In some Western denominations, the date was moved to the last Sunday before Lent.*Shrove Tuesday – the day before Ash Wednesday, on which pancakes are traditionally served. Shrove comes from the word shriven or “to confess.” The practice of making pancakes was meant to use up rich foods in the house, such as fats and sugars, to prepare for Lenten fasting.

Meaning of Name

The United Church of Canada L’Église Unie du Canada

Gathering, ACE 2018-2019 3

The word epiphany means a sudden insight or new understanding. It comes from the Greek word epiphainein meaning “to reveal” or “to be manifest.”

Liturgical Colours: White and Gold; GreenWhite and gold are used for Epiphany and Baptism of Jesus Sunday. Green is for the rest of the season. Green is a cool colour, evoking nature, growth, vitality, freshness, harmony, endurance, and fertility. It is associated with healing and rest. It is the depth and stability of blue combined with the warmth and joy of yellow.

Please include this statement when using material from Gathering: Written by: ___________. Gathering, A/C/E 2018-2019, page __________. Used with permission.


December 2 – Advent 1Worship materials for Advent were contributed by Maggie Martin, Edna McIlveen, Clive McCormack, and Lorna Martin, Gosford Uniting Church, N.S.W., Australia.

Jeremiah 33:14–16A righteous branch from David’s line.

Psalm 25:1–10 (VU p. 752)To you, God, I lift my soul.

1 Thessalonians 3:9–13How can we thank God adequately?

Luke 21:25–36 Signs in the heavens and on earth; parable of the fig tree.

To PonderWhat does it mean to be part of a community? A community that lives hope and shows love?

SparkDisplay various bright and sparkling star decorations throughout Advent. Add to them and move them around the worship space each week. You might have the children look for a special star in an “elf on the shelf” kind of way each Sunday. Be creative. The star can be sneaky or bold, but it should offer a note—based on hope, peace, joy, and love—on the ways we can bring Christmas closer to us. Give everyone a solar star that absorbs light during the day and will shine at night, to take home. Invite them to give it a special place as a reminder of the season we are journeying through.

With ChildrenAs the new church year starts with Advent, talk about the colours of the church seasons and why we use blue or purple in Advent. What other signs show that you are starting something new? What other signs are there in the worship space that tell us a new season has started and Christmas is coming? How do we watch for Jesus day by day? Share some ways that you watch for Jesus day by day during the season of Advent.

Sermon StarterWhen talking with a person who suffers from depression, they said they were encouraged to focus on the positives of their day. They were discovering that even the little things could help pick up their mood. How are we living in the now, seeing and being mindful of what is around us, noticing the little positive signs of God’s love alive and working in the world? The readings today focus on struggling with life, including being persecuted for one’s faith. In 1 Thessalonians, Paul writes to encourage the faithful to remain faithful even when discouraged. We all struggle with life at different times, but it is often our faith that gets us through the most challenging moments. We see a bit of light at the end of the tunnel. Paul offers hope to the faithful through a letter, as he can’t be there in person. How do we offer hope to people in their times of struggle? How do we show the love of God in a world that is in conflict? During each week of Advent, invite a member to share their story: Where did they find hope to overcome a difficult time or struggle? Invite everyone to send a Christmas card with a letter of encouragement to someone who is struggling with life this week.

HymnsJeremiah 33:14–16



VU 2 “Come, thou long-expected Jesus”VU 226 “For the beauty of the earth”MV 18 “Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary”MV 19 “Maranatha”

Psalm 25:1–10VU 299 “Teach me, God, to wonder”VU 364 “Forgive our sins as we forgive”

1 Thessalonians 3:9–13VU 326 “O for a thousand tongues to sing”VU 339 “When morning gilds the skies”MV 191 “What can I do?”

Luke 21:25–36VU 6 “A candle is burning”VU 25 “Lo, he comes with clouds descending”VU 215 “Hope of the world”



December 9 – Advent 2Malachi 3:1–4A refiner’s fire and a launderer’s soap.

Luke 1:68–79 (VU p. 900)Zechariah sings, “Blessed be the God of Israel.”

Philippians 1:3–11I thank God every time I remember you.

Luke 3:1–6A voice calling in the desert.

To PonderWhat part of your home, church, community, or faith needs some clearing out and cleaning up? What would you like to cry out into the world today?

SparkAdd a few more stars to the worship area or move them around. Display a variety of soaps for different uses and a trumpet.

With ChildrenBring along some rubbish and invite the children to identify how each item could be cleaned and reused in some way, possibly for a Christmas decoration or gift. For example, a tin can might be covered with coloured paper and used to plant seeds; plastic takeout containers could be filled with Christmas cookies. Talk about our commitment as faithful people to care for God’s earth. Link this with the images in Malachi. Ask them to write a message on recycled paper (possibly to go with a recycled gift) to share with members who are unable to come to church.

Sermon StarterMalachi was probably written to address the apathy, indifference, and cynicism of the people of Israel toward the presence of God in their daily lives. Malachi writes that divine justice and God’s love are needed for cleansing and purifying the people of God. What does it mean to wait for God when daily routines threaten to extinguish visions of salvation, even today? What part of our church, our life, needs to be refined?

Luke reminds us that we all experience desert places. God illuminates the path of peace for those who are in a desert place. When all seems to be going wrong, a voice may come to remind us that God is still faithful. Where do you hear a voice speaking to you in those times? Is it in the line of a hymn, a card, an e-mail, or an unexpected visit? Invite someone to share their experience of the voice calling to them in such times, the voice that brought strength and courage.

In Bringing the Word to Life Together (Mediacom Education, 2012), Andrew Collis and Dorothy McRae-McMahon write: “How do we prepare the way of our God? It begins with repentance, a new mindset. It begins with opening ourselves to the wide possibilities, beyond the reach of the powers that be in their arrogant belief that they have the territory all carved up, labelled, and under control. It begins with opening ourselves to the absurd possibility that the breaking of bread and the sharing of wine offer real hope for saving the world.”*



Where do you hear a voice speaking to you in those desert places? When might you be the one who cries out in witness to Christ?

*Used with the permission of MediaCom Education Inc.

HymnsMalachi 3:1–4VU 2 “Come, thou long-expected Jesus”VU 10 “Prepare the way of the Lord”VU 651 “Guide me, O thou great Jehovah”MV 11 “Come, come Emmanuel”MV 14 “Where two or three are gathered”“Purify my heart (Refiner’s Fire)” by Brian Doerksen (www.hymnary.org) “Refresh my heart, Lord” by Geoff Bullock (www.hymnary.org)

Luke 1:68–79VU p. 899 “My Soul Gives Glory to My God”

Philippians 1:3–11MV 24 “Breath of God, Breath of peace”MV 84 “In you there is a refuge”

Luke 3:1–6VU 18 “There’s a voice in the wilderness”VU 20 “On Jordan’s bank”VU 44 “It came upon the midnight clear”


http://www.hymnary.org/


December 16 – Advent 3Zephaniah 3:14–20Sing, Daughter of Zion; God comes to bring you home.

Isaiah 12:2–6 (VU p. 880)Proclaim God’s deeds to the nations.

Philippians 4:4–7Rejoice in God always! Again, I say, Rejoice!

Luke 3:7–18John warns the crowds, “You brood of vipers!”

To PonderHow has music helped you express your emotions? What songs help you praise God?

SparkCreate a display of photos and items about rejoicing and sorrow (e.g., birthday cake, presents, a bouquet of flowers for rejoicing; a Darth Vader toy, a Phantom of the Opera mask, a picture of flowers beside a highway where an accident occurred for sorrow). A cross in a manger would incorporate both emotions.

With ChildrenInvite the children to share what makes them happy. What do they do when they are happy? Is there a song they sing when they are happy? Now ask them to think of something that makes them sad. What songs help them express their sadness? Did you know that we can feel joy and sadness at the same time? In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he tells people to “rejoice always and to know God’s peace.” During this joyous Advent and Christmas season, some people feel sad and unhappy. Why might that be? What might we do to care for them? Ask the children to bring “good news” to share next week, something that has happened to them or in the world.

Sermon StarterSøren Kierkegaard said, “It requires moral courage to grieve; it requires religious courage to rejoice” (The Soul of Kierkegaard: Selections from His Journals, Dover Publications, 2003, p. 67).

At football and hockey games, people often raucously join in their team songs with gusto, especially after winning. This is the passion Zephaniah is urging the people of Israel to have in their hearts as they sing songs of praise and salvation. Isaiah also encourages the people to sing songs of what God has done. This could be an opportunity to sing some of the many Advent and Christmas songs of promise and joy.

Paul writes from prison but encourages people to rejoice. We are not called to rejoice without regard for the suffering of others or for our own difficulties, for we don’t all feel the same way at the same time. We rejoice because God is with us.

While John’s comments to the crowds in Luke appear to be warnings and should be taken seriously, they are seen as good news. He told each group that listened to him what they needed to do to change their ways to be ready for the Messiah. As we make preparations to celebrate again the coming of the Messiah, what changes do we need to make in our lives to be ready to welcome him?



If you are planning to have individuals tell some of their story during Advent, invite them to share how they have felt and found joy when they were sad and others were happy, or vice versa.

HymnsZephaniah 3:14–20VU 2 “Come, thou long-expected Jesus”VU 5 “All earth is waiting”VU 364 “Forgive our sins as we forgive”

Isaiah 12:2–6VU 59 “Joy to the world”VU 326 “O for a thousand tongues to sing”MV 180 “Sing, sing out!”

Philippians 4:4–7VU 249 “Rejoice in the Lord always”VU 684 “Make me a channel of your peace”MV 122 “This is the day”

Luke 3:7–18VU 18 “There’s a voice in the wilderness”VU 20 “On Jordan’s bank”VU 509 “I, the Lord of sea and sky”MV 155 “Unbounded Spirit, breath of God”



December 23 – Advent 4Micah 5:2–5aOut of Bethlehem in Judea will come a leader.

Luke 1:47–55 (VU pp. 898–899)Mary sings, “My soul gives glory to my God.”

or Psalm 80:1–7 (VU p. 794 Part One)Shepherd of Israel, hear us.

Hebrews 10:5–10Made holy through the sacrifice of Jesus’ body.

Luke 1:39–45, (46–55)Mary visits Elizabeth.

To PonderWho do we overlook as messengers of God’s good news, considering them to be insignificant or unworthy?

SparkInvite children to help create a crèche for all to see. Move the stars that have been decorating the sanctuary nearer to the crèche, the place set up in readiness for Christmas Day. You might ask a senior woman and a primary school–aged girl to read the scriptures, especially the two from Luke 1.

With ChildrenAsk the children to share the good news they each have brought! Delight in each sharing. Link their sharing of good news with the good news that came to Mary that she would give birth to God’s son. Mary’s good news was wonderful, but it was also difficult. It caused problems for Mary and Joseph. But they embraced the good news and welcomed Jesus anyway. How can we share the good news of Jesus’ birth? Talk about why Jesus’ birth is such good news.

Sermon StarterIn Micah, we are told that out of the insignificant town of Bethlehem, something big will come, a new leader whose strength will come from God and will bring peace. This week would be a good time to reflect on these questions: What is peace? Is peace without or within? Does it require self-control?

After I presided at a service in my home church, a woman came up and asked me if I was the non-reading, shy little tyke she had taught in kindergarten. I replied, “Yes.” She said that if someone had told her then that I would become a minister, she would have dismissed the idea quickly. Both Luke readings highlight the message that God often picks insignificant and unlikely people—Elizabeth was probably beyond child-bearing years and Mary was an unwed woman—for great things. The song of Mary suggests that in spite of the challenges she faced, Mary was willing to embrace with compassion the meaning of the child growing within her. How does that make Mary a mother of faith and a model for all believing Christians? What in life do we need to embrace to enable God’s birthing and rebirthing of peace, justice, and love? How do we respond to God’s call to share the Good News when we are not the most likely vessels for the message?



Invite someone to share God’s unlikely call to them to be a messenger of Good News or to carry out an act of justice.

HymnsMicah 5:2–5aVU 6 “A candle is burning”VU 9 “People, look east”VU 64 “O little town of Bethlehem”

Luke 1:47–55VU 8 “Lo, how a rose e’er blooming”VU 323 “Maker of the sun and moon”VU p. 899 “My Soul Gives Glory to My God”MV 120 “My soul cries out”MV 134 “There was a child in Galilee”

Hebrews 10:5–10VU 326 “O for a thousand tongues to sing”MV 85 “Take, O take me as I am”

Luke 1:39–45VU 14 “To a maid whose name was Mary”VU 16 “Mary, woman of the promise”



December 24 – Christmas EveWorship materials for Christmas Eve to Epiphany were contributed by Nora Vedress, Calvary U.C., Prince Albert, Sask.

Isaiah 9:2–7A child has been born for us.

Psalm 96 (VU p. 816)Sing to God a new song.

Titus 2:11–14Live a godly, upright life.

Luke 2:1–14, (15–20)Jesus’ birth.

To PonderThe Christmas characters were all open to the signs of God’s arrival: stars, angels, dreams, and more. How or where in 2018 did we see signs of this child who was “born for us”?

SparkSet the scene. Do what you can to make the sanctuary as candlelit as possible. Put Christmas lights and green garlands and stars everywhere. Go overboard. When you think you have enough, add a few more.

With ChildrenDuring Advent, you decorated the sanctuary with stars. You might have had the children look each week for a special star in an “elf on the shelf” kind of way. On Christmas Eve, have special stars everywhere. Make sure each child can find a star tonight. Tape to each one a candy cane and a prayer for the kids to say at bedtime or on Christmas morning. God’s random act of kindness for us was God’s arrival as Jesus in the world.

Sermon StarterIn her beautiful book Kneeling in Bethlehem (Westminster John Knox Press, 1987, p. 96), Ann Weems wrote, “Later after the angels, after the stable, after the child, they went back…as we always must, back to the world that doesn’t understand our talk of angels and stars and especially not the child. We go back complaining that it doesn’t last. They went back singing praises to God!”

The shepherds went back praising God and telling everyone they met what they had heard and seen. For the most part, I think we tend to keep this Bethlehem blessing to ourselves, forgetting that when we leave this place, we have stardust on our shoulders and that this blessing is one to be shared and meant to last all year.

This story places a blessing into our hands, and it is up to us to decide what we will do with it. Will we toss it aside like last year’s Hatchimal? Will we enjoy it for a few days until the holiday is over, and then gently, carefully, wrap it up in tissue paper with all the other cherished decorations and tuck it away until next year? Or might we decide to drench ourselves in this blessing so completely that it becomes a part of who we are? Could we open ourselves to the possibility that the sacredness we come to expect on this night is indeed around us all the time?

Hymns



Naturally, you will likely choose traditional Christmas carols, but here are some other suggestions.VU 459 “Here, O my Lord”VU 506 “Take my life and let it be”VU 530 “All beautiful the march of days”MV 134 “There was a child in Galilee”MV 158 “Dream a dream”MV 166 “Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ”MV 202 “Bread for the journey”



December 25 – Christmas Day (Tuesday)Isaiah 62:6–12Prepare the way for the people.

Psalm 97 (VU p. 817)Let the earth be glad!

Titus 3:4–7Saved by grace; heirs of hope.

Luke 2:(1–7), 8–20Shepherds and angels.

To PonderAfter the quiet sacredness of Christmas Eve, how do we feel as we awaken on Christmas Day? What expectation comes with this special morning?

SparkAs people enter the sanctuary, give them each two paper cut-outs: one of a shepherd and one of an angel. These will be used during the sermon time.

With ChildrenOption 1: Present an unrehearsed Christmas pageant. Have costumes available for the kids and any eager adults. Let them act out the Luke 2 story—totally unrehearsed and open to the Spirit.Option 2: Read Follow That Star by Kenneth Oppel (Kids Can Press, 1994).

Sermon StarterLuke’s gospel has the wonderful image of shepherds and angels. Spend some time exploring their role in the biblical narrative. Discuss how it is the angels who start the message, “I am bringing you good news of great joy” (Luke 2:10), but it’s the shepherds who carry the good news of great joy from the manger back to the hillside and, presumably, beyond it. Focus on Luke 2:17, 18, and 20, “When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them.…The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.”

Then turn your attention to the 21st century and ask the congregation to reflect on who the angels and shepherds are in their lives. Invite people to write the names of their angels (people who first fed their faith) and shepherds (people who keep their faith going) on their paper cut-outs. If the setting is informal, you might invite people to share some of these names and stories. Invite people to come forward and put their shepherds and angels on the Christmas tree or tape them to the wall under a banner that says, “Angels we have heard on high” and “Shepherds, why this jubilee?”

HymnsThere are wonderful carols about the angels and shepherds to be found in Voices United, so fill the service with them. Here are some non-traditional suggestions:VU 85 “Midnight stars make bright the sky”VU 398 “Great Shepherd of your people”VU 533 “When in our music”MV 36 “Glory to God”



MV 58 “We sing of your glory”



December 30 – First Sunday after Christmas1 Samuel 2:18–20, 26God blesses the boy Samuel.

Psalm 148 (VU p. 871)Let the whole creation praise God.

Colossians 3:12–17Clothe yourselves with compassion and kindness.

Luke 2:41–52The boy Jesus learns at the temple.

To PonderIt’s still Christmas! So, keep the celebration going! What does it mean to keep Christmas in your heart?

SparkHand out jingle bells to people as they enter, so they can ring them during the singing or randomly whenever the Spirit moves them. Consider having a Christmas cookie–decorating session after church during coffee/fellowship time. Any cookies not eaten could be shared with the community.

With ChildrenKids love to see how they have grown. On this last Sunday of the year, measure them all! Mark their heights on a large piece of paper taped to the wall and make sure to add names. Ask them how they think they have grown this past year…not just physically but spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. What have they learned? Talk about how Jesus had to grow and learn, too. His parents were so surprised to see what he knew. Sometimes adults forget that kids know stuff and have things to teach us about God. Ask the children what they think about God and what they think adults forget about God, church, and faith. If you have room, add some of these thoughts to the growth chart. Tuck the paper away, but don’t forget to bring it back out a year from now to see how much they all grew!

Sermon StarterHave you ever lost anything of great value, and then, after searching for it, you found it? What did that feel like: the losing and the finding? How about your faith? Have you ever lost that? Many folk who come to church look to the preacher as the one who never “gets lost.” This, of course, isn’t true, but sometimes congregants “outsource” their faith onto their ministers. It can be helpful to share that even we feel lost and alone and filled with doubt sometimes (or maybe many times). Offer ways that you ground yourself in hope. What feeds your faith as a minister? We all go through times when our faith changes, lessens, and then grows stronger again.

HymnsNaturally, you will still want to sing Christmas carols.Below are some non-traditional suggestions.VU 266 “Amazing grace”VU 390 “How great the mystery of faith”MV 20 “God of still waiting”MV 47 “Born in human likeness”MV 50, 52, 54 “Alleluia”



January 6 – Epiphany (Sunday)Isaiah 60:1–6Arise, shine; for your light has come.

Psalm 72:1–7, 10–14 (VU p. 790 Parts One and Two)God’s anointed defends the poor.

Ephesians 3:1–12Boldness and confidence through faith.

Matthew 2:1–12The visit of the magi.

To PonderHow do we as a church community actively spread the light of Christ in the world today?

SparkStart the service off singing VU 82 “A light is gleaming.” During the first verse, have one person walk down the aisle with the Christ candle and place it on a table at the front or on the communion table. In the verses that follow, have others come carrying more candles, the more the better. Fill the front of the church with light.

With ChildrenCover the door of the sanctuary with paper and talk about the many people who come and go through these doors all year. There will be those who come in joy and celebration, like the magi. There will be those who come in sorrow and grief. And, of course, there is every emotion in between.

Talk about how the church needs to be a place where people can bring all of their emotions and find love, peace, acceptance, understanding, and hope. We should try to be a blessing to all those who come and go through our doors, no matter the reason. Have the kids, and adults too, write on the papered door the ways they hope your church will be a blessing to others in 2019. (Note: This is all a twist on “chalking the door,” an old Epiphany custom where one would use chalk to write over the door with specific letters and numbers. This year, it would be 20 + C + M + B + 19. There are two meanings for the letters in this formula. They remind us of the traditional names of the three magi—Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar—and tie them to the scripture for Epiphany. More importantly, they represent the Latin phrase Christus mansionem benedicat: “May Christ bless this house.” The 20 and 19 at the beginning and end stand for the new year we are starting.)

Sermon StarterEpiphany doesn’t come without its temptation. Following on the heels of Christmas, it is often a Sunday the “regular” preacher takes off. If you are filling in, why not explore the idea of following one’s dreams and doing what all the “smart” people tell you is a waste of your time? Use the example of the magi, who only found what they were looking for when they followed their hearts guided by a star, instead of by the logic of their minds.

If you don’t get this Sunday off, take a deep breath because this year, the season of Epiphany is going to be long…really long…like seven weeks long! On this first Sunday of Epiphany, what if instead of taking some recovery time, you dive right into it headfirst? Take a good long look at the places in the world, in your community, and in your church family that need to experience the light of Christ breaking through. What are some things your congregation can commit to this year as an outreach plan? What are the ways you can



encourage each other to grow in your faith? How will your congregation shine as a blessing this year?

HymnsThere are so many great Epiphany songs. Here are some to consider.VU 81 “As with gladness men of old”VU 85 “Midnight stars make bright the sky”MV 82 “Bathe me in your light”MV 209 “Go, make a diff’rence”MV 220 “Hope shines as the solitary star”



January 13 – Baptism of the Lord SundayWorship materials for the Baptism of the Lord Sunday to the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany were contributed by James Ravenscroft and Barry Peters, Richmond Hill P.C., Richmond Hill, Ont.

Isaiah 43:1–7When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.

Psalm 29 (VU pp. 755–756)Ascribe to God glory and strength.

Acts 8:14–17Peter and John baptized the converts in Samaria.

Luke 3:15–17, 21–22Jesus is baptized by John.

To PonderWe are all children of God. What does this mean to you?

SparkThis is a good day to celebrate the sacrament of baptism. If not, consider including the asperges in worship. Sprinkle everyone with water as a reminder of baptism.

With ChildrenInvite children to meet at the baptismal font. Pour water from a jug into the font. Make it visible to everyone. Use lots of water. It’s okay if they get splashed a bit. Invite them to touch the water. Discuss the many ways we use water. Remind them that everyone in the world needs water to live. Sometimes, when a woman is about to give birth, she will say her “water broke.” This reminds us that we all began our lives growing in a type of water. We are all made of the same stuff. We are family, God’s family. Water reminds us of this.

Sermon StarterTraditionally, we have not known what to do with Jesus’ baptism. If Jesus was without sin, then why would he be baptized? Wasn’t John baptizing people as a sign of repentance? Perhaps we need to take our cues from the Orthodox tradition and focus less on why Jesus went into the water and more on what happened as he emerged from it. The focus is on Jesus being awakened to his identity as God’s son. The Holy Spirit alights upon him like a dove. Isaiah 43:1–7 rings true. God is with him as he passes through the waters. And that changes everything. Jesus came so that all of us may be awakened to who we are, too. We are gathered from east and west, all of us children of God, just as Jesus was a child of God. If this is true, then we should assume that the Holy Spirit is for all people, Samaritans as well as Galileans (Acts 8:14–17). We are called together as one family in God.

HymnsIsaiah 43:1–7VU 453 “Out of deep, unordered water”VU 660 “How firm a foundation”VU 669 “Jesus, lover of my soul”MV 161 “I have called you by your name”“Be not afraid” by Bob Dufford (www.hymnary.org)

Psalm 29


http://www.hymnary.org/


VU 314 “Come now, almighty King”VU 529 “Great God, we sing that mighty hand”

Acts 8:14–17VU 205 “Like the murmur of the dove’s song”VU 376 “Spirit of the living God”MV 142 “Oh a song must rise”

Luke 3:15–17VU 99 “Christ, when for us you were baptized”VU 100 “When Jesus comes to be baptized”MV 155 “Unbounded Spirit, breath of God”



January 20 – Second Sunday after EpiphanyIsaiah 62:1–5No longer called Desolate but now named Delight.

Psalm 36:5–10 (VU p. 762)God’s steadfast love extends to the heavens.

1 Corinthians 12:1–11Different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit.

John 2:1–11The wedding in Cana.

To PonderGod gives everything we need and more besides. How have you experienced that?

SparkImagine you are going to host a gala in your church. Decorate your worship space lavishly.

With ChildrenPrepare a plate of small rice cakes. Also prepare a rich treat, like jalebi, an Indian sweet made from chickpea flour and soaked in sugar syrup. Alternatively, if people in your community like fruitcake, that would be a great choice. Make sure there is enough for everyone to share. Invite people to eat some of the rice crackers. Initiate a discussion about the experience. Then invite them to eat some of the sweet food, followed by a discussion about that experience. What is the difference? Sometimes, we approach the world as if it were a rice cracker. It is good, but rather plain. What if we were to approach the world as a treat to be savoured? How would that change things for us? Briefly share the story of the wedding feast in Cana, where Jesus turned the ordinary into the extraordinary. That’s what God does in our lives.

Sermon StarterA wedding feast! What an interesting way for the Gospel of John to describe the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry! It stands in contrast to John the Baptist, who called people to repentance and baptized them in the River Jordan. It should be no surprise, then, that when Mary approaches Jesus to tell him that the hosts have run out of wine, the water that has changed into the finest of wines is drawn from the large ablution jars. The containers used for ritual purity become a source of festivity and joy. Jesus helps us understand the world differently, not as a profane place we need to be cleansed of in order to approach God, but rather as a sacred place where we encounter God all around us, giving us all we need. This abundance of God is experienced in the church community as well. As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12:1–11, all the gifts and skills we need are provided, in abundance. No one is more sacred or special than any other. It is the same Spirit given to everyone but shared in different ways, according to the needs of the community.

HymnsIsaiah 62:1–5VU 235 “O worship the King”VU 334 “All hail the power of Jesus’ name”VU p. 822 “All People That on Earth Do Dwell”

Psalm 36:5–10



VU 264 “Immortal, invisible, God only wise”VU 559 “Come, O Fount of every blessing”VU 658 “O Love that wilt not let me go”MV 214 “May God’s sheltering wings”

1 Corinthians 12:1–11VU 467 “One bread, one body”VU 606 “In Christ there is no east or west”MV 6 “Holy Spirit, come into our lives”MV 150 “Spirit God, be our breath”MV 171 “Christ has no body now but yours”

John 2:1–11VU 101 “Songs of thankfulness and praise”VU 266 “Amazing grace”VU 336 “Christ whose glory fills the skies”MV 138 “My love colours outside the lines”



January 27 – Third Sunday after EpiphanyNehemiah 8:1–3, 5–6, 8–10Ezra reads the Torah at the Water Gate.

Psalm 19 (VU pp. 740–741)The heavens declare the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 12:12–31aNow you are the body of Christ and each one a part of it.

Luke 4:14–21Jesus reads from Isaiah, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me.”

To PonderWe need to work together. How have you experienced that truth?

SparkDisplay an image of Martin Luther King Jr. Also display copies of his famous speeches. Consider including some of his words in the worship service. Refer to the Worship, Music, and Spirituality column on page 3 of this issue.

With ChildrenHave the children sit on the floor. Ask if they are able to stand up without using their hands. It is difficult. Now ask them to get together in pairs. Again, ask them to stand up without using their hands. If they sit back to back and link their arms, they can stand up together. Share how last Monday was a holiday in the United States in honour of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. He taught us that we need each other if we are going to make our world an equal and just society. We are still learning about, yearning for, and living toward that vision. God called Martin Luther King Jr. to share and live his vision, and God calls us to that vision, too.

Sermon StarterJesus opens the scroll and finds the place where it says, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.” This passage from Isaiah includes the words “the year of the Lord’s favor.” This is a reference to the jubilee year, a year set aside once every five decades when land is returned to the poor, slaves are given their freedom, and exiles return home. This practice ensured relative economic equality and that no one would be permanently dispossessed of land or livelihood. The people in Nehemiah 8 must have felt they were part of a jubilee. They were home after a lengthy exile in Babylon. They were being given a chance to start over and shape their community with a concern for the most vulnerable. Jesus’ choice of this passage echoes this theme. It reminds us that the gospel message is not just about individual faith but about a shared commitment to shape our world with an eye to restorative justice. When we do this, we truly are one body and not just individual members (1 Corinthians 12:12–31a).

HymnsNehemiah 8:1–3, 5–6, 8–10VU 272 “Open your ears, O faithful people”VU 286 “If you will trust in God to guide you”MV 79 “Spirit, open my heart”MV 82 “Bathe me in your light”



Psalm 19VU 238 “How Great Thou Art”VU 330 “Jesus shall reign”MV 27 “Creator God you gave us life”MV 135 “Called by earth and sky”HB* 85 “The spacious firmament”

1 Corinthians 12:12–31aVU 402 “We are one”VU 448 “We know that Christ is raised”VU 602 “Blest be the tie that binds”MV 171 “Christ has no body now but yours”MV 200 “You are my body”

Luke 4:14–21VU 29 “Hark the glad sound”VU 326 “O for a thousand tongues to sing”VU 567 “Will you come and follow me”MV 33 “Jesus came bringing us hope”MV 140 “As long as we follow”

*The Hymn Book



February 3 – Fourth Sunday after EpiphanyJeremiah 1:4–10Before you were formed in the womb, I set you apart.

Psalm 71:1–6 (VU p. 789 Part One)God is our fortress and sheltering rock.

1 Corinthians 13:1–13Love is patient and kind.

Luke 4:21–30Jesus is driven out of Nazareth.

To PonderJesus invites us to see things differently. How might you practise that today?

SparkCreate a display of optical illusions in which one image can be interpreted two different ways. If you can, project one onto a screen or include one as an insert in your bulletin. Another option, one that could include those with low vision, would be to provide a variety of objects, each in a brown paper bag, and people can try to guess what they are by feel.

With ChildrenAsk the congregation to consider the optical illusion projected on the screen or in the bulletin. Show a printed version to the children. Engage the children and adults in a discussion about what they see. Can anyone see both images? Explain how it is often difficult to see the second image unless someone points it out. It reminds us how focused we can be on the way we think about the things around us. Jesus invites us to consider new ways of thinking about the world and how we relate to one another.

As an alternative that does not focus on sight, place an object in a brown paper bag and ask the children if they can identify it by feel, noting that it feels different to different people.

Sermon StarterWe are familiar with Jesus’ quoting of Isaiah when he read from the Torah scroll in his home synagogue. We can imagine everyone nodding their heads. Who would be opposed to the oppressed being set free? Yet, as we pick up from last week, the residents of Nazareth become angry. Why? Perhaps because Jesus left out Isaiah’s reference to God’s vengeance. Then he spoke of Elijah and Elisha, reminding them that true liberation is for everyone, Gentiles as well as Judeans. That would have been difficult to hear. After all, they were under Roman rule. Why shouldn’t they want vengeance? The people of Corinth did not want their view of things to be challenged, either. No wonder Paul needed to write his first letter to remind them what love looks like. They were too busy maintaining their distinctions between classes of people to realize that if they were to really love in the way Jesus showed us, their way of behaving needed to be upended. None of us want our world view to be completely overturned. Yet that is what the gospel message does.

HymnsJeremiah 1:4–10VU 389 “God is here”VU 506 “Take my life and let it be”VU 509 “I, the Lord of sea and sky”VU 510 “We have this ministry”



VU 512 “Lord, you give the great commission”MV 90 “Don’t be afraid”

Psalm 71VU 262 “A mighty fortress is our God”VU 644 “I was there to hear your borning cry”VU 706 “Give thanks for life”MV 1 “Let us build a house”MV 92 “Like a rock”

1 Corinthians 13:1–13VU 193 “Gracious Spirit, Holy Ghost”VU 333 “Love divine, all loves excelling”VU 372 “Though I may speak”VU 604 “Not for tongues of heaven’s angels”MV 170 “Ubi caritas”

Luke 4:21–30VU 79 “Arise, your light has come”VU 87 “I am the light of the world”VU 350 “O changeless Christ”VU 575 “I’m gonna live so God can use me”VU 686 “God of grace and God of glory”MV 177 “This is my body”



February 10 – Fifth Sunday after EpiphanyWorship materials for the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany to Transfiguration Sunday were contributed by Daniel MacDonald, Trinity U.C., Cannington, Ont.; Bob Root, Peterborough, Ont.; Rodney Smith-Merkley, Trinity-Providence P.C., Bobcaygeon, Ont.; and Max Ward, Highland Hills P.C., Minden, Ont.

Isaiah 6:1–8, (9–13)I saw God seated upon the throne.

Psalm 138 (VU p. 860)Do not leave unfinished the work of your hands, O God.

1 Corinthians 15:1–11An account of Jesus’ resurrection.

Luke 5:1–11Jesus calls Simon and James and John.

To PonderWhen have you experienced God’s call? What convinced you to respond?

SparkProject a picture of a boat like the one Jesus fished from, or display a real aluminum fishing boat and/or tackle, nets, fishing poles, hip waders, and creels. Just as worship begins, have someone at the back of the worship space randomly call out people’s names.

With ChildrenEngage the children in a conversation about fishing. What experiences do they have of fishing? Compare their experience to Jesus’ context: many of us fish for pleasure, but in Jesus’ day, they fished for a living. Many people today still fish for a living. Show pictures of or talk about types of fishing, such as longlining and gillnetting. Wonder with the children what Jesus meant when he said to the group of fishermen, “From now on, you will be catching people!” And these fishermen followed Jesus.

Sermon StarterIsaiah has a bleak outlook on humanity. If he were living today, he might say, “We are watching TV while the world is being laid waste. Everything is smoke and mirrors.” Yet Jesus calls us to fish for people. Which voices do we give authority to in our lives? What fears do we have that may prevent us from listening? (Isaiah’s “I am a man of unclean lips” is echoed by Peter’s “I am a sinful man.”) What needs to happen before we are able to receive God’s call? Considering God’s call and our own doubts, we are led to ask, “Who am I, really?” Jesus reminds us not to be afraid. When we follow Jesus, our nets burst with wisdom and spirit (and fish!).

Hymns Isaiah 6:1–8, (9–13)Challenge: Try not to sing VU 509 “Here I Am, Lord.” It is too confident for these scriptures.VU 315 “Holy, holy, holy”

Psalm 138VU 401 “Worship the Lord” VU p. 835 “Praise to the Lord”



1 Corinthians 15:1–11VU 266 “Amazing grace”

Luke 5:1–11VU 563 “Jesus, you have come to the lakeshore”VU 567 “Will you come and follow me”VU 597 “Simon, Simon, a fisherman”MV 79 “Spirit, open my heart”MV 90 “Don’t be afraid”



February 17 – Sixth Sunday after EpiphanyJeremiah 17:5–10Those who trust in God are like trees planted by water.

Psalm 1 (VU p. 724)Blessed are those who follow God’s law.

1 Corinthians 15:12–20How can you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?

Luke 6:17–26The Beatitudes upon the plain.

To PonderWhat do each of the beatitudes or blessings mean in your life?

SparkProject pictures of lushness and of desert, perhaps as the scripture is being read. Display a variety of plants from a florist that show lushness and dryness. Show a photo of the Mount of Beatitudes or an outdoor amphitheatre as a background to the scripture reading. Display a plant with roots showing. By the door, display upside-down images or have someone stand on their head in the corner.

With ChildrenShow the children some branches with buds on them, perhaps forsythia, or a bulb with roots still attached. Talk about what helps plants to grow. They can’t grow unless they put down roots. Perhaps plant some bulbs that might be in bloom by Easter. Invite the children to think about what matters most to them—these are the basics, or “roots,” of our faith. Invite them to be rooted in Jesus, whose love shows us a better way.

Sermon StarterThe readings invite us to look to creation to be our teacher as we grow in our relationship with God. There is growth deep in the soil, even if we cannot see it. When life is challenging, what helps us to hang on? Tell stories of people who have found a way not to be anxious despite all that is happening in their lives (avoid Pollyanna stories). If we are rooted in God like a tree that is planted by water (waters of baptism?), we will experience grace, even in challenging times. Church and faith provide roots for people seeking healing and yearning for stability, joy, laughter, and light in Christ.

HymnsJeremiah 17:5–10VU 296 “This is God’s wondrous world”VU 381 “Spirit of Life”MV 18 “Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary”

Psalm 1 MV 117 “By the well, a thirsty woman”

1 Corinthians 15:12–20 VU 586 “We shall go out with hope”

Luke 6:17–26



VU 292 “Creating God, we give you thanks”VU 481 “Sent forth by God’s blessing”VU 652 “Be still, my soul”VU p. 896 “Blest Are They”



February 24 – Seventh Sunday after EpiphanyGenesis 45:3–11, 15Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers.

Psalm 37:1–11, 39–40 (VU p. 763)Do not fret; trust in God.

1 Corinthians 15:35–38, 42–50Understanding resurrection.

Luke 6:27–38Love your enemies; be merciful.

To PonderWith whom do you need to risk deepening a relationship?

Spark Share a video clip of Joseph from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat or have someone dress up as Joseph or one of his brothers. Include a monologue about “here is what we did to him.” This begins the service.

With ChildrenWhat’s a rule? Who makes the rules in your house? What are some of those rules? How do you feel about these rules? How do you want people to treat you? When we follow Jesus, we want to follow his rules, because we believe Jesus’ way is a better way. This is what he said: Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. Jesus said that this includes those we might consider enemies. Why do you think he said that? A rule like this is found in every major religion in the world. It’s about treating one another and all creation with respect and with love. This is a rule we choose to follow when we follow Jesus.

Sermon StarterThe Joseph story is an important story of reconciliation. Include Genesis 45 verses 1 and 2 in the reading; they set the stage for what follows. There is a role reversal: the brothers used their power to throw their young brother Joseph in the pit, and now he has all the power. Despite everything they have done to him, still Joseph loves his brothers and seeks reconciliation with them. Joseph echoes Psalm 37: “Trust in God and do good.” Sometimes in life, there is a moment when it is important to work toward a new relationship. Widen the conversation to include the relationship between settlers and Indigenous peoples. Some Indigenous people say that it is not helpful to feel guilty; rather, we must risk relationship. God is always inviting us to risk relationship: with ourselves, with others, with creation, with God.

Hymns Genesis 45:3–11, 15VU 266 “Amazing grace”VU 271 “There’s a wideness in God’s mercy”VU 372 “Though I may speak”MV 78 “God weeps”MV 94 “Love knocks and waits”

Psalm 37:1–11, 39–40



VU 286 “If you will trust in God to guide you”

1 Corinthians 15:35–38, 42–50 VU 703 “In the bulb there is a flower”

Luke 6:27–38VU 602 “Blest be the tie that binds”



March 3 – Transfiguration SundayExodus 34:29–35Moses is radiant as he comes down the mountain.

Psalm 99 (VU p. 819)God rules and delights in justice.

2 Corinthians 3:12—4:2We are bold in our hope.

Luke 9:28–36, (37–43)Jesus is transfigured upon the mountain.

To PonderThink of a moment when you felt absolutely radiant. Why was this?

Spark Project images of hilltops and mountaintops, as well as images of radiant sunshine. You might have Neil Sedaka’s song “One More Mountain to Climb” playing in the background.

With ChildrenInvite the children to share big moments in their lives, e.g., going on the big slide at the park, crossing the street alone, or learning to play an instrument. Today’s Bible stories tell us about a big moment in the life of Moses. Moses climbed a mountain to spend time with God. And it was such a big moment that when he returned and others saw him, his face was shining. What does it mean to spend time with God? In what ways and places do we do that? Wonder together what would make our faces shine like Moses’. Sing together VU 239 “O Great Spirit,” a hymn that reflects our longing for God.

Sermon StarterBoth Exodus and Luke speak about being transfigured by spending time with God. These are good reminder passages at a time of year when we are busy with annual meetings, work, volunteering, caring for others, family life, and more. What do people see on your face? What keeps you grounded when life around you is challenging? Explore the highs of the mountaintops and the lows of life on the ground. With Lent coming, the Exodus story offers an opportunity to remove our masks before God and reflect on our relationship with the Divine. Hear the echo of the words from earlier in this season, words that spoke of our belovedness: “This is my Child, my Chosen.” Know that the words are spoken to you.

Hymns Exodus 34:29–35VU 239 “O Great Spirit”“Lord, the light of your love is shining” by Graham Kendrick (www.hymnary.org)

Psalm 99VU 242 “Let all things now living”VU 473 “Let all mortal flesh keep silence”

2 Corinthians 3:12—4:2VU 510 “We have this ministry”MV 79 “Spirit, open my heart”

Luke 9:28–36, (37–43)



VU 239 “O Great Spirit”VU 375 “Spirit, Spirit of gentleness”VU 651 “Guide me, O thou great Jehovah”MV 115 “Behold, behold, I make all things new”MV 142 “Oh a song must rise”


gathering ace 2018-2019 lectionary · web viewit comes from the greek word epiphainein meaning...

Documents