As we gather, we recognize that we
live, work, pray, and play in the traditional,
unceded lands of the Cowichan Tribes and Coast Salish People. 
We continue to commit ourselves to
the work of reconciliation and relationship-building
with our First Nations neighbours.     

Call to Worship:

 I do not glory except in
the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
by which the world
has been crucified to me,
and I to the world.

Galatians 6.14 

O, Come.   Let Us Worship.

Gathering:

Collect for Today:
Almighty God,
whose Son was revealed in majesty before he suffered death upon the cross, give us faith to perceive his glory, that being strengthened by his grace we may be changed into his likeness, from glory to glory;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.   Amen.

The Proclamation of the Word of God:
Genesis 17. 1-7, 15-16; 
Romans 4.13-25

The Proclamation of the Gospel:
Mark 8.31-38

Sermon:  The Ven.  Brian Evans

May the words of my mouth and the meditations of our hearts be ever acceptable to you, O Lord.  Amen.

Covenant of God with Abraham & Sarah

Today’s sermon notes will be short. Also, you will note I have included the Old Testament reading, along with the Epistle, and the gospel. They are all integral to the covenant God made with Abraham and Sarah.

We are those ancestors spoken of so long ago.           

At first glance, (I believe) we all recognize our personal association with Abraham and Sarah. God makes a covenant with Abraham and Sarah; he will make them the ancestors of many with whom God will remain faithful in an everlasting covenant.

Then Paul gets into the act. Paul says the promise of God with Abraham and Sarah continues to this day with us. We have received this promise through our personal covenant with God, in baptism.       

I was fond of a commentator on the OT Lesson this morning. The person says, ‘While Abraham and Sarah are attempting to figure out who is going to take over the farm, God intervenes and tells them, “‘Don’t worry, I will give to you children.’” The commentator continues: ‘Instead then of worrying and sitting on the front porch of their farmyard, this elderly couple are no longer worried about who’s going to take over the farm; but they found themselves sitting on the front porch rocking a baby.'           

Then Paul, once again, talks to us about the promise that God makes with Abraham and Sarah, reminding us of their response to God’s covenant is one of faith. Yes, first they doubted, but at the same time, they trusted God, because of their faith.           

For every good reason we could look at the OT Lesson today and say, ‘how could this covenant happen? How is this possible? It seems without reason or verification.           

At the same time, it is about faith—faith which helps us to ‘hope against hope’ and to trust God.           

This illustrates for us how God works in our lives: how God gives life.           

Therefore, we have to include the story of Peter, and his bouncing from a ‘person of faith’ to a ‘person of doubt.’           

We have this wonderful dialogue: Jesus tells his confidants, ‘The road to Jerusalem will begin with hostile confrontation, and that he will suffer, and will die, and even eventual death on a cross; but at the same time, there will be resurrection.’

Peter says, ‘I don’t want anything to do with this. Forget about it!’           

Jesus says, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You don’t understand.’ 

This is the point that (I believe) we all start at when it comes to a covenant, and particularly a covenant with God. 

Remember, God gives us an everlasting promise; for us in baptism, and in the Holy Eucharist. 

Thanks be to God. Amen.

Let Us Pray

Trusting in God`s promise to reconcile all things, let us pray for the church, the well-being of creation, and a world in need. 
(Silence)

We turn to you for meaning, holy God. Nurture in your children the gifts of the Spirit poured out in baptism and let the mind of Christ guide the church. Give wisdom and discernment to our bishops, pastors, deacons, teachers, and leaders.

Hear us, O God, for your mercy is great. 

We turn to you for renewal. Save lives and ecosystems threatened by pollution and a changing climate. Cleanse the earth’s waters and restore the soil. Preserve rainforests, deserts, and wildlife, that generations to come may cherish your creation.

Hear us, O God, for your mercy is great. 

We turn to you for justice. Uphold the worth and dignity of every person, especially any who experience hatred and rejection because of gender, ability, sexual orientation, color, ethnicity, or religion.

Hear us, O God, for your mercy is great. 

We turn to you for healing. Send compassionate helpers to any who suffer because of war and violence. Shelter unhoused people, befriend those who are lonely, bring hope to any in despair, and console the bereaved. We continue to pray for those in our parish: Gail; Sue; John; Sheila; for Trevor; for Beth’s sister-in-law; and those on our hearts.

Hear us, O God, for your mercy is great. 

We turn to you for purpose. Remind us of your faithfulness to this congregation. Increase our trust in your guidance and keep us near the cross. Grant that our acts of service will express Christ’s sacrificial love.

Hear us, O God, for your mercy is great.

We turn to you for peace. We honor the saints who lived in service to others. Inspire us by their example until you gather us into your kingdom.

Hear us, O God, for your mercy is great.

Accompany us on our journey, God of grace, and receive the prayers of our hearts, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour.  Amen.

As our saviour taught us to pray, we say:

Our Father,
who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as in heaven.  Give us today our daily bread.  Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us fom evil.   For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever.  Amen.

We thank you, Lord, for the mystery of Covenant; and for the gift of Covenant, that gives us faith; that gives us hope when we see no hope; that gives us life when we see no life; and gives us peace that you promise to us as we walk with you to Jerusalem.

And the Peace of God, 
which passes all understanding, 
keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge
of the love of God, and of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you, always.  Amen.