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Pentecost 24 November 14, 2021

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Sunday, November 14, 2021

Scripture

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Pentecost 24– Eucharist Nov 14, 2021

As we gather, we recognize that we live, work and play in the traditional 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.

Welcome.

I am the vine, you are the branches, says the Lord. Those who abide in me, and I in them, bear much fruit. John 15.5

O come, let us worship.

Opening Hymn:

The Love of Jesus Calls Us

Gathering:

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.

And also, with you.

Almighty God,

to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hidden.

Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Collect of the Day:

Almighty God, you sent your Son Jesus Christ to be the light of the world.

Free us from all that darkens and ensnares us, and bring us to eternal light and joy;

through the power of him who is alive and reigns with you and

the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

The Proclamation of the Word

1st Reading: 1 Samuel 1: 4-20

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

1 Samuel 2:1-10 (Canticle)

“There is no one holy like the Lord;

there is no one besides you;

there is no Rock like our God.

“Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance,

for the Lord is a God who knows,

and by him deeds are weighed.

“The bows of the warriors are broken,

but those who stumbled are armed with strength.

Those who were full hire themselves out for food,

but those who were hungry are hungry no more.

She who was barren has borne seven children,

but she who has had many sons pines away.

“The Lord brings death and makes alive;

he brings down to the grave and raises up.

The Lord sends poverty and wealth;

he humbles and he exalts.

He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap;

he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor.

“For the foundations of the earth are the Lord’s;

on them he has set the world.

He will guard the feet of his faithful servants,

but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness.

It is not by strength that one prevails;

Those who oppose the Lord will be broken.

The Most High will thunder from heaven;

the Lord will judge the ends of the earth.

“He will give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed.”

2nd Reading:

Hebrews 10. 11-14; 19-25

The word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Gospel Processional:

The King of Love My Shepherd Is

Public Domain

The King of love my shepherd is, whose goodness faileth never;

I nothing lack if I am his and he is mine forever.

Where streams of living water flow, my ransomed soul he leadeth,

and where the verdant pastures grow, with food celestial feedeth.

Perverse and foolish oft I strayed, but yet in love he sought me,

and on his shoulder gently laid, and home rejoicing brought me.

In death's dark vale I fear no ill with thee, dear Lord, beside me;

thy rod and staff my comfort still, thy cross before to guide me.

Thou spread'st a table in my sight; thy unction grace bestoweth;

and O what transport of delight from thy pure chalice floweth!

And so, through all the length of days thy goodness faileth never;

good Shepherd, may I sing thy praise within thy house forever!

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

The Good News of Jesus according to

Mark 13: 1-8

Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

The Gospel of Christ,

Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

Sermon:

The Venerable Brian Evans

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

WHAT OFFERING

Hebrews 10:11-14,(15-18),19-25

The author has told us how much greater is Christ’s sacrifice of himself than the annual sacrifices of the high priest on the Day of Atonement. Now he says that what any priest offers in sacrificial ritual is little compared to Christ’s once-for-all-time sacrifice on the Cross.

Mark 13:1-8

As Jesus emerges from teaching in the temple courtyard, his disciples note the enormous stone blocks yet to be incorporated into the Temple. Jesus replies that the Temple, impressive as it is, will not survive the end of the age.

Early in our ministry together, Flo and I were afforded the good fortune to attend the annual education retreat offered by The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS). TENS provides some of the best materials on stewardship in our Anglican communion.

On this occasion the worship leader was one of the leading directors of stewardship for the US Episcopal Church. He was a no-holds bared kind of preacher. When it came to stewardship he was certainly not afraid to make his point.

(YOU MAY FIND WHAT I AM ABOUT TO SHARE RATHER CHALLENGING.)

When the ‘alms’ (money offering) basin was brought forward the priest received it an immediately dumped it across the altar.

Yes there were gasps! THEN HE SAID, WORDS TO THIS EFFECT – “Regardless of what we say Lord, this is what we really think of you.”

I know those are hard words to hear.

First, let me say this is not my approach.

Second, we should not take the priest’s word literally.

Third, at the same time we are afforded the opportunity to read further into our Epistle reading from Hebrews this morning. To consider, what is an offering and why do we give gifts of offering and thanksgiving?

At the same time, this is the last Sunday of Pentecost as next Sunday is Reign of Christ Sunday.

Then guess what, two weeks from now is the beginning of Advent. Then in fewer days than it is to Christmas the daylight hours will be increasing!!!!!!

LET US HEAR THESE WORDS ONCE MORE:

Hebrews 10:11-12: 11 Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. 12 But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand.

Here we have it in one neat package: In the former days the priests made offering day after day and each day they failed in their purpose of taking away sins. Whereas the one who made his offering then sat down (Christ) in the place of honor at God’s right hand.

The question: If Jesus one offering (his life) is sufficient for all why then do we bring our offerings not just weekly, daily as well?

First, it is not for forgiveness of sin, that has already been dealt with on our behalf by Jesus.

We are reminded in verse 14 – For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.

How brilliant is that. How often do we sit back and say: “Alleluia, I was sanctified at my baptism?”

Only one problem with this theology, we could think then I can go home everything as been taken care of.

HOLD THE REIGNS – NOT SO QUICK!

Sorry it doesn’t work quite like that.

Why if we were to read the two verses skipped over this morning we will hear:

15 And the Holy Spirit also testifies that this is so. For he says,

16 “This is the new covenant I will make with my people on that day,[a] says the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.”[b]

17 Then he says, “I will never again remember their sins and lawless deeds.”[c]

18 And when sins have been forgiven, there is no need to offer any more sacrifices.

Let us return to my opening title for today: What Offering?

The final portion of our reading today so life giving and knowledge giving of what our offering is and why our offerings.

The writer advises us we can enter the sanctuary with confidence knowing the offering of Christ is full and sufficient. We need not come into the sanctuary of God feeling we are not good enough, or afraid we may be looked upon with judgement. We need to be able to say, Jesus is here, welcome, come on in.

In 10:22 the author says our hearts have been sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed clean.

I firmly believe this is how we are seen by God when we come before the altar.

-This is the first part of this action we call offering (time, talent, treasure) to come before God, approach God with all confidence in being of God’s service.

-The second, reason we come is because of what we hold fast as Christians to our confession of faith. Those words we repeat in worship and which we recommit when we renew our Baptismal Covenant.

- Third. --- I am very fond of the words as interpreted into the English language from the Greek here: [Hebrews 10:24-25] And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds. Not neglecting to meet together as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as see the Day approaching.

By this we understand as we bring our personal offering, in doing so we enter another level of offering. Offering a commitment to communal responsibilities.

We come to worship – church – to learn and worship. At the same time it is not singular, or personal, for we gather in community. Gather in community to be of service to others, for the sake of others.

This offering, not a sin offering, our stewardship is not sin offering or just a money offering, it is far greater.

As in that same stewardship conference from many years ago, the coined phrase still holds: “Whole Life Stewardship.”

That my friends is our OFFERING.

Thanks be to God. Amen.

The Apostles Creed:

Let us confess the faith of our baptism, as we say:

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again.

He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church,

the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Prayers of the People

Let us give thanks to God our Father, always and for everything, saying,

“We thank you, Lord.”

For the beauty and wonder of creation,

We thank you, Lord.

For all that is gracious in the lives of men and women, revealing the image of Christ,

We thank you, Lord.

For our daily food, for our homes and families and friends,

We thank you, Lord.

For minds to think and hearts to love,

We thank you, Lord.

For health, strength, and skill to work, and for leisure to rest and play,

We thank you, Lord.

For those who are brave and courageous, patient in suffering and faithful in adversity, especially those in our parish family:

Roy & Gail; John; Steve; Sue; Maureen; Michelle; Sheila and family; Joseph; and Mark;

We thank you, Lord.

For all who pursue peace, justice, and truth,

We thank you, Lord.

For Anna our Bishop, and all bishops and clergy throughout our Diocese.

We thank you, Lord.

Amen.

Confession and Absolution

Dear friends in Christ,

God is steadfast in love and infinite in mercy; God welcomes sinners and invites them to the table. Let us confess our sins, confident in God’s forgiveness.

Most merciful God:

We confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone.

We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.

For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us, that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Amen.

Celebrant

Almighty God have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Distance-Sharing of The Peace

The Celebration of the Eucharist.

Offertory Hymn:

God of Grace and God of Glory

Public Domain

God of grace and God of glory,

on your people pour your power;

Now fulfill your church’s story;

bring its bud to glorious flower.

Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,

for the facing of this hour,

for the facing of this hour.

Lo, the hosts of evil round us,

scorn your Christ, assail his ways.

Fears and doubts too long have bound us;

free our hearts to work and praise.

Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,

for the living of these days,

for the living of these days.

Cure your children’s warring madness.

Bend our pride to your control.

Shame our wanton selfish gladness,

rich in goods and poor in soul.

Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,

lest we miss your kingdom’s goal,

lest we miss your kingdom’s goal.

Set our feet on lofty places;

gird our lives that they may be

Amoured with all Christ-like graces

in the fight for liberty.

Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,

lest we fail ourselves and thee,

lest we fail ourselves and thee.

Prayer over the Gifts

Holy God,

in this eucharist we renew our baptismal covenant.

Help us, through our offering this day, to renounce all things that draw us from your love. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Eucharistic Prayer #3

The Lord be with you.

And also, with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth;

you are the source of light and life for all your creation,

you made us in your own image, and call us to new life in Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Therefore, we praise you, joining our voices to proclaim the glory of your name.

Holy, holy, holy Lord,

God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

We give thanks to you, Lord our God, for the goodness and love you have made known to us in creation;

in calling Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets;

and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus your Son.

For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary,

to be the Saviour and Redeemer of the world.

In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you.

In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.

On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, a death he freely accepted,

our Lord Jesus Christ took bread;

and when he had given thanks to you,

he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said,

“Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

After supper he took the cup of wine;

and when he had given thanks,

he gave it to them, and said,

“Drink this, all of you:

this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Whenever you drink it, do this in remembrance of me.”

Therefore, Father, according to his command,

we remember his death,

we proclaim his resurrection,

we await his coming in glory;

and we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, Lord of all;

presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.

We pray you, Gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts,

that they may be the sacrament of the body of Christ and his blood of the new covenant.

Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we, made acceptable in him, may be sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

In the fullness of time, reconcile all things in Christ, and make them new, and bring us to that city of light where you dwell with all your sons and daughters;

through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation;

by whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

all honour and glory are yours, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

As our Saviour taught us, let us 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 that 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.

The Breaking of the Bread

“I am the bread of life,” says the Lord.

“Whoever comes to me will never be hungry;

whoever believes in me will never thirst.”

Taste and see that the Lord is good;

happy are they who trust in him! Amen.

The gifts of God for the People of God.

Thanks be to God.

The Administration of Communion

Prayer After Communion

Gracious God,

in this sacrament we have shared the body and blood of Christ.

May we who have been nourished by holy things bear witness to his light, and share in his eternal priesthood; for he is Lord for ever and ever. Amen

Glory to God,

whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.

Glory to God from generation to generation, in the Church and in Christ Jesus,

for ever and ever. Amen.

The Blessing

Announcements

Closing Hymn: Guide me, O thou Great Jehovah

Public Domain

Guide me, O thou great Jehovah, pilgrim through this barren land.

I am weak, but thou art mighty; hold me with thy powerful hand.

Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,

feed me till I want no more,