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The Reign of Christ
November 21, 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.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is coming!
Mark 11.9-10
O come, let us worship.
Opening Hymn:
Jesus Shall Reign
Public Domain
Jesus shall reign where'er the sun
doth its successive journeys run;
his kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
till moons shall wax and wane no more.
People and realms of every tongue
dwell on his love with sweetest song,
and infant voices shall proclaim
their early blessings on his name.
Blessings abound where’er he reigns;
the prisoners leap to lose their chains;
the weary find eternal rest,
and all who suffer want are blest.
Let every creature rise and bring
peculiar honours to our King,
angels descend with songs again,
and earth rep eat the loud. Amen.
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 and everlasting God,
whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, our Lord and King;
grant that the peoples of the earth, now divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his gentle and loving rule;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
The Proclamation of the Word
1st Reading:
2 Samuel 23. 1-7
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm132. 1-13
Lord, remember David,
* and all the hardships he endured;
How he swore an oath to the Lord
* and vowed a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:
I will not come under the roof of my house,
* nor climb up into my bed;
I will not allow my eyes to sleep,
* nor let my eyelids slumber;
Until I find a place for the Lord,
* a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob”
The Ark! We heard it was in Ephratah;
* we found it in the fields of Jearim.
Let us go to God’s dwelling place;
* let us fall upon our knees before his footstool.”
Arise, O Lord, into your resting-place,
* you and the ark of your strength.
Let your priests be clothed with righteousness;
* let your faithful people sing with joy.
For your servant David’s sake,
* do not turn away the face of your anointed.
The Lord has sworn an oath to David;
* in truth, he will not break it:
A son, the fruit of your body *
will I set upon your throne.
If your children keep my covenant and my testimonies that I shall teach them,
* their children will sit upon your throne for evermore.”
Gracious God,
you have taught us in our Saviour Jesus Christ that you are present wherever there is love; and that two or three who gather in his name are citizens of your eternal city.
Feed us with the bread of life, that we may grow to recognize in every human heart a sign of your presence, and an opportunity to serve you.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
2nd Reading:
Revelation 1:4b-8
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Gospel Processional:
Alleluia! Sing to Jesus!
Public Domain
Alleluia! Sing to Jesus!
his the scepter, his the throne;
alleluia! his the triumph,
his the victory alone.
Hark! The songs of peaceful Zion
thunder like a mighty flood;
Jesus, out of every nation,
hath redeemed us by his blood.
Alleluia! not as orphans
are we left in sorrow now;
alleluia! he is near us,
faith believes, nor questions how.
Though the cloud from sight received him,
when the forty days were o’er,
shall our hearts forget his promise,
“I am with you ever more”?
Alleluia! Bread of heaven,
thou on earth our food, our stay;
alleluia! here the sinful
flee to thee from day to day;
Intercessor, Friend of sinners,
earth’s Redeemer, plead for me,
where the songs of all the sinless
sweep across the crystal sea.
Alleluia! King eternal,
thee the Lord of lords we own;
alleluia! born of Mary,
earth thy footstool, heaven thy throne.
Thou within the veil hast entered,
robed in flesh, our great high priest;
thou on earth, both priest and victim
in the Eucharistic feast.
Alleluia! Sing to Jesus!
His the scepter, his the throne;
alleluia! his the triumph,
his the victory alone.
Hark! The songs of peaceful Zion
thunder like a mighty flood;
Jesus, out of every nation
hath redeemed us by his blood.
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
The Good News of Jesus according
To: John 18. 33-37
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.
Today we celebrate Reign of Christ Sunday.
This week we hear these familiar words: “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” (the beginning and the end) says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty. Revelation 1:8
Daily Christ invites us to come and follow him, to set aside the things that distract us. This same Christ challenges us to set aside the things which distract us, and pray—pray for those close and those far away.
We are challenged, as we prepare to enter the Season of Advent, to realize we have a gift to offer to others, in following the one who reigns over the heaven and the earth.
One of the more contemporary hymns from the Iona Community written by John Bell expresses that these thoughts is “Will You Come and Follow Me”. (1987) In the hymn we hear phrases like:
Will You Come And Follow Me If I But Call Your Name?
Will You Go Where You Don’t Know And Never Be The Same?
Will You Care For Cruel And Kind And Never Be The Same?
Will You Set The Prisoners Free And Never Be The Same?
Will You Quell The Fear Inside And Never Be The Same?
Lord, Your Summons Echoes True When You But Call My Name.
Let Me Turn And Follow You And Never Be The Same.
Over my years in ministry, on 2 occasions, I have been called upon by the bishop to represent the bishop (diocese, church) to undertake largely ceremonial duties, keeping in mind that these duties were much larger than ceremonial.
Today’s readings are far more than ceremonial.
In the OT we have this great verse in 2 Samuel 5: “Is not my house like this with God? Here the writer is reflecting on God being like a new light early in the morning. I know not all would agree with me, at the same time I consider being able to observe the first light of morning one of the great experiences of life. Even on a cloudy dark morning, new light is life-giving.
This new light is the first fulfillment of the covenant God makes with the people of being an everlasting covenant. It is like going to sleep at night being filled with the hope of renewal when we wake in the morning. This makes life ordered and secure. Even in what we may experience as chaos, there is order and safety.
The writer expresses this in assuring words writing: Will God not cause to prosper all for which I am doing in the kingdom of God.
The Psalmist, we might say, responds saying: -
- I will not enter my house, or get into my bed, -
- I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids, -
- Until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob
Or,
as we read today:
3 The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me:
‘When one rules over people in righteousness,
when he rules in the fear of God,
4 he is like the light of morning at sunrise
on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain
that brings grass from the earth.’
It is interesting today how the Holy Scriptures continue, each reinforced by the other. The Revelation of John is no exception.
“… and from Jesus Christ …. -
We are reminded Christ is the faithful witness as exemplified in Jesus early life and by his selfless sacrifice of his life. -
Reminding us Christ is firstborn of the dead. The resurrection ushers into the kingdom of God a new era. -
At the same time ruler of all nature.
HOW COULD IT GET ANY BETTER THAN THAT?
Hold on though, remember that commissioning we all received at our baptism?
John certainly was reminded in the revelation he received from God.
V.6: made us to be a kingdom, priests serving God to whom we are committed to celebrate in glory and dominion for ever and ever.
In summary we come to this great discussion between Jesus and Pilate. We find ourselves in the praetorium with them.
Pilate: Are you the leader of a revolutionary army?
Jesus: Who put you up to this? Is this your idea? Where did you gather this gossip?
Pilate: (Attempting to put the blame elsewhere.) All those religious people out there are calling for your death. (Then Pilate showing some doubt in all those religious people) asks: “What grounds do they have for requesting your death?”
Jesus: “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” [HOW COULD PILATE RESPOND TO THAT?]
Pilate: So, you are a king?
Jesus: That is what you say. (then Jesus follow up) --- For this I was born, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth belongs to my voice.
The kingdom of God has been established by Jesus’ birth, establishing the ultimate truth.
Prince Edward, in reading Queen Elizabeth’s message to the Synod of the Church of England, shared these words from his mother:
“It is hard to believe that it is over 50 years since Prince Philip and I attended the very first meeting of the General Synod,” it read. “None of us can slow the passage of time, and while we often focus on all that has changed in the intervening years, much remains unchanged, including the Gospel of Christ and his teachings.”
At the outset this morning I said: Daily Christ invites us to come and follow him, to set aside the things that distract us. This same Christ challenges us to set aside the things which distract us and pray. Pray for those close and those far away. We are challenged as we prepare to enter the Season of Advent to realize we have a gift to offer to others, in following the one who reigns over the heaven and the earth.
Each year we come to this day—the Sunday last before Advent or Reign of Christ Sunday—to be affirmed in our extravagant God who feeds us with the bread of life, so we might see in every heart the presence of Christ which, then in turn, we are offered the opportunity to serve God.
It is then I can say, THANKS BE TO GOD, for I witness being passionately lived out daily by this parish and all parishes; large, mega, small, or when two or three are gathered together.
Celebrating the Reign of Christ, this great and majestic day in the church, is celebrated in greatness and majesty each day within each one of us, that all may see his light.
Calling to mind that song many of us learned in Sunday School, or Camp:
THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE I’M GOING TO LET IT SHINE.
Thanks to Google I discovered an additional verse I had not heard:
Monday gave me the gift of love,
Tuesday peace came from above,
Wednesday told me to have more faith,
Thursday gave me a little more grace,
Friday told me to watch and pray,
Saturday told me just what to say,
Sunday gave me the power divine To let my little light shine.
LET IT SHINE, LET IT SHINE --- for Christ reigns today and every day.
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
In baptism, we were claimed for the reign of heaven.
Let us pray to live as people of the new creation where Christ reigns. Our prayer response:
“Christ, keep us faithful to you.”
Mindful that Christ is the eternal high priest of the good things to come, may we keep in mind our call to be a priestly people praising God’s mercy.
And for our leaders in faith;
Anna our Bishop, Rev. William Hubbard, Bishop David Lehmann and Rev. Brian Evans.
We pray:
Christ, keep us faithful to you.
Remembering that Christ is the faithful witness of God’s enduring love, may we be faithful witnesses of God’s compassion for the poor, sick, and needy of our time, and for those in our Parish:
Roy & Gail C; John R; Steve M; Maureen D; Michelle M; Sheila & Family; Joseph D; & Mark T.
We pray:
Christ, keep us faithful to you.
Rejoicing that Christ has reconciled all things to God through his cross, may we give witness to the gospel of peace through non-violent living.
We pray:
Christ, keep us faithful to you.
Longing in hope for the new creation where every tear will be wiped away, may we use our voices to encourage world leaders to secure justice for the oppressed.
We pray:
Christ, keep us faithful to you.
Remembering that God’s covenant with David is fulfilled in Christ, may all the nations of the earth be gathered into the heavenly Jerusalem on the last day.
We pray:
Christ, keep us faithful to you.
Believing that Christ is the judge of the living and the dead, may we be consoled that, in Christ, the faithful departed find abundant redemption.
We pray: Christ, keep us faithful to you.
Christ, Alpha, Omega, hear us invoking your help.
Sustain us in grace that we may enter your reign when all is complete, for you live and reign forever and ever. 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:
Crown Him with Many Crowns
Public Domain
Crown Him with many crowns,
the Lamb upon his throne:
hark how the heavenly anthem drowns
all music but its own!
Awake, my soul, and sing
of him who died for thee,
and hail him as thy matchless King
through all eternity.
Crown him the Lord of life,
who triumphed over the grave,
and rose victorious in the strife
for those he came to save.
His glories now we sing
who died, and rose on high,
who died eternal life to bring,
and lives that death may die.
Crown him the Lord of peace,
whose power a sceptre sways
from pole to pole, that wars may cease,
absorbed in prayer and praise.
His reign shall know no end;
and round his pierced feet
fair flowers of paradise
extend their fragrance ever sweet.
Crown him the Lord of love;
behold his hands and side,
rich wounds yet visible above,
in beauty glorified.
All hail, Redeemer, Hail!
For thou hast died for me;
thy praise shall never, never fail
throughout eternity.
Prayer over the Gifts:
Eternal God,
by your grace you have raised us up and enthroned us with Christ in the heavenly realms.
Receive all we offer you this day, and lead us in those good works for which you have created us.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the 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 had 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!
The gifts of God for the People of God.
Thanks be to God.
The Administration of Communion
Prayer After Communion
Almighty God, you have made us a royal priesthood in the kingdom of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Make known his victory through us, we pray, that all the world may see his light.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. 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:
Lift High the Cross
Copyright Protected. Unable to post lyrics.
Go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.
Thanks be to God. Alleluia!
The recording ends.