Sundays at All Hallows (Sunday, November 17, 2024)
Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows.
We are faced with many choices in our lives. Some choices are easy. Others are difficult. Whatever choices we make, they have consequences. Some consequences we may foresee; others may be unforeseen. In this Sunday’s message we look at one choice which Christians may have to make in the days ahead.
DRAWING NEAR TO GOD
Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness:
let the whole earth stand in awe of him Psalm 96:9
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves,
and the truth is not in us.
But if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just,
and will forgive our sins
and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:8-9
Let us confess our sins to God our Father.
Silence
Heavenly Father,
we have sinned against you and against our neighbour
in thought and word and deed,
through negligence, through weakness,
through our own deliberate fault;
by what we have done
and by what we have failed to do.
We are truly sorry and repent of all our sins.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ who died for us,
forgive us all that is past;
and grant that we may serve you in newness of life
to the glory of your name. Amen.
Merciful Lord,
grant to your faithful people pardon and peace,
that we may be cleansed from all our sins,
and serve you with a quiet mind;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, open my lips
And my mouth shall declare your praise.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Alleluia;
Alleluia, alleluia.
Give glory to God, our light and our life.
Come, o come, let us worship.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Marty Haugen’s setting of the Venite, “Come, O Come, Let Us Sing to God.”
Come, O come, let us sing to God,
Let us shout for joy to our saving Rock;
Come, enter in with songs of praise,
Come, enter in with thanksgiving.
1 You are a great and wondrous God,
cupping in your hands all the depths of earth.
You made the hills and the mountains high,
You made the seas and the dry land.
Come, O come, let us sing to God,
Let us shout for joy to our saving Rock;
Come, enter in with songs of praise,
Come, enter in with thanksgiving.
2 Come, let us worship and, bowing low,
Kneel before the One who has made us all,
You are the God whom we call our own,
We are the flock that you shepherd.
Come, O come, let us sing to God,
Let us shout for joy to our saving Rock;
Come, enter in with songs of praise,
Come, enter in with thanksgiving.
Come, O come, let us sing to God,
Let us shout for joy to our saving Rock;
Come, enter in with songs of praise,
Come, enter in with thanksgiving,
Come, enter in with thanksgiving.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Lori True’s “In the Morning Let Us Sing” (Psalm 63).
In the morning let us sing,
let us sing praise to you.
Let us sing glad songs of praise to you.
In the morning let us sing,
let us sing praise to you.
Let us sing glad songs of praise to you.
1 O God, you are my God, for you I long;
for you my soul is thirsting.
My body pines for you
like a dry, weary land without water.
I gaze on you in the sanctuary
to see your strength and your glory.
In the morning let us sing,
let us sing praise to you.
Let us sing glad songs of praise to you.
In the morning let us sing,
let us sing praise to you.
Let us sing glad songs of praise to you.
2 For you love is better than life,
my lips will speak your praise.
I will bless you all my life,
in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul shall be filled as with a banquet,
my mouth shall praise you with joy.
In the morning let us sing,
let us sing praise to you.
Let us sing glad songs of praise to you.
In the morning let us sing,
let us sing praise to you.
Let us sing glad songs of praise to you.
3 On my bed I remember you.
On you I muse through the night
for you have been my help;
in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.
My soul clings to you;
Your right hand holds me fast.
In the morning let us sing,
let us sing praise to you.
Let us sing glad songs of praise to you.
In the morning let us sing,
let us sing praise to you.
Let us sing glad songs of praise to you.
Let us sing glad songs of praise to you.
We’ll sing praise to you!
Open this link in a new tab to hear Stephen P. Starke’s metrical paraphrase of the Benedicite, “All You Works of God, Bless the Lord.”
1 All you works of God bless the Lord!
All you angels, now bless the Lord;
Come you heavens and powers that be,
Praise the Lord and his majesty.
Raise your voices high,
Praise and magnify,
all you works of God,
bless the Lord!
Raise your voices high,
Praise and magnify,
all you works of God,
bless the Lord!
2 Sing you sun and moon above,
Stars of heaven now sing his love;
Dew and showers and winds that blow,
Heat and fire, you ice and snow;
Raise your voices high,
Praise and magnify,
all you works of God,
bless the Lord!
Raise your voices high,
Praise and magnify,
all you works of God,
bless the Lord!
3 Frosts of winter with songs so cold,
dews of summer, your song unfold;
light and darkness, you day and night ,
clouds of thunder, you lightnings bright;
Raise your voices high,
Praise and magnify,
all you works of God,
bless the Lord!
Raise your voices high,
Praise and magnify,
all you works of God,
bless the Lord!
4 Hills and mountains now sing his worth,
all you green things that grow on earth;
seas and rivers, you springs and wells,
beasts and cattle, you birds and whales;
Raise your voices high,
Praise and magnify,
all you works of God,
bless the Lord!
Raise your voices high,
Praise and magnify,
all you works of God,
bless the Lord!
5 Come humanity, sing along,
sing, you people of God, a song;
priests and servants, your lord now bless,
join, you spirits and souls at rest.
Raise your voices high,
Praise and magnify,
all you works of God,
bless the Lord!
Raise your voices high,
Praise and magnify,
all you works of God,
bless the Lord!
6 Bless the Lord, all you pure of heart;
all you humble, his praises start;
God the Father and Son adore,
Bless the Spirit forever more!
Raise your voices high,
Praise and magnify,
all you works of God,
bless the Lord!
Raise your voices high,
Praise and magnify,
all you works of God,
bless the Lord!
Open this link in a new tab to hear Shirley Erena Murray’s “Fresh as the Morning.”
1 God of the Bible, God in the Gospel,
hope seen in Jesus, hope yet to come,
you are our centre, daylight or darkness,
freedom or prison, you are our home.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
2 God in our struggles, God in our hunger,
suffering with us, taking our part,
still you empow’r us, mothering Spirit,
feeding, sustaining, from your own heart.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
3 Those without status, those who are nothing,
you have made royal, gifted with rights,
chosen as partners, midwives of justice,
birthing new systems, lighting new lights.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
4. Not by your finger, not by your anger
will our world order change in a day,
but by your people, fearless and faithful,
small paper lanterns, lighting the way.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
5 Hope we must carry, shining and certain
through all our turmoil, terror and loss,
bonding us gladly one to the other,
till our world changes facing the Cross.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
HEARING GOD’S WORD
A reading from the Old Testament: Daniel 3: 1-30
King Nebuchadnezzar made a gold statue ninety feet tall and nine feet wide and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. Then he sent messages to the high officers, officials, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the provincial officials to come to the dedication of the statue he had set up. So all these officials came and stood before the statue King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
Then a herald shouted out, “People of all races and nations and languages, listen to the king’s command! When you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and other musical instruments, bow to the ground to worship King Nebuchadnezzar’s gold statue. Anyone who refuses to obey will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.”
So at the sound of the musical instruments, all the people, whatever their race or nation or language, bowed to the ground and worshiped the gold statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
But some of the astrologers went to the king and informed on the Jews. They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “Long live the king! You issued a decree requiring all the people to bow down and worship the gold statue when they hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and other musical instruments. That decree also states that those who refuse to obey must be thrown into a blazing furnace. But there are some Jews—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—whom you have put in charge of the province of Babylon. They pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They refuse to serve your gods and do not worship the gold statue you have set up.”
Then Nebuchadnezzar flew into a rage and ordered that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought before him. When they were brought in, Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you refuse to serve my gods or to worship the gold statue I have set up? I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?”
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
Nebuchadnezzar was so furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face became distorted with rage. He commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual. Then he ordered some of the strongest men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. So they tied them up and threw them into the furnace, fully dressed in their pants, turbans, robes, and other garments. And because the king, in his anger, had demanded such a hot fire in the furnace, the flames killed the soldiers as they threw the three men in. So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, securely tied, fell into the roaring flames.
But suddenly, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, “Didn’t we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?”
“Yes, Your Majesty, we certainly did,” they replied.
“Look!” Nebuchadnezzar shouted. “I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!”
Then Nebuchadnezzar came as close as he could to the door of the flaming furnace and shouted: “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!”
So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire. Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke!
Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king’s command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore, I make this decree: If any people, whatever their race or nation or language, speak a word against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, they will be torn limb from limb, and their houses will be turned into heaps of rubble. There is no other god who can rescue like this!”
Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to even higher positions in the province of Babylon.
Silence
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
A reading from the New Testament: Matthew 13:24-30; 36-43
Here is another story Jesus told: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field. But that night as the workers slept, his enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat, then slipped away. When the crop began to grow and produce grain, the weeds also grew.
“The farmer’s workers went to him and said, ‘Sir, the field where you planted that good seed is full of weeds! Where did they come from?’
“‘An enemy has done this!’ the farmer exclaimed.
“‘Should we pull out the weeds?’ they asked.
“‘No,’ he replied, ‘you’ll uproot the wheat if you do. Let both grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out the weeds, tie them into bundles, and burn them, and to put the wheat in the barn.’”
Then, leaving the crowds outside, Jesus went into the house. His disciples said, “Please explain to us the story of the weeds in the field.”
Jesus replied, “The Son of Man is the farmer who plants the good seed. The field is the world, and the good seed represents the people of the Kingdom. The weeds are the people who belong to the evil one. The enemy who planted the weeds among the wheat is the devil. The harvest is the end of the world, and the harvesters are the angels.
“Just as the weeds are sorted out and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the world. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will remove from his Kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. And the angels will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father’s Kingdom. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!
Silence
This is the word of the Lord/
Thanks be to God
Open this link in a new tab to hear Ruth Duck’s paraphrase of the Benedictus Dominus Deus, “Now Bless the God of Israel.”
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves,
and the truth is not in us.
But if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just,
and will forgive our sins
and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:8-9
Let us confess our sins to God our Father.
Silence
Heavenly Father,
we have sinned against you and against our neighbour
in thought and word and deed,
through negligence, through weakness,
through our own deliberate fault;
by what we have done
and by what we have failed to do.
We are truly sorry and repent of all our sins.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ who died for us,
forgive us all that is past;
and grant that we may serve you in newness of life
to the glory of your name. Amen.
Merciful Lord,
grant to your faithful people pardon and peace,
that we may be cleansed from all our sins,
and serve you with a quiet mind;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, open my lips
And my mouth shall declare your praise.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Alleluia;
Alleluia, alleluia.
Give glory to God, our light and our life.
Come, o come, let us worship.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Marty Haugen’s setting of the Venite, “Come, O Come, Let Us Sing to God.”
Come, O come, let us sing to God,
Let us shout for joy to our saving Rock;
Come, enter in with songs of praise,
Come, enter in with thanksgiving.
1 You are a great and wondrous God,
cupping in your hands all the depths of earth.
You made the hills and the mountains high,
You made the seas and the dry land.
Come, O come, let us sing to God,
Let us shout for joy to our saving Rock;
Come, enter in with songs of praise,
Come, enter in with thanksgiving.
2 Come, let us worship and, bowing low,
Kneel before the One who has made us all,
You are the God whom we call our own,
We are the flock that you shepherd.
Come, O come, let us sing to God,
Let us shout for joy to our saving Rock;
Come, enter in with songs of praise,
Come, enter in with thanksgiving.
Come, O come, let us sing to God,
Let us shout for joy to our saving Rock;
Come, enter in with songs of praise,
Come, enter in with thanksgiving,
Come, enter in with thanksgiving.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Lori True’s “In the Morning Let Us Sing” (Psalm 63).
In the morning let us sing,
let us sing praise to you.
Let us sing glad songs of praise to you.
In the morning let us sing,
let us sing praise to you.
Let us sing glad songs of praise to you.
1 O God, you are my God, for you I long;
for you my soul is thirsting.
My body pines for you
like a dry, weary land without water.
I gaze on you in the sanctuary
to see your strength and your glory.
In the morning let us sing,
let us sing praise to you.
Let us sing glad songs of praise to you.
In the morning let us sing,
let us sing praise to you.
Let us sing glad songs of praise to you.
2 For you love is better than life,
my lips will speak your praise.
I will bless you all my life,
in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul shall be filled as with a banquet,
my mouth shall praise you with joy.
In the morning let us sing,
let us sing praise to you.
Let us sing glad songs of praise to you.
In the morning let us sing,
let us sing praise to you.
Let us sing glad songs of praise to you.
3 On my bed I remember you.
On you I muse through the night
for you have been my help;
in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.
My soul clings to you;
Your right hand holds me fast.
In the morning let us sing,
let us sing praise to you.
Let us sing glad songs of praise to you.
In the morning let us sing,
let us sing praise to you.
Let us sing glad songs of praise to you.
Let us sing glad songs of praise to you.
We’ll sing praise to you!
Open this link in a new tab to hear Stephen P. Starke’s metrical paraphrase of the Benedicite, “All You Works of God, Bless the Lord.”
1 All you works of God bless the Lord!
All you angels, now bless the Lord;
Come you heavens and powers that be,
Praise the Lord and his majesty.
Raise your voices high,
Praise and magnify,
all you works of God,
bless the Lord!
Raise your voices high,
Praise and magnify,
all you works of God,
bless the Lord!
2 Sing you sun and moon above,
Stars of heaven now sing his love;
Dew and showers and winds that blow,
Heat and fire, you ice and snow;
Raise your voices high,
Praise and magnify,
all you works of God,
bless the Lord!
Raise your voices high,
Praise and magnify,
all you works of God,
bless the Lord!
3 Frosts of winter with songs so cold,
dews of summer, your song unfold;
light and darkness, you day and night ,
clouds of thunder, you lightnings bright;
Raise your voices high,
Praise and magnify,
all you works of God,
bless the Lord!
Raise your voices high,
Praise and magnify,
all you works of God,
bless the Lord!
4 Hills and mountains now sing his worth,
all you green things that grow on earth;
seas and rivers, you springs and wells,
beasts and cattle, you birds and whales;
Raise your voices high,
Praise and magnify,
all you works of God,
bless the Lord!
Raise your voices high,
Praise and magnify,
all you works of God,
bless the Lord!
5 Come humanity, sing along,
sing, you people of God, a song;
priests and servants, your lord now bless,
join, you spirits and souls at rest.
Raise your voices high,
Praise and magnify,
all you works of God,
bless the Lord!
Raise your voices high,
Praise and magnify,
all you works of God,
bless the Lord!
6 Bless the Lord, all you pure of heart;
all you humble, his praises start;
God the Father and Son adore,
Bless the Spirit forever more!
Raise your voices high,
Praise and magnify,
all you works of God,
bless the Lord!
Raise your voices high,
Praise and magnify,
all you works of God,
bless the Lord!
Open this link in a new tab to hear Shirley Erena Murray’s “Fresh as the Morning.”
1 God of the Bible, God in the Gospel,
hope seen in Jesus, hope yet to come,
you are our centre, daylight or darkness,
freedom or prison, you are our home.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
2 God in our struggles, God in our hunger,
suffering with us, taking our part,
still you empow’r us, mothering Spirit,
feeding, sustaining, from your own heart.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
3 Those without status, those who are nothing,
you have made royal, gifted with rights,
chosen as partners, midwives of justice,
birthing new systems, lighting new lights.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
4. Not by your finger, not by your anger
will our world order change in a day,
but by your people, fearless and faithful,
small paper lanterns, lighting the way.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
5 Hope we must carry, shining and certain
through all our turmoil, terror and loss,
bonding us gladly one to the other,
till our world changes facing the Cross.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
Fresh as the morning, sure as the sunrise,
God always faithful, you do not change.
HEARING GOD’S WORD
A reading from the Old Testament: Daniel 3: 1-30
King Nebuchadnezzar made a gold statue ninety feet tall and nine feet wide and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. Then he sent messages to the high officers, officials, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the provincial officials to come to the dedication of the statue he had set up. So all these officials came and stood before the statue King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
Then a herald shouted out, “People of all races and nations and languages, listen to the king’s command! When you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and other musical instruments, bow to the ground to worship King Nebuchadnezzar’s gold statue. Anyone who refuses to obey will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.”
So at the sound of the musical instruments, all the people, whatever their race or nation or language, bowed to the ground and worshiped the gold statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
But some of the astrologers went to the king and informed on the Jews. They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “Long live the king! You issued a decree requiring all the people to bow down and worship the gold statue when they hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and other musical instruments. That decree also states that those who refuse to obey must be thrown into a blazing furnace. But there are some Jews—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—whom you have put in charge of the province of Babylon. They pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They refuse to serve your gods and do not worship the gold statue you have set up.”
Then Nebuchadnezzar flew into a rage and ordered that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought before him. When they were brought in, Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you refuse to serve my gods or to worship the gold statue I have set up? I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?”
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
Nebuchadnezzar was so furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face became distorted with rage. He commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual. Then he ordered some of the strongest men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. So they tied them up and threw them into the furnace, fully dressed in their pants, turbans, robes, and other garments. And because the king, in his anger, had demanded such a hot fire in the furnace, the flames killed the soldiers as they threw the three men in. So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, securely tied, fell into the roaring flames.
But suddenly, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, “Didn’t we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?”
“Yes, Your Majesty, we certainly did,” they replied.
“Look!” Nebuchadnezzar shouted. “I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!”
Then Nebuchadnezzar came as close as he could to the door of the flaming furnace and shouted: “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!”
So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire. Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke!
Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king’s command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore, I make this decree: If any people, whatever their race or nation or language, speak a word against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, they will be torn limb from limb, and their houses will be turned into heaps of rubble. There is no other god who can rescue like this!”
Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to even higher positions in the province of Babylon.
Silence
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
A reading from the New Testament: Matthew 13:24-30; 36-43
Here is another story Jesus told: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field. But that night as the workers slept, his enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat, then slipped away. When the crop began to grow and produce grain, the weeds also grew.
“The farmer’s workers went to him and said, ‘Sir, the field where you planted that good seed is full of weeds! Where did they come from?’
“‘An enemy has done this!’ the farmer exclaimed.
“‘Should we pull out the weeds?’ they asked.
“‘No,’ he replied, ‘you’ll uproot the wheat if you do. Let both grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out the weeds, tie them into bundles, and burn them, and to put the wheat in the barn.’”
Then, leaving the crowds outside, Jesus went into the house. His disciples said, “Please explain to us the story of the weeds in the field.”
Jesus replied, “The Son of Man is the farmer who plants the good seed. The field is the world, and the good seed represents the people of the Kingdom. The weeds are the people who belong to the evil one. The enemy who planted the weeds among the wheat is the devil. The harvest is the end of the world, and the harvesters are the angels.
“Just as the weeds are sorted out and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the world. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will remove from his Kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. And the angels will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father’s Kingdom. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!
Silence
This is the word of the Lord/
Thanks be to God
Open this link in a new tab to hear Ruth Duck’s paraphrase of the Benedictus Dominus Deus, “Now Bless the God of Israel.”
1 Now bless the God of Israel who comes in love and power,
who raises from the royal house deliv’rance in this hour.
Through holy prophets God has sworn to free us from alarm,
to save us from the heavy hand of all who wish us harm.
2 Remembering the covenant, God rescues us from fear,
that we might serve in holiness and peace from year to year.
And you, my child, shall go before, to preach, to prophesy,
that all may know the tender love, the grace of God most high.
[Instrumental interlude]
3 In tender mercy, God will send the dayspring from on high,
our rising sun, the light of life for those who sit and sigh.
God comes to guide our way to peace, that death shall reign no more.
Sing praises to the Holy One, O worship and adore.
PRAYING FOR GOD’S WORLD
Almighty and everliving God,
hear the prayers which we offer in faith and love:
For peace, and for your salvation to be known throughout the world …
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.
For the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church
and for the unity of all Christian people …
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.
For all who serve and lead in your Church,
for bishops, elders, deacons, and licensed local pastors …
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.
For all your people, growing in the faith of Christ,
and passing it on to generations yet to come …
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.
For all who live and work in this community …
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.
For families, and for those who live alone …
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.
For all who are sick in body or in mind,
and for those who care for them …
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.
For all in authority,
and especially for [Canada Charles our King [USA our President] …
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.
For all who have been entrusted with the responsibility of government …
For those who work for peace, justice and righteousness throughout the
world …
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.
Rejoicing in the fellowship of your holy apostles and martyrs, and of all
your servants departed this life in your faith and fear, we commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to you, Lord God; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Accept our prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord, who taught us to pray:
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.
TEACHING THE FAITH
Open this link in a new tab to hear Richard Bruxvoort Colligan’ “Like a Tree” (from Psalm 1).
Refrain:
Like a tree by the flowing water,
growing deeper, stretching high
Like a tree by the flowing water,
connected to the source of life
Verse 1:
Blessed, blessed are we to abide in God’s Word,
Nourished through every season; blessed are we.
Refrain:
Like a tree by the flowing water,
growing deeper, stretching high
Like a tree by the flowing water,
connected to the source of life
Verse 2:
Planted, planted by grace, we are rooted in God’s design
Freely, freely abiding, planted by grace
Refrain:
Like a tree by the flowing water,
growing deeper, stretching high
Like a tree by the flowing water,
connected to the source of life
Verse 3:
Trusting, trusting our lives to the holy way of God,
We will, we will surrender, trusting our lives.
Refrain:
Like a tree by the flowing water,
growing deeper, stretching high
Like a tree by the flowing water,
connected to the source of life
Coda:
Connected to the source of life.
In this Sunday’s Old Testament reading what stands out is the reply of the three young men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, to King Nebuchadnezzar. “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” They would be faithful to God even if meant suffering a cruel and painful death. They would not serve any other god or worship the idol that Nebuchadnezzar had erected and commanded everyone to worship.
The early Christians saw in the three young men’s reply to King Nebuchadnezzar an example to follow. Many of them suffered a cruel and painful death in the arena because they refused to burn a pinch of incense before a statute of the Roman emperor, choosing to acknowledge no other Lord beside Jesus Christ.
Since that time other men have set up idols of their own, demanded that people bow to them, and cruelly persecuted those who do not, imprisoning, torturing, and killing them. These idols may not have been a gold statue like the one that Nebuchadnezzar erected but they were nonetheless idols. They were set up to take the place of Christ in people’s hearts.
This has not only happened in the past but is also going on in the present day—here in the United States as well as elsewhere in the world. The President-Elect promised at his campaign rallies to take measures to punish those who opposed him or whom he otherwise perceived as doing harm to him—politicians, attorney generals, judges, news media, and ordinary citizens. He elicited cheers from his supporters, telling them that these people were really targeting them, and he would be their retribution. Whether his supporters and others, including the President-lect himself, realized it, he has set himself up as an idol to whom all must bow or suffer his displeasure. What he said cannot be dismissed as just talk.
What has made matters worse is that a number of those who cheered him and even encouraged him in other ways to make himself a idol say that they are Christians. One might say that they should know better but many of them appear to be unfamiliar with what the Bible teaches about looking to human leaders rather than to God (Psalm 146: 3-5) and not to pay evil with more evil and not to take revenge (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:17-19). Or they have chosen to ignore the teaching of the Bible, paying no attention to what the Lord said (Matthew 5:21-26, 38-48, Matthew 7:12, 15-20, 21-23).
Among those who say that they are Christians and who have encouraged the President-Elect’s worst tendencies with their words and actions are the adherents of a movement that like the farmer workers in the Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds are eager to pull out from American society and the American Church those whom they believe are the “weeds” and to impose upon the country their brand of “Christianity.” To this end they have entered into what may be described as an unholy alliance with the President-Elect, in which both parties seek to exploit each other for their own purposes. They appear to have missed the point of Jesus’ parable. It will be the angels who do the sorting out and not them, and then at the end of the world. Until that time the weeds are to be left to grow with the wheat lest pulling out the weeds does harm to the young wheat.
This is not to say that there is no place for church discipline in the life of the Church. What the adherents of this movement are proposing, however, goes well beyond disciplining church members as it is generally understood. What it amounts to is purging America society and the American Church of those whom its adherents consider undesirables.
In the coming days churches and Christians who hold that Jesus Christ is the criterion by which the Bible is to be interpreted and are committed to Christ’ teachings may be faced with a choice like the one which Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced. They may have to choose between bowing to a idol and being faithful to God, between compromising their faith and upholding it. Let us pray that when that day comes, we make the right choice, and show ourselves to be good seed planted by the Son of Man.
Silence
GOING OUT TO SERVE
Open this link in a new tab to hear Lori True’s Let Our Lives Be Transformed in Love.”
who raises from the royal house deliv’rance in this hour.
Through holy prophets God has sworn to free us from alarm,
to save us from the heavy hand of all who wish us harm.
2 Remembering the covenant, God rescues us from fear,
that we might serve in holiness and peace from year to year.
And you, my child, shall go before, to preach, to prophesy,
that all may know the tender love, the grace of God most high.
[Instrumental interlude]
3 In tender mercy, God will send the dayspring from on high,
our rising sun, the light of life for those who sit and sigh.
God comes to guide our way to peace, that death shall reign no more.
Sing praises to the Holy One, O worship and adore.
PRAYING FOR GOD’S WORLD
Almighty and everliving God,
hear the prayers which we offer in faith and love:
For peace, and for your salvation to be known throughout the world …
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.
For the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church
and for the unity of all Christian people …
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.
For all who serve and lead in your Church,
for bishops, elders, deacons, and licensed local pastors …
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.
For all your people, growing in the faith of Christ,
and passing it on to generations yet to come …
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.
For all who live and work in this community …
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.
For families, and for those who live alone …
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.
For all who are sick in body or in mind,
and for those who care for them …
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.
For all in authority,
and especially for [Canada Charles our King [USA our President] …
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.
For all who have been entrusted with the responsibility of government …
For those who work for peace, justice and righteousness throughout the
world …
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.
Rejoicing in the fellowship of your holy apostles and martyrs, and of all
your servants departed this life in your faith and fear, we commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to you, Lord God; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Accept our prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord, who taught us to pray:
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.
TEACHING THE FAITH
Open this link in a new tab to hear Richard Bruxvoort Colligan’ “Like a Tree” (from Psalm 1).
Refrain:
Like a tree by the flowing water,
growing deeper, stretching high
Like a tree by the flowing water,
connected to the source of life
Verse 1:
Blessed, blessed are we to abide in God’s Word,
Nourished through every season; blessed are we.
Refrain:
Like a tree by the flowing water,
growing deeper, stretching high
Like a tree by the flowing water,
connected to the source of life
Verse 2:
Planted, planted by grace, we are rooted in God’s design
Freely, freely abiding, planted by grace
Refrain:
Like a tree by the flowing water,
growing deeper, stretching high
Like a tree by the flowing water,
connected to the source of life
Verse 3:
Trusting, trusting our lives to the holy way of God,
We will, we will surrender, trusting our lives.
Refrain:
Like a tree by the flowing water,
growing deeper, stretching high
Like a tree by the flowing water,
connected to the source of life
Coda:
Connected to the source of life.
The Choice
In this Sunday’s Old Testament reading what stands out is the reply of the three young men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, to King Nebuchadnezzar. “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” They would be faithful to God even if meant suffering a cruel and painful death. They would not serve any other god or worship the idol that Nebuchadnezzar had erected and commanded everyone to worship.
The early Christians saw in the three young men’s reply to King Nebuchadnezzar an example to follow. Many of them suffered a cruel and painful death in the arena because they refused to burn a pinch of incense before a statute of the Roman emperor, choosing to acknowledge no other Lord beside Jesus Christ.
Since that time other men have set up idols of their own, demanded that people bow to them, and cruelly persecuted those who do not, imprisoning, torturing, and killing them. These idols may not have been a gold statue like the one that Nebuchadnezzar erected but they were nonetheless idols. They were set up to take the place of Christ in people’s hearts.
This has not only happened in the past but is also going on in the present day—here in the United States as well as elsewhere in the world. The President-Elect promised at his campaign rallies to take measures to punish those who opposed him or whom he otherwise perceived as doing harm to him—politicians, attorney generals, judges, news media, and ordinary citizens. He elicited cheers from his supporters, telling them that these people were really targeting them, and he would be their retribution. Whether his supporters and others, including the President-lect himself, realized it, he has set himself up as an idol to whom all must bow or suffer his displeasure. What he said cannot be dismissed as just talk.
What has made matters worse is that a number of those who cheered him and even encouraged him in other ways to make himself a idol say that they are Christians. One might say that they should know better but many of them appear to be unfamiliar with what the Bible teaches about looking to human leaders rather than to God (Psalm 146: 3-5) and not to pay evil with more evil and not to take revenge (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:17-19). Or they have chosen to ignore the teaching of the Bible, paying no attention to what the Lord said (Matthew 5:21-26, 38-48, Matthew 7:12, 15-20, 21-23).
Among those who say that they are Christians and who have encouraged the President-Elect’s worst tendencies with their words and actions are the adherents of a movement that like the farmer workers in the Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds are eager to pull out from American society and the American Church those whom they believe are the “weeds” and to impose upon the country their brand of “Christianity.” To this end they have entered into what may be described as an unholy alliance with the President-Elect, in which both parties seek to exploit each other for their own purposes. They appear to have missed the point of Jesus’ parable. It will be the angels who do the sorting out and not them, and then at the end of the world. Until that time the weeds are to be left to grow with the wheat lest pulling out the weeds does harm to the young wheat.
This is not to say that there is no place for church discipline in the life of the Church. What the adherents of this movement are proposing, however, goes well beyond disciplining church members as it is generally understood. What it amounts to is purging America society and the American Church of those whom its adherents consider undesirables.
In the coming days churches and Christians who hold that Jesus Christ is the criterion by which the Bible is to be interpreted and are committed to Christ’ teachings may be faced with a choice like the one which Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced. They may have to choose between bowing to a idol and being faithful to God, between compromising their faith and upholding it. Let us pray that when that day comes, we make the right choice, and show ourselves to be good seed planted by the Son of Man.
Silence
GOING OUT TO SERVE
Open this link in a new tab to hear Lori True’s Let Our Lives Be Transformed in Love.”
Ostinato Refrain:
Come disciples, lose your life and follow,
Let our hearts be transformed in love.
Verses:
1 Forgive with kindness.
2 Witness compassion.
3 Renounce all raging.
4 Dismantle hatred.
5 Stir all indifference.
6 Remove all blindness.
7 Abandon power.
8 Calm seas of chaos.
9 Still waves of violence.
10 Embrace the Gospel.
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Those present may extend their palms toward each other in a gesture of blessing.
May the Lord bless you
and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you
and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you his favor
and give you his peace.
The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you always.
And also with you.
Those present may exchange a gesture of peace with these or similar words:
Peace be with you.
Come disciples, lose your life and follow,
Let our hearts be transformed in love.
Verses:
1 Forgive with kindness.
2 Witness compassion.
3 Renounce all raging.
4 Dismantle hatred.
5 Stir all indifference.
6 Remove all blindness.
7 Abandon power.
8 Calm seas of chaos.
9 Still waves of violence.
10 Embrace the Gospel.
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Those present may extend their palms toward each other in a gesture of blessing.
May the Lord bless you
and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you
and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you his favor
and give you his peace.
The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you always.
And also with you.
Those present may exchange a gesture of peace with these or similar words:
Peace be with you.
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